Again, I’m mostly too tired to be coherent, but here is the top news about Lilly’s massive adverse rabies vaccine reaction relapse.
I am exhausted at the cellular and spiritual levels, so just quick notes and one picture. The headline is this: Lilly is about the same, with 2 exceptions. Her fever is down, but so is her heart rate.
Via a daily news brief of veterinary-related news, I learned of 12 dogs in Mooresville, North Carolina, who were put down after one of them — a puppy — contracted rabies. Many people were also exposed at a recent fish fry and are receiving treatment. The case raised a critical question: Is a current rabies vaccination enough to protect dogs exposed to rabies?
I’d always thought the answer was YES. Apparently, the reality is more complicated.
Starting on Monday, August 6, 2012, Lilly began declining. Monday was bad. Tuesday was MUCH worse. Wednesday (today) was beyond terrible. I called our veterinary neurologist’s cell number early, and Lilly and I made a mad dash for the hospital this morning. She is now hospitalized. Details below.
Years and years ago, Tom bought a bunch of old skulls from a local farm sale. He thought they were neat and proceeded to put them around our place. Some summers, this particular skull plays home to baby birds. Observe.
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.
Evenings out are rare. Last Saturday, however, date night consisted of wine, tapas, and a painting class at Art on the Brix in downtown Golden, Colorado. So. Much. Fun. The results? Well … see for yourself.
Lilly’s elimination issues continue. Things have improved, in part, because we’re not pushing fluids nearly as much. However, her elimination schedule and control are still off.
These wild daisy-like flowers seem to shower Lilly with adoration. In truth, they lean toward the morning sun … which from this vantage point is behind where Lilly sits.
Girls like me definitely fall into the 20-side of the 80/20 Rule. In fact, I’d place myself — and all of you — into the top 2% of dog care consumers. Sometimes, however, this devotion gets interpreted as difficult.
