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August 7, 2012

Not only do Lilly’s elimination issues persist (nearly 6 weeks now), but we’re two days into another significant setback of some sort. It’s hard to tell what’s what since the symptoms of her vaccine-induced brain inflammation and treatment side-effects are so similar.

Typically, I wait for three straight “bad” days before calling our neurology team. If Lilly isn’t better Wednesday morning, then I’ll call and see if I can cut back on her potassium bromide even more … since our team blamed her previous setback (including the incontinence) on high levels of that med in her system.

On the upside, I’ve scheduled Lilly for an intake appointment and her first acupuncture treatment on Saturday.

At first, we heard from the technician at the acupuncture practice that acupuncture rarely helps with incontinence, but the veterinary acupuncturist said today that it might help and agreed to give it a try. We should know in 1-3 treatments if there is any improvement. It isn’t cheap. *sigh*

As a bonus, it might help with Lilly’s overall recovery, which is anything but linear. Today, she can barely walk again.

Think of this heartbreaking process as a completely tangled ball of yarn … and you’ll be close to understanding how my head and heart feel today.

We’re on the brink of something, but it isn’t the brink of everything being OK.

best dog blog, champion of my heart, adverse vaccine reaction

It’s been a crappy, stressful day on many fronts, so take my tone with that in mind.

And, for those who’ve asked … with the meds changes we made at the end of June, our neurology team projected we’d see improvement in 7-10 days.

Not. So. Much.

About the Author Roxanne Hawn

Trained as a traditional journalist and based in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, I'm a full-time freelance writer for magazines, websites, and private clients. My areas of specialty include everything in the lifestyles arena, including health and home, personal finance and other consumer interests, relationships and trends, people and business profiles ... and, of course, all things pet related.

I don't just love dogs. I need them in my life. Seriously.

  1. Poor Lilly 🙁 I’ve heard that acupuncture can work wonders for a variety of things. I do hope it helps for her!

  2. Much mojo to Miss Lilly and to you too. It’s so hard to go through this with someone you love. 🙁

    Thinking of you and Lilly….

  3. Saw your recent alert on FB. Hope the vet is able to provide some stability and help for Lilly.

    We’ll be thinking of you and Lilly.

    When you’re in a space to think about acupuncture, here’s something to talk about. When we used acupuncture with Shadow, our vet taught us how to apply the needles so we could give her daily treatments without having to make the 40 miles drive (or pay for the extra visits).

    It’s not hard to do. Despite my being a horrible dog nurse, I managed it for many weeks. I found the time sitting with Shadow while waiting for the needles to come out to be very meditative and restful. I was thankful to be able to do that for her.

    Peace.

  4. Just to let you and Lilly know that you are both in our thoughts and sending light so things get better soon.

  5. So sorry about Lilly’s new set back! That is the problem with conventional treatments (drugs) you don’t know what’s worse, the disease or the treatment.

    I am hoping that the acupuncture vet is a great one and can find a way of finally turning things around.

  6. As Carol said, there are no words. Just know that I’m so sorry to hear, and I am thinking of you two healed… if only Lilly could talk. Poor baby. I know it seems like this has been going on for an eternity. So so sorry… 🙁 Love and hugs from Luna and me.

  7. At the risk of repeating, I am very sad for Lilly and her family. I will be hoping some Dr. comes up with a suggestion that will work and improve her (and your) life. This is heartbreaking!

    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

  8. I’m so sorry to hear that, I know there are lots of us pulling for you and for Lilly’s recovery.

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