Nutmeg's Road to Recovery

29/12/2022

This is nutmeg and Sadie as a baby. Sweet nutmeg was a normal dog and was returned to me emaciated and 2 broken legs at 5 years old. She is very happy living with us has all her weight back and has problems walking but is a happy dog.

20/12/2021

Nutmeg update: the previous family asked to see nutmeg since they were in town. Of course I was hesitant but realized how nutmeg was taken suddenly from the kids so my daughter and I thought this could be closure for the family. The more and more I learn what happens the more I come to the conclusion that they just didn’t know how to help nutmeg when their vet instructed them to do the wrong thing for nutmeg. They never raised a dog before. Remember nutmeg was a very happy energetic dog with them for the first 4 years until she became injured and their vet misguiding them. Nutmeg after a 1 1/2 years was very happy to see them. Nutmeg smiled and walked for them. She was very excited to see the family. It doesn’t matter how much time passes dogs remember their family. It was emotional for both parties. It gave them closure. Nutmeg is happy with us but she was happy to see her old family. I got permission to post their pics.

Another update: my vet is trying to find someone to make custom splints for her front legs. If anyone on here knows of any PT or vet that makes them this will make nutmeg be able to be a normal dog and walk.

14/10/2021

She loves my daughter so much. This is her reaction when she left the car.

14/10/2021

My dogs take turns to get a puppacino. Nutmeg’s turn. You can see her front paws sideways in this pic. This is why she will need splints. It will help her walk. She’s a happy dog!

07/10/2021

Nutmeg update: chillin by the pool. She walked up there on her own. Still saving money to buy her custom splints for front legs. But she’s happy.

17/01/2021

She loved going in the wagon. Happy day today.

17/01/2021

Nutmeg Update: she has no desire to walk. I had an idea get the leash and see if she will walk that way. We put the leash lightly on her and she walked a short distance but walked. FYI she’s still on steroids which ruined her coat and bloated her out. She doesn’t eat much so we know it’s the steroids. We’ve tried weaning her off but she isn’t good without her steroids. We hate having her on those long term not good for her but we’ve tried many times. She will be getting more bloodwork done to see if she’s still anemic. For now she’s living her best life the best she can.

28/09/2020

Nutmeg Update: sorry it’s been awhile. I had surgery and was recovering. Nutmeg gained all her weight back. We reduced her steroids to only 1/2 a pill a day. She is still on gabapentin, iron, folate. She goes in tomorrow to get blood
Work to see how her red blood cells are doing. She over heats very easily so she is very happy shaved. We can see under her skin she has some very dry spots. She’s eating well. We still give her open farm kibble with open fa stew and pumpkin. She eats out of her paper bowl. She will only eat out of a paper bowl.

17/08/2020

Nutmeg update: she is now on more gabapentin and started on steroids. She is doing so well on steroids. She’s walking a little better, more alert. He said the paw pads are thick due to not walking. I just hope when we wean her off steroids she doesn’t go back the way she was. Photo credit: Caitlin Gresham

08/08/2020

08/08/2020

Today not a good day for nutmeg. The previous owner said she randomly yelps at night. My daughter said she does it with her as well. Random yelp. Also she doesn’t close her eyes. She always sleeps with eyes open never ever closes her eyes that we noticed. She only p*es 2x a day, p**ps 1x a day and never wants to drink water or eat and we still syringe her. I’m just at a loss. No clue what is going on. She shows no emotion and has zero will to do anything.

04/08/2020

Nutmeg update: her TAMU testing came back and she has dangerously low folate. So she is now on folate once a day as well as her other meds. She doesn’t want to drink water so we really soak the food to get fluids in her. She’s walking a little better but her legs and paw pads hurt. She had to be shaved to get her hair off her body because she is running hot and since we took the bulk of her hair off she has been a lot better on the panting. We will have to see how she does on meds and hope for the best. Thank you for all your support❤️ please excuse the dirty towel a dog had an accident and my daughter was cleaning it. Also Bailey is overweight but he has a very bad heart and will be turning 14 years old. He has a lot of fluid.

28/07/2020

Nutmeg update. One step forward two steps back. She ate mush out of a bowl but needs to be syringed food most of the day. We had to bring her in for a blood panel that will be sent to Texas A&M for study for gastro issues. This was a pricey work up study but I did have someone call in for a donation to cover that thank you so much. She has very bad diarrhea still so I’m adding more fiber to the liquid food. We are all still fighting for her. Hopefully this big blood study will show something with her gastro. If anyone can donate anything helps even small donations help. Thank you so much for your support.

25/07/2020

Nutmeg update: she still doesn’t eat on her own but does take the syringe. She sometimes will potty on herself but I don’t blame her. She still has diarrhea so we are adding fiber kibble blended in with her critical care food. Monday if she still has the runs then we will do the Pricey bloodwork and send it off to the Texas University to study for gastro issues. But she wags her tail and as as happy as she can be under the circumstances. Thanks for the support.

23/07/2020

Sweet precious Nutmeg got her to sit up. She can’t get all the way up yet.

22/07/2020

This is how I feed nutmeg all day long. She had some regular p**p today. Still doesn’t have strength and sleeps but at least she’s holding down the calories. The food is expensive and I’m still paying the vet bills. If you can donate that would be great. If not just the prayer support is enough. Thank you.

https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2455563900289024013

https://www.paypal.me/debbieandresen

https://www.facebook.com/donate/2456254171332787/?fundraiser_source=external_url

21/07/2020

Update: I syringe feed her 3 cans of critical nutrient a day. She’s gained 2 lbs since I’ve had her. She is on iron 2x a day plus stomach meds. She seems a little more responsive to us wagging her tail but still just wants to lay down since her body is weak and she has no muscles in her legs. Day by day but not giving up.

18/07/2020

Nutmeg isn’t having a good day today. She stopped eating and her diarrhea came back. Took her to the vet and for now we will syringe feed her only and continue with stomach meds. The doc and I are still not giving up.

18/07/2020

Nutmeg. Here are some pictures of Nutmeg from 2016-2019 that the previous owner sent me. The one in the wagon was a year ago. I just wish there was an answer so we can get her better. Thank you everyone for all your support.

18/07/2020

Nutmeg’s daily meds

17/07/2020

update on Nutmeg: she spent the day at the vet yesterday. Parasite negative, valley fever negative. She did barium test and no foreign body. It’s a mystery. The doc spoke with a specialist and it will take a month to get in. She fell this morning but my daughter is such a big help to me she carries her everywhere. I feed her chicken, baby ge**er meat sticks, chicken broth. I syringe feed her water and A/D. I just have to focus on feeding her all day long and getting her to gain a lot of weight. She’s on iron supplements and appetite stimulant. On a positive note she’s gained 1 pound. Woo hoo! My medical bills keep rising. I won’t give up and neither is the vet. If anyone can donate or say a prayer that would be so appreciated. Thank you.

16/07/2020

Update on Nutmeg. Partial bloodwork came back and she’s extremely anemic, very low protein, hemoglobin is elevated, liver is abnormal due to extreme malnourishment. We started giving her iron supplements. She eats 6x a day very small amounts rice, chicken, turkey meat, and hamburger meat, with pumpkin. Any protein. Doc even suggested protein shakes vanilla of course. Waiting for more tests and valley fever results. She is getting another X-ray tomorrow to rule out foreign body in Tummy so she has to go on an empty stomach. She still doesn’t move only tries to sit up when she has to p*e or if she is hurting. She has extreme atrophy on all legs that she doesn’t walk very well. Too weak her body hurts. But we won’t stop till we get answers.

15/07/2020

This is Nutmeg the night we got her. She can’t really walk and she wouldn’t eat. At least she’s eating my home cooked meal that I made for her. She stayed the day with my vet today. Just picked her up and fed her lots of protein. Doc said he wants me to give her lots of protein to put some weight on her. I need to feed her 6 times a day. Syringe protein shakes and water as well. He sent off valley fever testing. We will wait for those results. In the meantime while waiting for the pathologist we will feed her constantly. I also love that my vet said we will not give up on her.

14/07/2020

My frustration is how did a vet office in a different state and been taking care of this dog for over 4 years miss this. I feel it was neglect on their part. She was just seen on 7/8 in Vegas, I got her on 7/11 and I cried. I called that vet and demanded answers. They told me the dog is fine per records. they must be viewing the wrong records or the wrong dog because this dog is slowly dying. I am furious.

14/07/2020

I hope everyone is ok with the ongoing updates on Nutmeg. She was dropped off at my vet this morning. My vet who I trust completely called me and said this poor dog is sick. He said I don’t know why on earth the Vegas vet (who’s seen her last 4 years) and the first pet said the dog is ok. He said he hates to spend my money but this dog needs a lot of testing and more xrays. She has absolutely zero muscle mass he said. She’s in bad shape. I asked if she can be saved and he said let’s continue to test to find out what is going on. This poor baby has been suffering slowly for so long. Let’s pray we get answers soon and let’s pray we can move in a positive direction. Thanks again for support we are going to need it. This picture was last night. This is all she does she’s so weak. She has to be carried. I REFUSE TO GIVE UP!!

14/07/2020

I wanted to personally thank everyone who has donated money and also who is supporting Nutmeg through this journey by the sweet comments and prayers. She will have ongoing medical care and more testing. She is going to my regular vet tomorrow then to an internal medicine specialist. They suspect a infectious disease but doesn’t know what it is. I will keep everyone updated as we see doctors. Thank you so much.

14/07/2020

Update:just spoke with the ER vet. She is a mystery. She thinks there is a mystery infectious disease going on eating her nutrition from her body. She will need a internal med doctor and a ton more testing. She is anemic and currently doing radiographs to rule things out. She said it’s going to be a long expensive process but feels she has a chance at life with medical intervention. We’re sending blood off to pathology. I hope to pick her up tonight and feed her a home cooked dinner and the meds that will be provided. Admin Approved!! Update on Nutmeg (I will be changing her name because I don't want her to be reminded of what she has been through). I took her to First Pet ( I ended up taking her out because I didn't like the care she was going to be receiving so I took her to the ER on Juniper which I love).
The doctor agrees that the Vet in Vegas missed so many things in the past 3 years of medical records. She is just as frustrated as I am. Nutmeg has been suffering for 3 years. She is suspecting tick borne disease, valley fever or something infectious disease. she barely has any platelets and she is extremely weak and lethargic and you can feel and see her bones and deterioration. I believe nutmeg deserves to live a life I intended her to have so I am having the ER run a ton of tests, X-rays, sending blood off to Infectious disease. everything to save this girl. She is a very sick dog.
I never ever have asked for help, money or anything. I usually only asks friends or breeder friends to help pet sit or to help in an emergency. But I am asking if I can get donations or just prayer for her that would be awesome. If you would like to help and donate to her recovery she is currently at the Venmo -Andresen or PayPal [email protected]. I will not push this because I don't want anyone to feel pressured. Just a prayer would be ok. thank you so much for listening and thank you for being kind. I will also take name suggestions. I was looking for a Hawaiian name meaning beauty, sweet, angel etc.. but any names would be great for suggestion.
$140 first pet already paid
$1200 min. At Arizona Emergency that’s just to get her started on testing. She will need ongoing care when they figure out what she has. (Again this ER is awesome and cares to get answers for Nutmeg)

14/07/2020

Picked her up from ER. She will need a lot of ongoing medical care.

14/07/2020

Update:just spoke with the ER vet. She is a mystery. She thinks there is a mystery infectious disease going on eating her nutrition from her body. She will need a internal med doctor and a ton more testing. She is anemic and currently doing radiographs to rule things out. She said it’s going to be a long expensive process but feels she has a chance at life with medical intervention. We’re sending blood off to pathology. I hope to pick her up tonight and feed her a home cooked dinner and the meds that will be provided. Admin Approved!! Update on Nutmeg (I will be changing her name because I don't want her to be reminded of what she has been through). I took her to First Pet ( I ended up taking her out because I didn't like the care she was going to be receiving so I took her to the ER on Juniper which I love).
The doctor agrees that the Vet in Vegas missed so many things in the past 3 years of medical records. She is just as frustrated as I am. Nutmeg has been suffering for 3 years. She is suspecting tick borne disease, valley fever or something infectious disease. she barely has any platelets and she is extremely weak and lethargic and you can feel and see her bones and deterioration. I believe nutmeg deserves to live a life I intended her to have so I am having the ER run a ton of tests, X-rays, sending blood off to Infectious disease. everything to save this girl. She is a very sick dog.
I never ever have asked for help, money or anything. I usually only asks friends or breeder friends to help pet sit or to help in an emergency. But I am asking if I can get donations or just prayer for her that would be awesome. If you would like to help and donate to her recovery she is currently at the Arizona Vetrinary Emergency in Gilbert under Nutmeg or Venmo -Andresen or PayPal [email protected]. I will not push this because I don't want anyone to feel pressured. Just a prayer would be ok. thank you so much for listening and thank you for being kind. I will also take name suggestions. I was looking for a Hawaiian name meaning beauty, sweet, angel etc.. but any names would be great for suggestion.
$140 first pet already paid
$1200 min. At Arizona Emergency that’s just to get her started on testing. She will need ongoing care when they figure out what she has. (Again this ER is awesome and cares to get answers for Nutmeg)

14/07/2020

UPDATE: I got her at 9pm tonight. I won’t go into details but she will need medical care for awhile to get her better. Now I know why she slept all the time. Posting picture (my daughter is holding her) I will keep y’all updated on her progress. Thanks for listening.

14/07/2020

I need to vent... reputable breeders get a bad rap and get blamed for dogs in shelters. But that’s not all true. In my contract I state no matter the circumstance, no matter the age or health that if you no longer want or can care for the dog I get it back. Out of my own pocket I’m picking up a 5 year old cavalier because they don’t want her anymore because she sleeps too much and her vet is drugging it up with anxiety pills.
If your going to invest in a fantastic breed and you get a puppy, please realize cavaliers tend to sleep more at the age of 5. They can’t be puppies forever. But also realize that this breed relies on love and attention. Not loneliness or they will suffer from depression. In my opinion you can’t ask for a better dog.
This is not for negative comments at all or I will shut the comments off. I’m just venting because you have a healthy dog who sleeps more you don’t get rid of it. But this dog will be in a much happier place that will be loved so much.
No more excuses of getting pets and don’t spend time with it or moving or you had a baby and don’t have time. Cavaliers are family. They love being family. They are easy and smart. Reputable Breeders spend so much time and money to make sure each puppy is healthy and socialized and trained.
I’m done venting. Sorry but I needed too. Thank you for listening.