Categories

Archives

Garibaldi is Sick: Vet Visit 8

Melly’s Blog:

Yesterday was another terrible day at the vet and today is one of our worst recovery days ever.

Gari had the first molar on his lower right removed. The tooth was dead and decaying inside the bone. In fact, there was a tunnel through the bone from the first molar to the incisor he had taken out last time. This kept the incisor hole from healing up correctly. Instead the whole thing is full of old food and debris. They couldn’t close it this time because in order to clean it out completely, he would need to be intubated, which is a procedure we have not yet faced.

The second molar is also dead and will need to be extraced. That wasn’t done this time because he was already under for a long time and had enough trauma to his mouth for a lifetime, let alone a single vet visit.

The worst thing is that he is unable to stand or walk or even sit up today. Yesterday when we left the vet, he was able to walk fairly well, but he deteriorated during the car drive home. We basically had to lift and drag him into the house. He sat in his sphinx position all night and is still in it now. This is similar to what happened to Caplin Rous when he got neutered. He is not eating, but at least he is drinking. This is especially good since we learned that he has elevated levels of kidney enzymes, which is something new. Drinking lots of water is important for that.

Right now we don’t know exactly why he is having this bad reaction. It could be because of his kidneys or it could be something else. Because of my experience with Caplin, I am hopeful this will pass in a few days. In the meantime I am trying to keep him as comfortable as possible.

I’ll try to get some video and photos later but right now I’m busy just dealing with this, and the fact that we got into a small accident on our drive to the vet’s. No one was hurt but Gari was thrown into the front seat, like he needed more drama.

Please, no prayers or religious references. If they help you, feel free to say them silently or whatever, but they don’t help us and I’d rather not deal with that now.

Getting Better

Out for a walk in the sun

Out for a walk in the sun

Melly’s Blog:

Just a quick update on how Garibaldi Rous is doing, which is surprisingly well! He is a resilient little capybara if he is anything! In the photo above, you can see that he went out for a walk around the house today. Now that Stacy Winnick has finally left, it seems we can rid ourselves of the Seattle weather that she brought with her. Today the sun was out and it got into the low 60s, perfect for Gari’s first serious venture outside since he lost his tooth. He didn’t spend too much time outside today but tomorrow will be even warmer and I am going to move his little wading pool back outside so I think he’ll enjoy that.

Continue reading “Getting Better” »

Garibaldi is Sick: Vet Visit 5

 

Getting in the car

Owner’s blog:

After how good Garibaldi Rous has gotten about going on car rides, it’s a shame we had to take another long trip to the vet. After we’ve gone a certain distance, Gari seems to know what’s going on and gets very nervous. Poor little guy! But it’s either go to the vet or die. I’m not sure which he would do if he had a choice but, luckily, I am deciding for him. Continue reading “Garibaldi is Sick: Vet Visit 5” »

Garibaldi is Sick: Vet Visit 4

 

At the vet...again

Owner’s blog:

If  you’re getting tired of these posts about Garibaldi Rous’ trips to the vet, you can just imagine how we feel. I hate taking him because it is so stressful for him. The good news is, this may be the last such post for a little while.

Continue reading “Garibaldi is Sick: Vet Visit 4” »

Garibaldi is Sick: Vet Visit 3

 

The calm before the storm

Whoever said it was easy being a capybara is wrong. Wait, did no one say that? Are you sure? I thought I heard someone say it was easy. No? Well then, the reason they don’t say it is because it is not true. It is hard being a capybara. You might think that having teeth that constantly grow is a good thing. No need to worry about cavities. But there is a dark side to tooth growth. A dark, painful side.

Continue reading “Garibaldi is Sick: Vet Visit 3” »