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Saturday, February 23, 2008
"I knew you were thinking about me." -Waffles the Rat
With all my saddening news lately, I thought we could all use lil smile. Here to debut their first independent art film, Dandelion the Peachy rat and Waffles the Gargoyle portray a night at the rodent apartment.

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Wednesday, February 20, 2008
A Day in the Life
I have been quiet this week. Babies treatment is tricky and time consuming, heres a look.
DAILY MASSAGES: Daily massaging is "very" important. Like any person with is partially paralyzed, they still need their muscles moved. A body that doesn't move loses muscle tone and the internal organs will cease to function well, which in turn can bring on a whole other set of health problems.

HEATING DEVICES:I use a product called a "Micro-Heat Disc" that you microwave for 4 minutes and it stays warm for approx. 14 hours. These discs are about the size of a frisbee, only thicker and work really well.

WATER: Syringing water is very important since Baby is slowly losing her ability to drink from her little saucer.

RE-CAP OF DAILY ROUTINE:

The following is just an example of what a typical day in my life with Baby is:
6am - long drink of water, bath time and then wrapped in warm towels till dry. Being careful not to let Baby get chilled!!!
7am - While she still can, she exercises in her maze for about 1/2 hour. When she can no longer do that, I will exercise her body for her by moving her legs around and massaging her from head to toe.

7:30am - Breakfast and more water given, followed by a nap.

Noon - Lunch and water given followed by lots of cuddle time and a nice long nap.

7pm - Dinner and water, followed by more cuddle time, full body massage and lots of attention from everyone until its time to go to bed.

11pm - One last drink of water and tucked warmly into her nice soft bed.

*It is important to note that while Baby sleeps, I turn her hourly to prevent her form getting sore (except at night) when I will maybe wake up once or twice to do this and change the diaper under her if necessary. I'm an insomniac anyway.

Baby's new pad:
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Baby's Medicine: I will go into what holistic therapies I am trying with her later, when and if I see results.
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Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome
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Yes. Baby the hedgehog has been diagnosed with Wobbly hedgehog syndrome. (WHS) is a disease found in hedgehogs that is closely related to multiple sclerosis (MS). The disease is prominent in the domesticated hedgehog.

As with MS, WHS slowly degrades the hedgehog's muscle control. This first appears as a wobble while the hedgehog is attempting to stand still. Over time, the hedgehog will lose control of all muscles from the rear of its body to the front.

There is no known cure for WHS. Common treatments for MS have shown similar effects in hedgehogs as they do in humans. This includes a diet high in vitamin E. The vitamin E hides the effects of WHS (and MS), but does not slow the disease. A resistance to vitamin E will form and the effects of the disease will continue.

The cause of WHS (and MS) is unknown. My vet has informed me of several holistic medications and treatments i can try. But now it is just a matter of time. My Baby came to us from a blog reader who could no longer care for her. I have only been with her 1 year..not nearly long enough. If she does not pass here at home with us..I will not let her suffer..I am sorry I cant talk about this anymore, that is the hardest decision i have ever had to face in my life.

Baby has been moved from her cage and placed in a large circular plastic pen, as she loses control of her entire body she will be moved to a bassinet in our bedroom to be hand fed and watered. As long as she is in no pain, I will cater to her every need.

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Monday, February 4, 2008
An Award!!
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We would like to thank the Fluffy Tribe for giving us this outstanding award. I would like to then pass on this award to my friend Jen and her blog, Shappy Cheap

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