On behalf of THISTLE

TO OUR DEAR ATB FAMILY & FRIENDS:
A little background so that what is shared below does not come as a complete surprise.  I first wrote about the initial discovery of Thistle's liver issues in "AS THE SEASONS CHANGE"  dated October 26, 2014  when Thistle was facing a life threatening medical emergency.   Then Julie shared "How a Puppy Named Thistle Saved My Life" in her own blog "When Life Gives You Curves" as published at Bangor Daily News. Two and a half years later, we now work together to save Thistle's life through prayers, friendship, support and by helping Julie in any way possible with the veterinary expenses. (I was going to set up a "gofundme" page. This post has been edited to reflect that will not be the case at this time because some of 'you' have so kindly contacted me to ask for Julies address to reach out to her directly. Thank you and may God bless you.)

Picking up where we left off from the last update... recently, Thistle's vet determined it was time to consult a specialist.  Here are some personal notes from the outcome of her visit with the specialist on February 27, 2017:

"I am not sure where to begin with Thistle, except that we are on a cusp. If we are going to identify this thing and get a handle on it, we need to do it now. That means biopsy. Thistle's liver is starting to get smaller and odder shaped, and the vet says if she starts to go into serious fibrosis as her enzyme levels indicate she will, there is no bringing her back from that. If we can get it identified, we can get her on appropriate meds and she can have a long life. The vet is not sure what it is, but she's seen some of this kind of thing that ended up being a weird bacteria. Anyway, she is recommending a biopsy with several different tests to the liver tissue that I will write in a few minutes, including sending samples to Cornell for specific tests. Estimate is $3,000-$4,000.  If we do nothing, she will have a very short life. The vet has suggested checking the liver for very weird aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, a metal analysis (sent to Colorado for a special test), tick-borne disease screen, histopathology to be sent to Cornell, Bartonella Antibody and God knows what else. She wants Thistle to stay on antibiotic and Denamarin and has added Ursodiol, and is putting her back on a liver diet food... So many things have changed [since her original liver biopsy] and the specialist feels that the progression of this disease is now at a point where we might find answers that were inconclusive before.  This has progressed to a point where we have to get aggressive or accept her fate if we don't."

Her first surgery for this second biopsy is scheduled to take place now in just a few days.

You know I'm a person of deep Christian faith and I can stand on God's Word and on His Promises, believing for divine intervention and healing.  I also know God works in amazing ways through science, medicine, people, through family and friends,  through professionals and through total strangers.  Thistle's medical expenses may skyrocket. It's not easy to ask for help, in fact it feels downright awkward. But I ask. Not on my behalf but on Thistle and Julie's behalf. They need each other.  Please keep Julie, Thistle, and all of us in prayer.   And as always God bless.  Feel free to comment, we'd love to hear from others.  We covet your prayers, above all, we covet your prayers.
John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

UPDATE: 3/6/17
Thistle is home tonight with Julie following surgery that was performed today for her second liver biopsy.  We are hopeful for an uneventful recovery.  Several liver tissue samples removed today are now on their way to specific testing facilities throughout the country in hopes of nailing this thing down.  For those who express an interest privately we'll be happy to share and exchange information.

I am happy to share Julie's mailing address. Please email me at jasbrittanys@comast.net with "JULIE" as subject line.