After 36 hours on a kidney flush IV as a result of eating the recalled Natural Balance Venison & Brown Rice dog food, Daphne and Phoebe’s levels have returned to a normal range.
Joey’s, however, are still very high. Higher than they were originally. We had to take him to a specialist in south Austin, an amazing veterinary internist who treated Morrison’s diabetes, and in whom we have total confidence.
Joey is producing urine as well as monster turds, one of which he left in the lobby for them, and he seems to be feeling well. These are very good signs.
The vets are optimistic about Joey, but he will have to remain hospitalized and on an IV for the next few days. The girls will go back to the vet tomorrow for observation and to have some more fluid injected under their skin. Phoebe got this today and came home looking like a camel, but her hump has since gone down.
It seems the contamination in the pet food – melamine – is once again the culprit in this latest pet food recall. This time, however, it was found in the brown rice, not wheat gluten. And, once again, this is from food imported from China.
Despite the fact that Joey isn’t out of the woods yet, I’m feeling very fortunate. Yesterday, we wondered if we would have any pets by the end of the week.
Tonight, we cooked up a giant batch of homemade food from a recipe for a kidney diet we got from the vet (courtesy of Hill’s Pet Products):
¼ lb ground beef (not lean ground chuck)
2 cups white rice, no salt
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
3 slices white bread, crumbled
1 tsp calcium carbonate (ground eggshells)
It was the finest meal they’ve ever eaten.
We’re trying to find something for Simon.
I just can’t pour kibble into their bowls right now.
As for Joey, we’ve always said he’s an optimistic dog, and so we will follow the way of the Joe monster and remain optimistic as well. He will – hopefully – come home before the end of the week.
Thanks to those of you who have wished them well. We really appreciate it.
James Brush is a teacher and writer who lives in Austin, TX. He tries to get outside as much as possible.
Thanks for the update — I’m glad 3 of your 4 are home. Will keep Joey in my prayers that he makes a speedy recovery and is home by the weekend.
James, I didn’t see the other post until this morning – what a hard time you’re all having! I hope all your pets will be okay soon.
Annie the garden blogger
I can think of few things more nerve wracking than what you folks have just gone through. There is no more dispiriting feeling than the powerlessness that grips you when what you thought was best for your pet turns out to be potentially life threatening.
Perhaps we rely too much on the kindness of strangers in this world today, especially when that kindness is tempered by profit margins.
I’m glad your pack is coming through this relatively unscathed, mostly as a result of your quick action and commitment.
All of us here at IM Central send best wishes for a quick and full recovery.
What Fred said.
All of us out here in Santa Barbara (I can vouch for the whole town, sure) wish you much quick health.
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We sincerely appreciate all of your thoughts, wishes and prayers. It looks like they will all pull through. Thanks again everyone.
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