Thursday, October 15, 2009

We took Sadie to the vet today

If you were here and didn't know Sadie, you probably think nothing was amiss. If you say the word "boxer" or "boys" or "Buddy", she still goes to the window and barks. She hasn't missed a walk in the pasture with us... we don't make her go, but she wants to. Except she trots slowly along beside us, rather than running all over in circles fast as a gazelle, as is her custom. She'll even go after the Frisbee if it's thrown.
Yesterday I thought she was improving, although she wasn't eating. Then last night when she couldn't make it onto my lap at all, I was a little worried. This morning I saw that she still hadn't touched her dog food. This would be her third day without food.
I consulted Dr. Google, and read that some vets suggest you offer chicken broth to sick dogs when they won't eat, and possibly some boiled chicken. Those two items are always in my freezer because so many of our healthy recipes call for them. I thawed some broth and offered it to Sadie, just a couple of ounces to see if she'd drink it. Indeed she did, and she ended up drinking about a cupful, although she left a little in the bowl. I offered her some chicken, but she only nibbled at a couple of pieces. Then she was unable to jump onto my lap, even with the footrest of my recliner lowered. And I noticed white stuff in her eyes; she lay in her bed with her eyes half closed even when her head was up, as though she didn't have the energy to keep them open.
So I woke Cliff up earlier than usual and told him I wanted to take Sadie to the vet. Which meant I had to reschedule appointments with our doctor for Cliff's usual blood test and my consult about blood pressure meds.
The granddaughters came here before school this morning, and I mentioned I was cancelling Cliff's appointment so we could take Sadie to the vet.
"So," Natalie said, "Sadie comes first."
I explained that Sadie was sick, Cliff wasn't. And no, Sadie does NOT come first ahead of Cliff.
The vet found out Sadie had bloody diarrhea and a temperature of 104 (not all that high for a dog, but a signal that something isn't right). She tested negative for Parvo. He told me the only thing to do next would be to send off a blood test, which costs $110. This would show whether her liver or kidneys were shutting down, and many other things.
Now in the old days I would have trusted God, chicken broth, and nature to heal my dog. But I like having Sadie around, and I don't want to take risks. I'm getting soft in my old age.
"She's worth $110," I told him.
Armed with antibiotic pills for my dog, we returned home. To my mind, she's acting as though she feels better this evening; but that's what I thought yesterday, too. Although it would be par for the course around here for someone to make a miraculous recovery, once you've spent over $200 on them.
There are limits on how much I'd spend on a dog: I wouldn't pay for a liver or kidney transplant, for example. Just how much would I spend? I don't know, and I hope I never have to find out.
Thanks to all my Facebook friends who are keeping Sadie in their thoughts and prayers.


20 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:07 PM

    Hi Donna...sorry Sadie is so sick and do pray for good results from the blood tests...and we are in the same boat with you..just how far do we go for our Max...he is having kidney problems...God Bless...hugs...Ora

    ReplyDelete
  2. A little rice maybe. Still praying!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. sorry, i had several typos, so deleted & commented again.

    glad to see you made a post, got your email earlier & came by & commented on last post. also, entered a note re her in my journal entry. will put her on call 4 support too.
    i, wouldn't put one thru the suffering of a transplant. if it came to that, i'd keep her comfy till she wouldn't eat any longer, or seemed in pain, or lost her quality of life, then send her on to the rainbow bridge...i went thru that 2 times this summer. but, let's think positive for sadie, sending a prayer!
    God bless...

    ReplyDelete
  5. I will be praying for your Sadie dog. I had no idea it was so serious for her. You are in my thoughts and prayers too...I do know how hard it is to see them sick. 'On Ya'-ma

    ReplyDelete
  6. I came by from Sugar's and just wanted to say I hope she gets better. Having spent a few thousand on getting my lovely Zoey well last year I do know how it is with our fur dogs. As long as you can keep the fluid in their is hope. White rice, thin liquids and lots of petting.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sending up prayers for Sadie. I didn't know it was getting this serious. I hope that blood work will tell the vet something. It really hurts to see our pets get so sick. Helen

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mosie,
    I'm so very sorry to hear Sadie is not feeling well. I pray the blood work will come back good. My little Chihuahua "Cookie" has been sick too. I took her to the Vet 2 weeks ago for stomach issues. She had diarrhea, gas, throwing up, and wouldn't eat for 3 days also. The Vet thinks she ate something bad outside. They said it could have been a toad, which would make her deathly sick! She was given 2 shots in the office, and pills for me to give her at home. They told me to feed her nothing but chicken and rice. She seems to be doing much better now. Thank the good Lord! I pray Sadie will be OK. You and Cliff hang in there, because I know what you're going through.
    Big Hugs!
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  9. ...and I was all happy that she seemed to be feeling better and now this. I'm sorry. I hope that the antibiotics take effect and that she will be feeling better in the morning.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous7:22 PM

    OH - good wishes and prayers for Sadie....I have (and have had) many precious pets and know how I would do just about anything within reason to help them get better. I did decline - graphic here - a penis amputation and re-route through his anus operation for my much beloved 13 yr. old cat with a bladder tumor.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm so sorry to hear that Sadie still isn't feeling her best. You can add me to the list of those who will be keeping her in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for good results from the blood work too.

    Love and hugs,

    Diane

    ReplyDelete
  12. Miracles do happen and I'll pray that you receive one of those miracles for your precious Sadie. I don't have pets but I know my grandpup is like a baby to my daughter and her husband.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh Donna,
    I'm praying that everything will be just fine with Sadie! Please keep us posted.

    ReplyDelete
  14. So sorry to read Sadie is so ill. My prayers the vet finds what is wrong and can fix it without too much problems and expense.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Get well wishes & prayers for dear Sadie. And for you as well ~ I know what you're going through! -Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  16. I will put Sadie on my prayer list and check in on Hubby's laptop while we are away. Will be thinking of you and Cliff too as I know how much you love Miss Sadie and it's hard to see them sick. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lindie8:39 AM

    Checked in this morning to see how Sadie and you were. Hope everything is better.

    ReplyDelete
  18. oh Donna, sorry to here Sadie is still sick like this.. yeah, those blood tests cost a small fortune.. I hope they find whats wrong and it's not too serious.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Bringing special thoughts for Sadie and gentle hugs for you...

    ReplyDelete
  20. oH NO! I didn't check in for a few days so was surprised to hear of this. Lets hope (and pray too) that its just a little bug and she will be as good as new in a few.

    ReplyDelete

I love comments!