Thank God for mobile vets. I am now a HUGE advocate and Chum's Dr. could not have been more pleasant and kind and thorough. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before but because Chumley is so aggressive with others, whenever he goes to the vet he has to be in restraints. Since we were here at home while the Dr. was examining Chum, I was able to snap a couple pics of what Chum looks like during a typical vet visit...
She was able to draw blood from his leg through the zipper hole in the restraining bag.
Sadly no vet has ever been able to examine Chum's mouth, nose or eyes without sedation and I didn't want him to be put under, especially if his kidneys aren't healthy. The head mask completely covers his face and has just a tiny breathing hole, Hannibal Lechter style.
Before he was bagged, she was able to feel his kidneys and said they were mis-shaped, a result of kidney disease. She wanted to get a urine sample but his bladder was empty and I told her I may be able to get one to her later. She looked at me perplexed and I quickly tried to explain my shower curtain/turkey baster method for obtaining urine samples, at which Tom rolled his eyes thinking "Oh God, here we go..."
So it looks as though Chum's kidneys may be the culprit once again. We started him on sub-cutaneous fluids (he is NOT a fan of this) and antibiotics twice a day. Blood tests will be back tomorrow morning so we hope nothing new pops up. He was still a bit groggy and weak after the visit and slept in his bed most of the day.
Occasionally I'd find Wrigs up there too, just checking on him...
I love how Wrigs is still so protective of him, even though Chum beats this dog silly...
Again because your comments and well wishes were so kind I want to thank Karen, Gidge, Gina, Ted, Francis & Bingo, Bethanne, KBL, Single in Vancouver, Suz, Anne, Katie, Bon Don, Desert Rat, Michelle, Mindy, Tina and the anons. Thank you sweet people, for your very kind hearts.
19 comments:
So glad he is doing better!
Glad he is on the mend...the vet sounds like a saint too. you should keep her.
Wrigs is such a sweetheart, he may have been Florence nightengale in his past life.
really, the bag made me laugh. just a little. I could picture some parents doing that...you know with bad kids.
awwww look how he watches over his brother!!
I'm glad Mr. Chums feels better, eating is always a good sign.
Oh yeah, and the bag is pretty funny, very Hannibal Lechter :)
So glad Chumley is doing better! Keep us posted!
Chumley, you gave us all a scare!!
I love the bagging method...Tyson needs the same thing but instead I take the brunt of his anger at the vet and hold him down.
I am continuing to send good luck wishes and prayers for a completely healthy Chum!
I am just now reading this and finding out about the Chum-ster. I am so, so sorry about his health issues... I will definitely keep him, you and Tom in my prayers.
I know how stressful it is.
Glad he is improving!
yay glad he is feeling better!!!!. it makes me nervous that moxy and chumley are in the same bed. that spells t r o u b l e.
xo
ps touf is stil in trouble. its raining so he wont go outside and pooped in the house. BAD DOG. he is in a peace flashdance jersey as punishment.
Those photos are priceless...never seen anything like that! I thought it was a shoe bag, at first...you know, when you buy fancy shoes and each one is wrapped in a bag inside of the box? But it was Chumley! What a concept. Sooooo glad that you now know a good vet, and one that makes HOUSE CALLS! Who knew? That's a double-blessing!
God almighty! Those photos had me crying! Only Chums! I'm so glad he's on the mend. Wrigs is the best big brother anywhere. Chum is lucky to have him!
Just getting back to checking blogs after a week away. Sorry to hear Chumsters was feeling ill, and glad he is now feeling better.
I love how Wrigley watches out for Chumley. Animals really know, don't they?
Glad he is on the mend.
-One of the anons
Glad Chumley is better!
oh my! I love the Hannibel Lechter restraints and the shower curtain/turkey baster explanation. Definitely sounds great that his appetite is better today. Did she show you how to check the neck to see if he is dehydrated and needs more fluids? Give Wrigs hugs from me for being such a good brother bear.
By the way, Mom is getting a new golden puppy..she was born around VD and she'll be getting her around Easter.
SG, I'm so glad that Chum is responding well to the meds and your loving care. Poor boy--and I can imagine how it was to get him into that bag--did it take the three of you to accomplish that? A vet that makes house calls is perfect for your boy. You two are such perfect pet parents! All of us are wishing Chum a complete and quick recovery. TFOLW1GA7C
Poor Chum! I am glad he is feeling a little better. When I saw the pic, it took me a second to realize he was in that bag!
I couldn't decipher the whole bag thing at first...I was wondering what in the world it was! Then I saw some ears...glad you are better Chumley!
Oh poor Chumley...I know how hard it is to see our "babies" hurting, and for them not to be able to tell us why makes it worse. I hope he's doing better and back to his normal self soon! I'll be sending positive thoughts to him!
So glad to hear that he's feeling better!
Just like Garfield hates Odie, but when Odie is in danger, Garfield is the first one to come in his rescue.
I'm very glad Chums turned out OK. :-)
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