Recovery from Meningoencephalomyelitis – Finally Some Good News
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.
Meningoencephalomyelitis 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.
Meningoencephalomyelitis 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.