Hi,
 
Actually I am hoping that Scooter was misdiagnosed.  For those who don't
remember around a month ago I posted regarding Scooter's health and the
dreaded diagnoses of Congestive Heart Failure.
 
Well about 2 weeks ago he seemed to take a turn for the worse.  I didn't
think it could get any worse but it did.  After the initial diagnosis I had
a second opinion by a second vet who specializes in exotic pets.  He
confirmed the first diagnosis after a brief physical and looking at the
x-rays, ekg, and blood work etc.  I took Scooter home and I was heartbroken.
His breathing seemed to get worse and worse.  The diuretic I had been giving
him didn't work as well as it did at first.  I prepared for the worst - not
wanting to lose him and not wanting him to suffer.  I decided to try and
wait awhile longer as I couldn't bear to lose him.  Well early one morning
before I had left for work he seemed to be having an extremely hard time
breathing.  I stayed with him and waited for the vet to open.  Around 9am
when they opened he started to make soft crying sound and wheezing - I
rushed him to the vet around the corner from my house - not the specialist
as he was too far away.  The "regular vet" saw him and was immediately very
concerned.  He said it sounded like a respiratory infection I told him no it
was diagnosed as congestive heart failure.  He said even though that was
probably true he should be treated for a respiratory infection.  Scooter was
prescribed an antibiotic and given an injection of an antibiotic and
diuretic.  I stayed with him and saw gradual improvement over the day.
 
But here is the GREAT PART!  I thought that he would get a little better but
would still have a problem breathing - I thought the diuretic injection was
a quick stop gap measure only good for a day or two.  But to my absolute
surprise and delight he is now BREATHING NORMALLY all the time!!  I hate to
get my hopes up and I was doubtful at first but it has been over two weeks.
 
Scooter has so much engery now - just like when he first came to us.  He is
eight years old and I felt the slowing down was just due to his advancing
years.  He is eating great!  And he is the first one up in the morning
clanging on the cage demanding to be let out.  It is amazing and I am so
pleased.
 
Of course when I thought he would die I asked my grandmother who died 20
years ago to watch out for him even if she didn't know what he was.  I also
asked her to say a prayer for Scooter as she is closer to God than I am.
Anyway I believed she did help and her request for help for Scooter was
answered- either by a miracle or a great vet!
 
Well both Scooter and Hershey are at my feet as I write this begging for a
marshmellow.  So I have got to go attend to the "kids".
 
Bye for now,
Donette
[Posted in FML issue 1824]