Nathan Exposed » For the Love of Little Ones

Nothing tears my heart apart like a small animal in pain.

The past 24 hours have been a rollercoaster. Last night I mentioned that our dog Petey seemed really sick, but when we took him to the after hours emergency vet, he seemed fine. They looked him over and sent us back home.

Later on last night, in the wee hours between 1AM - 3AM, he reverted back to his sick behavior. He couldn’t move and yelped when I tried to get him to stand. Things finally started to look optimistic this morning. He was a bit more playful and active. By late afternoon, he was pretty much back to normal, although there was still a noticeable solemness about him. He still wasn’t 100% back.

Things went downhill again tonight. He just seems so miserable, and it’s making Rodney and me so sad. Rodney’s just been crying continuously, and I’m pretty upset as well. All this, and the doc sent us home last night saying “He’s fine.”

Well he’s not fine. We have raised this boy since he was a baby pup, and I am with him all day every day since I work from home. I know every single aspect of his behavior, and I know when something’s wrong.

So I guess tomorrow we’re going to find another vet to get a second opinion. I hope they don’t gouge us, because I’ve been gouged by vets in the past and it’s an awful feeling. We’re worried and vulnerable, and they tack on $25 fees to take his temperature. Ridiculous.

I’ve been scouring the net looking for symptoms, and Petey actually meets all the symptoms of having arthritis. He’s only 2 years old, so that’s hard to believe. But if that’s what he has, at least we’ll have peace of mind knowing.

Does anyone reading have a dog with arthritis? How is it diagnosed? Does medication help them get back to their old selves? I just want my dog back so badly. I miss his energetic personality. I swear I’ll never yell at him for being hyper again.

Mon, Feb 25, 2008 @ 11:24 pm | Filed in Family | Permalink

6 Comments

im sorry this is happening. i am lucky in that both of our dogs are healthy (at the moment) so i cant give you any advice about the arthritis.

i do think getting a second opinion is a good idea.

best of luck to you guys.

Posted by eliot on Mon, Feb 25, 2008 @ 11:52 pm

aww you guys! how sad! I hope you find out what’s wrong with him - if there’s something wrong with your sweet dog- I hope everything is fine
hugs

Posted by Alexsander on Tue, Feb 26, 2008 @ 2:20 am

Poor Petey… I’m glad you’re seeing another vet. My family had a small dog, “Traveler” and she was prone to occasional full-body seizures, making her look shaky, weak and scared, and unable to move. Please ask the vet if this might be a possibility. For the rest of Traveler’s life,we just made her comfortable until the seizure subsided, nothing else we could do. She lived to about 19-20 yrs old and was otherwise a terror. I have no idea if this is what’s up with Petey but it wouldn’t hurt to ask. Tanner hurt himself over the weekend, but I think it was from running like crazy over the desert terrain & rocks! Hugs to you guys & Petey.

Posted by Kory on Tue, Feb 26, 2008 @ 10:03 am

Thanks for the support guys. That’s very sweet of you.

We took Petey to our regular vet this morning and they have kept him for testing. I’ll post something when we get the results.

Hugs back at you!

Posted by Nathan on Tue, Feb 26, 2008 @ 12:30 pm

Awww, you guys are going through a major rollercoaster and Petey sounds like he’s on the same ride. I hope he’s alright… Big hugs. xo

Posted by Rey Rey on Tue, Feb 26, 2008 @ 7:46 pm

Being a brand new pet owner of 2 weeks now, I am beginning to feel your attachment to the little one. But, unfortunately, I have minimal (none?) experience with troubles….I would definitely recommend a second opinion. I mean, it’s obvious that something isn’t quite right….duh? Thinking of you today….and earlier when I looked at your rock on my dresser.

Posted by Lewis on Tue, Feb 26, 2008 @ 7:58 pm