Friday, September 7, 2012

Welcome To Our Infirmary

A lot of you have been emailing me and asking how the fur kids are feeling. Here's my report. Please forgive me if there are typos or things don't always make sense, I'm suffering from sleep deprivation. Why do kids and dogs  seem to get sick on weekends and holidays and always at night?
Here's the rundown. Sky and Bailey were back to normal in about 24 hours. Yeah! Morgan was better in about 48 hours, double yeah! Fudge was sick for about a week, but he's feeling fine now and I'll start switching him back to his regular food today.

On Wednesday I though Sebastian might be getting sick because he refused his breakfast. Then I thought it was because there were storms north of us, but the vet said that he probably did catch it and because he's young and healthy, he just shook it off fast. He's feeling great now.
That leaves Samba. We managed to stop the vomiting. We haven't been able to get the diarrhea under control. She's dropped from 44 pounds two weeks ago, to 38 pounds this morning. We took her back to the clinic early this morning. I was dreading what I was going to hear.

Samba is enrolled in the Georgie Project research program so last night I printed out the autopsy protocol to give to Dr B. When I mentioned it, he said we aren't ready to discuss it and that he has some more tricks up his sleeve.
Because of Samba's long term steroid use for her MMM, her immune system is greatly compromised. The fact that the other dogs became sick is actually a good thing because it tells us that she probably has the same infection but her system is having a harder time fighting it off. Before the others got sick we were looking at a liver problem, but now we're changing our direction a little.
These are Samba's medicines. Poor girl! She's very good about taking them and I only hope they can stop the diarrhea so she can start gaining some weight back. Sometimes she's interested in eating and other times she just walks away from her bowl. Last night she refused to eat, even when I tried spoon feeding her. This morning I fixed her a breakfast of baked potato and broiled chicken. That went over well and it was good to see her clean her bowl. Dr B and I discussed her diet and I'm making a stew of turkey, rice and sweet potato for her dinner.
I have promised her to do everything I can to make her feel better and she has promised to try to eat and to work at getting better. We're both counting on the Power Of The Paw to keep doing it's good work.

18 comments:

Lapdog Creations said...

Oh Samba girl.... we are glad to hear you've promised your Mom to try to eat and get better. We know Mom is doing everything she can to make that happen... and we have all paws, fingers and toes crossed her in NH for you. Much love and hugs!

Anonymous said...

Ohhhh Samba, thats one sad look, Bites knows, coming out both ends is not fun!!! You eat them Taters and we still have our paws crossed for you, REMEMBER The Power of The Paw is with you.

Your Furends
Susie & Bites

Matilda the Boxer said...

You've got lots of paw power coming from us!

SissySees said...

I'm glad to hear the others are doing well, and we'll keep paws and fingers and such crossed for Samba. I also hope your good vet has filed the autopsy protocol away so you don't have to print it out again. Once is more than enough for something like that.

We're also sending restful, peaceful vibes your way. It sure is stressful when you're short on sleep and a beloved fur-girl isn't well, isn't it?

Marjie said...

You are a great dog mom. I'm sure 10 dogs is just as hard as 9 kids, or maybe worse, because they don't talk. I'm glad Dr. B is still optimistic about Samba, and I know he'll help you any way he can. (Sebastian has a great face, BTW; he looks very happy in this picture). Thinking good thoughts for you this weekend, and hoping you'll get some sleep!

Jo's World said...

I was worried about what this post might be going to say, but it sounds very encouraging and I think I love your Dr. B.

Samba is such a beautiful girl, we just want her to get well and stay well. Paw Power and Prayer Power from this house.

Jo, Stella and Zkhat

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

We've got our paws crossed. We remember that box that's in the shed. Daisy, has been up several times for the last few nights wanting to go out AFTER a diarrhoea attack. Understand the sleep deprevation.

XXXOOODaisy,Bella & Roxy

Samba you gotta eat, girl.

Ruby said...

I'm soooo glad to hear the rest of the pack is doin' better! Yea!
Samba, I am keepin my paws crossed for ya. I hope you get your hungries back, and can get to that fightin' weight again. I'll be sendin' POTP all weekends for ya!
Moms, you are a champ. Isn't it ALWAYS the case that every pup and human pup gets the sickies on the holiday schedule! What's with that anyhu???
Try and get some sleep, and have a restful weekend!

Kisses,

Ruby

gMarie said...

I'm not sure which is better news - that Dr. B didn't want the protocol or that Samba ate breakfast. I hope she ate some dinner too. Fingers and paws crossed and sending all the great vibes we have your way. g

rottrover said...

I love that fortiflora stuff! It makes my tummy happy!! Paws remain crossed except during walks :-)

Bart and Ruby

The Life of Riley said...

Sending you the power of the paw from New Zealand.

Love,
Riley and Enzo (and thier human)

Molly the Airedale said...

Your turkey stew sounds delicious, Samba. Make sure you clean your plate! Our paws remain crossed for you!

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Howdy All, we have paws crossed and double crossed that Samba will soon be better. Hope you have gotten a little more sleep. Take care all. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

Dexter said...

Samba,
You know I am thinking of you each and every day.

All my love,
Mango

Anonymous said...

Goodness! So sorry to hear of so many of your pack not feeling well :( At least most are back to feeling good again.

Very encouraging that Samba is eating and her weight loss may be due to the same virus the others had and not something more severe. That dinner sounds delish! Keeping the healing vibes coming your way :)

Hugs and Wags,
The Roo Family

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

We'll be keeping all 36 paws at our house crossed for Samba. Hope you're feeling lots better really soon.

PawHugs
Amber and the Pack
DaWeenies of Florida

soulbrush said...

May the power of the paw be there for you all, and I hope you get some sleep really soon.

Nicki said...

I can't imagine printing our that form :(