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Barnyard Buddies:  Distemper?  |
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 6:24:56 PM
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Hello All,
I am very sad & very tired this evening. Our sweet rescue pup, Walter, has become very ill since last Saturday. Our vet originally thought he had an upper respiratory illness, but now thinks possibly distemper. His main symptoms are a green discharge from his nose, lethargy and loss of appetite. He was started on antibiotics (Monday) and I have been forcing food & water. He is peeing very little. I took him on Wed. for IV liquids. He will go again tomorrow if needed. He seemed a bit better today, but his nasal discharge is streaked with blood tonight. I got him to eat a bit too. I am giving major supportive care right now.
Has anyone out there successfully brought a dog through this terrible illnes? Reading online the prognosis seems bleak. My vet holds out for the chance that it could be something else, like Canine Influenza or an UR infection. Both have better success rates.
Walter was vaccinated at the shelter about a week before we got him. They tell us he came from a home, not a kennel... but he was in terrible shape (filthy, fleas, worms) so I question if this is true. I suppose it may be. I haven't been able to get a hold of the shelter yet, just their machine.
Poor Walter. He is a wonderful dog who deserves a family to love him. He would rather have a pat & a nuzzle than food!  He has been such a joy to us after losing Maggie. We don't want to lose him too.
Any creative ideas on how to get liquids into him or experience with this illness (or similar) would be appreciated. Also if you are like me, and don't think it's silly to pray for animals... that would be appreciated very much.
They say the Corgi has the ability to enchant humans. We have been utterly enchanted by Walter in just ten days! We so want him to be part of our family.
Ok, thanks for listening farmgirls. I may not be around much as Walter's care is pretty time intensive. I'll be back though to keep you posted.
Blessings and thanks,
Rhonda
I'm a one girl revolution. |
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Luzy
True Blue Farmgirl
922 Posts
Luanne
Pueblo
Colorado
USA
922 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2007 : 7:05:20 PM
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I'm saying a special prayer for sweet Walter tonight. Bless his heart, and yours too! You've done a wonderful thing by taking him in and giving him such good, loving care. You'll be my thoughts for sure and please let us all know of his progress. Gotta keep those positive thoughts. Big hug, Lu
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May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.
http://luzy.etsy.com- My etsy store! |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2007 : 06:08:21 AM
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Oh, Rhonda, I'm really so sorry. Distemper is a terrible thing for a wee one to go through. At the shelter, we had a difficult time with this one--it's a terrible thing, and they really do suffer. We had an adult dog with it, which is rare, and he was our only survivor, BUT we didn't have the tools to treat it the way a vet would (and the county thought anything over $4.00 was unreasonable).
I'm hoping that your vet can keep the little one hydrated and keep him going. I've seen miraculous things--they CAN rebound from Parvo and Distemper, but it is dilligent work. Sounds like your vet is a good one.
Prayers for you and your little fur baby.
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian. |
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Cheryl
True Blue Farmgirl
919 Posts
Cheryl
Magalia
CA
USA
919 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2007 : 1:16:26 PM
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You and Walter are in my prayers.
Cheryl |
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MsCwick
True Blue Farmgirl
775 Posts
Cristine
Farmville
Virginia
USA
775 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2007 : 7:19:17 PM
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My cat was hydrated by a subcutaneous saline injection under the skin. It ends up looking like a terrible bubble under the skin, but the body will absorb it just the same. 8 lb cat got 100CC saline if that gives you any idea. If you aren't sure on how to give it, maybe the vet could show you and you could do this once or twice a day. The cat was given it right on his side right around the shoulder/ribcage area. Maybe this can help.
Good luck
Cristine |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2007 : 8:07:00 PM
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The subcutaneous saline injections can work miracles. It really is amazing how much the vets can "push" into them. I was assisting at my hometown vet's office once when a dog came in that had been hit by a car. The poor pup was a mess and had a broken leg that was dislocated as well. He was in shock so we did the subcu saline injections to make sure he had enough fluids to make it through surgery.
I hope Walter is feeling better today!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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victoria ann williams
Farmgirl at Heart
7 Posts
victoria
newport
wa
USA
7 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2007 : 5:06:27 PM
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| dear rhonda: I have had 2 dogs that I've gotten from the dog pound that made full recoveries but they spent time, & money at the vet-money well spent. They had iv's,pain meds, & it took a month to finally get well. It was sad to see, but definately worth it! It lives in the dirt too; so even though he had his shots; he could have gotten it from the home. Hang in there; lots of loving& I visited the vet every day. They started off eating soft food like rice & chicken when they came home. I hope this helps; any pup is worth saving for the love they give you.Love; vicki from Newport, Wa |
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vintagegrl
True Blue Farmgirl
280 Posts
Jeanette
NH
USA
280 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2007 : 04:49:17 AM
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Rhonda, So sorry for what your baby and you are going through. I will definitely send healing thoughts and prayers to Walter and to you. Please keep us posted on his progress (when you can).
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - Aug 15 2007 : 6:42:17 PM
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Hello Everyone,
I'm SO happy to be back and have WONDERFUL news about Walter! Our vet has ruled out distemper and Walter is recovering nicely! I really do appreciate your prayers and good thoughts so! And yes, the saline injections worked wonders! Amazing to see how he would perk up as soon as they were administered. All the work & anxious moments have definately been worth it!
We are not sure who is happier, us or Walter...but he is a perfect fit for our family! The boys have even discovered that he likes to play ball-which thrilled them!
Anyway, thanks again for all the farmgirl love! You guys are the BEST!
Rhonda
I'm a one girl revolution. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 15 2007 : 7:15:55 PM
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Oh I am so glad that he is perking back up! I was wondering and hoping that he wasn't another tragedy! Yay Walter!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Aug 16 2007 : 05:54:07 AM
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I'm sooo glad! I've been waiting for you to post--kindof anxious and scared to read at the same time!
VERY happy it's good news!!!!
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian. |
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Miss Bee Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
4331 Posts
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts |
Posted - Aug 16 2007 : 06:22:33 AM
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I'm only just now reading this post, Rhonda. When I started reading at the beginning, I teared up when I read it was your sweet little Walter. I'm SO relieved to know he's on the road to recovery! Give him a kiss and a pat from me! :D
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" - 'Brother Dave' Gardner |
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Barnyard Buddies: Distemper? |
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Distemper?
