Here is the latest video update on Lilly’s remaining neurological problems from meningoencephalomyelitis (inflammation of the brain and lining of the brain and spinal cord) after an adverse reaction to a rabies vaccine given January 23, 2012. While her symptoms are improving, many remain … including continuous body swaying and head wobbling.
I’m sorry for the delay in posting anything official to the blog. Those who follow us on Twitter and Facebook know that Thursday’s recheck appointment turned into an epic odyssey of waiting and waiting and waiting. It was a LONG day. Then Friday, I had FOUR HOURS of conference calls (one was a 3-hour video call) … before I could start my birthday celebrations. And, now this morning (Saturday), Lilly is having a conniption that I’m at my desk. So, just a quick, rambling update.
As the rampant inflammation slowly subsides, Lilly is getting fewer nosebleeds. Her nose is still all crusty and blocked, though. So, I had to share this video of her sleeping and trying to breathe.
Amid all the worry about Lilly’s brain and the inflammation with the big scary name (meningoencephalomyelitis), I concentrated on the motor skills like walking and the importance of good balance. Lilly remains in a greatly compromised neurological state, and yet … it’s the side-effects and other issues that cause the most concern lately.
I love my dogs, but they are full-on, downright GROSS. For a couple weeks, Lilly had been paying too much attention to her behind. Last Friday, I finally figured out why. Fair warning, squeamish pals.
Over the Independence Day Weekend, Lilly and I squeezed in some girl time for a hike. No trouble with mountain bikes on the hike-only day, but we did come face-to-face with two off-leash dogs. Not great, but it could have been worse.
Many thanks to Kevin Meyers for writing an open letter to Good Morning America, called Dogs Don’t Do Guilt, after the show featured the “guilty dog” from the viral video, perpetuated dog behavior myths, and glossed over what is really happening in the video.
First, it was peaches. Then, we had to do a banana intervention. And, now … what kind of fruit and/or vegetable heist do you suppose resulted in Ginko making this “Who me?” face?
Yesterday, I gave you the lowdown on how exactly Lilly found the opportunity to eat about 130 paintballs and end up quite poisoned. Today, I’ll try to explain how we and the local veterinary emergency team had triage, treatment, and luck on our side … to save Lilly’s life.
All of us remain exhausted, so I’ll try to tackle one main question at a time about Lilly’s severe paintball poisoning this week. The big thing everyone wants to know is how on earth Lilly had the opportunity to eat 130 (or so) paintballs. Here is that tale.
