Thursday, September 8, 2011

Pepper is in the hospital

Pepper, my 16 year old foster, had to be rushed to the vet's late this afternoon.  She had vomited several times this morning and seemed a bit under the weather, but after being sick again this afternoon she could no longer walk, was trembling significantly,  and showed no response to my voice.  She also cried when I tried to get her up, using a sheet to assist with the back legs.

She was xrayed for bloat, and it wasn't that.  Her chest xrays were also fine though her heart is racing (160!);  her temperature is normal.  Sad girl, they are keeping her there, on fluids, to see how she does. 

The only big question mark was a new bag of dogfood I just opened for her - I had gradually been switching her over to it, over the past couple of days, and this morning was her first 'mostly the new stuff' meal - 1/3 her old food and 2/3 new.  When I googled the brand, which is a good quality food, I was surprised at the number of reports I found of dogs exhibiting the very same symptoms after eating from a newly-opened bag.  (My dogs don't get the same stuff, so they aren't affected by it).  Of course, it could be something else entirely.  Time will tell.

Meanwhile, healing and comforting vibes for Pepper, please. 

9 comments:

Unknown said...

We will keep you & Pepper in our thoughts.

Funder said...

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear that! I think Pepper's just adorable. Sending you all good thoughts.

Sheryl said...

I hope Pepper is feeling better, soon. How scary for both of you.

Jean said...

Pepper had massive diarrhea overnight but no vomiting. She still cannot stand and has considerable abdominal pain. They are putting a pain patch on her, doing more blood work, and she defintely won't be coming home today. Poor baby - her world sucks for her lately.

Brigid said...

Poor Pepper - sending healing and comforting thoughts. And for you too, at a worrying time. Hope Charlie, at least, is doing better.

Anonymous said...

Jean, I'm sorry to hear about Pepper. I seem to recall you mentioned that there was some suspicion she may have Cushing's disease. If so, this could be related. The symptoms sound very much like my own sad experience with that particular disease recently. However we'll keep our fingers crossed that she feels better soon.

Deb S.

Anonymous said...

Sending healing thoughts including positive boxer vibes your way Pepper! Get better soon.
Cora

Anonymous said...

Jean her world became wonderful when you took her into foster...she is an older dog of course and will have some health issues...poor girl am thinking of her but she sure could be a whole lot worse off then having you to see to her...

Cheryl

Black Jack's Carol said...

Aw, Pepper, so sorry to hear that you are under the weather. Hoping that you will soon be back home again and feeling much better.