xie_xie_xie: (Rebel)
xie_xie_xie ([personal profile] xie_xie_xie) wrote2007-01-29 03:37 pm

Rebel update

I'm so touched at all the concern for Rebel. I guess I (understandably) over-reacted, because his bloodwork was fine, and his urine culture came back with an overgrowth of a common fecal bacteria, susceptible to an inexpensive, usually-well-tolerated antibiotic.

Rebel has a genetic kidney defect that results in being very susceptible to bladder infections. This is something we are aware of and treating, and I've had one other dog with this condition and am sadly very familiar with it. It's just a reality we have to deal with.

Anyway, the vet felt there was no reason to worry unless he still has symptoms after a couple of days on the antibiotics, and/or if the vomiting returns. If it doesn't, her assumption would be that it was unrelated.

Sadly, he did throw up his breakfast, and I am back in full blown paranoia. But it was chicken soup, and I think it was too hot, and he ate something else later with no problems, so I'm going to try to stave off said paranoia and relax. (Those of you who know me can all laugh now.)

I'll keep you posted! And again, my thanks!

[identity profile] court1429.livejournal.com 2007-01-29 11:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, I'm glad to hear this. I read my flist backwards yesterday and saw your post that he was sleeping and seemed to be feeling better but never got to your original post.

Worrying about animals is so stressful. I've been there plenty. Keep us updated. ♥

[identity profile] lunachickk.livejournal.com 2007-01-29 11:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh good! I'm so glad he's okay. Poor baby.

Um...why are you feeding him chicken soup for breakfast? You didn't tell your vet that, did you... *snerk*

[identity profile] vlredreign.livejournal.com 2007-01-29 11:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, you can queen-out with the best of them, but as Rebel's mama, you're allowed.

He's such a sweetie. And, you know, a bit of a crotch-hound, but...we're just dating for now. :)

Rebel and his Drama Queen

[identity profile] firehead30.livejournal.com 2007-01-29 11:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, Darling you are a Drama Queen...but a wonderful one. Not laughing at you in the least. I know how you love your dogs. They are a part of you.

*pets you*

[identity profile] happier-bunny.livejournal.com 2007-01-29 11:59 pm (UTC)(link)
HUGS YOU!

HUGS REBEL!!

He's gonna be fine!

[identity profile] jillapet.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 12:09 am (UTC)(link)
I used to make my kitty chopped up chicken, rice, and lettuce. She loved it, along with cream cheese.

I make my mom's dogs homemade treats-have you ever seen the preservatives in the store-bought ones?

[identity profile] testdog65.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
I’m so glad to hear this, and I hope Rebel’s back to his old self soon. Try not to stress too much over it…I know, easier said than done! And maybe the throwing up is just stress-related from not feeling well???

~Ellen

[identity profile] singlewoman.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 12:25 am (UTC)(link)
I am so glad Rebel is doing better. Pets are as much of our family as people, sometimes more so. Hope the both of you get some well needed rest.

[identity profile] shadownyc.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 12:29 am (UTC)(link)
Pets are like our children. It's normal and appropriate to worry. I'd be more concerned if you were casual about the whole situation.

We have a kitty with a chronic intestinal disorder that was mimicking feline leukemia (fatal) about 1 1/2 years ago. My LJ friends were so supportive and understanding...and several were able to diagnose Lucky from his symptoms.

LJ Land can be such a wonderful & loving place.

I'm so happy Rebel seems to be rebounding. ***Hugs to both of you***

[identity profile] itsjustkristen.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 12:40 am (UTC)(link)
I'm so glad that Rebel's feeling better. Thanks for letting us know.

[identity profile] snowmore.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 12:46 am (UTC)(link)
It is extremely hard to see our pets sick. Being scared is part of the experience. I'm glad to hear that Rebel ate something today without problems. That's a great sign!

[identity profile] altsunthinkable.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 12:50 am (UTC)(link)
I'm so glad to hear Rebel's test results didn't show anything too alarming. Hopefully the antibiotics will do the trick and he'll be back to normal in no time. I wouldn't worry too much about one vomited meal if he kept something else down later. And of course I know you'll keep a close eye on him until you're sure he's 100% again.

And hooray for you for feeding a homemade diet. Most vets may not approve, but what most vets don't know about nutrition really can be alarming. Your dogs are very fortunate to have such a loving, knowledgeable, and dedicated owner.

[identity profile] my2cats.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 12:54 am (UTC)(link)
I am happy to hear that Rebel is doing better.
There is nothing wrong with over-reacting when it comes to our "children".Hell,my family tells me all the time that I love my "boys" more then them,lol.
Keep us posted.

sends "hugs" and "pets" Rebel

[identity profile] silent-seas.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 01:27 am (UTC)(link)
I'm glad the bloodwork was ok and his culture came back with something that's usually easily treated. That's what I was hoping for.

It's wonderful to read about how you do your absolute best to keep your dogs healthy and satisfied and loved. That makes me so happy. ♥ ♥

[identity profile] azureopal.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 02:03 am (UTC)(link)
Was the soup a little greasy? That might be the cause of throwing that up, because greasy food and upset stomaches don't really mix.

But I'm glad to hear he's feeling better.

I was always paranoid about my cat when he was sick.

Paranoia

[identity profile] fansee.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 02:34 am (UTC)(link)
That line between paranoia and educated concern can be very thin and hard to discern. Sounds like maybe you need a little extra coddling yourself. Take care of both of you. FanSee

[identity profile] southernlil.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 02:43 am (UTC)(link)
Happy healing thoughts for your pup- I'm much more fond of my dog than of most people I know- so I understand your concern. Keep us posted.

[identity profile] erica-is-amazed.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 03:30 am (UTC)(link)
I am sure happy to hear Rebel is getting better.

I have a 16 year old cat that seems to be the frisky, nutso kitten she has always been - but she's decided she is no longer going to go outdoors to poop. So, I just keep cleaning up after her. Everyone (except my son) says I should just put her to sleep. That is not happening. She's a sweetheart, except while I check the floors when I arrive home from work.
ext_1645: (C&H -- Yay!)

[identity profile] hsapiens.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 04:35 am (UTC)(link)
I'm VERY glad to hear that Rebel has what is, hopefully, a minor annoyance taken care of with a course of antibiotics. There's not such thing as overreacting. They're our friends, companions, and often our kids -- and they rely on us to keep them healthy.

I've worked in rescue and I've learned to appreciate people who love their animals and jump on problems when they're small. I honestly thought that was how everyone treated their pets. You don't know just how rare and special that makes you. :) *smooches*

[identity profile] ranksy.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
I'm glad to hear the vet thinks there isn't anything to worry about. I hate when dogs get sick. I wish I could explain to them what was happening. I always feel like they're sitting there, wondering what they did wrong and why they're being punished. They may not be thinking this at all, but it breaks my heart all the same. I hope Rebel is feeling better. Please scratch his ears for me. Or his belly. Whichever he prefers.

[identity profile] teary-eyed2.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
You've had more dogs than I think I can count and have experience with their illnesses and yet you're still a nervous wreck? *pets*
Chester's my first dog (ie not bought by my parents) and my anxiety attacks have gradually diminished after 11 years now that I know what to expect - mostly through my own learning, research and knowledge of my own canine, as opposed to what vets and behaviorists would lead you to believe at times :) And thank-the-world for BARF, acupuncture, positive 'training' and holistic health in general.

[identity profile] herefordroad.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 05:18 am (UTC)(link)
i think anyone who has ever loved an animal knows exactly how you feel about rebel. i hope that he'll continue to get better. if friends are the family we choose, so are pets!!
ext_80437: (read_hands)

[identity profile] risa7.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 06:10 am (UTC)(link)
Over-reaction is always understandable when it comes to our pets :) I'm glad that Rebel is doing better.

[identity profile] flashfly.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 07:59 am (UTC)(link)
Sending good thoughts and well wishes Rebel's way.

[identity profile] suzvoy.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 09:33 am (UTC)(link)
Phew!

[identity profile] silentinflames.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 09:44 am (UTC)(link)
I'm very glad to hear that. :)

[identity profile] secretsolitaire.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 12:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh good, I hope he continues to improve. :-)

[identity profile] bon-coeur.livejournal.com 2007-01-30 06:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Glad the tests were good.

Hey, our dogs are about the same age -- Emma turned 8 about a month ago. She goes to work with me at my office everyday, so I can understand your concern.

[identity profile] girloftheburbs.livejournal.com 2007-01-31 06:02 am (UTC)(link)
Hi Xie, I didn't catch your earlier post about poor Rebel, but I wanted to tell you that I hope he is feeling better and is on the mend. I have a cat with a kidney problem whose symptoms manifest in other ways, but I can certainly empathize. Sending healing thoughts your way...

Nicole

[identity profile] kaiponohea.livejournal.com 2007-01-31 05:16 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks for the update, Xie. I was wondering.

Queening out over our pets seems to go with the territory, and tons of knowledge doesn't stop that from happening, alas (I'm a biologist with a fair amount of medical knowledge).

I agree wtih FanSee, though: be sure to take care of BOTH of you.