Animals - especially dogs, Flowers

A Liam Update: Better but Still Not Eating

24 Comments

Here is an update on Liam. On Tuesday, he had a very bad spell, lying prone on the floor for hours and hours. His breathing was labored, and we thought we were losing him. What a long day!

But then, when night came, Liam perked up. He was so weak that Clif had to carry him down the front steps to the backyard. But once in the backyard, Liam walked around, sniffed a bit, and even woofed when he heard the snorting of what we think was a deer.

Wednesday, he continued to gain strength, even though we had to help him get up from a lying position and carry him up and down the front steps.

Today, he is getting up by himself, but Clif is still carrying him up and down the front steps.

Liam is drinking water aplenty, but unfortunately he is still not eating.  I’m hoping he’ll soon turn the corner on this. If not, I’ll give the vets a call.

Because Lian is not eating, the pills must be pushed down his throat. How I hate, hate, hate to do this. I’d gladly clean up any stinky mess rather than force pills on him. But, as Clif pointed out, without the medicine, Liam would surely die.

Yes, he would. And so I do it. Actually, it takes two of us. Despite being so sick, that dog has mighty strong jaws.

We are feeling encouraged by the progress Liam has made, and to celebrate, here’s a close-up of one of my lovely irises.

Bloom on, flowers and dogs.

 

24 thoughts on “A Liam Update: Better but Still Not Eating”

  1. It is so lovely to hear he is gaining strength and drinking. I don’t know if you can get Lily’s Kitchen Dog Food (a UK brand) in Maine. They have something called ‘Recovery Recipe for Poorly Dogs’ which contains organic chicken, organic potato, organic banana, prebiotics FOS and MOS and added vitamins D3 and E. Something light and grain-free with either chicken or tuna with sweet or organic potato and added prebiotics to aid digestion may help. I hope he continues to feel better and much love to you all from all of us here xxx

    1. Thanks so much, Xenia. And despite the serious of the situation, I must say the name of that dog food made me smile.

  2. Oh, how I hate to hear about your struggles. I know it must break your heart to make him take those pills. Hugs to you all, Laurie. So glad you feel encouraged and I hope he keeps making gains. ❤

  3. Sending Liam all my love! Give him plenty of kisses for me. Fingers crossed that he starts eating something soon.

  6. Thanks for the update. The days are long when a beloved is not well. Will he take a bit of fresh cooked chicken or beef?
    Fingers crossed for a quick recovery.

  9. Our sympathies. Give Liam our best, and tell him to take his medicine! I know it is a discouraging struggle for you, but once the pills are down, they’re down.

  11. Has your vet talked about an appetite stimulant? We’ve used one with cats occasionally and, when it works, it works fast and is amazing. I think the one we used was called mirtazapine.

  12. I’m so glad to hear there have been some signs of improvement and hope the medicine is continuing to help Liam improve. I hate trying to give the pills and when they are not eating, it’s almost impossible to do easily.

    1. Unfortunately, the improvement didn’t last, and on Friday we had Liam put down. I’ll be writing about Liam soon for the blog. Our hearts, as I’m sure you can imagine, are so heavy. How we loved that dog!

  13. Hang in there Laurie… Sending you strength and love for you and Liam across the miles. May the blooming carry on!🌸🌷🌹🌼💐🐶

    1. Thanks, Betsy. Unfortunately, I have very sad news. On Friday, we had Liam euthanized. I’ll soon.be writing an in memoriam for our dear dog.

  15. Liam is in my thoughts and prayers, Laurie. I hope all goes well and he continues his recovery. With nine cats here ranging in age from 5 to 22, I know what you are going through.

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