Phoebe began showing symptoms of abdominal pain around May 17, 2005. After seeing her regular Veterinarian, she worsened and started having spasms, shaking, and was running a fever. Her Vet. referred her to Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital in Woburn where she underwent tests, ultrasounds, x-rays, and ultimately surgery.

She had massive inflammation in the intestines and a severe abscess on her spleen, requiring it's removal. She spent over 12 days at the hospital, and slowly recovered to the point that we could bring her home. Unfortunately, that was an overly optimistic decision, as she was back in the hospital the following day.

After having a feeding tube inserted, she was again taken home where we nursed her and loved her back onto the road to recovery. A week later, the feeding tube was removed and she was began to eat on her own again - with lots of "assistance" and prodding.

We're now going on our second month ... her fever is gone, and she's doing much, much better. But she still experiences some spasm after eating and still hasn't recovered 100% of her energy yet - but we're still working with a great team of Veterinarians and specialists - with lots of help from caring, loving friends.

We don't know exactly what she had - or has - but will keep this space updated as we learn more.

The positive thoughts, prayers, and support from our families and friends - near and far - have been most appreciated!

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5/27: Phoebe while still in the hospital and on a nasal feeding tube. "I'm ready for my close-up..."	5/28: First time home ... we we're still worried that she wasn't "quite right" enough to be home. Sadie welcomed Phoebe home with a few kisses.

5/30: Second time home - Phoebe is exhausted, but now has a feeding tube that we can use to pump the meds. and food directly into her stomach. These were the hardest days - but she had small "flashes" of energy where we could just see how much she was fighting ... and that gave us the resolve to do everything humanly possible to help her.

6/17: Phoebe has been home for a little over two weeks now, and has shown tiny steps of progress every day. Her "flashes" of energy have become bursts, and she's now jumping up on laps, chasing toys, and eating more regularly. We're almost afraid to say that she's "better" ... but it's true. Not quite 100% yet, but on the way. The slight yellow stain under her eye is from the last eye test - thankfully, the dry eye isn't causing any ulcers and should go away. She really enjoys spending time outside watching what's going on, but her favorite spot is on one of our pillows. Sadie's favorite spot is on top of Phoebe's bed!

 

6/20: This is what happened to Phoebe today after eating - we hope that new meds. and lots of caressing and lovins' from her dads will help her get through this. It's GUT WRENCHING to see these spasms - they take so much out of her. Thankfully, they are not lasting for too long.  (to start video, put your cursor over the image)

 

More pictures back on Page 2

On 6/24, Phoebe lost the battle.