Tucker: prayers answered, but more prayers needed

Here's an update from GBGRR president, Cil H.:

"On June 30th, 4 month old Tucker was diagnosed with a congenital birth defect called PPDH (Peritoneal- Pericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia) and it was determined that he had gotten into some kind of poison (most likely rat bait). Here is the link to PPDH http://medycynawet.edu.pl/pdf2009/032009/200903181183.pdf -- but basically the diaphragm is a wall of muscle that separates the heart and lungs from the rest of your internal organs. Little Tucker was born with a hole in his diaphragm which is allowing his liver and body fluids to intrude into his heart cavity. They are giving him vitamin K therapy for the poison but his liver levels are still very high and he is on oxygen.

On Saturday July 4th, Dr. Noaker took Tucker off oxygen. He's barking and playing with his toys, tail wagging and in general acting like a puppy should. He is doing soooo much better. Dr. Noaker did caution me that he may have to go back on oxygen but for the moment he is doing fine. His little body has been busy gradually re-absorbing the blood in his lungs and chest cavity. However, his liver is still putting pressure on his heart. His liver should be in his lower body cavity but because of the hole in his diaphragm it is actually sitting on top of his heart. If he continues to improve he will be well enough for the corrective surgery in a few days. He seems to have gotten over the rat poison, his coagulation numbers are just about back to normal.

And yesterday, we got to go home with Dr. Noaker no less!"

Saying thank you is not enough. Dr. Laurie Noaker, Chief of Staff at VERGI (Veterinary Emergency Referral Group, Inc.), and her staff wouldn't give up on Tucker. He's not out of the woods, yet, but he's got a chance thanks to this talented group of veterinarians.

All tuckered out! Tucker (the little one) taking a nap with his foster family.