Roller coaster

Monday began with an early morning call from the Animal Hospital. The doctor had some bad news. The Coyote did not appear to be peeing as much – so they felt his kidneys were shutting down. The Vet said he was lethargic and unhappy. She and the Warden felt it might be “time” to let him go…

The Warden’s best friend. Joanie happened to be in town, so the Warden contacted her and Joanie agreed to go with her. They arrived and wanted to ask the Vet some questions first. The Vet explained the severity and poor prognosis for Lyme nephritis. They talked about how lethargic he was and that he wasn’t peeing as much. The Warden asked to see him, before any final decision was made.

The Vet left and a technician brought him in. He walked in and instantly perked up when he saw the Warden and Joanie. In fact, he perked up so much that when the Vet came in her eyes opened wide. The Warden explained how stressed he was – and why he looked so poorly when alone. She asked the Vet if she could take him for a pee. She also asked the Vet to come along.

The Vet was mildly shocked when she saw him prance along. When the Warden asked him to pee, they got a large amount and the Vet exclaimed – “and it’s yellow!” They walked further along with the Coyote leading the pack and the Vet following with a bowl for pee collection. He went two more times.

The Warden did not feel it was time to say goodbye, and the Vet agreed. They said they would be anxious to see the results of the 4:00 PM blood test.

The Warden and Joanie sat waiting at home for the call. At 5:00PM they held their breaths for the news. The Vet reported that the bloodwork was not worse. It was not the same. It was marginally better. The Warden and Joanie nearly cried. They decided to do one more day of IV fluids and another blood test. And they would come after supper to take him for a walk, and try to feed him. He had eaten nothing the hospital gave him.

Because grocery stores were closed for the holiday, they went to a popular, long-standing food shop – The Chickenburger. Chickburgers at this place are essentially shredded chicken on a bun. They bought two and a plain burger as well.

The Coyote was happy to see them and pranced along on the walk. He had several good pees. BUT – do you think he would eat even ONE bite? Nope. No Chickenburger for him. But not for lack of trying on the part of the Warden and Joanie who pretended to eat the burgers with chewing sounds. He thought they made lousy actresses. After an hour long performance, they gave up. They drove the Coyote back to the hospital.

There they were told that although he was scheduled for one more day of treatment, they had no Vets to staff the place from 8AM to 1PM, so he needed to go to the referring clinic for his treatment. That clinic didn’t open until 10AM so Joanie and the Warden would have to entertain him between 8-10. it was too far to drive home and back so they had a plan.

This morning they picked him up and walked him on a small trail near the hospital. Hard to believe this – with his lack of eating- but he managed to have a good poo!

They took him to another lake and watched a paddler rowing quietly across the water. The Coyote rubbed his face in the grass.

All was great with the day- until they got to the clinic from which the Coyote had been referred. But they didn’t see the original Vet. They saw a new one….

Let’s just say this Vet’s message was VERY disappointing and extremely confusing. Thankfully the Warden had Joanie there – so she had someone who could confirm what was said. This Vet said she was extremely concerned about the Coyote- and she didn’t think the improvements in his bloodwork were at all significant. She asked the Warden what she wanted to do. The underlying message appeared to be: “Take him home and enjoy what time he has left.” She then announced that she had other patients to see and they could either wait until she had free time – or talk to her on the phone later.

The Warden and Joanie walked to the car completely shocked. And not knowing WHAT to do. The Coyote had been on fluids and multiple meds for 48 hours – and here they were left with nothing. No plan. No medications. No idea what to do.

After about 10 minutes of shock, they decided to go back in to see when the Vet might be available. The receptionist said a few minutes. They waited. And Mr Hyde came out. Dr Jekyll had left the building and a much different version of the same person came in. The Warden asked if they should not continue to treat the Lyme? “Of course they should,” said Sybil. “It would be unethical to not treat it!” The Warden explained that the first conversation left her feeling as if treatment was being completed. The Vet apologized and said she’s sometimes not clear in her explanations. Ya think?

After all of that , and a lengthy discussion, it was quickly agreed that the Coyote would be MUCH happier at home than in the hospital. They left with a bag of medications for one week. They would see how they worked.

When he arrived home, the Coyote was happy, but tired. Very tired. The Warden’s biggest worry was whether or not he would eat anything….

When he heard the treat bag open, he ran over to where we mops were already waiting. He gobbled down every one. When he smelled his chicken cooking, he came to sniff the stove. He ate over a lb of chicken and a handful of blueberries.

The Warden was cautious to feed him small portions at a time. He willingly took his many pills – with the aid of peanut butter.

So another up and down day in the adventures of the Coyote. He still, of course, has kidney problems. And he still has Lyme. But hopefully his arsenal of pills will keep things stable. And hopefully that stability will allow him to live his very best life for however much time he has. Going for walks. Standing on his rock. Barking at the dark. And being the best Zen dog in the household.

We’re glad he’s home. Really glad.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ.

M