Tiger Lily's Story ~ Our Darling Little Puppy
Introduction: Below is the long story of Tiger Lily. Updates will be diarised on this page. And we're keeping you informed of her vet procedures and consults, so you can be sure we're doing everything possible.
Huge thanks to her donors, our vets, and the specialists all involved in getting Tiger this far.
Huge thanks to her donors, our vets, and the specialists all involved in getting Tiger this far.
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Fundraiser progress.
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Click Here To Send Your Donation
Thank you 💕 Kathryn, Gail, Michele, Catherine, Rose, Diana, Peter, Frances, Andie, Carol, Alison, Jason, Lynne, Corina, Bella Donna Doggy Wear, Sharon, Gary, Christina, Bronwyn, Adele, Julie, Sonya, Frances, Simone, Wendy, John, Marina, Cheryl, Debra, Susan, Helen, Peter, Daniel, Kim, Lisa, Jenny, Cindy, Leanne, Melissa, Clare, Robyn, Darren, Tan, Sarah, Marlena, Thea, Simone, Grace, Sue
Tally (updated 22 July 2023)
Bank deposits - $1344
Paypal - $3122
Facebook** - $890 + $725 = $1615
Give Now - $1126.80
**I'm sorry but we don't get a list of who donated via Facebook Giving Fund. Please accept our thanks and CONTACT US if you'd like your name listed above. xxxx
Tally (updated 22 July 2023)
Bank deposits - $1344
Paypal - $3122
Facebook** - $890 + $725 = $1615
Give Now - $1126.80
**I'm sorry but we don't get a list of who donated via Facebook Giving Fund. Please accept our thanks and CONTACT US if you'd like your name listed above. xxxx
Day 1 ~ Welcome Tiger Lily
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Our sweetie was surrendered into our care due to future leg surgery that her owner couldn't afford.
She was advised that Tiger Lily (Tiger for short) had a ruptured cruciate and patella luxation that couldn't be fixed yet, because she had to wait until she was grown and her growth plates closed before anything could be done. Upon arrival she had barely a limp. But an odd cough. So first thing you think of, is kennel cough. Easy. Like the human cold, you need rest, warmth and healthy food. Tiger waited, with lots of TLC and good nutrition. But we thought at the time, it was odd that nobody here caught the cough also. She needed Simparica her for the ear mites. She also had her core C3 puppy vaccination to catch up with the recommended schedule. |
Settling In
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Sooo adorable.
Tiger Lily is the perfect puppy. Playful and happy. That tail never stops! But she's beginning to get picky with her food. No matter what she's offered. And that odd cough is still hanging around. But where is a temperature? That classic sign is nowhere to be seen. She was put on broad spectrum antibiotics to stop any chance of a chest infection that dogs can get from stubborn kennel cough. And we waited again. There was no reason to believe her cough wouldn't clear up and resolve itself. |
Feeling Sick
Tiger is sad. Definitely time to intervene with x-rays and time at the vets during the day.
We're going to get to the bottom of this!
We're going to get to the bottom of this!
Oxygen and Observation
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At her vet, Tiger underwent treatment and diagnostics. This photo is of her in an oxygen tent because of her body's low oxygen levels.
She was suspected as having aspirate pneumonia but something on her lung x-rays was particularly interesting. Threads of white. Sinister? We don't know. And as expected, the usual dark spots consistent with pneumonia were there. Aspirate pneumonia to be exact. A condition that arises when matter is inhaled into the lungs. Her lungs were only going to get worse if antibiotics couldn't clear it. But she seemed stable and cheerful. |
Very Important Hospital Stay
Yes, you guessed it. Nothing is ever simple here!
It was time to pull out the big guns and get her to the 24hr specialist hospital, VSOS. The sooner the better.
It was time to pull out the big guns and get her to the 24hr specialist hospital, VSOS. The sooner the better.
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At 6pm she was admitted.
Whisked away for urgent nursing and a battery of tests to get her ready for a bronchoscopy and lavage the next day. Her weight had dropped quickly and dramatically. From a pudgy little pup to a poorly looking skinny girl. We found out later that weight loss is a symptom of her condition regardless of food. So after her tests, nurses sat up with her through the night. She was checked on by the vets and given lots of cuddles too. Everybody had leapt into action so help our little girl. Huge thanks to our vets at Princes Highway Vet Hospital. Dr Shelton's intuition literally saved her life. VSOS - Veterinary Specialists of Sydney, are state of the art and were pulling out all stops. |
Abbreviated List of Procedures
These are the basics of Tiger Lily's stay.
18/19th June 2023
Consult emergency day/night, Hospitalisation overnight Level 2, Nursing Care Level 2, IV catheter placement + drip setup, Nebulisation per 12 hours, EPOC Blood Gas, Electrolyte, Critical care, PCV/TP, Sedation, Emergency Fluid Detection Ultrasound, AFAST/TFAST, Radiographs, VETCT Specialist Xray Radiologist Report, STAT Specialist Radiologist, Butorphanol Inj, Maropitant Inj, Amoxiclav Juno, Esomeprazole Inj, Amoxiclav Juno, Esomeprazole Inj, Hospitalisation Level 2, Nursing Care Level, Daily intravenous fluid, Amoxiclav Juno, Terbutaline Inj, Propofol Inj, Methadone Inj, Dexmedetomidine (Dexdomitor) Inj , Atipamezole (Antisedan) Inj, Vetnostics Body Fluid/Tissue Culture and Susceptibility, Vetnostics Respiratory Panel, Vetnostics BAL/Tracheal Wash, Referral Transfer and Review, Tracheobronchoscopy, Standard anaesthesia monitoring.
20th June 2023
Hospitalisation overnight Level 2, Nursing Care Level 2, Nebulisation, Maropitant Inj, Esomeprazole.
21st June 2023
Daily doctor medical progress exam, Hospitalisation Level 2, Nursing Care Level 2, Esomeprazole Inj, Amoxyclav, Maropitant.
22nd June 2023
Complex Boarding/Hospice, Nebulisation.
23rd June 2023
Complex Boarding/Hospice, Nebulisation, Doxycycline 50mg Tablets, Trimethoprim/Sulfadiazine 120mg Tablets.
18/19th June 2023
Consult emergency day/night, Hospitalisation overnight Level 2, Nursing Care Level 2, IV catheter placement + drip setup, Nebulisation per 12 hours, EPOC Blood Gas, Electrolyte, Critical care, PCV/TP, Sedation, Emergency Fluid Detection Ultrasound, AFAST/TFAST, Radiographs, VETCT Specialist Xray Radiologist Report, STAT Specialist Radiologist, Butorphanol Inj, Maropitant Inj, Amoxiclav Juno, Esomeprazole Inj, Amoxiclav Juno, Esomeprazole Inj, Hospitalisation Level 2, Nursing Care Level, Daily intravenous fluid, Amoxiclav Juno, Terbutaline Inj, Propofol Inj, Methadone Inj, Dexmedetomidine (Dexdomitor) Inj , Atipamezole (Antisedan) Inj, Vetnostics Body Fluid/Tissue Culture and Susceptibility, Vetnostics Respiratory Panel, Vetnostics BAL/Tracheal Wash, Referral Transfer and Review, Tracheobronchoscopy, Standard anaesthesia monitoring.
20th June 2023
Hospitalisation overnight Level 2, Nursing Care Level 2, Nebulisation, Maropitant Inj, Esomeprazole.
21st June 2023
Daily doctor medical progress exam, Hospitalisation Level 2, Nursing Care Level 2, Esomeprazole Inj, Amoxyclav, Maropitant.
22nd June 2023
Complex Boarding/Hospice, Nebulisation.
23rd June 2023
Complex Boarding/Hospice, Nebulisation, Doxycycline 50mg Tablets, Trimethoprim/Sulfadiazine 120mg Tablets.
The SHOCK Diagnosis
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Completely out of the blue we have findings of four different things!
Not including the fact that she is immunosuppressed and one of just two breeds named in studies as most susceptible. The Cavalier and Mini Dachshund. Full diagnostics of her little lungs reveal: Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Bacterial) Chryseobacterium (Bacterial) Pneumocystis Canis (Fungal) Pneumonia (PCP) |
Further reading;
www.publish.csiro.au/ma/pdf/MA15026
www.publish.csiro.au/ma/pdf/MA15026
Courtesy of Vet Specialists Online. reference; rb.gy/oui76
Pneumocystis pneumonia is an uncommon fungal infection which occurs in young-middle aged Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and young Miniature Dachshunds
Pneumocystis fungus is ubiquitous (ie found everywhere) in the environment, and exposure does not result in illness in the vast majority of dogs. Some young CKCS and Miniature Dachshunds are born with an immunodeficiency, which can allow this environmental fungus to cause pneumonia. In the CKCS, pneumocystis seems to occur due to a deficiency in IgG, and in the Miniature Dachshund it may occur due to Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Clinical signs can include;
Increased respiratory rate and effort
Non-productive cough (not always present)
Lethargy
Weight loss
Decreased exercise ability
Vomiting and diarrhoea
A history of demodectic mange in some affected dogs
Pneumocystis pneumonia is an uncommon condition and in contrast to other types of pneumonia, coughing is often not present and affected dogs usually do not have a fever
Because pneumocystis pneumonia does not respond to those medications commonly used to treat other types of pneumonia in dogs, it is important that it is considered in young CKCS and Miniature Dachshunds with respiratory problems
If you have any concerns about your dog's health, do not hesitate to speak to your vet, who will be happy to help
Pneumocystis pneumonia is an uncommon fungal infection which occurs in young-middle aged Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and young Miniature Dachshunds
Pneumocystis fungus is ubiquitous (ie found everywhere) in the environment, and exposure does not result in illness in the vast majority of dogs. Some young CKCS and Miniature Dachshunds are born with an immunodeficiency, which can allow this environmental fungus to cause pneumonia. In the CKCS, pneumocystis seems to occur due to a deficiency in IgG, and in the Miniature Dachshund it may occur due to Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Clinical signs can include;
Increased respiratory rate and effort
Non-productive cough (not always present)
Lethargy
Weight loss
Decreased exercise ability
Vomiting and diarrhoea
A history of demodectic mange in some affected dogs
Pneumocystis pneumonia is an uncommon condition and in contrast to other types of pneumonia, coughing is often not present and affected dogs usually do not have a fever
Because pneumocystis pneumonia does not respond to those medications commonly used to treat other types of pneumonia in dogs, it is important that it is considered in young CKCS and Miniature Dachshunds with respiratory problems
If you have any concerns about your dog's health, do not hesitate to speak to your vet, who will be happy to help
Back Home
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Back home and straight away, Tiger hops into her new igloo with the heat pad underneath.
Because she's under strict crate rest, her home is full of toys and chewy treats. Best of all, she's looking happy. Much less coughing and she's back to her adorable puppy personality. Medications are happily taken inside a tiny bit of liverwurst. She's been prescribed the recommended drug combination of Doxycycline, Amoxyclav, Maropitant and Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. |
Feeling Much Better
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Look into those beautiful eyes. Every move I make, those sparkling brown eyes follow me. She doesn't miss a thing.
Still on crate rest and meds. And thankfully stable. She's also been recommended to have nebuliser and coupage sessions here at home. Which I'm happy to do although it's getting harder because she's so excited and wriggly. Three meals a day and a little snack before bed are being happily eaten. And despite the heat pad she also looooves her hot water bottle. |
Checkup Time.
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Checkup time. 29th June 2023.
So, after cuddles with all the staff, little Tiger entered the consult room. Weight up by a few grams since discharge. Now 2.95kg Her temperature is normal. Her cough is much less. Her medications are doing their job for the time being by battling infection and killing off as much bacterial burden as possible. Her right lung is still wet and 'crackly' but not as bad. She can stop the daily Cerenia (anti nausea) and can just have it as needed. |
I did ask about anti-fungal drugs in case it's suitable for the Pneumocystis. Further health progress and discussion with the world expert who is advising the specialists is required. Anti-fungals can be harsh on the body and can cause liver damage. They have to be very carefully used.
Aaand drumroll please!
Her oxygen levels are at 98%! I was so excited by this news. Her all time low was 87%.
It doesn't sound like a big deal, but it was today's little win for Team Tiger Lily.
Ongoing, it's continue with the medication, coupage and nebuliser. Then have another progress review.
Prognosis is still guarded.
Aaand drumroll please!
Her oxygen levels are at 98%! I was so excited by this news. Her all time low was 87%.
It doesn't sound like a big deal, but it was today's little win for Team Tiger Lily.
Ongoing, it's continue with the medication, coupage and nebuliser. Then have another progress review.
Prognosis is still guarded.
A Quick Game With Rose
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4th July 2023 While her boudoir was being cleaned (It's a huge doggy crate I can fit inside), Tiger was allowed a quick rumble with Rose.
Rose knows how to be gentle and allows herself to be pummelled by our tiny little Cavalier. Tiger Lily is still on bed rest per vet orders and totally loved her time out. Just getting to be a puppy. She's not out of the woods but we'll take this game as another win. |
A Little Setback
10 July 2023
Tiger finished her course of Doxycycline and Amoxyclav. Then she started to go backwards by not eating. Of course alarm bells went off! A quick call to her specialist resulted in a longer course of both.
So she's bounced back and continuing with her progress..
We continue with coupage (rhythmic cupping of the chest to move mucous) which she finds quite fun now. The nebuliser is an absolute pest apparently.
Baby scales are ready to give a weight update once she's quiet enough to sit on them properly. I can feel she's put on weight but the scales will tell me if it's my imagination. It's very important that she puts on weight. Although she had gained weight, her body-score at her last appointment could have been much better. Her condition can cause weight loss despite eating.
And a bit of exciting news. Donated by Ros and Loui - Sibylla at Bella Donna Doggy Wear is sending some custom fleecy pyjamas to keep her warm and cosy. She's currently wearing a daggy pair from years ago so a fashion update is well overdue.
Next photos will be of her modelling her brand new outfit.
Tiger finished her course of Doxycycline and Amoxyclav. Then she started to go backwards by not eating. Of course alarm bells went off! A quick call to her specialist resulted in a longer course of both.
So she's bounced back and continuing with her progress..
We continue with coupage (rhythmic cupping of the chest to move mucous) which she finds quite fun now. The nebuliser is an absolute pest apparently.
Baby scales are ready to give a weight update once she's quiet enough to sit on them properly. I can feel she's put on weight but the scales will tell me if it's my imagination. It's very important that she puts on weight. Although she had gained weight, her body-score at her last appointment could have been much better. Her condition can cause weight loss despite eating.
And a bit of exciting news. Donated by Ros and Loui - Sibylla at Bella Donna Doggy Wear is sending some custom fleecy pyjamas to keep her warm and cosy. She's currently wearing a daggy pair from years ago so a fashion update is well overdue.
Next photos will be of her modelling her brand new outfit.
Unscheduled Hospital Visit
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14th July 2023
Off we went for an unscheduled trip to VSOS. She seemed kind of flat and did a couple of vomits. So because Tiger is such a delicate girl I didn't waste any time in getting her seen. At the same time, she had her xrays which were due on the 19th and they weren't too bad. It's believed (and I understand this) that she needs a stronger anti nausea drug to combat a tummy full of antibiotics. So we came home with better news than expected and some Ondansetron wafers. Not the way I expected to show off her new pyjamas! But aren't they cute? |
Scheduled Hospital Visit With Dr Jenna
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19th July 2023
We're a month into Tiger's perilous journey with Pneumocystis Canis Pneumonia It's not over yet but *drumroll please* PROGRESS! Her x-rays are looking so much better, her cough is responding to treatment and she's putting on weight too. We're not out of the woods, she may have to be on Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole long term combined with a puffer we're introducing soon. The next step is to let her come off one of the antibiotics (Amoxyclav) and keep an eye on her. Hopes are high for a smooth transition to just the two antibiotics and then we'll reassess to see if the Doxycycline can go too. So far, and with fingers crossed, she is doing exceedingly well. And I must add, isn't she looking gorgeous!? Thanking Bella Donna Doggy Wear for her pyjamas to keep her toasty warm and fashionable. |
Next Visit With Dr Jenna
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31st August 2023
Looking sheepish for her photo in the consult room :) Tiger attended her follow-up and loved all the attention but she was a bit put off by having her temperature taken! So the news is that Tiger Lily's Specialist is very pleased! She's a bit of a miracle baby. PCP (Pneumocystis Pneumonia) is fatal. Quick intervention, Specialist care, supportive care at home and her medication pulled her out of a very precarious situation. She weighed in at 5kg! Can you believe it? Scroll back up to see her hospital photos. It's incredible. Moving forward, she will be on TMS (Trimethoprim/Sulfadiazine) will have to continue long term and does have potential side effects but it's saving her life. |
I feel we're getting closer to finding her a new home. It'll be sad for me but like all foster dogs, I can find a better home than mine, that's the whole point of rehoming. To give them everything they deserve.
But as usual I'm getting way ahead of myself! She's yet to be desexed and I'll have it done when the time is right.
But as usual I'm getting way ahead of myself! She's yet to be desexed and I'll have it done when the time is right.
Final Visit to Princes Highway Vet
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Our baby girl attended PHVH for her final visit before moving on. She said goodbye to everyone with her usual cuddly, waggly-tailed kisses.
Tiger is stable and happy. Ready for her new home. She has a wonderful future ahead. Despite finding the idea of letting her go very hard, I know it's best for her. We've been through so much together, it's no wonder I'm having a bit of a cry! Rescuing can be rollercoaster ride of heartbreak and joy. Mostly joy. And having the privilege of nursing Tiger through dark days and out the other side, ready to being her new chapter has been an incredible journey. New home update to follow. 💕 |
A New Chapter for Tiger Lily
Well the day came. And I was prepared to be a bit of a sook at trial period handover.
You have to see these beautiful photos, and feel my worries fade into thin air.
She now has a wonderful and devoted family and very special Mum who will keep her healthy, keep up her meds and checkup visits to her specialists.
I love you Tiger Lily. So proud of you. xxxx
You have to see these beautiful photos, and feel my worries fade into thin air.
She now has a wonderful and devoted family and very special Mum who will keep her healthy, keep up her meds and checkup visits to her specialists.
I love you Tiger Lily. So proud of you. xxxx
