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August 10, 2012

Again, I’m mostly too tired to be coherent, but here is the top news about Lilly’s massive adverse rabies vaccine reaction relapse.

***

Lilly has suffered a massive relapse — worst than her original onset. Lilly first developed meningoencephalomyelitis / meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and lining of the brain and spinal cord) after an adverse vaccine reaction to a rabies vaccine given January 23, 2012.

***

The phone rang around 6:30 am this morning, which is always scary, but it was our veterinary neurologist calling to say he was getting started on Lilly’s MRI and spinal tap.

We’d been waiting for the massive doses of steroids, antibiotics, fluids, and other medicines to make Lilly stable enough for anesthesia and these procedures.

I asked, “You think she is strong enough for this?”

He replied, “She is as strong as we can get her, right now.”

I’m happy to say that Lilly did fine under anesthesia and that the procedures went smoothly. I got that news around 8:30 am. While Lilly remains almost entirely unable to move / stand / walk, she did *try* to stand for the neuro team when they were prepping her for her procedures.

This onset of brain inflammation is much WORSE than last time. It’s centered (as before) in her brain stem and cerebellum.

Lilly has far more white cells in her spinal fluid this time. That fluid has been sent out for lab tests, initially on the proteins. Depending on those results, they might also send some out for virology tests.

Because Lilly’s brain stem is so heavily affected this time — along with her cerebellum — that explains her new troubles with a scary-low heart rate (in the 50s).

Today, she also suffered hypothermia, after coming out of the anesthesia. Her body temp was 99.2 … compared to 104 a couple days ago. (Normal is 101-ish.) So, they placed bottles full of HOT water under blankets in her cage.

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Lilly also had an IV line fail today, which led to some swelling in one front leg. So, they’ve moved her IV to a rear leg. It looks like she got poked a lot until they found a spot. At least the line failed before they started her chemo meds.

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Lilly remains incontinent as well, but I suspect those functions are also in the brain stem … which would mean this relapse has been building for at least 6 weeks when her total incontinence started out of the blue.

I had high hopes for our short visit this afternoon, but Lilly still looks to be about 5% of herself. Our neuro team is MUCH more concerned with her mental / responsive dullness than they are about the fact that she has almost zero motor control.

They started her (once again) on a 36-hour cycle of that chemotherapy drug often used for lymphoma. Lilly gets smaller doses than if she had cancer, but it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory. It worked last time. We hope it works again.

There is NO timeline for Lilly’s:

  • Improvement
  • Ability to come home
  • Prognosis
  • New treatment plan

Our neurologist is being cautious in our conversations. I’ve just now spoken to our family veterinarian, and she said when she first heard the news from him that she too wondered if Lilly would survive. She is still concerned.

So, for now, we take it a moment at a time. The neurologist mostly reassures me that Lilly is getting the intensive care and attention and help she needs. And, for now, that has to be enough.

Here is a short video from today.  I’m not sure the embed will work, and I’m too tired to fix it, so use the link, if you cannot see the video on this page.

 

 

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. It breaks my heart, too, to see how weak she is. No wonder with that level of inflammation. As others have said, I believe she knows your presence and your love.

  2. I’m continuing to send lots of healing energy to Lilly. My heart breaks for you, Roxanne – I can’t read your updates without crying, and I can’t even imagine how you must feel. The video leaves no doubt in my mind that no matter what Lilly is dealing with, she always knows that she is loved.

  3. OMD, I’m so sorry this is happening to you and sweet Lilly. I cringe every time I’m forced to give my dog another vaccine. I’ve never knew anyone who had to go through this and it makes me so sad and mad at the same time. We’re sending you all the power of the paw vibes we have here from Switzerland. Much love and strength to you and Lilly to get better soon!
    XOX-Wags
    Wild Dingo, Loki and Juno

  4. This is my first visit to your blog and I’m so sorry it had to be under such difficult and frightening circumstances. Words can’t describe how much my heart aches for you and for Lilly. Please know there are many people all over sending you all prayers and positive thoughts for Lilly’s recovery.

    Amber

  5. To Our Dear Sweet Lilly and your parents.
    We are kneeling in prayer at this very moment asking God to protect you and keep you safe during this difficult time. May he lay his healing hands upon you and lift the feeling of hopelessness from your parent’s hearts.
    Know that we are here, that we love you, and that we are constantly keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

    The power of the paw is mighty, and sweet girl, you have many around the world praying for your full recovery.

    Much Love,
    Julie and the Newfs.

  6. We’ve enlisted all TPOP we can –

    Please know YOU are THE TRUE CHAMPION –

    Lilly is lucky – and that is what keeps her going –

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra and Phyll

  7. Lilly, you have lots of people rooting for you to win this fight! Just think, if everyone who loves you thinks of you just once a day…you will always be on someone’s mind! We are glad you ate for your human and will keep purring for your recovery.

  8. Dear Lilly, Lots of people & four legged friends are praying very hard for your recovery. We check facebook for any updates on you if we happen to get up through the night & very first thing in the morning to last thing at night. Everyone has fallen in love with you Lilly. I am very impressed of you on your video, eating & you look beautiful even as sick as you are. Fight this as hard as you can Lilly. We all LOVE YOU!

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