Seppel is at the vet...

by **amazincc** » February 9th, 2009, 1:55 pm

as I type this.

I noticed that his breath was really, really bad Saturday morning. By Saturday night he was obviously very uncomfortable when I touched his face... and yesterday he wouldn't pick up his toys, had a hard time opening his mouth, refused treats and water, and pretty much buried his head either under his pillow in the crate or under my arm pit. I tried to look in his mouth and ears, but he yelped each time I touched him.
I chopped up his RAW in little tiny pieces and he managed to swallow most of it w/out having to chew, so at least I got some food into him. Wouldn't touch his kibble though, not even soaked in water.
We sat at the vet yesterday for several hours, but they had an emergency come in (dog hit by a car, needed extensive surgery)... the new vet tech prodded and poked at Sepp a few times :rolleyes2:

, and I ended up taking him back home without having him examined by the vet.

So... we went back this morning. No temperature, but very sensitive to being touched on the left side of his face. Our vet tried to do a quick look-see, and he screamed... BUT he didn't try to snap or bite, no aggression at all. He just tried to hide his head so people would stop touching it... poor little man.
Swollen lymph nodes as well. So, after my heart stopped for a second or three after hearing that, our vet thinks that he has either an infection/broken tooth/TMJ/food stuck somewhere... NOT cancer.
They will have to sedate him to see what's going on, and they'll call me at around 2-ish.

Yes, I left him there... in part because I want him to see that it's okay to be at the vet, and partly because I HAVE to get over the "anxious Mom" syndrome. After the "swollen lymph nodes" comment I was a total wreck and it took a good ten minutes for me to even comprehend the rest of what our vet was telling me. :oops:

If it's a cracked tooth he'll be on pain meds and antibiotics until Thursday, and they'll pull it while he's getting neutered.

Sepp was pretty happy when I left - he loves the staff that's working today.

I went home and had a drink. :wine:

I'll know more in about an hour or so. :neutral:

by **alaskapit** » February 9th, 2009, 1:57 pm

poor seppel
:goodthoughts:

by **cheekymunkee** » February 9th, 2009, 1:59 pm

Awww poor baby. I'm sure it is just an infection somewhere in his gum. Toothaches HURT mom!

by **pitbullmamaliz** » February 9th, 2009, 2:02 pm

Poor kiddo.

by **Hoyden** » February 9th, 2009, 2:09 pm

Hugs. And good thoughts for both of you.

Same thing happened with Birdie the Friday after we had to put Petey down. She had lymph node swelling on her stomach and I lost it.

Turned out to be nothing to worry about because she's a little over weight, but Mark was ready to have my doctor sedate me.

by **amazincc** » February 9th, 2009, 2:13 pm

Hoyden wrote:

Turned out to be nothing to worry about because she's a little over weight, but Mark was ready to have my doctor sedate me.

I think that's why they sent me home and kept the dog. :oops:

by **LMM** » February 9th, 2009, 2:13 pm

Good thoughts for Seppel! He can't be doing this to his mommy, or us!

Let us know Christine!

by **Pit♥bull** » February 9th, 2009, 2:17 pm

Lots of

coming from Bob, Shanna, and Trouble for you both.
I'm glad that Seppel likes his Vet, that is always a plus

by **maberi** » February 9th, 2009, 2:26 pm

Good thoughts coming your way

As you described things I was thinking tooth infection of some sort. Let us know what is up as soon as you hear from the vet

by **Hundilein** » February 9th, 2009, 2:26 pm

Good thoughts are on their way. I'm sure he'll be fine, and you will too! Keep us posted. :hug3:

by **cheekymunkee** » February 9th, 2009, 2:30 pm

amazincc wrote:
Hoyden wrote:

Turned out to be nothing to worry about because she's a little over weight, but Mark was ready to have my doctor sedate me.

I think that's why they sent me home and kept the dog.

by **amazincc** » February 9th, 2009, 3:15 pm

Dammit.
The vet didn't find anything that indicates an infection or a broken tooth.

They think Seppel has masticatory muscle myositis. It's an auto immune disease which affects the jaw muscles. He'll be on Rymadil and a strong antibiotic for now, and I have to reschedule the neuter for next week.
Our vet thinks he'll have to be on steroids long-term, and the muscles will eventually atrophy to the point of him not being able to open his mouth at all.

I hate this.

I get to pick him up at five.

by **Marinepits** » February 9th, 2009, 3:17 pm

Oh, boy. Are there any kinds of tests to confirm this diagnosis? Did they take x-rays?

by **amazincc** » February 9th, 2009, 3:19 pm

They did a blood test.

by **Pit♥bull** » February 9th, 2009, 3:20 pm

Oh damn... I hope they are wrong

it's just not fair

by **ArtGypsy** » February 9th, 2009, 3:22 pm

I'll be thinking of you.......

Jody

by **pitbullmamaliz** » February 9th, 2009, 3:24 pm

I choose not to accept that answer.

by **amazincc** » February 9th, 2009, 3:31 pm

If anyone has dealt with this, or knows anything about it... I'd appreciate any and all input/info/advise.

I'm still glad I ended up with him, because I don't think he would've gotten the best medical care from his former owners.
But, for cryin' out loud... it breaks my heart.

by **Mickle** » February 9th, 2009, 3:39 pm

Aww poor Seppel and poor you! I hope everything turns out okay! The Mickle crew is sending lots of good thoughts!

by **Malli** » February 9th, 2009, 3:40 pm

Christine, I'd look into this moreso, maybe get a second opinion and find out if there's a specialist you can see.

I'm sorry

Seppel is at the vet...

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