Sort of in shock this afternoon

[wdfifteen]

I’m about to explode, but I must be strong and supportive in front of Vicki. I feel anything but, so I’m here venting.

Ten days ago, we took our Golden Retriever Gracie Mae to the vet. She had been lethargic and acted like she had pain in her hips. X-rays show she has severe arthritis in just about every joint in her body, plus a long list of internal organ problems that are rapidly killing her. Bless her heart, she has hidden it well. The vet said get ready to say goodbye, probably within the next month or so.

We got back from another trip to the vet this morning - Owen this time. We took him in because he had a cough. We thought it was seasonal allergies, as the tree pollen has all the humans around here coughing and snotting their heads off. We thought he just needed some allergy meds.

The diagnosis is congestive heart failure.

It is the same illness that took my dear Madison a year ago. As the vet started describing what to expect and what drugs he would need we sort of went into shock, until she said the word “Lasix” and then we both just lost it. We know all too well what to expect – it’s fukn brutal and we know how it ends. The drug regimen and administering instructions are exactly the same, as will be the outcome.

I mean … again??

Last week a weasel broke into the chicken house and killed a beautiful iridescent black hen and I thought that was pretty bad.

[Scott Douglas]

Sorry to hear this Patrick.
To me, a dog can't be a real dog if it's full of drugs just to mask the pain.
I know it hurts to let 'em go, but sometimes that's the best thing for them.
It's also one of the reasons I don't have a dog.

[rfuerst911sc]

In my opinion the right thing to do is help them cross that rainbow bridge . You owe it to them after they provided years of love . Don't extend their suffering . We have all been there and it sucks . I am sorry you are going through this . It's the price we pay as responsible pet owners . Good luck

[Chocaholic]

Don’t know what kind of dog Owen is, but we’ve got a 15 year old Havanese who has had congestive heart failure for at least 3 years. Our vet graded it at 3-4 but did not recommend medication unless his symptoms get worse…and they haven’t. He coughs intermittently but the spasms tend to pass on their own within a few seconds.

May be worth a second opinion in terms of management. As I recall the treatment regimen includes a diuretic which means lots of peeing. Sorry for the news you’ve received but perhaps Owen isn’t quite due for the bridge yet.

[KFC911]

Very sorry Patrick .... some days being a pet owner/lover just absolutely sucks when you get news like this or they reach the end of their run. You are a dog's best friend ... it's a two way street.

[Rikao4]

alas..
it's like holding your kid by the throat..
and asking..
Laser or dull rock..
outcome be the same..
my best Vet used to pick up my dogs and then scale..
new place..
10 all but worthless Techs..
and any kind of visits is 300 plus minimum
but they wear scrubs..

Rika

[sc_rufctr]

This is really bad news Patrick but keep your chin up. Life goes on and I'm sure the "fury friends" in your care get nothing but the best.

You and your family have my sympathy.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

I mean … again??

Sorry to hear this. I''ve been through it.

Is there something the dogs have been eating that's toxic. Something like getting into a shed where there are weed sprays, or eating sprayed grass.

[rcooled]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

I know it hurts to let 'em go, but sometimes that's the best thing for them.

So sorry to hear about Owen and Gracie. Been there several times myself...never gets any easier.

[unclebilly]

Sorry about your pet health issues… pets are special.

[flatbutt]

Oh man Patrick that sucks. There's very little comfort in what I can say but you had them this long and though it doesn't make goodbye any easier you did have them this long. Sorry bro.

[Scott Douglas]

My brother had a big, 125 lb Golden Retriever that was diagnosed with lung cancer. Had a persistent cough that just wouldn't go away. It hurt him greatly to put Dodger down, but he knew it had to be done.
About two months later, if I remember correctly, he himself was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Fast forward to just a couple weeks ago, he had to put his little Pepito down. Said it was the hardest thing he'd ever had to do. And he survived his cancer. So, yeah, it hurts, but sometimes it's the kindest thing any of us can do for our animal friends.

[herr_oberst]

I'm sorry this is happening, Patrick. Stay strong.

[LWJ]

I am so very sorry to hear this.

My last pup had cancer near his heart. I was in a similar state coming from the vet who told me “days to weeks” to live. I bought a big hamburger and gave it to him. Turns out that was his last real meal. I’m tearing up as I type. They are family.

[matthewb0051]

Making the decision to euthanize is just horrible. I've posted about our beagle, Bagel, who has cancer. She's was diagnosed last Sept and vet gave her 4 months, here we are nearly 10 months later. But I can see the end is getting closer.

Not looking forward to that decision. Breaks my heart to even think about it.

[Evans, Marv]

Also sorry to hear this. When it rains, it pours - as the saying goes. Words can't do justice.

[vash]

I am so sorry to hear of the troubles. my feeble words seem really inadequate.

but I am wishing for the best.

[oldE]

Damn. Thinking about what you folks are going through gives me flashbacks to some of the dark days in our past furry friends' lives. I'm so sorry you guys are being hit in the guts with this again.
Love 'em while you got 'em.

Best
Les

[MBAtarga]

As others have said, sorry to hear about this. Like Mike suggests - maybe a 2nd opinion is worthwhile.

[911boost]

Wishing for the best for you and your wife and both pups.

Our first GSD had lymphoma so I have been down the road you are on. Our last one lived to be 14, just like people they can all be so different.