Thursday, August 21, 2014

Zeus Update: Gerber To The Rescue

It's been a very emotional week, so please excuse the lack of regularly scheduled blogging and blog reading.  While I've been out of the loop of reading blogs, I have read each and every comment we've gotten with well wishes and concern for Zeus.  I can't even begin to tell you how much your kind thoughts and crossed paws mean to us.  The blog world is full of some truly amazing folks (several of whom I'm proud to say have become dear friends), always willing to reach out to complete strangers during difficult times.  I apologize for not being able to thank everyone personally, but hope you all know what your comments mean to us.  Thank You.   

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Vestibular Disease is absolutely horrible to witness (especially when you don't know what it is) and as hard as it is for us humans to watch our baby go through it, I can only imagine what is going through Zeus' mind.  But, I'm happy to report he's making great progress with it.  He's been getting up and going out with assistance (harness and towel sling) since Sunday.  There were a few times where he tried to get up and hobble on his own without a whole lot of success, but by Monday he was trying really hard.  We took him out to go potty Monday night just before bed time and got him back up the stairs and settled into his bed in the living room.  No more than 5 minutes later he got up and went to bed for real (in our bedroom) all by himself.  I was so proud!

Winding yarn while Zeus chills out on the porch... #love #dogstagram #mybaby #knitstagram #Madelinetosh #newengland #relax
Relaxing on the porch while Mommy wound up some yarn

Since Tuesday, Zeus has been hobbling around more like "drunk dog" as opposed to incapacitated dog.  I've been working some shortened days this week, so I can go home and get him out on the porch in the fresh air (his favorite place to hang out when it's nice outside).  He's been getting himself up to move around out there, as well as to hobble inside the house from time to time.

He totally surprised me yesterday morning.  I got out of the shower to find this had happened...

Got out of the shower this morning and this had happened... Zeus got to the couch and up all on his own! #VestibularDisease #RoadToRecovery #dogstagram #seniordog #megaesophagus #love #hopeful

Yup, Zeus somehow managed to get up on the couch all by himself.  Again, so proud!

So, it seems he in process of coming out of the Vestibular Disease, however now we battle the pneumonia.  We changed antibiotics on Monday evening after talking to Dr. C.  The one prescribed to him by the other vet on Sunday definitely seemed to be upsetting his stomach (and never mind that it was 5 capsules per dose) - he wasn't keeping them all down.  He seems to be doing better on the newer one, except he's had less of an appetite.  He ate more Sunday and Monday than he has the past couple of days.  In fact, he ate so little on Tuesday that I was really worried.  On my way home yesterday, I stopped and bought some good 'ole Gerber.  It was time to bring out the big guns for my baby!  I got 4 of their "2nd stage" little containers into him yesterday, along with a can of the Hill's prescription A/D.  He had 2 more little containers of Gerber this morning... 

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At the vet on Sunday.  The scale seemed like a good place to rest.


Please keep the positive thoughts and crossed paws coming!  And, would you also please keep them going for our dear friend Morgan as well?  

She's having a rough time and her Mom thought perhaps she also had Vestibular Disease yesterday, however it turns out to be a really bad infection.  Her Mom is one of those very dear friends I met through blogging... I wish we lived closer and could help each other out right now.

10 comments:

The Ladies of Beaglebratz Manor said...

Mom Kim here - My little Angel Oreo had a somewhat mild stroke just out of the blue and for a few days after the stroke, either had residuals of it or maybe a mild version of the vestibular disease but he got over it just fine.

I'm so glad you found the Gerber's to give him - I heard from a vet that cottage cheese will help with upset tummies - the Beaglebratz love it so I just go ahead and give them a spoonful or 2 about 3 days a week just as a preventative - I never know what they mite find outside to nibble on when I'm not watching.

Thank you for the update - I have been thinking about you and Zeus- I pray his improvement continues and the Beaglebratz send POTP.
Mom Kim

Marjie said...

Now that I think about it, our mastiff at the time just loved baby food! I'm glad you thought of our friend the Gerber Baby for your baby. Continued good thoughts going your way.

I just found out about poor Miss Morgan. I'm hoping for the best for her, too.

Sue said...

Had to smile at him on the scales. Morgan did the same thing yesterday. It must have been a cool surface to rest.

Thanks for the good thoughts, she'll need them to get thru this.

It's great that Zeus is getting around.The baby food idea is a good one. I'll try it with Morgan.

Golden Daily Scoop said...

You certainly have had quite the week! We are routing for you , Zeus!

tubby3pug said...

Its so hard to watch our babies suffer but I know Zeus has the best care imaginable! We are thinking of him and sending him our very very best get well wishes

retro rover

Brian's Home Blog said...

We are all still sending our best purrs and prayers and we are so happy to hear about some progress.

Sasha said...

I am purring for you and also waving my tail.
Sasha

Mary Hone said...

I am sending more good thoughts your way. I am so glad he i on the mend. How scary!

SissySees said...

Hugs and crossed paws! It made me smile to see him on the sofa. Surely, that's a sign of being on the road to recovery?

Marjie said...

Just back from Penn State, and checking in to see how your boy is doing. No updates means things are progressing, no matter how slowly, I hope. Hugs to both of you.

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