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!