Strange Canine

First off Dr. Dicicco is amazing. It was really refreshing to talk to someone with calmness and confidence during this ordeal. The whole atmosphere at Alpharetta Veterinary Specialty and Emergency was much more calming than we’ve experienced to date and even Maximus, who is normally high anxiety didn’t cry or act scared. Maximus has pneumatosis colitis (a condition that causes gas to enter into the lining of the colon walls). This was previously diagnosed by a radiologist and it is very rare. Dr. Dicicco believes the cause to be likely related to a parasite. Fecal floats apparently are not always accurate and Dr. Dicicco shared that even if a test is “negative “ there can still be cause for doubt depending on symptoms. The theory is that he may have caught a parasite that overtime caused a proliferation of harmful bacteria, which in turn caused his condition. As to where to where he caught a parasite? Possibly the dog park, where he went a few weeks prior to having symptoms. Make no mistake through, what Maximus has and how fast is occurred, is weird. Dr. Dicicco wanted us to know that. What has happened and how it is happening is not normal and to not be taken lightly. Good news: He appears to be getting better by taking his antibiotic and steroids. Dr. Dicicco also added a de-worming medication just in case. He doesn’t feel that Maximus needs to be hospitalized nor needs a blood transfusion, so those fears can be laid to rest for now. He also can be weened off of the steroids. We have a follow-up scheduled for three weeks from now where we will do further diagnostics, including an ultrasound, more X-rays and talk about a possible colonoscopy. Maximus may have an auto immune disease or gastrointestinal disease that could need further treatment and biopsy to determine. We’re not out of the woods yet, so to speak but it is looking very promising and not as life threatening as once thought by the ER and our Primary Care Doctors. We want to thank everyone who has contributed (funds, prayers, thought and messages) to help Maximus. It means more than you will ever know. After everything we’ve been through this past 14 months, having this come up was terrifying and you all have helped tremendously to make it better. You have all our Love and Gratitude❤️ Maximus Health and Recovery GoFundMe❤️ https://lnkd.in/eyVSR3Pw

Today we see the Internal Specialist, nervous, stressed, couldn't sleep all night. But yesterday, we took time to enjoy the sun and day and Give Thanks to Everyone who's Kind Donations and Strong Prayers for Maximus Health and Recovery have meant So Much More Than Any Words Can Say❤️ Maximus Health and Recovery GoFundMe❤️ https://lnkd.in/eyVSR3Pw

It's a waiting game now friends, Max is on Strong Medications, he's had a series of blood tests, ultrasounds and X-Rays and has an Internal Specialist appointment on Friday. Haven't slept in days, in a state of constant stress. How did this happen? He's only four, so many questions....over $2,000 in bills already are posted.. Specialists bills grow quickly into the thousands, depending on tests, procedures, we will do everything we can to get our Baby Boy Healthy and Recovered. Maxie has a Long, Beautiful Life to Live❤️ Thank you to Everyone who supports Maxie's Health and Recovery with their Kind and Generous Donations, they mean more to us than you know. If you haven't yet donated, please know that Every Donation Matters, no matter the amount. Keep our Maxie in your Prayers🙏 and have a Safe Holiday Friends❤️  Help Contribute to Maximus Health and Recovery❤️ https://lnkd.in/ej8NdDX6

**Maximus Health Update** Maximus is on a Very Strong Steroid and Antibiotic to fight infection. His blood platelets are very low and he may need a Blood Transfusion which will cost between $3,000-7,000 per day. We are praying that his platelets will return back to normal. These next 24 hours are crucial. We are bringing him back in the morning to check his platelet level. Donations and Prayers are needed and every dollar matters. Thank you for you Care, Prayers and Donation they mean more than words can say❤️ 🙏 https://lnkd.in/eyVSR3Pw

Hello Friends, We've set up a GoFundMe for Maximus Health Emergency Funds. Within the last 12 months we have lost both Zenny and Patty due to unrelated and unexpected health issues. Last night, We had to rush Maximus to the Vet Hospital due to a prolapsed rectum. The Dr found that Max's colon was seriously inflamed, causing his medical emergency. This was out of nowhere. The Dr was able to resolve the symptom temporarily but the condition will be significantly more extensive. Maximus was diagnosed with Pneumatosis Coli, an incredibly rare but treatable condition. Expected cost for treatment could be in excess of $20,000, due to likely hospitalization. Max's current vitals are good as well as his spirit but he needs immediate care. Our Dogs are our Children, they mean Everything to us, they are our World. We're scared and we're reaching out to Family and Friends for Any donations to help us help our Baby Boy Maximus. Max is only 4 and has a long life to live filled with love and adventures. We'll post Doctor Bills, updates, letting everyone know Health updates on Maximus, I'm attaching the link to Maximus GoFundMe Page. I haven't stopped crying, the loss of my Boys has been beyond heartbreaking as a parent. We can't lose Maximus, he is our Light and our Joy. He has helped us and Bella heal from our loss of Rico, Zenny and Patty. Thank you for taking the time to care, it means more to us than you know❤️ https://lnkd.in/eyVSR3Pw