So sad right now....

[Running Mommy]

Sigh... bad night in the Amos household.
Got home and found one very sick great dane. Took her to the vet and it doesn't look good. Part of her stomach is in the wrong place, liver and kidney tests are bad. Basically not good. She's on an IV at the doggy doctor tonight and we'll see in the morning. But she's an old girl - 10- so I have to face the facts. She prolly won't be coming home..... sigh.... Very sad in the Amos household tonight. : (
This just SUCKS!!
We have had her since Spencer was a baby. He has always had her with him. He takes care of her, feeds her, picks up her stuff, grooms her, etc. She is his dog and he is devastated.
sigh.... : (
I know it's part of life, but it's still hard to say goodbye, and even harder to watch your childs heart break. :(
Please send healing vibes to one sweet great dane named abby. There is still a bit of hope, so I'm clinging to that little bit.
It's so hard when you are at the vet and you feel like you are putting a price tag on your beloved pets life, but I have to face facts. She is an old girl and the xrays looked horrible. So they have her on an IV to re-hydrate and will do an ultrasound in the morning. Also some more blood work since the numbers were off the chart. I want to at least try to save her if I can, but I will not let her suffer. The worse part may be deciding if I should pay to have them operate- something I have the feeling will happen. Like I said, at what price do I say ok and when do I just let her go. Such a hard decision... Man this just sucks!
Please send some vibes our way if you would. I think the whole family needs them.
Thanks
Denise

[salsabike]

I have just been through something like this with our 16-year old Siamese cat Beeper (chronicled on Thread Drift). She did pull through and although I know we won't have her forever (Vet on the ultrasound: "Her kidneys look like swiss cheese"), she is doing reasonably well for now on subcutaneous fluid twice a week--still enjoying life. So know that you can still get a reprieve with an older, very sick animal. And also remember this quote that our vet sent us after we lost a well-loved cat:

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own
Live within a fragile circle, easily breached
Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only certain immortality
Never fully understanding the necessary plan..."

The Once Again Prince
from
Separate Life Times, Irving Townsend

[Thistle]

Very very very sorry to hear about your Great Dane Running Mommy :( :(

sending you healing vibes and as much strength as I can.

so very very sad :(

(((((((Abby))))) (((((Runningmommy))))) (((((Amos household)))))

Thea

[makbike]

My Great Dane, Gaston, and I have you, your family and Abby in our prayers this evening. Give her a big hug tomorrow.

[colby]

Cheers to Abby, who has lived a long life to this point and hopefully will continue in that path. Should that prove difficult, she will move on knowing that you and your family were there for her. I'm sure it will be a tough decision, I definitely don't envy you for that. :(

Hugs to Denise, Abby, and the Amos fam in general. You'll make it through this.

[Wahine]

Denise, I am so sorry for your situation right now. I know how difficult it is. And when I say I know, I really know. I am sending lots of love to you and your family, especially Spencer and Abby.

I had a coon hound I loved dearly who had a very similar problem but she was still relatively young, 7 years old. The vet told me the surgery would cost about $1200 and there was only a 50/50 chance that she would make it. I couldn't bear the thought of losing her and we opted to pay for the surgery. She lasted through the night and then slowly the next day she slipped into a septicemia and was in agony. We had to go down and say our good-byes and have her put down. It was very traumatic for her and us. I don't often say I have regrets, I try to live my life the best I can and let go of the past because I know I could not have done anything differently but his is one of my deepest regrets. I only wish that we had let go sooner and not put her through those hours of pain.

I truly hope that Abby is OK. I also hope that I can send you vibes of strength to help you make whatever decision that you need to and just do the best that you can.

[chickwhorips]

i am so sorry. great big hugs for you, your family, and the pup. peanut (my pup) and i are sending as many good vibes as we can.

oh and peanut also sends a big slobbery wet kiss to all of you.

[Denise223]

Dear ((((((((((Denise & family & precious Abby))))))))))

I am so very, very sorry to hear about what you're all going through :( .

Originally posted by RunningMommy

There is still a bit of hope, so I'm clinging to that little bit.

ANY amount of hope for (((Abby))) - even "a bit", let's hang on to that.

Please know that I am sending many prayers & healing thoughts over to your special girl, and to your whole family!

If there is anything at all that I can do, please let me know.

Peace, love & strength,

Denise

[hellosunshine]

sometimes illness is nworse with a pet as we communicate so largely thru emotions to them and eye contact,rather than discussion and reson,think thats why they tend to understand us and us them so much (well,in an ideal world),a pet is a very good example of trust.and dependance on the vets,clever clever people,and what a job,i think id find it very hard,loads of love.

[emily_in_nc]

What sad news....I have tears in my eyes. We had to put our Boston Terrier, Pepper, down on Dec. 18th (she was three months shy of her 15th birthday), and it was also a very difficult decision -- she had started having cluster seizures. It was possible she could have lasted, but I couldn't stand to see her go through another bout of them; and I finally decided that keeping her alive would have served not her, but us. Putting her down ranked right up there among the few saddest days in my life.

You and Abby are in my thoughts.

Emily

[Pax]

Positive thoughts and vibes headed your way RM (((((Amos family))))).

[Bikingmomof3]

((((((((((((((((((Abby, Running Mommy, and Amos Household)))))))))))))))))))))

I am praying for all of you during this difficult time.

[Blueberry]

Hugs and Tail Wags to Abby from Teddy the Golden.

Hugs to you all from me.

RM- Sorry you're having to go through this - it's SO hard. Deciding when we should let them go, what to do to try to save them, how far to go, etc. etc.

CA

[silver]

Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is there as update?

[Bad JuJu]

I'm just reading your post, so it's possible the decision is already made by now. In any case, Cocoa (my choc lab) and I are sending out compassion and healing thoughts to all the Amoses, especially Abby. We hope all goes well for all of you.

[SalsaMTB]

Awww...sorry to hear that sad news.

we recently went through the cost vs. health problem with one of our dogs. She was having severe neck pain, yelping at night and during the day when she tried to stand up. The MRI alone would be $1000 and the surger would be another $2000 if needed. we decided to investigate a more holistic approach. In the end, it worked out, but it was a hard decision. You'll make the right decision, so hurt yourself too much in the process.

Sending thoughts your way.

Jenn

[bcipam]

I love my animals to death so I know how hard this is for you all... I pray things work out but don't fear putting the animal down. It's a painless way to go. Hard on us, but easy on them.

God bless you have the strength to get through this and be there and strong for your Dane.

[LBTC]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Amos Family}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

All of the Deak household is thinking warm positive healing thoughts for Abby and all her people, and sending swarms of butterflies to protect and take away pain....

I know it will be hard to do, but please update us!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[mtbdarby]

Awww RM, Abby and family. (((Group Hugs))). Our prayers go out to you guys during this difficult time. Please keep us posted when you can. Enjoy the time you do have together to help Spencer deal with situation. The financial choices are so difficult but you will make the right decision for your family.

[Offthegrid]

So sorry to hear. That's awful. I finally had to put my puppy down last July at age 10 months because he was born with bad kidneys. I think it is also important to think about the dog's suffering when weighing the cost of extensive treatment versus the hope for a meaningful recovery.

Whatever you decide, we're all here for you. {{{{{{{ }}}}}}}}}}

[Popoki_Nui]

{{{{{{{ warm healing vibes to you all }}}}}}} We will keep you in our thoughs and prayers.


~Sherry and family.

[Running Mommy]

I'm touched by all of yoru heartfelt replies. Thank you so much, it means so much to me. I'll be sure to share this thread with Spencer.

An update:
I stopped by the vet on the way in to work this morning. The doctor was very cautious in giving me a real status. While the IV helped to re-hydrate her, the blood work was not good. Elevated white cells, and her kidney and liver counts were up there as well. He will be doing a sonogram this morning to determine what is going on with her tummy. besides the outflow thingy being in the wrong spot (sorry I'm not up on my terms) there was also a mass of what the vet referred to as "soft tissue" that should not have been where it was. He wants to try to determine what it is. I did get to go see her though. She was laying quitely in the kennel with an iv in her leg. She seemed to perk up a bit when she saw me. but it's almost like she knows that it's not good. Strange as it is I could see it in her face. She just looks sad.
So here I am, waiting for the phone call from the vet. sigh.... ugh! It sucks to be me right now. But I am so grateful for all of you here. I feel your big cyber hug and it really is helping! Keep em coming.

[Pedal Wench]

Running Mom - I'm sure you will make the right decisions. Your pup trusts you to do that for her. I'm so upset that so many of us are going through this right now. I lost my mastiff last year, and my Newf is starting to struggle, and I just don't know how I will face that choice for him. Somehow, the big dogs seem harder to cope with - such a large presence in the house is suddenly missing. My thoughts and hugs are with you.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm so, so sorry. :( :(

[sbctwin]

I am so sorry RM...Abby has had a wonderful, love filled home. I hope you return to this site with good news, but I know in my heart and head, that probably won't be the case. I am so very sorry....

[suzieqtwa]

I am so sorry ((((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))) My brother had to put his dog down yesterday. My heart goes out to you. Im sending you warm thoughts.
Suzie

[KSH]

The worse part may be deciding if I should pay to have them operate- something I have the feeling will happen. Like I said, at what price do I say ok and when do I just let her go. Such a hard decision... Man this just sucks!
Please send some vibes our way if you would. I think the whole family needs them.
Thanks
Denise

Denise,

Only you can decide what that price is.

I have some friends who spent $2,000 for operations, hospital time... for their cat. Unfortuantely, nothing was really wrong with the cat (found out after the cat was opened up). Now, they could pay that and were willing.

Me? Well, my budget would never allow that. When I had my pup, I always said that $500 was the cut off line. Anything over that, and I would do the best I could to make her last days as happy and comfortable as possible.

I know we "hate" to put a "price" on our animals life... but there comes a point where you have to look at it rationally. What can you afford, and will it really do that much good?

You love your dog... and it's even harder that your little one has to experience the loss... but you have to do what you need to do.

I am very sorry to hear about your sweet dog being sick and in the vets office.. I am sure you will find a solution that works well for your family and your dog.

I also certainly send out my warmest heartfelt thoughts to a recovery for your sweet one.

[Geonz]

It is so hard when they look to you to "make it better." {{{{{hugs hugs hugs }}}}}

[Running Mommy]

Abby is up and doing a bit better according to the vet. She has a full bladder, but won't empty it when they take her for a walk. God bless her soul, just like her mom she can't "perform in public". lol but the vet said he saw a full bladder in the ultrasound and there is no obstruction, she's just being a diva dog.
The troubling thing at this point is that there is some fluid build up in her abdomen that suggests either congestive heart failure or cancer. So that is being sent for a definitive test. he is also having a radiologist read the x rays because he said there are some confusing things on it that he wants another eye to look at.
So I get to pick her up tonight and I guess we will see what the tests say, and how she responds at home. ugh, this is SOO stressful!
But thanks to you caring souls I am getting through it. I think just being able to write about it helps as well. So thanks for your ear.- or eyes or... whatever. hee hee
I'll post again when I know more.
denise

[wannaduacentury]

Sigh... bad night in the Amos household.
Got home and found one very sick great dane. Took her to the vet and it doesn't look good. Part of her stomach is in the wrong place, liver and kidney tests are bad. Basically not good. She's on an IV at the doggy doctor tonight and we'll see in the morning. But she's an old girl - 10- so I have to face the facts. She prolly won't be coming home..... sigh.... Very sad in the Amos household tonight. : (
This just SUCKS!!
We have had her since Spencer was a baby. He has always had her with him. He takes care of her, feeds her, picks up her stuff, grooms her, etc. She is his dog and he is devastated.
sigh.... : (
I know it's part of life, but it's still hard to say goodbye, and even harder to watch your childs heart break. :(
Please send healing vibes to one sweet great dane named abby. There is still a bit of hope, so I'm clinging to that little bit.
It's so hard when you are at the vet and you feel like you are putting a price tag on your beloved pets life, but I have to face facts. She is an old girl and the xrays looked horrible. So they have her on an IV to re-hydrate and will do an ultrasound in the morning. Also some more blood work since the numbers were off the chart. I want to at least try to save her if I can, but I will not let her suffer. The worse part may be deciding if I should pay to have them operate- something I have the feeling will happen. Like I said, at what price do I say ok and when do I just let her go. Such a hard decision... Man this just sucks!
Please send some vibes our way if you would. I think the whole family needs them.
Thanks
Denise

I'm sooo sorry {{Denise}} about Abby. I can't watch my furry friends suffer either. It's only been a week when my golden/collie Blondie passed away at age 12 and I still look for her to greet me when I get home and remember to get her supper remembering that she's not there anymore. I send many hugs your way from both of us.

[mtkitchn]

So sorry to hear about her condition, Denise. Sending hugs and good vibes your way from across town.

[maillotpois]

So sorry, Denise. That's just one of the hardest things to go through - especially with kids.

I'll be thinking of you and Russo sends licks.

[Tuckervill]

I'm vibing for your dog, and especially for your boy.

Karen

[Tri Girl]

Oh Denise,
I'm so sorry about Abby. Hopefully when she comes home she can rest peacefully and you can get all the information you need to make the right decision.
I'm thinking of you right now- and please love the heck out of Abby while you can. She's one lucky dog to have you looking out for her!!!! :)

[snowtulip]

RM, sending many hugs and healing energy.

[Brandi]

I tried posting on this thread last night but I started crying. Then i couldn't spell (not that I am a good speller in the first place).
I am one of those people who has saved my animals and had to spend a bit of money doing it. My first and oldest living to this date had a thyroid condition at 14 years. It cost us over $1,000.00 and 16 hours driving her to and from. 1 lost muffler on the freeway while in transet. (That was scary for everyone in the car. The noise was awful!
Babies had to stay in the hospitol for a week. we could not visit her at all cause she was radioactive.
We did not hesitate to get this treatment for her even though we had no idea how many more years or months she had left. But she was a member of our family and that is all we saw.
It was funny when we got her home she went right to her scratch pad, gave a good scratching, then to her food dish, said hi to her brother and sister then went to her spot in front of the fireplace and slept for a long time. She was so happy to be home. She also lived for another 5 years till her kidney's started getting old and she started having complications. They said I could do all this stuff for her. But when I asked how long it would give her ? They said a month or so. And a lot of the time she would be going back and forth to the vet getting kidney flushes etc.. At that point we knew we would just be kepping her around for us. She looked so beutiful when she passed. Like a kitten again. Her coat was not old looking anymore and she was not uncompfortable or in pain anymore (she had really bad arthritis too). We have a wonderful painting of her we got from an artist in New orleans that hangs on our wall. I guess my point is you know when it is time. You feel it in your heart. And she told us she was ready.
We had her for 18 years and she had such a good life. I don't know if my story helps or hurts here. But when you know other people have gone through it it seems to help me.
But you know if you are doing the right thing and it sounds like there is a lot o love in your home for her and alot of support. Good luck we are thinking healing thoughts as well.

[7rider]

Abby is up and doing a bit better according to the vet. She has a full bladder, but won't empty it when they take her for a walk. God bless her soul, just like her mom she can't "perform in public". lol but the vet said he saw a full bladder in the ultrasound and there is no obstruction, she's just being a diva dog.
The troubling thing at this point is that there is some fluid build up in her abdomen that suggests either congestive heart failure or cancer. So that is being sent for a definitive test. he is also having a radiologist read the x rays because he said there are some confusing things on it that he wants another eye to look at.
So I get to pick her up tonight and I guess we will see what the tests say, and how she responds at home. ugh, this is SOO stressful!
But thanks to you caring souls I am getting through it. I think just being able to write about it helps as well. So thanks for your ear.- or eyes or... whatever. hee hee
I'll post again when I know more.
denise

Denise...I hope things are turning around for your Abby. Healing vibes to her, comforting vibes to you and your family......

[sbctwin]

I am in tears...I am at work, too, so I am feeling a little conspicuous. Brandi, your story brings back memories for me. Katrina, my beloved siamese has been gone for many years now. In the mid-90's I came home from my mom's funeral to one very sick kitty. The funeral was in CA and I was now living in UT. Katrina was "old" already, but she was my baby. She was 15 when I had to take her to the vet to find out what was wrong with her. I just couldn't let her go, not so soon after my mom's death. I had her treated, which meant a weeks stay at the vet getting intravenous fluids. She finally came home and I had 4 more years with her before "it was time". Katrina saw me through some very emotional periods in my life. She was there for me. Maybe I was selfish in not letting her go the first time, but she still had a lot of love to give me and I still had a lot of love to give her. Like Brandi says...You will know the right time....

[Bluetree]

So sad, Denise... sending out warm thoughts to you and Abby...

My dog is almost 14 now and I know the day will soon come when we will have to make a decision. Fortunately, she has always had doggie Health Insurance. She's old and slow now, but her coat is still good (luxurious even) and though she's nearly deaf, she still has interest and her arthritis is kept in check. Still, I dread the day... :(

[Blueberry]

We have a kitty who has been through Radio-iodine therapy for a thyroid problem ($1500), has a plate in his leg ($1500), went through 2 surgeries for bladder stones ($2000+), had a lypoma (Sp?) removed ($500), and a few other things I'm forgetting now. He's only 9. But, he's like a child. I've never hesitated. Probably not the fiscally prudent thing to do, but I couldn't not do it.....

When we got our Golden, we got pet insurance. Remains to be seen whether it's a good deal or not, but we have it.

RM - how is Abby today??

[Bluetree]

When we got my dog insured, we got a good rate because we started her plan as a puppy ($50/year). She was covered for injury and illness, but not for dysplasia or a few other genetic defects. It also did not cover her annual shots/checkups, which were mandatory to keep the policy in effect.

In her old age, the annual rate has increased to $160/year, but it has substantially offset the costs over the years for treatment of her chronic ear infections and countless bouts with rats/raccoons/possums.
I'm not sure the reasons, but the hospital did not offer plans for cat owners. Are cats more prone to disease and injury? I dunno, I'm not a cat owner. :confused:

[Brandi]

I hope we get an update today!

[LBTC]

I hope we get an update today!

me too

Brandi, your paintings are fabulous, and thank you for sharing your story. We have a few stories in our house too....for another time (I'm at work and don't want the tears to start flowing again!)

Running Mom, hugs your way and to Abby and your family. It's like others have said. You will know in your heart the right thing to do. Know how much love and happiness Abby has already had in your home. She knows what is right too.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[tprevost]

Oh Denise, I am so sorry to hear this... my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope she continues to feel better and is not in pain...

t~

[GLC1968]

Oh, Running Mommy! I'm so sorry!

I hate opening posts about pets and yet I totally sympathize. I lost my beloved Tango to advanced Lymphoma last June and it's still hard. I still question if what I did was the right thing and like Emily said...that was easily one of the worst days of my life.

I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about Abby and hope that she's doing better today! :)

[Running Mommy]

Sorry I was a bit busy today to log on. But I have been reading your posts to Spencer and he said "mom your friends are so nice. And they don't even know abby. But I think their prayers are working". And yes, they just may be.
Here is an update:
I picked her up from the vet yesterday afternoon. I was scared when she couldn't get into the back of the bmw. Not something she has ever had trouble with. Tony's truck yes, the car, no. When I got her home she couldn't get out. I had to help her in and out of the car. When I got her in the house she made a slow beeline to the sliding glass door. I let her out and she went straight to her potty spot. I saw that as a good sign until I realized that she was paralyzed in the squatting position. And then she tried to move and her big gangly great dane legs just gave out. She was struggling so bad it was really upsetting. Spencer (who was sobbing at this point) and I had to help support her and get her back in the house. She was panting really hard and I knew her heart was racing. She went straight to her bed and collapsed. She could barely lift her head. I had to give her antibiotics that night so I was hoping I could coax her up. I ended up boiling two chicken breast tenderloins and hiding the pills inside. She ate that pretty well but I could tell she was thirsty. Tony tried to help her to get her up but she was too weak. I brought the bowl to her and she lapped up half the bowl. At this point I was certain that she wasn't going to make it. She did try to walk a bit later but her legs seemed weak, esp. her back legs.
This morning she got up and moved a bit more but was slow. She wouldn't eat the doggy style bland diet that the vet sent home so I asked Tony to make her a couple more chicken tenders and hide the meds again. This worked. She went out a couple of times to do her business and drink out of her big bowl outside. Tony said she even went up the stairs once which I found as huge. When I got home this afternoon she was moving around, still slow but seemed much better. I made her some more chicken and she gobbled it down.
I'm still waiting on the results from the lab on the fluid that's in her abdomen. Also the reading from the radiologist. Hopefully I'll know more tomorrow. I'm really thinking it's going to be congestive heart failure. Not sure what that will mean long term, but I think we may be able to get her well enough to at least hang in there a bit longer. The vet did say that her heart was a bit enlarged but was not as bad as he's seen in danes before by a long shot.
At this point I'm just holding on to every little improvement she makes. And I'm glad that I didn't give up on her. My MIL berated me on the phone the other night and told us that clearly she was at the end and needed to be put down. She told me I was letting her suffer and that was cruel. Well I don't feel like she is suffering, and I have no regrets about what we have done so far. so PTTTTTTT (insert picture of DIL sticking out tongue at MIL) on her!! :mad:
So I guess you could say she's not out of the woods yet, but she's hanging in there.
Ok, off to bed for me. The stress has been over the top this week. And there is that little matter of ironman training that I'm trying to fit in around all of it. Which actually helps relieve stress in a way. But it still makes for a long day.

Thanks again all. I think the collective prayers and well wishes may be working!
If you have a pet, give em a hug for me tonight!! Unless of course your Nanci and your pet slithers.. hee hee hee
Denise

BTW- You can see a picture of her in her halloween costume here:
http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/tony66denise69/?start=40

[salsabike]

Thanks for the update, Denise. All the TE vibes are still coming from us...

[Geonz]

Settling in at my friend's house (I've been house-sitting) with the three cats around :) Yay, kitties...

[LBTC]

Oh, Denise!

Thank you for posting such detail! I do hope our prayers and vibes are working. :)

I'm crying again, as your post brought up more of our furry kids' stories. Did Abby have any sedation? That difficulty walking can easily be explained by that. Our Teddy cat had surgery twice when he was younger....both times he walked like a drunken sailor way more than 24 hours after the surgery. Broke my heart, and you could tell he was not impressed, as every cat is so good at expressing. I also thought about when our Yogi dog came home from having his leg amputated for the cancer. It was amazing how quickly he adjusted to the missing leg. He was very affected by the anesthetic also, and quite unstable for a long time.

In the end, with Yogi, his heart just stopped. He had just finished surgery and was in the midst of a blood transfusion. It was horribly sad for us.

Our Teddy cat, 15 years and going strong, does have a heart condition. Actually, he has three, according to the ultrasound and other tests, which is apparently impossible. Anyway, the good news with heart issues is that the drugs work very well, we find them to be not outrageously expensive, and everyone who meets him today is shocked to hear that he is that old. On his way to this point, he has looked pretty frail at times, but he's never lost his attitude. He acts privileged. :p

What I learned about congestive heart problems, as explained by the vet, is coughing and a runny nose are a sign of this. The other thing I've learned is to keep track of every little detail at this point...just like you told us in your email.

Hang in there, and keep Abby feeling the love. That's what gets them through, every time. The medicine helps their bodies, but the love makes them want to get better.

And tell Spencer thank you. I think my friends here are very special too!

Now I'm off to find all four of our critters and have a little cuddle with each before I head to bed.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[mtbdarby]

Denise,
Thanks for the update. Sorry the days are long but what a great family you have. Give Spencer a big hug for being such a brave kid! It's not easy dealing with this but especially at a young age with your best bud. Please keep us posted and the prayers and hugs are still coming your way.

I remember the Halloween pix! Too cute:p I had some nice cuddle time with Zeus and Xena last night (I brushed Zeus while Xena hid on me - little stinker). Mine are getting on in age as well so I know this is probably in my not-too-distant future as well. Its comforting to know you ladies will help me through it when our time in here. Is it just me, or has a lot of this been happening to our furry friends in the last couple of months?

Stay strong!

[chickwhorips]

Is it just me, or has a lot of this been happening to our furry friends in the last couple of months?

i was actually thinking the same thing. so no its not just you. here everyone feels comfortable sharing what they are going through and most of us are pet lovers.

[Brandi]

I am glad she is home and eating! I can't blame her for not wanting the bland dog food. Chicken baby food is a good one too. But then she is a great dane and nneds more then a small jar of baby food. Thanks for keeping us posted. My cats are greatful she is doing better to and send purrs of healing her way!

[Bikingmomof3]

Thank you for the update Denise. I am giving my cat lots of extra love. I cannot think of her getting older (she is, I try to ignore it).

I love Abby's halloween pictures.

I do so hope and pray she is doing better today.

[mtbdarby]

Denise, rice is also a very good food for dogs. My uncles dog was shot with a bow and arrow and thats what they had him eat. And believe it or not, beans. They fill them up and don't give them gas. Both are easy on their tummies.

[wannaduacentury]

Sorry I was a bit busy today to log on. But I have been reading your posts to Spencer and he said "mom your friends are so nice. And they don't even know abby. But I think their prayers are working". And yes, they just may be.
Here is an update:
I picked her up from the vet yesterday afternoon. I was scared when she couldn't get into the back of the bmw. Not something she has ever had trouble with. Tony's truck yes, the car, no. When I got her home she couldn't get out. I had to help her in and out of the car. When I got her in the house she made a slow beeline to the sliding glass door. I let her out and she went straight to her potty spot. I saw that as a good sign until I realized that she was paralyzed in the squatting position. And then she tried to move and her big gangly great dane legs just gave out. She was struggling so bad it was really upsetting. Spencer (who was sobbing at this point) and I had to help support her and get her back in the house. She was panting really hard and I knew her heart was racing. She went straight to her bed and collapsed. She could barely lift her head. I had to give her antibiotics that night so I was hoping I could coax her up. I ended up boiling two chicken breast tenderloins and hiding the pills inside. She ate that pretty well but I could tell she was thirsty. Tony tried to help her to get her up but she was too weak. I brought the bowl to her and she lapped up half the bowl. At this point I was certain that she wasn't going to make it. She did try to walk a bit later but her legs seemed weak, esp. her back legs.
This morning she got up and moved a bit more but was slow. She wouldn't eat the doggy style bland diet that the vet sent home so I asked Tony to make her a couple more chicken tenders and hide the meds again. This worked. She went out a couple of times to do her business and drink out of her big bowl outside. Tony said she even went up the stairs once which I found as huge. When I got home this afternoon she was moving around, still slow but seemed much better. I made her some more chicken and she gobbled it down.
I'm still waiting on the results from the lab on the fluid that's in her abdomen. Also the reading from the radiologist. Hopefully I'll know more tomorrow. I'm really thinking it's going to be congestive heart failure. Not sure what that will mean long term, but I think we may be able to get her well enough to at least hang in there a bit longer. The vet did say that her heart was a bit enlarged but was not as bad as he's seen in danes before by a long shot.
At this point I'm just holding on to every little improvement she makes. And I'm glad that I didn't give up on her. My MIL berated me on the phone the other night and told us that clearly she was at the end and needed to be put down. She told me I was letting her suffer and that was cruel. Well I don't feel like she is suffering, and I have no regrets about what we have done so far. so PTTTTTTT (insert picture of DIL sticking out tongue at MIL) on her!! :mad:
So I guess you could say she's not out of the woods yet, but she's hanging in there.
Ok, off to bed for me. The stress has been over the top this week. And there is that little matter of ironman training that I'm trying to fit in around all of it. Which actually helps relieve stress in a way. But it still makes for a long day.

Thanks again all. I think the collective prayers and well wishes may be working!
If you have a pet, give em a hug for me tonight!! Unless of course your Nanci and your pet slithers.. hee hee hee
Denise

BTW- You can see a picture of her in her halloween costume here:
http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/tony66denise69/?start=40

She's Beautiful- Please give her a hug from me too. I'm glad she's hanging in there. I love the camelbak for doggies :) Jennifer

[kaybee]

Denise, I just wanted to offer you a little encouragement. We have a 16-year-old fur baby that was diagnosed with congestive heart failure two or three years ago. He takes Lasix (and a host of other medications) and has trouble dealing with the heat and humidity, but has managed to pull through the last two (hot, humid southern) summers by staying inside most of the time. His hips are now giving out and I'll be very surprised if he makes it to and through summer, but I refuse to think about that now. In any event, I wanted to let you know my thoughts are with you and your family.

KB

[colby]

Poor doggie, but it sounds like she's happy to be home -- as long as you keep bringing on the chicken. ;) It's REALLY great to hear she's improving, even if it is baby steps. I bet she's thinking "where's my Camelbak now! I could use it for real!!"

Hang in there, Denise, Abby, and family.

[Tri Girl]

Denise,
thanks for the update! I'm glad to hear that she's getting better each day. She's a tough cookie, as are you, Tony and Spencer.
Hang in there friend. Big hugs comin' your way... ;)