If Nugget suddenly drinks much more or much less, that information can be medically important.
Then Treatment Begins Changing the Smallest Things
Nugget still looks fragile.
His coat cannot return overnight.
His body cannot rebuild lost condition in a day.
But his movements begin to look slightly different.
He rises with less hesitation.
He reaches the water without stopping halfway.
Then, one afternoon, Nugget drinks while remaining standing.
Only for a few seconds.
Then he lies down.
Still, he stayed upright long enough to take several laps.
That is new.
Strength Often Returns in Tiny Measurements
For Nugget, progress may initially be counted in seconds.
How long can he hold his head up?
How far can he walk without resting?
How long can he drink before becoming exhausted?
Can he reposition himself comfortably?
Does he begin grooming?
Does he show more interest in his surroundings?
These small functional changes may appear long before he looks dramatically different.
His Skin Will Probably Take Longer
Hair growth is not the first measure of success.
The underlying skin needs to improve.
Redness may decrease.
Crusting may lessen.
Open or irritated areas may heal.
Scratching may become less frequent.
Only later may the coat begin filling in, depending on the cause and the health of the follicles.
A dog can be improving significantly while still looking almost hairless.
One Evening, Nugget Reaches the Bowl and Drinks Longer
He lowers himself beside it as usual.
His tongue begins moving.
Five laps.
Then more.
His eyes remain open.
He pauses but does not fall asleep.
Then he drinks again.
When Nugget finally stops, he lifts his head away from the rim.
That tiny movement matters.
Previously, the bowl often became his pillow because he did not have enough energy to move after drinking.
This time, he chooses where his head goes next.
Nugget Turns Toward His Bedding
He moves only a short distance.
His front legs fold.
His body settles.
His head lowers onto the soft surface.
Then he sleeps.
The water bowl remains behind him.
For the first time, drinking and sleeping have become two separate activities.
The Next Day, His Chin Is Back on the Bowl
Recovery is rarely perfectly linear.
Nugget has a tired morning.
He reaches the water.
Drinks.
His eyes close.