We lost our beloved Meow some days back due to a sudden medical condition and thought I can share the experience and things which could have been done better and in the right way in case of a medical emergency.
Meow passed away due to Sepsis shock which was led through food contamination especially oil contamination and also wrong diagnosis. It happened in a matter of 2-3 days that it started with vomit and diarrhoea, it was due to peak Diwali time we couldn’t reach our usual vet so we had to go to some vet which was available at that time. They did first aid treatments for food contamination alone but didn’t realise the after effects of it that this might impact liver and pancreas. The next day Meow’s temperature increased to fever and in few hours started with Seizures. We took her to our usual vet next day who immediately diagnosed that liver is impacted and started with blood test, scan which showed both liver and pancreas are several impacted and led to sepsis shock. They tried their best to save Meow but she passed away in my hands later that evening. We were in complete shock and took almost a month to recover, my other dog bubble was mourning silently and was searching for her best friend in her usual places. I’m trying to jot down few things which maybe helpful for other pet parents if they face similar situation. This is just from my personal experience but always check with your vet for all treatments.
- Always keep a keen watch on what your pets are doing, sometimes they might chew on things which are not edible or even dangerous objects. Do not let them wander off even at home without supervision.
- If they eat or chew which is not edible, check if they are trying to throw that back. Usually dogs if they feel their stomach is accepting few things, they try to throw it back. I have seen bones and sometimes small wooden pieces throwing up from few dogs and they will be fine in sometime.
- If their stomach is upset either they will start throwing up continuously or will start with diarrhoea. Always keep some digestive syrups/tablets handy for these situations, refer to what your vet prescribes. Usually it will be fine in few hours or a day.
- Always check what your dog poops, the texture and colour. If you see blood it means time to rush to your vet
- Sometimes when they have an upset stomach they might skip a meal but keep monitoring if they are refusing to eat for a day, then again its time to rush to the vet
- Sometimes if they are throwing up continuously, they can have blood glucose count drop and can have seizures. Honey can be applied in their tongue until you reach the vet.
- Always prefer a vet who has x-ray, scan and blood test facilities in case of emergencies. If your dog still has symptoms for more than a day, check with the vet if they need any blood test or scan for safer side.
- Meow a day before she passed refused to eat and was always drinking water every few mins, vet said if dogs have liver infection that’s one major symptom they will have which they try to fight back the infection by drinking lot of water. Thats a sign you need to take them to the vet immediately.
- If you can’t reach your vet, take them to known trusted places. If you are in and around Chennai, I have heard BMAD, blue cross and Vepery vet hospital is known for better diagnosis and treatment. My usual vet is Ballo Pet Clinic at Alwarpet who is well experienced and always my go to vet.
- Finally, always be with your dog when they are sick even if its a small health issue, they will be very needy when they are sick and look upto you for taking care of them. Till Meow’s last moment we were there with her and that gave her strength to fight back till her last breath.
These are some things which can signal when you need to rush to the vet and also make sure your vet is well qualified and experienced in the city.
Chennaivaasi 