Before I start about the good day Rainy had, I need to update my weave pole practice.
On 7/26 I had a private lesson and we started out in the small training area and I aced my weaves! I practiced for about 15 minutes before we moved to the big training area. I was tired by this time and though I did everything Marty asked of me, I did knock down a record TWO bars!
I will not be doing weaves in my regular agility class until I can do them out in the big area several times during private lessons. I will have my next private lesson on 8/4.
Now to Rainy.
On Friday 7/22 Rainy had to be rushed to our vet at 0830AM even before they opened because she struggled during the night to breathe. This came on very suddenly during the night.
Our vet diagnosed Rainy with an infection in her left lung because of what he heard when he listened to her chest. He did not hear any problems with her heart. Marty brought Rainy home after she got a shot of an antibiotic and some of the same in pills.
Oh and because Rainy's nose was all clogged she got a giant can of nasal saline spray.
Rainy rested all that day but after she came in from outside her saliva was pink so Marty had to rush Rainy back to our vet. Rainy by this time couldn't walk and was struggling to breathe. Rainy got some IV fluids and Marty had to pick her back up at 545p because there is no overnight help. Marty took Rainy up to the emergency vet.
At the emergency vet chest x-rays were done and it showed not only fluid in Rainy's left lung but fluid all around her lungs and heart. Her heart was enlarged. Rainy had to stay in an oxygen thingy. IV's were started on her too.
Marty went to visit Rainy on Saturday but didn't visit long because seeing Marty made Rainy breathe hard because she was so happy but weak.
Rainy had more x-rays of her heart and an ultrasound which was read by their cardiologist. The cardiologist said that Rainy had dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) which is prevalent in Dobies, it seems.
Rainy came home on Monday and she was not only weak and couldn't walk without Marty holding her up but because the hospital didn't feed her the Rx food Marty sent along but rather a whole can of some dog food, Rainy had severe diarrhea.
Marty has done lots and lots of laundry because Rainy had many accidents on the bed.
Slowly Rainy is improving. Today was her best day since the DCM diagnosis. Rainy can now get off the bed without falling, can walk to the kitchen to drink, then walk unsupported outside. She is still collapsing after she takes care of her business and Marty had to go outside and lift her back onto her feet.
Yesterday Marty gave Rainy a new plushie and she played for a few minutes. I went and got the tiny elephant plushie and brought it up on the bed so I could play next to Rainy. She took it away from me! She played a few more times yesterday with the plushies.
Today Rainy did all of things she did yesterday but she is now sleeping like she used to, running and making noise while she is asleep. She even did "trash dog" for Marty one time. Her lungs sound clear and she looks bright eyed again. I even played with Rainy for a little while this morning. That felt good.
I hope Rainy sleeps though the night tonight. Each night she wakes less and less. As she is able to get off the bed by herself she is able to go get a drink of water when she needs to and only wakes Marty on her return so Marty to help her get back up on the bed.
Marty said that the DCM will shorten Rainy's life even more than the cancer. This makes me sad but I am happy she is doing well now.
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