I was actually planning to write about something completely different, but after the weekend I had, I want to share a pretty ugly experience with you. So get out your tissues and read along as I share what it was like for us when the accident happened…
Some of you may remember that we have an old boy of almost 12 years… A happy and healthy Cavalier King Charles, who we took over almost three years ago. His previous owner had dementia and was going to a nursing home, so we promised that we would be his last home. Until now, we have only had positive experiences with our old Kato. However, that changed a short time ago.
Late Saturday night, I felt sudden and violent movements from the foot of my bed… When I shone the light down, I could see Kato was completely stiff, his head thrown back and no breathing to be seen. I shouted to my mother to come as he was dying. I turned on the light and picked him up in my arms. My only thought was that he should not die alone and that he should know that I was with him. In the meantime, Kato had become limp and lifeless in my arms.
Luckily my mother was more logical at the moment… She started CPR and artificial respiration. After a few attempts he was 'back', although very groggy and disoriented. We got him on his feet and got him moving more. I checked the corners of his mouth and gums to see if the blood supply was optimal. At first there was no clear sign that there was a proper blood supply, but after a while it was there.
Completely heartbroken and very, very affected by the episode, we were constantly by his side in case more happened... But nothing more happened, and he was still with us!
Today he is himself. He jumps around to get his food, is more than happy to bark at the neighbor's cat and 'screams' his joyous cries when we go out. In other words, he is back on his feet, which we are deeply grateful for!
But what do you actually do when an accident happens? We have been lucky enough that our local vet has offered a first aid course for dogs and cats a few times, where they teach us, among other things, how to perform CPR, check for dehydration, check if the blood supply is optimal, apply a bandage, etc. All of which we are very lucky to have learned.
If you ever get offered such a course from your own vet, or maybe even can set one up yourself, then I can only advocate it in every way. It is useful when you suddenly find yourself in a situation where misfortune has struck! On several occasions I have had to put bandages on other owners' dogs when they have been unlucky and have cut holes in their footpads. Both heart massage and checking blood supply have been at stake in our terrible situation, and it has undoubtedly helped to ensure that we were able to act correctly and thus got our little miracle for Kato.
Bloggers of the week
This week's blogger is called Nanna Retz Sloth and is 23 years old and the daughter of a dog trainer.
She has been involved as a "foal" since she was a child, first within DCH and is now independent.
I am the happy owner of no less than four beautiful doggies: Ralf, Alfred, Kato and Allie.
When the accident happens
I was actually planning to write about something completely different, but after the weekend I had, I want to share a pretty ugly experience with you. So get out your tissues and read along as I share what it was like for us when the accident happened…
Some of you may remember that we have an old boy of almost 12 years… A happy and healthy Cavalier King Charles, who we took over almost three years ago. His previous owner had dementia and was going to a nursing home, so we promised that we would be his last home. Until now, we have only had positive experiences with our old Kato. However, that changed a short time ago.
Late Saturday night, I felt sudden and violent movements from the foot of my bed… When I shone the light down, I could see Kato was completely stiff, his head thrown back and no breathing to be seen. I shouted to my mother to come as he was dying. I turned on the light and picked him up in my arms. My only thought was that he should not die alone and that he should know that I was with him. In the meantime, Kato had become limp and lifeless in my arms.
Luckily my mother was more logical at the moment… She started CPR and artificial respiration. After a few attempts he was 'back', although very groggy and disoriented. We got him on his feet and got him moving more. I checked the corners of his mouth and gums to see if the blood supply was optimal. At first there was no clear sign that there was a proper blood supply, but after a while it was there.
Completely heartbroken and very, very affected by the episode, we were constantly by his side in case more happened... But nothing more happened, and he was still with us!
Today he is himself. He jumps around to get his food, is more than happy to bark at the neighbor's cat and 'screams' his joyous cries when we go out. In other words, he is back on his feet, which we are deeply grateful for!
But what do you actually do when an accident happens? We have been lucky enough that our local vet has offered a first aid course for dogs and cats a few times, where they teach us, among other things, how to perform CPR, check for dehydration, check if the blood supply is optimal, apply a bandage, etc. All of which we are very lucky to have learned.
If you ever get offered such a course from your own vet, or maybe even can set one up yourself, then I can only advocate it in every way. It is useful when you suddenly find yourself in a situation where misfortune has struck! On several occasions I have had to put bandages on other owners' dogs when they have been unlucky and have cut holes in their footpads. Both heart massage and checking blood supply have been at stake in our terrible situation, and it has undoubtedly helped to ensure that we were able to act correctly and thus got our little miracle for Kato.
Bloggers of the week
This week's blogger is called Nanna Retz Sloth and is 23 years old and the daughter of a dog trainer.
She has been involved as a "foal" since she was a child, first within DCH and is now independent.
I am the happy owner of no less than four beautiful doggies: Ralf, Alfred, Kato and Allie.