Saturday, October 29, 2016

Observing the symptoms.


Scary burger. A new sign goes up in the entrance of the trendy modern cafe. Bob and his master stop to study the picture of a dark purple bun topped with a butternut chip.


Bob is keen to try it. His master less so. The pretty waitress now knows Bobs name. While I read Les Echos he gets chatted to. He also gets hand fed some small pieces of crust from a freshly baked wholemeal loaf.


Sophie's impatience with being house bound grows by the day.


Yesterday Bob developed a drool. A dribble from the left side of his mouth. To begin with we thought he'd been covered in cobwebs from the garden. Nothing visibly wrong with his teeth, gums or jaw. The family fellow not bothered by it. 


Mid-morning, after a haircut, he's holding his head at a slight angle. When he eats lunch some of the food ends up on top of his muzzle. A discussion as to whether to go to the vets or ignore it for another day in the hope it clears up. The drool worsens. Off to the vets. Lots of tests. Eyes bright. Coordination fine. He's not been poisoned. It's not a Processionary Caterpillar. It's not the gold finch he swallowed. Possibly an Accident Vasculaire Cérébral - a small stroke - or a glandular infection. The other alternatives so dire they're not worth thinking about. Antibiotics prescribed, an injection given and careful observation prescribed.

Seems Polish Lowland Sheepdog boys don't do protracted stress well.




24 comments:

Coppa's girl said...

Oh no, not poor Bob too - we trust it's nothing that can't be very quickly cured. As if the problems with the family diva aren't enough to contend with. Lovely photo of Sophie. Big hugs for them both, from us all here.

WFT Nobby said...

Oh dear, it has been a stressful time for poor old Bob. Paws crossed here that the antibiotics will do the trick.
Sending hugs from Aberdeen.
Gail and Bertie.

Gigi K. said...

Sending prayers for everyone at the Rickety Old Farmhouse. Bisous to Bob and Sophie.

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Poor Bob....hope it is just stress.

About that hamburger....don't know that they'll have many takers.

Virginia said...

Goodness, I think hugs are needed, all around! What a worrying time Bob has had, and now all of you. A Halloween Hamburger is, unfortunately, not the remedy! We will be wishing you all a relaxed day, and a peaceful night. And hoping to hear better news tomorrow.

Fi from Four Paws and Whiskers said...

Heavens it is all happening for you. Fingers crossed for a smooth recovery. POppy had an issue with drooling this year - drop jaw.. like Bell's palsy. Lasted two weeks. http://yakmax.com/how-to-get-a-dog-with-drop-jaw-syndrome-to-eat-and-drink/
Very weird and no idea why!

Wishfully Thinking said...

More love from Aberdeen. Poor Bob. Poor Sophie. Poor Angus and Font. PLEASE all be well by Christmas

Kari said...

Our prayers are with Bob and all of you.
Greatly relieved to hear it was not poisoning. Lots af antifreeze being used this time of year, some being dripped on the ground. Antifreeze is both tasty and highly toxic for animals.
One of my cats had something similar to Bob. Ten days unchanged, resolve beginning on day 10 and gone on day 14. Never happened again. Please hug Bob for us.

Emm said...

Paws crossed. You're all due for a stretch of very good fortune after this time.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I've mentioned before that I'm a "burger gal" and even I would have to pass on this.

I'm so very sorry to read about Bob. I've never heard of "accident vasculaire cérébral." I would have thought maybe it was an abscessed tooth--Is there any swelling? Or maybe caught in between his teeth -- But I am sure all that was reviewed by the vet. It's frustrating to not know for sure, but I'm really hoping it's easily resolved!! Let us know!!

Swan said...

I don't know if ticks are a problem in your area, but if they are, it could be a possibility. I do know of a dog with similar symptoms who had a "foxtail" burr in his ear. I really hope it isn't serious. My heart goes out to you having more challenges to face.

10NISNE1 said...

Prayers for Bob!

Jean said...

Surely Bob is too young for a stroke?
Mouth or gum problem would be my guess but if the vet has ruled it out probably not.
Fingers crossed.

Unknown said...

Our prayers are with all of you. Dearest Bob.

Charlotte said...

I will keep praying for all of you.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Good Gracious.
Praying here for Bob. And you.

How Sam Sees It said...

I'm not sure I'd want to try the burger...

Keeping paws crossed for a speedy recovery for Bob.

Monty, Harlow, and Ramble

rottrover said...

Well, I think the burger sounds good - sans the purple bun! I agree; Bob has had just way too much stress in his flock lately. The demands on the one whose job it is to protect the flock may have exceeded resources. The situation may call for lamb stew!

Anonymous said...

Prayers to you all from your Aberdeen, Maryland admirers!

Liz Van Buren said...

Gosh, Angus, never rains but it pours. Of course, stress can manifest in myriad ways. I believe they will both be well after all these trials. They are both so brave. Virtual hugs to you all. Always checking every day for good news and I'm sure it will come. xo

BaileyBobSouthernDog said...

I have been thinking all day about Bob's situation, and if I can remember hearing of it in years past. I have not. But then I have never heard of my friend's problem, who stays dizzy all the time due to an imbalance of rocks in her head. After two weeks of taking antibiotics she is fine. I am hoping, with all my heart, Bob will have the same outcome. Huge, group hug!

Beau and Mom said...

Please, Please get better Mister Bob ! ! We all LOVE U

Myboyzach said...

Goodness, what else? There are natural calmers or a thunder shirt? If he's stressed, it can manifest many ways. Zach took calmers for a few years; helped with separation anxiety. The thunder shirt is suppose to help with weather anxiety, but I hear it's used for other anxiety situations. Thinking of you all!!

Anonymous said...

It couldn't happen to a sweeter little guy! Prayers and well wishes for you, sweet Bob, as well as your
dear Sophie.
Prayers for strength for you Angus and Madame Font.

Pam in NH