Well, it has been a very rocky road around here since Thursday. This is going to be a bit of a drive-by post (excuse any typos), but I wanted to update everyone and ask for the continued crossed paws please... we really need them!
Zeus was diagnosed with Vestibular Disease of Old Dogs on Thursday. It literally came on over night. He was perfectly fine Wednesday when we went to bed, and when I got up with Lola in the middle of the night (more about my night owl some other time). Thursday morning he was obviously having a problem with his hind legs and it appeared he had fallen and scared himself (he had peed and pooped where he was lying down). Fortunately I had Thursday off from work and was at home. I watched him deteriorate more and more over the day and won't even begin to tell you the thoughts going through my mind or the amount of tears I shed. It became obvious pretty quickly that he hadn't fallen and sprained an ankle or something - his front legs were no longer working and he was just lying in one spot, unable to control his bowel movements.
As soon as we got him into the vet's office (a project in and of itself to move my big guy), she immediately recognized the signs of Vestibular Disease - and I calmed down considerably. His eyes were twitching back and forth, non-stop ... a big sign of what was going on. If you click through the link above you'll be able to read more about this disease, but basically it's really bad vertigo, dizziness, etc. No wonder why my baby couldn't stand up!
They gave him an injection for the motion sickness, loaded him up with fluids and sent us home. There's nothing to do to "cure" Vestibular Disease, you just have to ride it out. Dr. C said we should see improvement in 48-72 hours and Zeus should come out of it altogether in about 5-10 days (though he may continue to have a head tilt -- the least of my worries!).
Things were progressing as best they could, I got him to eat a few very small meals on Friday and to drink some water. He even tried to come upstairs at one point Friday evening, but quickly realized he didn't have his balance and laid back down.
Saturday things seemed more off and he refused to eat, and drank only a small amount of water.... and then the worst, he started coughing. I was hopeful it wasn't anything major, but when I woke up Sunday to find him very out of sorts and coughing a lot, I knew we had to get to the vet. My worst fear since he was diagnosed with Mega-esophagus was realized - my baby ended up with aspiration pneumonia after being so immobile.
After his chest x-rays, they gave him another injection for the motion sickness and more fluids and sent us home with 140 antibiotic capsules. Yes, I said 140 - and that's just 2 weeks worth (he needs 5 per dosage). We also took home some stinky prescription canned food in hopes of enticing him to eat... especially because the antibiotic is supposed to be given on a full stomach.
Zeus ate a few times yesterday and was drinking well. We got a couple of doses of the antibiotic in him and are just hopeful he's keeping enough of it down. Please... cross those paws in hopes that this antibiotic kicks in fast and does the trick.
28 comments:
Oh come'on Zeus dear boy - u can beat this thing. We Beaglebratz continue tue say our POTP fur u an'our mom iz givin'your mom a gigantik virtual hug az well az sendin'prayerz fur both u an'your mom.
Shiloh_Lord of the Manor an'Diva Shasta
Shiloh and Shasta just told us that you could use a bit of POTP.
Here are some Strong DACHSHUND
VIBES>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> and some POTP.
Hope you are feeling better SOON.
Shiloh and Shasta just told us that you could use a bit of POTP.
Here are some Strong DACHSHUND
VIBES>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> and some POTP.
Hope you are feeling better SOON.
Oh Zeus!! I've been thinkin' of you dude, and I am sendin' TONS of POTP your way!!! I am glads your Moms found out what's goin' on, and workin' to make you feel betters.
Paws crossed real tight!!
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
I was about to email you and ask how he's doing when I saw this. Are you seeing any improvement yet? These older pups are going to give us all gray hair.
A week ago we thought we might lose Morgan. She got very sick very fast and stayed sick all weekend. On Monday morning after I'd had two night without sleep, I checked her and she was fine, ready for breakfast and a day exploring the yard. I still haven't recovered from lack of sleep.
Purrs and prayers to you Zeus from all of us. We hope the all better shows up quickly.
Shiloh & Shasta have told us about you and we are putting you up on our POTP page! We hope it is OK but we will grab a pic to put with the POTP request.
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Mayorz For All Paws
POTP listed for Zeus at http://murphyandstanley.blogspot.com/p/potp.html
We are sending our loving thoughts, prayers,and keeping our paws crossed of you. Stay strong Zeus! ♥
we are thinking of Zeus non stop and sending all of our best wishes
retro rover
Howdy mates. We've come over from Murphy and Stanley. Sending you our POTP for Zeus all the way from Oz.
No worries, and love, Stella and Rory
I know how hard this is, remembering Thor's sudden downturn. I hope poor Zeus improves quickly. It's hard to watch such a fine fellow suddenly take ill.
Sending lots of crossed paws, warm thoughts, and prayers to Zeus for a speedy and full recovery.
Been thinking about you, Zeus! Keeping our paws crossed that you are feeling better real soon!
This breaks my heart :( Sending lots of prayers to Zeus! <3
We heard that Zeus could use some POTP and we would like to send some of our mighty PUG POTP to help.
hugs
Mr Bailey, Hazel & Greta
Paws are crossed. Wish there was more we could do for you...
Hey Zeus! Murphy and Stanley sent us over. We are sending all kinds of POTP for you and we sure do hope that you are feeling better. Stay strong buddy!! Xo Chloe and LadyBug
So heartbreaking to hear. Sending prayers your way, please continue to keep us posted. Come on Zeus, you can do this!
We have to thank Ann at Zooltry for alerting us that your sweet Zeus needs many prayers right now. Count us 2 little doxie's in. We've got our paws crossed for your sweet boy and for you too. We know you are worried sick and need some loving hugs yourself.
BIG HUGS,
Lily Belle & Muffin
We heard about Zeus and wanted to stop by and send you some paw power! Purrs and love for Zeus to get better! - Crepes.
So very sorry to have our first visit be for this terrible situation. We will cross all our paws and hope Zeus will fight back and be OK. Hugs to you from all of us.
Hugs and Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning andMom
Poor Zeus! We hope he gets better soon. I send hugs and the kitties send healing purrs. Horus also sends the power of his mighty tiger paw.
Oh poor poor Zeus. He must feel so bad and be so confused about why he is dizzy. We has our paws crossed he is better soon and the cats are sending healing purrs to Zeus.
Lots of purrrs and prayers for Zeus to get better!!
Your TX furiends,
Samantha & Mom
We heard the news about Zeus and wanted to come by give our support. We're purring mega purrs for Zeus and hope he can get through this.
Poor Zeus. He is really having a bad time. And you aren't having fun either. Hope Zeus will be doing better very soon!
Poor Zeus!! I suffer from vertigo episodes and it's no fun. I'll keep hoping for a speedy recovery. Hugs and purrs.
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