Week 2 in the ICU this week.

The criticalists at Penn Vet Critical Care are keeping Oskar for a second week for intensive care/monitoring while making headway with dialysis. A rare genetic predisposition to accumulation of copper in the liver and kidneys along with taking a prescription for arthritis wreaked havoc on him. His liver has recovered amazingly and the kidneys are now producing plenty of clear urine to eliminate the built up toxins. Treatment is still geared to rest the kidneys so they can heal the inflammatory response and damaged cells from the copper/carprofen injury.  So dialysis is a must for at least another 1-3 weeks or when recovered sooner. Prognosis remains good since he is now producing urine on his own after the 3rd dialysis treatment.  The plan is for him to come home and receive supportive care at home while continuing dialysis as outpatient next week if all goes well. Appetite will slowly improve as toxins are eliminated and he doesn’t feel like garbage. He has been going for walks outside and immediately went into work/training mode without coercion. His energy has improved and he looks wonderful compared to last week. We can’t say enough great things about Penn Vet and the amount of research that has gone into diagnosing and treating him properly. This case is so rare it may be a once in a career encounter for most vets they said. We are glad that his case will help with the early diagnosis and treatment of many animals down the line. Thank you to all who have reached out and supported him financially, because we never knew what veterinary critical care admissions and treatment cost until last week…😳 
We are so grateful and humbled by all of the kindness and generosity that headed our way unexpectedly.  Keep praying for him, and us, to navigate our way through these tough and sick times.  If you know any social media outlets for dog lovers, please share this experience and the support group. 
Thank you so much!!
🐾Oskar, Kevin, Tracy, Guinness and heavenly Harp 🐾
I can’t stress enough to get labwork and radiology tests done on your pets at regular and reasonable intervals to detect these illnesses, and worst case scenario, hemangiosarcoma or similar cancers like poor Harp developed. And get pet insurance for a savings account for when you least expect it. A couple bucks at the vet could save a world of heartache if found on time. Just tell the vet you want to have screenings and preventative labs done-even if they’re perfectly healthy. ❤️‍🩹 🍀