May 27, 2015
I cried all night….
In fact I have cried myself to sleep the last few nights and then last night I still couldn’t sleep. Just 10 minutes after I clicked the publish key on my last post I heard a spine chilling scream. Last Tuesday evening about 6:15PM Carmeh gave the most horrific cry I have ever heard and will never ever forget.
We were both at our desks and she went up the 9 inch high stool to get close to Colin. Yes we have ramps everywhere but if she wants so look outside she has a short jump to a stool with another short jump to her sitting area. We have to allow her some freedom and a life so we have allowed this stool arrangement.
A few moments after her cry.
Her back legs are not working. Simple but very sad fact. She can sit but not walk. She was shivering but not whimpering but obviously in pain and shock. I gave her the Metacam within 30 minutes as she has to have food in her stomach. She did eat but sitting down which she has never done in her life. She is a stander at her food dish.
Into the pen she went and has been ever since. Caeli sometimes wants to go in with her. Other times she lays outside the pen next to Carmeh.
We knew it was bad this time. We already had a vet appointment for a minor matter first thing Wednesday morning and we spent a good hour there. Our main concern was that she was not peeing. If she didn’t by the end of the day we would have to catheterize her. Back home with more Metacam, Tramadol for pain and to keep her quiet and Robax-in for muscle relaxation. She has an ice pack on her spine, ten minutes on and ten minutes off, as much as we can do through the day.
Finally Colin got her to pee and poop but it is a chore and dangerous as it can cause more damage. He now crawls behind her on the grass to catch her when she sways and tries to support her but still allow her to do her business.
She will not walk with a sling to hold her back end up. She just stops.
So we have to let her go after standing her on her back legs. You can see that they are about to fall and not hold her up.
Here she is about to fall over on her right.
Colin is actually right there to catch her and we are trying to restrict her walking but as the vet says she has to pee and poo. That is the only movement she is doing and will be crated for a long while. We did return her to the vet Wed. PM to have 2 shots of Prednisone injected into the problem area. I had to leave the building so I would not hear her screams of pain.
Today she seems worse than yesterday with less leg strength. We have to give the meds time to kick in and for the inflammation to go down to see if she will recover. The vet is hopeful. Meanwhile we are both saddened and I cry at night. Last night Carmeh could not sleep, she is likely done with staying still and in one place. She finally fell asleep after 3AM with my hand on her neck. Meanwhile my tears kept falling.
This is a dilemma for us as we were leaving on a road trip in the RV tomorrow. We have gone back and forth as to stay or go, what to do? Finally this morning we have decided to leave and see how it goes for the first few days. I have meetings in Edmonton regarding my Father’s estate plus other appointments that were planned long ago. The only difference with being here or traveling is where she will go do her business. Easier here as she knows the yard but the vet thought it would be okay to travel and encouraged us to go. Back and forth our decision went.
A few of the pluses is that we will both be together and better able to care for her. Also the RV is a smaller area and she can see us from wherever she is. Right now she is constantly popping her head up to see where we are or who is walking around. So we have decided to go and monitor her and the situation. If it is too stressful we will return here early next week. Hopefully she will be more relaxed and quieter in the RV.
Meanwhile our hearts are broken as we face the possibility that she will never walk again. One day at a time right now, but today is not a good one. But tomorrow is yet another day.
<< Older Posts Home Newer Posts >>
Sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you all.
Oh, poor little Carmeh. I understand exactly how you feel. One of our dachsies went through the same thing….do not give up. Our Heidi had steroids to start and then went on an aspirin regime and she came through it just fine. It happened when she was younger and we were sure it was the beginning of many back problems but she recovered and never had it happen again. Hugs to all of you.
so so sad to read this Contessa, thinking of you all now and in the days ahead.
I am so sorry for your heartache. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oh Contessa – I am so sorry to read this. Total crate rest for six weeks will do wonders for her. Scooter is walking again after her episode when she went down in January. She’s a little wobbly at times and we don’t let her do stairs anymore but she can now chase a rabbit, although she’s a little slow. Check out dodgerslist.com. They will give you all kinds of advice and support because IVDD is all they deal with. We took Scooter with us when we traveled in January. Made sure she stayed in her cage at all times and she was just happy to be near us. Hugs to all of you as you deal with this heartbreaking time.
I feel so terrible for you guys. Here is hoping and praying she is ok with some time to heal.
I am so sorry – so tough when your fur baby is in pain.
Bless her heart, it’s so hard when our babies have problems. My Maltese of 11 years has gone blind due to diabetes. He was not a candidate for eye surgery, we tried. My prayers are with you and Carmeh. When she gets better, I sure would ground her. We have removed all our doggie steps in fear Puddles will walk off the end and break a leg.
Searching for words. I hope you guys take the trip. I’m sure it will make Carmeh feel better! She can poo anywhere, even on a paper in the motorhome if need be. Let’s hope she gets well soon. BTW, you look fantastic in your new outfits. Very sharp!!!
Be good and relax.
So sorry for you, Colin and Carmeh. It is so hard when you don’t know exactly what is hurting her or how much it is hurting her and the fact that there isn’t much that you can do to help her. Give her lots of loving, which I know you are already doing. Hope she improves soon.
Ruth
Prayers for sweet Carmeh (and the rest of the C family). So sorry this is happening just as your wonderful trip is to begin. I hope all goes well and she can find comfort in the RV.
I don’t know if this contraption would be applicable to Carmeh or not, but I’ve been seeing a Facebook friend with an older Corgi who is now using one, and it’s really given him his mobility back:
http://www.handicappedpets.com/dog-wheelchair-mini-adjustable-wheelchairs-for-dogs-with-disabilities
It still allows the dog to use their back legs, but apparently moves most of the weight-bearing to the wheels rather than rear legs. Grasping at straws perhaps, but I thought I’d share the link anyway.
I’ll be thinking of you guys tomorrow!
Just know we care – blessings to all – hugs for Carmeh!
Good luck with her issues.
I’m so very sorry, as I know how much you love sweet Carmeh. Try and relax – she actually might do better in the RV since it’s a smaller space. Thinking of you…
Hope all will remedy itself with rest and time – obviously in very loving and caring hands…
Sending you all positive thoughts and hoping for a quick recovery of an important member of the family.
Catching up on your blog (visitors at my house) and just read about sweet Carmeh..my heart hurts for you and Colin..have gone thru the same thing since November with my Ellie. It is a 24 hr job to watch them. Ellie had wonderful success with acupuncture and Chinese herbs, along with prednisone, pain pills, and valium. Crated for six to eight weeks. Praying that she continues to improve..hugs and kisses to that sweet baby who provides us readers with precious pictures to brighten our day.
Mary Edhaim