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February 4, 2012

As of 12:30 pm or so mountain time, Saturday, February 4, 2012, Lilly had been seizure free since around 4:30 pm Friday (2/3). I’m happy to report a few other pieces of good news … finally. The post includes the latest video of Lilly’s recovery from vaccine-induced meningoencephalomyelitis.

Meningoencephalomyelitis News Item #1

Again, last we heard, Lilly was indeed closing in on 24 hours seizure free. If that streak holds (and nothing new comes up), she should be able to come home soon.

Meningoencephalomyelitis News Item #2

The rest of the spinal cord fluid test results came back from Colorado State University’s veterinary teaching hospital, and there are NO signs of infection — bacterial, viral, or otherwise.

After ruling out all other potential causes, that means this whole life-threatening situation is indeed “vaccine induced” and “immune mediated.”

Meningoencephalomyelitis News Item #3

Lilly was VERY excited to see us and to go outside and pee in a snowbank. Apparently, when we are not around, she curls up at the back of her cage and sleeps. So, they are glad to see her perk up when we arrive.

best dog blog, champion of my heart, border collie recovering from brain inflammationMeningoencephalomyelitis News Item #4

Lilly also seemed physically stronger today. Her balance and coordination still suck, but if you help her stand or sit, she can do it with only a little bit of a steadying hand.

Walking? Well, that’s another story.

I said the other day that she looked like a tadpole in the mud. Today, I’d say she moved like an octopus on dry land … all legs and lurching.

Meningoencephalomyelitis News Item #5

Lilly seemed better able to see today, but when I said this to our neurologist, he said, “We’re getting there.”

I realized today that when I’m too discouraged, he says, “We’re still OK,” and when I’m too optimistic, he says, “We’re getting there.”

Meningoencephalomyelitis News Item #6

Lilly hasn’t been eating well for the staff. She apparently has made it quite clear that she is DONE with canned dog food. So, we brought her food from home, and she ate and drank for us like a champ.

best dog blog, champion of my heart, veterinary cage signsMeningoencephalomyelitis News Item #7

Lilly has a new sign on her cage that says CAUTION. It seems that Lilly has gotten a little grumbly, snappy if the staff moves too quickly. So, the sign is simply meant to warn technicians and doctors to be careful since she is feeling “well enough” to be more fearful and responsive. Plus, now that she is more aware of her vision not being right, I’m sure it’s scary to have people approach unexpectedly or quickly.

Meningoencephalomyelitis News Item #8

Alas, there were SEVERAL noisy dogs nearby today. One (another border collie, who has never been away from home) barked almost the entire visit. Poor boy. Several others cried, whimpered the whole time as well.

All that noise is tough on our sound-sensitive heroine, so we’d LOVE to get her home soon.

***

I don’t want to get my hopes up too high in case our coming-home plans get nixed again. So, I’m trying to be more even emotionally … after a gut-wrenching night of sobbing and worry.

Once Lilly comes home, she’ll need round-the-clock attention, so if I don’t post much … assume everything is OK.

Today’s Meningoencephalomyelitis Video

I promise. This one isn’t nearly as sad.

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. Thanks so much for this post. You’ve shared so much insight and information that is greatly appreciated. Delighted to see much improvement in Lilly! Very relieved that the worst is over. She is a very loving dog who knows how much she is LOVED & that played a huge part in her recovery.
    Peter,

  2. I’m just catching up on Lilly’s problems – oh my goodness, how scary! My heart goes out to you. I’m happy to hear that things are looking up, and sending lots of good thoughts and energy for a quick return home to you!

  3. She DOES seem better today! I was so glad to see her lick Tom’s face. Thank you for sharing her with us, Roxanne. Hugs, love and doggy kisses to all three of you. 🙂

  4. OK< so now I can watch the videos. She is such a sweetheart and I am so glad you have good news. Hope and love

    Jamie took weeks to get over her dizzyness and she still to this day leans a little bit to her left but that is all treatable.

    Keep the positive attitude, she will know.

    We are thinking of you and look for updates daily
    Vickie Bert and Jamie

  5. That video did so much to warm my heart. Just recognizing “Daddy” is real progress. One day at a time Miss Lilly. We’re all rooting for you!

  6. She seems so much more cognizant and happy to be with you guys!!!yay!! Here’s hoping for a wonderful homecoming!

  7. It must be such a relief that Lilly is getting better! I’m sure it will be slow going but I hope she can come home soon to her Momma and have a full recovery!

  8. I’m glad to see that she’s starting to come around, even if it’s slow going. I don’t know if you know Caron from Hiking Hounds http://hikinghounds.blogspot.com/, but she went through Encephalitis with one of her dogs last year. It’s not exactly the same thing, but it sounds like a lot of the symptoms are alike. She may have some suggestions that can help Lily out when she comes home!

  9. She looks so good, so much better! I’m so happy for you. So scary that it was from the rabies vaccine. I knew it was one of the suspects for causing this and wondered about it with Zephyr. But, he’d had his a few months earlier. I don’t think I’ll ever know for sure. Sounds like she has told a few people she’s ready to go home. I’m hoping you’ll get to see amazing progress when she gets home.

  10. How wonderful that Lilly is doing better. I am so glad to hear it. Hopefully, she’ll be home with you, soon.

  11. Delighted to see much improvement in Lilly! Very relieved that the worst is over. She is a very loving dog who knows how much she is LOVED & that played a huge part in her recovery. It’s a wonderful story of such deciated owners & the tremendous will to live by Lilly. God continue to Bless!

  12. We can see just how happy you must be with Lilly’s great improvements. We are hoping for coming home tomorrow, too. That vaccine could have caused this is so very scary to me!

    Hugs and continued prayers for Lilly and family,

    Jo, Stella the dog, and Zkhat

  13. So glad to hear a positive update. She certainly does look better.

    All that noise stress makes me think of our vet’s sound-proof kennels he had custom-built for his hospital.

    Not surprised she won’t eat for them, Jasmine didn’t eat anything the whole time she was in the hospital. Glad she’s eating for you.

    Fingers crossed she gets to go home tomorrow.

  14. Sounds like lots of promising news about Lilly! Glad to hear she finally seems to be turning a corner. Me & Mom will keep up the healing thoughts and prayers so she can come home soon!

    wags, wiggles & slobbers
    Murphydog

  15. So good to see Lilly looking happy 🙂 I can’t wait till she can go home where she will be most comfortable!!! Big hugs to you all!

  16. Hi Y’all,

    Lilly looks so happy! to see y’all!!

    My paws remain crossed and my Humans promised to keep y’all in their prayers until Lily is completely recovered.

    Hawk aka BrownDog

  17. So good to see Lilly stronger today, Roxanne! Seeing her licking her ‘dad’ brought a huge smile to my face! Praying she can go home with you tomorrow….

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