Rufus & Family | May 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus & Family | May 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus has been under the weather this week. It started on Monday and just got progressively worse. We thought he didn’t have an appetite, but as the days pressed on, we realized it wasn’t that he wasn’t hungry, but he was having trouble eating, chewing or swallowing – which we couldn’t be certain. But we were sure the act of eating was now strained. So we visited our vet today. Rufus was sedated so she could get a good up and close look inside. We also took some radiographs. Rufus’ frenulum (and medulla) area – under the tongue, appeared swollen and bruised. The film interpretation report on the xrays came back from the experts as normal; no immediate signs of cancer or other abnormalities. So we’re on some antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and some Sucralfate (to help promote healing in the esophagus etc). At this time Rufus in our care under close observation. We believe (and hope) this incident is simply a traumatic episode; perhaps he attempted to eat a stick or something and it caused the swelling and bruising. Only time will tell, but we remain optimistic. Dachshunds certainly keep life interesting. It’s never a dull moment with a dachshund around.

The featured photos are from last Sunday and clearly show Rufus enjoys being loved. Our nephew Samuel was visiting from Texas and he was very good with Rufus while he was sickly. It was nice to have an extra pair of hands and eyes. Have a wonderful day dachshund friends.

Rufus & Family | May 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus & Family | May 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Rufus & Family | May 2015. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©