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I am a male yellow Lab. My birth date is September 4th 2011. I am in training to be a guide dog for the blind. (guide dog school -Southeastern Guide Dogs) I'm my raiser's fifth guide dog puppy. She will keep me for (about) 1 year, then I will head off to harness training! Please feel free to follow my blog and keep up with: Brandon's Life... As a guide dog in training

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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Brandon Update

*(Written by Brandon's Raiser)*
Hey guys! I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to give ya'll an update, I know you guys are all worried about Brandon (just as much as I am) but I've been waiting to give an update about Brandon, since we still don't know what's wrong with him.
So I'm including in this post just about all I currently know about Brandon (which isn't much!).
Please know in advance that not only are we not sure what's wrong with Brandon... but I'm not great with understanding all these technical terms/tests... and may miss use/type one!
Lets start with last Wednesday:
Brandon had an appointment with a Specialist on March 7th, shortly after he had an ultra sound down, they soon decided (after getting permission from the guide dog school) that they'd like to do further tests on Brandon and wanted him to stay there for a few days. Brandon is STILL currently being boarded at the Specialist and has been there since last Wednesday. They also determined that something didn't look right on his liver, and wanted to do more tests on that too.
Thursday: We got the results back for his "BUN #" which showed he had a REALLY low BUN number and they were afraid he had a serious liver issue (thinking it might be "liver shunts") so they'd do a "Bile acids test and liver ultra sound to determine if a liver shunt/etc is his problem.
* If Brandon did have a serious issue with his liver (or "liver shunts") he would most likely have to be released from the program*
Saturday: The test results came back from his Bile acids test normal, which means Brandon doesn't have a liver issue or liver shunt, though this was quite exciting to hear (since I'd rather him not be released from the program) I also am quite worried that we now have no idea what's wrong with him. We were told we wouldn't know more until Tuesday, which his personal vet gets back in town & can determine were we'll go from here.
Tuesday: Brandon's personal vet called on Tuesday (yesterday) to explain what the next steps will be. We are now back to square one and considering all our options (thinking it could be a serious infection... that wasn't noticed on all the tests). They will be starting Brandon on a more "powerful" antibiotic, decreasing his water intake (even creating a schedule for him), and monitoring him closely. The vet got permission from the guide dog school to board/keep Brandon there till (at least) Friday, so they can see how this works.

So that's the update about Brandon and that's really all I know at the moment... We still don't have any clue what's wrong with Brandon, but I'm going to hope/pray/keep my fingers crossed that the few things they are trying now will work.
Thank you for thinking about Brandon, being concerned, praying for him, crossing paws/fingers and PLEASE continue all this :)
I seriously thought after the Thursday results, that I would soon be doing a post on here saying Brandon was released from the program... but decided to wait a few more days to make sure. Then after finding out the Saturday test results, I thought Brandon might still have a chance.
So as you may have noticed, things can change in a matter of just a few days... I'm just going to hope it keeps changing for the better!
If all goes well, Brandon should be coming back this Friday, but I'll be sure to keep you guys all updated!
-Brandon's Raiser

26 comments:

HoundDogMom said...

We continue to keep Brandon in our prayers and fling him drool. We wish they could find some answers it is so hard when they are playing the guessing game. Sniffs, The HoundDogs

Erin said...

Wow how scary! I hope they figure out what's wrong soon, and he can return to guide dog training!

Erin & David
Chronicles of a Puppy Walker

Laura S Reading said...

Sending paw-sitive thoughts for Brandon's getting better soon. I know he must be uncomfortable with his urinary problems but I am also sure he is loving the attention. Not the pokey parts.

BUN is Blood Urea Nitrogen, how much urine is getting into the bloodstream.
Bile Acid test is testing liver function. How well is the liver filtering. Bile acids are used for digesting fats.

Raiser Erin said...

We're all hoping that Brandon is alright here. Hopefully they'll figure out what it is soon.

FANCY the Red Standard Poodle said...

Hi Y'all,

Have my paws crossed that these antibiotics fix Brandon right up!

Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog

Golden Daily Scoop said...

We're keeping our paws crossed and hope they figure out whats wrong!

bbes tribe said...

Sorry to hear Brandon is not feeling well! We will definitely keep fingers and paws crossed and hold good thoughts for him and you that it isn't serious and they figure it out and he gets well soon!
Wags
Ernie, and the rest of the pack

Kitty+Coco said...

Not knowing is the worst! So sorry to hear this about Brandon. Please keep us all updated.

Kitty+Coco

Corbin said...

Always scary when you're not sure what the problem is. Paws are crossed the meds work! We haven't stopped thinking and praying for the little guy!
-Corbin

houndstooth said...

It's very scary when these things happen. I've dealt with health problems that come out of the blue with our dogs before, and they're always the worst for me! Fingers and paws crossed here for Brandon!

Bunny and her mom

Anonymous said...

Ohmidogness. Poor Brandon and Poor You! My paws are still crossed real tight that everything's gonna be just fine with him and that he'll get to come home real soon!

Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Thanks for the update. I think the waiting for results is the hardest part for anyone who is sick. Yes, we will definitely keep you guys in our prayers and keep all the paws crossed too.

Dexter said...

Thank you so much for the update. Not the best news. So vexing not to know what is going on. I just hope that he will be OK. That is the main thing right now.

Mango Momma

The Daily Pip said...

Poor Brandon! I hope you get some answers soon!

Your pal, Pip

24 Paws of Love said...

Poor Brandon. We will keep you and him our prayers.

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Thanks for taking the time to update us!

Paws khrossed here in PA!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Phyll

Two French Bulldogs said...

how scary. We are keeping all our paws crossed for Brandon
Benny & Lily

River said...

We are all crossing our paws for Brandon--that he can get well and continue in guide dog training.

love & wags,
River

Unknown said...

hey Brandon, I hope that your feeling better now ;)


Dog Shock Collar | Puppy & Human Bond

Cory said...

Sending our most healing purrs to Brandon...and tail wags from Grete.

Maxmom said...

I am so sorry to hear about Brandon and all his unknown health issues. It must be extremely worrying for you. The worst is always "not-knowing" and then having to wait for news. At least, with a full diagnosis one can make plans. Hopefully you'll have some reassurance in the next few days. In the meantime, my thoughts and prayers are with you and dear Brandon. Hang in there and enjoy Lauryl for the moment...
sending lotsaluv and warm wishes to you.
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

Chorizo said...

It is paws-itively annoying when they can't find out what is wrong and fix it right away. Our thoughts and prayers are with both of you that today is the day you find out good news and Brandon is allowed to come home this weekend. Love and Licks, Chorizo

Anonymous said...

I'm keeping Brandon in my prayers. He is such a wonderful dog. I'm hoping that the new antibiotics start working and he is healed quickly. We will be such a wonderful guide dog.

Dexter said...

I think your email has been hacked (unless you actually ARE in Spain right now being held hostage by a hotel manager after you were mugged).

Mango Momma

Scooter said...

Allison you have been hacked, the same thing happened to me. YOu will need to change your password. They have changed your e-mail to: guidedogawarreness@yahoo.com

You will need to change that back, In yahoo. click on options on the top, then mail options, and then correct your mail address.

CD McLean said...

How scary. I'll keep healthy thoughts going your way and hoping that all comes out well for Brandon. He's such a cutie.