I got this shot the other day of Teddy with Dexter and Bailey, all sharing a dog bed in the kitchen. It wasn't feeding time ... they had just found a comfy spot to hang out. Teddy has very much settled in -- he's got his routine down and is quick to let us know what he wants. He's even starting to really put on weight, so much so that when we run our hands along his ribs, we don't feel them stick out like they used to. In another couple of weeks I bet we won't feel his ribs at all. His spine is still very bony and is clearly going to take longer to fill out.
But one thing that has filled out entirely is his tummy. He's so rotund that we now call him Buddha Belly. You can actually see it in that photo.
While we're making significant progress on his weight, his diabetes continues to be a challenge. We still don't have him regulated. After a spike in his glucose level on Saturday prompted a call to our vet, Dr. Jennifer Rockwell, we ran a mini-curve yesterday evening and are in the middle of doing a full day's curve today -- measuring his glucose levels every two hours. We'll give the data to Jennifer on Monday, and she'll decide whether we should adjust his insulin dose again.
One factor that might be at play here is his dental problems. When we first got Teddy and found out he had diabetes, we were going to do a dental on him right away, because dental disease and the associated bacteria can make it harder to regulate diabetes. But then we found out about his much more serious bladder stone and gallbladder problems, and that major surgery had to take precedence over doing the dental work. Our vets didn't do his teeth during the surgery because it would have meant keeping him under anesthesia even longer, which would have increased the risk. And then we needed to have him fully recuperated from that operation before doing anything more to him.
Yet now his dental problems could be the "wild card" that's still preventing us from getting him stable, so we're going to be taking him back to the clinic to get that work done. We worry, of course, about putting him under anesthesia again, but it looks like that's a risk we're going to have to take.
Meanwhile, Mr. Buddha Belly gets his tummy rubbed quite frequently.
Steve.....with all the doggies having health issues....I noticed it has been a while since we had a non-dog post. What's up with the kitty cats? the horses? or even Margaret the goat? She is always good for a laugh. That said, I am glad the dogs are making progress in their recoveries.
Posted by: Marla | August 24, 2009 at 05:34 PM
Incredible progress! So nice to have the comfort of a pack. Awesome job.
Posted by: Margaret | August 24, 2009 at 02:30 PM
I'm so happy to see Teddy settling in so well. I see that tummy & boy would I love to rub it!! That sure is a comfy cozy scene.
I will continue to keep him in my prayers as well as you all & the other anipals that are facing challenges right now.
For some reason I couldn't post anything the last few days. I've felt so out of the loop not being able to comment but today it's back to normal. Crazy tech stuff!
Posted by: Colleen & SweetKitty Erin | August 24, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Buddha Belly Teddy has a great sound to it! You folks are doing an awesome job. He looks great.
Posted by: Ev | August 24, 2009 at 01:50 PM
What a darlin' bunch of little munchkins. My prayers will be with you and Teddy while his journey to health continues. I know those belly rubs help though. They all look snug and happy.
Posted by: Angela | August 24, 2009 at 12:15 PM
This is such a sweet picture! I hope Teddy continues to improve... God Bless you for all your are doing for this sweet little one.
~Barbara & Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog
Posted by: Barbara Techel | August 24, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Rub Teddy's tummy for me, too!
Posted by: Vicki Small | August 24, 2009 at 10:30 AM
What an adorable trio!
Teddy must be so relieved to be "home" and taken care of, so, why not just settle in, snuggle and sleep. What a complete safe feeling!
We hope he continues to get better with each day.
Posted by: boundforglory | August 24, 2009 at 09:10 AM
so happy for him
Posted by: gayle | August 24, 2009 at 08:46 AM
I noticed the tummy right off....poor baby sure has had the deck stacked against him, hasn't he?
Here's hoping that the dental work will allow his numbers to get into "normal" range!
Posted by: Debbie | August 24, 2009 at 07:42 AM
Thanks, Steve. I very much needed a good news morning and this just fit the bill. You'll all be in my prayers, as usual.
Posted by: Kathie Taylor | August 24, 2009 at 07:37 AM
So sorry to hear Teddy's diabetes hasn't been regulated yet, but the other news about him are just great!
Please give Teddy a tummy rub for me, too, ok?:-)
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | August 24, 2009 at 02:38 AM