Brinkley's healing process...

[Heather & Brinkley]

Brinkley's healing process is taking longer than I expected.  Last time he got sick by day three I was at least seeing small signs of his personality shining through the sickness... but this time around I just feel like he one giant slug.  I'm going to call the vet when they open today just get her take on it. Over the last 24 hours he has become less interested in food.  In order to get him to eat DH and I have to hand feed him the boiled chicken... and you can forget the rice.  He refuses to eat it.  And I basically have to force feed him water... which I don't like.  He needs to stay hydrated.  

His back legs are so weak.  I hope it's just weakness (in the back  of my head I keep thinking "boy, I hope he didn't lose motor skills when his fever got high)-- probably just me being over worrisome but this sickness has exceeded anything I've ever witnessed.  When he tries to poop it takes about 10 tries in order for him to have the strength and find the correct position to tuck and poop. And there are little weird things he's doing-- for instance, he won't walk on the side of the road... he HAS to walk straight down the middle.  This is a new development since he got sick.  You can imagine how hard it is when a car comes. And he won't even touch the grass... I cut through a yard this morning and he freaked. I'm not sure why he doesn't like the feel of grass on his paws as of late.  He has a very hard time lying down... and once he's down there he isn't comfortable but it's hard for his to get up and down... so he spends a lot of his time just sitting and looking... when I know he really wants to rest ( I do help him get down and find a comfy position but he doesn't stay long.)

 

Anyway, I'm just throwing all of this out there and you can give me your thoughts.  

 

This is all so overwhelming.  I had a mild meltdown last night.  Work is unbelievably stressful right now.  Our work is celebrating our 50th anniversary of broadcast and I'm the one producing the HUGE event with thousands of people... and this is on top of my normal job of producing a tv show every day.  Then add this with Brinkley, I just curled up on the sofa and went to sleep b/c everything felt too overwhelming. It's also stressing me out knowing that in a few days my DH is leaving town (he has an interview in Boston for Physician Assistant school in a few days)... so I know that if Brinkley doesn't get better I'm going to have to deal with all of this on my own.

 

Thanks for listening to my ramblings. 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Heather, I am so glad you took Brinkley back to the vet today. I hope and pray he responds well to this treatment and is completely healed before your DH leaves town. Please keep us posted. I also hope that you are able to be restored and rejuvenated after resting this weekend.

[Rose Ann and Amante]

Oh Heather, my heart goes out you! I recently lost my beloved Lucy. I wish so much that I had scene signs sooner. But you have and you bounced into action. Take a moment( or more) each day to ground yourself and take it minute by minute. I wish that I didn't live so far away. I would be there to help anyway that I could. Don't hesitate to ramble on DK. I am sure I am not only one that is here to listen!! Iwill pray for you both!!

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Just a thought, has the vet taken x-rays of his tummy?  Perhaps he swallowed something that is causing an obstruction, our Sgt. Pepper started to swallow balloons a couple of months ago and actually passed them, but it

could have been different.  I now ban balloons from our home.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Yep, we had xrays and they came up clean.

[KAHLUA]

Hang in there Heather.  Is there anyone that can help you in hubby's absence?  Please keep us posted.  Hugs, kisses and prayers!!!!

[Heather & Brinkley]

Yeah, if things are not getting better I'll get my mom to help... but she just started working full time again so she's not as available as usual.

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

I'm so sorry to hear this, Heather. I understand your meltdown, I probably would have had one by now as well. I hope your vet has some recommendations for you that will help. I have nothing helpful to say, but we're thinking of you...stay strong!

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Heather,

I am so sorry to hear that Brinkley's problems are continuing longer than what we all thought.  I would be so overwhelmed in your situation I would be freaking out too.  I am so glad that you have this time off - it seems that the interview which came in the middle of the planned vacation was perfect timing for you to be home caring for little Brinkley.  Seems God is watching out for you, but I know that is a complete bummer that you missed your vacation & have a sick dog.  Have you reached out to any friends or family that can help provide support during this time for you?  Whatever it is with Brinkley, we are all thinking of you all and praying for a full recovery.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Thanks!  Yeah, my friends are available if I need them.  I'm feeling better today.  Last night I just hit a wall-- I had a bad day that ended a bad week at work and then I came home to a dog that didn't seem well.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am sorry to hear all this. I wonder if there isn't something as yet undiscovered that may be causing all these symptoms. for poor Brinkley. I would definitely take him to the vet.

[Christine & Camus]

Heather,  I hope Brinkley starts feeling better soon, but have you given any thought to a second opinion?  Even if you really like your current vet, a second opinion couldn't hurt.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Yeah, if things don't get better we'll probably get a second opinion... but in my gut I feel like the vet is right on. If I didn't feel like she was correct I would have already gotten a 2nd opinion.