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The female veterinarian who examined Angel was tall, dark, and lovely. Angel seemed comfortable with her and that’s all Mic cared about.
“What, what do you think?” Mic asked, as she watched Angel tremulously walked the width of the ship’s sick bay. “What do you think is wrong with him?” Her eyes were full of pain and fear.
The vet looked at Mic and said, “I’m not sure yet. Has he had any problems with seizures or walking or standing before today?”
Michaela shook her head aggressively. “No, no. Not at all. In fact, he was in perfect health until he got a stab wound earlier this year. It was during that emergency visit that they discovered he was in acute renal failure,” she said as her heartbeat increased rapidly at the memory. “But, he recovered completely from that,” she said as she breathed a sigh of relief. “He sees his vet at home every couple of months for blood work and so far, he’s been fine.”
Mic watched as Dr. Yvette Neary continued to examine Angel carefully.
“Has he eaten and drunk today?”
Mic nodded. “Yeah. In fact, he’s drinking three times more than he usually does,” she said as she hoped that was a good thing.
Dottie, who’d been quiet during the examination spoke up and said, “Okay, what do you think, doctor?” In her strong, authoritative voice, she added, “This dog means the world to both of us.”
“I’m not sure yet, Countess.” Dr. Neary said as she turned to Michaela. “I’d like to get some blood work and give him some subcutaneous fluids under his skin. That way, he can eliminate the substance more quickly, if it is indeed a substance,” she said. “Does that meet with your approval?”
Mic nodded, “Absolutely. But, how will we get his blood analyzed?”
“We won’t be able to until we get to Athens. The captain has a veterinarian in Athens that he’s contacted. The veterinarian will see Angel tomorrow and analyze his blood work.”
“So, what do you think happened to him?” Mic asked in a tight voice as her anxiety escalated. “Will he be all right?”
Dr. Neary nodded and said, “Yes, I think your dog will recover. He’ll need a complete work up in Athens, but my preliminary diagnosis suggests he’s eaten something he shouldn’t have or has suffered a mild neurological complication, possibly meningitis.”
“Meningitis?” Dottie interrupted loudly. “How would Angel contact meningitis on a cruise ship? How can it be meningitis?” she asked in a frightened voice.
“It’s entirely possible he could have contracted meningitis, but I think it’s more likely that—” The vet broke off her sentence and looked at Michaela.
Michaela knew it was bad and felt shivers run up her back, “More likely that what?”
“If I were a betting person,” Dr. Neary said, “I’d bet someone deliberately poisoned your dog, ma’am.”
Even though Mic had suspected this, she was devastated by the news and slipped into a chair. “Why? What can you do, how can you help him?”
Dr. Neary gave her a kind look and said, “I’ll give him fluids, and take his blood. He doesn’t seem in acute distress now. I’d suggest you exercise him off and on today and let him rest for long intervals in between. Hopefully, by this evening, he’ll be back to normal.”
Mic was so relieved she jumped up and hugged the young Australian woman. Even Dottie cracked a smile for the woman.
“Dr. Neary. Would you and your family like to join Michaela and me for High Tea? I understand it’s the best High Tea on the High Seas,” Dottie said with a smile. Her amazing blue eyes focused on the vet.
“I’d love to, Countess Borghase,” Yvette Neary agreed.
“We’ll see you then,” Mic smiled.