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Schweiz (Deutsch)My little dog...
My little dog...
Posted: Friday, May 29, 2009 - 10:17
...has been horribly sick the past week. I would have posted on here sooner, because I know everyone here would send him the best get well wishes, but I couldn't do it until today. Really, he's on the road to recovery now, but it will be months before he's back to normal.
Last week, I noticed Banjo wasn't acting himself...like his face was bothering him, and he was very restless. Thursday I took him to the vet, and they told me he had neck pain. Thursday night, I'm awake at 4 AM while he's acting strange, and it occurs to me much later into Friday that he was having a seizure. I'm waiting outside my regular vet's office at 7:30 when they open, and drop him off to be rechecked. About 3 hours later, I finally get to talk to the vet who says he needs a whole array of tests they can't do there and will cost me an arm and a leg.
He's in terrible shape when I go to pick him up, and I'm still mad that no one at my regular vet bothered to tell me that before I saw him. You know, I could have gotten there faster. I end up having to take him to NC State's Veterinary Hospital, and he seized the whole way there, almost throwing us into road signs and guard rails all along I-40 between Greensboro and Raleigh. If you've never seen a dog have a seizure, it's painful to watch. It's even worse if you're completely hopeless to do anything about it. So I drove like a crazy woman and got him in the door not a minute too soon. There was a really good chance he wasn't going to make it a couple hours, much less through the night. He was two paws in the grave when I carried him in the door crying uncontrolably, and they took him straight to the emergency room. He went in also with heat stroke and had another violent seizure after they took him from me.
We run him through an ultrasound, chest x-ray, loads of blood work, and a spinal tap all between 3:30 and 5:00 on a Friday before a holiday weekend. That alone is a miracle. I finally leave at about 7:30 that night with my parents, who joined me there at about 6:30. He was sleeping, nearly comatose. Needless to say I didn't sleep well that night. Or any night until I was actually able to bring him home Wednesday afternoon.
Banjo is nothing short of a miracle dog. Satuday's MRI revealed that he has severe encephalitis (inflamation of the brain) and meningitis (inflamation of the layers around the brain and brain stem). Saturday, he was asleep with anesthesia...Sunday, he was walking around terribly disoriented (also hard to watch, probably didn't know I was there)...Monday, we walk him around outside, he's wobbly and spaces out alot, but he was happy to see us...Tuesday, he's aware enough to realize that he doesn't want to be there anymore and hates being stuck in a cage, he's walking straigher, and he's happy to see us again...Wednesday, he comes back home!
He's not in the clear just yet...the heat stroke gave him a blood clotting disorder called DIC, it can be pretty bad, but we caught it early enough to where it's pretty much been taken care of in just a couple days (and a blood plasma transfusion). And he's going to have to go back about once a month for a drug called Cytosar that will help decrease the brain swelling and keep it down.
He's at home now, sleeping a lot, getting better all the time. I figured out how to sneak him his variety of pills (steroids, antibiotics, anti-seizure meds....) without him realizing it, and he's loving the meat balls I made him last night.
I just wanted to share the little story about my miracle dog (my protector, my friend, and my "son"), Banjo. He's doing good right now, but keep him in your thoughts and hope that he'll stay on this track.
Replies for this Board Topic
That is my longest post ever. Whoa.
My apologies.
No apology needed. Our family has had only one dog because he was perfect and irreplaceable. The last years of his life he had epilepsy, so I know the pain of watching a seizure. I still miss him.
My heart goes out to you luvmuffyn & Banjo!!! I know how hard it is to have a sick or injured dog. There is nothing I wouldn't do to make our 12 year old lab feel better when he was not well... and I mean, nothing. How old in Banjo? (Sorry if I missed that in the post.) Please give him a big hug & kiss for me. He is in good hands at the NCSU vet school hospital. Please keep us posted.
My Banjo is about 7 years old. I've had him for about 2 years, and before that he spent about 2 1/2 years at the Humane Society in Greenville, NC, and before that he was a hunting dog who was probably "accidentally forgotten" in the woods one day with his brother.
I'm indescribably happy that he's back home. It can be hard to find someone who will always be waiting for you to get back home and then be so happy to see you when you walk in the door. He's still sleepy and spacey at times, but doing just fine.
As I read your post, LM86, I was holding back the tears... I can't imagine your panic and terror as your baby went through all that. First, I'm so glad Banjo is doing better. Cleo, June (my four-legged babies) and I send our biggest hugs and well-wishes...
I'm trying to be understanding of your first vet visit, but in all honesty, every cell of my body would have been on the attack if I went to pick up a dog that was OBVIOUSLY deteriorating and wasn't given a heads up. I hope you are a more forgiving person than me... that would take a long time to get over, for me anyways.
Cleo (my 7 yr old lab) is epileptic, and her seizures (when she has them, about 3 times a year) are always frightening and catch me off guard. She always acts funny right before she has one... it occurs to me that Banjo might have been doing the same thing to you Thursday/Friday. They know something's about to happen, so they get close, but in a weird way... you'll know next time. Cleo walks with her entire body touching/rubbing my legs, almost in a panicky way, and she won't stop until she goes on and seizes. She's on phenobarbitol twice and day, every day, forever.
I know you thought you were about to lose your baby, and that part just breaks my heart. I know how that feels, and it's absolute misery. BUT, I'm also so happy your guy is home and with you and getting the loving he needs to recover. Keep us posted!
How did Banjo get the encephalitis? The meningitis? Do they know that part?
Aw, I'm so sorry you and Banjo had to go through that--so scary! I am glad to hear he is on the mend and send good vibes that he will remain so. I have had a lot of health stuff with my cat this year--it's scary stuff.
Good luck!
Thanks, ya'll! I will tell Banjo that everyone wants him to make a full recovery!
Katie: I was pretty mad at that vet that day, but I couldn't linger on it, because I had to try to keep my mind focused and keep myself together. Though, I was only partially sucessful on the second one, because I started crying as soon as I saw him. And to make things worse with that vet, the last thing she said to me before I drove off was "I really think he has a tumor." I was devestated and mad all together...how can you say that to someone as they're about to drive their seizing dog an hour and a half to another vet? We're still waiting to see if he has any kind of underlying infectious disease going on that may have caused the encephalitis/meningitis, but, if not, it's just auto-immune, so it pretty much just happens. How awful is that? I don't think it's a bs answer or anything, but it sucks that something like this could just happen like that (and so quickly too...the weekend before last he was on his first beach trip and had a great time...perfectly normal).
happy story to cheer you up: My friend Anna has the cutest little mutt, Bazooka. He got hit by a car last month. By some miracle, he survived and had only minor surgery. He still has a little limp, but he is otherwise fine. Sending you good thoughts for an equally happy outcome for Banjo.
Yea!!! So happy to hear that Banjo is a rescue dog!!! We are BIG supporters of rescues. Either Greenville is a no-kill shelter of Banjo is very special to have lasted so long at the Humane Society. (Well, I am sure he's special, but you know what I mean... some animals kind-of become adopted pets at shelter.)
Either way, good work on taking in a rescue, Luvmuffyn!!! I will never understand 'buying' of pets when so many desperate, needy & amazing ones are killed everyday at shelters b/c they don't have a home. 
Your post made me cry. I am so happy that Banjo is going to be okay. I didn't realize dogs could get meningitis and encephalitis. My 4 1/2 yr. old JRT is my love. I can feel your heartache. They are family members. So glad you got him there in time!
"Either Greenville is a no-kill shelter of Banjo is very special to have lasted so long at the Humane Society. "
Yeah, Humane Societies are no-kill shelters. They're non-profit organizations, not government-operated...it's the government-operated shelters that euthanize animals, whereas Humane Societies must rely on adoptions, fund-raisers, and money from their local board members to keep going. In fact, when I was working at that the Humane Society of Eastern North Carolina last summer, it became apparent that unless something dramatic happened, they probably wouldn't be able to stay open through the end of this year. I really hope things have changed since then; they do a lot of good, hard, far from glamorous, and very rewarding work. Every animal that gets adopted from an Humane Society makes a new space for another homeless animal, so that's where I do my pet shopping when at all possible.
Coming from someone who probably cares more about animals then people...my heart goes out to Banjo. I cried when I read your post. I know the space a pet can complete in your life and the huge hole it leaves when they leave us. I am so glad Banjo is doing better and I hope he gets back to 100%. (I rescued one of my cats from the Humane Society about 8 years ago.)
i hope he gets better and by the way, banjo is an awesome name for a dog.
i'm so sorry to hear that. i hope banjo gets better ASAP. good luck!
(ps, the link to his photo didn't work! i want to see him!!)
Maybe this will work...
Banjo standing out on the patio about a month ago...
http://tinypic.com/r/eal9nd/5
Me and Banjo heading out for a walk in Greenville shortly after my graduation last year...
http://tinypic.com/r/2ujr334/5
Best wishes to Banjo! Good to hear he is doing better and I hope he continues on the road to recovery.
Banjo is adorable! Thanks for posting the pictures! How is he doing?
He's getting stronger in his back legs, so he's not as wobbly when he stands for a long time. And his appetite is coming back in full force, even though he has trouble eating things that aren't a solid shape (which is why I made him meatballs again today), but I hope to put him back on a regular diet in the next couple days; we'll just have to see how it goes. He's still pretty spacey because of the meds, but he follows me around the apartment now, instead of whining when I leave the room--definitely regaining autonomy (somewhat reluctantly, because he got pretty spoiled very quickly) and his willfulness is coming back too, so he's harder to get inside after I take him out on very short walks. I'm very impressed with how he's doing. Tomorrow I need to check and see how he'll react when I leave my apartment without him...after all, Monday is back to the grind at work; he needs to be able to handle being alone from 9 to 5.
I think everyone's warm wishes are helping! Thanks!
Banjo is adorable!
Banjo is adorable!
I've decided to resurrect this topic from last year and give an update to anyone who's interested....
My sweet little dog son has had what I hope is his last treatment for his meningitis/encephalitis. He's doing GREAT. I can't even tell ya'll how much better he is since I last posted on his status...he's playful and happy and excited, back to his regular self. He hasn't had a seizure since the day he almost died last year when I first took him to NC State's Veterinary Hospital. There are no long-term problems from his illness; he's just normal, goofy, and healthy. I think he appreciates a second lease on life, enjoys it more than before, even more than what is normal for a shelter dog. He loves his mom and is a good protector. I've been weaning him off of the prednisone the last few months and he's almost done with that too. Since he just had his last shot this morning, I have to schedule him for another spinal tap at NC State (I'm gonna' try for the16th) and I hope and pray those results will be normal. The only thing after he gets that spinal tap will be for him to start losing all the weight he's gained while on the prednisone, and he'll have a follow up spinal tap about mid-March. I'll have to post some new pics, I suppose, but I wanted to let you all know.
Any thoughts or tips on removing tear stains? I've never had a dog where it was a regular problem for the breed, but all of Banjo's brain activity while the swelling has been going down made his eyes very teary...kinda' weird, because you'd think he was really sad, but it's exactly the opposite. I tried some wipes from Petsmart, but they didn't work for nothing. Anyone know of anything tried and true?
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~Megan
"Free is not your right to choose, it's answering what's asked of you, to give the love you find until it's gone."
I have a dog who has seizures and tear stains !
The best remedy I have is that our other dog loves her relentlessly and is constantly grooming her. Frances is my beagle rescue with the siezures, and my other is a border collie/heeler mix that treats her like the queen that she is. They are inseparable and Frances gets her face cleaned several times a day : )
On that note..I am a volunteer and board member of Seven Blessings Animal Sanctuary in Nashville. Our mission is to help older, infirm , or otherwise unadoptable companion animals find homes. We are on Facebook if you would like to look us up....good things may be happening for us in the near future
Megan, that's such great news, so glad he's doing well!
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Wish me luck, I know you think I'll need it.
For all the hardest roads we have to walk alone.
I'm glad he is doing well! I've heard good things about Angel Eyes to remove tear stains.
Thanks, kateb! Where can I get some?
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~Megan
"Free is not your right to choose, it's answering what's asked of you, to give the love you find until it's gone."
I'm not sure.... I work at a dog store so I have heard about it but I am not sure who has it. You can definitely order it online, but I feel like it might be at Petsmart/Petco. I'll check at work this afternoon because we might carry a different product that is good as well. I'll let you know!
That would be awesome. Thanks!
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~Megan
"Free is not your right to choose, it's answering what's asked of you, to give the love you find until it's gone."
My dog was in an accident once and had a crazy miraculous recovery as well. I'm so happy he's still here for you! It's an incredibly feeling.
Darn it! I'm sorry Luvmuffyn--I forgot to look at work today. But I think Angel Eyes would be the best bet. Perhaps call your local pet stores and see who carries it or pick some up on Amazon! Good luck!
Btw-- he is super cute!
Thanks for the good wishes matineex!
And Kate, I will tell him you said he's cute, but I'm pretty sure he already knows. He thinks he's pretty special and wants everyone else to know it too. I love him. I'll have to ask around about the Angel Eyes. Thanks for the tip!
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~Megan
"Free is not your right to choose, it's answering what's asked of you, to give the love you find until it's gone."
Too cute for words! I have been on the "can we get a dog, can we, can we, can we?" campaign for months now. No success. Although after watching the Puppy Bowl the other night, I might have made a tiny bit of headway. This is the girl I want to give a home to:
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=15525970
We'll see how that goes.
Anyway, Megan, I'm glad Banjo is doing so well. He's SUPER CUTE, and it warms the c***els of my cynical old heart to hear of people who stick by their pets.
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Ain't it like most people, I'm no different, we love to talk on things we don't know about.
She's precious! I love those ears! You should get her.
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~Megan
"Free is not your right to choose, it's answering what's asked of you, to give the love you find until it's gone."
Megan, can I tell Eli if he says Ok you will send us a big batch of muffins??
I really really want a dog, but Eli - who loves dogs very much - is hesitant to have one in the city. I'm almost at the point of just getting one, but I know how selfish and thoughtless that would be, so I'm hoping that if I set up an introduction between E and Trixie, he might be swayed.
The ears and the little muzzle are what are killing me. She's got that adorable fat girl french bulldog body too, which I LOVE.
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Ain't it like most people, I'm no different, we love to talk on things we don't know about.
I'd do it for you to get your pooch. But with the snow and ice, it would probably take a year to get there. LOL!
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~Megan
"Free is not your right to choose, it's answering what's asked of you, to give the love you find until it's gone."
Gotta love someone who treats a dog like family. Well done Megan and congratulations!
Not to hijack your thread but our Maddie is still with us and going strong after being diagnosed a year ago as a young pup with serious kindey issues. Strict (expensive) diet and a "miracle drug" for kidney function has worker nicely so far. Payback is worth far nore than the payout.
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Please talk slowly. I don't hear good anymore.
I'm threadjacking too, sorry Megan.
David, I'm so glad to hear Maddie is doing well. I remember how you were telling us about her when she first got sick and how you said "She acts like a member of the family because she IS a member of the family" or something along those lines and how she gets to go for walks every day, get on the furniture, go in and out as she pleases, etc.
I want a doggie to spoil like that.
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Ain't it like most people, I'm no different, we love to talk on things we don't know about.
"Payback is worth far nore than the payout."
Agreed. My mental calculation of my bills tells me that this has cost about $15-16K (probably more?), but he reminds me every day that he is priceless.
I'm happy yours is doing well, oldsorryman. My Banj is definitely family to me...my little "dog son," I call him.
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~Megan
"Free is not your right to choose, it's answering what's asked of you, to give the love you find until it's gone."
heids - your memory is so good it's scary, thanks...........and be patient, I know it will be tough in the city but I suppose it's possible. Just make sure you can be fair to the pup when you pull the trigger.
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Please talk slowly. I don't hear good anymore.
David, Eli fears the memory.
Not sure about whether Trixie will be joining our home - just found out from my landlord that they have a "no pets" policy in the building....which is either a sign that I need to give up on the endeavor or a sign that I need to start honing my negotiating skills for when we renew our lease tomorrow. Hmmmmm.....
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Ain't it like most people, I'm no different, we love to talk on things we don't know about.
Make your landlord some food. I'll bet some cooking of yours will go a long way.
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~Megan
"Free is not your right to choose, it's answering what's asked of you, to give the love you find until it's gone."
GINGERSNAP and i are keeping Banjo in our thoughts.
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Hey, do you have an updated pic of Gingersnap? The only one I saw was the "vote for my dog" thread when she was just a bitty thing - I bet she's gotten bigger now!!
Thanks Megan, we'll see if maybe I have a lasagna in the oven or something when the LL comes over tomorrow night to sign the lease.
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Ain't it like most people, I'm no different, we love to talk on things we don't know about.
My thoughts are with you and your pooch.
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"A city man'll tell ya, "Do what it takes to stay on top,
But my Pa's a country man, and that's what I'll be 'til I drop." -Margo
http://www.facebook.com/nastynate704
I just brought Banjo back from the NC State Veterinary Hospital, where he stayed over night in order to be ready for his spinal tap, and...
He now has a clean bill of health! I get to (finally!) stop the prednisone, which means he'll start losing weight and will stop peeing in my apartment, and he doesn't have to go back for another 3-6 months, and that will just be a check up. I mean, I have to keep an eye on him and jump at any sign that the inflamation may be coming back, but his spinal tap results were normal for the first time since Memorial Day weekend last year. I'll keep him on anti-seizure medicine for probably another year before we take him off and see if he has any long-term epilepsy to deal with, but I'm happy.
I was very worried and this is a huge relief. Thanks to everyone for your get well wishes to Banjo; I know you helped!
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~Megan
"Free is not your right to choose, it's answering what's asked of you, to give the love you find until it's gone."
i do have a updated picture of gingersnap...shes getting so much bigger...and has a TON of energy.
how do i post the picture?
megan...glad to hear Banjo is feeling better.
Megan, you're my kind of girl!. Happy for you and Banjo.
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Please talk slowly. I don't hear good anymore.
Hot damn, excellent news Megan! Glad to hear Banj is doing well.
Graceful, not sure how to upload a pic to a post, but you can always upload it to your profile and direct us there.
We're still engaged in the Great Dog Debate. Talks have stalled but our landlord is mulling over letting us amend our lease and get one. Eli has said that we can "start looking" if we get the go-ahead from her, so keep your fingers crossed - we're getting a little closer!!
This is the current apple of my eye:
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=15502092
I clearly have a "type."
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Ain't it like most people, I'm no different, we love to talk on things we don't know about.
I love her, Heidi. Get both. It sounds like you brought something delicious to the negotaiting table with your landlord. Good work!
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~Megan
"Free is not your right to choose, it's answering what's asked of you, to give the love you find until it's gone."
alright i can't figure it out so i just changed my profile picture to her. I hope you get the dog!!!
p.s. it just took me 2x to post this b/c i couldn't figure out the damn captcha.
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Trixie - the gal I posted last week - has been adopted (Yay for trix, boo for heids). But Brie is adorable and she's in Brooklyn! I have to keep on my landlord, she's a bit of a flake. Their biggest hesitation is that they don't want everyone in the building to have one, and I'm like "This isn't a democracy, you don't have to let everyone have what we have, just say no." We're pretty much the ideal tenants, so I think we have a fair shot - we'll see how it goes, and I'll keep you posted!
I'm just so happy Banjo pulled through - you're a good mom, Megan. There's a special place for you in heaven.
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Ain't it like most people, I'm no different, we love to talk on things we don't know about.