In other news, Gypsy is now a bobble head...

Oh, Gypsy, Gypsy. Where do I begin with Gypsy?

Gypsy has been at the vet since Friday morning thanks to four things that happened Thursday night:

1. Gypsy figured out how to get her ear out of the bandage.


2. Gypsy had a difficult time breathing.


3. Gypsy became lethargic and stopped coming when called.


4. Gypsy’s head started to swell.

Basically, Gypsy was a disaster.

Had I been able to take her to the vet immediately, I would have considered it. But none of her symptoms were causing her too much distress, and we were hoping to avoid an emergency vet bill on top of already mounting medical tab. In hindsight, the problem breathing was the most cause for concern, but at the time I honestly thought it was more due to the head bandage than anything else.

So, we waited.

I didn’t sleep well that night.

The next morning, I loaded Gypsy into the car, and we returned to the doctor. For the fourth time in six days.

Initially, the vet also thought that the difficulty breathing was being caused by the head bandage, but Gypsy continued to have problems even after the wrap was removed. And the bandage was hiding the degree of the swelling, which – according to the vet – was surprisingly extensive.

At first, it was assumed that the difficulty breathing and the swelling was caused by an insect bite or bee sting. But no puncture marks could be found after a thorough examination. After ruling out several other possibilities, it was determined that Gypsy was having an allergic reaction to her post surgery antibiotic.

Because, you know, why not?

Due to the extensive swelling and labored breathing, the vet wanted to keep Gypsy until Saturday or Sunday so they could administer shots of antihistamine every four to six hours, along with an injectable steroid. Gypsy’s mood and activity level increased within hours of the first treatment, and she has continued to improve since.

Yesterday, when the vet called to report in, I thought I would be able to pick Gypsy up and bring her home. The swelling had gone down considerably, but – strangely – the right side of her head and face was still swollen. The vet wanted to try her on a different antibiotic, but – because of the adverse reaction of the other medication – she wanted to keep Gypsy at least another 48 hours to monitor her progress and ensure she tolerated her new meds well.

This, of course, means that I won’t get my baby back until Tuesday at the earliest.

I am in withdrawal from a general lack of Gypsyness. All the dog toys are in the toy basket and I haven’t been stealthily licked in four days. It has all been very tragic for yours truly. Plus, I've been worried sick.

Gypsy, by all accounts, seems to be enjoying her stay in the vet’s hospital wing. I took her bed, kibble and favorite toy up on Friday, and she has been spending time trying to convince the vet techs and doctors to play with her (apparently with a lot of success). She is also so sweet (and looks so pathetic) that everyone has fallen in love with her, and she’s been allowed to hang out with the front desk staff from time to time during the day. I guess it is possible she won’t ever want to leave. Sounds like she’s got it made.

You know she’s milking it for all it is worth...