Yesterday turned out to be a busy day without too many opportunities to take pictures, so just a few photos today.
Some of the day was spent in medical offices for peeps and for doggies.
One visit involved a planned appointment with Dr. Robbins, the local surgeon who has been guiding me through the diagnosis and the treating of my colitis.
That appointment simply involved a wrap-up of sorts after my second regimen of budesomide AND a "what do we do next?"
My situation has improved considerably over the past few months and has become manageable, so she will continue to work with me as or if needed.
Once again, I want to express my gratitude for all the medical professionals who have helped me navigate through this challenging journey with my unruly gut.
I've learned a lot, my eating habits have changed (not too thrilling these days but keeping weight off and my activity at a higher level than usual). Plus, my confidence level about embracing life outside of my home has improved immensely.
Yesterday's other appointment was the second for us this week at Center Valley Vets.
💜💛💙💚💓
Two nights ago, little Foster suddenly began struggling, flailing and collapsing while trying to get out of his bed. He also seemed very disoriented.
The whole scene was upsetting, to say the least. At first, I thought he may have had a stroke.
A few seconds in to this sudden struggle for his balance, Bill and I both noticed that Foster's head was cocked to one side.
It was a telltale sign and almost welcome sight which we had first seen a few years ago with our beloved Kiwi.
Like Foster, it was fairly sudden for our first-ever Border Collie.
She had quit eating and drinking. At the time, we thought she probably was on a downward spiral and that it would soon be time to say good bye.
Circumstances of that weekend while watching our beloved dog struggle with her balance led to a Monday appointment at Center Valley Veterinary Hospital.
The minute we led Kiwi into the exam room, Dr. Kellner recognized Kiwi's problem, uttering a term with syllables I didn't recognize.
https://veterinarypartner.vin.
"Vestibular Canine Disease" aka "canine vertigo" or "old-dog vertigo" are terms used for the condition, which is most easily recognized by the fact that the dog's head tilts to one side and the rapid motion in their eyes.
Seeing Foster's head tilt Wednesday night when the condition first occurred, helped settle our initial horror that something really terrible had happened to our little guy.
Still, that didn't make Foster feel any better. He continued to struggle and, at first, could not walk without my lending him support.
In addition to this scene, we had noticed earlier that Foster seemed to have tummy problems, which has been pretty common for him.
In fact, he had vomited a couple of times and had a great desire to eat grass.
Putting the pieces of what we'd observed together and reading the description of the condition, we felt confident that this was Foster's problem and not a stroke.
At his appointment yesterday, our fears were alleviated almost instantly when the staff recognized the vestibular problem and especially when Dr. Kelly took no time reassuring us that the condition had not resulted from a brain tumor, which is one of the causes of vestibular disease.
She could tell by the direction he tilted his head and the direction of his rapid eye movement.
The staff gave him an IV for nausea and Dr. Kelly sent me home with pills for the same problem.
Foster is still tilting this morning, but no vomiting and he's slowly getting back to eating and drinking albeit small amounts.
I remember the shock and the supreme relief when Dr. Kellner told us about Kiwi's vestibular condition and reassured us that she was not on her last legs. She bounced back quickly after treatment.
We've been told that the speed of recovery depends on the dog. Though Foster is not at his best, he's a trooper, and through it all we've been happy to see that his brain and mind are working just fine.
So, lots of TLC ahead and, again, gratitude toward professionals who have helped us, the peeps, and Foster through this somewhat terrifying situation.
And, so life has been dishing out some interesting and challenging moments for us of late. Happily, they all have appeared situations that can be resolved.
And, did I say we are grateful?
Another ongoing situation here may be resolved today when we get some more light on the subject.
Todd, the electrician, is coming at 9, so we'll see if he can fix some things and improve the overall lighting situation on the place.
The beat goes on!
Happy Friday.
Pretzels coated with butterscotch chips and colorful decorations.
Yum!
I now have five kinds of Christmas goodies for the gift plates.
