Our precious Timber is not giving up
💛 💛 Still Fighting  💛 💛

I know everyone is anxiously awaiting news on Timber, and I truly appreciate everyone’s patience.

Timber made it through surgery just fine. The good news is that the ulcer they had previously repaired was still intact and healing beautifully. Unfortunately, the sites where his liver biopsies were taken had developed abscesses.

He had been on a strong, appropriate antibiotic while we waited for the final culture results from both the ulcer site and the abdominal fluid. Although the fluid from his drain originally showed no signs of bacteria, it later began to grow bacteria from the abscesses, which caused him to spike a fever and become septic again.

When we first rescued Timber, he was on multiple antibiotics to treat infections throughout his body, both internally and externally. Over time, the lining of his abdominal cavity became resistant to several antibiotics he now needs. This was confirmed when his culture panel came back—right around the same time he suddenly became ill. The bacteria were briefly held at bay but eventually outpaced the medications, causing the liver abscesses.

Timber is now on Meropenem, a potent, broad-spectrum antibiotic used only as a last resort for serious, multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. The best news for Timber is that he is not developing new ulcers, and his previous ulcer repair remains closed and healing well.

We are still waiting on his liver biopsy results, but his treatment will not change based on them. The bacteria that caused this setback took almost a week to grow—something that could have killed him if not treated correctly.

I’ve always been a stickler for spending the extra money and time to ensure every dog is on the right antibiotic for the exact bacteria they have. The process takes time because the bacteria must first grow, and then each antibiotic is tested to see which one kills it. Meropenem was the only antibiotic that worked.

Because Timber has been so sick for so long, his body has developed resistance to a wide range of antibiotics that no longer work for him. It’s critical that we do everything possible to avoid exposing him to any new bacteria that could take over his system.

Timber was walking shortly after surgery but is now resting comfortably under pain medication. Once his pain subsides, he’ll be transitioned off fentanyl to a lighter medication. For now, keeping him comfortable is key so the antibiotics can work and reduce inflammation.

The fluid in his drain has already improved—changing from bright red to blood-tinged. He still has significant output, which is expected following surgery. The next few days are critical as we monitor his response to the antibiotic. If his body cannot tolerate it, we would be out of options to control the infection.

We’re optimistic since this is a last-resort antibiotic he’s never been on before. These medications are used only in extreme cases like Timber’s, and we never overuse antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, Timber’s condition and the state he was in when he arrived have dictated what we can and cannot use.

Another major challenge we’re facing is that Timber is losing a significant amount of protein through his abdominal fluid. He’s received several rounds of plasma after surgery and another this morning because his albumin level was significantly lower. This is expected after an exploratory surgery of this scale. Plasma is extremely expensive, but it’s the safest and most effective option for Timber’s needs—far safer than blood transfusions.

As long as his protein and albumin levels remain low, we’ll continue plasma therapy to prevent multi-organ failure. Timber had started to stabilize before this last infection took hold, and his body just couldn’t keep up. We’re giving him everything he needs so his body can fight the infection and repair what’s been damaged. Once he stabilizes, his system should begin producing the proteins it needs naturally.

Thank you all for giving us the time and space we needed to gather the information to make the best decisions for Timber. Our precious boy is still with us, still fighting, and there is always hope he will fully recover. 💛