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Barnyard Buddies:  My poor girl  |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 23 2011 : 11:59:43 AM
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My poor doggie. Our precious girl will be 11 years old on Valentine's day. She thinks she's human; her love and faithfulness knows no bounds; she is an incredible companion; she is a lady in every true sense of the word; we never had to train her; she never runs away when unleashed; she is a fierce protector; she literally tries to speak (has said the word "food," a couple of times); she thinks she can communicate with us telepathically (and I'm not so sure she can't, to be totally honest with you)... And, yes, she is definitely a Steelers Fan. ;) She is our family and we love her more than words can express.
About a year and one-half ago, she started getting this noticeable round area just under her left hind leg that stuck out to the side a little bit. Extremely concerned about it, we actually have brought her to the vet more than once, but each time he insisted it was just that she's an overweight, older dog, and this is just fatty tissue. Then she started having incontinence. He said to cut back on her food, because the fatty tumor - as he now called it - was putting pressure on her bladder. We did that. She started thinning down quite nicely over the summer, but the fatty tumor didn't lessen at all, in my opinion.
Well, just before Christmas she started having incontinence again. We brought her back to the vet, but he was away, and a "visiting" vet checked her over. He was concerned that our doctor had misdiagnosed her condition - that perhaps this was actually her stomach that we were feeling rather than a fatty tumor (Eghads!). He wanted us to take her in for overnight observation as well as "exploratory" surgery, after which, depending upon what he found, she would probably need extensive surgery - again, IF his suspicions were correct. He also said that if it is what he thinks it is, the surgery usually would correct the problem, but given her age and the extent to which he suspected this problem has already gone, he couldn't honestly give us strong hope for a positive prognosis after surgery. He did some preliminary bloodwork to look for indicators, all of which came back normal and fine - it didn't indicate the condition he was concerned about; however, he still thought the overnight stay and exploratory surgery might be a good idea. When the receptionist gave me the quote on the cost of just the overnight stay and exploratory surgery - I almost fainted!
Long story short, we spoke with a friend of the family who loves our dog (Everyone does - she's amazing!) and who has cared for dogs all her life (vet assistant/worked in kennels) who recommended that we just let nature run its course, making our girl comfortable and happy for this latter part of her life. First of all, she said, this was a visiting vet, not our regular "old-fashioned country farm-style" vet. To her it sounded like he was one of those modern medicals out for the almighty dollar. In all honesty, that was kind of the impression I was getting when he examined our dog, but when it's your beloved pet, all you can think about is getting them better! Our doc wasn't expected back for a few weeks, but she honestly felt it would be more merciful for her to hold off at least until our regular vet was able to re-examine her. Our friend also stressed that at her age, putting our dog through all of this on the "mere chance" that they might discover what is ailing her, only to follow up with surgery that probably won't cure her, seemed to be something more truamatizing to her than beneficial. Well, I had placed a couple of calls to our regular vet over this past month, leaving messages in the hopes of obtaining yet another opinion on this second doctor's new opinion, but I hadn't heard back from him. I just figured he had not returned yet.
Forward to this weekend...
We aren't sure what has happened, but now she is limping and having extreme difficulty getting herself up and down to the floor, let alone up and down the the back steps. I think with all the snow and iciness, she probably slipped and pulled a muscle in the region of this "mass." We only have two very small, not very steep, steps in our front, so we've been taking her out the front and all the way around the house to the back yard, as our little lady won't do her business anywhere BUT in our back yard. Whenever she finally gets to the backyard, she doesn't go far into the yard and then just looks around and stares, like she's expecting something to jump out at her or something. She refuses to do her business, and yet last night at one point, you could hear those rolling sounds in her stomach.
I'm sick over this. I tried ALL DAY yesterday to contact our vet, but I think there must be a problem with the lines. From the house phone, the recording says the number cannot go through as dialed. From the cell phone, we get a constant busy signal. My DH was working yesterday, and I can't lift her up into the van without her whining, and I certainly can't fully lift her up full-body by myself; so even if they were in the office, I wasn't able to get her there, but at the very least, they might be able to give me advice on how to comfort her until we could get her in for an appointment (hopefully Monday). I'm going to try to call again tomorrow and see if they can see her in the evening after my DH gets home. Even if they don't answer, he will be able to lift her and drive her down.
I'm just so upset. I love my girl. She's just... just... she's just love, all wrapped up in a warm ball of fur. She's family; a constant companion; my baby girl! And these doctors - I don't know who to believe, or why I am not hearing back from the office. And then I am honestly not sure what is the best thing to do for her, either. My Mom said she's afraid we're going to end up "making a decision" about her. We're just not ready to "make that decision," especially if they can help her. We love her. I just don't know what to do and feel so frustrated by the whole thing. Meanwhile, she's the one whose suffering.
Please say a prayer for her. And if anyone has any thoughts, insight or suggestions as to what this is or how we can comfort her, I'd really appreciate it. She's not complaining, but you can tell she is suffering, and it's breaking my heart. I just really hope when my hubby gets home tomorrow and gets her down there, they'll do something for her. I just don't want it to come to "that decision."
Thanks so much - Nini
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
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nut4fabric
True Blue Farmgirl
885 Posts
Kathy
Morgan Hill
CA
USA
885 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2011 : 12:39:12 PM
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Nini I am so sorry you are going through this, truely I have been there done that and it is awful. My boys, both yellow labs also have fatty tumors that we watch carefully especailly since Clay had cancer on his tongue last year and had most of his tongue removed. Do you have any animal aspirin available that you can give her? Will she lay on a heating pad? that might help if she has pulled a muscle in her hip. If it comes to making "a decision" you will know what to do from looking in her eyes, she will tell you, they can do that. Will keep her in my prayers.
Hugs to all of you, Kathy |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2011 : 2:47:07 PM
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Nini, I am so sorry your girl is not doing so well right now. You sound like you are doing all the right things for her. I hope you get in touch with your vet soon. I'll say a prayer for her.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2011 : 4:23:29 PM
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so sorry nini , my heart hurts for you. send hugs prayers love to you through this tough time sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2011 : 4:49:25 PM
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Nini, I will be praying for your beloved pet and for you.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World!
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
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amomfly
True Blue Farmgirl
658 Posts
Angie
LaGrange
IN
USA
658 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 01:33:25 AM
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Nini- I am so sorry too. I am facing several dogs with major medical issues. Just take it all one day at a time and love them. That is it.
God Bless
Angie-amomfly
#1038 |
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 01:41:49 AM
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Nini,
More prayers headed your way. So sorry that you may be faced with some painful decisions, but you are making those decisions with love and that's the best you can do.
Marianne |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 09:04:01 AM
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Good morning, girls! Thank you so much for your support and prayers. I have some good news, actually! Your prayers are really, really helping! First, this morning she actually did "go," and she climbed up the back stairs all by herself! Twice! She is still limping and favoring her left hind quarters when rising and setting, but she is actually a little bit more "perky" this morning! I finally got through to the vet who explained that they have been having trouble with their lines since Friday. They can't see her until tomorrow afternoon, but at least we DO have an appointment. She looks a little bit better, so I am okay with waiting - you can see it in her eyes (just like you said, Kathy!). When she got herself up the steps, I was so surprised, and she just stood on the deck and started barking - it was like a victory cheer! LOL! She's something special, our girl. My heart is glad this morning. I just pray that they will be able to help her. Please do keep your prayers coming. I know she's not out of the water, she's still hurting, and the unknown is a little bit scarey. But she is improving, thank the Good Lord. Let's hope there won't be any need for "decisions." My heart aches just thinking about it.
By the way - I just want you all to know that I think you're all the best... simply the best. It's such a blessing to have friends - SISTERS - to count on for love, support and prayer in times like this. Many hugs and lots of love right back atcha! - Nini
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
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nut4fabric
True Blue Farmgirl
885 Posts
Kathy
Morgan Hill
CA
USA
885 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 09:09:25 AM
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Nini I am so elated to hear that she is better!!!!!! I truly believe that they can communicate with us and their eyes say it all. We will continue to keep her and you in our prayers.
Hugs, Kathy |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 09:45:49 AM
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You are SO right, Kathy! She speaks with her eyes all the time! Whenever she wants something, she just plants herself in front of one of us and stares into our eyes until we "get" it. With one look, she says it all. She's amazing. I swear she smiled at me this morning - literally smiled. She's just so precious. Everyone loves her - even non-dog-lovers love her. I'm counting the minutes til the doctor sees her, and praying for good to come. :) Hugs, Nini
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
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nut4fabric
True Blue Farmgirl
885 Posts
Kathy
Morgan Hill
CA
USA
885 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 11:54:07 AM
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Nini We had a chocolate Lab that did smile and everyone knew it was a smile, the vet called him Smiling Bo. He did it especially if he had done something wrong like stealing Herseys Kisses from the candy dish, but he also did it when one of us would come home from somewhere. They do speak with their eyes and are so much smarter then given credit for. Luke one of the yellow labs that we have will go out and get dirty on purpose so he can play in the bathtub, and I know it is on purpose because if I ignore him he will go out and get more dirty and keep doing it until I say "ok go ahead" and he will run to the bathtub and jump in. They sure do know how to stare too, like they are willing your to understand them, like you said telepathy. Give her a pat on the head from me.
Kathy |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 3:55:03 PM
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Nini,
You are such a sweet person. I feel so bad for you going through this with your adorable furbaby. I know how you feel, I feel like my dog is a soul mate. Please keep us posted. Will keep you both in my prayers.
Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE |
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gypsy goat
True Blue Farmgirl
673 Posts
mary jo
michigan
673 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 1:25:48 PM
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hope both of you are having a good day! hope to hear more good news
farmgirl#1362 whatever you are be a good one-abe lincoln |
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nut4fabric
True Blue Farmgirl
885 Posts
Kathy
Morgan Hill
CA
USA
885 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 3:22:25 PM
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Waiting to hear how she is.
Kathy |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 5:09:46 PM
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Hi girls!
Okay - so she saw yet ANOTHER vet today at our usual office. She told my DH that our girl is fine in the hind quarters, and that this is probably just a situation where she has arthritis that was aggravated while she was out in the snow - either buy slipping, hitting into something, etc. She suggested we use glucosamine to help her. No dysplasia, no muscle tears or anything like that - thank God! Also she feels that the mass is likely a hernia in addition to a fatty tumor. She said that it isn't causing her any pain, discomfort or difficulty in her bowels or anything, so she suggested we just let it go for now. She said they could find out for sure what it is by x-ray, but that would be treated as a surgical procedure because she'd have to be anesthetized, etc. She didn't feel that it was necessary at this point. She said if they had to do surgery, it would be corrected with a mesh net under her stomach. She said at this point to just let it go since it isn't hurting her. At some point, she may have problems passing food, but it's not a problem for her now, so there is no real immediate need to open her up for that - if ever. She has lost a little over 30 pounds since her last visit, which really surprised me because she doesn't look it at all. My DH said the doctor said it was a good thing, that she isn't concerned about it. DH also said that our girl kept wiggling a lot and jumping off the scale, so he's not convinced that it was a very accurate weigh-in for her. Our girl just jumped up into the van after the appointment, which really surprised him. But I told him that our other doctor had always said whenever an animal gets to the vet, it's normal for their adrenaline to kick in and suddenly symptoms seem to (temporarily) disappear. When she got home, though, she came right up the back steps without any problems, and she made sure to let out her victory bark, too! LOL! Soooo, for now, our little lady is going to be okay. I still don't like the way she's moving, but the doctor said to give it a few more days and she'll probably be back as good as new. Phew! I'm so relieved. I'm sorry I panicked and upset everyone. It was just so freaky to see her the way she was. I'm happy to say, though, her appetite has returned, she's not sleeping all the time, she's been "regular" today and she seems quite "perky." Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support - in my heart, I know it made all the difference! Hugs - Nini
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 5:25:14 PM
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I'm showing up late to this post, but I'm sending hugs to you and prayers for continued good health for your sweet girl! We have an old basset hound girl who is completely deaf and yet still has a lot of zip left in her and we cherish every day that we have with her. Older dogs are a challenge but so worth the effort. The love that they have in their eyes and that big doggie smile is worth every thing 
Hugs!!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter
http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/
http://prairiegirlsjournal.blogspot.com/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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nut4fabric
True Blue Farmgirl
885 Posts
Kathy
Morgan Hill
CA
USA
885 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 5:26:18 PM
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Nini So happy to hear the good news!!!! I think she and you deserve a little extra treat for all you have been through. Sometimes my boys move a little funny in this colder weather too, probably arthritis so I give them a canine aspirin when needed and try to keep them calmer, not easy.
Hugs, Kathy |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 7:44:27 PM
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Nini,
So glad that your furbaby is going to be okay. Hugs to you both.
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
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Barnyard Buddies: My poor girl |
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My poor girl
