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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Very worried about dog who seems to have fallen ill rapidly.

246 replies

SunburstsOrMarbleHalls · 12/12/2020 11:40

I have had a little rescue cross breed for 2 years, she had a terribly abusive start in life and a result needs careful handling and ongoing training. It took months to gain her trust but once I had it she turned into a playful character who adores being hugged and stroked. She will tolerate me washing and brushing her but is wary of others. She hates going to the groomer so she goes to a lady who specialises in dogs who don't like grooming and has a brilliant reputation. This lady works hard to gain their trust.

My dog can be reactive if her paws are touched and can bare her teeth (not with me but with vets or the groomer) today when she was picked up the groomer said she initially had to use a muzzle for a few minutes while picking her up but removed it and she was then really well behaved. This is the first time she has had to do this and is the only thing out of the ordinary at all which is the only reason I have mentioned it.

When she returned home today she was like a different dog she was very docile and timid and spaced out. I thought she was a bit upset after being cut and left her for an hour to lie quietly. This is really unusual as she is a very bouncy playful character.

After an hour I tried to coax her off her bed with treats and then her dinner but she was totally withdrawn and refused both. She was starved when younger and drastically underweight when she arrived to live with me so has always been food obsessive. I have never known her to ever refuse a treat or food, she usually dances a crazy jig when any food is on offer.

She wont come to me and went to her upstairs bed a 6pm and refused to move, so much so that I have had to pick her up and carry her to the garden so she would go to the toilet.

She wont engage at all with her toys and is just looking at me from her bed. She wont come near me for a stroke or fuss and if I go to her and stroke her she is just starring into space.

This morning she is the same, she hasn't yet been to the toilet so I have called the vets to get an urgent appointment this afternoon at 4pm.

The only thing she has done is drink a little water but she vomited it straight back up. She also now seems to be having trouble walking and seems very un co-ordinated and spaced out and is struggling to walk.

At first I thought maybe she could be traumatised from the muzzle/getting cut but now I think illness is much more likely due to her continuing decline. She has not had her boosters due to the pandemic so I have kept her on lead and away from other dogs. I know she wouldn't get ill so quickly after being groomed so it is possible she picked something up a day or two ago and the stress of getting groomed has sent her into decline quicker.

Trying to keep calm until we can go to the vet but really worried.

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SJaneS49 · 13/12/2020 18:42

If anything I’m sure from the volume of messages you’ve had, you’ll know that us doggy people are mentally sitting right beside you and Elsa. Glad she’s eating, very positive sign! While I understand you sitting up tonight with her, try and get some sleep yourself as well. Sounds like you’ve been through a hell of a lot with both DHuman and DDog’s illness. Let us know how she gets on.

Tinselette · 13/12/2020 19:08

Oh bless her! I'm probably not considered to be a doggy person since I've not had a dog since childhood but just to say some of us not recent doggy people are on here too in solidarity. Take care of yourself too sunbursts and snuggle near her tonight. I hope she has a restful sleep.

RainbowsAndFrogs · 13/12/2020 19:57

Oh her little face! Bless her, Good that she's eating a bit!

twolip · 13/12/2020 20:19

Get well soon Elsa! Sending you love and strength x

QOD · 13/12/2020 20:25

She’s adorable

KnitsAndGiggles · 13/12/2020 20:33

Oh bless her heart what a little fighter. Come on Elsa you can do it! Whatever her long term prognosis, she's here with you now and she knows how loved she is!

EdwardCullensBiteOnTheSide · 13/12/2020 20:34

Just read your whole thread and cried! Absolutely rooting for little Elsa! Will keep everything crossed for her and will include her in my prayers.

copperoliver · 13/12/2020 20:35

Well done gorgeous girl. X

uncomfortablydumb53 · 13/12/2020 22:18

Elsa is a tough cookie, so adorable
It's very positive she's eating little bits
I'm sure she'll feel calmer now she's back with you My Westie Caleb is keeping his paws crossed for her too

lorisparkle · 13/12/2020 22:42

What a beautiful dog. She (and you) are doing amazingly well. Fingers crossed for you both xx

TheWeightOfWords · 13/12/2020 23:28

Her face is so sad and so sweet. I hope she feels better after a night at home.

littlealexhorne · 13/12/2020 23:44

I'm so glad she's back home where she belongs, and I hope she enjoyed her chicken! The photos you've posted are so lovely too, she's gorgeous bless her. I hope she carries on improving and recovering, and that you get good news when the biopsy results do come back.

AlCalavicci · 14/12/2020 00:53

Its good to know she is at home where she will feel safe and happy .
I hope her night goes well .

Girlintheframe · 14/12/2020 06:18

She looks so lovely.
Hope she makes a fully recovery Thanks

RhapsodyandAshe · 14/12/2020 06:31

Fingers and toes crossed she makes a good recovery and that the tumor is benign (sadly no paws in my life).
Also she is a very pretty, it's good she has you now.

Santaisironingwrappingpaper · 14/12/2020 09:44

Hope you both had a settled night op...

SunburstsOrMarbleHalls · 14/12/2020 11:43

Elsa had a settled night and slept from 1am to 9am. She had a little plain pasta and the remaining bit of chicken breast last night too.

This morning she got out of bed on her own for a couple of minutes and wagged her tail so I am taking that as a cautiously optimistic sign. She had another small meal this morning and is now off to the vet.

They had to shave her Shih Tzu tail at the vets and it seems to be disconcerting her a bit and I don't think she likes the medical vest as she has started occasionally doing the wriggle shaking that all dogs do to dry off when wet.

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SheldonesqueIsUnwell · 14/12/2020 11:58

Nc’d since above.

Oh Op it sounds as though she is doing well bless her! Hopefully the vet will be very pleased with your latest news.

She might be a little bit uncomfy in her vest but it is better than the cone of shame.

She might be missing the swish of her tail but it will grow and she’ll be happy once more Flowers x

ImnotCarolineHirons · 14/12/2020 12:30

That all sounds very positive, Elsa is a fighter! Keep going little one!

Floralnomad · 14/12/2020 13:06

Hope she continues to improve .

JellyMouldJnr · 14/12/2020 13:13

yay Elsa! Hope she continues to improve.

Wolfiefan · 14/12/2020 14:16

That all sounds really positive OP. Great news.

joystir59 · 14/12/2020 15:50

Pull through for your mum dear Elsa. You are so clearly totally loved, lucky lovely dog xx

frustrationcentral · 14/12/2020 16:18

Ah Elsa you little beauty! @SunburstsOrMarbleHalls , I have everything crossed for this little ice queens full recovery

SunburstsOrMarbleHalls · 14/12/2020 16:38

Vet appointment went well with her at 12 today. She still has a very low red blood cell count.

This afternoon she perked up a little and was venturing out of her bed so was very pleased.

However 40 mins ago had a call from the senior vet and he is not happy with Elsa's white blood cell count from bloods that were taken this morning. He thinks they are too elevated and said he isn't willing to take any risks as she has come so far. Had to rush her back in and they have popped a canula into her and a bandage as they want to administer intravenous antibiotics and pain meds rather than have her take them orally. Vet said she is clearly happier at home and if I can commit to going backwards and forwards three times per day he was happy for her to remain with me. Have to go back at 9.30pm tonight and 8.30am tomorrow morning etc.

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