Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Napoleon Update

Thank you for all your nice comments. Napoleon, DH and I really appreciate your concern. It was a rough 24 hrs for Napoleon. DH didn't even recognize him when he came home. Napoleon remained puffy all night and was super uncomfortable. He kept scooting around on his behind and rubbing and scratching his face. There were also lumps and bumps all over his body that were not as noticeable as his face, but I could see his fur puffed up in places. The thing that killed me was his blank expressionless stare and the sad look in his eyes. You can tell he was in pain, but he could not express it. Animals are so innocent. He never once let out one peep or bark in discomfort.

We took turns holding him all night. Our worst fears would be that he stopped breathing, vomited or ran a fever. I encouraged him to drink more water because the anti-inflammatory shots are very dehydrating.Today, he still has some puffiness in his face, but a lot has reduced. I noticed this morning that he has a big lump on his neck (indicated by the red arrow). Hopefully that will subside with time.

Yesterday was more excitement than I could handle. I was stressed out and so worried about him. Plus, I am not exactly very mobile these days being 8 1/2 months pregnant. It was freezing outside yesterday and snowing at times with crazy winds, so it made the 15-20 min walk (one way) to the Vet even longer for me. The second time we went, I had to carry him because his eyes were so swollen, I didn't think he could see very well. He weighs about 9-10lbs, but I am in no physical shape to do that these days. I guess the adrenalin was rushing through my body, so I didn't feel the back pains until night time.

His rabies shot will last him 3 years and after that, the Vet will no longer give that to him. His allergic reaction will get worse each time the shot is administered. She said that she can write him a note to excuse him even though it's a NY State Law. She said that the probability of Napoleon getting into a fight with a rabid raccoon was zero. I am still mad that she gave him all 3 vaccinations at once even though she knew he was allergic to one of them. If they had gave 3 separate shots on 3 different days, we could have determined what he is exactly allergic to. She is guessing it's the rabies shot because most small dogs have problems with that. He got a total of 5 shots yesterday, not very fun for anyone!

20 comments:

flanthrower said...

Thank you for the update! Napoleon looks so much better than he did yesterday! Poor little guy. You're so right about animals being so innocent. When Norma was sick she didn't make a peep and she looked so appalled and worried when she threw up on the living room rug. (She was nice enough to do it on the hardwood floor later.) :)

Get well little Napoleon!

caitlyn said...

I am so glad that Napoleon is better -- he definitely looks better! I hope you are okay too.

Unknown said...

Oh Napoleon looks so much better today! Poor guy.

maryse said...

poor little pup. glad he's doing better.

did i ever tell you that i had a cat named napoleon? i think i did.

mariko said...

I'm so glad Napoleon is doing better. What a horrible night you all had to endure! Those vaccinations are often much stronger than they need to be, so it's good you have an understanding vet. Good luck!

hetty said...

What a relief! Napoleon certainly looks better than he did yesterday.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, I'm so glad your dog is OK! If something happened to my dog I'd be in a panic too. Take care of yourself and take care of Napolean. I'll think good thoughts for all of you

Rebekah said...

so glad that he's doing better today!

Danielle said...

Napoleon does look considerably better than yesterday, for which I can tell you are relieved. Definitely take it easy as you continue to watch over little Napoleon. Hope he feels all better soon :)

rohanknitter said...

Oh, that sounds so awful!!
I'll bet you were a wreck. Glad he's doing so much better. Guess I'm lucky Max got off with just a lump! Hope your back is ok.

Jennie said...

I hope he continues to get better. It's so annoying that they can't tell you how much pain they're in.

Allegra said...

I'm glad he is feeling better. I would think that after this experience you'll be thinking hard about your baby's vaccines and which/when they should be done, at least I would!

Marianne said...

I'm so glad to hear he is feeling better ! It's always awful when your pets (or children!) are ill, you always feel so helpless !
Take good care of yourself now !

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Poor baby... those first photos were heartbreaking. I can see the improvement and I hope he is better still.

Misty Rain said...

He does look a bit better, but such a sad story. =(

Anonymous said...

Awwww poor little baby. That pained but silent look in the first photo is one I've come to know too well with both my boys recently. It really pulls at the heart strings.

I'm glad to hear that he's slowly getting better though. Now you must look after yourself and no more sprinting the streets of NYC with one baby in your arms and another in your tum :)

randi said...

Poor little guy! I am glad that he is feeling better now!

Octopus Knits said...

I'm glad he's improving, and hope he's back to normal soon. What a miserable situation - for all of you!

teresa fsw said...

Let me give you (Napoleon) a kiss to speedy recovery. *Muack* It must be really tough on you. Take care too. ^_^

schrodinger said...

Mr B and I are so happy to hear that Napoleon is doing better now, I hope the recovery is still going well.