Orwell has an obstruction [UPDATE]

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Unfortunately, on Saturday, Orwell got sick and threw up several times. I thought he may have had an upset stomach because he ate some type of animal droppings when we were out in the front yard playing. 

He has evidently had a piece of cloth bouncing around in his stomach for several weeks after my mom gave him a blanket to have while he is outside unsupervised. This was against my wishes, but she was adamant at the time that he should have his bed even more comfortable out there. She feels really guilty now, so I don't want to rag on her. I know Orwell will get through this, even though it could have been avoided. Anyway... the cloth moved into his small intestine. 

I've spent the day in and out at the emergency vet. We gave him 12 hours of IV fluids to see if the cloth would start to pass. It hasn't, so he is in surgery now. Luckily he is young and should bounce back from this pretty well. I have been depressed today and yesterday, and felt I should let you all know. 

I'm going to get a call in 2-3 hours about how the surgery went. I will update you all tomorrow morning. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Kaitee, I am so sorry.  You are a wonderful doodle mom, but sometimes stuff just happens.  Sending wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I went to go visit him today with my brother. He was still pretty out of it because of the anesthesia and other drugs (anti-nausea, anti-anxiety) so he hasn't eaten much yet. I had to show the new vet tech that just got on call how to get him to take his pills, lol. Ever since my mother and I took him there, we've noticed that he has commanded respect from all of the employees. The refer to him as "sir." In light of the situation, he has been the most well-behaved large dog in the hospital right now. He makes me proud. 

I was a heartbroken when I had to leave him there again today. I could tell that he was really done with the place and just wanted to go home. He will most likely come home tomorrow after some more observation. 

I got a picture of him in the cone of shame for you all. He really needs to be brushed. He was dehydrated and his saliva caked his hair in certain spots on his face. 

Also, it is kind of good that this happened now rather than at any other time. After tomorrow, I'm off school for almost a month so I don't have to leave home. It has been stressful on my finals schedule though because I have a whole paper I have to write tomorrow since I didn't have a chance to work on it this weekend like I had planned. 

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

He's looking good - even in a cone of shame!

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

When my son had to have surgery and was under anesthesia, he was like a grumpy old man telling the staff it was time for his meds and such. Must be dogs and humans are not that much different!

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Haha. I wouldn't say Orwell is grumpy... he just lays and waits quietly for his turn. Much more dignified and sophisticated than his neighbors. 

He's also held his bladder too long. The poor guy... I told them that he doesn't know how to ask without the bell, so they took him out a few hours after the surgery and boy, did he have to pee, lol. 

[BG and Gavin]

Aww, poor guy. What a good patient though. Tomorrow will be here before you know it.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Oh what a sweet boy! Good luck with your paper!

[David Sands]

Poor guy- hope all heals up well... I was unhappy just having our dog's spay/neutered and having to put them out.

Looks like he'll bounce back!  

Cone of shame- pitiful!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Kaitee, hoping you've had good news by now and Orwell recovers quickly.  Keep us posted.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Morning update before I go into my final:

Orwell has evidently been eating well and has been switched to entirely oral drugs. After the doctors make their rounds for the day, he should be cleared to go home!

[Wendy and Myla]

Yay!  I love the picture of Orwell (even with his cone of shame) - you can see the love in his eyes!  Good luck on your final!  After it's done, you get to go home and cuddle Orwell - best therapy ever!

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

I was thinking the same thing about his eyes-you can see the love!! And, those long doodle eyelashes are just so irresistible. 

Sweet baby- glad he is doing so well!