An Experience I'll Never Forget...
 

A couple of days ago, I noticed while taking Gracie out to potty, that one of her back legs, she kinda hobbled on. I checked out the leg, knee for some type of injury and she was fine, so I dismissed it thinking it was because she had been laying on her side too long...I should have taken it as a sign.

This morning, at 5:00 a.m., my husband comes into the bedroom. "SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH GRACIE!" He was holding her. I immediately jumped up to hearing her panting excessively. "WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH HER?", I asked. "I DON'T KNOW, I WALKED INTO THE KITCHEN AND SHE WAS JUST LAYING THERE. SHE CAN'T GET UP AND SHE'S SHAKING!", he replied.

I jumped out of bad and grabbed her. I called a very dear friend of mine who has dealt with eclampsia. It was my fear and that is what she said. "SHE'S GOT ECLAMPSIA, GET HER TO A VET, NOW!" Hung up with her and immediately went to the kitchen to get the phone book and phone.

I called Dr. Barrett...one of my 3 vets. Bless Dr. Barrett. He's 90 years old and still practicing. I told Dr. Barrett my suspicions. He replied, "WELL, SHE NEEDS CALCIUM!" He met me there out of the goodness of his heart.

Gracie was panting, tremoring all over her body, drooling excessively. It's something that I'll never forget. He gave her a mega dose, in the form of a shot, of calcium. It took less than a minute. The tremors stopped, the drooling stopped and she stopped panting. I'm suppose to keep her away from the puppies for 3-4 hours and he gave me Calsorb in case anything happens again and also some puppy formula.

I put her on the floor to walk and that little hobble was there. Could that have been the first sign? Brought her home and she's walking fine, but her walk is something that I'll be watching for.

What I don't understand is, I've been feeding her dry food, canned puppy food mixed with cottage cheese, chicken soup with rice. I hadn't been doing the calcium supplements because of the warnings against her body becoming dependent on them. Forget that, I'm going back to the calcium supplements. That same breeder friend and I had spoken about it before. Some dogs get it, some dogs never get it but once you've experienced it, you'll never forget it.

I've gotta go feed the puppies but I wanted to share this with you. I was so scared I was going to loose my girl and couldn't stop crying. But for now, looks like my girl's gonna make it.

Oh my goodness you must have been SO scared, im so happy you caught it in time poor Gracie, i hope she feels better SOON!! Ill keep her in my thoughts. Please keep us posted on how shes doing, big hugs to her from us!

:getwellso

I'm so glad tht Gracie is doing better. How terrifying for you and your whole family to go through. Thank goodness you got her to the vet in time.

Oh Kim, I know how scared you must have been..

I have been through this in the past and at least you had a good outcome. I didn't and Cricket and her death came over me like a wave when I read your post. I didn't get the kind of help you did and I am so thankful when I hear of a case like yours.

I will keep Gracie and you in my prayers. Keep a close eye on her ( I know you will ) and I am sure all will be well.

How horrible! Poor Cricket! :(

I just got through feeding the babies and made them potty...boy, they sure did pee a lot. :(

scary
 

Eclampsia is very scary. It is a miracle what a shot of calcium will do...thank God for it.
I do not give a calcuim suppliment before whelping, but can find no reason not to giving it after whelping. This is the advise of vets and breeders I know well..best wishes

OMG Kimberly I had my heart pounding reading this - THANK GOD you got to the vet in time and way to go - your husband and you did great... and I would think if you've never had experience with this - then how were you to know when you saw her hobble a little ? is that a sign of eclampsia ? What a good thing your husband was up so early and good thing you are so close to your vet & how great of him to meet you that early ! Time is so valuable when dealing with an emergency - What a great guy and he deserves a nice dinner on YOU now :) !

Big hugs to you and Gracie - Bless her heart I'm SO GLAD SHE IS OK now !!

hasrv4fun///how sad for you - that really must have been hard to get over and I'm sorry about your Cricket.

Oh Kim, I am so sorry you had to go through that!!! Bitsy had it twice with her puppies and I do think it's the most scarey thing I've ever been through :( Bitsy had it really bad both times and she had to spend the night at the vet hospital. Do keep a VERY close eye on Gracie...the wobbly legs and lethargy and excessive panting are signs and siezures...it's is SOOOOOOO scary!!! Watch her like a hawk!!!

Thank goodness!
 

Thank goodness you were able to react so quickly and you have a vet who was good enough to help you so fast! Give poor Gracie a hug from me, and I hope this is the last episode you both have...

Good luck with the pups. You've got a lot ahead of you, poor Kim!

Take care! :animal36

Thank you Villette- Its been 5 years , almost and I just found out while PM ing Kim that I definitely am not over it . Thats part of being a Yorkie Mama I guess, just as if it was a skin child, you just don't stop having the hurt or tears.

I am just concerned about Gracie now.. But somehow I have a peaceful feeling that Kim gives her such good care and they will both be fine. :) :thumbup:

That is scary, I'm glad she is ok now.
So they need calcium supplements?? How do ya know?

That's so great you're helping her with this and I have a feeling Gracie will be ok too - and I'm just sorry you had a bad outcome with this - I just can't imagine the pain :( I so agree - they really are just like real kids to us.....Cricket sounds very loved and may she rest in peace.

Wow, you must have been so scared. Be grateful for your knowledge and the people around you! I hope Gracie feels better soon.

Oh wow Kim, that is so scary. Im glad that she is ok now, and that you had a great vet that was there when you needed him the most. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. I hope she feels better soon.

hasrv4fun,
Im so sorry about Cricket, RIP.

Poor Gracie! I am so sorry, but very glad that you found her in time and that she is going to be ok. Please give her hugs for us and Zeus sends kisses!