Thursday, July 14, 2011

Lily the Wonder Dog


The girl just won't go down.  (Not that I want her to.)

Woke up this morning to find Lily next to her bed panting and unable to get up.  She was also laying in her own shit.  It thought it was the end.  She's 12 years old and a large breed dog.  Of course, as stressed out as she was, she still wagged her tail when she saw me.  There's an inspirational poster in there somewhere - Even when laying in a pile of your own shit, don't forget to wag your tail!  (Someone give me the lying/laying lesson.  I never get that right.)

Tried to help her up and she just couldn't do it.  Moved her over and cleaned up the poop.  Tried to think about how I was going to get this 90-pound dog into my car by myself.  Got her on top of a flattened cardboard box which helped me drag her to the door.  She kept trying to get up and I used one of these bursts to get her out the door to the front porch.  

The next obstacle was the eight cement steps down to the sidewalk.  I took a breather and sat with her on the front porch in the quiet, cool morning.  I cried.  She sniffed the air and watched the birds.  I really thought I was taking her to her death.  

I had to stop the crying or I'd never get her into the car.  I summoned my Wonder Woman strength and picked up her wiggly ass and carried her down the steps and into the car.  If Fat, Wiggly Animal Carry ever makes it as an Olympic event, I'm in.

Drove to the emergency vet.  Lily still couldn't stand up but she managed to drag herself up enough to lean on the door and stick her head out the window.  More crying.  (Me, not her.)

I get there and and the 12-year-old Veterinarian, Dr. Holly Hobbie, tells me it could be this: Idiopathic Vestibular Disease.  The system that controls balance and coordination goes all wonky for no reason.  Happens in older dogs.  (Yes, they have the youngest looking vets at that place.  I swear to you she didn't look a day over thirteen.)  Dr. Holly Hobbie suggests that we should rule out every other disease in the world before we can be sure.  She wants to do blood tests, urinalysis, chest x-ray and abdomen ultrasound.  Whoa there, youngster.  I know you have a Colorforms addiction to feed, but let's be reasonable.  



I ask her to call my own veterinarian (who wasn't open when this whole ordeal began) to fill her in on what's going on with Lily.  And then I talk to my wizened and sage 40-something-year-old vet to get her advice.  No X-ray, no ultrasound. Just do some labs and let them keep her overnight and give her fluids.  See how she is in the morning.  Sounds good to me. 

So even though this Idiopathic Vestibular nonsense typically goes on for days or weeks, they call later in the afternoon and say that Lily is walking around.  She ate like a voracious beast.  She's fine.

Such a relief.  She's home.  Happy as ever.  She could have a recurrence, but at least I now know what it is.  In four days I leave with the beasts for our 3,000 mile joy ride.  Wish me luck.

4 comments:

Ms. Moon said...

All right. I know that was a seriously scary event but you sure did crack me up in the telling of it. I'm glad that Lily is back up and eating.

Anne Leddy said...

Life is full of set backs. Lily is wonder dog and you are wonder woman. I can't wait to meet this beast. Mom

Bryan said...

Caley told us this morning that she can't wait to meet Monk and Lily the Wonder dog. but she really said "bark bark" and woke me up :(

Bethany said...

Oh my gosh, you are so funny. How did I miss these? Holly Hobbie and colorforms!!!!!!!! I love you so much I can't stand it. Well too I got all choked up at those moments you did too. So glad she's alright and you guys are on your way. YEE HAW!!!!