Update August 11 – Adverse Rabies Vaccine Reaction Relapse

If Lilly was 5% of herself Friday (Aug 10), we’d say she is 20% of herself today (Saturday, Aug 11). Just talked to our neurologist, though, and he said I’m a “brutal Olympic judge” because he would have given her a much higher score. Some photos from today.

Lilly really clung to me, like she was velcroed to my chest. It broke my heart and boosted my spirits at the same time. She is still a total land guppy with poor motor control, but she did wiggle around in her cage a bit when I first arrived and was clearing a spot to sit.

best dog blog, champion of my heart, border collie cuddling
Lilly was much more responsive today, including kissing, cuddling, and even nibbling on my head. No motor control to wag, but not nearly the dull ragdoll she was on Friday.

 

 

best dog blog, champion of my heart, border collie sleeping in veterinary hospital cage
Lilly slept a good portion of our visit. You can see the latest IV placement in her rear leg. The technician called me on my drive home to say Lilly really sacked out after we left. It's good to hear that she is sleeping soundly.

 

best dog blog, champion of my heart, iv bags
Lilly is on constant fluids. She also gets various other meds 2-3 times a day via IV. Today, around 1 pm, they started her second 12-hour infusion of cytosine (a powerful anti-inflammatory drug).

Lilly ate and drank a little bit for us. Her heart rate is still somewhat slow, but it’s steadier and more consistent today. Her body temp was low-normal, but much better than Friday. Her other vitals are all good.

The protein tests on her spinal fluid are back, and they indeed indicate this is purely an immune-mediated issue (just like in January), so there is no need to send out for virology tests.

The big concern now is that she must be able to eat and drink enough (without IV, etc.) to sustain herself and keep her fluid volume high enough. Getting dehydrated can cause all kinds of trouble for a patient on these meds and with neuro issues. I hope to have an update on her weight loss tomorrow.

I asked about her maybe coming home Monday, but the neuro team says we just have to take it day by day. So, we’re likely looking at Monday or beyond.

I did get the chance to ask about elimination / incontinence and her brain stem inflammation, but the neurologist said that it’s actually one of the least understood functions because different areas of the brain play various roles.

So, who knows? We can hope her incontinence improves as the inflammation recedes, but it might not. Not a primary concern at this point.

Major headline is that today was a better day. I feel much more confident that Lilly will survive this relapse. It’s amazing was a few puppy kisses do for a girl’s hope.