A Rough Week with the Dog

I know that I shouldn't complain, lot's of folks have a life that is infinitely worse than mine but it isn't exactly my life that concerns me. Bailey has had the rough week..

Bailey is our miniature schnauzer. Born April 20, 2000, she just recently turned 10-years old. That is about middle-aged for a miniature schnauzer. This week she started off ok but not eating her "winter rations" of two meals a day, and she doesn't when it is as hot as it was then. She has long cut herself to one meal plus her beloved treats. Monday night, she was still an enthusiastic dog. Tuesday was another story...

I noticed she wasn't quite herself as she did her "business" and promptly did it again on the kitchen floor. She then was lethargic all day long. That was enough for me. Wednesday she went to the vet. She had a fever of 104+ and was dehydrated (despite drinking water, the only thing she took in). We left her there on an IV. The vet did blood work. No idea what is causing the fever. Because of her attitude with the vet techs and assistants, I went in every 2½-3 hours and walked her. I took her home Wednesday evening at about 6:00 and back in to the vet Thursday morning for another day of IV hydration and periodic walks. Her temp Thursday morning was 102+ and she was a bit more energetic.

Now it is Friday. She hasn't eaten a thing since Monday at about noon (late breakfast). I take her back to the vet. They give her a shot of fluids and I take her to work. All day I try to interest her in food and repeat the water and walk cycle. Sometimes she's a bit perkier, but mostly just a tired dog. Still won't eat. Bring her home and she still won't eat. Called the vet and she says to give it the weekend to see how it goes.

I have checked her over (often) for ticks. None. Checked her gums. Doesn't seem to be a problem. I'll look again. I know she doesn't feel well and so I'm not happy. Not at all, but, I am hopeful. She's looking a bit perkier, wanted up on the sofa next to us, watches "Mom" move around and eat. Fingers crossed and prayers said...

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6-20-2010: Acting much better today. Seems hydrated, urine more clear, more aware and active but not eating. We "squirted" about 3-4 ounces of beef broth down her throat to get something nutritious in her. Didn't throw up. Did bark at the neighbor. All good signs...

6-21-2010: Threw up again this morning. Barked at neighbor. Fecal sample tested negative for anything worrisome. FINALLY ate some beef stew...

6-24-2010: Well, 3 days later and we've gotten her back on kibble, finally, and nearly normal bowel movements. If you've ever had an unpredictable dog (or been "unpredictable" yourself, you know why that's important. She's going to the groomer, one of her fav people, for the spa treatment and to make the "poodle leg" (shaved for the catheter) a bit less noticeable. Not that she notices and I envy her that.