[theoddz]

I have just returned from the animal hospital, where I took little Ivan today. We had xrays taken and it revealed a large pool of barium dye, concentrated in what we *think* is his large bowel. It's so hard to discern exactly what is going on where with him, due to the fact that he's so small and, well, he is a frog!! But there is an obstruction.

Now, there is one option left, and I have decided to opt for it, even though it is a chancey thing......surgery. His doctor is an "exotic pet specialist and surgeon", and she does have experience with amphibians. She seems to think that, given Ivan's young age and the fact that he is still quite active, despite having this problem, he may well be able to pull through a surgery to relieve this problem. I sat and thought about this option, long and hard. I even prayed to my G-d to guide my decision and give me the strength to see it through, come what may. I decided that it was worth a chance to save Ivan's life. He deserves the right to fight for his life. This, from one of my favorite movies, "Seven Years In Tibet", kept coming into my mind:

"All beings tremble before danger and death. Life is dear to all. When a man considers this, he does not kill, or cause to kill." -- Dalai Llama, quoting Buddhist scripture.

So, we are going ahead with the surgery, which will probably take place tomorrow afternoon. The doctor is going to do it via laser, so blood loss will be minimal. I left Ivan at the hospital and they're going to keep him medicated with pain meds before and after his surgery. In the event that the doctor begins the surgery and correcting it is impossible or hopeless, then I will have him promptly euthanized.

Ivan needs all of our prayers, healing energy and lights. I am now asking everyone here to, please, offer up a little prayer for Ivan, that he has the strength and will to keep fighting a little harder, for a little longer. I know that I'm going to be in a lengthy prayer session tonight, myself.

Once again, thank you to everyone, from Ivan, Myra and me.

This is for my little Ivan, with all my love, prayers and hopes. He has always made me ~smile~.


~Theo~