Healing thoughts for my dog

[mathnerd]

I just got back from the vet a little bit ago. My big dog is really, really sick. It looks like he's gotten into rat poison. The vet wanted to admit him, but my finances won't allow it. The vet and I worked out a compromise within my budget, but it's second best and his prognosis is still quite guarded. This is my oldest son's dog, and the two are inseparable. I've spent the last few hours in tears over this stupid dog. I don't know what I'll do if he doesn't make it. My kids will be utterly devastated. Hell, I'll be devastated. Hopefully, what we're doing will work, but we could use some positive thoughts thrown our way.

[Teysa]

*hugs* Lots of positive thoughts your way.

[mathnerd]

Thanks. I've had two friends now inform me in no uncertain terms that Baxter will not die in account of money. That's somewhat if a relief, though I hate owing people money, and I already owe both of them. I will nurse him through the night and reevaluate in the morning.

[Seshat]

Oh no.

May Baxter be well, and make a full recovery. And learn what not to get into!

[Crossbow]

My good thoughts are coming your way as well. *hugs*

[mathnerd]

Thanks for the positive thoughts! Baxter is doing remarkably better this morning. He's still not feeling well, but he ate his allowed amount of food vigorously and is drinking water without issues. He's also excitedly greeting his humans, though he does plop down fairly quickly after the effort. He's also back to barking at the train that goes by the house, which he didn't have the energy to do yesterday. He's not feeling 100%, but the difference between yesterday and today is incredible. I feel confident that I can continue to care for him at home.

The vet did not give me the full course of two of the meds, so I will need to get the rest of that in a few days when my current supply runs out, but that's a whole lot better than hospitalization.

The next question, then, is how did he get into rat poison? There are three running theories. The first and least ominous is that when we were walking him Friday night, he tried to go after something that looked like trash in the bushes behind a strip mall. He got a little bit ingested before the kid on the other end of the leash got him pulled away. The timing works out with the onset of symptoms for ingestion around that time. The next theory is that we have a bitchy neighbor. Baxter does sometimes bark, though there are a number of dogs in the neighborhood who bark at all hours of the day. Baxter rarely barks at night, but that didn't stop one ill-tempered neighbor from blaming him. The last theory is that he somehow got a hold of a rat that had been poisoned. I'm really hoping for theories one or three. I can't stand the thought that a person would intentionally harm a dog like this.

[Teysa]

Glad to hear Baxter is on the mend. May his recovery continue to be swift.

[cindybubbles]

Did you inform the neighbours of Baxter's predicament? Especially the bitchy one? If not, go and tell and read their reactions. If one of them says "I hope he dies" (pray that none do!), then that's the one you should investigate.

I'm so sorry for you. I hope he gets better.

[Seshat]

Sadly, we once lost a cat to bait put out for a dog. (At least, that's the best guess the vet had: there was too much poison for a rat or a cat, by a significant margin.)

[Tama]

We saved our dog by inducing vomiting...but your way is best, with the vet. Sounds like he is better anyway.

[mathnerd]

Honestly I had no idea what was going on when I brought him to the vet. All I knew is I had one very sick dog. If I'd realized what was going on sooner, I may have tried to induce vomiting, if only to keep him from getting so sick before following up with the vet.

He's doing better by the hour. Thanks for all the positive thoughts! Every time I check on him he looks better and better, and even has his old energy back in short spurts. He was jumping around just a little bit ago playing "reach for the stick" with my eldest offspring (this is where the kid holds a stick way above his head and the dog jumps for it). He can't keep it up for very long, but I'm extremely pleased that he can do it at all. He's also back to claiming half the neighborhood as "his". He's fairly convinced that the trolley tracks on the other side of the street belong to him, and he was quite unhappy with the workers doing some repairs this afternoon. As irritating as that is, I couldn't help but be happy about it.

[strawbabies]

Best wishes for Baxter's speedy recovery. And you have some truly awesome friends!

[mathnerd]

And you have some truly awesome friends!

Yes, I have been very blessed to have a number of extraordinary people in my life. Today, yet a third friend called and told me that she'd be happy to pay for his vet care if I needed her to. Thankfully it's worked out that I only need to borrow a bit under $50, but I am reminded again how wonderful the people in my life are. I really am overwhelmed with gratitude.

[RootedPhoenix]

*hughughughug* I'm SO glad Baxter is getting better. Prayers sent, too. <3

(those hugs are for you & family. *skritches Baxter*)

[mathnerd]

Thanks! Baxter firmly believes the entire world loves him and wants to give him ear scrithes.

Here he is a few weeks ago, btw. This was in one of the hotels while we were travelling.