It’s Been a Rough Week for Cooper and Us

It all started early in the morning a week ago Sunday. Cooper was whining and woke me up. I got up and let him out, and little did I know the ride we'd be on for the next week.

During the day Sunday, Cooper over and over gave us "those eyes," indicating he needed to go out. He was suffering from the worst case of diarrhea he'd ever had in his 6+ years. Thankfully I was on vacation the early part of the week because cleanup with wet paper towels continued right through Tuesday morning. He was still drinking some but wasn't interested in cottage cheese, hamburger, and white rice to get his stools to harden. He has LOVED it in the past. Clearly it was time for a visit to the veterinarian.

He got a medication to slow down his intestinal system, if you will, along with another prescription to avoid vomiting. Ok, great, we're on the way to recovery, right? Not even close.

Wednesday, still no interest in food and his water intake had gradually dropped to the point where he was only going to the bathroom about once every twenty-four hours.

Thursday morning, it was back to work for me, but I thought it was essential we make another trip to the vet first. We were able to get an early appointment and this time Cooper got fluids, an allergy medication for what was worsening chewing/licking of his feet, and a blood draw for a check of his kidneys. The blood looked good so he was given amoxicillin, in addition to the allergy medication.

Thursday night, his appetite returned full bore (he's chowing down below). Whew! Friday, his thirst returned to normal and visits to his potty area were normal except for no, ahem, "movement."

Saturday morning, I called the vet back for some advice. Need we be concerned that he still hadn't dropped anything? Nope, no reason for concern. If nothing by Monday, they said call back and we'll get him in.

Sunday morning, I was doing dishes and Julie took him outside. She quietly came into the house, walked up to me and put her hand in the air, looking for a high five. I questioned, "He pooped?!" She said, "Yes, a lot." I rushed outside to see for myself. He'd dropped his usual for a day-and-a-half and there was a noticeable amount of hair in it. Apparently, we should've gotten that allergy medication a little earlier. Afterwards, Cooper looked even more relieved than we were. And that my friend is saying something.