Monday, November 14, 2022

Fractured

The thing about whippets is that almost everything is quick. Or slow depending on the clock. Oscar spends an hour at full pelt, followed by twenty-three on the sofa... watching me from the corner of his eye, hoping for food, fearing I might leave. .. 

Even for a moment.

Which is all it takes to fracture your skull when you're running at 30 kilometres an hour, towards a ball that a greyhound has spied from the opposite direction. The chase instinct in sighthounds is irrepressible, their focus fixed, and in Oscar's case, his running line so straight that nothing distracts.  It's a joy to watch.

Until bang... 

They collide at a combined speed of 50 kilometres and there's a tumble and Oscar's going head over heels, his legs buckled beneath him... 

And he's not moving anymore.  

As I run towards him he staggers to the owners of the greyhound, and my panic eases - no broken bones... Good boy, I call...  good boy, Oscar... it's alright.

Except it's not.  His head is split and there's blood —lots of it. The greyhound's owners are apologetic. I don't stop, say 'it's just dogs' and dash away, carrying him the length of the beach to the car; to the vets, to the vets...

He whimpers as I tear through the backroads, swearing at a tractor and again at an elderly driver slowing at the speed bumps.  Easy Mark, I say,  Better five minutes late in this world...

Ten more and I carry him into the arms of the nurse, who takes him away and suddenly I'm lost — as confused in my way as the poor mite being examined for what I'd hoped was merely a puncture wound.

That diagnosis was correct - only it goes all the way through his outer skull, stopping (we hope, but can't be sure) millimetres from his brain. There follows an explanation as to why X-rays aren't much use; talk of transferring him to Bristol and whether he'd manage the eight-hour trip. 

I feel sick; can't think.

Jane arrives and holds back tears. After more talking and waiting and calls and debate, they staple his wound and we take him home, hoping for the best. 

There's nothing more to be done, they say.  Just love and rest.

And all weekend it's been like a reversal.  

We sit on the sofa and watch him for any movement; willing him to eat; fearful he'll leave us. But he's a tough little thing, looking at me now with one eye open as I type.  We're seeing the vet at 11.00; praying it's just swelling. 

Funny how much you love these bundles of fur.  

We too will be fractured till he heals.

24 comments:

  1. We had Whippets at our old home and in Hampshire. Such lovely dogs. Praying that Oscar pulls through and is soon back to his old self. Hugs to you and your wife too.

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  2. Oscar has had a very unfortunate serious accident. The fact that you've acted quickly with the Vet and his brain is okay gives me great hope that Oscar will recover. When my dog is unwell, I feed him warm oatmeal with a tiny bit of honey and a few blueberries. Also, lots of soothing encouraging pets and a warm blanket to rest on makes us both feel better. Sending healing thoughts, Susan of Massachusetts.

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  3. Oh my goodness - how I feel for you. I really hope he heals and is soon back to his normal self.
    Alison in Wales x

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  4. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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  5. Hari OM
    Sending lots of POTP (power of the paw) for Oscar's healing head... and for his pawrents suffering till it does. Life spins on gossamer moments... YAM xx

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  6. I'm so sorry and I hope Oscar is okay. It's heartbreaking watching anybody we love suffer, including dogs.

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  7. This is so shocking for you. I hope he makes a good recovery. We love our dogs so much don't we.

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  8. It is a worrying time for you both but just lets hope Oscar pulls through. Rest and food and less exercise for the time being.

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  9. Clearly he wants to pull through. That's half the battle. Best wishes for him and for all of you watching over him.

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  10. Clearly he wants to pull through and that's half the battle. Best wishes for him and for all of you so ansxiously watching over him.

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  11. Dear Oscar, please get better. Please.
    Mark and Jane - with fingers and paws crossed, Nobby and I are with you in spirit as you wait anxiously for signs of recovery.
    Sending hugs,
    Gail.

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  12. Poor baby! May he heal quickly and well under your loving and tender care.

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  13. Hope he pulls through ok.
    We saw a pair of Kiwi rugby league players doing the same in the match a couple of days ago.

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  14. Oh my god! This made me cry. Poor Oscar! I'm sorry for you and Jane as well. Such a difficult time. They do weave themselves into the very fabric of our lives. Do keep us posted.

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  15. Sweet Oscar, thankfully with a good 'dad' who got him to the vet quickly, is by now hopefully doing better. Our pets do become so loved over the years and it's so sad to see them hurting when ill or injured. Our daughter's Yorkie (14) had to be euthanized Sunday and it really impacted us all strongly - she will be so missed.
    Praying for a good recovery for Oscar - he, you, and your family are in my thoughts Mark.

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  16. Gosh how awful...how life can be turned upside down in an instant. Fingers crossed here for a full recovery. I shall be worrying until your next update.

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  17. I came back, anxiously, to see if there are any updates on Oscar?
    Thinking of you,
    Gail.

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  18. Please, how is Oscar?
    Nelliegrace

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  19. I'm so sorry to read about Oscar's accident. I hope he heals well.

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  20. Dear Mark,

    I'm so terribly sorry to read about Oscar and his most unfortunate accident. Oscar is such a graceful boy and I very much hope that he will make a full and speedy recovery with your love and support. I'm glad that you didn't have to take him to Bristol (that's a long journey - 8 hours!!). It is always the hardest when it comes to a critical moment at the vet. Only we can make a decision for our pets. It is never easy. I have been in a situation like this a few times with my own pets. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Oscar. Please take things easy.

    Best wishes, ASD

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  21. Thinking of you, on the other side of the ocean, and hoping that you are resting and healing together. Do get better soon Oscar. xo

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  22. I get more upset about my cats when they are unwell than I do for any other member of the family. I think it's because they can't tell you how they feel. I've just read your latest post and see that he is on the mend, so pleased.
    Briony
    x

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  23. Oh crikey we missed this in our messy relocation work. Poor Oscar. Poor you. Yes we do love these bundles of fur and it is hard sometimes to just let them make their own judgments (good or bad) in their pursuit of their lives and their joys.

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