Johnson's ordeal continues: thank you Dr. Lange and Anne (part 5, hoping there is a part 6)

Johnson is getting worse today, throwing up everything now, so I called around trying to get fluids for him, and the only voice who came on the phone, was Anne, from Kern Valley Veterinary, here on the south side of the lake.

KV veterinary has discount vaccinations the first thursday of every month, and anyone worried about their dogs and the parvo going around, should take advantage of it. A booster would not hurt. I will go into more detail regarding shots as we are a little busy here right now, with Johnson.

I haven't given fluids to a sick animal in ten years, but I know dehydration can kill, so that is where Johnson is at. He cannot hold anything down, and if I can't get fluids into him he won't make it through the weekend.

Anne met me at the office and gave me a bag of "Normosol" a combination of dextrose and saline. It's an IV bag, but the fluids will go under the skin and not in a vein. Subcutaneous fluids it's called. And it doesn't require much, just slipping the needle under the skin and putting a good amount of fluid, which will puddle then soak in over time, into his body without him having to drink it.

The first one was a bit tough, and he cried out as I put the needle in. I put in fluid on the one side, and now have to turn him over and do the other side.

I hung the IV bag on the wall and we are set to go. The second side didn't produce enough fluid, who knows why, so I am doing it a third time.

Well, it's not great, but there is now some fluid in him. It hurt, both of us, as I stuck myself trying to put the needle away then changing it.

He would not make it through the weekend without these fluids, it is his only chance. So, twice a day, if he lasts that long.

I'm holding back on anything else because he can't hold anything down. It will take several hours for the fluids to be absorbed and utilized, so it's waiting time. At least he's sleeping now, and I'll update soon.

Walter, though he is injured, a broken nail, seems lethargic today as well. I'll be getting him a booster for the parvo, but I hope he hasn't developed it. He's had his vaccines, but not a booster.

I picked up a voucher for Johnson's neutering I plan on getting him next month, and I want to continue to plan for this even as he lays here by me, asleep and oh so sick.

Excus me, that poor kid is throwing up again, he's so dehydrated and out of it. I feel so bad for him, but he's got to hang in there and wait for the fluids I put under his skin to work.

I cleaned up the sticky stuff on his face, and put a papertowel with water in his mouth, as his saliva is thick.

He's not really resting, but we have to wait. I may need to give more fluids sooner than later.

More updates to follow...looks like another long night (I don't care how long it is as long as he makes it till tomorrow)