Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy Not Feeling Her Best – Tempeste Tries to Help

~ John W. Howell

Usually, I roll right into the story, but I must let you know that Twiggy has had an ear infection and a bout of Bell’s palsy. Her symptoms of the ear disease were an unsteady gait and holding her head tilted. This happened when she got up this past Saturday morning. The Producer took her to the emergency vet, and because she was not in a life-threatening condition, the Producer had to wait over five hours. During that time, the symptoms of Bell’s palsy appeared. The right side of her face shows signs of paralysis, and her muzzle is drooping. Once this condition became visible, she was taken into the clinic. She is currently being treated with medication for her ear and is showing signs of improvement. They do not know what causes the palsy, and the symptoms usually subside over time.

She is to be rechecked next week to ensure the medicine has done its work. Since her unsteadiness has improved, it does not appear that there is any neurological involvement at this time.  The check next week will confirm. The photos do not show the extent of her drooping but I felt you should know the circumstances. Now that you know, let’s see how the girls are doing.

“So, Twiggy, since you are not at the top of your game, let me help you.”

“Okay, Tempeste. What do you propose?”

“Well, I think you should go out in the sun, and I’ll keep us safe.”

“Safe from what?”

“You gotta be kidding me. UPS, Amazon, USPS, and FedEx are just waiting for us to show a sign of weakness.”

“Well, you do have a point. We can’t let them get away with bark free.”

“One last check of the front. Nope, no one there.”

“Best give the back a quick once-over.”

“Good suggestion. I’ll do a thorough search.”

“Keep your eye out for water buffaloes and that nasty squirrel.”

“You don’t suppose a water buffalo will try something, do you?”

“You never know. Maybe the panther can do the checking.”

“You know, you may look goofy, but your brain is working really well.  The panther takes her leave.”

“The puma is going to stay right here.”

This area is clear of danger. I gave it a nose sweep.”

“Sounds good.”

“The panther carefully stalks her territory.”

“You are doing a good job.”

“I can report no nefarious critters about. Feel free to sunbathe.”

“You’ve been hanging around Dad too Much. Nefarious indeed.”

“Hey, hold on. There is a weird scent here.”

“What kind of weird scent?”

“It is a fresh puma scent. Cause for alarm.”

“Tempeste. I just walked there. What did you expect?”

“Yeah, you are right. I can tell it’s you.”

“How can you tell?”

“Your feet smell like Frito’s”

“Just what I needed to hear.”

 

118 thoughts on “Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy Not Feeling Her Best – Tempeste Tries to Help”

  5. How scary! I’m glad she’s improving and hope there’s no pain. Between her little sister and her doting parents, I have no doubt she’s getting the best of care. Sending her extra love. (I don’t want to hurt her ears, so sending double the belly rubs to both girls.)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Staci. We have stopped the pain meds, and she is doing very well. She has eaten her normal meals since last night, so we know she is feeling better. Thanks for the belly rubs.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. We were able to stop the pain meds, and she slept very well. She is now eating again, so that is a good sign. Her palsy will take some time, but I think we have rounded the corner on the ear infection. Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Oh poor Twiggy. I’m glad her sister is keeping an eye out for her. A friend of mine (human) had shingles that went into her ear and caused Bell’s palsy. Dot has an ear infection right now so we will keep an eye on her. Give Twiggy a belly rub and Tempeste a pat on the head for being a good sister. 💗💗

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We had no indication that Twiggy had an ear infection. She woke up, holding her head to one side and weaving as she walked. Of course, this would be a weekend when it happened, so there was no option but to go to the emergency clinic. Twiggy and Tempeste thank you for the rub and the pat. Tempeste did insist on a rub, too, so thank you for that as well. I hope Dot’s clears up.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. John, Bell’s Palsy is caused by an inflammation to the facial nerve and usually resolves after a while. I suspect that Twiggy’s ear infection is what caused it by spreading to affect the nerve. All which is great news (to me!) I love that Tempeste is taking care for Twiggy. They do love each other,

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, they do love each other. When Twiggy came back from the clinic, Tempeste was all concerned and gave her a complete check-up. Thanks for the info on the Bell’s.

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  11. Tempeste is such a good panther sister. Nefarious, Fritos and weird scent…yup, Tempeste is leaving no stone unturned. I hope you feel better soon, sweet Twiggy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Miss Lois. I can walk pretty well now, and I don’t fall over when I try to shake my head. (Just between you and me, I stopped trying to shake so we’ll see how that goes later.) I have my appetite back, but Dad won’t give me any more than a normal serving. I still need to rest and figure out a way to get away from Mom when she comes at me with ear and eye drops. Thanks for your good wishes.

      Liked by 2 people

  12. Dearest Twiggy,

    I’m sorry to hear about this but am confident having had a bout of it myself at one time, it will correct itself. I’m glad you have your sister there to keep your spirits up. Just remember, Tempeste would be lost without you, so take it easy and get well.

    Your, Friend,

    Susannah

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Miss Susannah. Yes, Tempeste is a comfort, and I know she misses playing with me. I don’t feel like doing that yet. I do enjoy my food again. For a while, it didn’t even sound good. The rents took me off pain medication, and I sleep very well, so I think the infection is on the run. I don’t often look in a mirror, so I’m not sure how the drooping is doing. I hope you didn’t have to wait too long for it to go away. Thank you so much for your note, and know that I am feeling a lot better. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Oh jeez. Poor Twiggy. Thankfully she’s got a most caring mom and dad as well as a little sister to ensure she is well taken care of. I had no idea dogs could get Bell’s Palsy, too. My cousin had it a few years ago and was most annoyed!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It was new learning for us as well. I thought it was some kind of stroke or something. I had a panic moment when The Producer sent me the photo. When something like that happens in real time it is very concerning. Thaks for the good wishes, Dale.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Miss Tempeste, you are such a sweet sister! Miss Twiggy… you are in such good hands, surrounded by love AND no water buffaloes… BONUS! Angels and I envision that you shall be feeling fantastic in short order. xx

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  16. John, I’m sorry to hear about that. I know how frightening that kind of thing is for me — anything to do with my pets. Plus the five-hour wait is unconscionable. It’s as if all the veterinarians were beamed to another planet. When Crystal’s health suddenly declined the first vet I called gave me a ONE MONTH wait. Sorry. I’ll stop myself before I get the other foot onto that soapbox. I’m very glad to know that Twiggy is responding to the treatment.

    Tempeste genuinely looks concerned. It was lovely to visit with them again today. You had me chuckling… and then “Your feet smell like Frito’s” was a true coffee-snorter. Big hugs to all of you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you liked the post, Teagan. The emergency vet is excellent. The problem is that if your animal isn’t critical, others who are get preferred treatment. It was only after Tempeste’s face drooped that she got a priority.

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  18. I am so sorry about Twiggy not feeling well. It is so sweet of Tempest wanting to help. I did not know dogs could get Bell’s Palsy. A friend of mine as well as my French teacher got Bell’s Palsy but it eventually went away.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh I see. Your comment made me curious so I looked it up. It is pretty much the same thing but Idiopathic Facial Nerve Paralysis is what you call it for dogs and it can be triggered by ear infections.

        Liked by 1 person

  20. Poor Twiggy. Thanks for the backstory. Frito feet maybe bsd, but limburger feet are worse. We had a female Sargeant that came into the library, would kick off her high heels and her feet could empty an entire room from the smell.

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  21. Tempeste seems to be looking out for Twiggy. So sorry to hear about her issue. Funny that Bell’s palsy appeared during a five hour wait. I know she will be well taken care of and is out and about in the sunshine.

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  23. Pingback: Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy Not Feeling Her Best – Tempeste Tries to Help – JAMES KEDZE BLOG

  25. Oh, dear, I do hope Twiggy is feeling better. Looks like Tempeste is being protective … so sweet to see that. Give them from belly rubs from me (with a few extra for Twiggy 😉)🩷

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Five hours?! Oh, my goodness. The producer deserves extra dessert and plenty of hugs. And little Twiggy, I hope she recovers very quickly. ❤️💙❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Twiggy is in such great hands with the most wonderful parents and sister a girl could ask for. And these beautiful ladies give special meaning to “the show must go on” because they didn’t miss a beat!

    Hugs to Twiggy.

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Thank you for the link Teagan and John I didn’t know you had Frenchies therefore I will be checking in every Thursday now I am sorry to hear about Twiggy I hope she continues to improve :)x

    Liked by 1 person

  32. So sorry to hear Twiggy hasn’t been up to snuff, and I pray she’ll be back to herself soon! It’s so hard when our pups don’t feel well — and I can imagine something like what you’ve described would be worrisome. Five hours’ wait time? That sounds exorbitant. Twiggy’s lucky to have such a caring little sis!

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  33. Awww, dear Twiggy…so sorry you’re not 100%. We will begin sending intensive healing digital energy your way. Feel better sweetie. At least your sister is looking out for your best interests as you convalesce.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Miss Monika. Yes, Tempeste is a comfort, although I don’t feel like playing with her. I am eating now and feel pretty good. Not 100% but better. Thank you for the lovely wishes. Say hi to that handsome devil, Wilson

      Liked by 1 person

  34. When Bells palsy is caught early, there is usually full recovery. Thank goodness Twiggy was already at the vet when it happened. Tempeste is being such a good sister. Give the girls a hug for me.

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  35. Sounds like a five-hour wait was a blessing in disguise. (Even though I’m sure The Producer was weary after all that time.) Saying prayers that Twiggy has a full recovery.

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  36. Fritos? 😂

    Get well soon dear Twiggy!

    Could you or Tempseste please tell dad I have to come back tomorrow, after I get home from doing stuff.

    I’ve been swamped over on Robbie’s blog. I still haven’t answered all the comments.

    Tempeste, you are taking great care of Twiggy. Perhaps don’t mention foot odour. Then again, you guys have a lot of scents. sense. cents.

    OX OX OX

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