Matilda is alive and safely sleeping and being treated at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners, the Emergency and Specialty Hospital in our area. This is the top place in NYC, in my opinion. The dog in this picture is Coco, a Great Dane who was waiting to see if her Bull Dog friend was going to be OK. She wasn’t that happy about having her picture taken, and gave me a little growl.
What is speculated regarding Matilda is that a cut on her paw, which just showed itself this morning is infected in a major way. This can happen when one’s immune system is compromised from chemo. So this cut has become an abscess, but in a somewhat complicated way. She had a cut several weeks ago that was treated, and thought to be healed. Apparently when one is undergoing chemo, something like that can continue to be a problem, even when it seems to have healed. So they have worked on the paw, and she is getting intravenous antibiotic, blood work has been done, and her high temperature has been brought down. (She was so stressed having to walk out to the taxi to get to the vet, that she began panting at a level I’ve rarely seen). She is staying overnight, and I will pick her up tomorrow night. They think that this infection could be responsible for all the symptoms she was having.
I’m hoping for good results, and that I will be able to take care of the wound properly. The vet assured me that this infection could have happened in a matter of hours. It seems daunting, since it is between her toes. Greyhounds have these very long toes with webbing in between. Matilda’s toes are very close together, and the little toes are turned in and encroaching on the other toes. It isn’t uncommon for greyhounds to have problems with their toes.
Matilda thanks everyone for the good wishes and prayers.
So good to hear an update… I was so worried about her! I’m glad they found what seems to be the source of her symptoms, and I hope they are able to get her infection well under control. It does sound like the wound may be difficult to care for at home, being between her toes and all. Will stay tuned.
Thank you so much. At least I don’t have to change the bandage myself yet. Wednesday she returns to the vet.
Oh, poor Matilda! I hope that they get the infection under control quickly. That doesn’t sound like any fun at all! Let her know that her fans from Illinois are sending their good wishes!
Thanks Illinois people and pups. Matilda appreciates it! I have a feeling she came through Illinois on her way from the greyhound breeding farm in Colorado to her New Jersey home. My geography may be a little wonky.
My human mommy just read your Black and White Sunday post this evening (Monday) and then skipped ahead to see if there was an update. We are so thankful to read that you have discovered the cause of her symptoms and that she is in such good hands at Blue Pearl. We are thinking of you and Matilda with our fingers and paws crossed.
Thanks Miss Harper Lee and parents! Matilda appreciates any and all emotional support. She is home now, and hopefully will start eating tomorrow.
So happy to hear that Matilda is home, and I hope she has a very healthy appetite very soon!
Thanks!!!