Since returning from Italy, we have had a few 'health scares'.
I detailed all of Dante's illnesses prior to leaving. Kristen and Gyeong took excellent care of him and we are definitely showing improvement. He is now on pancreatic enzyme supplements which have drastically improved his bowel function and his Cushing's meds are regulated. So we have significant progress with him. He seems to be gaining weight, is feisty and stubborn again..so he must be feeling well.
Right after we returned, Shiloh (who will be 14 in August), had a small seizure. It definitely took me longer to get over than it did her...but she checked out OK at the vet. She seems healthy and happy now. apparently..they just happen sometimes. I would prefer if it didn't happen again..i don't think my emotional well being will fair well.
Oh Henry..Henry, who will be 12 in August, stopped eating completely a few weeks ago. Nothing stirred his appetite..tuna, chicken, turkey, rice, yogurt, baby food, oatmeal..you name it..we tried it. he was sad, depressed. So we went the vet on day 3. Everything looked normal so we tried some anti-nausea meds. On day 6 of not eating, we went back. After numerous blood tests, fluids and Xrays, everything looked normal. So we went to an internal medicine specialist who did an ultrasound. his lymph nodes were enlarged. This is typically due to Inflammatory Bowel disease or Lymphoma. They did a needle aspirate of his spleen.
The aspirate showed some 'unhappy' cells meaning his immune system was out of whack for some reason. We started him on antibiotics and took him home. Either diagnosis would improve with antibiotics, for a short time.
He has improved. On day 10 of his fast, he started to eat small amounts. he is now eating regular meals (of chicken and rice only) and seems to be a bit perkier. We are just watching him for now..this may continue..it may not. We didn't want to put him under anesthesia to do a biopsy which would have given us a definitive diagnosis. It would be for our benefit, not his.
So for now..we are keeping the old man happy and hoping he has time ahead of him. So we are moving forward hoping everyone continues to improve.
We have been getting fresh local produce from Dominion Harvest delivered to us..this past week it had Hanover Honey..
I call this "heaven on a plastic cutting sheet" Local goat cheese and honey with an Italian white wine..
And for the first time in a long time, we have a true foster. Dancer is 2 and kind feeling like the kid who gets dropped off at grandma's retirement home for the weekend. Shuffleboard and Bingo are not her bag.
I will have a photo filled post soon. We have a pretty cool weekend planned with the Park pack.
7 comments:
Seizures are not fun. I'm dealing with that right now with Zephyr. He's started taking medicine for them. It's hard having older animals. I hope everyone continues to do well. Dancer sure is cute.
Seizures are very scary. I hope your pack continues to do well.
We share your pain! Our senior dog keeps us on our toes day and night. I know that scary seizure feeling and it's not fun. I'm hoping that all of your seniors have some happy years left with you!
Your foster is adorable! What a cutie!
Glad your kids have stabilized. See you and kids this weekend. The kids can discuss their old dog ailments while we go out for wine and cheese :)
Hope all your fur babies are much better.
Loving your Foster Dancer. Hope he finds a forever home soon.
Isn't Dancer a cutie pie:) I hope she finds her forever home soon too, but you probably don't mind having her around for a while longer!
So sorry the oldies are causing worry:( I do sympathise and know what you're going through, been there, done that. It's basically 1 day at a time, isn't it. And making the best of every one of them:)
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