Along with stiffness, we noticed her panting more and some clear mucous falling from both nostrils. My first thought was that her allergies were bothering her and she could use some warm steam inhalation. This was an easy at-home remedy to help rule out possible allergy issues as the cause. Into the shower I went, letting her enjoy a peanut butter filled Kong just outside the tub while inhaling all the steamy goodness. She seemed a bit more herself, but this was most likely due to the yummy peanut butter.
The next morning she was still stiff. Off to work I took her. She was seen by my friend and boss, Dr C who tested her back strength as we suspected her spondylosis (degenerative osteoarthritis of the spinal joints) was bothering her. Nope - her back strength was solid. Pretty good for a dog going into her 11th year! Dr C said she suspected her stomach may have been bothering her and gave me some medication to help relieve the inflammation and I drew some blood for a blood panel as part of her yearly check-up.
After she had her meds, she drifted off to the deepest sleep of kings, nodding off drowsily before sleep. Poor kiddo must have been sore throughout the night. We're relieved to report no further issues. Her bloodwork came back beautiful, totally normal!
Sometimes I wish I didn't work in this field, because all the problems that could be at the root of the cause creep in to create a horrible feeling of worry and fear. "Ignorance is bliss", they say. I disagree - a healthy pack is bliss!
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| A quiet moment of Three Dog Peace - Arwen's Pack as one! |
S]Whew, that must have been very worrisome for you. So glad to hear that Arwen is OK. And yes, a healthy pack is what we all hope for.
ReplyDeleteWoos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning
I know what you mean! Sometimes I can start thinking everything that it could be and of course it is always something rather severe, and thank goodness, turns out to be something minor.
ReplyDeleteSo glad Arwen is OK and thank goodness she has a mom like you. It is always better to be safe than sorry. :)
That's always so scary when we know something isn't right and they just can't tell us what's wrong. One of our pack (Rusty) had a very upset stomach one night last week. When he won't touch his dinner, we know something's wrong. Fortunately he snapped out of it before I could take him to the vet the next morning. But until morning came, it was a sleepless night for me.
ReplyDeletemom would have been a nervous wreck! glad things were not real serious
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
It's the worst feeling not being able to ask where it hurts! I'm glad she's feeling better!
ReplyDeleteSo glad all is well! :)
ReplyDeleteWaggin at ya,
Roo
Oh, the more you know, the better. Since dogs can't tell you exactly where it hurts, it is so important to be able to put the puzzle pieces together whenever our dogs are a bit "off."
ReplyDeleteMango Momma
So happy all her bloodwork turned out fine! P.S. Even when you're not in the field, all the horrible things creep into the back of your mind - especially when you have a senior! How I wish they could talk sometimes, and just tell us what is wrong!!
ReplyDeleteHi Y'all,
ReplyDeleteHope you'll stop by tomorrow and pick up an award we have for you.
Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
So sorry about Arwen not feeling well! I will send lotsa good thoughts and wishes your way!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Wednesday, :)
Woofs & hugs, <3
~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)