Norm Update

[Hollis]

Figured I'd start a new topic as my other two kind of went in different directions.

 

 

We've been to the vet. Norms bloodworm all came back fine. He was worried about kidneys but that's ok. There is nothing obvious going on.

 

Norm had four shots. An anelsigic at my request because he hasn't had his pain pills since Saturday.

 

Two tummy shots, one to coat his tummy and the other a zantec type shot. He's on zantec twice a day for the next 5 days.

 

And a heavy duty anti-biotic because two weeks ago he lost yet another toenail. We did nothing to treat it as this fairly routine for him but he was running a minor temp at vet so he thought it best to be safe.

 

Vet tried to get him to eat some baby food ther, but no luck. He sent us home with two cans of high caloric dog food and hopefully within the next 12 hours we'll see some improvement.

 

 

 

The really hard part now is.....the shots could have a sedating effect AND he got two shots im in each rear leg. Now he's having a HELL of a time walking. I've resorted to a towel sling (thank god for you guys. I wouldn't have even thought about it without you guys) to get him around the house and outside. Called the vet back and he said to let him rest and check back in the morning. And, if he hasn't eaten by then, we may have him go on iv fluids to get him more hydrated then he is.

 

So. I guess it's good news and bad news. There's nothing obvious but we have no clue what's going on.

[Jenbo]

How distressing! I really hope he starts to eat and starts feeling better pronto.

[tbhounds]

X-ray???

[maggiespet]

Holly - I know you gals are perplexed - but I'm gonna pray that the antibiotic has him feeling better tomorrow afternoon(ish). And more prayers that your handsome gentleman will then eat. From my thoughts and prayers to God's ear.

[Houndtime]

I hope Norm is feeling better soon.

[Remolacha]

[Hollis]

No X-ray.

 

 

He is "waking up". Just went out and peed. On his own! I got him partly out with the sling and he kind of ran away from me! Then he got back in the house on his own! Only two stairs but that was a HUGE deal. Came in, had some warer, and got himself on to a pillow!!

 

Dot syringed a little of canned food in and he took it. Well he didn't really have a choice, but you know....

 

 

 

 

For the first time in days.....I feel a little better!

[heartdogs]

How is Norm this morning? Sure hope he turns around soon.

[rascalsmom]

Great news about him getting some food. I was initially really against 'force' feeding, but truthfully it wasn't all that horrible. And if it's enough to GET them eating, so be it. With Ruby it was super-easy, because she was missing teeth on the side--we could shoot it right into the space.

[Hollis]

Much better this morning! His legs are back to where they were before the shot. Which means he's still wobbly but seems to know he HAS legs! We're just getting ready for breakfast. I did put a little tuna under his nose but he turned it up. DP will be syringing again this morning and adding his zantac and his tramadol in it. Can't give him his deramaxx until he's really eating again. And yesterday vet said that it IS really hard once their on deramaxx to be without. So I really think this is all just a vicious pain/tummy/pain/tummy cycle. DP was able to get a 2nd syringe into him last night with MUCH less difficultly so I'm hoping this mornings feeding with be smooth.

 

Later today she goes to home depot to get materials for a ramp for the two stairs on to the deck. He seems to be afraid of them now. Understandably.

 

Thanks for the prayers and concern. Means so much to me.

[Patsy]

Hooray for knowing he *has* legs! Hope the eating/syringing goes well today and sparks a happier tummy.

[rascalsmom]

More good news! Keep on feeding him, he's got to eat to get stronger, and to ward off tummy trouble.

[Hollis]

Legs are really so much better. He can get him self up and down and make his way to the water bowl.

[mychip1]

Continued good thoughts for Norm......

 

 

[tbhounds]

Glad he's improving!!

[carronstar]

Keeping Norm in my thoughts and prayers.

[Kestrel]

Sending good thought to all of you!

[rascalsmom]

Legs are really so much better. He can get him self up and down and make his way to the water bowl.

I can almost feel the 'relief' in you. Isn't it great when you can quit worrying just a little??

[Remolacha]

now that he is moving a little better, have you considered acupuncture? It made such a difference for my wobbly old girl!

[Hollis]

Legs are really so much better. He can get him self up and down and make his way to the water bowl.

I can almost feel the 'relief' in you. Isn't it great when you can quit worrying just a little??

 

 

Yup. Last night when he decided he didn't want my help going outside I finally let my breath go.

 

He had trouble coming in this morning (up the two stairs) but I would imagine that sleeping all night made him a little stiff this morning. But, we got him in and DP got two syringes of food down. A little bit ago I got 3 syringes of baby food in. (tiny syringes. Two or three is no where near enough. But we'll do this throughout the day/weekend/until he eats again. Next door neighbor works at whole foods and is bringing some coconut oil over later. Wondering if I should start by just rubbing some on his teeth? I'm hesitant to squirt any amount down his throat. I'm thinking oil is oil and would not do good things for his out put.

 

You know he just "seems" better. Even the way he's sleeping/laying/breathing. I'm still worried but I'm not terrified.

 

I'll need to pick up more baby food later. Should I get ensure? And should the baby food just be meat based? Not having children I was like a deer in a headlight yesterday in that aisle.

 

now that he is moving a little better, have you considered acupuncture? It made such a difference for my wobbly old girl!

 

 

His wobble was really ok until he stopped eating so he couldn't get his pills. Although I found out yesterday I COULD have given him his tramadol, just not his deramaxx without food.

 

Wobble got worse after the shots. Understandable. If he returns to baseline (for him) I don't think we're at acupuncture stage yet. But inches any worse, yes. I'll try anything. But I have to get him to eat before I can do anything.

[Remolacha]

I use the meat flavored baby food, but if he likes veggies, those are ok too, just check the ingredients to make sure there is no onion/onion powder. Vanilla Ensure would be good to have on hand, it's very easy to digest and high in calories (just don't read the ingredients, they sound disgusting, to me anyway )

 

Also, an fyi on the coconut oil. At cooler temps, it is a soft solid, whitish in color. At warmer temps, it is a mostly clear liquid. Both perfectly normal, just didn't want you to be surprised if you've never dealt with it before.

[Hollis]

He's still bright eyed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See?

[KF_in_Georgia]

If he likes sweets, you can try fruit baby foods, too. Banana is popular around here...

[Hollis]

I don't know what to do. He still won't eat willingly. He's getting stronger, legs look so much better. Using the ramp with no trouble. Just. Won't. Eat.

[tbhounds]

I think it's time for some radiographs.