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Monday, March 21, 2011

Update

First, I really want to thank everyone for all of the wonderful comments!!  It has really helped me stay positive and to not feel so alone.  It was so nice to read them all.  And, I've told Zephyr that so many people and pups are thinking of him and hoping for his recovery. 

Zephyr has made progress in the past two days.  On Friday he had about 5 seizures, was totally out, and I thought I was going to loose him.  On Saturday he was barely aware, could hardly wake up, and couldn't see.  Sunday was some improvement in all areas.  Today he was able to push himself into a stand, but he needs support and guidance to stay up and walk.  He is very disoriented and his coordination is poor.  His vision is still poor, but he can see and track objects and he can definitely tell when I come and go.  I took Astro with me to see him on Saturday and Sunday because she said that would help him stay stimulated and motivate him.  I definitely think it helped.  They have been using a Help-em-Up harness that goes around his chest and rear and has handles to help him walk.  I got one today for when he comes home.  He is able to eat on his own now while he's laying down and propped up.  I brought in some beef and kibble puree that I made, some cooked ground beef, boiled chicken breast, and kibble for him to have plus what they have.  His appetite is great, apparently the phenobarbital and steroids make them very hungry.  Unfortunately, this afternoon he had some blood in his stool which the Dr. said is from the steroids.  So, he has to stop the steroids for a day or so.  That's unfortunate because the steroids help with the inflammation.  He is very frustrated with the situation.  They told me that often the animals get upset because they are confused, etc., because the brain has been injured and they can't do what they want.  Also, Zephyr has separation anxiety and is very vocal when he is not happy about things, and he's just a vocal guy anyway.  So, he's being very vocal about his dislike of the entire situation and I'm sure it's driving them nuts sometimes.  It kills me though because when I leave he gets upset.  The Vet Techs there are great.  Someone is there 24 hours.  I know they sit with them when they can.  So far he's been the only dog staying overnight.  His kennel area is large, plenty of room for him and a few people, and they have put nice big pads on the whole floor with blankets and pillows.  If he continues to progress he might come home on Wednesday.  Whenever he comes home he will still have lots of healing and recovering to do.  I need to adjust things in the house to make sure it's safe for him to walk around.  Probably build a ramp over stairs off the back deck.  The Dr. said it could be 3 weeks of recovery if things go well.  Mainly his brain needs to recover and heal.  Luckily he is a young strong boy.  I am just trying to stay positive and focused, but being ready for anything to happen.  I am exhausted.  We don't know what might have caused this.  From the MRI, blood work, etc., the Dr. said it's likely some kind of auto immune response.  I'll try to keep updating.

Thanks again for all your support.  This week I've been reminded again of the second best thing about having a dog, all of the great friends you make.

16 comments:

greygirl25 said...

So happy to hear that Zephyr is feeling better. I'm sure this has got to be so scary for you.

I wish medicine could be more certain, but it isn't.

Here's to another day, hang in there.

Sue said...

Well that's made my day. I am so glad Zephyr is fighting this and improving.

As always Song and I are sending Zephyr huge hugs and positive healing thoughts. We also send hugs to you and Astro.

jet said...

Yeah it sucks being totally exhausted trying to figure out how to best support the dog and worrying about them! Poor Zep, try and get some recovery time in yourself before he comes home ;)

Greyhounds CAN Sit said...

Oh, this is such a relief! I am SO pleased Zephyr is improving and won't he be glad to get home. Hopefully you'll be able to relax a little then too. I can imagine what you're going through. Thanks for keeping us posted and good luck with Zephyr's recovery. I hope it goes smoothly!

houndstooth said...

I am SO glad to hear that he may be coming home soon! I think sometimes that helps more than anything else. We're thinking of you, Zephyr!

Mr.Mischief said...

Good news that he's improving-it'll be good to have him home with you again where he belongs :)

Kinipella said...

Poor Baby!!! But we're so glad he's doing better!!! Ferguson and I send him our best <3

Tarmar said...

I am happy to hear that Zephyr is making improvements but so sorry that you have to go through this! Wish I could be there to give you a hug!

Unknown said...

Good to hear! Please keep us updated!

He is a strong boy, and I'll be thinking about him :-)

KF-in-Georgia said...

I'm glad he's doing better.

> He is able to eat on his own now while he's laying down and propped up.

Costco carries a rectangular dog bed (about $22) large enough for a greyhound, with a bolster/pillow arrangement around three sides of the bed. This may help with keeping Zephyr comfortably propped up for meals and just so he can look around a bit. The attached bolster might be an improvement on trying to prop him up with pillows that will shift out of position. It's very much like this: http://tinyurl.com/4lzajfl

I've got a boy having some back pain, and the pain is worse when he tries to sit up after lying flat on his side. The bolsters have helped him since he can sleep propped on them.

Good luck with Zephyr. You know that the better he feels, the more trouble he'll be. I'm wishing you a happily troublesome boy.

Tucker The Crestie said...

Our friend Bunny at Tales and Tails said that Zephyr was not feeling well, so we wanted to drop by and offer our good wishes for his speedy recovery.

IHeartDogs said...

Every little step in the right direction is great. It sounds like a long recovery ahead when you do get him home. Our continued prayers for Zephyr to heal up fully as soon as possible.
{{{{{hugs}}}}
What a frightening health scare... Hope you can get some much needed rest.
Thanks for updating us.

Never Say Never Greyhounds said...

Oh my gosh! I am just now catching up on blogs. So sorry to hear about Z. Very scary. I am very hopeful that he makes a full recover and does so quickly.

jcp said...

Sorry to hear Zephyr has had a tough time.
Stay strong and heal well.
JP and Kassa

. said...

Hello there. So sorry to hear about Zephyr. Hope he starts feeling better very soon.
From the guys at Teddybearscottage.

Elaine Pritchard said...

Lots and lots of love to you all.

I've seen you on Sue and Song's blog and I'm sorry it's taken me so long to stop by and say 'hi'.

I'll be crossing my paws and claws for Zephyr and stopping by regularly now to get the latest updates.

Love and licks Winnie