Sophie has now dispensed with her collar and is enjoying life en plein air. The pre-schoolers head off in the bus to the kindergarten. They wave at her and shout out, almost in unison, Bonjour Sophie. The mayor drives by in his Renault, stops, winds down the window and chats to her. Sophie takes adulation in her stride.
After the pre-schoolers and the mayor go Sophie turns on her back on the grass and falls asleep. Not even the arrival of the gardeners ( unannounced ) wakes her. From the state of Sophie's coat a month of grooming is in order.
'The Font' takes Bob to Toulouse for his tests. He is a perfect patient. The staff at the reception desk ask if he's Sophie's brother. He is fussed over - which he loves. Bob observes the other dogs in the waiting room affably but is 'aware' of the cats. While they wait for the specialists 'The Font' chats to him. From the sullen glares of the other pet owners chatting to your dog is not a French thing.
Bob trots off with the surgeon and doesn't complain as his head, neck and shoulders are manipulated. Lights are shone in his eyes. Things are dropped in front of him. Instruments are poked in his nostrils and ears. The family fellow takes it all with good grace. The neurologist asks if he bites. '' Only his sister " replies 'The Font'. This humour does not translate. The MRI machine , which had been working perfectly, decides to break down. X-rays are taken but are inconclusive other than to show there's nothing wrong mechanically. Blood tests should provide further clues to the puzzle. From Bobs perspective the good news is that with the MRI down he doesn't have to be sedated.
A meeting with the three specialists. The sensory nerves are fine. The motor nerves aren't. The eye lids on one eye don't work but the eye probably does.The nose is functioning perfectly. The ears and the neck are 'sensitive'. Perhaps the drooling points to a problem with the ear canal although none can be seen. In the absence of the MRI scan no further progress can be made on determining whether there's a tumour on the spine or brain stem . The senior surgeon very sensibly says that we should wait for the results of the blood tests before jumping to any conclusions. ' There are many things it could be '. A very sensible attitude to adopt. More specialized blood tests are scheduled.
In the absence of any information to the contrary we will take the view that there is nothing to be alarmed about. Bob will continue to enjoy leisurely walks on soft ground, long drinks from running streams and visits to the croissant dispensing bakers. A drooly and slightly 'tipsy' big brother and a lame little sister manage to play together for the first time since September. Bob is of course completely oblivious to the fact that his health is a cause for concern.
Those little things about life with dogs that don't make it into a diary.
49 comments:
What a very sensible Vet indeed. He remains eating well and enjoying life which are all good signs one would imagine. Let us hope that the blood tests find nothing untoward and that it is one of those mysteries which will soon pass. Glad to see Mlle Sophie looking so bright and relaxed. Marvellous dogs.
A most sensible approach. And I'm sure playing with his sister was better than any medicine the doctors could provide. We'll keep a good thought here that soon all will be well. xx
Much relief, for the time being, from the Westcoast of Canada. Until there is something to fret about, let us all celebrate Brother and Sister finally being able to play together again, a collar-free SOPHIE, and a happy-as-usual BOB enjoying croissants, and the wait-and-see wisdom
of the specialists. Fingers crossed that all will turn out well - and that The Rickety Old Farmhouse and its' inhabitants will enjoy December
together with utter joy. And hopefully, very good news. No one deserves it more.
Playing with his sister was the best medicine that could be prescribed !
As long as he's eating - he's happy.
The family fellow still creates mischief - a good sign and proof that worries are secondary.
Our first thoughts this morning - "How's Bob?" Of course, we knew that he would be the perfect patient - he's the perfect family fellow ! We just hope that all will be well when the final results are in, but it seems that life is still good for the little chap. If he's eating well, enjoying his walks and even a little gentle playing with his sister, then things can't be too bad.
What wonderful dogs they are.
Bob and Sophie playing together. What a welcome sight that must be.
Has the MRI scan been rescheduled?
First action this morning was to come here- it's so obvious what is to fear. I hope all goes well; two humans and an OES in NE Scotland await your news anxiously and prayerfully
There are three MRI machines for animals in Toulouse. The other two are booked up until February. Our specialists is out of action until the 20th. They'll let us know when Bob can come in again after the results of next weeks blood tests are available. Looks like he'll be MRI free until some time in the New Year!
Just turned on the computer and the first thing was to check here. Watchful waiting. Good luck. Glad Bob was a model patient.
How disappointing not to have the mystery of Bob's illness solved, but as long as he's happy, that's a good sign for now.
A reassuring attitude from the vet. The patients and owners welfare paramount rather than the bottom line.
And what a very good and cooperative boy, which enabled the vets to do every other test apart from the MRI.
I wish them both the best day.
x
Its great news to hear the PONs can play together again
No "bad" news is good news. And I happen to think that having unfettered access to his big sis may help Bob :)
Didn't see a post yesterday, had me worried. You feel like family to me. I'm so glad Sophie is getting back to her old self. Regarding Bobs symptoms, I have to mention that I've seen similar symptoms in 2 dogs in my area. One had Lyme disease from a tick bite, the other had a "foxtail" work its way down the ear canal and into his body. Both were treated and doing well. I hope having his sister back to ravage him perks him right up.
A return to routine might just do the trick . Nothing like a little sister savaging to calm things down.
100% right !
Having caring, experienced vets makes life so much easier. Bob, like all male PONs is wary of strangers. We'd worried that he might not like going off with strangers and throw a tantrum. The hospital was very sensible. They let him spend as much time as possible with The Font and only took him away when necessary. Every instrument was presented to him to sniff prior to use. We're in that happy place where if the worst suspicions are right there's not much to be done and if they're wrong then we'll find the cure.
We'll get to the bottom of it sooner or later.
A model patient calmed by wonderful vets ( with the possible exception of the neurologist ).
THANKS. Yes there is that fear but we're not going there until we have to.
The nose to nose, tail wagging conversation with his ( now much recovered and decidedly feisty) sister was a big step in a little dogs life.
Those foxtails are vicious! My setter Boo had one pierce her abdomen and imbed itself causing a bad infection requiring surgery :( There are guards for the head now, but of course they can enter the body anywhere... http://www.outfoxfieldguard.com/
Thanks. All suggestions for what's behind this gratefully received. A prior PON, Digby, has a tick bite so we know those symptoms. We'll mention the grass seed to the vet when we next see him but yesterdays ear checks would/should have shown it if that was the cause.
I couldn't get to your article fast enough this morning. Then was so disappointed to learn the MRI had to be postponed. Waiting is not easy when you do not know what is happening with your fur baby. Still praying for all of you.
Before I turned out the light to go to sleep last night in Vancouver, BC I had to see if there was a post. Sadly the mystery is not yet resolved.
On the happy front it must have been amazing to see brother and sister play once again. Cheers.
As I checked for news of Bob yesterday for the dozenth time, I thought how odd I was. But clearly in good company.
So glad for good, caring vets and that Bob and Sophie can now play together again. Paws still crossed that the problem-mystery resolves itself or that there is an easy fix.
After traveling to Toulouse, I can think of no one who would understand more than Bob! ' The Font ' chatting to him makes perfect sense! I think the test they did on Bob seemed silly to him, and therefore most deserving of the lavish attention he received from the Staff. What a shame the MRI machine was not functioning, however, Bob probably thought it was his lucky day! I think I can speak for all of Bob and Sophie's friends, when we exclaim the joy of them being able to play together at long last! I regret you must wait for results from the blood test. We shall continue to send good thoughts, love, and group hugs for all at the ROF!
I do love vets like that. We have had experiences of both kinds - the "let's do everything all at once" and the "let's wait and see what one thing shows". At least there is comfort knowing he's in excellent medical and human hands. Much love to all.
Bob and Sophie playing together again . . . there is happiness. There is so much for which to be thankful, not the least being veterinary care that you trust. I hope that this has been a bright and good day for all at the Rickety Old Farmhouse.
So happy to be greeted by the picture of a delightful & hilarious Sophie asleep on her back! I
was worried about Bob after the no posting yesterday. He's such a young pup that I find it
hard to believe it's something dire, hopefully just an infection that will clear up. Love
from New England.
Random thought after seeing your photos… Sophie hasn’t had access to many of the places Bob has since her operation. Could it be possible something has recently leached into (or been dumped into) the upstream water Bob drinks e.g. bits of lead, farm chemicals, solvents, etc. Some of your blog posts mention Bob’s health changes also show pictures of him at the stream that day or the previous days. Also do you have any areas around TROF Bob has spent time, since Sophie’s op, where renovations have included paint sanding, old lead pipes, chewable painted wood, car brake dust, etc.? Lead poisoning can produce a huge range of neurological symptoms in humans and animals (as lead levels build up over time) including some of the symptoms you have mentioned Bob has. Don’t know how you would get the village stream water tested (would you or the Font drink it?) but hopefully your vets are checking Bob’s blood for signs of lead or other chemicals he might have ingested without you knowing.
Thank you. Something we'd not thought about but which the blood tests hopefully screen for. Maybe not lead but some form of agrichemical ( although we're in a supposedly bio zone ).
The good thing is Bob is not in the least bothered by any of his symptoms.
The reemergence of sibling savaging is a great development.
We're in two minds about the MRI scan.Bob would not have taken sedation well.
So reassuring to know Bob is in the hands of such a thoughtful and caring vet. Going forward in a positive manner is obviously the best thing to do. So much fun to see Sophie free at last!...Dianne (DBH)
We are blessed with having two great vets and the not so great Parisian woman.
Simple pleasures are the best.
We're hoping its something that resolves itself. The vets think it unlikely he's had a stroke although he's mysteriously displaying all the symptoms of one.
Positive is best.
The Dogblog world is a place of much knowledge and support.
Quick check this morning, and good news greeted me! Bob will definitely consider it "the best day ever" having his sister back in circulation! And I suspect she slept so deeply because she was unencumbered with the collar? Or perhaps because she is tiring because she is not as fit a she was? Either way, sleep is a great healer. Bob being happy is great -complete diagnosis and an All Clear will be cause for Whoopee celebration!
Thank you for the update Angus. I too was checking in on Bob several times yesterday. Love hearing about the duo's progress and so happy to see that Bob's specialists are so caring and careful. Best Day Ever!
PS: I hope the Font glared back... Oh the French, you'd think they lived on an island! ;)
Love to all at the ROF, Pam in NH
Positive thoughts for Bob!
I suppose it is sensible to deal with what diagnostics have been done when the MRI is out of order. Unfortunately, the MRI is the diagnostic gold standard for nervous system, soft tissue , brain etc. very upsetting to hear our dear boy will have to wait. But then again, I suppose that if the good doctors felt Bob was able to wait, that is sort of a good thing, isn't it. I was so upset about the MRI this morning . Very frustrating. A news flash just came up on my screen as I write this says: Secret CIA assessment says Russia was trying to help Trump win the White House.
What an awful day.
Dear Sophie, you are our saving grace.
I must be the last to write tonight, but my thoughts have been with you all all day. I'm happy that the vet is so careful with his diagnosis and hope our Bob will react positively to having his sister to be with once again.xxxxx
Will keep having positive PON thoughts for Bob.Tomorrow WILL be the best day ever!
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