Doggie 911

Poor Buffy!

Bad Mommy!

Buffy got me up several times in the night. She was restless and very thirsty. Her usually trim waistline was distended. By the time I got up to get ready for work, it dawned on me that she might have bloat - which can be deadly. I knew she had eaten too much rawhide over the weekend - that's where the "Bad Mommy" part comes in. I gave her a rawhide chew while I jumped in the shower on Sunday. I intended to take it away from her when I was done with my shower, but by then she had consumed all of it. I will never feed any of my dogs rawhide in the future. I feel so badly.

Anyway, I sprung into action. Got on the Internet and checked the symptoms for bloat, several of which she presented with. Called the animal hospital and let them know we were on our way. Called in for a substitute teacher. Threw on some clothes, and by 6 a.m. was on the freeway. The nearest 24 hour animal hospital is 15 miles from here, and by 6 a.m. we're already dealing with rush hour traffic. So, that added to my stress level.

Once there, she was seen to immediately. She wasn't happy. She growled and barked at the receptionist, so I had to muzzle her. I'm pretty sure it's because she didn't feel well. She is usually friendly when we go to the vet or the groomer.

Within a half hour, the veterinarian showed me Buffy's x-rays. She is stuffed full with food. So far, her stomach has not twisted, so she doesn't require surgery yet. They are going to try and flush her system with fluids, induce vomiting, and pump her stomach before they resort to surgery.

So, I'm at home.

Waiting to hear from the vet.

Hoping Buffy will be okay.

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Update: I just returned from visiting Buffy at the hospital tonight. She is improving! The staff said she was responding well to the less invasive treatments. They've induced some vomiting and put her on an IV catheter. She's being walked regularly. Buffy looked a little stressed to me, and she definitely doesn't like the Elizabethan collar they've put on her, but it keeps her from licking the place where the catheter is. I'm hopeful that she'll be able to come home tomorrow night!

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers for us!