Our vet Dr. Brenda Culver called last night to say that Briggs' initial bloodwork showed low protein levels. After further tests and evaluation today, Brenda told me this afternoon that she and Britt determined that Briggs has a kidney disease called glomerulonephritis. The filters in his kidneys aren't working properly, and protein -- rather than being kept and used by the body -- is getting washed out of his system along with the wastes. You can read a really interesting and detailed explanation of this disease here.
This is caused by some type of inflammation that could be triggered by a number of things, including tick-borne diseases, bartonella or toxoplasmosis, among others. (We already know Briggs is heartworm-negative.) So Britt has sent more bloodwork in to test for a variety of these potential causes. Until we get those results back next week and can treat Briggs accordingly, Brenda says we don't want to challenge his system anesthetically, and thus she is postponing his eye surgery.
On the good news front, Britt said his neuro exam did not indicate any intercranial cause of his wobbliness (i.e., a lesion or tumor of some sort), and chest and abdominal X-rays also looked good, as did an ultrasound of all of his organs. So if we can just get his kidney problem sorted out and treated, we can take care of his eyes. In the meantime, Brenda is doing pain management and keeping him comfortable.
Please keep our little blind boy in your thoughts.
The photo of his eyes made me squint, they looked so painful...
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him!
Posted by: Jessica, NL | February 29, 2008 at 04:22 AM
A big hug for Briggs from across the ocean with extra manic tail wags from Lalla
Posted by: Lalla and Sasha | February 29, 2008 at 12:50 AM
Briggs lets get you all better step by step. You are so cute!
Posted by: Shirley & James, Portland, OR | February 28, 2008 at 09:45 PM
We know what it is to worry about a little blind dog, so we will certainly keep your new boy in our thoughts.
Posted by: Jerry Stemnock | February 28, 2008 at 06:48 PM
I'm glad Briggs is getting some relief for his painful eyes & hope that the kidney disease will be something that will be an "easy fix". I know he's in loving care.
Special hugs to Briggs,
ginger & the critters
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | February 28, 2008 at 05:50 PM