Hank is not a happy camper. Though the swelling from the snakebite gradually decreased
as the weekend progressed, other symptoms began to appear Saturday night:
he wasn't interested in his food, he wasn't drinking enough water, and he sure wasn't himself.
Late Sunday afternoon, I told him if he wasn't significantly better by Monday morning,
he would have to go to the vet. Then I looked at the weather forecast for Sunday night
(70% chance of heavy rain) and said nevermind, we're going now while we still can.
His reaction to that news was not surprising.
Anyway, to the vet we went. The vet poked and prodded and ultrasounded and
tubed him. There might be an impaction further into his colon than the vet's arm can reach,
and there's some question about whether a section of intestine is misplaced.
All of that is secondary to the snakebite, but undoubtedly a result thereof.
So Hank is still at the clinic, being pumped full of fluids and stronger anti-inflammatories
than I was able to give him here. I'm not extremely worried because I know he's getting
the best possible care. On the other hand, I'm still worried because...because Hank.
Oh Hank! He has been on my mind, I am sorry to hear he isn't 100% but of course I am sending lots of love his way. And to all of you at 7msn!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for both you and Hank. It is always worrisome when a four-legged family member is sick. Keeping you and the big boy in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteMaggy
Praying your boy will make a full recovery! Lisa G in TN
ReplyDeleteGood thing you took him sooner rather than later. I hope that ends his snake curiosity.
ReplyDeleteSending healing thoughts Hank's way. I'm glad you decided to take him in before the rains, and hope his recovery is speedy.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Connecticut prayers for Hank and you!
ReplyDeleteOh no, so sorry, i do hope he is better today and comes back home soon.
ReplyDeleteI hope Hank recovers quickly and is back home soon. Hang in there I know how stressful and worrisome this must be for you.
ReplyDeleteSending positive vibes to Hank!
ReplyDeletePrayers for Hank
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your precious animal. I hope all goes well.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs! Good juju! XOXO
ReplyDeleteOh dear :-/.
ReplyDeleteAm sending love and my very best wishes for a speedy recovery to you and Hank, and hope that all will be well soon!
ReplyDeleteJudyB
Healing thoughts sent to Hank & calming ones to you. I'd be pacing the floor, a not-very-useful act of support for him; you're doing much better stuff. He's a good boy & he'll come through fine! Give him a hug for me!
ReplyDeleteI'm sending my very best thoughts to Hank and to you. The donkeys need their herd boss to come home and keep things under control.
ReplyDeleteHealing prayers for Hank and you!
ReplyDeleteLike snakebite isn't enough! Jingles for Hank and you.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you went sooner instead of waiting. Poor baby. I hope he is back to normal as I write this.
ReplyDeleteYou and Hank are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love always because.....Hank.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for following instincts and taking him in. Sending healing thoughts and warm hugs
ReplyDeletePrayers for you and Hank. It brings my heart back to last November when I faced Tiger's first...and....well...last case of colic. You are blessed in owning a trailer and being able to get Hank to a clinic. If only we had a trailer...well....if only...
ReplyDeleteHang in there and gather round the burritos.
Oh no, poor Hank. He won't enjoy his mini vacation away from his family. I hope that he is fully recovered and back home soon.
ReplyDeleteHow are the others doing with Hank away?
Laurie
Hope it helps to know we are all worrying with you.
ReplyDeleteA snake bite will misplace your intestine??? I don't understand that. Ok Hank, buddy, we're rooting for you.
ReplyDeleteThe stress of the snake bite brought on gastrointestinal distress (colic), which likely slowed down the normal movement of his intestines, and things got all kinds of wonky from there.
DeleteAaaah, much clearer thank you... I thought the poison had some weird properties.
DeleteNevada thoughts and prayers for Hank!!
ReplyDeleteI can feel all your good thoughts and prayers settling over the ranch. Thanks, everybody!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you got him to the vet and that he's been taken care of. Sending lots of good thought from the other side of the planet.
ReplyDeleteChecked in with you as soon as I could this morning. I never like your silence over a weekend, but I especially dislike it when one of your (our?) babies has been bitten. Though of course I understand why! Sending all of my love and warm thoughts to you and Hank and waiting impatiently to hear that he has kicked this in the butt and is headed back to the 7msn.
ReplyDeleteSending good thoughts and big hugs. Go, Hank! Get better and come back home soon.
ReplyDeleteOh man so glad you got him to the clinic and he is staying! It might have been disaster if you stayed home and it got worse. Do you think the herd notices he is not there? Hopefully soon he gets to come home. Betsy
ReplyDeleteBig prayers for Hank! I know he's going to come through all of this, but I know you can't help but worry. So breathe..........ommmmmmm.................breathe...................ommmmmmm........... ((Carson))
ReplyDeleteWe're thinking about you and hoping and praying for his recovery. He definitely is in good hands.
ReplyDeleteSending healing energy and love to Hank from the East Coast! So glad you can feel all the love flowing in to surround you.
ReplyDeleteGood call taking him to vet before the rain. You also know from personal experience what colic is like :) Couldn't resist. We will all rest easier when your handsome Hank is back home with the family.
ReplyDeletePrayers and hugs! Lots of them!
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteColorado prayers. Worrying with you. Aunt Jean
You have LOTS of prayers and positive thoughts being sent your way from out here in cyber-space, whether or not we post about them. Don't ever think we've lost interest or don't care just because we don't comment. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer and the more prayers, the stronger the power. I hope you and the herd can remain calm while Hank recovers.
ReplyDeleteI wondered if something else had happened. However, I had visions of Hank kicking you to the curb for poking him with 30ccs of antibiotics. I'm so sorry that he's having secondary problems but thrilled you were able to get him to the vet. Good thoughts and mojo headed your way. So scary for you, I know.
ReplyDeleteCrap. I was hoping that Hank being Hank, would shake this off. Good call on taking him to the vet when you did! Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.
ReplyDeleteThe vet trip and clinic stay seem like very prudent choices. Healing thoughts and Internet hugs coming your way! ((()))
ReplyDeleteYou're doing all the right things. I'd be worried too though. It's hard having our best friends away from home in the hospital. I'll be thinking of Hank and hoping for a quick recovery!
ReplyDeleteEveryone is pulling for you, Hank.
ReplyDeleteThoughts are with you that Hank will be fine.
ReplyDeleteI am just catching up....I am so sorry to hear about Hank. I hope he feels better very soon. I know how hard it is to have your beloved friend in the hospital.
ReplyDeleteKeeping all pertinent limbs crossed and sending the resulting good luck your way!
ReplyDeleteGood vibes from France to you and Hank. Come on Hank, gorgeous boy, get better.
ReplyDeleteSending lots of jingles out to 7MSN for Hank's full and speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get good news soon. That is very worrisome.
ReplyDeleteAm so sorry to hear this. Hoping that things will be good now that he is at the vets.
ReplyDeleteHank, get better so your Mom can rest easy again!
ReplyDeleteGet well soon, Hank. Hang in there Carson.
ReplyDeletePositive healing thoughts being sent to Hank!
ReplyDeleteAll good thoughts from NY being sent yours and Hanks way.
ReplyDeleteCentral Oregon prayers for Hank!!!
ReplyDeleteJust a note for you and then all the others out there. I live in Wyoming, the vet here gives our dogs and horses a rattlesnake vaccine every year. It stops alot of the side effects that happen, and if bitten the site of the bite still swells, but it's normally not so life threatening. It usually costs $20 a year for the shot and to me it's worth it!. Just wanted everyone to know about it and ask your vet.
ReplyDeleteSmooch gets the rattlesnake vaccine annually. The last time I asked about the equine version, our vet said it was too new and not enough was known about it, but I will definitely ask again. Thanks!
DeleteOn a day crammed full with appointments and stress, my thoughts still traveled to NM, worrying but hoping that Hank has begun to really feel way better and can go home pronto. We all need you to be well, Hank, and your mom to be happy!! So, sending tons of healing vibes...
ReplyDeleteWarm fuzzy thoughts and gentle pats sent Hank's way. I hope that you feel better very soon!
ReplyDeleteHave you heard from the vet yet today?
ReplyDelete(((((((((((((((((HANK & ALL THE GANG & MAMA CARSON)))))))))))))))))) HUGS and lots of prayers are being sent your way!!! from WV! GET WELL HANK!!! YOU BEAUTIFUL BOY!!! XOXOXOX
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts for your boy!
ReplyDeleteSending hugs to you and Hank and the rest of your critters!!!
ReplyDeleteHank, get well soon!!!
That snake is going to owe you about 50 dead mice.
ReplyDeletePrayers for Hank. XO
Hope Hank gets well ASAP!
ReplyDeleteWe're all with you, because Hank. And Hank's mom.
ReplyDelete