Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Another Rainy Day

The weather service went out on a limb with today's forecast of a 100% chance for rain. This morning when I got up, the "red sky in the morning" was all I needed to see.
Sure enough by 9:30, heavy rains arrived once again.

Poor Daisy had to go for surgery today. Last week when the vet was here to check on Sophie because of a suspected bladder infection, we noticed Daisy's face was very swollen. Sophie's problem turned out to be 'older doggy incontinence' (minor problem and easily treatable), but Daisy's problem turned out to be a seriously abscessed tooth. And we had to make a decision about how to proceed, the infection could be treated with antibiotics, but it would never get better and Daisy's health would continue to deteriorate until euthanasia would be the only option.

Daisy was 14 years old in April, so her age was a huge consideration for performing surgery. Also she has a heart murmur from a hunting episode several years ago when the weather got unexpectedly warm and Daisy almost died from exhaustion (she hunts like a demon and we had no idea what was going on till she collapsed.)

The vet would have to do blood work to determine the status of Daisy's liver, kidney, and cardiac function and whether surgery would be able to proceed. The vet called about an hour after she took Daisy to let me know that Daisy's kidney function wasn't very good, but she would be able to proceed and would take some additional precautions to allow Daisy's kidneys to function properly during surgery. She also told me that due to the abnormal results, we will have to change Daisy's food once she gets home.

We knew the surgery was going to take a long time as the vet was going to have to check and clean all of Daisy's teeth in addition to removing the abscessed tooth. Finally at around 6:15 PM our phone rang and it was good news....Daisy had survived the surgery. She was still moving around pretty slowly, but doing OK. The vet will return her to us tomorrow morning around 8:30. The vet feels that now this abscessed tooth has been removed, Daisy's overall health and quality of life will improve. And we will get more time to spend with our old girl.

11 comments:

entoto said...

Oh that is the most pathetic little doggie face. I am so glad she will be a happier girl.

How's your vacation?

Anonymous said...

I remembered today was surgery for Daisy and I didn't want to call cuz that would be the exact time the vet would be trying to call you, I did say a little prayer for Daisy that all would turn out okay. In reading I found out for sure she is okay, now how are the "Mom & Dad" doing, surgery is a big thing for Daisy, I'm sure the day was endless and to top it off, it rained the whole day.
MOM

KGMom said...

Poor baby. Hope she does snap back and enjoy her golden doggie years.

By the way, the word verifications are getting RIDICULOUS--here's mine: zrjqjujh.
Really
1

Mary said...

Awwww. You must have worried all day. I'm glad she was strong enough for surgery.

Ruthie, Chloe had several teeth pulled last winter. After, I noticed a huge change in her! She obviously felt better and seemed happier. She must have been in pain.

So, I hope for a good recovery for Daisy.

Enjoy your time off, even though it's pretty wet.

Jayne said...

Sweet, sweet Daisy... Hope she's feeling back to her old self soon. Glad the surgery went well.

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

You'll be so happy to have your Daisy home safe and sound. I sure hope she feels better soon. What a sweet picture!

RuthieJ said...

Hi Everyone,
I'm pleased to report that Daisy is now back at home and parked in "her" chair again. She's in good spirits, hungry & thirsty (food & water to be given in very moderate amounts--per the vet). We will have to go pick up the special KD food for her later this morning.

The vet cleaned all of her teeth and she has a bright, shiny smile again. And now that I've seen what happens, I'm going to try and be more proactive with their toothbrushing.

Those darn pets--they have such a way of worming right into the center of your heart!

P.S. To Donna,
I've noticed those word verifications are getting harder also--lots of times I have to try twice! I wonder what the deal is??

Anonymous said...

What a sweet dog. I hope she's feeling better. I know how miserable a toothache can be. Hopefully, she'll enojoy more years being completely spoiled. It seems like just yesterday "when Daisy was a baby"!!!!

Susie said...

Glad to hear Daisy is progressing well. I know how stressful it can be when a pet is ill.
((hugs))

RuthieJ said...

Hello Sissy,
Daisy is so happy to be home and we're happy to have her back. It was weird to have so much room in bed last night without her laying practically on top of me.

Thanks Susie. I'm glad we decided to go ahead with surgery. She'll be a happier and healthier dog now.

Robin (Bumblebee) said...

Poor baby. Ruthie, I'm so far behind on my blog reading and writing. I'm glad to know, however, that Daisy pulled through the surgery okay. It breaks my heart when one of my own is sick.

--Robin (Bumblebee)