Rhuari is at the Vets

He hasn't been his usual self for a couple of days, I put it down to one of the girls being in season and he doesn't sleep alot and he was just tired, this morning he didn't get out of bed when I got up, the other 3 were bouncing around as usual but he just lay there.

I ran my hands over him to see if he hurt anywhere but nothing changed, when I looked into his eyes they were different, hard to explain so rang the vet and told them I was bringing him in.

When I picked him up he was twitchy, wasn't sure if it was a shiver so wrapped him in a blanket and waited for the taxi which was here in a couple of minutes, he was just lying in my arms and not reacting even though his eyes were open. As I was carrying him into the vet he started seizing violently, all 4 legs were cycling and he had this high pitched scream, never seen a dog have such a fit before, I was having trouble hanging on to him, we were rushed through to a surgery and 2 vets appearred and tried to get a needle in him but the movement stopped them, they gave him some rectal Diazepem and he eventually settled down and they put a line in him and took some bloods, I was answering questions and explaining things whilst all this was going on.

It is thought he has some sort of brain problem and they have kept him till they get the bloods back and monitor and control any further seizures if there are any, due to the sedation he had to have they won't be able to do any neuro assessment till it wears off.

Rhuari is my first mini long dachsie and is 8.5yrs old, never had any illness before, since being forced into early retirement last year I am home 99% of the time and the dogs are always with me so if they behave differently I know about it.

It is very quiet here, no barking when the free paper was delivered, Lexis is frantically looking for Rhuari, the other 2 are just watching her whilst lying very close to me on the sofa.

Just rang the vets, there is no change, a senior vet is going to come from the other practice to look at him and try and figure out what is going on.

Will update when I have more news

Oh no! Poor Rhuari-I hope it isn't anything that can't be medicated and controlled. Keep us posted.

Oh no! How very scarey! Poor little guy.
I'll be watching for updates.

Rhuari passed away just after midnight Thursday during one of the seizures, they think he either had a stroke or his heart gave out due to the strain it was under during these episodes, I have till Monday to decide if i want a PM or not to confirm a brain tunour.

RIP my handsome lad. you will be greatly missed by everyone.

Run free with Lois and your daughter that didn't make it last year I am sure they will be there to greet you at the Bridge.

I am so sorry, Rhona.
He had a good life with you and the girls and
will be greatly missed.

Let us know if you opt for the PM and what the results are.
We always have the nagging "what if" and questions.

We were shopping at Wal-Mart last night and discussing if we
would put up a Christmas tree this year when my oldest daughter,
Hazel, (23 yrs old) burst into tears because she had a dream of her
dog, Star, who passed last year at the age of 16. Star was sitting
under the Christmas tree in her dream so it's not a question of "if"
we put up a tree but "when" we will get it done.
It is never easy when we loose our loved ones, my heart goes out to you.

Thanks for all your comments

I decided against the PM, it wasn't going to bring him back and he didn't have any offspring that I needed to rule out any congenital/genetic problems he may have passed on.

I am awaiting the return of his remains after cremation.

I'm so sorry, Rhona. What a rotten year for you between Lois and Rhuari's losses. You're in my thoughts.

Oh no, I am so sorry. He was too young to leave you.
My sincere condolences.

I am so sorry for your loss. I have known you and your dachshunds since the old "Dachshund Haven" days. It feels like one of my own family has passed. You will be in my thoughts. Ruth

Thanks folks. Things remain very sad here, Lexis really misses Uncle Rhuari, he has played a big part in hers an Lincolns life since they arrived nearly 4yrs ago.

The anniversary last month of Lois's death was hard, little did I know I was about to lose another one of my beloved dachsies less than a month later.