Earlier this week, Bentley had a severe “vascular event” in his spine, causing complete paralysis of his rear legs. As of Thursday evening, his condition is “guarded” but he is stable, in the intensive care unit of Tuft’s University Animal Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts. His spinal cord is swollen. A small blood clot and a small amount of tissue was removed from his spine, but during surgery he regurgitated. This increases the risk of acquiring Aspiration Pneumonia, and his doctor’s are watching him.
At this point, it is impossible to speak of his recovery. Doctors are uncertain as to how successful the surgery will be, because the amount of compression by the tissue fragments was so small. Yet, the surgery was performed because it was one of the few options available to them.
Last night, I was up until 4am, researching spine injuries in dogs. I came across a study done at Perdue University. A particular substance, when injected into the spine within 72 hours of the vascular event, caused a remarkable improvement and restoration of mobility, even in paralyzed animals. I contacted the researchers involved in the study. This morning, I received a note in reply stating that the substance is now patented (the study was from 2004) and not available to consumers, but they would send a dose to the hospital for Bentley. Flooded with gratitude and emotion, I was unable to speak to her on the phone and Dennis had to call her and give her Bentley’s weight and the address of the hospital, along with our doctor’s name.
In the morning when the substance arrives, Bentley’s neurologist will inject his spine with this drug. Right now, it’s my best hope.
If Bentley survives, when he is discharged he will enter a canine physical rehabilitation program. We are currently looking for a program in Western Massachusetts. Our doctors at Tuft’s have told us they will discuss this issue with us when the time comes.
As things stand, Bentley is resting peacefully, attached as he is to an IV infusion of narcotic pain relievers. Tomorrow, we will hear from the doctor for an update on his condition.
Those of you who have read my essay collections know how much Bentley means to me. I cannot imagine that I could love a human child more than I love this furry four-legged child. I am calm, almost emotionally flat, but will abruptly begin sobbing. At moments, I feel overwhelmed by horror.
We are currently in New York City and will return to Massachusetts tomorrow, Friday. The Cow is safe with us.
If Bentley does survive, it appears our lives will change dramatically. There is a very real chance that Bentley will lose his ability to control his bowels, walk with a stiff, awkward “spine walk” with his front feet and be anxious and depressed. I don’t care if he has to crawl everywhere, as long as he is happy and able to live a good, comfortable life. I will gladly change his diapers and turn him every twenty minutes so that he doesn’t get bed sores, I just want him to overcome this and adjust to it. I just want to see that spark of wild joy in his eyes once again.
If you are aware of any clinical trials, medications or treatments for dogs with spine injuries, please send a note. I need all the help I can get –every idea is welcome. If you know of a valuable resource for living with a handicapped pet, please pass this along, too. And please understand that I’m not going to be able to give any interviews, update this website, accept any new projects or read and reply to fan mail. All my time and energy must be focused on my family, and on making sure this most precious member of it recovers.
I am so sad and scared. But I am also so grateful to Bentley’s doctors and to the researchers at Perdue, who have given me my hope.
This all started on Tuesday morning, when Bentley was lethargic and didn’t want to get out of bed. Wednesday, he couldn’t walk, stumbled when he took a step. There was no accident, nothing out of the usual. All of a sudden, everything changed. Last Christmas, the house flooded. This Christmas, my family shattered. I would give anything to go back in time for a week and just stay there, under the covers, Bentley pressed against me. I can’t stand thinking of him all alone at a hospital, confused and in pain, not understanding why his people have abandoned him. I have to stop myself from thinking about this or I will really and truly go crazy.
Thank you all for your support. So many people come to my readings and events with pictures of their own French Bulldogs, ask about Bentley and Cow’s health and share stories from their own lives with dogs. It’s a real comfort to me to know that so many of my fans are dog lovers, too. Maybe you’ve even been through something similar to this? If so, please tell me your story. Like I said, I don’t think I’ll be able to respond, but it would really be good to read about how you overcame something horrible with your dog.
Thank you. And I’ll let you know when I know something concrete.
Augusten Burroughs
December 7, 2006
