Lost our Chester to Encephalitis. This is his story.

[Carrie king]

Its crazy, for the past few weeks I have been thinking non stop about this site.  Thinking that I cant believe how fast time has gone and I havent posted anything about Chester in a very, very long time.  I came to this website for support, because I felt overwhelmed by him.  I had never met any puppy like that.  He seemed wild at times, like someone had forgotten to domesticate him.  He was pure energy, chewed everything, picked on our poodles, never stopped moving or creating chaos.  If you tried to pick him up or stop him, it was like picking up a tornado of teeth and razor sharp nails.  Nevertheless, we stayed the course. Finding things we could do to get his energy out.  Doing everything we could to be good dog parents.  

Boy did it ever pay off.  He started listening.  It was like a victory every time! He responded to praise.  So instead of harsh discipline, exuberant praise when he did the right thing was often much more effective.  Pretty soon we settled into our routine and couldnt have been more happy with our lives with him.  

Chester loved life.  He woke up ready to go and do and have fun.  He ADORED chasing bunnies we often have in and out of our yard.  He did love to dig for a while, but he grew out of that.  He was a big time fetcher.  Could fetch for hours and his leaps were insane.  Big air and crazy body torques.  It was a sight.  He loved the car.  Whenever we were leaving he was right there begging to go and when we took him (often) he smiled the entire time.  Loved shoving his big face out and feeling the air whoosh by.  He loved water and peanut butter and his big back yard.  But most of all he loved people.  We felt special to be his people.  

About a week and a half ago now Chester started showing signs of being sick.  He wasnt himself. Super lethargic.  We took him in for bloodwork and an x ray and everything was normal.  We had to wait a few days for the valley fever test results.  So we took him home.  Over the next day or two he got worse.  He would stop in the middle of walking and just stand there frozen.  He would lay down, but he wouldnt sleep.  He would eat, but only if I hand fed him.  We were reassured it still might be valley fever.  But I was worried sick, so we took him to another vet.  When we got there he was in the middle of one of his "episodes".  He couldnt barely get around, was wobbly when he stood and drooled constantly.  Seeing him like this broke my heart into a million pieces.  We also noticed he had a strange pulse, or small convulsion in his jaw, neck and eyes.  I even took video of it.  But the vet didnt see and still thought it was ok to take him home.  She did suspect possibly seizures and gave us an anti convulsant to give him.  We gave this to him faithfully. But it had no effect. Except to make him more tired, confused and wobbly.  He got no relief.  He layed on me all night panting uncontrollably.  By the next day I could take no more, I made an appt with a neurologist.  When I took him there though, it seemed to snap him out of it.  He showed very little signs while we were there, except a tiredness and a little wobbliness.  So I was given instructions to take more video and think about doing an MRI if the meds didnt work.  We nursed him through another night and by the next day he was so bad he couldnt move.  I rushed him back to the neuro and they hospitalized him and told me he had brain swelling.  So they used steroids to control it.  They said it helped.  He got up and started eating.  Went outside etc..  MRI was scheduled for the following morning.  I had such a peace inside.  I knew they were going to finally give me a diagnosis, and a treatment.  My boy was finally going to get relief.  But Chester didnt wake up from anesthesia.  He died right there on the table, without us.  We did go and say goodbye before they put him to sleep properly, but he was already brain dead.  I am so angry and sad.  There are no words to describe it.  It was so sudden, he was only 2 years old.  How could this have happened?? Ive been trying to grapple with it, but the whole thing just leaves me feeling sick with anger and grief.  I cannot believe he is gone.  Its just a gaping void without him.  

His final diagnosis was encephalitis of unknown origin.  Has anyone else had any experience with this? Heard of doodle having this? I am just trying to wrap my mind around this.  

I also wanted to share because if you see your dog doing any of these things, do not wait, go immediately to a neurologist and push for treatment asap.  I do not want anyone to have to see their dog suffer this way.  

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Carrie ~ I just saw this discussion.  I am so sorry to hear you lost your sweet Chester.  There are no words, but know that we are here to support you.  Thank you for sharing with us - you never know your strength may help someone else going through a similar circumstance. Our prayers are with you and your family.

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

So sorry for your loss of Chester.  I lost my malti-poo very suddenly last year and understand the horrible heartbreak that comes with it.  My thoughts are with you and your family.  I am sure that Chester knew how much you loved him and knew you did everything you could for him.

[Kathy and Sam]

I am so sorry.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

My sincere condolences, so very sad.  Chester lived a charmed life in his short time because of the love, patience and care you gave him.  I hope memories of happy times will bring you some peace very soon.  It may take time, but they will.  

Thank you for reaching out to others and sharing so we all can be aware of this possibility.  

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

So incredibly sad.  Such a loss of your sweet Chester.  You tried your very best for his welfare.  My thoughts are with you at this time.

[Mary ann & Lincoln]

I am reading this cryng and hugging Lincoln.  He has been sick lately with loss of appetite and legargic.  We found out it was Panosteitis, pain in his bones (kinda like growing pains)  He has gotten better on his meds and will fortunately outgrow it.  I feel lucky that was all it is.  I am so sorry for your loss.  It is tramatic when they go so fast, but at least Chester is not suffering. XOXO to you and your family.   

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm so sorry to hear this sad news about Chester. Though short, it sounds like his life was full of fun and love.  Thanks for the reminder to love and appreciate our doodles through the good and bad times.

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

I am so saddened by this story! I know your heart is breaking. Its especially hard when you do all the right things and still lose them. Sweet Chester knew he was loved more than anything and ZI hope that will give you some comfort.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I am so sorry. I can't imagine how you must feel. I hope your other dogs are comforting you and I wish peace for you in time.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

This is very sad, especially so sudden and at such a young age. You had 2 great years with him and for whatever reason, that was all he was given. Luckily he had you and your family to enjoy that short time with. So sorry for your loss. And thank you for sharing so that we all can be more aware of the possibility of this.

[Mary M.]

This news is achingly sad.  I am so sorry.

[Pam & Trixie]

I am so sorry Carrie,  how heartbreaking.  You did everything you could do for him.  My thoughts are with you & your family