OT - Dog really sick, suffering, very sad situation

Hi BigLucy,

I'm sorry about your dog! We have a 1 year old puppy - and I now completely understand what good companions dogs are, especially to someone who is ill. I hope they can find out what's going on, and it's something easy to treat. Let us know what happens tomorrow.

Take care... --Tina

My thoughts are with you as u go thru this difficult time with one of your loved ones.

I pray the Vet can fix Harper up and he can bring you many more years of companionship.

Good thoughts your way!

rhonda

Hi BigLucy,

I do hope that the vet is able to assist Harper so he can continue to provide the love, support and companionship for as long as possible.
I also hope the vet can provide pain relief to Harper, as it sounds like he is probally experiencing a significant level of discomfort.
Let us know how it goes.
Try and keep your chin- up.
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Leisa x

Thanks all for the support. Well, 550. later prognosis is not fatal but not good. Enlarged heart needs daily meds for rest of life, degenerative disc, needing pain meds, possible urinary infection, sample set to lab, starting antibiotics. The vet kept talking about all the possible meds and things needed in the near future for the heart and I'm not sure I can do it--when I eluded to that he looked at me as if I was crazy and it was assumed that I would pay any amount to keep my almost 13 yr old dog alive for as long as possible. Not sure I have the physical/emotional energy for all this, but of coarse, I will keep plucking along as long as I can. I guess I'm feeling a little weary b/c I had a cat several years ago that got sick and after two years of costly and labor intensive treatment, he died anyway (and the last two years were not quality). I wish we could claim our animals as tax deductions, it would help.

Anyway, I guess Harper is officially a new member of the CP family.

Big Lucy,
You know, as I alluded to in my other post, there was a time I would have spent neary anything I had on my pets. Now I don't even have the money for my own health. I'm surprised your vet hasn't read any newspapers in the past year to clue him into the fact that there are a lot of people in economic trouble, losing their jobs, their homes, their health, etc. And I'm sure many of these people love their pets, but in my recent visits to the Humane Society I hear over and over that one of the most recent reasons for people surrendering their pets is money. I mean serious stuff like they're being foreclosed on and have to move, or have to move to a place that won't take animals, etc., etc., etc.

I know it's got to be heartwrenching to reach a point where you might have to say "enough", but you are the only one who can decide that. And I hope you can do so without feeling guilty. Maybe you need a new vet who understands more of your (and many others') circumstances. It's not like you don't love htis dog; it's obvious you do. Just like with us humans, some thing you may have to let go, including medications for Harper. Maybe you can find low cost alternatives (something like edt mentioned) or pet medications online for a discount. Every little bit can help, but there is a limit, and I for one understand that.

Maybe you could try talking with your vet, or writing him a letter and explaining what you can and can't do. I can remember "old fashioned" vets that I used to take my animals to, before all the high tech stuff moved into the vet world. Now I'm not against that, but it's not within everyone's range. But these old fashioned vets would kind of use their practice wisodm and intuition and also temper it with reality as to how much to do for a given pet. I think if you can keep Harper out of serious pain, keep him reasonably comfortable, just do that, and when you get to a point that no longer works, then it may be "time".

I wish I could think of something more. Just know I understand.

Hugs - and welcome, Harper!

PaLady

I'm astounded that your vet would do this to you...situations are hard all over the globe and he could've given you a discount...
Sure we love to have our pets with us, but when it gets to much then the vet should've had a heart and listened to you..
try doing a google search, there are places that can help finacially for emergency situations..try getting another
Vet and I'm truly truly very sorry about your beloved pet...you have my sinceere empathy and prayers...
wish I knew what else to says, but this is a hard situation...so very sorry you have to be going thru this...
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((big lucy)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
hugz

Big Lucy,
One thing I've found over the years is our pets aren't just our pets they become our family members. Each loss tears at our hearts whether they have been with us for 17 year or 1 year. It kills me to think of something happening to my inside boys (cats) and our little ferrel cats outside that we feed. I am so sorry you are having to go through this right now or at any time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Harper and I hope things get better for you both.

sorry that posted twice, I had computer troubles last night...
more hugz and prayers to ya big lucy....

Big Lucy,
I'm glad that things for both you and Harper seem to be moving in a more positive direction, but I "hear" you about your fears of the future. I know you're an intelligent woman and I also know you're human; over time you will know what to do, but it sounds like for now you've got the immediate situation managed. Even "bonding" with Harper taking your meds together! That's sweet in its own way.

Maybe spend some time searching the net to see if you can get any of those meds on a discounted basis, and also thinking about what the downside is to not giving all of it. For example, I know you wouldn't want him in pain, but there may be options for that which are less expensive (look at all the options we talk about for us!). But maybe you have some time to think about whether you have any choice about the heart medication. How long will it likely prolong his life, and add to his quality of life? You may not even know those answers, but take it one day at a time.

And remember this is never off topic!

Hugs,

PaLady

(((((((Lucy))))))))). It is so unfair that our animals have such short lifespans in comparison to their human companions. They change our lives in so many ways. It is so hard to watch them get older. I'm sorry to hear that Harper's body is starting to give out on her. I don't envy your position at all. How do you put a price tag on love? On a life? I'm sure she knows that you'll do everything you can to help her not to suffer & won't love you any less if there comes a point where you don't have the money to support her. Animals are so smart and intuitive. She'll let you when enough is enough, and she'll let you know when it is okay to let go.

I don't know what specific heart condition Harper has & what medications your vet discussed with you, but if she's in heart failure, you may want to talk to your vet about a medication called vetmedin (if he/she hasn't talked to you about it to begin with). Vetmedin is relatively new in the US, having just been approved a couple of years ago, but it's becoming more widely used. The clinic I work at started using it about a year ago & we've had really good results so far. Just something to think about. Also, look around for better prices on meds. Depending on how pricey your vet is, you may be able to find your dogs meds cheaper from an online pharmacy, or even from a human pharmacy. Your vet can certainly call any script for your dog into a pharmacy as long as it is a medication that is also used in humans. You might also talk about changing her diet & whether or not your vet has the capacity to do routine blood work & urinalysis in the office, rather than sending the samples to the lab (usually much cheaper). Not all vets have the machines necessary to do the blood work, but any clinic should be able to do an in-house urinalysis.You might also consider talking your vet about your money worries. They may be able to help reduce your expenses by giving you discounts or exploring alternative treatment options that are more cost effective. Most vets just want to help & can't stand to see an animal suffering. We've written off costs for treatments or meds on more than one occasion. Those are all the words of wisdom that I can think of at the moment.


I hope you can find a solution that works for everyone, especially Harper. Let us know how she does. I'll add you both to my prayers -- it can't hurt! You'll get through this, keep the faith.

hugs,
Skeye

Post Edited (skeye) : 12/10/2009 10:56:42 AM (GMT-7)

hey there.

i was a former vet tech efore i became disbaled, and based on the info you gave it doesnt sounds serious. sounds like a bladder infection.

some antibiotics, and there is a drug PPA that can help with incontinence. I know the urination in the house is hard, but hopefully that will stop,
hang in there

Palady,

I can answer your question: yes there is a form of ppa for dogs. It is marketed as a drug called Proin. Of course there are other meds that can be used for incontinence too (such as diethylstilbestrol, a form of synthetic estrogen), but Proin works pretty well.

Skye