08 September 2008

Saddest Puggie (and Puggie Parents) Ever

Chuck's birthday weekend pretty much sucked. On Saturday, Tropical Storm Hanna paid us a visit and dropped about five inches of rain. Although the rain got Chuck out of class early, we still sat at home and did nothing as it was simply too wet to go outside with a baby with a cold. (Fortunately, though, we got his birthday dinner taken care of Friday night since we knew Hanna was on her way.) We also got in one Scrabble game, but his dear wife is too proud to throw games, especially a game that she is going to win.

Sunday started a little better with a visit to Pug Group. Bruno always has such a great time playing with other puggies and we enjoy the hilarity of it all. Even little Rhett seemed to enjoy watching all the dogs.

But then it got worse. Bruno was showing evidence of some sort of eye problem and by the time I got home from church (the boys all stayed home given Rhett's cold), Bruno looked miserable. He wouldn't come out of his crate when we called (not even when Chuck called--WHOA) and looked like he wanted to die. His left eye was swollen shut and he looked incredibly pained. I took him to the emergency vet and turns out he has a corneal ulcer. For some reason, pugs just can't seem to heal these things properly. He was given some meds (which thankfully included a pain med) and I was told to take him to his regular vet today. The best outcome is that the meds heal the ulcer and he's fine. The worst outcome is that the ulcer ruptures and requires expensive surgery to remove the eye. The thought of this makes me cry (as if looking at the poor dog doesn't do this already).

We love Bruno; he's a part of our family and we want him to get better NOW.


Update: After spending four hours with two vets, one of which was a veterinarian ophthalmologist, we have good news: Bruno will continue to have TWO eyes! Can you imagine if he had lost it? Only one eye and the longest tongue you've ever seen? I think that would have been too much character, even for Bruno.

10 comments:

i {heart} hawkes said...

Duke (my in-laws pug) sends his condolances to Bruno and best wishes for a fast recovery. Not to discount the matter at hand, but what a great family photo! I'm happy to see Bruno's tounge is out, if it were in I'd be a little concerned.

Taste of Champaign said...

So sad for Bruno--but, you guys look way cute. Nice hair cuts for you both! Happy birthday brother!

Gretchen said...

I'm so glad Bruno is going to keep his eyeballs!!

(I think he would have looked like a Pirate Pug if he'd been one-eyed. Which, while sad, would have been kinda hilarious. Especially if he wore a Pug Eye Patch.)

Melissa said...

I'm so happy Bruno will recover from this, with both puggy eyes intact. Get well soon, Bruno!

(And cute picture of the family! Rhett is getting so big.)

emily said...

it makes me want to cry just reading it. although i have not ever met bruno face-to-face, i love him. (i think, though, that i love ALL pugs.)

here's to a speedy recovery for bruno. i'll keep having miles pray for him. :)

emily said...

p.s. do you think something could have happened at pug-group that caused trauma to the eye?

Galby said...

I'm glad to hear Bruno will get to keep both eyes! As a pet parent who's been to the vet's a lot lately I can relate to your worry!!

Sandra said...

Sorry to hear about Bruno's ordeal, but glad to know he'll be just fine. As a parent of an English Setter, I know just how you feel. We've had our share of visits to the vets and one emergency visit to the pets hospital too. Isn't it amazing the things we'll do for our pets?

Niederfam said...

Pug group??? I had NO idea, but seriously I'd like to watch the hilarity as you say, of that one day too!!! As for the Vet, NOT GOOD, so sorry, and I'm wishing Bruno a VERY speedy recovery. CUTE HAIR, when did you do that???? AND darling little family photo!!! :)

Nicole said...

The pic is super adorable. Sorry I didn't see it before now! And poor little doggie!