Red is a sick dog. Dr. Fariello says she is concerned, and has begun IV dehydration and is doing some bloodwork and other tests.

He’s staying at the vet for most of the day and will come home tonight.

The first step will be to treat for some kind of toxin or plant poison that might be affecting his liver, and if that doesn’t work, we’ll take X-rays and perhaps some ultrasound tomorrow. Dr. Fariello has ruled out pancreatitis.

She is also going to apply some acupuncture points for the liver, which appears to be a sensitive area for Red. Like most border collies, Red is a notorious stoic, so it’s hard to know just what he is feeling. I have never seen him so sick and lifeless.

He is running a fever, which is a first for him, and can’t take any food at all.  He vomits any food immediately, and is drooling continuously. He is not feeling well.

He  seems to be worsening in terms of feeling poorly and being sluggish. So we just don’t know yet what is wrong or how serious it is, but there is some cause for concern. One good guess is a toxic plant.

This is a time for calm and focus and perspective for me, I can get upset later if it’s warranted.

I trust Dr. Fariello completely, she is a modern veterinarian with an appreciation for alternative therapies, so we are covered on a wide range of treatment. I have my own theories and ideas about treatment and about subjecting dogs to too much suffering, but we are not nearly in that realm yet.

I appreciate your good wishes and thoughts. I always appreciate Red, but never more so than when I think he might not be around one day. And we don’t need to go there yet either.