Monday, February 8, 2010

That is One Sick Puppy

Let me give you a tip:

If your dog is sick and you're trying to find out ways to help him, don't google "sick puppy." Trust me on this.

Early Thursday morning we woke up to the sound of our adorable cuddly puppy puking his guts out. I managed about three hours sleep between rounds and we brought him to the vet as soon as they opened. He determined that Owen has a bacterial infection and that it's common in dogs here when we have heavy rains. All the crud rushing down the hill collects at the bottom -- where we are -- and finds its way into dogs' bellies.

The vet gave us some pills for Owen and sent us on our way. He was lethargic and didn't eat, but he didn't seem too bad. Friday we took him to the beach, and again, he was tired, but still his normal puppy self. Well, late Friday he started getting sick again and wouldn't stop throwing up. We were getting progressively worried and didn't know what to do (enter more googling), so back we went Saturday morning. The vet gave him a shot, said no food or water for 24 hours, and said to bring him back that evening.

During the second visit the vet weighed Owen and he'd lost half a kilo -- one whole pound -- since Thursday! He started at 6.6 kilos and was down to almost 6. That's a lot when you're so itty bitty! The vet told us to come back in the morning and approved Owen to eat ice cubes. Woohoo!

Then we had a minor incident while driving back from the vet. Ibis was teaching an English class so I was alone with Owen, who insisted on riding in my lap. Fortunately we've got a 5-10 second window between when he starts gagging and actually gets sick, so I was able to pull the car as far to the left curb as possible, hit the hazards, and fling open the driver's side door. I held Owen over the sidewalk with one hand while cars squeezed by on the right. I think people must have been able to see what was going on because even though traffic was heavy, no one honked at me.

Once I got him home he was still sick -- and very weak -- but eventually seemed a little better. He slept all night and drank a bit of water before his appointment, and the vet didn't give him any more shots. In addition to allowing him water, he also gave us this Nutri-Gel stuff that's made for animals and is loaded with nutrients. I've been calling it Nutri-goo because Ibis used to eat this energy goo when he ran marathons and that's a lot more fun to say.

As of mid-day Sunday Owen's been sleeping a lot, but he seems more and more like his normal self. He's run up to the roof on his own and even went to the door when Ibis left -- something he wasn't doing for a couple days. Even the water guy was weirded out when Owen didn't greet him Saturday night, so he asked to come in and pet him. Everybody loves Owen.

I'd like to thank all my friends who held my hand over the weekend and gave me endless support, advice, and encouragement. This is the first animal I've been solely responsible for and it helps to hear what others have been through (and some of them are still going through).

UPDATE: As of Monday morning he's finally acting like his old self. He's running around, jumping on the furniture, and even barked!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that Owen is doing well and is much better. I know it must have been a scary time for you.

erica m. chapman said...

Oh I'm so glad Owen is doing better! What a scary time though! Looking forward to some happy puppy posts over there at his blog ;o)

Anonymous said...

Glad he is feeling better! The scariest part of having a sick loved one, is feeling helpless. (hugs)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Beyond, it really was. I don't like it.

Thanks Erica.

Jen, yes. It was so frustrating not being able to do anything.

Robin said...

Yay, Owen! That's so scary. There's nothing more pathetic than a sick doggy. They're so helpless and cute. Aarg! I'm upsetting myself.

Lisa Miles said...

How scary! I'm so glad he's feeling better. My dog has never been sick like that. It sounds like you were a very good Owen-mommy:)

Nadine said...

Poor Owen! And poor Melanie for having to take care of Owen and the worry!

Glad he is so much better!

Janna Leadbetter said...

I'm so glad he's on the mend! You did great, mama.

Jen said...

I'm glad to hear Owen's doing better...poor little guy!

Moll said...

Poor little guy. It is so heartbreaking when your pet is sick. I feel so bad that the cat can't TELL me what is wrong with her. I have to wait for the vomit to know.

Aunt Sue said...

This message is actually from Pabu. He tells Owen that maybe the problem is the "bad" stuff he is eating. Pabu says that he was sick, also, this weekend, but maybe it was because Pabu continues to eat grass, mud, rocks, and maybe a hibiscus leaf or two. Pabu says that he also was throwing up, but felt better a few hours later after a long nap in his "mama's" lap (must be the cuddling). But nothing as bad as you, Owen. Glad Owen's doing better...

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks everyone!

Robin, there were definitely some weepy moments.

Lisa, I watched my parents' dog once when he got really sick and that was scary, but not like this. I think it's because he's still a baby.

Rebecca, exactly. It's crazy how quickly you pick up on their cues. For instance, right now he's squeaking his toy and dropping it at my feet -- I think he wants something... ;)

Pabu! What are you doing eating bad things! Aunt Sue doesn't want to see you suffer any more than I do with Owen. Feel better little buddy!

Anonymous said...

Poor Owen! So glad the little guy is doing better.