What do you mean he isn't coming home yet?

We spoke to the vet at the emergency hospital this morning and the news was bad.  Based on how poorly Rocket was doing, they moved him over to the care of an internal medicine specialist (same facility) who ordered an ultrasound today rather than tomorrow as had been originally planned.  The ultrasound revealed that he is in congestive heart failure AND has pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas, most likely acute).  He is still on IV fluids plus now meds to try to reverse both other conditions.  

She (the specialist) was guarded about the prognosis, saying that the first thing was to see if they can get him out of heart failure.  In the best of all possibly scenarios, he could come out of heart failure and recover fully with no need for future meds. Same for the pancreatitis.  In the mid-range scenario, both could possibly be treated long term with medication, extending his life with good quality.  In the worst case ... well, when I think of that, my heart just breaks.  

We went to visit him and he at least recognized us and let us pet him, but wouldn't take any food.  He is all hooked up to tubes and they've shaved his belly.  He is terrified, and seeing him like this is gut-wrenching.  I managed not to burst into tears in the hospital, but dissolved in the parking lot. The specialist will call us again in the morning with an update and, in the meantime, if he starts to decline, we'll get a call from the hospital staff.  For now, he is day-to-day.

Those of you who have pets in your lives will know exactly what we are going through.  For me, the hardest thing is knowing that is is scared and in pain, and that we can't explain to him why he is in a place that is terrifying to him.  

So today's blip is Phoebe - since I can't cuddle Rocket and comfort him, I am subjecting Phoebe to lots of hugs and cuddles.  

Thank you for your concern, and your heartfelt comments yesterday.  Please keep my little Rocket-man in your thoughts.

xxoo
Debbi