I know, I know, and they promised me only one at a time would be sick, but I guess some things can't be helped. [sigh]
Leo's IBD and pancreatitis flared up and he's as sick as he's been since his surgery last December to remove his colon (due to megacolon.) It took two months of nursing him back to health, and while he has regular bouts of IBD and sporadic bouts of pancreatits, we've managed both ok. Usually when one flares the other does, so I wasn't surprised by this latest episode. For the last day and a half he's as sick as I've seen him in a while, poor guy having issues from both ends. He screams when I try to help clean him up, so I figure it can wait a little bit until he feels better. I just feel so badly for him but don't think there's much more I can do. I'll get him back in to the vet tomorrow or Monday if he's not improving, though I think I have him on most of the meds he can be. My boy is 14 and has been through so much. He's gained all the weight back from when he was so sick and is such a joy. We're having litterbox issues and I've put him on meds trying to break that (no fun! No UTI though I suspect it may be because he doesn't feel well.) but I adore him and we'll figure it out. I just hope he can fight through this.
Then Harmon-- he had the best morning he's had in a long time and is loving the cooler weather. He walked further than he has in months, and was actually so excited for his breakfast that he nipped me! (He barely has teeth left so it's all good!) He ate really well and was doing great when I came home from work. Went to dinner with a friend and when I came home he was staggering around. He could barely walk, and what really freaked me out was that he let me help him. He's really stubborn and even when he had vestibulitis and couldn't walk, he wouldn't let me help him. I thought his joints were stiff (he's due for acupuncture tomorrow) but it's more than that. I went to feed him a treat and he couldn't get it. This is neurological. I thought he was going to have a seizure but he didn't. He's calm now and sleeping which hopefully will do him good.
Harmon is about to celebrate his fourth birthday this week in his forever home. Last year we celebrated his joining me with a homemade cake and treats along with a party of his favorite buddies. This year we are going to have a smaller version (he gets tired hosting) with his two favorite buddies to celebrate the joy he gave me coming home. He's probably 15 now and has surely made up for his earlier life. He's my heart. I adore him and absolutely love his stubbornness that has kept him with me through so many medical issues.
Leo was bad enough but Harmon really unnerved me. Please keep them in your thoughts and send some healing and hopeful wishes their way.
Thanks!!! Sam
Dearest Sam,
Your love for your precious furry ones is evident in every word you write. It is abundantly clear they are very blessed to have found themselves in your care, and undoubtedly you feel you have been blessed to be their caretaker. God love you and them...
Prayers, in abundance, are certainly on their way to Heaven for all of you, from Virginia, that you will have much more bonus time with your babies.
Much love, many prayers and infinite Hope,
Jabi
Sam, I'm sorry that you, Harmon and Leo are going through this, and there are many prayers coming from Edmonton that the boys recover quickly and that a worried Mom is able to relax a little.
I've added them to SN for you and will be watching for updates in the next few days.
Huggles and many prayers
Marf
I can't thank you guys enough for your notes and prayers.
Leo is a bit better this morning. He didn't throw up overnight and the bloody diarrhea was much improved. I did manage to give his back end a bath with a friend's help (yes, poor friends, but they know what they could be in for when entering my house!) He's more active, more affectionate, so I think he's on the path to feeling better and should in a couple of days.
Harmon was a little bit better this morning and ate well. We took him in for his acupuncture and the vet gave him a thorough exam. She didn't do the acupuncture (said it probably wouldn't do much given the symptoms.) She did confirm it's neurological and in his head. His motor skills are great. She confirmed my belief that it's either vestibular (likely inner ear infection or the nerve to the inner ear is inflamed) or a brain tumor. he had Vestibulitis two years ago in December, and the symptoms were like this though much worse as he couldn't really walk. It took two weeks of helping him and he was ok. Hoping that this is vestibulitis, and hoping it will be easier on him given that the symptoms aren't quite so severe. She said I'll know in a few days: he will either get a bit better, or much worse and then I'll know which it is. I hurt my back and neck so helping him isn't easy, and of course, his wobbliness and crookedness puts more strain on his weak and arthritic back and legs. So, tough on both but we'll manage, and I'll do everything and anything I can for him. Got him on an antibiotic in case it's an inner ear infection, and antiemetic for the dizzyness and likely nausea.
I am supposed to go to Seattle on Friday for a long weekend (how do they always know??) so playing it by ear. I have a plan for getting Harmon extra attention and support if I do go and he needs it, as I would still be concerned with two visits a day. Of course if he takes a turn, then I'll cancel. He's still got his feisty and is fighting this, so I'm happy to do the same right along with him. It's really hard emotionally and physically but he's my boy!
Thanks again and I'll keep you posted. I'm not much of a prayer, but I'm sure hoping this is an ear issue.
Harmy's mom
Why do these things alway seem to come in bunches, Sam? I'm sorry to hear that you have two sick kids to worry about. It's good news that Leo is improving. Fingers crossed that he'll keep up the good work, and big time prayers headed your way that Harmon's mobility problems will clear up with the antibiotic.
Please keep all of us updates when you can. You know how we all worry. (s)
Hugs
Marion
It's my *birthday* today, and I don't think I need to verbalize (or write) my wish for you to all know what it might be! I hope birthday wishes are as powerful as they are supposed to be! Leo's doing much better so I let him out of 'his room'. He's quite pleased with himself. Harmy's holding his own and was insistent for a walk yesterday and today. /We walked a few houses down and he's wobbly, but was happy about it. He's eating so-so but will do it with patience and encouragement. I'm optimistic that this is an ear thing and our bonus time of more than three years now will continue some time more. I'll take every moment I can get with my boy.
Thanks for the good wishes and I'm hoping to continue to post good news and progress.
Sam and the critters
Many prayers for Leo, Harmon, & you from TX.
I will be hoping for good news too.
My best to all of you,
Nancy
Oh Sam, It's so hard when 2 fur babies are sick at the same time.
I'm glad they are both doing a little better (maybe this warm-up will help Harmon)
Hugs,
Kay
Until one has loved an animal, part of one's soul remains unawakened. ~ Anatole France
I hope your birthday was a good one, Sam, in spite of the worry. It sounds as if both are improving, and that's probably the best birthday gift of all!
Hope that you had a Happy Birthday.
Many healing prayers headed your way for Leo and Harmon and for you.....
Hope you are able to take your long weekend.
We're doing much better, so my birthday wishes came true. Leo's flareup seems to have subsided. Harmy is starting to improve, which leads me to think this was an inner ear infection and the antibiotics are doing their thing. Yippee!! My boy is such a trooper! We went for a nice walk today (he's insisted on one every day, though they were short until today) and he's in great spirits. So is mommy now too!
His birthday is this Friday-- the day I brought him home four years ago. I'll surely be celebrating with my boy!
Happy mom--- Sam
Great News!
Great news, Sam! I'm happy for all three of you. Now you should get your weekend get-away free of guilt and worry.
Good job, Leo and Harmon.
My weekend in Seattle was wonderful, and I returned to a happy and dancing dog! Harmy is doing wonderfully, and Leo's holding his own too. They got 3-4 visits a day due to my wonderful petsitter and friends, and probably didn't miss me at all with the extra attention.
Happy and relieved mom!!
sam