Dog owners please read this!

As most of you know our precious Emma has been very sick. This dog is part of our family, so imagine the pure panic we've been through watching her literally break down. It all started with her being in pain and getting mobic from the vet. Since then it's been a downward spiral. We literally thought she was dying and didn't have long to live. Thanks to my amazing aunt Chele and mom we "think" we have her figured out. Our vet, unfortunately, has been zero help. My mom and aunt tirelessly searched for answers on how to help her. After all this was so strange and literally happened in a split second. This is what we were looking at last week: legs buckling, falling down constantly, walking in circles, eye was rolling back, very confused, seemed sea sick almost, throwing up, peeing everywhere. So imagine us waking up to this one day. It was so scary. We thought her body was shutting down. She isn't a spring chicken, but shes only 8! My aunt came across a syndrome called Vestibular Syndrome. Now we aren't certain this is what she has. We've had improvements but still struggling and she may have a mix of things but please listen about this syndrome. Vestibular syndrome is also called old dog syndrome. It can happen at any age but more common in older dogs. This syndrome is actually very very common. So many pet owners do not know About this and end up putting their dogs down thinking they are dying. It causes dogs to pace in circles, eyes rolling, falling down, basically think about being on a boat in choppy water or in a spinning room. That's exactly what they are feeling. The causes are not exactly known but can be from stroke(uncommon in

Dogs), tumors, head injury , medication (mobic for us!!) plus others. How do they get better? I mean it is so scary to see this and you think your dog is dying, and they can get better? Yes! Most improve 100% with a few left with some side effects. Most dogs were put on antibiotics and a steroid. Emma had blood work done and it came back all perfect so we went with just the steroid. Most dogs improve in 5 days and some it takes up to 2 months. Around day 5 we saw a drastic improvement. She is off her medicine and staggering, pacing, and potting inside some still, but nothing near what she was! She's eating and wanting to play some. Emma may still need more test and possibly a steroid shot in her hip for arthritis, but for now we Are thankful for these Improvements. Taking care of a dog that can barely walk and a 1 year old this last week has been draining. Mainly emotionally. I can't tell you how many nights we've just cried for her. Shes been through so much with me and i believe Shes too young to give up right now. It's a miserable thing to watch. So if your dog (or cat) displays any of these symptoms please google vestibular syndrome and ask your vet about it. If they won't listen switch vets (as we will). 

Thank you to my aunt and parents for helping us. We've been through pure hell this last week, and they have been life savers. They have researched, helped with vet appointments, puppy and baby sat while we attended weddings, and just supported us. My sweet mama set her alarm every few hours to take emma out to potty and get water in the middle of the worst part. My daddy has jumped in and helped with Hayden which has been a blessing. I don't think he minded one bit. Doc and Ma'am, Wesley and Kelly all checked on her several times. My sweet friends that have texted and called checking on Emma too and it has meant the world to us. You really need family and friends through tough times and its nice and comforting to see those that have stepped up and reached out to us. 

We still aren't sure this is what she has, but all signs point to it. I do think she has severe arthritis in her hip and shoulder too. Hopefully we can get her back to normal Emma very soon. 

Pass this syndrome information around to friends! It breaks my heart so many dogs are put down because people don't know about it! 

Now onto the calming collars and treats for the pups for the fireworks this weekend!

 Happy fourth!