Our fur baby

SoWal Insider

Apr 3, '07 · 4:59 PM3,733

I am in tears. Our fur baby Mo is dying. I need some consoling. Don't care if I spell that right. There is something going on in his brain they think. I am so sad. Had a gut feeling I needed to come home today and check on him as he wasn't acting normal last night and not normal this morning. Found him under a thicket down in the back yard having a seizure. His blood sugar was low at 39, so they thought that is what it was. His sugar is now normal. Stopped by the vet after work to see him and he had already had another severe seizure. Don't understand it. We saw no signs of this yesterday. I am having to go pick him up by 6:00 and take him to the Animal Emergency Center by myself over on Summer Ave. so they can hook him back up to the IV's and monitor him overnight and treat him if he seizes again. And then in the morning I have to go back over there and pick him up and take him back to the vet to stay for the day. Husband doesn't want to put him down. The vet says there is no hope for him. That something bad is going on. I literally had to pry his mouth open this morning to get his pills down him. I am terrified to death he will have a seizure in the car on the way to the emergency clinic. What does everyone else recommend??? I am heartbroken.

Edited Apr 3, '07 · 4:59 PM

Replies

SoWal Insider

Apr 4, '07 · 8:06 AM#27

I'm so sorry, and I'll be thinking of you. You are a good pet owner, don't beat yourself up. Mo has had a good loving home with you.

Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname

Apr 4, '07 · 9:13 AM#28

I am very sorry you have to go through this. Making the decision is very hard, but more times than not, it is for the best.

SoWal InsiderAuthor

Apr 4, '07 · 9:24 AM#29

Any updates this morning??

Yes, there are updates. We had to pick him up at the emergency clinic this morning between 7:00 and 7:30. They close and do not open back up until 6:00 every night and are open all night to cover for vets not being available. He is back at the regular vet. Still refusing food this morning, sugar was checked at the vet, it is at 84, seems a little perky. Is walking fairly good. Had no more seizures overnight at all. So we are not giving up on him yet. She feels no masses in his abdomen. Will let people know more throughout the day as I know anything. Thanks guys.

Beach Fanatic

Apr 4, '07 · 9:27 AM#30

My heart goes out to you and little Mo, ladyd. Hopefully the news this morning is a little better.

SoWal Expert

Apr 4, '07 · 9:31 AM#31

By the thread title, I thought I was going to see some pics of your fur baby, and instead I see this really sad story. I hate the thought of losing a family pet. We all know that death is a fact of life, but there is something in our brains which repels us from going there. I hope your fur baby gets better. Just curious if your dog's problems are related to this food poisoning in pet food?

Beach Fanatic

Apr 4, '07 · 9:37 AM#32

Just curious if your dog's problems are related to this food poisoning in pet food?

Wow - good point SJ. I sure hope that's not the case.

SoWal InsiderAuthor

Apr 4, '07 · 10:01 AM#33

No, luckily I have not bought any of the recalled pet foods responsible. He was strictly on optimum weight dry dog food prescription from the vet and K/D diet for kidneys which is another prescription food sold only at the vet. He has no kidney or liver failure. I have not purchased any bites in gravy food of any sort that is on the recall list. Thank goodness. He was actually licking me and wagging his tail at me yesterday evening. She definitely thinks for some reason he is having problems absorbing nutrients possibly. But the vet really is at a loss, really just trying different things trying to get any combination of things to work. Everyone keep your fingers crossed. I guess we will bring him home tonight and just pray he has no seizures. He had none overnight. He has no masses anywhere in his abdomen, all of this started with the prostate infection. She acted like there was no hope if there was something in his brain like a tumor causing the seizures, but since it occurred in line with the very severely low blood sugar, I think that is responsible. Keep him in your prayers please. We love him and will be so heartbroken when he is gone.

Edited Apr 4, '07 · 10:01 AM

SoWal InsiderAuthor

Apr 4, '07 · 10:02 AM#34

By the thread title, I thought I was going to see some pics of your fur baby, and instead I see this really sad story. I hate the thought of losing a family pet. We all know that death is a fact of life, but there is something in our brains which repels us from going there. I hope your fur baby gets better. Just curious if your dog's problems are related to this food poisoning in pet food?

SJ, I think there are a few pics of him in the photo gallery.

beats on hood

Apr 4, '07 · 11:13 AM#35

Could the infection from his prostate have moved to his heart and given him bacterial endocarditis? Once endocarditis sets in, blood clots can occur that go to the brain and cause seizures. That's what happened to our Weim after a kidney infection. They put her on IV antibiotics and anti-seizure meds, but it's really hard to cure endocarditis by antibiotics after it progresses so far, according to what they told us at Auburn.

We'll be praying for you all.

SoWal Insider

Apr 4, '07 · 12:04 PM#36

Ladyd,
Did the vet suggest giving Mo phenobarbital as an anti-convulsant for his seizures? Our Border collie, Rudy, has seizures about twice a year (it is truly frightening). Our vet gave us an Rx to give him when we can sense one is coming on (not easy). I'm sure the phenobarbital is a dangerous Rx to give him but it definately helps suppress them. However, we do not give him one every day. I believe the vet said if we started that, then we'd have to continue giving him one daily because of the dependency. But, it sure would help Mo in his time of need right now, I believe.

SoWal InsiderAuthor

Apr 4, '07 · 1:17 PM#37

Ladyd,
Did the vet suggest giving Mo phenobarbital as an anti-convulsant for his seizures? Our Border collie, Rudy, has seizures about twice a year (it is truly frightening). Our vet gave us an Rx to give him when we can sense one is coming on (not easy). I'm sure the phenobarbital is a dangerous Rx to give him but it definately helps suppress them. However, we do not give him one every day. I believe the vet said if we started that, then we'd have to continue giving him one daily because of the dependency. But, it sure would help Mo in his time of need right now, I believe.

He was given valium through his IV which stopped the seizure. I am going to ask her when we go see him tonight if there is some drug we can have on hand at home to give him in case of another seizure. Even if it involved giving him a shot of something which would be faster. I figure I can give one shot as well as any other.

Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname

Apr 4, '07 · 1:35 PM#38

He was given valium through his IV which stopped the seizure. I am going to ask her when we go see him tonight if there is some drug we can have on hand at home to give him in case of another seizure. Even if it involved giving him a shot of something which would be faster. I figure I can give one shot as well as any other.

Is this the first time he has had seizures? How old is he?

SoWal InsiderAuthor

Apr 4, '07 · 2:09 PM#39

Is this the first time he has had seizures? How old is he?

First time ever Kathy. He turned 13 on March 15th. And was in very good shape health wise until he got sick in early March from the prostate infection. That's what is so sad. He wasn't acting like a 13 year old dog just barely over a month ago. All his blood work showed no infection back in early March. Even the white blood count was normal then. But yesterday it was high. But the rest of the blood work normal. No visible xray masses in his intestinal tract, no masses felt, good strong heart. He started off about 4 weeks ago with vomiting everytime after eating. That lasted about two weeks. Got that stopped with an anti-nausea medicine. He has been on two antibiotics, SMP-TMZ for the prostate infection, and something now for an attempt at treating him as if he has an inflammatory bowel disease with some 500mg antibiotic that starts with a M., a long name like methalozone or something close to that. Added fiber chewable tablets to his diet to try to get his bowel problem straightened out. Trying to get the diarrhea stopped and get his bowels working back to normal. Had me get some Immonium AD the other day to try to get that stopped. Just weren't seeing much results out of the fiber tablets two times a day. So Kathy, we do not want to give up totally on him yet, as he was so normal just over 4 weeks ago. We keep hoping it is a minor thing somehow that hasn't been found yet as to the bowel problem. He has barely lost any weight due to this, just 3 pounds. He is where he needs to be.

Beach Fanatic

Apr 4, '07 · 2:45 PM#40

Good luck tonight. I know how difficult it is to see our pets suffer - they're so innocent, loyal and loving. I'm sure Mo will be happy just to get back home to familiar surroundings and the family who loves him.

Edited Apr 4, '07 · 2:45 PM

SoWal InsiderAuthor

Apr 4, '07 · 3:33 PM#41

Good luck tonight. I know how difficult it is to see our pets suffer - they're so innocent, loyal and loving. I'm sure Mo will be happy just to get back home to familiar surroundings and the family who loves him.

luvthebeach, there is going to be no bringing our baby home tonight. Just got a call from the vet. They did an abdominal tap of his abdomen and removed some fluid and put it under the microscope. He has peritonitis and unfortunately, way worse. They found many cells that resembled adenocarcinoma and believe it is widespread in his small intestine. They said they can send off the stuff to the lab and have it tested and it will be back to them in 24 to 48 hours. I don't see letting him linger and suffer any longer. Both vets looked at the cells and came to the same conclusion. They say he doesn't have much time. So it looks as if our decision has been made for us. I am crying buckets right now.

SoWal Insider

Apr 4, '07 · 3:42 PM#42

I am so sorry, Ladyd.

Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname

Apr 4, '07 · 3:42 PM#43

luvthebeach, there is going to be no bringing our baby home tonight. Just got a call from the vet. They did an abdominal tap of his abdomen and removed some fluid and put it under the microscope. He has peritonitis and unfortunately, way worse. They found many cells that resembled adenocarcinoma and believe it is widespread in his small intestine. They said they can send off the stuff to the lab and have it tested and it will be back to them in 24 to 48 hours. I don't see letting him linger and suffer any longer. Both vets looked at the cells and came to the same conclusion. They say he doesn't have much time. So it looks as if our decision has been made for us. I am crying buckets right now.

I am sorry. Let me share this with you. My daddy sent it to me when I had to put my beloved Molly down. It helped me alot. I wish for you peace and comfort during this sad time.

A DOG'S PRAYER
by Beth Norman Harris

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest ---- and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

Beach Fanatic

Apr 4, '07 · 4:02 PM#44

Oh lady..I am so very sorry

My heart hurts for you and Mo. I think under the circumstances you are making the right decision. No sense for him to suffer any longer. I know how very hard this is for you; but Mo won't know any better and will not be in pain. It is you and your family who will be hurting.

You're all in my prayers. God bless you as you go through this, especially this evening. Give Mo a special kiss from all of us who don't know him but feel sad with you.