Furball #2...

Now it's Jasmin's turn to be in the limelight. She hasn't been feeling well since Saturday. Vomiting and nasty diarrhea. Took her in to see the vet yesterday, who found Jasmin to be severely dehydrated and in shock. The condition is known as Hemorrhagic Gastro Enteritis (HGE). Doctor felt if we hadn't brought Jazz in when we did, we would likely have lost her within 24 hours. Yikes.

I was told Jazzy needed to stay for 1-2 days so she could receive antibiotics and fluids by IV. I was very sceptical, as Jasmin has a terrible track record for being crated — she hates it. I warned the vet, who then indicated she had a few alternatives if she does not tolerate the cage. I left Jazz with a kiss at 2:30, and by 4:30, I was called by the vet saying Jazz was already showing signs of improvement, but there was no way she would be able to stay overnight. She had tried to eat through the wire cage, escaped from a short leash twice, and had chewed through her IV. Yikes again.

We were to pick her up at 7:45pm, so the vet could administer another injected dose of antibiotics, and place several sacs of fluid under her skin before the hospital closed for the day. She was happy to be home, and slept comfortably at the end of our bed all night, aside from a few trips outside to pee. Water is critical to keep her hydrated, and we are giving her wet dog food 5x a day, as well as tablet antibiotics for the next 7 days. Her gums are still pinkish, which is the key to identifying her state of well-being. She must be sick of me hauling up her big lips every half-hour to check them, but I'd rather be a fussy Mother than a negligent one.

Fingers crossed those gums stay pink.