Morse
Morse was born in Summer 1994 and joined us later on that year to the great delight of Elsa. She thoroughly enjoyed mothering him and showing him the ways of the world. Morse has always been an easy going puppy and teenager but had very specific likes and dislikes! Morse was a normal, happy and full of life Dane pup and matured into a wonderful companion. |
Saturday, August 1st 1998 started as a very ordinary day. It was warm and we were on the fields by 8 am. Morse was running around, following all the different scents and generally having a great time, when I noticed that he had started to limp. I checked all his pads and massaged his limbs but could not find anything. As the limping persisted, I put him on the lead and we returned home. Checked him again very carefully but there was nothing to be seen. However, the limping was getting worse and I took him to the Vet. He was checked over by the Vet, who thought that perhaps it could be a trapped nerve or such like, gave him an injection and we returned home.
Walking back from the car to home, things were becoming much worse as Morse was by now dragging his back leg. Fortunately I had a long towel with me which I rolled up and put under his middle to give him support. As we walked towards his bed, he collapsed and was unable to get up. By now, it was after 11 am and I needed to call the emergency Vet out. Fortunately he was willing to visit. His diagnosis was a possible Vertebral Malfunction or Acute Cervical Disc Prolapse with a referral to a Veterinary Hospital in Wimbledon for a MRI scan and examination by a Neurological Consultant.
Walking back from the car to home, things were becoming much worse as Morse was by now dragging his back leg. Fortunately I had a long towel with me which I rolled up and put under his middle to give him support. As we walked towards his bed, he collapsed and was unable to get up. By now, it was after 11 am and I needed to call the emergency Vet out. Fortunately he was willing to visit. His diagnosis was a possible Vertebral Malfunction or Acute Cervical Disc Prolapse with a referral to a Veterinary Hospital in Wimbledon for a MRI scan and examination by a Neurological Consultant.
The next two days were nightmarish. My poor Boy was somewhat restless due to his paralysis and my state of mind probably did not help as, yes, I was distressed not knowing what was happening to Morse. I managed to give him small meals of fresh chicken (his favourite) and small amounts of water with a large syringe. Of course the time came when he needed to spend a penny and was getting very agitated as he wanted to get up and go to the garden. I have a male urine bottle and with a little pressure on his bladder he managed to make a pee in the bottle. He seemed quite pleased with himself and for the next couple of days that is how we managed the calls of nature. At night-time, I camped downstairs and slept next to him. On Sunday the Vet. came to check him over again, confirm the arrangements made with the Vet. Hospital and gave him some more injections.
Monday morning came and I was ready to take Morse to Wimbledon but needed help to carry him to the car, as it's quite impossible for me to lift a 70 Kilo Gt. Dane on my own. With the help of the Vet and two windowcleaners, a stretcher was made with a strong sheet. With me holding his head and reassuring him, the four of us took him to my car. Upon arrival at the Vet. Hospital there was a lot of help available and Morse was taken into a large kennel. I insisted that I wanted to stay with Morse but unfortunately the Consultant refused and I had to leave my poor boy to the good care of the nurses.
Monday morning came and I was ready to take Morse to Wimbledon but needed help to carry him to the car, as it's quite impossible for me to lift a 70 Kilo Gt. Dane on my own. With the help of the Vet and two windowcleaners, a stretcher was made with a strong sheet. With me holding his head and reassuring him, the four of us took him to my car. Upon arrival at the Vet. Hospital there was a lot of help available and Morse was taken into a large kennel. I insisted that I wanted to stay with Morse but unfortunately the Consultant refused and I had to leave my poor boy to the good care of the nurses.
Morse had his MRI scan on the Tuesday morning and I was not due to visit him until later that afternoon, when the Vet.Hospital called, informing me that Morse was very ill indeed. Upon arrival at the Hospital, I demanded to see Morse. He was unable to move but the end of his tail gave a slight wag as a sign of a loving greeting. He was linked up to a drip and had lost a lot of weight. As the Medical Staff wanted to monitor him, I could spend only a little time with him. I gently cupped his head and whispered sweet nothings in his ear, encouraging him to get well.
Morse's MRI showed that he was suffering from a Neurological disorder resulting from Fibrocartilagenous Embolism C6, hence the paralysis on his left side. I was told that the causes of this disorder are unknown and that it is something that can happen to 'anybody at any time'. A frightening prospect really. The likelihood of Morse recovering was good. However, he would need a lot of care and the extent of his recovery could not be predicted.
Morse's MRI showed that he was suffering from a Neurological disorder resulting from Fibrocartilagenous Embolism C6, hence the paralysis on his left side. I was told that the causes of this disorder are unknown and that it is something that can happen to 'anybody at any time'. A frightening prospect really. The likelihood of Morse recovering was good. However, he would need a lot of care and the extent of his recovery could not be predicted.
The reason that Morse was so poorly was due to some medication he had during the weekend (nsaid). He was suffering from internal bleeding, had diarrhoea and had lost a lot of weight within a short period of time and the next few hours were critical. If by the afternoon he had recovered a little, then there was a good chance for a full recovery from his internal bleeding but if he was no better then the chances of survival were slight....
By now, it was 11 o'clock in the morning and I was not due back to see Morse until 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I felt numb and called a friend, when it suddenly hit me that this might be the last time I would see my precious "Little Boy". An internal 'NO'scream came from within the deepest part of my Being and by the time I spoke to my friend, I was sobbing my heart out; standing in a phonebox in the middle of Wimbledon.... Eventually, getting some control over myself, I walked around, had a coffee and watched the slow progress my watch made towards 4pm.
The news was good. When I walked into Morse's kennel, he lifted his head and wagged his tail; he was out of danger. I thanked God for sparing Morse's life and also thanked Morse for wanting to continue to share his life with me.
By now, it was 11 o'clock in the morning and I was not due back to see Morse until 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I felt numb and called a friend, when it suddenly hit me that this might be the last time I would see my precious "Little Boy". An internal 'NO'scream came from within the deepest part of my Being and by the time I spoke to my friend, I was sobbing my heart out; standing in a phonebox in the middle of Wimbledon.... Eventually, getting some control over myself, I walked around, had a coffee and watched the slow progress my watch made towards 4pm.
The news was good. When I walked into Morse's kennel, he lifted his head and wagged his tail; he was out of danger. I thanked God for sparing Morse's life and also thanked Morse for wanting to continue to share his life with me.
As I have some practical nursing care experience, Morse was allowed home a couple of days later. There was much to prepare and organize. The center of my living room was cleared of furniture. The central area was lined with plastic with newspaper on top and then covered with a large white cotton sheet with his mattress/vetbed in the middle.
The long awaited day arrived and Morse was placed on his mattress in the middle of the living room looking but a shadow of his former self. The Neurologist gave me a long list of instructions and made herself available for any further support I might need. I knew that if Morse was to make a full recovery the first thing which was needed, was to build up his strength and to keep up his morale. With the help of some friends I arranged a rota by which we could get him up twice a day so that he could go to the toilet in the garden, keep his dignity, get some fresh air and slowly build up his strength again.
The long awaited day arrived and Morse was placed on his mattress in the middle of the living room looking but a shadow of his former self. The Neurologist gave me a long list of instructions and made herself available for any further support I might need. I knew that if Morse was to make a full recovery the first thing which was needed, was to build up his strength and to keep up his morale. With the help of some friends I arranged a rota by which we could get him up twice a day so that he could go to the toilet in the garden, keep his dignity, get some fresh air and slowly build up his strength again.
Morse was utterly wonderful. He needed to be turned every hour in order to prevent pressure sores and as soon as he knew what I was trying to do, he would relax and make it possible for me to turn him. As a result of the diarrhoea his bottom area was very sore and the whole area needed to be covered in a soothing cream. I can't say that he greatly enjoyed the process but did not complain and in his own sweet way was very cooperative. We had our fun times too. For me, the most 'boring' part of his care was the physiotherapy. Every joint of his feet needed to be moved in a certain way together with his limbs and the whole area massaged. The whole process was put into rhyme and a simple little tune. Morse's expression was a picture. It was as if he was asking me if I had gone completely mad....For the first few days of Morse being back home, I slept downstairs next to him. Somehow Morse was able to wriggle about and enjoyed nestling his head near to mine. The stresses of the last few days were starting to take their toll and by now I was feeling quite exhausted and decided that I really needed to get a good night sleep and went back to my own bed.
During those first few days, and seeing Morse lie on his bed, unable to move; the thought crossed my mind that perhaps it would have been kinder to let him go...I know that some people around me were thinking that. How would we cope, if Morse were never to be able to stand up again...
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During those first few days, and seeing Morse lie on his bed, unable to move; the thought crossed my mind that perhaps it would have been kinder to let him go...I know that some people around me were thinking that. How would we cope, if Morse were never to be able to stand up again...
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There were many problems to overcome of which the most urgent was to get a practical means to help us with lifting him. Eventually, I found a company which made special dogmobility equipment. Within a few days we were equipped with a harness for both his front and back. It most definitely made things easier. Morse grew stronger day by day and was getting used to his daily routine. In the morning, he waited patiently for my friend to come as he knew that it was then his time to get out and about. Little by little we taught him to 'stand' using his left side as 'support'. On the same principle we taught him to 'walk' and literally putting each paw forward. The funny thing was that I had to remember the exact sequence of how dogs moved their legs... Morse thoroughly enjoyed this and as he was getting more confident, he would let us know exactly which way he wanted to go to.
After a couple of weeks and as Morse was getting stronger, I found a way to stand him up to feed him. It was only due to Morse's help that I was able to do this at all. I needed to get him in a certain position, then whilst I pulled his left side up, he would struggle and straighten his right side, till he stood...I'm still not quite sure how we managed that, but we did....By now, I was feeling fairly ambitious and from time to time attempted to get Morse standing and 'walking' one foot at a time, till one day we slipped, fell and I hit my head on the dustbin... By now it was nearly the end of the month of August and Morse's Dogmobile arrived. (see picture) It looked enormous but just might help Morse to start walking on his own...
After a couple of weeks and as Morse was getting stronger, I found a way to stand him up to feed him. It was only due to Morse's help that I was able to do this at all. I needed to get him in a certain position, then whilst I pulled his left side up, he would struggle and straighten his right side, till he stood...I'm still not quite sure how we managed that, but we did....By now, I was feeling fairly ambitious and from time to time attempted to get Morse standing and 'walking' one foot at a time, till one day we slipped, fell and I hit my head on the dustbin... By now it was nearly the end of the month of August and Morse's Dogmobile arrived. (see picture) It looked enormous but just might help Morse to start walking on his own...
For some reason, he must have read my mind...as the very next day...he struggled up by himself ... and was standing! He was still very unsteady on his feet but through his courage, had broken a psychological barrier. His rehabilitation programme could now start. We had several mini walks around the block, car outings and I gradually started taking him out to his favourite places.
His consultant was very pleased with his progress. He had acupuncture and gradually became his old self. He started to run again and his walks became a little longer...
Morse has always had a fairly natural diet in the sense that he ate tripe, minced chicken, some veggies, biscuit and a piece of fresh chicken with his main meat meal. This, I must confess was at his own request and to put it in his language, "no fresh chicken, no eating...". As a youngster, we struggled with upset tummies. I really tried everything I knew, till one day I decided to separate his protein and carbohydrates, so that he had his biscuit meal in the morning and his meaty meal at night and his digestion improved dramatically.
His consultant was very pleased with his progress. He had acupuncture and gradually became his old self. He started to run again and his walks became a little longer...
Morse has always had a fairly natural diet in the sense that he ate tripe, minced chicken, some veggies, biscuit and a piece of fresh chicken with his main meat meal. This, I must confess was at his own request and to put it in his language, "no fresh chicken, no eating...". As a youngster, we struggled with upset tummies. I really tried everything I knew, till one day I decided to separate his protein and carbohydrates, so that he had his biscuit meal in the morning and his meaty meal at night and his digestion improved dramatically.
Now, 18 months later, Morse is enjoying life to the full. A few months ago I started him on a BARF diet which he greatly enjoyed, especially all the rmb he was receiving. His coat is shiny and he is looking a picture of health.
I have also done some research in the question of vaccine damage. I really don't know if the Embolism is the result of vaccine damage and to be quite honest, I would feel too guilty at the thought. However, it has now been decided that Morse will not have any further vaccinations.
I have also done some research in the question of vaccine damage. I really don't know if the Embolism is the result of vaccine damage and to be quite honest, I would feel too guilty at the thought. However, it has now been decided that Morse will not have any further vaccinations.
My son, Marc, has dedicated a
beautiful card to Morse's Memory.
GOODBYE Morse
From time to time Life offers us the privilege to take care of a very special Little Star.
That privilege was offered to me, with Morse.Morse was a lovely puppy, very easy and yet not beyond the small 'puppy sins'which we all remember with warmth, once they have grown -up.He had a particular liking for the plaster from the walls and the stuffingfrom his mattress. I shall never forget the scene upon my homecoming oneevening; Morse sitting next to his mattress, covered from head to toe inwhite stuffing and Elsa lying quietly on the other side of the mattress with a pained expression, as if to say; "Sorry but there is nothing I could do about this".....
As an adult, Morse bravely accepted certain physical limitations imposed upon him after his courageous recovery from an embolism. He was happy and content just being with me, and I just loved his company and we were rarely separated.
_______________________________
Beginning of July, a small swelling appeared on his very best leg (R-fore)
and he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Because of the weakness on his left side, amputation was out of the question and I decided, that now the most important thing for Morse, was his quality of life and pain management as and when required.
For many weeks to come, Morse made a point of wanting to go out and enjoyed spending time in his favourite woods and fields, have a hearty breakfast,even if during the afternoon he felt a little more tired.
He started to struggle yesterday evening and I called out the emergency vet, who gave Morse an injection to relief pain and ensure that he would spend a peaceful night. We spent his last night together, side by side and sharing a duvet, as he was feeling cold.
________________________________
Today, September 4th, 2000 his head cuddled against my chest and with my son Marc beside him, we helped him to cross the Rainbowbridge.
His heart will always be held within mine, just as mine will be held within his.
From time to time Life offers us the privilege to take care of a very special Little Star.
That privilege was offered to me, with Morse.Morse was a lovely puppy, very easy and yet not beyond the small 'puppy sins'which we all remember with warmth, once they have grown -up.He had a particular liking for the plaster from the walls and the stuffingfrom his mattress. I shall never forget the scene upon my homecoming oneevening; Morse sitting next to his mattress, covered from head to toe inwhite stuffing and Elsa lying quietly on the other side of the mattress with a pained expression, as if to say; "Sorry but there is nothing I could do about this".....
As an adult, Morse bravely accepted certain physical limitations imposed upon him after his courageous recovery from an embolism. He was happy and content just being with me, and I just loved his company and we were rarely separated.
_______________________________
Beginning of July, a small swelling appeared on his very best leg (R-fore)
and he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Because of the weakness on his left side, amputation was out of the question and I decided, that now the most important thing for Morse, was his quality of life and pain management as and when required.
For many weeks to come, Morse made a point of wanting to go out and enjoyed spending time in his favourite woods and fields, have a hearty breakfast,even if during the afternoon he felt a little more tired.
He started to struggle yesterday evening and I called out the emergency vet, who gave Morse an injection to relief pain and ensure that he would spend a peaceful night. We spent his last night together, side by side and sharing a duvet, as he was feeling cold.
________________________________
Today, September 4th, 2000 his head cuddled against my chest and with my son Marc beside him, we helped him to cross the Rainbowbridge.
His heart will always be held within mine, just as mine will be held within his.