Everyone, you're so wonderful for giving your thoughts and concerns.

Last night (Thurs) I did call the vet. She called me today. What I could explain to her over the phone... I was a work and many people were listening... she also thinks LB could probably benefit from a change in meds. He's currently getting Rimadyl 75mg twice a day. I don't believe my husband has given the Tramadol during the day since Mon or Tues. The vet also asked if he has taken all of the antibiotic but as she looked the records, she noticed that none were dispensed. 

Needless to say, the vet is quite concerned and even though she has 2 emergency appointments coming in tonight (It's a 24 hour hospital) she wants to see LB tonight rather than tomorrow morning.  She's hoping that if a change in meds is in order, he'll start feeling better tomorrow.

So as I was parking my car here at home after work, I saw LB waiting for me at the door. Just like his normal self. Oh, did I gush over him! That was the first time he met me at the door all week. He wagged his tail. 

I thought I'd treat him to a special car ride tonight so while were driving with the sunroof open and wind blowing through our hair, I took him to Petsmart to pick out a new toy. That was the happiest he's been all week. His tail was wagging, he was meeting people. He even gave a stranger a big kiss on the face! I haven't even gotten any kisses yet! Then that nice stranger and his wife bought LB one of those special decorated dog cookies. How sweet. Then this doggie of mine...on the leash, mind you...wanted to run through the parking lot to our car. Now that's my Muppy! Then we went through the Wendy's drive thru and I got him a plain grilled chicken sandwich. Looking at him now, I think all of that excitement has him tuckered out. 

Well, he hope he's up for another car ride in about 15 min when we go to the vet. The last couple hours made me feel like my boy might be coming back. 

Thanks again, everyone. 

LB had his first dose of the Gabapentin last night around 9:40 or so. I woke up between 1 and 2 and checked him. I thought he had passed away! Instead of him being curled up in a ball, he was on his side with his leg stretched straight out, his eyes were half open and he wouldn't respond to his name or to touch. His body was still warm. Deep breath. I somehow fell asleep but woke again after 3am. His condition didn't change. Ok, he's half way through this dose. Let's see how he is closer to the 12 hour mark... Well, my son woke me up at 745am and said LB was sleeping in my older son's room. Sounds like a good sign that he got up and moved, right? Well, not really. He's still unresponsive and his breathing is shallow. Called his vet... well, the receptionist (she did the overnight shift last night).  Doc was busy w/patients this early already but told me to stop the Gabapentin and see how he does, he should perk back up. 

LB is in the 11th hour of this dose. I sure hope the vet is right.

LB did pep up about 13 hours after the initial dose. He even ate his usual size meal shortly afterwards, which made me super happy. He even stayed outside longer than the time it takes him to pee. He wandered further away from the house like he used to do. He pooped behind hubby's truck (ooops, hope Dad doesn't find it accidentally) and acted like he was going to follow the path up the mountain like he used to. I called him and he came back right away. 

Later this morning someone came to the house and, boy, LB didn't waste any time getting up and rushing to the door, barking of course. Fur even stood up on his back. Oh, my protector ☺.

Since it's the weekend, I've been in charge of the Tramadol instead of hubby and I think it's making a difference. His tail isn't totally between his legs. It may hang straight down or curl up and out like it's supposed to. I'm giving him 2 tablets, hoping that's just enough to do the trick. I have been on Tramadol a few years and remember what 2 tablets made me feel like. After having 3 orthopedic surgeries in a year, I know how important it is to stay ahead of the pain.

I took him for another car ride, hoping to keep his spirits up (and mine). 

Oh, about the the doses of Rimadyl and Gabapentin... I did not give them at the same time. The Rimadyl was given around 8pm right before the vet appointment. The Gabapentin was given when we got home, about 9:40pm. Eh, maybe that's roughly the same time...? I'm telling you, I thought my pup had passed away. The blank look on his face, his lips were crooked and his legs were outstretched. Let's get that picture out of our minds.

So hopefully things will continue on the right track.

Oh hey, Daddy's home and my Muppy is barking his head off...we're in a power failure right now so LB can't see what's going on, ha.