Precious Sissy has really had a rough time in the last week. Her foster mommy, Stephanie, messaged me a couple days ago that she was very worried about Sissy. She had a fairly high temperature and was obviously not herself (i.e., shaking, not eating, etc.). We were so worried that she was going to dehydrate, so we made the decision to take her to the emergency vet. It turns out that poor Sissy has mastitis in 2 teats (blocked milk ducts, causing infection, inflammation, etc.). Read info on mastitis here: http://www.vetinfo.com/symptoms-mastitis-dogs.html
It became official...no more nursing for Sissy. No worries...the puppies were already beginning to wean anyway. Sissy was obviously uncomfortable. She was placed on medication and given take home instructions. One of the 2 teats with mastitis abscessed tonight. She has an open abscess, which is considered the better alternative.... Stephanie sent me an update this evening:
The abscess opened more tonight. The abscessed area is roughly a circle with a 2-inch diameter. At first, there was a small hole that the pus was draining from (maybe 1/4 inch diameter), but the skin within the rest of the circle was very saggy and necrotic in areas. Tonight that area has sloughed off, so now the opening is about the size of a quarter, maybe slightly bigger. The vet is going to keep an eye on Sissy during the day tomorrow and possibly Saturday (minimal day fee, it's just for precaution). This way they can monitor the surrounding tissue for sign of spreading infection (which would indicate surgical removal) and thoroughly flush the abscess (Sissy was really not happy with us doing this tonight). She's on a decent amount of pain meds, and sleeps most of the time.
It became official...no more nursing for Sissy. No worries...the puppies were already beginning to wean anyway. Sissy was obviously uncomfortable. She was placed on medication and given take home instructions. One of the 2 teats with mastitis abscessed tonight. She has an open abscess, which is considered the better alternative.... Stephanie sent me an update this evening:
The abscess opened more tonight. The abscessed area is roughly a circle with a 2-inch diameter. At first, there was a small hole that the pus was draining from (maybe 1/4 inch diameter), but the skin within the rest of the circle was very saggy and necrotic in areas. Tonight that area has sloughed off, so now the opening is about the size of a quarter, maybe slightly bigger. The vet is going to keep an eye on Sissy during the day tomorrow and possibly Saturday (minimal day fee, it's just for precaution). This way they can monitor the surrounding tissue for sign of spreading infection (which would indicate surgical removal) and thoroughly flush the abscess (Sissy was really not happy with us doing this tonight). She's on a decent amount of pain meds, and sleeps most of the time.
PLEASE say prayers for Sissy. We are incredibly grateful for her foster family. We shutter to think what would happen to Sissy if she were still in the trailer park. FOSTERING SAVES LIVES EVERYONE!!!
Sissy's bills are now over $600 and she hasn't even been spayed/vaccinated yet. We URGE you to please consider making a small donation for her medical care. There is a Chip-In available, but if you prefer to send your donation to the vet directly, please contact Allie at 901-240-9848 or email allieot98@yahoo.com for the information. The good news is we have several great applications on Sissy's puppies so stay tuned!
I hope Mama Will Better.
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