My heart sank when I got a call last night from Dr. Kristin Gablehouse, the resident equine surgeon at WSU. Yesterday they noticed Brynn seemed depressed and a bit listless, not her usual self. They ran a blood panel and found her critical kidney values -- BUN and creatinine -- had suddenly shot up.
Despite all of her urinary issues and plumbing problems, Brynn's BUN and creatinine levels had always been normal. Now her BUN was at 54, while she had been at 21 and the high end of the normal range is 27. Her creatinine was at 3.9, while she had been at 1.2 and the high normal is 1.7. Percentage-wise, these were dramatic spikes.
What makes these so alarming is that typically you won't see a change in BUN and creatinine until you've already lost most of your kidney function. In fact, you might have only 25% of one kidney still functioning before you see a change in these values. In economics we'd call these a "lagging indicator."
Dr. Gablehouse said they didn't know for sure what was causing the change. It's possible that because of the lengthy laparoscopic procedure the day before (on Tuesday) and her earlier procedures, she isn't drinking as much as she used to or needs to. Our equine vet, Dr. Bill Brown, told me this morning it's also possible that the sedation on Tuesday could have lowered her blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the kidneys temporarily. Dr. Gablehouse doubted it was due to infection in her kidneys since Brynn was already on antibiotics.
Whatever the cause, they hooked Brynn up to IVs last night to get more fluids pumped into her. That definitely helped, because today her kidney values had improved. The BUN dropped to 29 and the creatinine dropped to 2.9. Unfortunately, she now has a fever as well. She started the day at 102.6 and by tonight had actually gone up to 103. The surgeons are going to ultrasound her kidneys Friday morning to see if they can get a better idea of what's going on. They will also run another blood panel to see if the kidney values continued to improve or not.
So we are clearly worried about our little blind girl. Please keep your fingers crossed.
These photos were taken during Brynn's procedure on Tuesday. I just received them from the hospital staff yesterday, which is why I couldn't post them on the Tuesday evening blog. In the first photo Dr. Ragle is operating the laparoscope inside Brynn's abdomen. In the second photo Brynn is being comforted by Teri Olson, a senior vet tech at the hospital. In the third photo you see Brynn with one of the vet students who was present for the procedure.
(Click on photos for larger image.)
I sent a previous message but it seems to have gotten lost since it isn't posted.I heard Brynn is having some problems and I just wanted to say that she is in my prayers.Get well,sweet girl and may Gods' angels be with you.
Posted by: Elaine Miller | February 17, 2007 at 07:00 PM
Bryn's a fighter, so go girl! I am rooting for you! You will be a happier girl once the surgery is completed and you are back at the farm with your humans and furry friends. Hugs to you, baby girl.
Posted by: Nina | February 16, 2007 at 07:27 PM
she is so delicate,I hope she fights for her life. It will be so wonderful for her at the sanctuary. I hope she does not give up.
Posted by: Linda Lee Balkin | February 16, 2007 at 04:54 PM
Oh Brynn, we're pulling for you! Please feel better soon, as we know you want to get fixed up so you can go home to the RDR asap. We're sending you the biggest get well hugs with kisses,
ginger & Tobias
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | February 16, 2007 at 03:30 PM
I was waiting for a happy update on sweet Brynn. I am hoping for the best for the sweet girl.
Posted by: Leigh | February 16, 2007 at 03:28 PM
Hi Steve & Alayne, I will keep ya'll and Brynn in my
thoughts and prayers. I found out this week that my 13 yr. old cat is suffering from chronic renal failure. I am trying to help him through this crisis stage. It sounds as though there are highly qualified and caring people caring for Brynn. Thanks for your love and dedication to Brynn and all the others in your care. I am curious as to how Chance (the horse) is doing?
Posted by: Lynn | February 16, 2007 at 03:20 PM
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that Brynn makes it through this. She's already made it through so much I just pray she continues to improve.
Posted by: Jen | February 16, 2007 at 02:34 PM
Prayers and positive thoughts to dear Brynn that the doctors at WSU can help her and keep her stabalized. xoxo
Posted by: Roz | February 16, 2007 at 02:24 PM
Steve & Alayne,
I'm so sorry to hear about Brynns setback. I am praying for her and will be anxious to hear how she's doing. Since I read about your ranch in Bark Magazine I've been so amazed at the compassion you share. My husband and I live in Missouri and hope to visit the ranch someday. We're used to hard work and getting dirty so we'll be ready to be put to work! Thanks for being there for all the animals. I know God is looking over Brynn and we'll keep praying! Sherri
Posted by: Sherri Earnst | February 16, 2007 at 09:10 AM
She probably is depressed because she misses all of her buddies at the Ranch!!! I will be thinking about her and send her good thoughts!!! She is in great hands there at WSU!!
Posted by: Laura Whale | February 15, 2007 at 10:41 PM