JoAndGreytdogz Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 Denis and I were extremely stressed out last week but I wasn't able to say anything until now. Now that it has had a happy ending, I have decided to write about it, mostly as a reminder to check your homes so that you won't have to go through the same thing as we did. One week ago, Monday, while we were at work, TJ found a bottle of Advil that we had left in house. The Advil was in a bag somewhere in the house and TJ found it, and chewed right through the plastic and ate who-knows-how-many of the "candy". By the time we got home and found the empty bottle, it was totally mangled and only 5 pills were found on the floor. We know that the bottle had been opened and some taken, but we have no idea how many had been in there and how many TJ got. We also had no idea when he had done it - the bottle was bone dry when we found it. We took TJ, who was vomiting by this time, Rowdy and Lefty with us to the emergency vet. We weren't sure if Rowdy and Lefty had got some too so we thought we better get some treatment for them too just to be safe. Rowdy and Lefty were not vomiting or showing any signs like TJ was. TJ went first, evaluated and put on IV fluids, blood work done and given a dose of charcoal. He remained at the emerg overnight so he could be closely monitored. Rowdy and Lefty were each given a dose of charcoal and sent home with us. The next morning, we picked up TJ and took him to our regular vet for continued treatment. For the next 5 days in he**, we were going day-by-day to see if TJ would survive. Most dogs who have such toxic poisonings do not survive, and if by chance he did survive, he would most likely have some permanent damage to his kidneys and other organs. The vets were most concerned with ulcers and perforation of his intestines, this would require immediate major surgery and with damaged kidneys, they weren't sure he would survive the surgery. Wednesday and Thursday were the worst days. He was heading downhill - they were positive he had ulcers and internal bleeding as well as damage to his kidneys. We struggled through those days, so stressed that we could barely function. On Friday we saw some improvement and were very hopeful although is blood work still showed some internal issues and he still had blood in his urine. Saturday morning showed considerable improvement. Enough so that he as able to come home for the weekend. So we happily took our "walking pharmacy" (he had many medications that had to go home with him) home. He was exhausted and spent the whole day sleeping but was really happy to be home. On Sunday, we had our own TJ back. He was perky, energetic and the very happy-go-lucky boy. It was so wonderful to see him like that. Yesterday, Monday, I took him back to the vet for a recheck and amazingly, his blood work showed everything was back to normal - including his kidneys. It is a miracle! We are all ecstatic, including our vet. He is being weaned off all the medications that he has been on for the past week and goes back to the vet in 2-weeks for a follow up to make sure everything is still good. All I can say is it is a miracle that he made it and I thank our vet and the technicians for the wonderful and special care they gave to TJ. Our vet closes the office at 6:30 everyday yet TJs vet went in a few times every night while he was there to take him out for a short walk and to make sure he was okay. Bless his heart. Please...I urge you to go through your home and make sure that there is nothing toxic or dangerous that your dog can get into. We have gone through our entire house and put away anything that we can that is even slightly toxic or dangerous. We have blocked off the rooms that we cannot do anything about such as my studio and Denis' stained glass work room. Quote Joanne The GlassHound Greyt Designs Greyt Auctions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 I'm so very glad TJ is going to be okay. What a horrible week! A good warning for all of us. Thanks Joanne! Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 WOW!! This IS A TRUE Miracle, believe me! Especially with no damage to the liver or kidneys! I have seen humans who purposely over-dosed on this, die. I am soooooooooooooooooooooo happy for you guys, and yes, thanks for posting that warning about meds being left around where these inquisitive babies can get them. Love, hugs and prayers for all of you, and what you have gone through! Dee and The Five! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackandgrey Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 I'm going to move some stuff right now. Thanks! Quote Susan, Jessie and Jordy NORTHERN SKY GREYHOUND ADOPTION ASSOCIATION Jack, in my heart forever March 1999-Nov 21, 2008 My Dancing Queen Jilly with me always and forever Aug 12, 2003-Oct 15, 2010 Joshy I will love you always Aug 1, 2004-Feb 22,2013 Jonah my sweetheart May 2000 - Jan 2015 " You will never need to be alone again. I promise this. As your dog, I will sing this promise to you, and whisper it to you at night, every night, with my breath." Stanley Coren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Adrianne Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 I'm so glad TJ is okay. Wow, what an ordeal! Thank you for the very important reminder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 I'm so glad you and TJ have a happy ending...and it's so important that stories like this are shared here for everyone to learn from. The dogs will get into the darndest things! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trihounds Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 A good reminder - so glad TJ is doing better. Thanks for sharing this difficult story. Quote Doe's Bruciebaby Doe's Bumper Derek Follow my Ironman journeys and life with dogs, cats and busy kids: A long road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FastDogsOwnMe Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 Wow. That is amazing. How terrifying!! I always put my Advil up high, because I have thought about that. It's so scary! I take some headmeds that I am pretty sure could kill a dog, too (Zoloft, Klonopin, Trazodone) so I am SUPER careful between the pups and the baby! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 Thank you for sharing your story. It's a timely reminder! I'm guilty of leaving a full bottle of Ibuprofen within Finnian's reach... all too often. That will now change. Thankfully your boy pulled through this ordeal. Hugs to all. Quote Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mcsheltie Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 It is so good to hear good news! Yeah!!!!!! Blood work back to normal after that IS a miracle!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest moremoney Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 I'm glad that TJ is ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandimom Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 Thank you for this warning! This morning when I clicked on the freekibble site there was a warning about medications. Something like 98% of the no no's are meds that our pets get into. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SueG201 Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 Thanks for the heads up I leave my Advil up very high in the cabinet but you never know, I know of several whippets that did not survive after eating advil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45MPHK9 Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 so glad your baby is OK! this is a good reminder for everyone. Quote Tricia with Kyle, our senior mutt dog Always missing Murray Maldives, Bee Wiseman, River, Hopper, Kaia, and Holly Oaks Holly“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.“ -Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest redreed Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 What a wonderful answer to prayers!!! Thank G-d for miracles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DundeeToddsMom Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 Thank you for the reminder. I'm so glad TJ is ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 I am SO glad that TJ is alright! Ladies, that goes for purses too...I keep bottles of human NSAIDS in my purse, as well as some daily meds that I take in the middle of the day while at work...I always keep my purse in the kitchen on the counter because that area is babygated. You never know when some gum or something in your purse might smell yummy and then when they find the fun shaker bottles, it becomes a very dangerous situation. Quote Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dragontearz Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 I'm glad that with my ulcers I can't take painkillers, they affect my stomach in a very bad way, and knowing Guinness anything with the potential to be edible he will try!..Thank you for the heads up, something to keep in mind when we move next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wonder Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 Glad he's ok I yell at my mom all the time for leave her sudafed on the window sill above the sink. She doesn't think the dogs can get at it but the cat can and could knock it on the floor for the dogs. Quote Kari and the pups.Run free sweet Hana 9/21/08-9/12/10. Missing Sparks with every breath.Passion 10/16/02-5/25/17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Greytluv Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 How scary for you I'm so glad TJ is okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiona3 Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 Fantastic that TJ is doing so well. What a nightmare for you to experience - I'm so glad this had a happy ending. Thank you for the reminder. I'm going to double check the house to be sure there is nothing left out that could be harmful. Quote Hobbes - April 2, 1994 to April 9, 2008-----Tasha - May 23, 2000 to March 31, 2013 Fiona - Aug 29, 2001 to May 5, 2014-----Bailey - March 22, 2001 to Jan 20, 2015 Zeke - June 1, 2004 - Jan 26, 2016----Callie - July 14, 2006 to July 27, 2019 Forever in my heart: Chooch, Molly, Dylan & Lucy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 I am so glad TJ is ok. Thank you for sharing an important reminder for all of us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoAndGreytdogz Posted January 27, 2010 Author Share Posted January 27, 2010 Thank you everyone. There have been some good input that I didn't think of. Purses, I use to leave mine hanging on the railing at the top of the stairs. I keep medication in my purse too. Since last week, I now leave it high up on my dresser. Cats - I don't have any cats, but it is very possible that your cat could knock a bottle of medication of a shelf or ledge to the floor or counter where your dog can find it. The safest place for all medications and supplements would be behind a closed door. I am so happy that so many of you are going to make sure that this does not happen to you... Quote Joanne The GlassHound Greyt Designs Greyt Auctions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 Happened to me twice, two different dogs. Thankfully I was able to make them vomit it up and there were no lasting effects, once was ibuprofin and once it was thyroid pills. Dogs do the strangest things! I keep all meds WAY up in the cupboards now. I still carry advil in my purse and I make sure it's zipped at all times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 So happy that TJ's story has a happy ending Quote Michelle...forever missing her girls, Holly 5/22/99-9/13/10 and Bailey 8/1/93-7/11/05 Religion is the smile on a dog...Edie Brickell Wag more, bark less :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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