Post by brittanyb on Jun 15, 2019 9:07:19 GMT -5
Thursday evening I noticed one of my fuzzies, Finn (1 and a half year old DEW) acting lethargic and weak (stumbling while walking, needing frequent rest breaks, etc). I watched him closely and noticed he wasn't having any bowel movements. I started worrying about a blockage, and called the vet as soon as they opened Friday morning. They were amazing and told me to bring him right in. The exotic vet was coming in a half hour later, but in the meantime they checked his vitals to be sure he was stable. He had no fever, so no infection. His glucose level was at 140, so no concern there. His heart rate was fast, which can be explained by dehydration or pain. He had a small bowel movement that looked normal, so I stopped panicking about a blockage and figured he just wasn't eating much because he didn't feel well.
Finn's vet (who I adore) came in then and examined him thoroughly. He had no sign of injuries, or any pain while being examined. By this point he had perked up a bit and was able to walk around the exam room without falling over much. He was slightly dehydrated, so he was given subcutaneous fluids. Because she wasn't sure what led to this, the vet prescribed him a round of Prednisolone. She said if his heart rate remains fast after his other symptoms subside, she would like to check him for any possible heart issues. But she wasn't too concerned about it, since he didn't have any arrhythmias.
So, we didn't get any definitive answers, but it's almost 24 hours later and Finn seems to be doing better. He's in the "sick cage" which is single-level to keep him from climbing and possibly injuring himself in a fall. Keeping him separated from his brothers also allows me to monitor his bowel movements (small but normal and consistent) and eating/drinking habits (decent, though I've had to persuade him a few times). He has more energy today, and I haven't noticed any more stumbling, thank goodness. It's been a long and stressful couple of days, but I'm just grateful that he seems to be recovering. I'll be keeping a very close eye on him, and after Monday I'll be off of work on vacation so I'll get to spend 24/7 with him. Finn and I would appreciate your healing thoughts sent his way.
Finn's vet (who I adore) came in then and examined him thoroughly. He had no sign of injuries, or any pain while being examined. By this point he had perked up a bit and was able to walk around the exam room without falling over much. He was slightly dehydrated, so he was given subcutaneous fluids. Because she wasn't sure what led to this, the vet prescribed him a round of Prednisolone. She said if his heart rate remains fast after his other symptoms subside, she would like to check him for any possible heart issues. But she wasn't too concerned about it, since he didn't have any arrhythmias.
So, we didn't get any definitive answers, but it's almost 24 hours later and Finn seems to be doing better. He's in the "sick cage" which is single-level to keep him from climbing and possibly injuring himself in a fall. Keeping him separated from his brothers also allows me to monitor his bowel movements (small but normal and consistent) and eating/drinking habits (decent, though I've had to persuade him a few times). He has more energy today, and I haven't noticed any more stumbling, thank goodness. It's been a long and stressful couple of days, but I'm just grateful that he seems to be recovering. I'll be keeping a very close eye on him, and after Monday I'll be off of work on vacation so I'll get to spend 24/7 with him. Finn and I would appreciate your healing thoughts sent his way.
