The girls are sick

[Nichole]

No fever, no vomiting or diarrhea. I'm heading to the vet now to pick up Violet. I'm with Sadie now and she seems hungry so that's good.

Whatever this problem is seemed to isolate itself in their joints. They were/are definitely swollen.

[MarMar]

Poor kids! Weird, Marlo was really sluggy this morning but I think it was just the time change and the weather. I hope they feel better soon!

[Red]

Sending good thoughts your way. Hope it is something minor and just a big scare.

[jamielvsaustin]

Best wishes for the girls.

[Celesteandthebullies]

Hoping it's nothing serious, and tell them I too liked them much more when they weren't sick!

[Nichole]

Here is the game plan --

*Chicken and rice for dinner until we get this crap sorted out.
*All supplements are being pulled for the time being. We're going to follow the KISS methodology for now (Keep it simple stupid)
*Both girls are on meds for pain management.
*Sadie is looking better but not 100%. Violet is visibly worse than Sadie. Even with pain meds she is still unsteady on her feet and stiff. She nearly face planted again hopping off the couch.
*Appt tomorrow for Sadie.
*Appt Wednesday with the surgeon for Violet.
*One of the things they wanted to do with Violet is an abdominal ultrasound looking for cancer. I am an ultrasound tech by trade. Scrutinizing for cancer is a specialty. I'm going to save that $400 thank you very much and scan her at work tomorrow. I'll have one of my radiologists scan with me to look it over.

And in the mean time I have to think about St Louis and what I should do. I need a crystal ball.

[jamielvsaustin]

Everything is paid for for the trip-correct? Why notgo so the money isn't wasted and maybe just have some one on one rime with tour sweet girl. Is there anything you can do to help the tournament other than have the dog participate? Is there a backup for you if you can't go/participate? Does that have any effect on your ticket and hotel room?

[Nichole]

We got travelers insurance so the money for the plane tickets would get refunded. Same with hotel reservations.

Yes I could certainly go to help out at the very least but I'd be leaving some sick pups at home. I'm just not sure I could do that. We'll see how tomorrow goes.

[jamielvsaustin]

Damn autocorrect!

I hear ya, I would have a terribly hard time leaving sick puppers.

[buckaroo]

Have they checked for gout?

[Ilovethepits]

Praying for you, Rob, Sadie and Violet.

[AllisonPibbleLvr]

Have they checked for gout?

Ooooh I could definitely sympathize with that. Canine "gout" doesn't preset in the same way as human gout. Dogs typically get sores/lesions and bloody urine (think Dalmatian syndrome) and not as joint swelling like in humans.

Have they ever had a tick bite? Any risk for ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis?

[Nichole]

Woke up to two insane staffies demanding breakfast. Neither girl showed any hesitation going up/down stairs - Violet even took a flying leap to the couch for a make out session. They're following me around like shadows and Violet is back to being a rude little monster when we go to the bathroom.

That said I am not a vet. I'll feel better after the vet puts her hands on Sadie and feels for any inflamation that she may be hiding from me.

They're also on meds - tramadol - and I am not familiar with that medication and how long lasting it is. They each got a dose last night before bed. It's been 8 hours since their last dose and this is how they are acting (normal) 8 hours later. I'm hopeful but I'm also mindful the meds could be playing a part.

Sadie's vet appt is in an hour.

[Nichole]

Have they ever had a tick bite? Any risk for ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis?

Not sure about the gout question, but they have no sores. They have never had a tick bite.

[jamielvsaustin]

Happy thoughts for the vet!

I completely understand the want to still take her to the vet-even if it turns out to be nothing...who cares, at least you know.