A Little Scare

Roscoe had his second heartworm treatment today. He had to stay at the vet's office so they could watch him because sometimes dogs have a bad reaction to the treatment. I picked him up after work and he seemed fine. But then he changed. He acted like he was sore, not wanting to get up on the couch or the bed. He wouldn't eat. Not even the turkey hotdogs I offered him. Then he started breathing funny. His breating was fast, and he exhaled in "puffs." I called the on-call vet who told me to bring him in. He was, indeed, having a reaction to the treatment, albeit a little later than expected. So the Doc gave Roscoe a fast-acting cortisone shot and some fluids. Told me to bring him back if he didn't eventually seem better. The Doc said that Roscoe should appear better by bedtime, but that he probably wouldn't want to eat anything. I'm to call him (the Doc) if Roscoe doesn't improve. Anytime. Tonight, or tomorrow. He said this with absolutely no reservation. What a great vet! I'll be keeping a close eye on Roscoe tonight.