HOSPITAL STAY FOR BRAVEHEART CONTINUES 2 APRIL 2011

Marti writes: Braveheart is still in the ICU at the University of Wisconsin Vet School. Since he was admitted, they were concerned that he might have an intestinal blockage, so the doctors tubed him yesterday to put barium in his stomach (so they could watch as it went through his GI tract). Unfortunately, the barium never moved out of his stomach and eventually (last night) he vomited the barium back up. By doing some other testing, though, they are 90% sure he does not have a blockage. He just doesn't seem to have any intestinal motility (probably due to a severe irritation of his mucosal lining, possibly from all the intestinal parasites). He hasn't been eating since Tuesday, and - even though he's been getting IV fluids - they are concerned that he can't go much longer without food. So today they are putting in a catheter in his neck so that they can give him parenteral nutrition. (Previously they have been hesitant to do this since it involves poking a hole in his skin, and it risks introducing his skin parasites INTO his body, causing a systemic infection.) They are also starting him on metaclopramide, which stimulates GI motility, in hopes that he won't vomit when they try to feed him naturally. Braveheart is still a very, very sick little guy and he needs all the prayers & support you can send him. And, since this is his fourth day in the intensive care unit, WE need all the financial support we can muster. His bill so far is well over $2500. Our little rescue normally receives very few donations. We ordinarily pay for all of our rescue dogs' vet bills out of our own pocket, but our piggy bank is presently empty. But, after all Braveheart has been through, we're not giving up on him until HE gives up, no matter what the cost! Braveheart is a fighter, and he has come sooo close to having found the love and care he has always deserved. We CAN'T lose him now. We will keep you posted, but, in the meantime, your donation, large or small, would be so VERY much appreciated. As for more pics of Braveheart, Marti writes: They have suggested against my coming to visit Braveheart in the ICU, as he has a feeding tube in his jugular vein, and they don't want him to get excited for fear it might pull out. So, I haven't seen him since I left him there several days ago.

ONE STARFISH BRAVEHEART
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