Friday, December 14, 2018

Our Poor Little Guy

Westie dog
   Hey y’all. This has been a tough week for us here on the Bayou. We are just now feeling confident enough to share what has been going on because Pierre is doing better. To be honest, we weren’t sure if that was going to be the case.
   Early Monday morning Pierre’s stomach began making noise. That is not unusual, so I gave him one Omeprazole over-the-counter acid reducer. It usually works quickly and once he eats, all is good. Not this time.
   He began vomiting mid-morning and within the hour, he was violently vomiting and having diarrhea. I called our veterinarian and they could see him at 3:00. Our poor little guy threw up so many times that we lost count. He couldn’t get comfortable and howled out in pain at one point. It was heartbreaking. We arrived at the vet early and they were able to get us right back. He got sick in the office two more times.
   The vet did bloodwork to see what was going on with him. He was already dehydrated and his white blood count was high. They gave us two choices. Leave him overnight on a drip with a catheter and cone so he wouldn’t mess with the tubes or they could administer a subcutaneous fluid (under his skin) while we were there and give him an anti-nausea shot. We discussed our options and since we know Pierre better than anyone, it was our decision he would be too stressed out if left alone overnight. They gave him fluids, a shot and sent us home with some canned food for intestinal problems and anti-nausea pills. It was going to be a long night.
Westie in dog bed
   He tried to sleep but there was no position that didn’t hurt him. We had instructions to only offer him a small amount of water at 8:00pm and then a little more in the morning. I knew he was thirsty but only allowed him a few sips. He kept the water down about an hour. The shot had him zoned out so when we took him outside, he would just lay down. He couldn’t stand to do his business or get sick so the result was very messy. There was no way we could risk trying to bathe him so we used our Quick Bath wipes and got him cleaned up. We put him in their kennel in the living room and set him up with a soft blanket. I slept on the couch so I could check on him. I have never seen a dog go from happy and playing to knocking on death’s door in a matter of hours! He was diagnosed with gastroenteritis which can be brought on by a variety of factors and is more often a diagnosis of exclusion. The vet rules out serious complications and when there are no obvious problems, they diagnose gastroenteritis.
   Since Monday, he has slowly improved. I gave him a bath Tuesday morning and put fresh blankets in the kennel. He had to rest and he seemed content with his quiet time in the kennel. We’ve continued to make sure he is staying hydrated and I check to make sure his gums are pink. He is urinating but no bowel movement. Of course, he has only had tiny pieces of boiled chicken. Pierre turned his head to the canned food but he did eat some today (Thursday). I am praying that he continues to improve. He barked at the doorbell tonight which I never thought I’d be so happy to hear in my life!
Westie dog smile meme
   I discovered that one of the saddest sights in the world is a Westie with his tail straight down. I want my happy yappy dog back. Please keep our boy in your prayers. I'm hoping that he will be terrier-izing everyone again in a couple of days.

*I’ll be catching up on my blog visits this weekend. Love y’all
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27 comments :

  1. we are so sorry and we hope for good news from the Bayou... we so agree with you a westie without a wagging tail is so sad to see.... please Pierre get well soon, we love ya and we send big hugs and lots of POTP to you...

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  2. OMGoodness, little buddy. We are very sad that your tummy is acting so poorly. Sounds like your doctor and mama have put the bitey on this naughty tummy and you’re moving in the right, healing direction. Mom and I said a prayer for you and your family and your doctors and nurses. We know you will be up and running soon. Stay strong, bud. xo

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

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  3. We continue to send you tons of AireZen and healing vibes, Pierre. We want to see that Terrier tail up and that smile on your face!

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  4. Oh boy, we were scared to read this. Sadly, with first had experience of how things can go from bad to deadly very quickly, we are so happy he is starting to feel better. Lots of hugs and kisses for Pierre from me and Bailie. Hope he takes it easy and keeps on recovering. Bailie sends you huggles too.

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  5. Glad to hear sweet Pierre is improving. Hopefully by the end of the weekend, he'll be right as rain. Sending oodles of poodles continuing wellness wishes.

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  6. Pierre my little sweet man...I am so very very sorry you have felt so poorly. Bless your heart and that of your peeps. I know they were worried sick. I agree bringing you home was the BEST!
    I'll keep you in my prayers that each day you become more feisty and you can give that door bell a good tongue lashing
    Hugs Cecilia

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  7. We hope Pierre continues to improve. Our angel Joey used to get the occasional stomach bug. We'd give him boiled chicken and rice, or boiled ground beef and barley.

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  8. We are sending Poodle wishes which are known to have medicinal properties for a fast and complete recovery.

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  9. Get well soon, Pierre!!! I'm so sorry everyone had to go through that. Love, Uncle A

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  10. Collies have sensitive stomachs, so we've had our share of gastroenteritis attacks, hopefully your boy will recover quickly.

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  11. Oh thank God Pierre is ok!! It sounds like something Dakota had earlier in the year. Came out of the blue. Pierre will poop....Dakota didn't either for a while but like Pierre it is because he was only permitted to eat like a tablespoon of potatoes and boiled chicken a few times a day for a couple of days. So glad he is on the mend and is returning to his happy self! Please give him kisses from us! xoxo

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  12. Hugs and purrs (yes, purrs!) to Pierre, and to you too!

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  13. Pierre, sweetie, keep feeling and getting better. We will keep our paws crossed and have you in our prayers
    love
    Hazel, Mabel & Mom

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  14. We are so sorry to hear about Pierre's illness. We have had a couple of dogs have gastroenteritis too, and it can be caused by so many things. We were usually able to trace it to something new in the diet. We hope Pierre continues to improve greatly.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  15. Poor Pierre, and poor you, because that is so scary and we know how stressed you must have been, and still are until he's back to himself completely. We are glad to hear that he is at least heading in the right direction, and we will continue to pray for the little guy. Big hugs to all of you! ♥
    Jan & the crew at Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  16. We are very glad to hear that Pierre is doing better! Sending hugs and soft arroos to everyone! We hope to hear that he is back to his cute little Westie self soon! ❤️

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  17. Poor Pierre! We’re glad he’s starting to feel better. Having gastrointestinal problems is no fun.

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  18. I will add Pierre to my prayer list. XO

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  19. I'm so sorry that Pierre hasn't been feeling well. I hope he is back to his terrier-izing self soon!

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  20. This is just so sad to read. We are sending healing thoughts and prayers for him (and it may be a first for our church bulletin to be praying for a Westie on the weekly prayer chain).

    The Johnson's and Abby Lab

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  21. Oh noes!!! Oh my pal, I hopes you feel lots better soon! Ma knows how this is, cause my predecessor, Angel Annie had chronic colitis all her life. I knows how scary and heartbreaking it is to see your pup in so much pain, and feeling helpless. I am so glads you are on the road to recovery, and I am sendin' lots and lots of POTP and healin' vibes and lots of slobbery kisses your way Pierre! Oh, and don't forgets the AireZens!
    {{{hugs}}} to your Moms ♥
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  22. More healing purrs and POTP headed Pierre's way. We hope his tail is up soon.

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  23. I am happy to hear Pierre is feeling a bit better. Sending lots of healing thoughts your way.

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  24. Poor Pierre, and poor you! We are so sorry to read this news that our little Westie pal is not feeling well. Please know we are purring and praying, and sending love and all good thoughts.

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  25. Oh my goodness- sending prayers! Please keep us posted!!

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  26. Dear Pierre, we're so sorry you had to go through this. We hope you're feeling better, and we send you tons of healing purrs.

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