The vet still doesn't think Betty has anything serious such as liver disease or stomach cancer.....he thinks it's possible she may have colitis or even Crohn's (I hope not, my cousin's got that and is frequently very poorly). He's given us 2 weeks' worth of antacids, which he says should keep her comfortable whilst we're away, I have to ring him Friday morning before we go to give him an update. He also said to ensure she has a very bland diet, poached chicken, turkey or rabbit with some pumpkin and white rice, no dairy, high fibre or anything fatty. At the end of the fortnight, if she's better, then he suggested one dose of the antacid per day instead of the two she's having for now. If the D&V continues, however, he suggested he refers us to the big vet hospital and referral centre in Wellington, he doesn't have the facilities for in depth examinations and diagnosis. Obviously that will be expensive, although our insurance should cover any initial costs (a 60 min consultation and scan will cost nearly £3,000). If it's something major or ongoing, though, then we will have to think seriously about what to do. Clearly, I hope it doesn't come to that, although I'm realistic about her age. For the moment, though, I shall try and put that out of my mind (easily said!) and hope that the antacids keep her well enough during our holiday.
I'm in a pattern of bad nights, lying awake for a couple of hours and waking up exceptionally early and being unable to get back to sleep. It's always like this when I've got lots on my mind and am stressed. I've said to husband this morning he's got to help me more and not complain when I ask him to do something. I've explained, again, that I cannot do everything and am very stressed at present.
ADDED
I just want to say how grateful I am for all your lovely comments, they're all much appreciated. Sorry I forgot to mention it earlier x
Let's hope Betty picks up with the medication. Nothing worse for sleepless nights than poorly pets. It baffles me why healthcare for pets is so expensive.
ReplyDeleteI think vets (not ours thankfully) play on our emotions and think we'll pay anything to keep our pets well.
DeleteHope the antacids help Betty and you can both enjoy your holiday. Catriona
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Catriona, they do seem to be helping already.
DeleteI hope Betty feels better soon. Talking of expenses for animal drugs, my neighbour has a French bulldog who needed painkillers. For Paracetamol it cost her about £5 per tablet! Her son's girlfriend is a vet and she said just give him half a "human" Paracetamol, it's the same thing. Bit of a difference in cost!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I can't sleep when I've something on my mind. I now stay up until I'm falling asleep in the chair, then go to bed. One trick I've learnt is to close your eyes and roll them back in your head. Apparently, that's what happens when you fall asleep, so it tricks your brain into thinking you're sleepy. I must say, I do tend to fall asleep quickly whenever I do it. I don't know if it really works or it's psychological, but I'll take it whatever! xx
£5 per tab for paracetamol, daylight robbery! Thankfully, our vet told us ages ago to give Betty 'human' paracetamol for her aching joints, 2 tabs for her due to her size. I tried that rolling eyes back thing last night - but my eyelids kept opening whilst I was trying, so not very successful! xx
DeleteI hope Betty's tummy issues settle down soon and you have a peaceful holiday. We just lost our 11 year old Maggie, our American bulldog, who we had from when she was 5 weeks old last week. We are devastated but also grateful for the 11 wonderful years we had with her.
ReplyDeleteOh no, sorry Maureen, they leave such a gaping hole in our lives don't they.
DeletePoor Betty, I hope the antacids help her to feel better. She’s your baby, it’s no wonder you’re not sleeping well. Fingers crossed that you can all go on holiday and relax and enjoy yourselves, I know it’s a lot to wish for but you never know. Take care x
ReplyDeleteThank you Fiona x
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