Expect the Unexpected

I remember thinking just hours ago that I wasn't sure if I'd have anything to write about today. How I so wish that was still the case. In a surprising twist of random and completely unfathomable series of events, Heather once again is fighting her best fight and will be staying overnight at the doggie hospital for a few days. My family is on their way to spend the weekend with us...just in case.


It all started in the middle of the night. Heather woke me up at 1:12 a.m. to go outside. This isn't unusual. Her bladder needs to empty more frequently now that she's in her golden years. What was unusual is that no more than one hour later, she needed to go again so, out we went. Then, at 5:20 a.m., Heather had to go out so bad, she couldn't hold it for the five steps it takes to get out the back door from the human bed and had an accident on the rug. I knew something wasn't right.

When I flipped on the light to begin cleaning the floor, I noticed the area where Heather sleeps was wet, too. What remains unclear is if it was a result of Heather licking herself and the area around her (the entire left, backside of her including the fur on her leg was wet and curly - usually a sign she's been licking) or if she had an accident on the bed overnight. Her urine was clear, almost like water. Probably just a side effect of the ACTH stimulation test she had the previous day, I thought.

At 7:30 a.m., I whipped up a special breakfast of moist food mixed with her usual kibble and medications. Ironically, she gobbled up the pill pockets containing her medications but left the food completely untouched. I tried again using just the kibble. Nothing. Then, as soon it was open, I ran to the store and picked up some of the Delectable Delights we tried recently that she loved so in hopes she would eat. Even that, she merely licked the broth but left nearly everything untouched.

I called the V-E-T and explained what was going on. In addition to her lack of appetite, Heather was lethargic and her back leg seemed to have trouble holding her up. We brought her in to the V-E-T and after an examination and some tests, learned that most everything looked good except she had a fever of 103 and one of her liver values had skyrocketed. With a referral to a specialty pet hospital, we were out the door to get Heather emergency IV fluids and an ultrasound to give us a better idea about what was going on. We should have those results later tonight or tomorrow. 

It has been a rough day, friends, and we won't know the outcome for some time. I am still trying to wrap my head around all that happened this morning never mind prepare for what may come. Please keep my sweet girl in your thoughts and know we're doing everything possible to ensure she has the best care and is comfortable no matter what. Paws and fingers crossed, please!

29 comments:

  1. Heather and you are in our prayers. Guinness fights Cushings and also has diabetes insipidus. Since she is at a specialty clinic, I am sure they tested her for this. We know how hard this is and our hearts are with you.

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  2. We are sorry to hear this unexpected downturn in Heathers health. We are sending healing thoughts and special hugs to you for support. 😢


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    1. Heather and you are in our prayers here, too. It's so hard when they're not well. Praying whatever is causing this is easily fixed. Please keep us posted. Sending healing, positive energy your way. Jody

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    2. You are all in our thoughts and prayers <3

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  3. I have you in my prayers. POTP

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  4. Send good thoughts her way

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  5. You & Heather Beather are in my thoughts & prayers.

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  6. Prayers for you, Heather, and your family. We love you. XO

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  7. Heather and you are in our prayers

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  8. So sorry this has happened. All paws crossed you get to the bottom of it and she's better soon.

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  10. Sending lots of good thoughts, healing wishes, and hugs for all. The episode she had today sounds very much like what our first Westie went through when we discovered she had Addison's disease. Please have them check her electrolytes if they haven't already done so.

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  12. Prayers for you and sweet Heather Beather❤️❤️❤️

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  13. We have Heather and your whole family in our prayers tonight.

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  14. It reminds us of 18 months ago when we were willing to try anything to save Kyla but nothing did. We hope something cures Heather.

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  15. Has Heather started on her medicine yet for Cushings? I think it can be hard on the liver.... I will say a prayer for Heather tonight...

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  16. Also, if she has started and is not truly cushingiod, the medicine can send the animal in to the opposite of cushings ' "Addisons". An Addisons and this is a very, very life threatening situation. I pray it is not this.

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  17. Jeannie Carr KatzJuly 9, 2016 at 7:40 PM

    Sending prayers and positive thoughts to Heather and her loving family. ��

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  18. Sending heavy prayers your way, for Heather, you, and the rest of your clan. Take good care of yourself and the other pups - I'm sure they are all thrown off with one of them not there.

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  19. MacGregor is sending thoughts and prayers to Heather.

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  20. Shilo,Tasha, and Daisy are keeping their paws crossed that Heather will be better soon.

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  21. Coco and Barney and their humans also are praying!

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  22. I send hugs and we cross our paws and fingers for Heather...and we hope so much that the dogtor can help her...

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  23. My heart and healing prayers go out to you and your darling Heather. I know that feeling of anxiety when your dog won't even eat their favorite food... And then waiting to hear test results, praying that there is a healthy and happy end to the treatment. Try to stay strong and positive and pray for the best.
    These lil guys are our hearts and soul mates.

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  24. Praying for sweet Heather to feel better soon!

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  25. I will be sending up prayers for Heather.
    Sweet William The Scot

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  26. This news makes my heart hurt. Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you and our sweet Heather! Hugs from Miss Ginny,too. (Heathers foster sister)

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  27. We are so sorry to hear this! Poor,Sweet Heather, and We know you must be so worried. We are worried too, and we want you to know that we are praying very hard that she gets well very soon! God bless you and Heather.
    Love and Prayers,
    Riley-Puppy and Tessie-Girl and Mum

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