[Zoi]

So this morning I'm sitting calmly and not really fully awake yet in the kitchen having my morning coffee when I hear a ruckus from the living room where my two dogs (a nine year old jack russel mix and a 2.5 year old labrador) are running around and playing. I ignore the ruckus and carry on drinking my coffee when I hear the older dog, Stalitsa, barking like mad and howling.

I run to the living room only to find the labrador, lying on the floor unable to get up. It's only then that I realize my foot is crushing something on the floor and when I investigate what, I am petrified. Alekos, the labrador, got in our (closed) medicine cabinet this morning and stole my meds. He ate a whole packet of nurofen, around 15 pills, a buch of cellcept pills and a pack of dexamethasone.

To top this, it's Sunday so the veterinary clinics were all closed. Thankfully Alekos' breeder got in touch with a vet really fast and they opened the clinic and brought in two vets and a veterinary nurse for us urgently. I've spent nearly all day at the animal clinic, watching the vets running around in panic trying to calculate med doses and talking to me about options. They've given him injections so he'll be sick, they have him on iv meds and gave him activated charcoal for toxin absorbption but about half an hour ago he started exhibiting signs of ataxia and that apparently is indicative of neurological toxicity from the meds.... It's not sure he'll even make it through the night....

The vets sent me home a little while ago and told me to get something to eat, rest a bit and go back in an hour or so but I don't know what to do. The house kind of seems empty without Alekos running about stealing stuff and trying to see if his mouth is big enough to fit his chews, my shoe, his ball and my socks in there all at once!

I know Alekos is a dog and not a person, but we all love him dearly and we really feel like he's a member of our family. So if you can, please send some good thoughts towards Athens tonight for Alekos to make it through this....

Thank you,

Zoi

 

[Katharine]

Oh my Zoi!!!!!

I'm so sorry to hear that - crikey, what an awful thing to happen.

It's amazing how Stalista always tells you he's done something he shouldn't.

I will pray for him and truly sometimes dogs are a important as people - depends on the people of course.

love and hugs,
:grouphug2:

Katharine

 

[Joandublin]

Oh Zoi

Im so sorry to hear about your poor dog. You must have got such a terrible fright when you realised what had happened.

I will pray that he makes it through this ordeal and is left with no lasting effects that will impact on his life.

Much love and strength dear girl
Joan:rose:

 

[suebehar]

Hi Zoi, I am so sorry to hear what happened and I'm sending you good wishes and prayers.

 

[granny weatherwax]

((((((((ZOI))))))))

I hope that Alekos is ok, this must be a very worrying time for you. He may be a dog but he is a big part of your family and those of us who are pet owners will understand the anguish you are felling right now.

I have had numerous Labrador's (and other breeds) admitted to the surgery that I work at over the years for eating things the shouldn't have. The most expensive was a ladies gold jewelry (her most expensive ones too), the most embarresing a pair of socks and 3 pairs of y fronts!

It is such a worrying time for you, and I am sure that the Vet and Vet nurse will do all that they can to care for Alekos. I will be thinking of you and your beloved Alekos and hope all works out. Do keep us informed on how he progressess.

Take care of yourself

Claire

 

[Clare.T]

Oh my, (((( Zoi ))), what a terrible thing to happen. I do hope all turns out well
Many Hugs
Clare

 

[Sage Hen]

Dearest Zoi,

Oh..(((Zoi))), I am sorry, to hear your loving dog, is sick.

I surely do hope, that he recovers.

Love,
Sandy

 

[ALWIN]

I hope he recovers too, Zoi.

Be sure to let us know how he is doing.

 

[sushi]

zoi i am so sorry you and your dog alekos are going through this right now.

i can imagine what youre going through i have 2 dogs and one that im taking

care of for my sister. i love them very much. and youre right they are a part

of the family. i hope alekos pulls through and be himself again. i will pray for him everynight.

take care

 

[Zoi]

Thank you for your very kind words and your positive thoughts. I think they helped a lot actually! Alekos had a major GI bleed during the night (that particular symptom is apparently a side-effect of the nurofen, i.e. ibuprofen, tablets) and had to be operated on to stop the bleed. The operation was over at around 3 am and whilst Alekos scared us again by not regaining consciousness for a long time after his surgery, I'm very happy to say he's now awake (albeit incredibly groggy and still ataxic)!

I think there's a long way ahead of him towards recovery (fingers crossed :fingers: ) and he's not out of the woods yet but he made it through the first night which is often the most rough and full of surprises.

Thank you again so very much for your very kind posts and your good wishes!

Zoi

 

[greenhaggis]

Hi Zoi,

Just read this thread - 'oh my gosh', what an ordeal for both Alekos and yourself!

I am so relieved he has got through the night and will pray for a speedy recovery!

Take care off yourself too Zoi!

Hugs!

Lesley

 

[granny weatherwax]

Zoi

I am so pleased to hear that he is awake and starting to recover. I hope and wish that he continues on this road and that he is home with you very soon. . Will still send lots of thoughts his way.

Claire xx

 

[Joandublin]

Dear Zoi

That is positive news What an ordeal for all of you. :worried:

Im sure you will have a worrying few days ahead though so get as much rest as you can in between being at the vets.

I hope he continues to improve and there is no lasting damage.

Lots of love
Joan:rose:

 

[lin]

Zoi you said (I know Alekos is a dog and not a person)But they are so presous to us they are a memebr of family to us, i am so so pleased your dog is recovering bless.hope you are feeling better now you know he's ok, as i can imagine how you must of felt bless you.

take care Zoi hugs Lin xxxxxxxxxxx

 

[GSD77]

Zoi , just wanted to let you know i'll be praying for Alekos.Dogs to me are the family Zoi so i can imagine what your going through. love and prayers,GSD77 Laurie

 

[LolaLola]

Dear Zoi, I am really really sad to hear this has happened. It certainly sounds as if you and the Staff are all doing your very best. Of course I will be thinking of you and Alekos. Please keep us updated. I really hope that when a bit more time has passed the Vet will have a much clearer idea of what to expect.
xxxxxxLola

 

[KarolH]

Zoi,

I am sorry about your dog. I am hopeful that with surgery he will now recover and get back to feeling well.

My dog ate medicine of ours years ago and no surgery was needed but they did pump his stomach with charcoal. It was just horrible.

Keep us posted as to how the pup gets along.

Sending warm thoughts your way.:wink2:

 

[elle-co]

Zoi,

I am so glad he has woken up, I'm hoping and praying for a full recovery for him.
Take care of yourself.

Elle x

 

[Maia]

What a terrible thing to go through - so sorry you have to go through that. It is encouraging that he's doing a bit better, and may the recovery continue! Labs are really quite the characters - they stay puppy like until about 8 or so right?

(((Zoi))) Your lovable lab will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please post another update when you have one!

 

[xinxiang37]

My prayers for both you and Alekos. Zoi, our animals are our family. My 9 cats are my sanity. They are so much a part of our lives. A speedy recovery for your baby.