View Full Version : Afraid of losing my dog
So, as background, my dog is a six year old Cocker mix. He's generally healthy but came from a hoarding situation where there was a lot of inbreeding occurring. I don't know what happened to the rest of his family.
Because of that background, he has had some challenges. I got him at 8 weeks old, so despite having a really awful early life it isn't like he was abused for any length of time. But he's just a bit mentally off - he has severe anxiety and is reactive. His whole family had this issue, and so bad genes + bad early experiences has given me a dog that takes anxiety medication to reach some level of normal (and he doesn't quite). We've been through a lot. I've never been one to subscribe to the "fur mama" thing but he is absolutely my baby. I am very protective of him; we are very close.
Anyway, about a year and a half ago he started having some mobility issues in various limbs. He had a front leg X-rayed, then about a year ago they X-rayed his back right leg. He was diagnosed with arthritis and a CCL tear (he's always had some funky stuff going on with his knees so it's not surprising). We had that repaired in May and so far, so good.
A month or so ago his front right leg started giving him trouble. Vet said arthritis. He had previously been taking Carprofen for pain but it wasn't touching it, so we started Adequan injections and Codeine. The vet was just certain that with the Codeine he wouldn't feel pain. My memory may be off, but I swear I heard her say "if the Codeine doesn't help, something else may be going on".
Well, he's still in pain. He limps pretty significantly and holds it up when he walks. I think it's in his paw because I accidentally touched his paw and he screamed. I'm calling the vet back at the end of this week because he needs more Adequan and I want to talk about what's going on and any supplements we can add (the vet gave us supplement treats but he hates them).
It kills me to see him hurt. He's way too young to deal with all of this. But more than that, I'm having to remind myself daily that this is just an arthritis flare, because of course my own anxiety is saying it could be something worse. I've always had this awful gut feeling that I'm going to lose him too soon.
I've lost pets before so I've definitely been here, but they've all been older before they had significant health issues. Just thinking about it makes me cry.
There's not really any advice that can be given, I just needed to let it out.
5250My good boy :flowers:
Isn’t he a beauty!
It’s so worrying and I’m sorry you’re going through it. Sounds like you are doing everything you can and getting good advice.
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Hi Poppy, I don't think people who have never had a pet can really understand what they mean to us. I've heard pet owners say that losing their beloved dog or cat hits them harder or at least as badly as losing a fellow human. I know this personally to be true and with pets it is a very pure kind of love, as they generally don't come with all the other complexities that human to human love carries.
We have a black labrador and she is fixated on me. Everywhere I go, she is sure to follow but she is getting on in years. So I dread that day. However, your dog is gorgeous and he's still with you, though I understand how worried you must be. He is a relatively young dog so he has that going for him. Hopefully it might be an increase in dose that he needs? Our lab was put on metacam two years ago after developing hip problems. Luckily it turned out she had only injured her hip rather than anything long term.
Try to be positive if you can, not easy when you have anxiety though.
Thank you, both of you. Currently forcing myself to stop learning about all the horrible things that can cause bone/joint pain and preparing myself to just take notes on what to ask the vet about pain management. I just hate that he's relatively young - my other dogs with arthritis were all 10+ so naturally had slowed down a bit.
Going to give him allllll the extra hugs and treats.
Our boy just turned ten and the reality of his life is sinking in. This breed of cat (Pixie Bob) lives typically 12-15 years and I've had him since he was 8 years old. Fortunately, he's been very healthy through the years but I can see the age starting to show a bit here and there. Talk to your vet about adding glucosamine chondroitin. I take it for arthritis and I know many pet owners have had positive results adding it to their diets.
Positive thoughts
5250My good boy :flowers:
He's a heart-stealer for sure!
I've had three dogs take their journey over 'Rainbow Bridge' and it never gets any easier. My lurcher girl is 11 now and she's visibly becoming 'old'. Those once bright eyes are starting to cloud a bit and she sleeps more than she did, so I know the time will come when I have to say goodbye to her too. But, all my dogs have been old when they've passed. I can't imagine losing a younger dog, and none of mine had physical issues when young. Mental issues, yes, because they were rescue dogs, but otherwise healthy.
I'm very sorry you're going through this..
There are many things that you cannot control, (like health) but you can give your boy love, cuddles and Bonios and cherish every moment that he is with you. X
Hi,
I can totally understand your concern. We love them so much,and never want to think of any pain they are going thro.
My dog is now 10yr, I swear I don't know where the time went, it only feels like I just bought her home.
My thoughts also go there,that I can't imagine her not being here with me. She's been the one that has kept me going.So I don't know how I will ever be without her.
I've had dogs all my life, also from rescue centres...and they have been so important in my life, my little nuggets of joy being in my life.
But this dog now, I've never known such a sweet and soft dog as her ever before...I sometimes remind her...'you are a dog you know' ,all my dogs hold special meaning and love in my heart.
We know they have their own individual character, and I often smile at memories I have of them, tho also little stab of pain. But I still talk about them, they will not go and we have to act like, oh that was the past, as often ppl except us to do.
No they will never leave us, not from our memories, heart or love...that will always continue.
I'm so sorry for what your little un is going through, but remember, as I do the one we rescued more so, but for them all...
With your boy, you have given and shown him love, kindness and feeling safe...that is so special, and something he got from you to enjoy.
You have given him love,which he deserved, give him a loving home, that is the best you can do for any pet.
And, without doubt you will continue do so, just love him ,hug him lots.
You'll always do the best you can for him, it's terrible to see them in pain, if you could take the pain from them, we would in a heartbeat.
I am now the kind that will not something go if I feel there's more there. I would keep going to vet, keep asking to try something diff, that there must be something else,
if they say 'we've given best medicine, anything else would not do much difference, I'd understand, but I would be a real pain in the butt and ask to try it anyways...I have even felt little embarrassed myself, as I knew they'd think, 'Oh not her again'. I don't care ,I keep goin till he gets the chance of some other painkiller and relief if he will let you put heated pads on his joints ,even if only for little while during the day,maybe if he's sat beside you cuddled in.
But, always remember what you give him, just as he has given you.
Thats way I look at my little one. I hold her and ask her to never leave me, I can't be without her.
But, give as much love,time and hugs to him.
It's sad and empty when they go that's deff truth. We all grieve so much...but you learn to live with it. And where poss, get another dog, I know the feeling of guilt for feeling you've let someone take their place...but for me, my dog is now pain free and running through fields,with other friends...looking down and always still around.
After the love and caring you show him, he knows and it also gives it to another dog who may also have never known it.
I will prob get an older dog, as I'm not getting any younger, ahem. But also breaks my heart whose owner has passed and it doesn't understand how its lost its best friend and home, only to be in a kennel and scared and worried.
I'd love to give a home to those.
I'm so sorry I'm talking so often past tense.. its not the past here and now,so you're doing all you can for him because of the love you have for him. Keep seeing what can be done to help, and keep him as comfortable as possible.
Sorry past tense, think that's cause I'm feeling it too with my little darling.
You are doing all you can...just also give him hugs and lots of cuddles.
I'm thinking of him, and sending him the biggest, huggles, fuss and kisses...
They are worth every second of it, and if you've given them a loving safe home, you've given him something so important that he may never had the chance of. So to know youre giving him love is the main thing.
Sorry, if I've made this post ,way too long, and knowing me, prob repeated myself so often.
But, when it comes to our babies/little uns..for them alone it's worth it.
Sending love and keeping you both in my thoughts...[emoji173][emoji177]
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5251
For You Poppy :flowers:
Thank you so much, all of you. You have no idea what your kind words mean to me.
It's been a long, rough year in a lot of ways so that is making it even harder to cope with certain things, including my pup's issues. I just feel like when I'm down and sad, it makes it so much worse to see him feeling down too.
5251
For You Poppy :flowers:That's really sweet Lola.
Hi,
I can totally understand your concern. We love them so much,and never want to think of any pain they are going thro.
My dog is now 10yr, I swear I don't know where the time went, it only feels like I just bought her home.
My thoughts also go there,that I can't imagine her not being here with me. She's been the one that has kept me going.So I don't know how I will ever be without her.
I've had dogs all my life, also from rescue centres...and they have been so important in my life, my little nuggets of joy being in my life.
But this dog now, I've never known such a sweet and soft dog as her ever before...I sometimes remind her...'you are a dog you know' ,all my dogs hold special meaning and love in my heart.
We know they have their own individual character, and I often smile at memories I have of them, tho also little stab of pain. But I still talk about them, they will not go and we have to act like, oh that was the past, as often ppl except us to do.
No they will never leave us, not from our memories, heart or love...that will always continue.
I'm so sorry for what your little un is going through, but remember, as I do the one we rescued more so, but for them all...
With your boy, you have given and shown him love, kindness and feeling safe...that is so special, and something he got from you to enjoy.
You have given him love,which he deserved, give him a loving home, that is the best you can do for any pet.
And, without doubt you will continue do so, just love him ,hug him lots.
You'll always do the best you can for him, it's terrible to see them in pain, if you could take the pain from them, we would in a heartbeat.
I am now the kind that will not something go if I feel there's more there. I would keep going to vet, keep asking to try something diff, that there must be something else,
if they say 'we've given best medicine, anything else would not do much difference, I'd understand, but I would be a real pain in the butt and ask to try it anyways...I have even felt little embarrassed myself, as I knew they'd think, 'Oh not her again'. I don't care ,I keep goin till he gets the chance of some other painkiller and relief if he will let you put heated pads on his joints ,even if only for little while during the day,maybe if he's sat beside you cuddled in.
But, always remember what you give him, just as he has given you.
Thats way I look at my little one. I hold her and ask her to never leave me, I can't be without her.
But, give as much love,time and hugs to him.
It's sad and empty when they go that's deff truth. We all grieve so much...but you learn to live with it. And where poss, get another dog, I know the feeling of guilt for feeling you've let someone take their place...but for me, my dog is now pain free and running through fields,with other friends...looking down and always still around.
After the love and caring you show him, he knows and it also gives it to another dog who may also have never known it.
I will prob get an older dog, as I'm not getting any younger, ahem. But also breaks my heart whose owner has passed and it doesn't understand how its lost its best friend and home, only to be in a kennel and scared and worried.
I'd love to give a home to those.
I'm so sorry I'm talking so often past tense.. its not the past here and now,so you're doing all you can for him because of the love you have for him. Keep seeing what can be done to help, and keep him as comfortable as possible.
Sorry past tense, think that's cause I'm feeling it too with my little darling.
You are doing all you can...just also give him hugs and lots of cuddles.
I'm thinking of him, and sending him the biggest, huggles, fuss and kisses...
They are worth every second of it, and if you've given them a loving safe home, you've given him something so important that he may never had the chance of. So to know youre giving him love is the main thing.
Sorry, if I've made this post ,way too long, and knowing me, prob repeated myself so often.
But, when it comes to our babies/little uns..for them alone it's worth it.
Sending love and keeping you both in my thoughts...[emoji173][emoji177]
Sent from my SM-G973F using TapatalkI agree with every word. We lost our border terrier in March, he was only 8 when many terriers can live to double that age. He became ill quite suddenly, he was vomiting and I feared he had eaten mouldy nuts or seed from the bird feeders. We took him to our regular vet, she did some tests which showed an inflamed pancreas. She was concerned so suggested the out of hours vet, a further distance but off we went. They phoned us around 1am to say scans had discovered a tumour in his abdomen.
The prognosis was poor, that they 'could' operate but it would cost mega bucks and the cancer would probably only come back. So we realised we had to let him go. We returned the following morning, myself and my 21 year old daughter. The vet gave us some time with him, then we held him while he slipped away. Both me and my daughter were crying, yes me a big 6ft 3 bloke. We brought him home wrapped in a blanket and he's buried in our garden next to our border terrier who died in 2012. I've planted forget-me-nots over their graves, they will all bloom in the spring. Crikey I thought I'd dealt with this but just typing it out has me welling up.
glassgirlw
04-12-20, 02:55
I understand your fears here. I think anyone with pets can sympathize.
you might look into glucosamine. As well as CBD Oil. My 11 year old GSD/golden mix takes both and I’ve noticed a huge improvement in mobility!
I'm just reviving this thread because it's relevant and I didn't want to hassle by creating a new one.
I had posted on another thread of mine that my dog was having some issues. He has arthritis, and has had some pretty bad flares this winter, pretty much anytime it gets cold (where I'm at it will be very mild or warm weather and then suddenly cold, then warm, then cold, etc.). Last week he was lying the in bed and suddenly started screaming for at least 30 seconds, it was horrifying and I couldn't help him. He then calmed down, but I called the vet to get him looked at. The vet checked him over and couldn't find anything orthopedic, but he had a high fever so she sent him home with meds and ran bloodwork.
When she called me with the bloodwork results, his calcium is a little high and one of his liver enzymes is as well. It's been trending upward apparently, it was high at his yearly exam and was even higher this time. So she had me get some liver tablets for him to take for a month, then we will reassess.
It's been...hard. For one thing, the liver tablets are huge, so getting him to take them is difficult because they are hard to hide in really anything. He also gained a pound before the visit (he's still not overweight) but it put him into the "large dog" weight class, so the tablets are twice as expensive. The particular enzyme that was elevated could mean something bad, or it could be something totally fine - it's one that raises for any number of reasons, so it's hard to tell, but next steps if the tablets don't work would mean scheduling an ultrasound, which apparently will take months to get in and will also be expensive. He's also had bad breath, which is traumatic for me as I had an elderly dog pass away and I remember this bad breath accompanying that. Will ask the vet when we go back.
He's otherwise fine, but I'm constantly wondering if he has a fever and I'm not noticing, or when he limps is it due to arthritis or is he sick again? Will this be an easy fix? Will it be extremely expensive? I'm reading about people who have senior dogs who are on this tablet for life, but the monthly cost is high and he's not even eight yet. Am I a terrible person for thinking about the finances of all of this?
I know I am getting ahead of myself for sure, I just have to take it step by step. I just hate the idea that he could feel so badly and I may not even know.
Poppy, could the bad breath be down to a dental problem? Hence the bad breath and pain episodes?
So hard for you but try not to spiral into all sorts of scenarios when this potential ultrasound is obviously not a priority for his wellbeing seeing as it could take months to get an appointment?
Hi Poppy, I'm not sure I can help you out regarding the medical side of things. But I do know that our pets mean the world to us and you're no different. We have a black lab and she's getting on in years too, she's currently on arthritis medication (Metacam) and Mrs F just bought some tablets off Amazon. They contain 'green-lipped mussel' according to the label I'm just reading.
You're definitely not a terrible person for thinking about finances. Unless we are extremely wealthy, it's just something we have to do. And yes I've felt that same guilt too, but please know you are doing all you can, that shines through by the very fact of posting it here. Also remember you are giving him a happy home, not all dogs are that lucky.
Of course, there comes a time when we do have to let them go. It's awful which you already have experience with, though it never gets any easier. And we do have to weigh up the financial burden at such times and whether we are hanging on to them for our own benefit or theirs. You will know the answer to that, something the vet can help you with too. You're a kind and conscientious animal lover, be proud of that.
MyNameIsTerry
01-02-22, 19:36
Poppy, that exact same thing happened to our dog a couple of weeks before Christmas. It was awful. We didn't check temperature so not sure about that. He was asleep then got up whimpering then started to bark hysterically. Then he was pacing around the house for about 30 mins until he calmed down. And outside. He didn't seem to know what to do. He did know us but was having a panic attack.
We called the emergency vet who said to try to calm him down and book in with our usual vet first thing. If he won't calm down they would see him to give him something.
He has been losing wait in recent months but that can be age and we had just changed his diet. My GF had weight loss with cats and dietary change sorted it.
We thought it might have been his worm & flea treatment as it was given 24 hours before and others online have had the same. He's on a large dog dose (just over the minimum weight) but his weight loss put him into medium. The vet disagreed.
So he checked him over and did a blood test. Some elevations connected to liver and kidneys. Then a urine test which found traces of blood and protein. Last week he went in for a bile fasting liver test and a feed and repeat test. The results were liver enzyme issues. The vet said liver problems can cause these fit like episodes.
So he has advised a med and we are awaiting them. The tablets won't be easy with our dog either. He said a scan could check for lumps on the liver if we wanted. We decided to start the meds for a week, re assess and decide on the scan. They said at his age they wouldn't bother an intrusive examination.
I will be really interested how it goes for your dog. I was hoping it was the wormer but now you've had it too the vet must be right. It really was scary, I've never seen him like that.
I think also there are some vets who will push for expensive treatments/therapies to boost their finances as opposed to thinking of the animal's quality of life and the chances of significant improvement in their condition. The best vets are the ones who are realistic and mindful of their client's finances all the while keeping the animal as comfortable and stable as possible.
Thanks, all of you.
My vet can't do the ultrasound, it would have to be the vet school. It's hard because with this specific enzyme apparently it can really be so many things causing it to raise. It's just worrisome because I've put things down to "arthritis" but what if he was actually ill during those episodes and I didn't notice? The only way I can take his temp here at home is via ear, which isn't as reliable, but I've been watching it anyway.
His breath could be his teeth, I've been working on keeping them clean. They're not perfect, but not too bad. It's just such a specific smell, which may still just be down to dental issues but is triggering.
Terry, I hope your dog fares well on the tablets and that they get some answers. It does sound similar. My boy hasn't had wormer and is off his flea/tick stuff for the winter, so I don't think its anything there. I constantly worry he could have gotten into something in the yard, but it's just so subtle and for something to be slowly increasing I doubt it - poisoning would be quick or nothing at all. He takes anxiety medication but I don't think that would do it either, or the vet would have mentioned?
I'm going to go off to the store tonight to get some Cheese Whiz - Google suggested that as a good way to hide this particular pill to get pups to take it, so hopefully it will work. Otherwise I'll just have to ask the vet if she has any thoughts.
I guess we will see where we are at in a month and go from there. I never really thought that Chisum would be my "heart dog" since I always imagined that position would go to a dog that is much....easier :roflmao:. Nothing with him is ever easy, unfortunately, but we have a bond I've not had before and it's just so scary to imagine him unwell. As I'm sure all of you can absolutely relate.
We are still trucking on. In about 10 days I'll call and make an appointment for the follow up blood test. He absolutely hates taking the pill - it's large so hard to hide, and I think it tastes terrible - so I really hope he doesn't have to be on it long-term. I've tried hiding it in things he loves, like ice cream, but that really is just starting to turn him off of those kinds of things. And he's already so picky.
He hasn't had any more incidents of prolonged screaming, but there have been a couple of times that he has been playing and just yelped, so the pain is there. He's also a lot more sensitive/grouchy when it comes to things that cause him pain - before he might grumble if you stepped on his tail, now he lashes out. Laying down for any amount of time leads to a prolonged limp, so again, he's clearly in pain still.
There have been a couple of times where I've thought he felt hot and his temp is at 102. That's high end of normal, but it's also with an ear thermometer as he won't let me do a rectal temp check, so for all I know it actually is higher. I give him carprofen because that's what the doc gave for fever + pain and hope for the best, but I'm going to bring it up at our appointment.
And honestly, the saddest thing is that he doesn't lay in bed with me really at all any more. My dad built him a ramp a couple of years ago to get up, and he usually will sleep on the floor or in his own bed by choice, but it used to be that every single morning when he heard me wake up he would come up the ramp and we'd have morning cuddles. He doesn't do that anymore. Even if I call at him he won't come up, best case is he'll stand at the bottom of the ramp and cry. I know he can get up it because he does sometimes, just very rarely.
It's....hard. It's hard because I feel like something is wrong but I can't tell what. And it's hard because he really does have good days and good times when he gets really excited and happy and I think that he's fine and that I'm just overreacting.
It also doesn't help that I haven't been feeling 100% the past couple of days. We've had weird weather and I think allergies are cropping up; I took a Covid test and it was negative.
We had our follow up appointment today. They won’t have blood results until tomorrow, but I asked if they could check his temp because he’s felt warm but I’m not sure how accurate my ear thermometer is. He has a significant fever, and I double checked with my thermometer - it’s about two degrees off. So he’s definitely had them off and on all month.
They noted that random fevers aren’t a great sign, but we will see what the blood results are. Next step is probably an ultrasound.
I just don’t know what to think/feel beyond blind panic. I’m afraid of bad news. I’m afraid of an answer that is “we can fix this but it will be expensive”. The vet tech there has a dog who today was undergoing surgery for a liver mass - $8k. I don’t have 8k. I paid 3k two years ago to fix his knee and that nearly killed me. I could borrow but even my parents I don’t think would justify that. I am just so afraid that it’s all going to come down to me not being able to help him.
I understand your worry and I'm sending positive thoughts that all will be well with him :hugs:
Positive thoughts
MyNameIsTerry
09-03-22, 08:24
It's a legitimate worry but I think you do have to try to maintain control of what are what ifs. It may happen bit it may not. If it doesn't you've just worried yourself for nothing. If it does happen you will confront the difficult decisions then anyway and they won't be any different for not worrying about them beforehand. But yes it's only natural to have concerns.
We've just decided not to bother with ultrasound. The vet mentioned it could rule out a mass. I asked him if finding a mass would change anything in how he treats him. He said no. So my thinking was all the ultrasound would provide is a label. The vet said a lump would still need a biopsy and with our dog being 15 he wouldn't want to do it anyway.
So, does having it change the situation? If your vet thinks it may be a mass that needs removing them that makes sense with your dog being younger than ours. But without insurance it can be very costly. You want the best for Chisum, we all know that. Understanding the true costs might be useful in planning and getting some advice from your parents.
MyNameIsTerry
09-03-22, 08:29
The ultrasound itself might reveal no mass and that's not going to be expensive. But see what the blood tests reveal. We had blood tests and the next test was a bile test. That was enough to start treatment.
Thank you, both of you.
I struggle with both the concept that I won't be able to help him, or that his illness is something I've done. For example, he's been on Paxil for five years. He needs it - he has severe anxiety - but what if that caused a problem? Though it would probably just mess with levels if anything, surely it wouldn't cause him to have a constant fever for a month plus. It's absolutely heartless of me maybe, but I keep thinking it would be so much easier if they said "there's nothing that can be done" versus "we can do X, Y, or Z" but they are all out my range, or too stressful, etc. I guess I just don't want the pressure of having to make that decision.
But, Terry, you're right. All I can do is take it one step at a time. Get the blood results and go from there.
He seems a little low sometimes, and a bit crankier than usual, but there are plenty of times too when he seems perfectly fine. He gets excited when my mom comes to visit, or when we can go out and go hiking. Hopefully that's a good sign? Who knows. But it's supposed to be nice this weekend after a snowstorm tonight/tomorrow, so we'll go out and get muddy for a good long while.
MyNameIsTerry
09-03-22, 16:09
With him being in pain he's bound to not feel himself at times. Sone dogs go into themselves and some are snappy. Just like we humans then!
You might find colder days or darker days do such things just as they do with us when it's something like arthritis. And on those days they may not eat much or want to play.
But on the better days they are more themselves and bounce back. As long as they are bouncing back I think you worry less because whilst there is a pattern in there it's not a continual negative one.
It's a very tough call to make. I think we have to remember we are not in control of our thoughts. The subconscious can blurt any old nonsense out. The mistake is ignoring all the evidence to the contrary and allowing the negative thought to influence you. Don't kick yourself, don't feedback with negatives about yourself as it only reinforces them. Think of them as automated checklists. A brainstorm. You discard the nonsense.
Yes, and he does have arthritis so that for sure comes into play as well. And with a fever, he's bound to have additional aches.
My vet called back, and we have a sort-of plan of action, but not really. I'm one that really likes to know what is going to happen and what to expect (perhaps a side effect of my own anxiety) but that's not the case here. She is going to prescribe some doxycycline for him in the hopes that it will combat his fever, in case he has an infection. Then in a couple of weeks, we will do a recheck of his temp and see if he's still been running a fever (and I'll monitor myself).
But ultimately, I guess getting the fever down may say if it's an infection or something else, and that's the info she's after. But it appears we'll still end up with an internal medicine consult - I'm lucky there's a vet school here where we can do it. It's hard because his bloodwork shows his liver enzyme keeps climbing up, but the one that is climbing can elevate for a ton of different reasons. His other levels that are very liver-specific are all normal.
So again, back to one step at a time. I guess a silver lining is that the denamarin liver supplement he was on didn't do anything, so he doesn't have to take it anymore. It was expensive and the pill was huge so nearly impossible to hide, and I think it tasted terribly. He was not a fan.
MyNameIsTerry
09-03-22, 19:32
Oh yes, Denamarin. It is very expensive unless...you look at the contents. It's just SAMe and milk thistle. Both can be bought far cheaper in supplement stores :winks: We are having this, a different brand, for our dog but we have insurance. If they will pay it then the 20% we pay is fine but if not it will be at least 60% cheaper to buy the exact same thing from a shop for humans.
Infections that get out of hand are a big cause of liver problems. With ours the vet said he was producing too much urea and he wasn't weeing it out fast enough. That started cause the strange episodes. So he gave us lactulose to reduce the symptoms of that and a penicillin.
He hasn't repeated any blood tests which we expected were needed. Instead he is continuing on a lower dose of lactulose, a lower strength penicillin more aimed at long term use and the Denamarin equivalent. He said the bad bacteria in his gut was producing too much ammonia and the penicillin will kill that off. I do wonder what effect that will have on good bacteria as the antibiotics we take mess that up.
He's had a couple of rough days starting them. This penicillin can cause sickness and stop them eating. He's very tired. Poor lad.
Our dog doesn't like taking pills but if he won't take them in food we have to put them down his throat. I'm not sure how yours would cope with that since he's so nervous.
It seems your vet is waiting to see what changes come from medication. Until you get that next appointment you won't get the answers you need so do your best and you will soon get there.
Terry, I hope your pup feels better. It sounds like hopefully they’ve got a good handle on what’s going on. Is it a chronic issue do they think, or will the meds kick it?
Unfortunately, I don’t have insurance for Chisum. It’s not something we ever had or needed, and then by the time he started having health issues I figured everything would be seen as pre-existing. But he’s a candidate for it, if there ever was one.
Thankfully he’s very good about taking pills. I just put in a bit of wet dog food. He takes anxiety meds so is well versed. But the denamarin pills were huge, I had to bury them in cheese whiz, and he’s not so sure he likes cheese whiz, lol. I had to give the cat some each time to entice him to check it out.
Just posting to try to sort out my thoughts. I’m currently dog sitting overnight for a friend’s dog. He’s very sweet but my boy is at my parents’ and I’m missing him and that’s not easy.
I’m finding that my own health anxiety is a bit triggered with this, which I am trying to rein in as of course that’s not helpful for the situation. But I worry that he is contagious (unlikely) and every time I think of what he may have it’s like I start to think I have it too. And whenever I feel a bit under the weather (headache, stomachache, etc) I feel guilty because I wonder how poorly he feels. He’s still overall pretty peppy, but he has a fever so that alone wouldn’t make him feel great.
The waiting and seeing feels impossible too. I feel like I just need to know something so I can rip off the bandaid and come to terms with it, but it won’t be that easy.
How's your doggie doing?
FMP
How's your doggie doing?
FMP
Thanks for asking! Generally, he still seems fine which is good! He's peppy and loves to go out hiking on weekends, though that seems to wipe him out more than it used to, but he's still game for it so maybe that's just him getting a bit older. :winks:
We finish with the doxy on Wednesday and are back to the vet on Thursday, for sure for a temperature check but they may run his bloods again if his temp is down, though she's not optimistic that the levels will be any lower. Next steps will likely be an ultrasound at the vet school, but if the fever's gone with the doxy then I guess that will be a clue that can be eliminated. He's had some days of lower temps I think, but then some other times when it's back up again so I really don't know what's going on. I'm just keeping myself in check as best I can, and hoping that if we need an ultrasound there will be some answers (good ones!) there.
We had our follow up. He still has a fever - 103.5 instead of 104.8 but still there. So the vet took more blood, as well as a urine sample, and then they did an abdominal X-ray and a chest X-ray. $450 later and they didn’t see anything glaringly obvious, but the X-rays will get sent off and so will the samples. She’ll likely call me tomorrow or next week with the results of those and then probably we will have to schedule with an internal medicine specialist for an ultrasound.
To be honest, this would be difficult anyway but in light of other things going on it feels really hard. It’s just too much to worry about at once, it honestly feels incredibly overwhelming. My mom said to take things one step at a time, and I feel bad because of course she has her own stuff to worry about.
The vet said it could be autoimmune. But who knows. And honestly he seems fine, aside from the persistent fever. My mom asked me financially at what point do I decide to not run a test and just let things be and, idk. Maybe after the ultrasound? I don’t want him to be unwell - and if he has a fever, even if he otherwise seems okay, he’s unwell - and I don’t want him to just randomly drop dead either. Nor do I want to be neglectful. But I do have limits, financially, though I really have no idea how I would set them without seeming like I don’t care about him at all.
I took Chisum into the vet school this morning and am waiting for them to call me. The vet basically had five tests she wanted to run, but we started with the first three and will wait on the others just because of cost. So they are doing a urinalysis, aspirating some lymph nodes, and doing an ultrasound with I think an aspirate of his liver.
I am super nervous waiting to go get him. Idk if they will have the results when I go in. My mom came with me this morning but she had to go home to help my dad, so I have to go in alone which isn’t fun especially as hearing results is often the hardest.
If they don’t find anything they want to do a test of his synovial fluid and then maybe his CSF.
I am so afraid it’s going to be bad news. But I’m also very worried as no news is nearly just as stressful - a lot to go through and pay for with no answers or clear path forward. But hopefully they call me in the next hour, I feel really guilty having left him there.
Lymph nodes were clear. Urine showed higher than normal protein, but that’s not abnormal with fever so technically it was clear as well.
His liver and spleen apparently looked “abnormal” on the ultrasound so they took aspirates of both. The spleen just had a weird texture they said, and his liver is still a bit large with one area that looked opaque. Idk what that means and they didn’t really seem to know themselves, just said that the cytologist would look at it and let me know tomorrow. Otherwise, the only thing would be more tests and both said that it’s very possible that even more tests won’t have an answer because sometimes things just don’t show up until they’re ready to.
So I’ll definitely be on eggshells tonight and likely tomorrow as well. He’s such a trooper. I need to call his regular vet tomorrow as he needs a med refill and an appointment for his heartworm shot but it feels a bit uphill as to be honest I’m kind of spent.
Funny thing, I got an email today from my work that we are getting appreciation bonus checks this Friday. It’s a nice thing, but I laughed with my mom that the money is already more than spent. Also, bonuses are not the norm where I work so it makes me wonder if they are doing this instead of raises - which really just confirms I’ll need to be on the job hunt soon.
I'm sorry you have been left waiting and worrying, Poppy. I hope the cytologist gets back to you early on today and that there is news which is reassuring and not just "inconclusive" which is vet talk for "we need to do more tests and you need to spend more money".
How is Chisum in himself? Is he obviously unwell and in some degree of pain? How does he cope with vet visits and tests? Don't let the vet take advantage of your devotion to Chisum and your need to make sure you don't miss anything in terms of possible illness. If you are confident that the vet has Chisum's best interests at heart and not their bank balance then be guided by their advice based on what is affordable and practical for you and what you think Chisum could cope with.
Don't overthink the bonus cheque..Every little helps and you don't yet know about pay increase, I presume?
Thanks, Pulisa. It's funny - I expected the vet school to be really into nickel and diming, at least based on reviews online, but so far they are the only ones we've seen that have discussed pricing. Granted, they didn't until my mom brought up costs (I'm so glad she came!) but even when I went back without her they were pricing things out for me and talking about the benefits of each test. Yesterday's visit was still pretty pricey, but it ended up being less than my quote as they did one of the tests for free as they looked at it themselves instead of sending to cytology, which again was really nice of them.
The individuals I saw was a 4th year student (so about to graduate) and a DVM who is a pretty recent graduate and is an intern. Both were so nice and helpful. The DVM mentioned that it may well be a matter of waiting to see if he develops more symptoms that point to a more obvious cause, as right now other than a fever and high ALP levels he is otherwise fine.
I have to say, I do wish I could have spoken to a senior clinician or an internist - not that I don't trust the doctors I saw but just that since his case is so strange I was hoping someone with a lot more experience would be able to say they had seen something similar before and offer a suggestion. But it's possible they share their notes with the senior clinicians and if something rings a bell it would come up.
He's still a bit sleepy and...off... this morning which they said would be normal last night, but I was hoping it would have worn off. Being me, of course I started to worry that they had hit or punctured something when they took their samples but I'm probably overreacting.
I do also hope they are able to get back to me this morning, as I'm at work now and am admittedly a bit afraid of just breaking down here if it is bad news. I guess at least I'm the only one in the office today.
I think you should have faith in who you saw and what advice you were given. Younger professionals are often more clued up on the latest developments and are not jaded by years of practice. They are keen and want to do everything they can to impress their seniors who will be monitoring what they do. They would be the first people to alert their seniors and seek advice if they thought something strange was going on which needed urgent investigation.
Try not to overthink and fear all sorts of complications? You were told to expect him to be a bit "off". Waiting for the phone call will be horrible..I do hope the news is reassuring..
You're right. Still no call, hopefully they do call soon. My mom stopped by my house as Chisum absolutely adores her, she said he went to the restroom and was happy to see her, but wasn't super full of energy or bouncing off the walls like he normally does, just a really calm tail wag. I'll mention it to the vet if they call, but to be honest I'm trying not to feel really guilty myself. I know I was trying to do the right thing but can't help but wonder what if I made things worse?
Going to try to finish up my work and then maybe head home to cuddle with him for awhile. It's admittedly really hard to see him ill and feel like I can't help him, but of course it's a process for everyone involved. I'm just...sad.
I heard back - they didn't find anything sinister, so ultimately the results were "inconclusive". The next step, she said, is to take synovial fluid and test that. I asked about pricing and she said that was about $200, so it was honestly a lot less than I thought it would be - but she told me it was fine if I took a minute and thought about it. I think she's hoping they'll find something but isn't sure that they will.
I told her I would call her back as I wanted to give him a little time to rest before having to be sedated again. I got home from work today and he was a lot peppier, so I feel better about that. I have to take him to my regular vet for a heartworm shot, so I may ask her what she thinks/recommends and if she knows what they would be looking for (infection maybe?), though to be honest I'm not sure she'd know.
Why not ask the vet who is suggesting doing the test instead of your regular vet who may just give you inaccurate information? I would want to know exactly what the test involved and what were the chances of getting a definitive diagnosis which would ultimately help Chisum and not just open the doorway for more tests which will leave you in a quandry.
It all depends on how important these tests actually are according to your vet and if she is a decent vet she will be honest with you. Also it comes down to Chisum and his quality of life. If nothing sinister is obvious it's about getting good pain control and giving the testing a break maybe? It's your call of course.
That's a good idea. Honestly, I'm thinking about doing this test and calling it at that point unless more symptoms pop up. I'm inclined to do this one because 1) it's not incredibly expensive and 2) I already know he has joint problems, so his issues being joint-related would not surprise me.
My regular vet actually suspected that he had immune-mediated polyarthritis, which this test would confirm/deny. She wasn't sure if that was the case, though, since he isn't incredibly lame. However, I did look it up and it says that in a percentage of dogs lameness is really sporadic or not present and a fever is the main indicator. It's also something that is relatively easy to treat - just immunosuppressants until symptoms resolve and leave it until there is another flare, so if it truly is that easy to handle that would be a relief.
Either way I'm going to wait a week or two to give him a break from sedation.
I think that this is a very sensible plan of action, Poppy. You don't want to stress him out with another procedure which isn't urgent. I hope this test proves to be the breakthrough re diagnosis. It's so frustrating to keep on getting nowhere and spending money to no therapeutic avail.
I called the vet school and set up an appointment for a week from today to get his joints tapped - which is really the last test before we just sit back and wait. I feel a lot of guilt at setting it up - I hate bringing him in for things like that because I know he hates it, I am afraid of the results, and I also remember being so scared a couple of weeks ago when he was coming back from the sedation. But I know there will either be an answer or there won't, and either way we know the path forward (for now). That is absolutely not going to stop me from being in a total state, though, of getting bad news or of having something happen during sedation and him passing away. I would never forgive myself.
I was a little frustrated on the phone because the receptionist didn't really know what procedure he had been recommended, and there wasn't really a note in his file to that effect, either. So I do generally know what they wanted to do (joint tap to test synovial fluid) but I am really hoping that he can see the same student or intern and that they will know what was requested. I just really don't want to see totally new doctors who have a different lens or more tests to suggest because this was the plan of attack and I'd like to stick to it.
We were there last on a Tuesday, though, and this will also be a Tuesday so....maybe the same intern will be working and we can see her again. I didn't even think to ask if I could request that. I'm honestly kicking myself for either a) not just having them run that test when he was sedated last time or b) not just setting up the appointment when the intern called me back a couple of weeks ago.
Why not just ring the vet school and say you want continuity of care with the same intern. Then fix the date to suit her availability?
You wanted to give Chisum a break from tests. You followed advice re the first series of tests and the joint tap is a follow up procedure as there is still no definitive diagnosis. You do need to know exactly what procedure he has been recommended though and it's strange that there are no notes to indicate that on his case history.
Thanks, Pulisa. I think that would be a good course of action. I'm sure the intern we saw remembers what the planned course of action was, and I know for myself what she had recommended. It's just frustrating she didn't write it down, apparently, and we were at our regular vet last week and my regular vet said she had heard a few things, but that she hadn't heard the outcomes of some of his tests. She was pretty frustrated at that as I know she wanted to be kept in the loop.
As with everything (ha) I'm still stressing about the potential results of the tests, and am concerned that if they find he has what they think he has, that he will have to go on Prednisone, which can have some sketchy side effects. I would think maybe if they diagnosed him I could talk to my regular vet about medication options and concerns? I think she may be a bit more understanding as to my concerns since she knows me and Chisum well and the vet school staff does not.
I don't think you should think too far ahead and try to predict what the tests will find. Remember that these are the second round of tests as the first lot weren't particularly helpful in terms of diagnosis so they are just casting the net around for anomalies. I'm sure you will be able to continue with your regular vet if you get any definitive diagnosis though. I would be concerned at the lack of communication from the vet school though and by the poor documentation of Chisum's history.
I would be concerned at the lack of communication from the vet school though and by the poor documentation of Chisum's history.
Me too, that part is particularly frustrating, especially as they are, in theory, supposed to be the top place to go. In reality, I work at the university that houses the vet school and know that isn't the case - there is a lot of turnover, a lot of disorganization, and they have had issues with hiring/retaining good talent due to low pay and better alternatives elsewhere. So it's not really surprising, but being as I was working with an intern and a student I guess I really did expect better, since they should (in theory) be a bit more on the ball about stuff like that.
I'll just try to keep it together in the meantime. I honestly just have the worst dread. I hate taking him there and I hate leaving him behind, regardless of what they find. I just have this massive need to have him with me, or know right where he is at all times, I guess? I may be a bit overprotective. If they find something, or not, I can certainly talk to my vet about next steps and medication alternatives, but I have to get through that appointment first. I guess I just know that if something bad happens I won't be able to forgive myself and will blame myself for making those choices for him.
Does he really need these tests, Poppy? Is he obviously in pain now and is his quality of life badly affected? What are the chances of them finding something "incidental" and then suggesting more tests?
I think that's what makes it so hard, pulisa...I just don't know. There's no question he's unwell - he has a pretty significant fever nearly all of the time, his liver is enlarged (though I'm not sure if that's new or just the way it always has been), and his liver values are going up. As for external symptoms - he doesn't appear to be in pain most of the time. There are times when he is in pain, and this all started with a bout of really severe pain. But I also don't know if he's often in pain and just not showing it, and if the times he does show it if those are times when his pain is truly severe.
As far as I know, there are no more tests. This is the last one they can run, and then the vet at the vet school pretty much said if it was inconclusive it would be a matter of waiting if/until he became more ill, with more obvious symptoms that would point to a cause. So as hard as it is for me to take him there and part with him, I do know this is really the last time for a good long while.
IF they come back with some sort of diagnosis, I do plan to talk to my vet extensively about treatment plans, because I really am against putting him on something that could have a lot of bad side effects if he is outwardly fine now - I don't want to make him worse. But I guess I'll just have to cross that bridge if/when we come to it. If they don't come back with a diagnosis....we just wait.
It's a really hard place to be because I want to do what's right for him, but feel totally lost on what "right" is. He's had some health issues before that were really pretty intense and expensive - he broke a tooth that couldn't be pulled so had to be capped/sealed; he tore his CCL and needed surgery - but those instances it was very clear what had happened and what needed to be done. We did it, it got better. All of the ambiguity is just so frightening and hard. I just want him to be happy and healthy and here with me.
Does your regular vet think he is unwell?
Don’t be too scared of Preds Poppy. My cat is on them…he has inflammatory bowel and without them he has really bad guts and chronic diarrhoea. A specialist vet told me if an animal has to have preds it’s better if they have them every other day rather than every day.
My vet prescribed them everyday but I only give him half tab every other day and it holds him. It’s about finding the least dose possible that works.
Does your regular vet think he is unwell?
She does, though she doesn't know what his illness may be and is why she wanted the vet school involved as her ability to run tests is limited.
Don’t be too scared of Preds Poppy. My cat is on them…he has inflammatory bowel and without them he has really bad guts and chronic diarrhoea. A specialist vet told me if an animal has to have preds it’s better if they have them every other day rather than every day.
My vet prescribed them everyday but I only give him half tab every other day and it holds him. It’s about finding the least dose possible that works.
Thank you - hopefully it won't come to Preds but that does help me feel a bit better. I mainly am concerned about behavioral changes; I have heard it can increase anxiety or potentially aggression - Chisum already has anxiety and intermittent aggression issues (towards strange dogs; also he's a resource guarder) and I really don't want to make any of that worse. But if we get to that point I would hope it could be a low dose since his symptoms are pretty mild, and maybe there would be alternatives? I just don't know - I guess I really just have to survive the appointment Tuesday first and go from there.
Here to post an update even though there's not really any news. He had his joint taps done Tuesday and got the results back yesterday - nothing. Everything looks fine. They even did X-Rays and said they didn't see any inflammation or signs of arthritis, which is a bit baffling to me. He has been doing pretty well as it's getting warmer, but when we have cold snaps he has a very pronounced limp - does arthritis just vanish like that if he's not in a flare? And if not arthritis, what would cause his pain?
The vet I saw Tuesday also suggested that his fever could just be rising due to the stress of visiting the vet. I would buy that, except that he's been warm at home and gets his temp checked at every yearly exam and it's never been raised before, and he's always stressed. It's also been incredibly high at some points. She tested her theory by taking his temp after he was with her for a few hours on Tuesday and it dropped a couple of points of a degree, which she said could be a sign that it was stressed but he still had a temp so I'm not totally convinced. But who knows - I guess it doesn't really matter at this point.
Anyway, I'm just happy that they didn't find any of the scary things I was worried about, and for now I guess we just wait and see if something else crops up or what his bloodwork looks like at his yearly exam in the fall.
I'm very pleased that everything looked normal. I hope you and Chisum get a break from vet visits and bills now. You've done everything you can to investigate.
Chisum? What a great name!
Chisum? What a great name!
He's actually named after the John Wayne movie, if you've ever had the "pleasure" to see it! I was living with my parents when I adopted him, and my dad wasn't happy about me getting him, so my mom suggested the name to appease him.
I'm not a fan of the movie -at all- but the name is unique and fits him well. :roflmao:
I love unusual name for pets! My guinea pig is called Hubert and i used to have a house rabbit called Aaliyah (my daughter was obsessed with pop stars who died tragically at the time!)
I'm reviving this thread because my anxiety is back in full force. I was at my parents' house this weekend and Chisum stayed for a bit in their guest house because he can't always be around the little kids. He seemed to do fine - once I went to walk him and he was hiding behind the chair, but came out and was his normal self. He ate some poo when we went on a hike, but that's not always the most unusual for him.
Yesterday, he was sick to his stomach in the early morning, just a little bit, and it was the poo he'd eaten so that wasn't a huge surprise. After that he seemed a bit normal but I stayed home sick myself and instead of being with me he hung out in the other room, which is abnormal for him but not too concerning. What was concerning was that if I took him out to the bathroom, he didn't want to come back in the house, he'd just hide in the garage until I could coax him in.
In the afternoon, he came up into the bed with me and as I went to start my show he suddenly ran off the bed and out of the room and hid under my dining table. I was able to coax him out, but after that he was clingy. He needed to be in my lap all the time but he also couldn't quite settle. It went like that pretty much all night long - he'd be relatively okay if I took him outside, but when we'd come inside again he might be able to settle for a few minutes before he was back up on my lap or pawing at me and needing something.
We both did get a bit of sleep overnight, which was good. He slept some under his ramp that leads up to my bed, which is very unusual for him - prior to this I don't think he'd ever been under there at all.
He seemed a bit better this morning, but my gut says something was really wrong but I'm not sure how to help him. I'm going to see how he is when I go back home for lunch and when my parents drop in today, that will tell me I think if I need to make a vet appointment. But he's still eating and using the restroom, so I'm afraid they won't be able to tell me what is wrong either.
I just wish that he could talk. :shrug:
Could he just be feeling a little unsettled? Has he been drinking enough? Dehydration can make humans behave out of the ordinary, maybe dogs too?
I wonder if he is having intermittent stomach cramps, possibly from the poo eating?
if you’re still worried, it won’t hurt to take him to the vet. He can take his temperature which is always a good indicator when somethings wrong. I’m sure he will be fine Poppy but I know pets are such a worry.
Let us know how he is after you get back.
Thanks, Catkins and Darksky.
It's hard - it feels like with him there are times when everything is okay, but then there is some other crisis. Of all the dogs I've had, he's certainly the one that has had the most health issues.
He seems to be a bit better now, so we'll see how this evening goes. When I got home at lunch he was fast asleep, which is really unusual for him - he's usually greeting me at the door with a toy and jumping up and down. But my mom stopped by and he was thrilled to see her, which was normal.
He is eating and drinking, and using the bathroom like normal. Everything maybe a little "less" than normal, but still enough that I'm not super concerned about that. I don't think he has a fever as he usually will feel hot to the touch when he does.
He does seem to have some pain. He has arthritis in his front legs and I think with the weather change they are hurting too. But he's also done some occasional hops on his back legs and I'm not quite sure what that's about. I just need his knees to be okay; I don't think I could swing another surgery right now. But those hops aren't really happening with much regularity, so hopefully it's just a twinge and nothing worse than that.
It has made me very nervous for boarding him this summer, but there's not much that can be avoided there. At least I'm boarding with a vet, so if something was wrong they would be able to handle it.
I'm just very mentally and physically tired right now - hopefully we can turn in early tonight and actually get some sleep.
How is Chisum today Poppy?
Thanks for asking, Darksky.
He seems better. He was back to normal yesterday evening. He got locked in my bedroom while I was at work when my mom left my house, so when I got home he was panicking - but he recovered quickly and was fine. He did have to go out to the bathroom at about 4 am, which is unusual, but he went and came back in and we went back to sleep.
I'm wondering if he did have some stomach issues or something in his body felt off and that was scaring him. I really don't think that something external scared him to that level, but maybe I'm wrong. Hopefully he does well moving forward though.
I have a bit of an update - I suspect the issue is that he has an ear infection.
I noticed his ear was getting red on Tuesday, when it started, and cleaned his ear that morning. He hates having his ears cleaned, even hates the smell of the cleaner. It was awhile from the time I cleaned to the time his real fear ramped up, but I suspect him not wanting to come inside was because he could still smell the cleaner inside, and that his behaviors were tied to his ear.
Today he was fussing with his ear so I looked and it looked even more inflamed. I wiped it out with a tissue - no cleaner this time - and used some ear medicine I had on hand. He didn't react as poorly this time, presumably because this stuff doesn't stink like the cleaner does, but he did start to get really nervous/afraid again and when we went in the garage he once again didn't want to come back inside.
It's a bummer because now he's very upset with me because he's starting to put together that I'm the one putting these meds in, and I hate that he probably just thinks I'm doing it to be mean to him. But there's not much to do beyond go through the five day meds course and hope it clears up. :shrug:
Just caught up with this thread poppy.
I think the ear situation could have definitely had an affect.
The fact that he's eating and drinking and toileting normally, you don't have anything serious to worry about.
I know you can be super vigilant where Chisum is concerned which is not a bad way to be, and because of that I think you would know if anything was seriously wrong. x
Thanks, Carnation. It is good news. I think I've always just felt like the other shoe was about to drop with him, and after losing my other dog so suddenly that fear has gotten even worse. It probably doesn't help matters either that I'm still very anxious about boarding him this summer and all of the legwork that goes along with that.
But we seem to be out of the woods for now, though poor guy still has four days left of the ear medicine. :D But I suspect he'll survive.
Well, he's had a handful of repeat bouts of this - seemingly fine, then suddenly very panicked and needing to be held. Yesterday I was gone for Easter lunch and when I got back all was well. I fed Chisum and Friday (the cat) and took a shower, then sat on my bed to play on my computer. Chisum laid next to me for a while, then jumped off the bed, and immediately after jumping off ran back up his ramp and launched into my bed, apparently petrified. And after that we got absolutely no sleep.
So, I cracked and made him an appointment at the vet. They checked him over and the only anomaly they found was that he had a pretty decent fever. They then asked if I wanted them to do bloodwork, and since his regular vet apparently didn't do that at his annual exam I agreed. Everything was normal, but his ALP level was very high. Even higher than it was last time they checked.
He hadn't seen this vet before, so I explained his history and she suggested he come in next Monday to be tested for Cushing's. She said when she sees a high ALP that's one of the first thing she considers, and it would explain his bouts of fear/higher anxiety. She asked me to bring the notes in from all of his testing last year. But she said the Cushing's test was only about $100, and it will either give us an answer or it won't...but after last night I may as well try something because it was really hard on both of us.
I'm just really mentally exhausted at this point. I would love to have an answer, because so far he just gets sicker and no one seems to know why.
Poppy, I think you need an explanation so it can be dealt with. You did the right thing. No one likes taking their pets to the vets but if alarm bells ring it's the best thing.
I hope you manage to get some rest. :hugs:
Thanks Carnation. I had a bit of a panic Google and worked myself up in a later about prognosis and medication costs, then had to reel myself in and remind that I don’t really have any diagnosis yet and this could be yet another hypothesis that is incorrect. Then I did manage to take a nap.
He’s settled for right now, so hopefully that lasts into tonight and we can get some real rest. Just have to take it day by day I suppose.
Well, he had his Cushing's test yesterday and I just got the call that it was negative. The vet still needs to review the records from last year, and then she'll call again to tell me what she thinks, but really it seems again like it's something that is wrong but no one will ever know what is wrong. I'm not sure at what level things will start to go south, since his ALP just keeps rising, but she said as long as he is eating and not throwing up that's a good sign. It's just hard to know that at any day something could go really wrong, and not really know what is happening in the meantime. His fear periods are concerning as well, I wonder if something is happening internally that is making him feel weird and that's scaring him? I just wish I could make it better.
I'm feeling guiltier than ever about boarding him in a couple of months, but I am boarding with a vet and he'll be close by...but I think I'd be nervous about it no matter what. I'm going to ask the vet about vaccines because I know some stuff has been going around and I don't want him to get sick with something else - he's up to date on all of the required stuff, but I need to see if getting him a flu vaccine is necessary.
It’s definitely puzzling poppy. Try not to think about the boarding for now, it’s two months away and you may have more of idea by then. x
I'd agree with Carnation Poppy. We so worry about our pets though don't we. Our black lab is an elderly lady now, but she still loves her walks and dinner time. Sometimes we can't help but think of losing them, so its important to try and concentrate on the here and now. It clearly shows how much you love your dog, that makes him very lucky. Some never experience that do they.
Try not to worry about the boarding Poppy, it sounds like an ideal situation where he'll get well looked after.
Thanks, all. I posted about this on a dog-specific forum and someone just mentioned that maybe his anxiety medication (paroxetine) could be causing issues. It's probably unlikely; he's been on it a long time and everything I see seems to indicate that if it were causing liver trouble it would have happened very early on, also all of his other liver values are normal so it's very possible it's not a liver problem at all. But I will call the vet today and see what she says, maybe it's time to wean him off. I was planning on trying that eventually but was hoping it could wait until after he boarded, but maybe we can do a different short-term med while he's boarding as I know he'll be quite anxious.
To be honest I think my biggest fear would be that it ends up being something I've caused. It is awful to have him be unwell, but if it were something I could have prevented or due to something I did I think it would be very hard to forgive myself. But I suppose all we can really do is the best we can in the moment?
It's highly unlikely its going to be anything you have caused poppy and any meds given have been on the recommendation of the vet. You are thorough and pretty much clued up. Try not to overthink the situation.
My cat suffers with anxiety and one of the triggers is a windy day. It took me 10 years to realise it.
If only they could talk.
Thanks, Carnation. I did chat with the vet, and she mentioned that if were the medication his other liver values would likely be raised, and it wouldn't explain the fever. She's going to talk to the vet school about his tests last year and see if she can get more info, but for now I'll keep him on the meds and then wean him off after the trip.
Wind can be a big trigger. It's very noisy, and it also kicks up all the neighborhood smells. I do wish they could talk, it would make things much easier.
It sounds like you have good communication with your vet. That must be a comfort. x
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