WILLY IS VERY SICK

PattyInAK · August 07, 2011, 07:24:32 PM

Willy has been acting strangely these past couple of weeks. Very lethargic and hardly any appetite, eating very slowly. He hasn't even barked in the past week. Friday Dan and I looked inside his mouth and he has what looked like a red welt or cyst under his tongue. I couldn't get him into his regular vet until Monday. Well, Saturday morning he was worse and then I remembered this vet clinic close by that was open 24/7 and told Dan that I was going to take Willy there. I cannot say enough about how well Willy and I were treated at this clinic, being a walk-in with an emergency. They had three other walk-in emergencies at the time but still came right out to check on Willy and make sure he was stable enough to wait a little while. We had a 20 minute wait and then we were brought into a room. It was determined that Willy would need to undergo anesthesia to inspect this sore in his mouth and at the same time he would get an over-due teeth cleaning. Willy was given some pain meds while they did blood testing on him before putting him under. The teeth cleaning went well. No teeth had to be pulled. But they are not sure what this inflammed swollenness is all about, it's also on the back of the throat. They took a culture to help determine what it is. We won't know for a few days. Willy spent the night at the clinic and when I picked him up to come home he was happy to see me and wagging his tail. I can tell that he is hungry and thirsty but it hurts to drink and eat. He is able to lap up some watered down applesauce. Do you guys have any suggestions on what I could give Willy to get some nutrition in him and keep him hydrated? The vet said it was OK to give him small amounts of normal food, but I think Willy's mouth is still too sore. I will try to give him some rice mixed with broth for dinner. Oh, the vet wants to see Willy again on Tuesday to check the swelling. They did say that the worse case scenario is that its a cancer. So please say a prayer for Willy. They sent us home with antibiotics and rimadyl. They plan to check Willy every couple of days till they determine what this is. Naturally, I am scared, but Willy is being a trooper. They loved him at the clinic.

Just gave Willy and Alex their dinner of rice and broth. This went over well with Willy. Although his mouth is sore and he is slobbering a lot of his food onto the floor, he is at least getting some food into his system. He also took his medication well via a tiny piece of bread with peanut butter on it.

DeeanDave · August 07, 2011, 07:40:24 PM

Patty, will say prayers for Willy! There is a specialized canned dog food (can only get at clinics and is referred to as "Gruel". It is a high calorie soft dog food that is basically mush and very easy to eat -- no chewing needed. You could also try Chicken or Turkey baby food -- stage 1 small jars which is also mushy. The baby food only has meat finely mushed with water. When Earl Angel was so sick that is what we fed him. Goes down real easy. Hugs to you all.

PattyInAK · August 07, 2011, 07:43:54 PM

Thanks, Dee, for the baby food idea!

David C. · August 07, 2011, 08:09:34 PM

Sending rays Willy's way! I know we've had the prescription dog food when our guys are sick (either the k/d or i/d), and, even sick, they scarf it down.

Kathleen · August 07, 2011, 08:45:38 PM

Baby pediasure is a good thing to give him for energy and it's flavored, so it usually makes them drink a little more to keep them hydrated.

Mike · August 07, 2011, 08:55:26 PM

Rays coming north for wee Willy.

BonniesMom · August 07, 2011, 09:20:28 PM

Poor sweet Willy. When they hurt, it just breaks our heart. Rays for Willy. Sounds like he's liking his new supper.

Roberta · August 07, 2011, 10:11:59 PM

Rays coming for Willy. Could it be an infected saliavary gland, wonder boy had one the other year.
Roberta and the gang

Dee Dee and Hallie · August 07, 2011, 10:13:42 PM

That is heartbreaking poor Willie. Sending our rays and prayers too that it is easily fixed and he feels better really soon. Give him a hug for us and keep us posted.

Kelly · August 08, 2011, 05:52:30 AM

Rays on the way from Illinois for Willie! Give them both a hug for us!

Ruth in MT · August 08, 2011, 08:46:56 AM

Healing rays from Montana

Leslie · August 08, 2011, 09:00:36 AM

oh NO!!! Keep us updated and we'll be sending rays aaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllllllllllllll the way from Pennsylvania . (They should get there later tonight.

)

Hang in there everyone!

auntydoxzz · August 08, 2011, 10:57:24 AM

I know someone else mentioned Pediasure. I think that is what they also have in some stores in the freezer section so its like a popsicle. Not sure but it might be more tempting? It also has electrolytes to help balance his fluids better.

Merion is giving Zack some dannon yogurt. Its the danactive drink. It comes in a very small bottle. The one thing if you do try that I would make sure its NOT the danactive light. That has artificial sweetners and do not think he needs that.

sollysmom · August 08, 2011, 11:41:47 AM

Hilde and I are sending some x-tra strength healing rays and some nice warm southern comfort rays for Willy. Tell him we are sending them all the way from Tennessee where it's hot, hot, hot! Keeping all paws cross for the best diagnosis.

Darcel & Hilde

Rich · August 08, 2011, 01:04:52 PM

Lots of rays coming for Willy. Hoping for a lab report with an easy treatment.

vferraro99 · August 08, 2011, 06:00:42 PM

Sending many rayz for Willy, and hoping for the best. Please keep us posted.

Cheryl · August 08, 2011, 10:32:14 PM

Patty.....sending rays and lots of hugs to you and Willy

Delia and girls · August 09, 2011, 07:13:43 AM

Oh, Patty! I hope things get better for Willy and fast. Keep us posted on how he's doing.

papbouv · August 09, 2011, 04:27:28 PM

Rays to Willie Hugs too they have a toothpaste type food for dogs high calorie its made for ill dogs I use to use it all the time for Gizmo she had reflux disease but for the Life of me cannot remember the name of it Help some one know what I'm talking about i swear i have puppy Alzheimer's must have got it from Gizmo. You just put a little on your finger rub it on their gums slides right down.

Guinness · August 09, 2011, 06:54:40 PM

Quote from: sollysmom on August 08, 2011, 11:41:47 AMHilde and I are sending some x-tra strength healing rays and some nice warm southern comfort rays for Willy. Darcel & Hilde

:meme: WHOA, NELLY!! Did someone jes' say they're sending Southern Comfort??? I'M IN!!

Merlin, honey, I don't think that's what Auntie Darcel meant! I don't think Willy needs that!! :verdict:

Aw, Willy's a trooper. It's Auntie Patty could use a stiff drink 'bout now!

papbouv · August 09, 2011, 09:57:44 PM

Ok just got back from MIL so Looked up the stuff I was trying to remember it is called Nutri Cal for dogs it has been around for years high calorie,easy to digest it is not a paste more of a gel hope Willy feels better soon Rays & Hugs from Patches & Buddy, Papbouv

Barb · August 10, 2011, 09:15:26 AM

oh nos...so sorry I am so late checking in... Tons and Tons of rays to Willy - how is he doing?

Many good ideas to feed gruely soft foods.......