Jed Update

[Azusateach]

Hi all --

I tried to post an update in the Halloween thread last night but somehow it didn't post ...

We're still in Ventura.  Jed is improving, but it's slow.  They have weaned him off of the IV anti-convulsants and most of the tranquilizers, and from what I understand he's only on oral phenobarbitol at present, just to make sure he doesn't have any more seizures.  They x-rayed his chest to check for pneumonia and he looks good, but they'll keep him on a short course of antibiotics just to be sure.

As soon as he can walk they'll let him go home.  Yesterday while I was there they tried to get him to walk on the grass, but he just didn't know what to do with his feet.  I'd post pictures, but somehow my little netbook isn't letting me.  Guess I'll have to save them (along with the ones of him hooked up to all the tubes and wires) for the company that owns Far West.

Please pray that when I talk to the attending vet this morning that we're given the go-ahead to come home.  At the very least, I'd like to be able to transfer him to my vet so I can be home.  While the Holiday Inn Express is nice, I like my bed better.

Thanks for all of your support, everyone.

Laura -- and Jed

[dkutz]

glad he is doing better.  Hope he (and you) get to come home soon.  I missed you guys this weekend.  Tell that dog to stop eating off the ground!  Steal plates instead.

[Chez Way]

Laura,
 
We are so glad to hear that Jed is on the road to recovery! Friday night he seemed so happy playing with Sadie doing the "tuck butt run" (I love that description!)--it's hard to imagine what an absolute nightmare you have been through.
 
I hope you get the go ahead to take him home soon. Keep us posted.

[Jamesdad]

Sounds like things are on the road to recovery, glad to hear it. Give Jed a big hug for us and keep us posted. Is he expected to recover 100% without any permanent damage??
 
Jamesdad

[Freedom_5]

Laura,

 We have both you and Jed in our prayers. We hope that you are able to take him home today!

[OC Campers]

Did Jed get into something that caused him to seize?

Jacqui

[Gracy]

 Awww... saying prayers for him!!!!!  Get well soon!!!!

[Azusateach]

What an incredible, awful, wonderful weekend. I've never felt so supported and truly prayed for in my life -- kind of weird, but nonetheless very welcome.

Jed is at the medical speciality group in Glendale until he can keep his back legs under him and navigate his way outside to go potty.  He should be home tomorrow or Wednesday.  As they decrease the phenobarbitol levels he continues to gain strength in his legs.  The lack of motor ability -- or "floppiness" as the internal medicine vet called it -- is not due to the strychnine but to the drugs.  It really does a number on the neuro system.

I've had two good conversations with the owner of the campground. She & her husband NEVER authorized the managers to use something so deadly to rodents, and she couldn't apologize enough for their (the manager's) ignorance. In fact, she's not happy with the way the managers responded to her request for information on the gopher "stuff" -- seems like they knew they'd gotten caught. And she was even more upset when I told her that Jed never dug anything up, making it even more apparent that they were probably not using it like they were supposed to (burying it in 1/4 teaspoon doses). My guess is that they were using it topically so it didn't take much for Jed to get into it. The owners contacted their insurance company and I should be hearing from them tomorrow or Wednesday. They know that the bills will be $8000 or more and are prepared to pay them without arguing -- another answer to lots of prayer.

So, life goes on, and Jed will thankfully be part of it. It'll just be nice when he's part of my household again. It's way too quiet here tonight ...

Thanks again everyone.  It's a good lesson for all involved. Just wish Jed didn't have to be the teacher. One teacher in the house is enough.

Here are a couple of pictures of our weekend.  The first one is from Saturday morning.  He's totally out of it and had help breathing.



This is of his "outing" yesterday, when they were trying to see if he could walk.  He enjoyed being outside, but the legs just didn't do their thing.



Hopefully the next time I post picture they'll be happier ones.

Laura -- and Jed

[griffsdad]

Wonderful news Laura!! Hope Jed is home by Wednesday.
 
Please have the blood test done so that it's clear that the gopher poison was in his system when he went down. Keep copies of all medical bills. Keep a records of the hotel bills, mileage/gas, and time missed from work.
 
If you have any questions, feel free to call and keep us posted. - Dave

[griffsmom]

Uh Oh! Looks like Jed has lawyered up!
 
Seriously, that is glorious news Laura, on all fronts. We will continue to pray for Jed's and your speedy recoveries and for the continued good hearts of the CG owners.

[dkutz]

Laura GREAT news.  I was afraid the CG was gonna give you a hard time.  I hope money wise it all works out.  I hope Jed pulls through fully with no side effects.

Having said that the pictures made me want to cry.  Give him a big hug for me, and I will bring him somethign to chew on next time to keep him out of trouble.

see ya soon I hope.

Dieter

[Jamesdad]

WOW, $8,000...and the CG owners are paying it without any friction....another WOW. We are very happy knowing Jed is going home. We hope he has no lasting side affects to any of this ordeal. I know the attachment we all have to our pets are very strong and we would all do whatever it took to fix them, they are our other children and a big part of the family. Glad to hear this great news, hang in there Laura. Looking forward to seeing you and Jed again, soon.
 
Jamesdad

[oreo57]

Everyone seem's to believe that Farwest is responsible, Do we know that for sure. I also feel that this is someting for Laura and Farwest to deal with personally and not the group.I really feel sorry for Jed and hope for a quick recovery but the legal side should be held confined to the owner of Jed and the other party involved.
 
Laura, Sorry for being a Butt.

[OC Campers]

Holy cow.  That is horrible.  I am so glad to hear Jed is doing so well.  I am sure he will be as excited to get home as you are to have him there.  

I can't believe a campground would put that kind of poison on top of the soil where a dog, child or any other animal could get at it.  I understand that gopher's are an unwanted guest but don't put others at risk using it incorrectly.

Jacqui

[Gracy]

This is really terrible!  Look what happened to a dog...... and how many kids and other pets were part of this rally.... its amazing nobody else was hurt.  It gives me shivers knowing that my toddler seems to thrive anyplace he can dig and play in the dirt or sand........ its never occurred to me even once that there could be poison on the ground when hes out playing at campgrounds like this.  

I'm so sorry this happened and you've had to go through all of this.... I sincerely hope he makes a full recovery and they never make this potentially deadly mistake in judgment again!