Update [Murdock is Sick]

Thank you so much for all of the sweet comments and emails regarding Murdock.  I haven't replied to anyone since it's been soo crazy around here, but please know that I really appreciate all of your love and support.  Thank you!

If you missed the beginning of this news, read here.  [Warning: Very Graphic Photos Below]

About 5:30 Friday night we finally got the okay to go home.  They biopsied several locations on his body. He has 5-8 sets of stitches that need taken out in 10-14 days.  When he was under anesthesia for the biopsies, they loaded him with fluids.  They sent us home with pain medication to give him every 6-8 hours.  Since he hadn't eaten since Wednesday, Dr. Foster recommended we try to give him meat baby food.  We started that Friday night, and it's gone pretty well since.  He's been eating 2-4 jars each day, which isn't nearly what he needs, but it's better than nothing.

Murdock 12/02/2011 After Surgery

This morning he seemed to be acting better.  I took him outside [downstairs since we live in a 2nd floor condo] to urinate.  On our way back upstairs he fell and couldn't get up [or down] the stairs.  Thankfully, Adam was still home so I could yell for him to come carry Murdock up the stairs.  I honestly don't know what would have happened if he was already gone.  We had already made arrangements to go weight Murdock at our local vet [Dr. Dotz] this morning.  After Murdocks fall, we spoke with our specialist [Dr. Foster] and she recommended we have his blood glucose tested.  Adam called into work and took him to the vet with me.  His glucose levels seemed fine, so we're assuming he fell because he's so weak.

Murdock Close Up 12/02/2011 After Surgery

We're hoping to have the bacterial portion of the biopsies back tomorrow, but the fungal portion will take 10-14 days for results.  He weighed 87 lbs. this morning [-1 since Friday].  So far, he's eaten 3 [small] jars of baby food today, which is progress.  Although, we just noticed he has a large [golf ball size] open wound on the inside of his left leg.  We're really starting to worry about his increased risk of infection with all of these open wounds.

Murdock 12/02/2011 - Back of Back Leg

Have I mentioned that Adam has an upper GI procedure tomorrow, so we're dealing with that too?  Since he's going to be put out, he'll need a driver so...I'm off to find a dog sitter for tomorrow since we still can't leave Murdock home alone yet.

Murdock 12/05/2011 - Inside left leg [thigh area]

Dear lord...please grant me strength!