Celebrating Abner

Just six days ago I thought Abner was a goner. I really needn't have worried though. I should know by now that this goof ball's previous conditioners have been mostly self-induced. In fact, previous to Monday (which was also Memorial Day and Ed's birthday), Abner's last two visits to the Emergency Clinic were for gorging himself on dog food. Knowing this history, I really should have thought hard about his gassiness, his slightly enlarged stomach, and considered how it might be playing a role in his most current condition.

What is that you might ask? Well, I had my introduction to dog seizures. About 10 a.m. he had his first one. He was incontinent of urine during the episode, making me ever grateful for tile throughout our house. He had another at 4 p.m., one at 8 p.m. and when had the last one at 9:30 p.m. I knew it was time to head for the doggy E.R. All his lab work was normal, at least for him, and nothing seemed amiss. Dr. Byrd thought for sure he had a brain tumor causing his sudden onset of seizures. She wanted to keep him overnight, but it was already midnight and I'd need to pick him up by 8 a.m. It didn't seem like 8 hours of ER care was going to make a difference, so I had her dose him up on Phenobarbital and off we went. When we got home, the diarrhea hit. A few more episodes of diarrhea came on, followed by a huge, enormous pile of.....vomit. It was the worst, most foul smelling stuff. It was also mixed with cellophane. I was so relieved that it seemed like instead of a terminal brain tumor, my goofy golden had garbage poisoning! I kept him on the Phenobarbital for the week, and tapered him off. Yesterday and today he was medication free, and no seizures! Yahoo! I am NOT ready to lose my precious boy. He and Coral are really getting up there in years, but I just can't stand the thought of losing either of them. Each day is truly a blessing. After Monday, instead of being annoyed with Abner's mealtime barking, it is like music to my ears. Another day to celebrate this wonderful Golden.