Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Tenacity and Trust

Raleigh continues to fight whatever it is he is fighting. His appetite is still slight, especially in the mornings. I spoke again with his doctor and we discussed the possibility of a respiratory infection. The evidence for this is Raleigh’s breathing, which is more rapid than normal, and some dark discharge from his right nostril, which has turned crusty. His left eye, which oozes clear sometimes, has turned dark. As well, he had a cold last week which, though it didn’t last, may have led to something more tenacious.

Initially, I feared that Peachy’s accelerated rate of breathing was due to pain, so Sunday I gave him some Gabapentin, to ease any discomfort. He did improve, but he did not relapse after the drug’s effect should have dissipated, so I don’t think now that he was in pain. Whatever is ailing Raleigh seems to assail him worse in the morning and relaxes its grip during the day.

For now, in addition to his Prednisolone, he is receiving AventiClav anti-biotic. Unlike the former, the latter has a flavour (you know, the kind that drug manufacturers market as being loved by cats), so Raleigh will not eat it in his food. The pills have to be forced into him.

Through it all, however, my ugly spaniel has maintained a friendly hopefulness, despite forced feedings, and oral injections of drugged water, laxative and other unpleasantries. He is still willing to trust me, which I find incredible. He has taken to lying on my lap again; I think he finds comforting. That makes two of us.

14 comments:

  1. It may not be fun, Raleigh, but you've got a human who loves you dearly...and we all know that you know that too.
    Purring for Raleigh to get better!

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  2. Ah! Bless!x At least he's happy to
    settle on your lap John..And, as you
    say, comforting for both of you..!

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  3. Poor Raleigh! Paws and fingers crossed that he'll feel better soon! Please keep us posted regarding how he's doing.

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  4. I'm sure Raleigh knows that, however unpleasant the treatments are, you're just trying to help him.

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  5. Raleigh, you are handsome and your color is unusual I think. Just about the color of a Palamino horse. Plee feel better...and all day, not just part of the day. I am grateful for you feeling well though...any time of day.

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  6. Such a sweetie, we sure hope he feels better soon.

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  7. dood....we iz bak ta sneekin round blog land, for de moe mint anyway, N furst up we wanna wish st francis's blessing two ewe; we R sorree yur havin a time oh it....haz dad tried

    L Lysine ?

    it may offer sum ree leef and ore help; it did me, tuna, when I had a case oh sum thin a few bak....

    we send best fishez two de crew N dad :) ♥♥

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    Replies
    1. At the animal shelter where I volunteer, all the cats get L Lysine daily to boost their immune system.

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    2. Yes, that isn a great idea! L Lysine.

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  8. Poor love; I think he knows that you're doing this to help him. I'm glad you have each other; we all need comfort through life's difficulties (health or otherwise). Purrs to him from Derry. ♥

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  9. Poor Raleigh, ugly spaniel never! I hope his appetite returns and he feels better soon.

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  10. With all that he goes thru, Raleigh still trusts you! That is love!

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  11. Raleigh looks comfy on your legs. I am sure you are glad of it.
    I hope he feels better each day. He deserves the best a kitty can get,
    all of them do.

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