Well, just a few hours after posting the blog yesterday about Teddy settling in, I was rushing him over to our vet clinic in Helena last night.
During his first stay in the hospital a few weeks ago, Teddy had begun breathing heavily, but our vets could find no explanation for it -- the lab work and imaging showed no medical problems that could account for it, other than as a potential complication of his diabetes. So when we brought him back to the ranch following his surgery, we kept an eye on his breathing. It continued to be labored but not in a distressed way, and there was never any coughing, gasping or other related respiratory problems.
Then yesterday afternoon we noticed he was sitting with his head pointed up, breathing very heavily, but this went away after a short while and he laid back down on the bed. But yesterday evening he started doing it again, this time with some open-mouth breathing while his head was up, and he couldn't seem to get comfortable. He'd try to lie down, but then would immediately sit up again, with his head pointed to the ceiling. His little sides were working hard, going in and out at an unbelievable rate.
It was just at this point we were scheduled to take his latest glucose test for the curve we were running on him all day, and when the glucometer screen flashed "610," we thought ... uh oh, we're in trouble.
I called the emergency number for our clinic, and our vet Jennifer Rockwell was on the line in a few moments. Ten minutes later I had Teddy in the truck and I was headed to Helena. Jennifer and her husband Rick, a vet tech at the clinic, met me there around 9:30 p.m.
Jennifer started Teddy on oxygen, then took X-rays and ultrasounded his abdomen. Nothing jumped out from the images, so Jennifer decided on supportive care last night to get his respiratory rate and glucose levels down. She increased his insulin dose to 4 units.
This afternoon Jennifer reported Teddy was resting comfortably, and his respiratory rate had dropped dramatically, from 100 breaths per minute to 50. His glucose level also decreased a lot, down into the mid-100s. Jennifer said it was difficult to attribute that kind of a drop in blood sugar so quickly from a single unit increase in insulin last night, but hey -- it's a big improvement and we'll take it!
The radiologist reviewed the X-rays today and did not see evidence of significant fluid in the lungs or abdomen, nor an enlarged heart. (We already knew he had a minor heart murmur.) The radiologist did see some potential indication of an enlarged lymph node near his heart, and recommended a follow-up ultrasound. Our internal medicine specialist at the clinic will do the new ultrasound in the next day or two while they continue to monitor his overall condition.
So at this point, we don't have any real answers ... but the good news is he's in much better shape today than he was last night. We'll take that, too.
The breathing problem you describe Teddy going through, pointing his snout up and breathing heavily, sounds like what my little dog went through, particularly if Teddy also sounds something like a goose. My dog was a Papillon/Japanese Chin that I got from Papillon rescue, who had been dragged around by his collar by children so much it damaged his trachea, which would collapse at random times, especially during exercise. There's not a lot you can do for it, outside of surgery to repair the rings and keep them upright, but it might be what's going on with him there. My vet did used to be able to trigger it by pressing right above his collarbone.
Posted by: Christine | August 28, 2009 at 08:11 PM
Teddy
We hope you had success today on your dental work. We love you, hang in there, better days are ahead for you little one. May you have a great weekend full of good soft food, maybe some chicken and rice?????
Posted by: Angie, Noah & Joshua,the yorkies | August 28, 2009 at 07:51 PM
Teddy is in my prayers. He is such a cutie. I just go on the website tonight and went to the blog section and didn't get the usual where you could just scroll down and read everything. I liked the old one best. Sorry!
Posted by: Sonya Brooks | August 26, 2009 at 09:06 PM
Hang in there little man and you are in very, very good hands!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | August 26, 2009 at 12:42 AM
Oh Teddy!! You poor old thing, you really are going through the wringer at the moment.
Lots of love and healing thoughts heading your way from a crazy cat lady and her cats in NZ
Posted by: Maree in NZ | August 25, 2009 at 08:38 PM
Thank you for taking such great care of little Teddy. I just have to think about what life was like for this little guy before he got to the ranch and what would have happened to him by now hadn't he made it to this Miracle. It makes times like these speed bumps of life and we just need to keep sending our love & healing thoughts to Teddy. Lets face it the out come of this has already been decided and we don't have control of it,no one does, we can just love him for now and always!!!!!
Posted by: Joanne | August 25, 2009 at 07:27 PM
HANG IN THERE TEDSTER!!!!
Posted by: Marla | August 25, 2009 at 05:32 PM
I've made a special request to my pal St. Francis on behalf of our little friend Teddy ~~~~
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | August 25, 2009 at 05:09 PM
Sweet Teddy...Thoughts, prayers, and well wishes from Indiana! Hang in there Teddy!
Posted by: Doe George | August 25, 2009 at 04:48 PM
I'm so grateful that you & Alayne are there to monitor Teddy, as well as all the other animals in your care.
We know that Teddy has his challenges, but trust that with the help of the great medical staff, he will be overcoming them.
Thank you so much for getting him all the help that he needs.
Great big hugs & gratitude,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | August 25, 2009 at 04:04 PM
Blessings for your eagle eye and rapid response and best wishes for an equally rapid recovery for Teddy.
Posted by: Miranda | August 25, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Again my prayers are with little Teddy and the great team observing him. I hope he will settle soon! - keep us posted.
Posted by: Angela | August 25, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Poor little Teddy! That little guy has far more than his share of challenges. I'm so glad he at least has a loving home with people who will really care for him.
Posted by: Vicki Small | August 25, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Saying prayers little Teddy will be alright. He deserves a shot at having whatever is left of his life be the best it can be. Thank God he ended up at The Rolling Dog Ranch. You guys are the best!
Posted by: Kathy Wilson | August 25, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Once again, your fast action provided relief!
What a good boy Teddy is!
We're really pulling for him to stay well so he can enjoy his new home every single day.
Posted by: boundforglory | August 25, 2009 at 09:27 AM
Be strong Teddy - we love you and need for you to get better!!!
Posted by: Kristi Gross | August 25, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Lots of prayers go out to that beautiful little face
Posted by: gayle | August 25, 2009 at 09:02 AM
Poor Teddy. Give him a big kiss for me. He'll be in my thoughts.
Posted by: Lynda | August 25, 2009 at 08:21 AM
Poor little guy....I know how it feels to gasp for air. Here's wishing for a simple (simple? Teddy?) explanation and medical "fix"....I have really lost my heart to this fella, I have.
Posted by: Debbie | August 25, 2009 at 07:39 AM
Poor little Teddy, his life resembles a roller-coaster ride!:-(
Please keep us posted, dear Steve. In the meantime, Teddy's going to be in many people's thoughts and prayers, as usual.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | August 25, 2009 at 03:48 AM
Poor little guy! Hang in there.
Posted by: Nicole | August 25, 2009 at 03:32 AM
i will be thinking happy thoughts for teddy's quick recovery!
Posted by: Rachael | August 25, 2009 at 12:06 AM
Bless his sweet little heart. I'm thankful that he has RDR and all you great folks to give him all the care, medical attention & above all love to help him in this
journey.
Posted by: Lynn | August 25, 2009 at 12:06 AM
God bless you guys and the vet health care folks. You are amazing. This little guy sure came with his share of problems. What an emotional roller coaster ride for you all. Hang in there. I know you do your best, as is that little pup. You all are in my prayers. Evelyn
Posted by: Ev | August 24, 2009 at 11:20 PM
Every comfortable day that you can give Teddy is a gift of unimaginable size to this little guy (and all your critters). The beagle crew here in Atlanta is sending lots of howls of support Teddy's way.
Posted by: Morgan Skilling | August 24, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Oh Teddy, I was so excited to see your picture yesterday with your buddies and now this - but I am glad you are on the mend and you have such good care. Get well soon!
Posted by: Lesa | August 24, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Poor sweet Teddy - hang in there little boy!
Love,
Julien, Verdell/Rescue Dog and Melvin/Rescue Cat
Posted by: Julien Sharp | August 24, 2009 at 10:09 PM
I'm sending good wishes Teddy's way. Thank goodness he's at a place where he can get the care he needs. And my thoughts are with you Steve and Alayne as well. I know how hard it is to monitor a very ill animal friend. Thank you for being there for little Teddy.
Posted by: Peggy | August 24, 2009 at 08:38 PM
Teddy, Teddy, I'm worrying about you. I hope they can figure out what's going on with you. Your poor little body. But I know, if you can, you'll fight hard to get better. All of a sudden you have good food and good care and your little body just doesn't know what to do. Kisses and more kisses on your little nose. You're in the best hands. Hang tough, little one.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | August 24, 2009 at 08:32 PM