Linder experimented with different diets to see what Loki would tolerate. The Bulldog initially did best on a specially formulated highly digestible diet, but after some creative calculations to make sure it was safe, the feline version of the diet was used to provide higher protein.
"It was kind of like building with individual Lego pieces instead of trying to force-fit a pre-built structure," says Linder. "We had to go back to the basics, to the smallest components, to give his body the best chance to rebuild and gain muscle. It was the only way to make sure he got all the essential nutrients he needed."
Rosum recalls the feeding trials, "We had to feed him pretty much upright in a chair so that the food would go down in an upright position for five minutes after he ate. It was a long road. At times, I wondered if we were doing the right thing. Dr. Meyer told me, 'If at any time I think there isn't any hope, I will let you know.' She helped me stay the course and had hoped that these treatments would help him, which of course they did."
"One of the most important factors in Loki's care was, and still is, the dedication of his family," says Meyer. "They visited with him for a few hours every day while he was in the ICU, and no matter how worried we were for him, we never once gave up on him."
When he seemed well enough, the doctors sent Loki home with steroids to treat his lipo granulomatous lymphangitis and supportive and nutritional medications, but he was back at FHSA the following week. He continued to have little interest in eating and regurgitated what he did eat, with bouts of diarrhea. The doctors readmitted Loki and put him back on IV nutrition. Over a week, he showed some improvement and went home with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line in his neck. Rosum was trained to administer his medications several times a day.
"It was a last-ditch effort," says Snow. "Around this time, Loki turned the corner in a good way."
Two days later Loki was doing well, so Linder tried another diet for his GI tract to better absorb nutrients. She was able to obtain samples of a new elemental type of dog food just about to hit the market. The diet was specially formulated to aid in digestion and reduce the work of the GI to absorb nutrients—and that did the trick.
"It helped with Loki's inflammation, it's very digestible, and he's been on it ever since," says Snow. "Dr. Linder has been integral to this case. At Tufts, we have open communication between the teams. I could go to Dr. Linder with any questions. She not only gave me the answer but why the answer was what it was. It was not only collaborative but a learning experience for me."
Loki's PICC line was removed within a few days, and over the next several months, he gradually weaned off most medications.
"Now he's a pudge ball, and things are looking up for him," Snow says. "We found the diet, and it gave him enough time for the bowel to adjust, and luckily, he has very dedicated owners."
Loki returns to FHSA periodically for weight checks, ultrasounds, and bloodwork to track his recovery.
"I credit the doctors at Foster Hospital for taking great care of him. When we go for check-ups, Dr. Snow brings Loki around to show everyone how well he's doing. Loki's himself again. He's made a big turnaround," says Rosum.
"I always love when we get to collaborate with all the special expertise we have at Cummings School to help animals with unique needs like Loki," says Linder. "We are the only veterinary center in New England that has a team of board-certified specialists in critical care, internal medicine, surgery, anesthesia, and nutrition—all of which Loki needed—that can work together on special cases like this. I'm so glad to have the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible team of experts. And we're so happy to see Loki thriving now!"