A Second Vet/Opinion

Hazel’s health has been a concern for us, and she’s been declining a lot – even over the last few days. Comparing how she is now against the video I took just a few days ago, she’s lost a lot more of her balance. She’s lost a lot more of her mobility.

We had an appointment today to see a second vet, for a second opinion. Our primary vet, despite the various tests and scans we’ve done, didn’t have a lot of recommendations for us. And so we’re trying to see if there might be any other options available to Hazel at all.

We drove out to Animal House Veterinary Hospital, in Aurora.

Hazel, not looking overly happy with this unexpected journey.

We met with Dr. Grabowski, and in talking about Hazel’s symptoms she believes the issue is potentially parasitic. I’m not sure if I’ve got the names right, but I think the two leading possibilities are Sarcocystis and Baylisascaris – both have similar symptoms.

One is potentially treatable, and the other is not. We talked a long while, and decided to proceed with tests for both. Because the test results take about a week, we also discussed starting Hazel on medication for the treatable disease.

We learned it wouldn’t hurt to start her on the meds early, while we waited for the results to come in. Liz and I both wanted this because, at least for me, it feels like we don’t have a lot of time to work with. It didn’t make sense to wait and then medicate, we preferred to dive in and if it isn’t the right course… we lost a bit of money. But we didn’t lose time.

Liz and I are heartened to hear the news that there might be some possibility for Hazel. It’s difficult, because I think the two of us were seriously trying to assess Hazel’s condition. Asking ourselves if she’s having more bad days than good days.

Today felt like an answer, but it also felt dangerous. I’m trying very hard not to get my hopes up, but I don’t know how successful I am at remaining guarded.

Related:
Hazel, Struggling