Somewhere between Kentucky and Tennessee, Larsen started feeling out of sorts. His bowels simply squirted, which was in itself bad, but then he started vomiting. I reset Jill, the GPS, to the all-night emergency vet on Abernathy road and upped the speed as much as I dared. I stopped only when Larsen began panting heavily, which I knew meant either A or B. We arrived at the vet at about 8:00. I didn't leave until about 10:30, and without my dog in tow. The vet did blood (vitals were ok, but his weight was down 5 lbs or 10% of his normal body weight) and an x-ray to look for obstructions or a twisted gut.
After ruling those out, Larsen was put on an IV and catheter. They found some blood in his stool, which is always a concern, but the nature of it suggests that it was the result of straining rather than internal bleeding. They pumped into his veins water (hydration), antibiotics, and something to soothe and coat his stomach lining.
About 12 hours later, at around 10:00am, the vet called to report on Larsen's progress. She said she'd like to hold him another day at least to make sure that he is stabilized and on the upswing. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong other than a GI upset. Possibly some mild dehydration, as might be expected.
I stopped by to see him this afternoon, and he seemed like his same old self.
Larsen relaxes in the exam room during an afternoon visit. (Note IV insert in right-front fore leg.)
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