What we do for our pets... - Page 15

cameront120 · 02-26-2009, 06:47 PM

Those are indeed the best memories.

Bambi_Bandit · 04-02-2009, 02:02 PM

Well, its been a while since I've been on the forums. Reason was mostly due to Bandit the Siberian getting the Cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery.

The good news is that she has recovered from her surgery without issue.
The bad is that she still has cancer, but given the type of cancer she has, and the little effectiveness chemo has on her, we have decided not to pursue any chemo or radiation for her, but to make her as happy and comfortable as she could be for whatever time we have with her. We have started her on Peroxicam, which is an anti-inflammatory that has shown "some" help in "some" cancers of "some" dogs, by limiting the blood vessel growth to the tumors and thus slowing any growths, even reducing tumor sizes in "some" dogs. Since the medication is really an anti-inflammatory, her arthritis in her hips have also gone away and she now jumps and runs around like she did months or even a year ago. Quality of life is what we are after and I think we will achieve that with her on this path.

The Ugly is that "G", our min pin shown in the beginning of this thread was diagnosed with kidney failure a week after Bandit got back from Surgery. When it rains, it pours at our house....

There is no treatment for renal failure, so diet change and keeping her hydrated and happy are the only things we can do. Like Bandit, the goal is Quality of life and we hope we can achieve that for her too. It has been a challenge to get her to like the "new" food, and knowing that she has less that 25% function left on the kidneys is heartbreaking, as all other organs and functions are fine. We have done some sub-q fluids (at home) as well, but only on an as needed basis.

It sure is a bummer to have 2 "kids" get old in front of our own eyes, and then have then both get sick on you at nearly the same time. We promised we would not be selfish and drag them on, so watching them be "normal" and happy is the only solace we have.

As mentioned before, when it rains, it pours... so last week as many of you in Texas know, hail hit a significant portion of NW Austin. My 6 year old house now needs a complete new roof (totaled) and new skylight as hail cam busting thru the skylight over the kitchen and hail was bouncing off the countertops and appliances. My stainless steel toaster and stove are even dented...

The drama never ends around the Li household lately...

rettoc625 · 04-02-2009, 06:38 PM

It makes me sad to think both your babies are struggling. Enjoy your pups, they know how much they are loved.

I started feeding my golden a home made diet developed by a noted veterinary oncologist just after Logan was diagnosed with cancer. That was 20 months ago. He will be competing in an agility trial on Saturday.

If you are interested, PM me and I will share the recipe with you. Of course, ask your vets if they think it is beneficial.
I have also contacted a canine nutritionist who develops balanced diets for dogs with all sorts of medical conditions, including kidney disease. She will develop and fine tune a recipe for your dog's unique condition and coordinate with your vet. All diets are balanced according to canine nutritional guidelines.

Mary

cameront120 · 04-02-2009, 07:05 PM

Quality of life is the main thing, and I'm glad that it is important to you that your kids be comfortable and happy for their time with you. Cherish them and make memories. My thoughts are with you.

SRW · 04-02-2009, 07:15 PM

....The drama never ends around the Li household lately...[/quote]

We empathize with what you are going through, having had similar problems with our pets.

The best to you and your wife.

Stuart

ROBERT CROSS · 04-02-2009, 08:07 PM

Beijos from Fado...

Know that they will be in your Life forever...

clancy_boy · 06-23-2009, 01:57 PM

This past Thursday we had to make the decision to let Clancy go.

He was 13 years old and for a Lab that seems to be a long life, but for us it was not nearly enough. In the end he was unable to walk very far and it upset him greatly - to think that I would almost toss my arm out to wear him down chasing the ball. We started out with tennis balls but that became a joke for him to snap those in half. Not being able to walk was such a cruel thing but there were too many other issues and his Vet came by the house to do the right thing. It's never easy.

For the past 6 years we have lived in a house with a pond, high weeds along the edge and 4 acres to run, I can still hear him charging down to flush the ducks - the ducks still stay at the edge in fear of the 90 pounds of muscle that could be there in a flash. The neighbors all have duck squat on the back porch but not us. Wonder how long that will last.

**Stefrobrts** · 06-23-2009, 02:47 PM

Very sorry to hear about Clancy. It sounds like he had a great life. A duck pond and 4 acres, what more could a lab want?! Remember him happy and flushing ducks. The end always comes too soon.

doug&maggie · 06-23-2009, 04:02 PM

Sorry to hear about Clancy. Sounds like he was a loved and adored family pet. We lost our beloved Gus at 13 several years ago, cried like babies for days. We think and speak of him often, and feel sure his spirit is with us on our trips. Have you ever seen the poem "The Rainbow Bridge"? Our vet sent it to us after Gus was put to sleep. If you haven't, I'll post it. Take care.

Sugarfoot · 06-23-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clancy_boy

This past Thursday we had to make the decision to let Clancy go. . . .

Oh Mike, I'm so very sorry you are going through this. I know so very well how much you and Tina loved him. It was a privilege to meet Clancy last year at the End-of-Summer rally. He was an awesome dog, a good boy. I'm sure Boudreaux and Daisy are grieving too.

May the emptiness left by his loss ease soon.

remcolent · 06-23-2009, 05:43 PM

1 moth ago we adopted a 1 1/5 year old french mastif.
We know the breed we already have a now 5 year old one.
The poor animal was the victom from a divorse ( that was told to us)
The poor thing was verry scared, on the slightest toughs he got scared.
Onley after some time he could relax.
Just over one week ago My wife just put her hand om him to pet him.
He got scared and bit her in her face.
My wife needen some stitches .
We had to put our new dog ( Hootch ) to sleep.
On the 13th of june he went over the rainbow bridge with his head in my arms.
It feels so bad to play for god and put a healty amimal to sleep.
It was not his faulth but onelt the PO is to blame, what have they done to this animal to make him like this.

BDandTTs · 06-24-2009, 06:39 AM

I can hardly see the screen through my tears. Condolences to you both. Such different stories, but both showing devotion.

Dianne

76sovereign · 07-02-2009, 07:49 PM

Sad, so sad, but you did the right thing...

Airbiscuit · 07-03-2009, 12:20 AM

We are sorry to hear the bad news Mike & Remcolent. Just remember the good times and travels you were able to share together and hold them in your heart. I am sure they are guarding over you and thankful for all you have done for them.

Much love from Loren and the furbabies (Zora, Vega, & the furkitties)