Special Needs

Watch Alexa use her new cart!

August 2, 2007:
Alexa's new cart arrived at CVS from www.doggon.com. Alexa and I went to CVS to see Dr Ballengee. She had Alexa's cart all put together and ready for her to be fitted. It was time for a test run. With a little prompting Alexa got the hang of the cart pretty quick. We are so very grateful for all Dr Ballengee has done to get Alexa up and running! We went back to the Blue Flint on Saturday August 4th and a minor set back, Alexa has a urinary tract infection (UTI), again. Alexa continues to go to work with me everyday and is very much loved on and spoiled. Thanks to everyone who helped. Especially thanks to Dr Ballengee!

Help Alexa Rose

A blessing from Heaven…a call came in for help from a family that could not care for there animals. Not knowing what to expect we rang the door bell and no answer. We walked to the back to witness four dogs on chains each with adequate shelter food and water. Several puppies running a muck. As well as two other dogs running free in a fenced area. The surroundings where not clean and feces had not been picked up in a long while. As we approached the back porch several puppies came running, approximately 8 weeks old. One stood out as she drug her little body across the wooden deck. She was immediately swooped up and passed on in my arms to go immediately to the vet. Two others came along. The next day we went back and picked up the other three. At this point it was apparent the puppies where suffering from malnutrition, parasites and serve neglect. During the next few days two of the puppies died.

After examining Alexa, it was concluded that we would “hobble” her legs and all indications where that she would walk in time. Shortly after leaving the vet and arriving in foster care her sister came down with parvo and Alexa got it next. Alexa showed signs during the night and was rushed to CVS and then taken to our regular vet the next day. Both puppies miraculously lived through that. One week after recovering from parvo, Alexa had a severe intestinal infection and had a high temperature and was dehydrated. She had to go back to the vet and be put on IV’s for three days. With an insational will to live she recovered but her body and legs where growing and her walking ability and muscle tone was diminishing.

At this point she is at 14 weeks. So we decided to run x-rays. X-rays reveled no apparent abnormalities. Next it was time to see Dr. Skeen, Neurology, at Carolina Veterinary Specialist (CVS). After a complete examination and review of her x-rays he suggested we run a blood panel and check for possible infection. He felt she had a good chance of walking again. They also gave me a belly strap to walk her with and two antibiotics to start her off with until they got the blood work back. Blood work came back and no infection but she seemed to be improving.

Dr Skeen saw her again for a follow up at 16 weeks. He suggested a MRI $1500 and a spinal tap $600. This is way out of our budget. The other alternative was to continue with the antibiotics and go see the physical therapist. And continue with her walking and exercises. At this point lots of prayers. Through the course of all of this Alexa has displayed a tremendous will to live and is an inspiration every day that she continues to improve. Of course it is unfortunate that all of this is been very costly. All her siblings have had other aliments related to there poor immune systems. But is that will to live that makes you want to continue to treat and work with these blessings from Heaven.

She was evaluated on Tuesday by Dr Ballengee at CVS for rehab training and Alexa is going to start water treadmill therapy on Thursday 6/21. We are also doing exercises with her at home to strengthen her muscles.
The cost for the therapy will be $335 for 10 sessions and $50 for a special walking harness. And Dr Skeen wants to evaluate her in two weeks. And of course that is just the start. Dr Ballengee and Dr Skeen both seem to think she has a good chance of walking. Maybe not 100% but walking is walking.
We are asking for help with her physical therapy as well as all other medical treatments needed for her to walk. All donations are tax deductible.

Alexa Update June 25, 2007

Thursday 6/21/2007 Alexa started her therapy with Dr Ballengee at CVS. She did great on the under water treadmill but Dr Ballengee noticed Alexa’s legs where bowing out significantly and this was of concern for her to continue her therapy. Dr Ballengee had order and received her new harness, which fits and works great. She gave me some new exercises to do and I told her I had an appointment with Dr Skeen On Thursday 6/27 and she said good because she (Dr Ballengee) would be there also and she would like to discuss Alexa’s condition with him. Otherwise Alexa got lots of love and attention from Dr Ballengee and the CVS techs.

Thursday 6/27/2007Alexa had an appointment with Dr Skeen at 11am, Dr Ballengee to follow. Dr Skeen observed Alexa and did a few reflex tests. He has determined that her condition is declining and since euthanizing is NOT an option. She should be fitted for a cart and that she will not be able to walk on her own. Although this is very dis-hearting, I know Alexa will do fine in the cart. And to help prevent any infection when she scoots across the floor we are going to purchase her some plastic diapers. Dr Ballengee is going to help get her cart and get her fitted properly. Although Dr Skeen can not be sure, he feels Alexa has some nerve problem or damage and possible a spine problem. Dr Skeen and Dr Ballengee have been awesome with Alexa’s care over the last several weeks.

Everyone who comes in contact with Alexa loves her. I am so very grateful for all the donations. It will help pay for her cart, diapers and her continued medical care. She has an incredible will to live! She comes to work with me everyday and sits next to my desk.

Alexa is six months old now and weighs 25lbs.

Thursday 7/17/2007 Alexa is battling a urinary tract infection right now but the meds are helping a lot. I am told this could be an on going problem and it is important she stays clean. But if that is not enough she now has demodect mange. Her brother, two sisters and mom have all had demodect and I was hoping it would by pass her but no such luck. She takes it all stride. Alexa went Wednesday and Dr Ballengee measured her for her cart. The cart is being made by Doggon Wheels, www.doggon.com. It will be shipping to us on Wednesday July 18th, along with Alexa's new diaper. I am so excited for Alexa. The cart will give her some freedom which I know she will thoroughly enjoy.
Thursday 8/2/2007: Alexa's new cart arrived at CVS from www.doggon.com. Alexa and I went to CVS to see Dr Ballengee. She had Alexa's cart all put together and ready for her to be fitted. It was time for a test run. With a little prompting Alexa got the hang of the cart pretty quick. We are so very grateful for all Dr Ballengee has done to get Alexa up and running! We went back to the Blue Flint on Saturday August 4th and a minor set back, Alexa has a urinary tract infection (UTI), again. Alexa continues to go to work with me everyday and is very much loved on and spoiled. Thanks to everyone who helped. Especially thanks to Dr Ballengee!

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