Mint's hospitalisation and his first birthday

Hi everyone! I missed you all!! I am sorry I didn't post anything for such a long time. Thank you very much for all messages you left on my last post about Cookie's first anniversary. Yes, I also think that Cookie is always watching over us.

Well, we moved while I was away from the cyber world. Although I had heard many blog friends talking about moving, I had never moved house after I left Te Aroha where I was born and came to Auckland when I was eight weeks old. To me the move this time was not a big deal at all. I am happy as long as I can be with my family, i.e. Mum, Dad, and Mint.

However, something really frightening happened about ten days before the move. On that Saturday Mint and I went out for a morning walk with Mum, and after coming back home we had breakfast as usual. About one hour or two later Mint suddenly started to vomit repeatedly. He kept vomiting even after he had nothing left to throw up in his tummy. Mum and Dad were so worried about him that they made an appointment with the vet. Luckily there was one slot left in the morning, but they had to wait for about one hour and a half before the appointment. Because the vet clinic was operating on holiday shift, there weren't as many staff as usual.

The vet's diagnosis was that Mint might have swallowed something he shouldn't have. However, it was midday on Saturday and they were unable to do X-rays or any tests that day. So, the vet referred Mint to the Animal Emergency Centre which offers after hour veterinary services.

At the Animal Emergency Centre Mint vomited again, and just before Mum and Dad left the clinic, he started to wobble. At the emergency clinic X-rays were taken and a blood test was done, but nothing was found. Mint had stopped vomiting by then, but after Mum and Dad left the clinic, Mint started to have seizures repeatedly. All the veterinary staff there could do to control his seizures was to anesthetise him. However, when they tried to reduce the doze of the anesthetic, he started to have seizures again. At the same time he was put on IV drip to cleanse his body of any toxic substances he might have eaten.

Mint's 2nd day in the hospital

His 5th day in the hospital

Mint recovered gradually and started to wag his tail again on the third day although he was unable to get up and hold himself. Then physiotherapists at the clinic started rehabilitation with Mint by luring him with some food to encourage him to walk on a sling.

When Mint came back home a week later, he was still unable to walk straight. But, don't worry. He is completely back to his normal self now!! I am so happy to be able to play with him again!

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Mint has turned one year old. Although we couldn't do any special celebration for him, the fact Mint has recovered well is a really nice present not only for him but also for us all.

Happy Belated Birthday, Mint!!