Hi all. First, another brief update on Slinky: Last night around 2:30 his temp spiked to 106! We gave him 75 cc's of fluids and that seemed to help. It's been hovering in the 104.3-104.7 range today. Still high, but not as scary as 106. My friend is giving him fluids (both sub-q and oral), keeping him on a cold pack, and taking his temp every hour to get a good log. It seems to start rising in the evening and then spike in the middle of the night. Our vet appointment is tomorrow at 5:40. The challenge I'm trying to sort out right now is what the next steps should be. Based on my own research and all the info you guys have been so awesome to provide, it seems like there's about 3 "options": Epogen to increase the red blood cells, Doxy to treat possible Hemobartanella, Immuno Regulin to stimulate his immune system. The doctor had said she'd consider Epogen if there was some regeneration after the transfusion. She was going to ask around about the IR, and she said it "wouldn't be wrong" to switch to Doxy. He's out of Baytril now, so I'd like to try the Doxy. The thing is...all of these treatments are going to be expensive. IR isn't too bad...and I could even take him to a cheaper vet to get it administered (after the first dose to make sure he doesn't have a big reaction). But I don't know what Doxy and Epogen will cost. And I'm not sure how much my "Dad" is willing to pay at this point. I'm not sure where to draw the line on trying treatments, spending money, putting him through all these things, etc. He's been very lethargic and while he seems a LITTLE pinker, he's still very pale. I mean, if he has no quality of life then I don't want to continue to torture him. But at the same time, would the drugs give him back his quality of life? Maybe? I don't know? He's still eating (though not drinking as much but will take water via syringe), so does that mean he wants to fight? Do I do all 3 drugs and see what happens? Or pick one or two? If I pick one or two, how do I decide? Or do I do them one at a time and then which do I start with? These are all the things going through my mind right now. I've got a call in to the doctor to talk to her about some of this prior to our appointment (esp. since I'd need to order IR if we're going to do it). I also have to call "dad" and see what he thinks. But I just don't know how to make these decisions! I feel so ill-equipped for this! All I know is that he's depending on me and I'm responsible for his care...and I have NO clue what to do!!! Any thoughts, suggestions, or advice on how to move forward would be awesome! Thanks everyone for being such an incredible support network!! GLOW to all your furkids. MJ
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