Our sweet 4 year old boy Drake is in critical condition and we’re absolutely heart broken. On Friday (yesterday), Drake was bitten on the neck by a snake. We took him to the emergency vet when we noticed the bite and the swelling on his neck. After assessment and multiple blood panels, the veterinarian decided he was stable and could recover at home with pain medication. This morning when we woke up, the swelling was much worse and had spread to his face, chest, and legs and his pain was uncontrollable. We took him back to the emergency vet and they admitted him. They found that his platelets are extremely low and he’s at risk for a fatal clotting disorder and internal bleeding. After a vial of anti venom and multiple pain medications, he didn’t show any signs of improvement and is getting worse so we had to take him to a specialist in Cary to receive a higher level of care. His initial emergency vet visits were $1,600 total and it is estimated that his treatment in Cary will be at least $8,000 to $10,000. We couldn’t imagine life without our boy and any little bit of help would be so appreciated.

Update as of Sunday: Drake made it through the night and to everyone’s surprise he’s showing little signs of improvement. His blood protein levels have improved with plasma infusions, swelling is slightly improved, he’s producing urine, and his kidney function levels are elevated but haven’t worsened since last night. Our prognosis last night was questionable but today the veterinarian said things are slowly moving in the right direction. That being said, if things continue to go well he will be hospitalized until at least Tuesday. It’s estimated that it will cost an additional $1,500 per day. We’re so grateful for everyone who has donated so far and we’re trying to celebrate all of the small wins right now.

Update as of Monday: Drake is fighting hard and his kidneys have made some huge improvements. Creatinine went from 5.32 on admission to Cary Hospital to 2.37 as of 8am today (normal is less than 1.6). Urine output is great. There was a big concern of kidney failure so this is a huge win. The bleeding from his mouth and neck has increased a bit and blood work shows slight anemia and low platelets. They believe the venom is still circulating and effecting his blood count so he will be receiving two more doses of anti-venom and a blood transfusion today. His blood pressure is stable and heart rate has improved. He’s moving in the right direction to make it home to us. Although we have a long way to go. Current estimate for hospitalization so far is $15,000 through the end of today. We can’t tell you how much we appreciate everyone who has reached out, supported us, and donated so far. Drake is a very loved boy.

Update as of Tuesday morning: everything went great with Drake’s blood transfusion and anti-venom infusion yesterday. He has now had 7 vials of anti-venom ($700 per vial). His heart rate on admission was in the 180s and is around 105 as of this morning. Blood pressure has been stable and lab values have improved since the transfusion. Our hope is that is stays this way despite the venom still circulating and essentially trying to destroy his blood cells. His facial swelling has improved and has moved downward toward his trunk and legs thanks to gravity because our boy can finally move around some. We’re still facing some really big obstacles. His kidneys are still struggling, his wounds are severe in his mouth and on his neck, and we’re unsure if the improvements from the blood transfusion are permanent or temporary. Next lab draw is around noon today and we’re hoping to hear from the vet this morning with more details. Thank you all so much for the ongoing love and support.

Update as of Wednesday: unfortunately Drake’s overnight blood work showed worsening anemia so he had to get another blood transfusion. He also got another dose of anti-venom. Today his blood work looked much better and time will tell if it will stay this way. They were able to lower his IV fentanyl dose quite a bit and he handled that really well….thankfully he did because he chewed out his IV catheter this evening (someone is feeling better!). He has started drinking some water which is amazing but he’s still not eating much. He got his first dose of an appetite stimulant today so hopefully that will encourage him to eat. Overall he’s making steps in the right direction. Our boy is going to make it home - it’s just a matter of time and checking all the boxes ❤️‍

We are so so thankful for everyone who has supported us emotionally and financially through this process. This boy has needed THE WORKS! The total cost for his hospitalization as of today is $18,160.48 so we really have needed all the help we can get.