07/21/2025
TIMBER Survived his Surgery and is showing Progress. Please, Help us, help Him by Donating. ๐๐๐พ
https://www.noahs-arks.net/animal/view/timber-bcacs/1231
TIMBER Survived his Surgery and is showing Progress. Please, Help us, help Him by Donating.
https://www.noahs-arks.net/animal/view/timber-bcacs/1231
I am happy to report that Timber did well during his surgery to debride dead tissue and clean any infection from below the skin on his back and remove any foreign matter. Drains were inserted before closing to help remove fluid buildup and promote healing. His skin had already begun to heal and adhere to the tissue below, which was debrided by the next morning.
Timberโs glucose levels have been dangerously low and have required supplementation with dextrose. Today was the first day, his Specialists decided to allow his body to adapt and see if it stabilized without supplementation. His glucose level did not return to a normal range, but it also did not drop as low as it had been.
We are still having to give him a plasma transfusion each day to boost his albumin levels. Plasma transfusions contain various proteins, including albumin, and can help replenish albumin levels and improve its binding capacity.
Timber is still on restricted calories because he is in danger of re-feeding syndrome. He has also lost a little weight because he had some wound edema that was adding to his water weight, which he no longer has. Timber is one of the most emaciated dogs we have ever saved. The fluid around his wounds gave the impression he was larger than he actually was. Now that his edema has gone down, we can see how emaciated he actually is, which is heartbreaking. If you look at the top left photo, you will be shocked to see how much of his spine and ribs are exposed. The good news is he is able to keep his food down and has a healthy appetite.
The most remarkable change is seeing the light return to Timberโs eyes. It's as if a light bulb has come on, and he can finally see and react to everyone around him. He has not shown any aggression and has been as sweet as can be. Timberโs recovery is expected to be a long and expensive process. I want to think the worst is over for this special boy, but sadly, that is not the case. He still has lots of obstacles to overcome.
I never thought we would reach the point we are today. He has survived surgery and can begin to heal without the burden of infection and necrotic tissue. We may still have to debride certain areas, but that is normal given how extensive his wounds were. Having the drains in will help us stay on top of his infection and do cultures without having to do surgery.
We are committed to saving Timber. His Quality of Life has improved dramatically. We are boosting him up with supplemental care, but we are not keeping him alive. He is alive because he has chosen to fight for his life. Our worry was always that he would give up and stop fighting to live. Watching him engage with the Specialists and Vet Techs. has shown everyone that Timber wants to be here.
I will be begging for donations for Timberโs medical care for as long as it takes for him to get healthy. This is not a sprint but a long Journey for him to regain his Life. No animal should ever have to know the abuse and hardship that Timber has known. You are a significant part of his survival. Without your love and donations, none of this would be possible. Thanks for being there for Timber and us. Your love and support keep us going.
