worst day ever
Yesterday, Remi and I had to take Baxter to the vet. We wanted to take him this week to get a check-up and get him mircochipped, but this was an emergency visit.
Remi noticed in the morning that Baxter was not being his usual energetic self that we’ve come to know and adore. He was shaking and trembling constantly. It got worse as the day went on and soon he was curled into a ball in his grate. He wouldn’t even try to sit in Remi’s lap or lick him. So Remi called to see if the vet would see Baxter sooner than his scheduled appointment. I picked them both up and we rushed to the vet’s office during my lunch break.
Turns out it was really good we brought him in. His temperature was 105 (a healthy dog’s temperature should be between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees.) They did a chest x-ray, blood tests, started him on anti-biotics, dewormed him, and put him on IV fluids. He was also put into isolation because he was considered highly contagious. We went back to work and tried not to worry. Easy task, right?
Later in the afternoon, we got the news that his temperature did drop for a little bit but was climbing back up. The chest x-ray also revealed a spot in his left lung, a sign of local pneumonia (whatever that means.) The vet was concerned and said it was odd. I was hoping we could take him home, but they wanted to keep him overnight on fluids. After work, we stopped by to see him and try to cheer him up. I think we did more harm than good. He was so sad and just one look into his eyes was a stab in the heart. He had a cone around his head, an IV drip in his leg with a little brace covering it, and was in this metal crate in a room all by himself. It was heartbreaking. He just wanted out and to be with us.
Going home without him was hard… we’ve only had this guy since last Thursday but not hearing him clickity clack around the house or curl up on the sofa next to us was tougher than I’d ever imagined. We got so attached so quickly and were worried sick.
Thankfully, this morning we were told the good news that his fever broke so we could take him home. We have to continue the anti-biotics and keep him mostly inside resting. He was a handful when we picked him up. Super excited and total ball of energy again. We know we have to take it easy with him in the coming weeks to make sure he has a full recovery. Don’t want a repeat of yesterday. Seriously worst feeling ever seeing him so sad and no way to comfort him.
After I got back from the vet during my lunch break, work threw me a surprise party to celebrate 10 years being with the company. I was embarassed, touched, and feeling super old. It was a whirlwind of emotions. I’m still exhausted.
