At the Vet Once Again

What Now

Ernie and I are at the vet again waiting patiently to be seen. This morning he had an episode. I am not quite sure what happened, but he was lying by me and suddenly got up and let out the loudest high-pitched scream I’ve ever heard. This happened three times, he jumped off the couch and just stood there. I went over by him to see if I could comfort him, and he let me pet him. No further yelps. He walked to the bed; it looked like he was limping on his right front leg. He did manage to get up onto the bed and lay down. He promptly fell asleep for a while. 

After a bit Ernie had to go pee. We walked outside and he did go to the bathroom with no problem. But he was hesitant about going down the steps and I picked him up because he wouldn’t go back up them when he was done. 

We went back into the house where he once again sat at the door. Waiting to go back outside he had to do his duty yet. I watched him from the window, and he pooped in the yard. I was glad to see that. 

He reentered the house and went to the bed again where he fell asleep once more. He was not acting normal; he didn’t want to walk, and he didn’t want to eat. I let him sleep and called the vet. She had an opening at 11:30 am so I told her I’d be there with Ernie. 

Gary and I weren’t sure what was wrong with him.  If it was something neurological or if he’d had a stroke. I canceled his grooming appointment for one pm. I do not

want any undue stress on him. He can get groomed on a different day. 

The Vet Again

We arrived at the vet, and I explained what happened. She examined him and said he didn’t have a stroke. His neurological reflexes were fine. That was good news. She asked me what kind of flea and tick medication we used on Ernie. I told her the topical Bravecto. I had just put it on him yesterday. She told me not to use it anymore and to put him on something different. I’ll look for a natural remedy when we get home. Maybe the Bravecto was what had caused him to act like that. 

Spine Injury

The vet asked me if he always walked like he was walking, as she observed him. I told her no; it looks like his back is hunched up. She agreed with me. She put him on an anti-inflammatory medication. In case he hurt himself jumping off the couch. 

Returning home Ernie finally ate some chicken, but I haven’t seen him drink anything yet. 

I sat down on the couch, and he laid down beside me. I got up to retrieve a book and he let out a scream again. I didn’t touch him but maybe the shift from the couch when I got up bothered him. I’m not sure what is going on with him, but I know something is not right. 

So, for now I’ll monitor him. We will see what tomorrow brings. Ernie will be 13 on the 15th of this month. He has only begun his life with us. He’s happy for the first time.  His small little world is perfect now. No abuse, no neglect. Whatever it is that’s bothering him I hope it goes away and leaves us alone. I’m not ready for him to go anywhere without me.

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I wish dogs could talk.

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Side note: He is yelping like that again. What is going on with my dog?

2nd Side note: Ernie ate some hamburger and drank some water, then wanted to play with his toy. I’m so confused.

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Conclusion: Ernie is on four different medications now. They think he jumped off the couch and landed wrong and did something to his spine or neck. It isn’t fractured, which is a good thing. The vet turned his face sideways and up and down and he didn’t yelp at all. She also prodded his spine with no reaction. She thinks with his randomly yelping he is having some sort of muscle spasm. Hopefully this is the end of our medical journey.