Thanks for the miracle
I don’t know which one of your prayers or well wishes did the trick, or if it was the power of them combined, or if it was the puking, or if perhaps it was the nap (I think they can cure about everything), but six hours after he could barely walk, Ace was unexplainedly up and running.
“Stop running,” I told him.
But given I was smiling, tearing up and having difficulty working up the stern tone sometimes required for him to obey, he apparently didn’t feel the need to pay attention. Either that, or he was as happy as I was.
Six hours after he could barely stand up, he was ready to romp.
What befell him yesterday morning is a mystery, and your conjecture is welcome, because I’d like to figure it out.
You’ll recall, maybe, that he had some disc problems a few months back. Those, treated with steroid pills, vanished after the second round of drugs. While that ailment didn’t affect his ability to walk, it was clearly painful and led him to yelp out, whereas yesterday he didn’t seem to be in any pain at all.
After sleeping in yesterday — til almost 11 a.m. — he got up to find he couldn’t get up. It seemed to be just one front leg affected at first, but then I noticed his rear leg on the same side was dragging, splaying out, and clearly not following his brain’s command.
What transpired at the vet was pretty routine, until we got back in the car and he began vomiting, in no small amounts.
The vet, who had recommended he see a dog neurologist, came out to the car, tied an IV bag to my roof rack and administered what’s called a subcutaneous drip to restore his fluids.
During it, I noticed some slight signs of improvement. Ace sat up, and seemed to be putting weight on the bad side. Once back home he seemed even better, though the right front paw still seemed to have a mind of its own, flopping down on the ground in an exxagerated motion.
After the nap, he insisted on going outside, where he proceeded to walk 99 percent normally, run 99 percent normally and pester me to play 100 percent normally.
I calmed him down, insisting that he chill, and told him we would withhold any celebrations until tomorrow — after seeing whether he gets up with the same problems or not.
It was a scary day, and I can’t tell you how many roads my mind went down. Was it going to be something as serious as it appeared, could I afford the tests to have it diagnosed, much less to have it treated? Would it prove fatal? How badly would I fall apart if so, and could I ever be put back together again?
Sitting in the exam room, waiting for the vet, I reminded myself every minute or so that it wasn’t about me. I reminded myself that I’m a cool-headed sort. But inside, I had turned drama queen.
Ace has given me some scares before during our travels, with his herniated disc, when he disappeared through a swimming pool cover, when he jumped over the fence at Niagara Falls. This one was by far the worst, because there was no explanation for it, no precipitating event — just a sudden loss of limb control.
It’s nothing to take lightly, and even if he seems 100 percent today, I know he needs to be checked out by a specialist. Some breathing room to do that would be nice, though.
I am of that percentage of society that places their dog’s health above their own. Lacking health insurance — for me or him — I am also of the ignore it and maybe it will just go away school.
Yesterday was so frightening I made an exception.
While his problem may not truly be gone, I’m glad it’s gone for now. Borrowed time? We’ll take it.
On our way to the car, for the drive to the vet, Ace was barely able to walk, even with me lifting up on his harness. He leaned his weak side into me for support. He’s normally a leaner, but not when he walks. That it is when I first lost it — it being composure.
That simple trusting act, on his part, somehow pushed me over the edge — partly because he did it without thinking twice, partly, truth be told, because of the realization that I lean on him much more than he leans on me.
Posted by jwoestendiek August 2nd, 2011 under Muttsblog.
Tags: ace, animals, bond, control, difficulty, dogs, fear, health, leaning, legs, limbs, neurology, pets, road trip, sick, specialist, travels with ace, vet, veterinarian, veterinary, walking
Comments
Comment from Anne’n'Spencer
Time August 2, 2011 at 7:03 am
My vote still goes with “ate something that disagreed with him.” I woke up absolutely dreading this day for a number of reasons. I checked here before I even looked at the news. Now I’m smiling. You guys stay cool, and we’ll keep rolling out those prayers and good thoughts.
Comment from Tammy
Time August 2, 2011 at 7:14 am
I’m so glad ACE seems to have had a spontaneous recovery!
We had a situation eerily similar to what you described with a newfie mix of ours several years ago. Our vet diagnosed tick paralysis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tick_paralysis), which he had seen kill several dogs over the years. I had never heard of it, despite living in a state where Lyme and such are common. I thought I’d mention it since our vet said there are a lot of vets who aren’t familiar with it due to its rarity.
Warm hugs to Ace!
Comment from smoketoomuch
Time August 2, 2011 at 8:14 am
Well, that’s certainly reassuring news! I’m so glad that Ace is “up and at ‘em” again this morning.
Strange malady though… Please DO follow up with the doggie Docs (and get a second opinion – if at all feasible – Doctors, whether human or canine are only “mechanics” after all).
Give him lottsa love today, and if he really wants to – let him RUN.
We are all pulling for both of you.
Comment from jwoestendiek
Time August 2, 2011 at 8:26 am
Hey Tammy, I think that’s a good theory, and the vet did ask if he’d had any ticks lately. I check him pretty regularly, but then there is a lot of real estate involved. I think I’ll give him a good going over right now. He seems to still be fine this morning.
Comment from Kim
Time August 2, 2011 at 8:42 am
So thankful here. Give that sweet boy a big hug.
Comment from Caroline Griffin
Time August 2, 2011 at 9:02 am
You made my day – so happy to hear that Ace is doing so much better today.
Comment from Cathy
Time August 2, 2011 at 9:11 am
YAY!! That’s AWESOME to hear!!! I’m so happy that Ace is up and about. =D
Comment from Kelly
Time August 2, 2011 at 9:12 am
Tears of joy!!!!!
Comment from Peg
Time August 2, 2011 at 9:35 am
I am de-lurking for the first time to… to what, exactly? I’m asking myself. Well, to say Amen And Pass The Kibble that Ace is doing well this morning. Having read omidog for the past few years, you and Ace are a couple o’ ramblers that I’ve come to care about in that funny internet way. You just about killed me when you described losing your composure when he leaned on you. I know, I know! I was with you, in that moment. I was with you yesterday in the midst of your nerve-wracking vet visit with an IV bag tied to your roof rack. That would be why you’re an award-winning journalist. Big hugs to both of you, and if you’re ever in the upstate NY area, give a holler on-blog beforehand. We would love to meet “our” sweet Ace. Oh, and you, too, of course. — You know how it is. 
Comment from Edna Faye
Time August 2, 2011 at 9:50 am
Thank goodness!! I sat down to suggest you think about bringing him or checking with NC Vet Hospital here in Raleigh. Several people we know here have had great luck and successes when other vets have not been as successful. A hug to you both!! ef
Comment from Lynn (in Louisiana)
Time August 2, 2011 at 10:51 am
I’m so glad the most current post is at the top making it so I got the good news before the bad. Since I didn’t check your blog yesterday afternoon I had no idea Ace was ailing. I would have worried all night.
Kisses to Ace. I’m so happy he has you as his best friend.
Comment from Aleksandra
Time August 2, 2011 at 2:04 pm
we are keeping our fingers crossed for Ace over here. sounds like you’re out of the woods, but i’m glad to know you are not taking the incident lightly and that you plan to see a specialist.
Comment from Valerie Brooks
Time August 2, 2011 at 3:20 pm
John, I’m so sorry you had to go through such a scary experience. Please call Mark at any time, day or night, if you want to talk about Ace. Or me, if you just want to talk. Mark is friends with a veterinary neurologist. Give Ace and yourself a big hug from me.
-Valerie
Comment from Madeline
Time August 2, 2011 at 4:17 pm
So glad Ace is up and about. I thought poison, of some kind when you described the vomiting.
One night a few years ago, my husband stood up from his chair and found he could not put his foot down without severe pain. After five hours in the emergency room, tests, xrays, etc. no diagnosis. He was fine the next day. It never happened again. He did not throw up, though.
Comment from Starla
Time August 2, 2011 at 5:23 pm
So HAPPY to hear Ace is feeling better! Hugs & Wags for the Big Guy! (And for you too John!)
Comment from Marilyn
Time August 2, 2011 at 6:32 pm
John,
I’m so glad Ace is feeling better. Browser and Papier both have over the years had these unexplained, distressing “incidents” which usually culminate in a horrendous vomiting episode. Next day, they’re fine. Boy, I sure wish dogs could talk, don’t you? Give Ace an extra treat from his Northwest friends!
Comment from Rebecca
Time August 2, 2011 at 9:09 pm
I hope Ace will be fine. Hopefully there won’t be any more problems like the case above.
Comment from Satrio Wahyu
Time August 3, 2011 at 12:11 am
nice to know that ace becomes better and better. those animals like dogs and cats can be my friends everytime I need. so, I can’t let them get some diseases. I will do what you had did if I have a problem like Ace
congratulations!
Comment from Anne’n'Spencer
Time August 3, 2011 at 8:41 am
Just stopping by to see how the big guy is this morning.
Comment from Bimini
Time August 2, 2011 at 6:46 am
are you certain there was nothing he could have gotten into? Just the fact that he vomited then felt better, ya know? Regardless……YAY ACE!!!! woo-hooo