My Mom passed away suddenly on 24th May and whilst I was away my dogs were being looked after by my landlady. Four days after returning home (Thursday) I noticed that Zara, my seven year old rotti, was not walking properly and as she suffers from arthritis of the hind legs (particularly when its cold), I gave her Rymidal which usually helps her. This time it didn’t and i took her to my vet the following evening. He took ex-rays and diagnosed a twisted back, gave her anti inflammatory injections etc., and sent her home.

By Saturday afternoon Zara was unable to lift her head or stand up on her own never mind try and walk. I sat up with her the whole night massaging her back, keeping her warm with heating pads and used a syringe to give her water and rehydrate her.

By Sunday morning Zara was admitted to a Veterinary Hospital undergoing tests of every kind - blood, fecal, urinary, ex-rays and no diagnose could be made. A catheter was inserted to prevent wetting herself. On Monday morning she had a MRI Scan of the brain and spine which revealed no lesions or slipped disks but that there was slight swelling of the brain but still no diagnosis and had developed diarrhea. On Tuesday she had a cerebral spinal fluid tap and finally we had a diagnosis - distemper with progressive meningitis (highly uncommon for dogs this age particularly after having been vaccinated every year).

Treatment began immediately which involved intravenous doses of cortisone and antibiotics. She slowly began to improve being able to lift herself up onto her sternum, the diarrhea cleared up and she was quite responsive. On the Saturday we carried her into the garden where i with her for 2 hours and when i got up to leave she actually stood up, took four steps and then fell over. I was elated - my girl was on the mend!!!

The following Monday morning the vet said that medically there was nothing further he could do (besides giving her antibiotics and cortisone tablets) and she was then admitted to a hydrotherapy clinic for physiotherapy.

Tuesday morning she could get on on her own, walk a bit although very wobbly on her legs but in the evening she developed a sever nasal discharge. Wednesday she had ex-rays of the lungs as pneumonia was suspected but her lungs were clear. More antibiotics where prescribed. Thursday she started diarrhea again, an eye infection and refuses to eat.

Yesterday (Friday - two weeks later) when i visited her at the clinic (as i have done every day since she has been ill) i became aware that she has lost so much weight!! But still she gets up and walks around with me (still a bit wobbly but a whole lot better), can sit properly, stands and drinks water from her bowl and even has enough muscle control to crouch down for a pee!! She still has diarrhea, a nasal discharge, and eye infection and we still have to force feed her.

This is my furry child and every day I pray for her recovery. Her sister Zoey misses her and is pining badly for her. I cry every night but my heart lurches when I see her and how she is fighting tooth and nail to overcome this. I dont know if i am being selfish trying to keep her alive but i have prayed that if she is not to overcome this that she does not suffer and quitly goes in her sleep. I pray for guidance and for Zara, my cherished companion - please pray for her!