On Monday I had reported that Bandit, a seemingly indestructably healthy
2-year old sable, was brought low.  The vet felt something and resorted
to surgery.  Bandit's spleen was found to be mottled.
 
It wasn't clear what pathogen was (is?) involved, biopsy results aren't
back yet.
 
One thing is for sure, though - poor Bandit was clearly in pain and very
weak Monday night - but steady antibiotics alone seem to have had an effect -
Tuesday he gallantly put up with forced fluids and forced feeding;
Wednesday he started stashing TF kibbles and eating a few; Thursday he
re-explored the living room thoroughly, after being found face-down in the
feed-bowl, chomping away; yesterday (Friday) he was tackling and scruffing
those who were tackling and scruffing him!!!!
 
It's been up and down - as Bandit's human, Monday night was hardest - with
Bandit in so much pain, euthanasia had to be considered.  But he has had
his health, he is young, he is pretty - too young to die.  The only thing
to do then, was to show him love and keep him in the basics - nutrients,
water, medicine.  Monday night, while he was limp, we lay together on the
bed - the others were out and the Three Brothers climbed up.  It was
uncanny the way they regarded him - first Dakota exchanged nose-sniffs,
then Gilli and Dakota started smelling the surgical prep and the incision,
and Simon sort of crawled over the top of Bandit and nuzzled behind
Bandit's ears; lastly, each of the three nuzzled Bandit about the cheeks
and licked around his neck and ears and eyes - then they left him... it
seemed like such affection and concern for a friend.
 
Things could change again, but this is not just an upswing - it seems like
a recovery!
 
So I'm one human that is tickled to have his weasely fellow still in the
light world, and grateful to my vet!!!
 
Many thanks for supportive words in response to my Monday post from Alicia,
who tipped me off regarding pathogens and possible prognoses, Trina, Chris
(for reminding me of some decisions that might need to be made), and what
could be called Duck Super Soup from Gary
 
a
& El Bandito, the three Brothers (Gilligan, Dakota, & Simon) and Smokey
[Posted in FML issue 2261]