While we do have local vets offering emergency care, we decided to take Abby to the Tierspital in Zurich on Christmas Eve.

Late in the evening Abby developed a problem where she could hardly walk and was clearly in a lot of pain. We could barely lift her without causing her pain. During the day she seemed a bit sluggish but not yelping in pain which began around midnight.

We called ahead, no traffic, and we were seen relatively quickly. It helps that our details are already on file there as Cassie had a CT scan to find out why she is hearing impaired, so registration was very quick. An examination revealed the problem could be in her neck. They were going to give her pain medication and decide in the morning on further tests and call us. In case anyone is wondering, we did not have to pay anything last night.

No call came this morning, we called at noon, they told us they were very busy, afterall it is Christmas day. They said someone would call us back, 4 hours later still nothing, so we called again and finally spoke to a doctor.

They said an Xray would be a waste of time as it will show very little if it is a disc which they suspect it might be. They have given her meds, a dog bed (not a cage), she is resting quietly and she is eating. (always a good sign ). She needs to stay there and on Tuesday they will decide whether to do an MRI. They only just got an MRI machine 2 weeks ago.

We have been down this road before with Hana and we had to take her to Luzern for an MRI. She had a severely herniated disc. Hana was operated on last year when she was 10, she recovered quickly and is doing well.

The other 2 dogs are quite sad, even the bird is calling her name. It is so strange not to have her here. She is a very placid dog, the vet put a collar and leash on her last night just before we left the exam room and Abby she just stood there, no whining, no barking. Her tail was even wagging a little. Perhaps she knows she is in good hands.

Hope all turns out OK.

sorry you have to miss your dog at Christmas...hope Abby's problem is diagnosed and fixed soon. In the meantime, she'll be comfy with painkillers and those good hands looking after her.

Oh Mrs D, I am so sorry to hear that Abby is poorly. And on Christmas, too.

She is indeed in good hands, though, and will be well-cared for at the Tierspital. I know it's useless to say 'try not to worry' but keep focused on the positive.

Will they let you visit tomorrow?

I hope it's better news on Tuesday; we'll keep all fingers, toes, paws and dewclaw crossed, and thumbs pressed for good measure. Poor little mite.

Please give Abby's siblings a cuddle from me, they must be missing her as much as you are.

Oh no! I am so sorry! Poor Abby! But the tierspital is excellent, and she is in the best hands. But you must all be so sad. I'll keep my bits crossed and pressed, and we're all thinking of you!

We didn't ask because we think it may be harder for us to have to leave her again.

Thanks. I hope so too.

They both saw us take her last night and come home without her. I think they are both enjoying the extra bit of attention as we have a full house over the holidays.


This is Abby. http://www.palace-luzern.ch/geniessen/palace-bar/

Abby is in very good hands and sure is treated with a lot of care. Hopefully by staying at the Tierspital the vets will find soon the cause of her pain.

I send you a hug and a warm stroke to Abby wishing her a quick recovery.

Great picture in the website, Abby is gorgeous!

I do so hope that Abby will soon be well, and home with her family once again. Please give Abby a gentle hug from me, and please keep us posted as to her progress. Take care - sending hugs to you too.

I feel really moved by your post. Best wishes to you all.

Fingers crossed for Abby I really hope she gets through this, I recently lost my Jessie I find it difficult to come to terms with, dogs really are special and when they get sick it makes you very sad, I hope you are holding up...

Aww Mrs. Doolittle! I hope she will be okay!

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. We'll keep her and you in our thoughts.

Latest update is that despite strong medication against pain Abby is still in pain. The plan is for an MRI tomorrow....and we have a strong feeling surgery is going to be necessary. The doctor who operated on Hana is off this week, but there is someone else who can operate if need be. Will cross that bridge when we come to it, but in my experience it never hurts to be prepared.

Hubby took the other two for a walk today. I am still recovering from yet another surgery following my accident last year so no dog walking for me yet.

Thanks for the update Mrs D. Just read your OP too and just wanted to say that I am so sorry to hear about poor Abby. Alot of us have been to the Tierspital on many occasions and am sure as you know yourself: Abby is in the best hands possible at the moment. Doesnt help ease the tight feeling in your chest and "weight" on your shoulders I know...totally empathise.

Sending you positive vibes all the way from Singapore.

You are indeed right to be prepared for any eventuality Mrs D. I have no experience of the Tierspital, but it would seem it has an excellent reputation, and Abby is obviously in good hands. Thanks for the update - keeping paws crossed here for Abby's speedy return to full health.

I hope Abby is doing well Mrs D. My little dog just spent two weeks in the Tierspital - cant recommend the place enough. Expensive but they saved my 'on deaths door' dogs life

Best wishes

Nickers, great to know the positive outcome on your dog health, hoping for the same for majestic Abby

I hope the lovely Miss Abby is feeling better and back with her family soon.

Fingers and paws still firmly crossed for Abby.

You will all be in our thoughts - do keep us updated.

Thanks for thinking of us today. Abby had an MRI today. It revealed that she has a herniated disc in her neck. It needs to be operated on but it is complicated as it seems they cannot just remove the disc without inserting an implant.

We are waiting to hear further from the doctor tomorrow. The doctor who operated on Hana last year has seen Abby's scans.

I know she is in good hands, being kept as comfortable as possible. It is just so hard not having her at home and not to be with her.