So, it's been quite a few days.
And…
Our little family has been on the most unexpected whirlwind journey.
Trying to save the life of our beloved Matty dog son.
He's hanging in there so far.
Vet visits, emergency ER visits, pup in the ICU.
Oh my head and heart.
We are holding onto hope.
I made a new canvas print, as I have kept doodling through the tears and stress of worrying about him…
I framed a copy for myself…
In case you are wondering…
To give you an idea of what has been going on –
One day recently, Matty simply didn't want to get out of bed.
This went on for a couple of days, I thought maybe it was the cold and snow.
So, I kept him bundled up.
But after a couple of days, I was too worried.
He was hanging his head to the left side.
Tail down.
Bumping into things.
Ears strangely positioned.
He went from a total tough rambunctious boy, to very strange off behaviour.
No barking, no sounds, confused and getting worse by the minute.
So, we rushed him to the vet.
They checked him out.
No fever etc.
So we opted for blood tests.
It would take a few days for results.
Meanwhile, while waiting, Matty deteriorated.
Shaking a lot.
Bumping into things more, and falling over.
All really scary for us to see.
And worse, we can't ask him what's wrong.
As we waited for the blood tests, he got even worse.
Just limp, not moving, shaking legs.
Acting like he couldn't see.
Confused, dizzy like, still bumping into things on left side etc.
So, the vet had us rush him to a doggie ER hospital.
Where they specialize in neurology.
At first they thought Matty had been poisoned.
They asked things like, did he bump his head?
Did he eat this or that.
And on and on.
I thought maybe it was inner ear?
But they said that doesn't look to be the case.
They did lots of tests.
And put him on 6 medications.
The blood tests show nothing.
All looks normal in the blood, so now we are on a mystery hunt.
We hope something will work.
He is still falling over and confused.
He seems sort of dizzy and discombobulated.
It's all very strange and scary.
I want to fall apart, but I am trying to be super strong.
To stay positive, and just care for Matty the best that I can.
Miles is so worried, licking and loving his brother.
I would LOVE to hear Matty bark again.
And see him run like a gazelle down the driveway.
I would love to be able to fix him.
The doctor says that right now, we are basically in do or die mode.
Heart sinks.
We have to wait 1 week to see how the meds work.
Meanwhile I hope and pray like a mad woman.
There is nothing like seeing Mister Lovee sob in the ER, to make this whole thing all too real and totally surreal all at once.
Well, off I go to sit with my boy.
His only happy spot is in the middle of my bed…
I stay up with him most of the night.
And Miles cuddles in with us.
We need our little warrior back.
Miles goes up to Matty and licks his forehead.
And they touch noses.
Matty tried to shake his tail for a moment when Miles touched noses with him last night.
I hope this is some odd thing that can be cured.
How I hope…
Love, Vanessa
*sigh*
I’m hugging and kissing my puppies right now and thinking about Matty. He has to get better. He just has to! He’s still a young whippersnapper.
Praying, praying praying:
xoxo
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
Oh no, Vanessa!!! I am so sorry. Poor pup. Sending loads of prayers, warm wishes and happy thoughts for all of you. Give Matty a gentle hug for me. :(((
oh OH! I am praying for you Miss Vanessa to be strong for whatever comes, and I am praying for that fine four legged furry love Matty. Be a good dog and get well soon! Erin
I’m sooooo sorry! Could it be he had a stroke? I have know that to happen to dogs before and it kind of sounds like it. Keeping him in my prayers – you too.
Huge hugs,
Lisa
My very best wishes for Matty and you, Vanessa. Hang in there!
I am so sorry, too! Sweet hugs to you and Matty! Off to look at your cards, my friend!
Oh, Vanessa, my eyes are filling with tears! Poor precious Matty. I cannot imagine the heartache you and Mr. Lovee are going through, and poor Miles as well. I am praying praying praying for your sweet boy, that his mystery illness will go away by any means possible and that he will get better. Praying for you and Lovee, too, because when something is wrong with our sweet animals, it is so very, very hard.
You must be crazy with worry Vanessa! Never underestimate the power of love . I know you don’t but just a reminder in this stressful time…..Shower him with love. I’ve been told that by a vet before. You think the best thing may be just to leave him alone and let him rest but thats not always best……….some times animals you know just give up……loose interest in living when they feel so bad so its important they know how much you love them……All of you will be in my thoughts…..Hoping and wishing for the best V. Hugs! deb
Oh no! Well, you already ruled out my 1st and 2nd theories: eating something poisonous -and/or- an inner-ear imbalance.
Ugh, I am sending Matty some good vibes into the Universe and some BIG HUGS to you and Mr. Lovee. Hope he’s back to full health, quickly.
Vanessa,
My heart goes out to you, Mr Lovee, Miles, and Matty. Hope Matty feels better soon! Sending you lots of positive thoughts!
Hugs,
Sam
I’m so sorry about Matty. That really makes me so sad. I’ll be sending prayers out your way. I just got done taking a nap with one of my puppies & now I want to go hug him. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to him. My pets mean everything to me so I know how upset you guys must feel about Matty. I had a dog who had seizures & acted weird like that but it would pass. I sure hope the meds. work. Consider yourself cyber- hugged & please keep us updated.
I am so sorry to hear this Vanessa. Sending hope for poor Matty. Xx
I have tears in my eyes as I write this. I truely hope that Matty is back to himself soon. I’ll be thinking of you guys. It’s so hard when one of our loved ones is hurting (four legged or otherwise). Sending you big hugs and love across the sky.
Keeping my fingers crossed. Sending good wishes ur way.
You and Mr. Lovee have had so many challenges of late. I so hope that Matty will recover soon. Love to you all.
awwww.. im soo sorry to hear this.. you and matty are in my prayers.. i did place an order as well..
xoxo
Oh Vanessa my heart goes out to you, Mister Lovee, and King Miles!!! I know too well the heartache and fear that you must be feeling right now. My prayers are with you and the Dr.’s that they will find out what it is and how to treat your sweet Matty.
I love you,
Cori
Have you ever heard of Silent Unity Prayer Line? They have been such a support to me in times of crisis.1-800-669-7729. They pray for 30 days straight. I put in a prayer request for sweet Matty. I’m so sorry this is happening and I am praying for a miracle.
It’s hard to type with tears in my eyes just thinking about everything you and your sweet boy are going through. I know how hard it is when your baby is sick and I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs to all of you.
Karol
Praying so hard for you all, especially for Matisse! sweet boy… Sweet sweet boy. No more words, just prayers. Hugs to you Vanessa!
Vanessa – My heart is breaking for you and Mr. Lovee. Fiercely, zealously, mightily, urgently hoping for Matty’s speedy recovery.
Oh Vanessa….I’m so sorry to hear this 🙁 Sending up prayers to St. Francis 🙁 I really think it’s odd that you had your “allergic” reaction during the summer…and now your doggy has some strange ailment that has the vet bewildered. It makes me think that it’s something environmental? I am praying for a fast and speedy diagnosis and recovery of your baby Matty.
Prayers for all of you. Hoping to hear good news soon.
lori v
It could certainly be anything for sure. We just dont know.
The docs think Mattys issue is neurological. But you know, no ever knows
for sure….. I am wishing too, for dear Matty, I just hate seeing him like
this….. sigh…
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/27/2013 7:58:47 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Deeply saddened with this news. I will pray for Matty tonight. Take care of you
🖤Debi
Lisa, I wondered the same thing, but for some reason the vet thinks the
symptoms would be a bit different, and the tests they did not show that… but
then again, anything is possible.Hugs back, thank you so much!!
xoox
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/27/2013 8:17:48 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I have never posted before but I had too this time. I am so so sorry you are going through this. I am keeping you all in my prayers and thoughts. I sure hope the doctors have run tests for tick borne diseases. This sounds almost like Rocky Mountain spotted fever. XoXo.
Oh dear! I am hoping here too. I know you are giving him many hugs, send him my love. And hugs to you and Mr. Lovee.
Hi again. Did they check him for Canine Vestibular Disease. I’ve been looking around online & I guess it has similar symptoms to an inner ear problem but some Drs. aren’t familiar with it. You can even check out some videos online of dogs walking weird to one side & having balance issues.
My heart is melting for all of you. I lost my puppy a few days before Christmas to an intestinal blockage, and I remember how scary and sad it was, seeing him wobbling around all disoriented. I’m giving Matty a telepathic hug right now. Hope he improves!
Thanks you Amy, yes they did a flea and tick test too. And nothing…
so hence the mystery – I know it so odd….
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/27/2013 9:01:37 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Thank you Laura, I will bring it up for sure. I suffer from vertigo,
and I did ask, and of course, they said its hard to know because we cant ask
dogs if they feel this or that….. sigh, I know. Crazy, I will brig it up
again though for sure 🙂
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/27/2013 9:25:58 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I am so so so sorry for you loss, truly!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/27/2013 9:33:50 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Vanessa & Lovee…..sending love and peace to you….
so lucky to read your post, i will read your post time to time,thank you!
Oh, Vanessa, this breaks my heart…sending up prayers for your sweet boy’s full recovery…Hugs and prayers for all of you <3
Love,
Anne & the Kitties
this makes me so sad, i have been and ordered wome wonderful things from your shop and hope that it goes some way to helping with the finances which i know are so huge, but so worth it xx
Oh, your little baby!
It’s THE WORST when your pet is ill, when they can’t tell you what’s wrong.
I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you guys – feel better Matty!
Dear, dear Vanessa,
I’m so very sorry to hear that your boy’s not feeling well.
Sending love and healing energy to all of you, and wishing on every star in the sky for Matty’s speedy return to excellent health.
I had the great good fortune of enjoying the wonderful company of my 2 kitten girls (aka my hairy goddaughters) for 16 years.
My one dear girl moved on in August (on their birthday, no less) and over the last few weeks my other darling has been having some health issues.
Love is surely a wonderful thing, but sometimes it calls us to places we’d really rather not go.
Holding your lovely wee family in my heart,
Meg
Oh Vanessa, i am so sorry to hear about Matty. Make sure they test for Lyme, even if you’ve been diligent about the vaccine. I know someone whose dog had the vaccine AND Lyme and Lyme can do really weird things.
Sending you all good thoughts!
Poor Matty. So sorry to hear he’s poorly, really really hope that it all gets sorted out soon.
Sending much love to your lovely family.
xx
http://www.avsspecialists.com/insights/2009063001.php (Link to an article.)
My sweet,crazy,now in Puppy Heaven, Spot had FCE at one point in his long life. We had no idea what was wrong and it turned out to be FCE. He recovered quite well. I don’t want to overload you, but I wanted to mention it in case Matty’s vet hadn’t considered it. Healing love and Blessings are going out to Matty, you, Mr. L, and Miles.
Ruthinks
I’m so sorry to hear this…you will be in my prayers…he looks like such a sweet angel…I truly hope he gets better…
Thank you for that article Ruth!! xo
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/28/2013 6:54:56 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Lyme, okay, I will ask for sure, thank you! xo
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/28/2013 6:05:32 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I am sorry for poor Matty and keeping you all in my prayers. I’m no doctor, but those symptoms sound like a stroke, but I am sure you all thought of that. Anyway, I’m going to pop over to the shop and see how I can help!
Sincerely,
Dana Laviano
Oh my goodness, Vanessa. I feel like the roller coaster never stops for you! My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mr. Lovee and Miles at this time. Hopes that Matty will soon recover! Wishing you strength and peace of mind. Hugs.
Melanie, its been weird I agree. But, I guess – its all part of
life. Ups and downs and all arounds… thats what I keep telling myself
at least 🙂
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/28/2013 8:48:13 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Dearest Vanessa and Matty My tears are falling! How I wish I could give you both big Hug right now! I am sending LOVE and PRAYERS to You Vanessa and your 3 Amigos for strength and courage as We wait for some answers.
I pray that maybe one of these comments above will shine some light on what seems to baffle the vet! <3 Kelly
Miss Kelly, he has been to see so many doctors, and a neurology ER.
So, they have tested almost everything and are baffled. The only thing to
do now is an MRI, but that might not show a thing either. Well see where
one week of medicine takes poor little Matty. Its so helpless to see them
like this. Theyre like babies….. love, Vanessa
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/28/2013 9:16:35 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Oh Honey, So so sorry. It’s so hard when a pet is sick and they just can’t tell you anything. Hugs and prayers to you and Mr and Miles.
Take Care,
Tracy M.
Vanessa, I am so very sorry to hear about Matty and am sending lots of positive thoughts your way! Our little furry babies steal our hearts quite quickly and it hurts so bad to see them not well. I hope Matty pulls through quickly and is back to his own sweet self very, very soon!
Love and hugs to all of you.
(((((Vanessa))))) Lots and lots of get well vibes for your precious Matty.
Oh no! Poor, Poor, Matty! I will be thinking happy thoughts for his recovery. Is there any chance he ate some that Carolina Yellow Jasmine plant? I am telling you it is bad stuff if you eat it. Here are some of the symptoms I read about for dogs:
Muscle weakness, Paralysis, Decreased respiratory rate, Hypothermia, Difficulty swallowing and breathing, Vision problems, Seizures, Death. I really hope that is not it and that he gets better soon!
<3 Alia
Alia, thank goodness, no it wasnt a poison. We got all his liver and
blood and kidney labs back, and no poison. Its in his head they think now
– for sure. And it is neurological.
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 2/28/2013 11:09:10 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Oh Vanessa.
Big, huge, enormous puppy prayers for Matty.
I’m so sorry.
Oh gosh you have been having a hard time you poor things, and poor dear Matty! Thinking of you all and sending healing love to the little boy. Take it one day at a time xx
My heart breaks to hear about Matty. You and your family (fur and non-fur) are in my prayers. Thank you for letting us know.
As soon as I started reading about Matty..I went and got my furry ones to read more. We are praying for Matty now and send lots of doggie and human kisses. Only good carma goes out for all of you. Healty, pure and sunny days ahead.
Vanessa, dear – just checking back in on sweet Matty; I fervently pray he is improving…<3 Big hugs to you, Love -
Anne & the Kitties
Oh Matty! Poor precious baby- I hope he gets better soon. *hugs*
Ohhhhh poor sweet girl OH Poor Matty!! This just kills me really like someone kicked me in the stomach! I don’t know what to say other than I’m saying prayers for you and your little family! Hearing that and picturing Lovey in the ER Oh man! I just went through my little girl kitty NeeNee almost dying from an anaphylactic reaction to her vaccines. It was so awful and so scary but she made it and I’m praying that Matty will too!! I’m sending you big huge hugs!! Chrissi
Oh no, Vanessa I hope his better soon and you figure out what wrong hugs paryer from me and my two fur babies .. matty big hugs
Oh my Beloved Magical Muse. Praying never ceasing. Golden threads rising to Heaven, to The One Who knows all needs.
A Prayer by Saint Francis of Assisi, for Matty
Heavenly Father, our human ties with our friends of other species is a wonderful and special gift from You. We now ask You to grant Matty your Fatherly care and healing power to take away any suffering he have. Give us, their human friends, new understanding of our responsibilities to these creatures of Yours. They have trust in us as we have in You; our souls and theirs are on this earth together to give one another friendship, affection, and caring. Take our heartfelt prayers and fill Your ill or suffering animals with healing Light and strength to overcome whatever weakness of body they have.
Your goodness is turned upon every living thing and Your grace flows to all Your creatures. From our souls to theirs goodness flows, touching each of us with the reflection of Your love. Grant to Matty a long and healthy life. Give them good relationships with us, and if You see fit to take them from us, help us to understand that they are not gone from us, but only drawing closer to You. Grant our prayer through the intercession of good St. Francis of Assisi, who honored You through all Your creatures. Give him the power to watch over our animal friends until they are safely with You in eternity, where we someday hope to join them in giving You honor forever. Amen.
Oh gosh, sooo sorry Vanessa. I hope your boy is well soon. I couldn’t possibly presume I know anything about what’s wrong with him but I had a similar problem a while back with one of my dogs. It seemed that the dog food I was feeding her was killing her. I thought I was doing a good job by buying her an expensive supposedly “healthy” food and it later came out vets believed several other dog illnesses and deaths may have been related to that particular food. Worth a closer look? Just an idea to explore. All my love is being sent your babies way…
Hugs~Andrea
I really do apologize for being so late in reading this post. My heart broke as I read this. And poor Matty’s photo made me cry. As I wrote in a previous post, you do what you must do for your babies. I hope all the love and positive energies and medications help bring Matty back to health. It must. Stay strong – and Matty will feel that love and positive energy. I am heartened that the medications seem to be working. I hope they continue to. I will pray that they continue to. All of you are in my thoughts. xoxo
Our cat had a similar issue and it was very scary. He came in acting very off balance,staggering, tilting head to one side. We too thought of poisoning, accident,etc. All of his tests at the vet came back normal. Several vets looked at him at the emergency vet clinic and decided he had inner ear problem. They said different vets have different opinions about what causes this. Some say it might be a genetic thing, others said they think it is a viral thing carried by rodents. Our cat is a hunter so we thought this could be a really probability for him. He was very weak for almost ten days. Curled in a ball..very lethargic…and he just didnt have the same zip he once did. He eventually got better, but sometimes has problems with his head tilting slightly. I hope your sweet dog continues to improve. He will draw strength from you.
Oh, how scary that was!! Do you think he got a bee sting or wasp or spider? I wonder what happened? He looked so skinny! He looks so much better now.
Thank you for being his loving steward.