Jodie called me from Widget's House shortly after 8 a.m. this morning to say something was wrong with blind Pepper. Pepper hadn't eaten breakfast, she wouldn't get up, and she wouldn't come out of her crate. I grabbed a thermometer and headed over.
By the time I got there, Jodie had managed to coax Pepper out of her crate, but I could tell from looking at this sweet Shepherd mix that she was one sick girl. Jodie also pointed out a lump she had just noticed on Pepper's side. I ran my hand over her side, felt the lump, and thought, "Uh oh." I had barely put the thermometer in Pepper when the numbers started racing upwards ... and I knew she'd have a very high fever. Seconds later, the thermometer stopped at 105.1 degrees.
[Normal body temperature for a dog ranges between 100.5 Fahrenheit (38.1°C) and 102.5 Fahrenheit (39.2°C).]
I called our clinic in Helena, Montana Veterinary Specialists, to let them know we were on our way. A short while later, I walked Pepper out to the drive, lifted her into the truck, and Alayne drove her to Helena.
Our primary care vet, Dr. Brenda Culver, called this evening to say Pepper is on IV fluids and antibiotics, and her temperature has come down to just over 103. But at this point we don't know what the problem is. Blood work and other tests are pending. Chest X-rays looked normal. Brenda pulled cells from the lump but said she got a "mixed bag" of cytology results. There were no neoplastic (or cancerous) cells but a variety of other cell types, yet nothing definitive. Brenda's husband, Dr. Britt Culver, is our internal medicine specialist there and he will look at Pepper tomorrow and probably ultrasound the growth.
At this point that's all we know. I took these photos of Pepper this morning before Alayne took her over to the vet hospital.
Oh, poor Pepper!
She definitely doesn't feel good. She is on my mind this morning and I hope she gets better soon.
Posted by: Boundforglory | February 19, 2008 at 09:49 AM
How is Trooper doing ?
Posted by: Linda Macias | February 16, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Pepper, get well soon. I am wishing you a quick recovery. Looking forward to updates on your progress.
Posted by: Nina | February 16, 2008 at 04:34 PM
I do hope Pepper is still improving, that your vet's are learning what's going on, and that they'll be able to treat it. Hope to read good news very soon!
Posted by: Vicki Small | February 16, 2008 at 12:19 PM
We're keeping our paws crossed here in New Hampshire for Pepper.
Posted by: Doreen | February 15, 2008 at 09:46 PM
What a sweet face Pepper has! Best wishes for diagnosing and curing this lovely girl!
Posted by: Moon Rani | February 15, 2008 at 03:06 PM
I'm sorry Pepper is feeling so bad. She'd fortunate to be at the RDR where she quickly got the medical attention that she needed. You are the best for taking care of these precious creatures. I hope she's soon all better.
Big hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | February 15, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Hang in there Pepper. Boy, RDR has sure been having it's share of bad luck lately. I am going to put everybody (animals & humans alike) separately in my prayers. God will take care of you all. I really think he should send spring really early this year. This winter has affected everyone and even the animals are feeling it. Keep doing what you do best--taking care of all at RDR.
Posted by: Sonya Brooks | February 15, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Oh Pepper..you do look like you don't feel well at all!! Hopefully it isn't anything serious. Hang in there!
Posted by: Laura | February 15, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Oh poor little thing! Pepper does look miserable, doesn't she?
I'm sending positive thoughts her way & wishing her a fast recovery!
Please keep us updated, will you Steve?
Any news about Bo's problem?
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | February 15, 2008 at 03:48 AM
Kindest and best wishes to Pepper, along with very positive thoughts for a speedy recovery
Posted by: Kae | February 15, 2008 at 01:14 AM
I hope that you soon figure out what is wrong with Bo and Pepper, and, more importantly, that they can get all fixed up! I don't know your animals personally, of course, but I have been thinking about Bo all day and now am worried about poor Pepper, too...Good luck to everyone at Rolling Dog Ranch.
Posted by: maggie | February 14, 2008 at 11:51 PM
I can't stand when they just lay there looking so innocent and can’t tell you what’s wrong. Thank goodness Pepper is in the best of care. We’re fortunate that there are so many diagnostic tests available in today’s veterinary medicine. We look forward to the update, and in the meantime will keep Pepper in our special prayers.
Posted by: Shirley & James, Portland, OR | February 14, 2008 at 11:22 PM