Lilly Update from Friday, Feb 3, 2012

A massive snowstorm kept us pinned on the mountain Friday. We had about 20 inches of snow when we awoke, and the local weather folks are saying we might get another 20 inches of snow before this storm is over Saturday morning. As much as it broke my heart, we did not risk making the drive down the canyon and over to the veterinary hospital. So, this update comes from phone chats with her neurology team. Not great news.

More Seizures

I’m bummed to report that Lilly had another seizure after our visit on Thursday. That makes a total of FOUR seizures in one day (really about 12 hours).

I’m even more bummed to tell you that Lilly had TWO more seizures this afternoon that the staff described as “short, but violent.”

Our neurologist doesn’t want Lilly to come home UNTIL she goes at least 24 hours without a seizure.

Lilly is now taking THREE drugs for seizures.

Other Vital Health Stats

NO fever. I’m happy to report that Lilly’s fever is gone for real. They keep a close eye on her temperature during seizure activity because dogs can easily overheat (dangerously so), but her temperature has been steady. So, that’s good.

Lost weight. Lilly has dropped 1.5 pounds. Oddly, she isn’t eating well for the hospital team … even though steroids typically make dogs quite hungry.

Snow happy. The neurology nurse told us that Lilly was VERY excited to see the snow Friday morning. So, that’s nice for a couple reasons:

• It means she got to go outside to potty at least once.
• She was aware enough to enjoy the brisk air and snow.

Bath / Massage. The nurse was also kind enough to give Lilly a good bath and massage because she was getting yucky and smelly after 5 days in a cage, often having to potty right there.

Coming Home Preparations

I washed our two round dog bed covers. They are green, so we call them “Lilly pads.” Then, I wrapped the actual beds in a trash bags and put them back in the covers. That way, if Lilly loses bladder control either in general or due to a seizure, I can just wash the cover and protect the bed.

I also dug out the box of puppy pee pads we had left over after our Dalmatian Penelope Grace died in 2004 so that we have some to put under Lilly, if she is messy.

We’ll need to figure out something (sturdy and washable) that we can use in bed at night because I’m sure we’ll have Lilly sleep with us for a long time as she recovers, and I don’t won’t to be doing massive loads of bed laundry every day.

Hope Amid the Worry

Lily is facing a LONG recovery. This isn’t something Lilly will bounce back from in just a few days. These seizures might be a lifelong risk, if there has been permanent damage to her brain.

This whole experience has been 10 x worse than any other emergency we’ve had with Lilly over the years. Devastated doesn’t even begin to convey how we feel that our perfect-perfect-perfect girl could take such a horrible turn with her health like this. 

We try to stay strong, even though our reserves are low after 3+ years of medical and caretaking dramas throughout our families. Let’s just say … there is a LOT of crying going on … pretty much every day and every night.

Thanks to everyone who has posted notes on the blog, emailed us, posted comments on our Champion of My Heart Facebook Fan Page, etc.

It means so much to have your love and support.