Sometimes I really love my vet. Roxy had two seizures (cluster again) when I got home from work. She started to act a little weird, then like she couldn’t stay on her feet, then normal. About a minute later, she started to lose her balance again, and then she fell over and started convulsing. I was right there, so I could keep her head from banging on the floor over and over, and I could keep Riley off of her, ’cause he tried to do whatever it is he does. He hasn’t been my favorite dog tonight. Anyway, she convulsed for 30 seconds or so (maybe 20 – it’s really hard to tell), and then it was over, but she gave that high-pitched whine, the one that says something hurts BAD. She got her feet under her and headed for the family room in a hurry (she was in front of the pantry before), but when she got to the front window, she hit the floor again for more convulsing. When that was over, she tried to get to her feet again, but couldn’t. I helped her up, and since then (about an hour), she’s been wandering around the house. Slowly getting better. A few minutes ago she nosed around my dinner, so a full recovery shouldn’t be too far away.
Anyway, the vet. About ten minutes after the cluster seizure, I called the vet to get Roxy’s file updated. Told them about the seizures, told them she’s still recovering, and they told me to call them if I need them (they’re open until 8pm), and they’ll leave a note for our vet to call us tomorrow. Nice, but routine. About ten minutes ago, they called back. Just to check in. Because they’re nice people. They were closing for the night and the vet tech wanted to see how Roxy’s recovery was going. She reminded me that even though our vet doesn’t get in until 8am tomorrow morning, they open at 7, so I can call or we can come in if we need to. And the emergency vet is always an option if we need it. I love them because they called.
Why is Riley not my favorite dog right now? Let us count the ways:
- He had his teeth on Roxy’s neck when the first seizure started.
- He tried to get her again during that seizure.
- He snapped and snarled at her in the kitchen while she was recovering.
- He barked meanly at her in the family room, also during recovery.
I was right there each time, and I yelled at him each time. If the teeth on the neck thing is doggy instinct trying to hold her down, that’s one thing. But the snapping, snarling, and barking is just mean. She wasn’t in his way, she wasn’t stealing his food, she wasn’t even stealing his attention. I make an effort to pay attention to him even when she’s recovering precisely so he doesn’t get jealous. He doesn’t always react this badly, either. I don’t know what his problem is tonight. And yes, I’ve forgiven him already. I don’t think his pea brain would remember why I was mad at him, if I still were. If he ever knew.
Oh, good, Roxy’s normal again. She shook her whole body and when she was done, she came over to me, tail wagging, tongue out, looking happy, and begged for food.
I just remembered the one thing that annoys me about our vet. She’s going to push the really expensive dog medicine again. We can’t afford to spend $300 a month on medicine for the dog. And that’s just one of the three medicines she takes daily. Who can afford that? But she’s my puppy….
momma betty
Oh, sweetie. I can imagine how awful it is to see her like this. But maybe it’s just as awful for Riley? And the only way he knows to respond is to try to make her stop it.
momma betty
Oh, sweetie. I can imagine how awful it is to see her like this. But maybe it’s just as awful for Riley? And the only way he knows to respond is to try to make her stop it.
Jessica
Poor Roxy. And poor you! And poor Riley, for that matter. (Who knows what the dog brain is thinking?)
We definitely couldn’t afford $300 a month on medicine for the pets, and I don’t know anyone who could. I balked at the one-time $200 fee I had to fork over for Simone’s dental work yesterday. Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Zannah
Probably not, but it’s worth checking out.
Shifty1975
Sucks about Roxy, Z, but I have a theory on Riley. Remember your White Fang. (Or maybe Call of the Wild…Jack London, anyway.) It’s survival of the fittest in action, Darwinism and pack mentality. The pack can’t tolerate anything that slows the group down so they will weed out the sick and weak. You’re witnessing the most basic of animal behavior. That’ll be $450, please.
Sincerely,
Dr. Shi Tsu, Pet Psychologist
Zannah
White Fang (or Call of the Wild) is EXACTLY why Riley’s behavior worries me. Damn Jack London. And don’t think I haven’t considered talking to a pet behaviorist.