Self Diagnosis

This morning, after weeks of requests, I received this document from the rescue where we got Cy.

Here is the translation I completed via Google Translate.

I Googled some key words and came across this article: https://www.idexx.com/en/veterinary/reference-laboratories/exposure-and-ckd-study/

Simultaneously, I sent the document over to Cy’s current vet and asked the rescue if they had any follow up labs that course of treatment and follow up results.

At this point, I’m starting to believe this is the root of Cy’s diagnosis, that it isn’t congenital. That what a lot of people say about a congenital diagnosis as a go-to for instances where medical history is blurry is true.

Source: IDEXX Laboratories

The chart above brings a mix of emotions.

If it is in fact ehrlichia that lead to Cy’s CKD as a pet parent, I’m both sad and angry, but anger stands out the most. If his medical history was disclosed when I was talking to the rescue before meeting him or even perhaps disclosed to the that adopted him prior to me, would he have had a chance to receive treatment sooner? Why did they not fully disclose everything, especially with a dog with one eye, who clearly has a medical history?

If he was born with it, then it’s in his DNA and makes him who he is and that’s something that’s easier to accept. But it’s both frustrating and heartbreaking to think that he could have avoided a chronic illness if only transparency and education were more readily available.

And while I am frustrated at the rescue for not being more transparent and more helpful at this point, the other part of my heart goes out to people who are trying to help dogs in general.

I still believe though that in order to truly help, you have to be educated in the best ways to help. Unfortunately for Cy, he was dealt the worst hand.

Also… side note: Registration date is Nov 2019 and he’s slated as two years old. Does that mean he’s closer to three now?