First, the great news on Cammie: We got the latest blood tests back and the results were nothing short of astonishing: Her lead levels had dropped from above 120 ug/dL all the way down to 28 ug/dL. The test for lead toxicity only goes as high as 120, so she was above the measurable range back in January, with 60 ug/dL being the threshold for lead poisoning. That level of 28 indicates some exposure to lead but not necessarily lead poisoning, unless we were seeing other current clinical signs like seizures … which we’re not. It’s a long way from the 60 ug/dL threshold, and an incredible drop from the >120 we started with.
These results were far better than we expected this soon, and I think they were better than our internist was expecting, too. We don’t know how much of the drop is due to the surgery that removed 236 shotgun pellets and the bullet, and how much to the lead chelation therapy, but both no doubt played critical roles.
Our internist, Dr. Bryan Harnett, decided to keep Cammie on her phenobarbital and the chelation therapy until we did another round of tests, just to make sure we didn’t rock the boat. I’m taking her back to BEVS next week for that new blood work, and it will be a week after that before we get the results. Dr. Harnett will decide then what changes to make to her medications. It will be fascinating to see if Cammie’s lead levels continued to drop, and if so, by how much.
To be clear, as the diagnostic report from the lab said, “There is no established safe level for lead in blood or tissues of domestic animals.” The report said you would expect to see a level below 10 ug/dL in clinically normal dogs not exposed to lead. Given the amount of lead pellets still scattered throughout her body, I doubt we would ever see that kind of result, but if we could get her into the 10-25 ug/dL range, that would be a terrific success. (Surgery to remove those remaining pellets is not an option because they are spread everywhere, and trying to get them out would cause far too much tissue trauma.)
Alayne took these photos on Sunday night to document Cammie’s favorite evening routine … climbing onto my lap as soon as I sit down in my chair to start reading. When Cammie hears me get into the chair, she gets off the dog bed in the living room and makes her way over to me. She then nudges my knee with her nose, as if to say, “Look out, here I come!” and then she starts trying to climb into my lab. I say “trying” because she can’t quite manage to get all the way up on her own, so I have to do an awkward sit up/bend over/reach down and pull her hindquarters the rest of the way up.
Once firmly established on my lap, she often wants to shower me with kisses, like this:
And then she likes to roll over upside down, like this:
She actually will go to sleep in this position. I will be rubbing her tummy, and pretty soon, I can hear her snoring away.
I let Sleeping Beauty stay like this for about 15 minutes before rousing Cammie from her slumber. Getting her down from the chair is as awkward as getting her into it. I need to roll her back onto her side, sit up with her in my lap with my arms wrapped around her, and finally stand up holding onto her. (She’s no longer the skinny 40-pound dog who arrived here but is now a buff 50+ pound girl, so this maneuver is a good work out.) Then I carry her over to one of the dog beds and lay her down.
She’s had her 15 minutes of snuggling and I can get back to reading!
BEAUTIFUL!!!! EVERYTHING……just beautiful!!!
I wrote you before about Moose, our diabetic doggie, and the use of Libre which I learned of on your blogs. That has been a Godsend. Our local vet is using them for other diabetic animals as well.
The reason I am writing today is I have been following Cammie’s story and I am so gratified that her lead levels have come down so far. In one of your blogs, you give kudos to BEVS which gave her such good care. It would be completely unChristian of me to say what I would like to do if I had five minutes with those cruel wastes of air who shot her. I do agree that BEVS is top rate. They are the ones who found Moose’s diabetes and got him on the regimen that saved his life. They are top-notch and I am glad they were in charge of her care.
We follow your blogs religiously, and you are awesome at taking care of all the little guys and gals. Money is scarce so we are unable to help that way. But if there is anything we can do otherwise, like helping to transport animals to Burlington or ????, let me know. Blessings on you both and all the animals.
Cammie is returning that terrific unconditional love to you, Steve. I love that the two of you get special snuggle time that she instigates to thank you for all your faith & loving her. Bless you all for the unfaltering best treatments you provide for these special animals.
That’s great news on Cammie’s lead levels! Hopefully the next test will confirm them. What a beautiful girl she is! It’s great to see how happy she is. Thanks for sharing your evening ritual, this gave me a big smile. 🙂
Great photos and great news to start my morning off right!
Awesome news. Love the pictures!
Another miracle thanks to the two of you and your amazing BIG hearts !
She loves you for saving her life.
I am new here. I don’t know Cammie’s story, but anyone can see all the love she has to give, and how much she loves everyone there. I was extremely shocked at what I just read. She is an absolutely amazing, beautiful, sweetheart. Thank goodness and has all of you.💜
I believe animals can tell when you are loved. Cammie is obviously very happy and content and knows that she is surrounded by love. I am so glad that her bloodwork is getting better and she’s gaining some weight.