Update on Pepper

She is going to be transferred to my regular vet practice (in the same building) within the hour. 

No real change overnight - she's still on her side and isn't trying to stand or anything, but if you put greens in front of her nose she will eat them "very enthusiastically" and accepted syringe-feeding just as happily.  But they are a ltitle worried because she hasn't pooped.  So for now she's no worse but she's not really better either.

If it's infection-based, I'll do everything I can to help her pull through.  But I've decided that if it's neurological I may let her go.  If there is a chance she'll recover, even partially, then she gets it - she'll adapt to just about anything.  But if there isn't any real prognosis for improvement, I won't force her.

I'll know more in a few hours.

Well, I spoke with the vet

News is not good at all.  She says Pepper is not very alert (described her as "dull") and is still breathing very fast - she can't be sure if it's respiratory problems, pain, or stress.  So they are keeping her on oxygen and under observation while they wait for test results.  They are doing blood work (including an e. cunniculi titre) and x-rays.  She is considered critical enough that the emergency vet will need to monitor her overnight as well

Thank the gods that I 1) have some room left on the credit cards and 2) have pet insurance that should reimburse most of this.

If anyone can do anything, it's Chicago Exotics.  I just don't know if anyone can do anything.

Will know more later today.

news is not good

Pepper is refusing to eat, even when fresh hay is actually put in her mouth.  She is in GI stasis, and being force-fed and given IV fluids.  She's not fighting to right herself - just lying there limp.  They've taken her off oxygen - It didn't seem to be doing any good, they had put her on it to reduce any stress she might have from breathing problems, but it looks like she's just breathing fast because she's in pain and scared.  She's getting pain meds, antibiotics, got motility drugs, and will be starting an anti=parasite treatment this afternoon just in case.

But if she doesn't pick up in the next few hours there may not be anything they can do.

news is not good

Pepper is refusing to eat, even when fresh hay is actually put in her mouth.  She is in GI stasis, and being force-fed and given IV fluids.  She's not fighting to right herself - just lying there limp.  They've taken her off oxygen - It didn't seem to be doing any good, they had put her on it to reduce any stress she might have from breathing problems, but it looks like she's just breathing fast because she's in pain and scared.  She's getting pain meds, antibiotics, got motility drugs, and will be starting an anti=parasite treatment this afternoon just in case.

But if she doesn't pick up in the next few hours there may not be anything they can do.