Vibes for poor old Bertie donkey please.

Well, where to begin. Firstly as always very grateful for your continued good vibes and empathy. I am still reeling a bit from how somethings have evolved over last few days but will update as best as possible.

By some miracle Bertie is still with us, has been xrayed (no rotation thanks be to God🙏) a joint effort between my vet and farrier has resulted in some remial trimming that did make him a little worse for a couple of days as was anticipated but now down to 2 bute a day, definitely looking marginally better mobility wise but very much better in his general demeanour and interest in what is going on. We have moved him nearer the house so he can see all the comings and goings, plus little Joseph can stand alongside him, if not actually in with him. - he is to stay on the 2 bute until Christmas eve and if all well we will then try one bute a day. Possible cushings will be addressed when he is out of the woods, vet now fairly convinced the combined tet/flu jab may have sparked this episode and very little to do with cushings, he does not think Bertie presents as typically cushings or anything similar, but still a possibility than we can only find in time.

Jessie is now almost definitely confirmed as having Addison's disease, but they will have to do more tests when she is off her current course of steroids. Apparently it was considered a possibility when she was in hospital back in the summer, and the flare up of the same issues has helped them confirm the diagnosis, but they are fairly confident before tests that this is the answer. She has had a brief stay with vets to get hydration up and temp down, but very quickly responded and home again and doing very well. Again meds for the future to be decided when she is over this flare up and has finished her steroids and antibiotics.

I am so sorry I have been so tardy with my update and thanking those of you who have kindly responded, but we have had a huge blow here about my son's ongoing health, at the moment he is refusing any more treatment. He was due to start another round of Radio Therapy on Monday but cancelled it. Obviously Mr. J and I are beside ourselves as without the continued treatment the outlook is not good at all. But he is a grown man and it can only be his decision, we, hospital and GP have done our best to persuade him but we are easing off now in the hope some reflection without pressure may bring him to his senses. Obviously the animals were breaking my heart, but compared to the added worry about my son I have just gone along with all vets advice as I cannot clearly think about anything much at the moment and I can at least trust Bertie's vet to give me ethically sound advice on when to carry on and when to stop. He is aware of my sons issue as they have got to know each other fairly well over the years and do get on very well. He has really just taken over with Bertie and just tells son what to do next each time he comes. I am very grateful for such a good person on our side.

So thats it folks, off now to check out new threads etc. for some good old H&H distraction therapy, anything very gossipy or dramatic that I might get my teeth into do you know? 😉 x
 
Good to hear from you Mrs Jingle Balls, I was worried that the quiet few days meant bad (animal) news so I'm pleased they are both still with us and heading in the right direction.
I'm sorry to hear about your son's decision and understand it must be distressing for you, however as you say, it's his decision to make and it's probably not something he's decided on a whim.
Sending you all hugs.
 
I'm glad both Bertie and Jessie seem to be currently doing ok, and hoping for continued improvement. I'm sorry that your son is refusing more treatment at the moment and worrying you and Mr J. You have a lot on your plate at the moment and I hope the distraction therapy works. I would recommend starting by looking up on Figgy Pudding as she is always a good way to cheer up.

Sending renewed vibes for your family, furry or otherwise.
 
Mrs J, firstly im really pleased to read about Bertie improving, also that you have a diagnosis for Jessie x
Sorry to read about son and RT. Having had high dose RT treatments 18 months ago, I can partly understand, is this in conjunction with follow on treatments? I know I'd think v hard about a 2nd offering of it elsewhere on my body. Folk can get to a point of not wanting stuff done and to potter on. (I'm hashing this badly)
Sending much love and hoping you can all have a quiet break together over Xmas.
Xx
 
Well it’s a relief to hear from you again Mrs j. I think many of us feared the worst about Bertie and Jesse with the radio silence. Such a relief to know it’s more positive news about them and that you also have a vet who is understanding of your position and who you can trust.
However, I’m sure any joy you could feel there has been totally flattened by the developments with your son. I’m really sorry that you, your husband and son are going through this. Love and prayers to you all. X
 
Mrs J, firstly im really pleased to read about Bertie improving, also that you have a diagnosis for Jessie x
Sorry to read about son and RT. Having had high dose RT treatments 18 months ago, I can partly understand, is this in conjunction with follow on treatments? I know I'd think v hard about a 2nd offering of it elsewhere on my body. Folk can get to a point of not wanting stuff done and to potter on. (I'm hashing this badly)
Sending much love and hoping you can all have a quiet break together over Xmas.
Xx

Not hashing it badly at all, makes perfect sense and very much reflects his own thoughts. Yes it is in conjunction with other follow up treatments that he is also now refusing. Unfortunately it is now in two different areas and he is also very low missing his brother as we all do particularly at christmas, and I think it has all just got too much for him. He very much just wants to potter about and let what will be, will be. On the other hand we would much rather not lose both our sons but we are resisting any emotional blackmail of that sort as it would just be too cruel. Thank you so much for your input. xx
 
Failing that go and drink all jhowards Jack Daniels in the Humped Goose.

I actually gave up drinking several years ago, mostly due to the meds I'm on, but I have to say even the cooking sherry is looking good lately! Now if the Humped Goose is serving a nice drop of Bordeaux I might really be tempted. 😊
 
Glad to hear the animals are not as bad as feared. When I asked my vet to test my mare for cushings she said she would but didn’t think she had it as no classic symptoms. Her reading came back as 172 when it should have been under 29 and vet was very surprised…

Even more sorry to hear about your son and hope he has a change of mind 🤞
 
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