My little Maggie Bear!!

[Aggie_Ama]

My poor little Maggie bear went to the vet today because we realized she hadn't been eating. She had lost 5 lbs which is huge on a miniature schnauzer. They did a blood panel and discovered her kidneys and liver are failing. It is the first time in my life it has been hinted one of my kiddos might need to be put down. The dogs is already blind and 9 years old with thyroid problems. But the vet wasn't ready to give up because even with all that she is a little love bug.

The second option was IV fluids all weekend and recheck the levels. It will be a pretty penny but we have to let our baby have a chance to fight. DH was adamant about giving her a shot. My other dog Heidi is so upset we didn't bring Maggie back. I just hope Monday we can. With her age and history as a breeder (from an awful breeder) I don't know how much they can do. But she has fought before, the vet wasn't very optimistic about her chances if she does improve, he said she will not likely see the older age of Schnauzers but she could keep us company a while longer.

Why is it so hard when our four legged friends are sick???

[OakLeaf]

((((((((Amanda & Maggie))))))))

Praying for a good outcome.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm so sorry. I know just what you are going through....it's tough all right.
I hope things go better.

[msincredible]

Sorry to hear, positive thoughts sent for Maggie. Unfortunately I know how stressful it is when your pets are ill.

((hugs))

[ClockworkOrange]

Big hugs and lots of special thoughts for little Maggie Bear.

Clock

[sbctwin]

{{{{{Maggie & Amanda}}}}} I hope Maggie comes home on Monday, too.

[andtckrtoo]

Prayers for both of you!!!

[lunacycles]

little maggie and her mama--we've been there and wish for the best...

love, sweetpea and her mama

[sundial]

My Kali girl sends you a gentle kiss and we're keeping our fingers and paws crossed for your little Maggie bear.

[bmccasland]

(((((((((Maggie & Amanda)))))))))

Hugs and head bumps from me and Nala - we've been there too with one of Nala's house mates. It's never easy. Maybe with those fluids Maggie will be feeling better on Monday morning. You know how lousy you feel when you get dehydrated....

[PamNY]

All our best to both of you. I so hope you get good news.

Pam

[Blueberry]

(((((((((Aggie_Ama)))))))))))

I truly feel your pain. We've lost 2 this year (a kitty and a pup), and our other kitty has bad kidney levels, is anemic and has high blood calcium. We're treating to see if it's an infection, but it's more likely cancer:(

Give Heidi extra hugs and treats....

CA

[Tri Girl]

I'm thinking very positive thoughts for little Maggie that she'll come through and have some more time with her loving family. Poor baby:(


Thoughts are with you and Mr. Aggie Ama also.

[salsabike]

Aw, Aggie. I'm sorry.

We hand our whole hearts over to our animals in a complete way we would never do with fellow humans. No defenses, no holding back, no protection. That's why it's so hard. But I would still do it, every time, anyway. I bet you would too.

[Selkie]

So sorry to hear about your little one. Sending lots of healing vibes and good karma your way....

My terrible trio of golden retrievers - Maud, Maeve, and Fiona - send Maggie lots of K9 love.

[jesvetmed]

Aggie: So sorry about your little girl. Nine isn't very old for a Schnauzer, but it sounds like she's had a rough life prior to you rescuing her. I really hope it all comes out ok. Be sure to ask about Leptospirosis... don't know if you have it there, but we are seeing more up this way. It is a bacteria that can infect liver and kidneys. Likely they are using some sort of penicillin on her anyway, which is the treatment for Lepto. Just a thought.

I wish you the best... We'll all be rooting for her.
Jes

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks for the all the cyber hugs and puppy kisses. The vet we use has really awesome policies of calling daily 2x a day for status updates and said we can drop by today when the Vet Tech comes in for the nightly check up (don't know if we can though).

Maggie is doing a bit better, she wants to eat but hasn't held it down yet. They are still trying though. She is a pretty mellow dog so the tech admitted she is having a bit a trouble reading her but she seems to have perked up a bit. With her being blind she at first had no interest in the yard, now she is starting to wander around a bit. I am trying not to be too optimistic but as DH said "What else can we be?" We gambled quite a bit of money hoping to save our little one so optimism is all he has. I hope tomorrow it has paid off.

[jesvetmed]

That sounds like she's perking up a bit -- great news! Crossing my fingers (and Mac has her toes crossed for you).;)

[ClockworkOrange]

Aggie, that all sounds so very promising.................am sending a few more cyber hugs.

Maggie sounds like a real feisty little dog.

Massive hugs

Clock

[malkin]

Best wishes to you and your Maggie.

[Aggie_Ama]

Oh I hope I am not overly optimistic but our little bear looked so much better when we went by. She was so excited to hear us her little body was all wiggly and tail wagging. The fluids seem to be helping but I am waiting for my trusted vet to get in tomorrow and look at her. I hope her blood levels are down and she comes home tomorrow, we all miss her! The black one is her, the white one her best buddy Heidi.

[Aggie_Ama]

The vet just called and while her blood values have dropped it is not significant and not what they were hoping. She cannot come home tonight and they just can't say if any more treatment will help. It could but neither of the vets in this morning are too optimistic about it. They think she could get well enough to go home and then crash. Of course the vet will never tell you what you should do if one would just say she had a good life but we need to put her to sleep I would but they say "We can try...." UGH!!!!!! I am so upset I just want to go to bed but no, I am working.

[Dogmama]

I am crying as I read these posts. I am so so sorry!! This is the worst thing we, as humans, go through.

I'm praying for a miracle and also praying for your comfort during this time.

[bmccasland]

(((((((((Amanda & Maggie)))))))))

There is the unfortunate point when there's no fight left. Rereading these posts, it seems that Maggie didn't even start life with good genetics, and you at least gave her the gift of a lovely home. Is she comfortable? Can she eat, drink, pee & poop? Does she have something that resembles a quality of life?

I write these questions and think about my own old dog, and how rotten I felt when I saw her legs collapse under her yesterday when she went to get out of the car after a ride to the park. Planning for the end is never easy.

[Pax]

I'm sorry to hear your little baby isn't improving much, poor little puddin. :(

[tulip]

hugs (((sweet Maggie)))

[andtckrtoo]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that!!! More prayers, cyberhugs and doggy love from Jimmy to Maggie!!!

[sundial]

Oh Aggie, I hate to hear this. :( :(

When my Jodi Bell got to where she rarely ate, drank, and played, I knew it was time to let her go. It doesn't get easier, but I do have a sense of relief when they take their last breath and their suffering has come to an end. Sometimes just making the decision to let them go is the hardest. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[katluvr]

Amanda,
My heart and thoughts are with you. I am way overdue for a trip to my vet w/ my older girl kitty...she is not dropping weight fast, but has lost weight over the past few months. I think I just don't want to hear anything and I HAD to get thru the holidays.
These 4 legged creatures are our children...the are so wonderfully loving and giving. I am sending you good thoughts. And what ever time this buys you w/ your lovely Maggie, I know it will be good.
I've had some amazing aniamals beat the odds...I hope this is true for Maggie.
Keep us updated! Take care. (I have 6 critters...so I'm make sure they send critter prayers!)

K

[Aggie_Ama]

Well the good thing about being Aggies is we have a friend that is a DVM. He isn't local but he told my husband he had time to discuss Maggie tonight. The DVM was my husband's roommate and a groomsman in our wedding. He will shoot us straight but also has the education to understand what the vet is saying. My husband and I both just wish the vets said "the best thing at this point is to put her to sleep". Maybe they do and she isn't quite to that point. We have an appointment this evening to discuss her current condition with the vet since it is hard to relay it to my husband when the vet calls.

Before she got sick she was eating and pottying. She doesn't play since she is blind but until the past week or so she would come and ask for attenion. It is so hard because even as bad as she feels she is happy to hear our voices. Of course when they take her off that IV how good will she feel? That is where the vets are pessimistic, what will happen when she is off the pump and fluids.

[Brandi]

(((((hug)))))) to you ! It is hard when the kidney and liver are giving out. I have gone through this myself with a furry friend. it was hard but all they wanted to do to her to keep her alive was to much. Yet she was 18 yrs old so as you can understand she was very old and I didn't want to keep her around just for us. I thought that was being selfish. I hope your furry friend let's you know when enough is enough. Ours did and i respected that and let her go. But your is still young so things could be much different for you then it was for us. Good luck and thank you for keeping us so posted.

[sundial]

My first gsd died just 3 days after her last frisbee toss. She let me know when she was ready to go. I had the greatest sense of peace when we spent the last hour together. I will always be thankful for that.

[jesvetmed]

AGGIE: I really hope your hubby's friend was able to help you guys figure some things out. It's hard for us as vets to give up, too. And we hate to push you there if there is even a small chance that things could come out ok.

If you need any clarification on anything, feel free to ask me -- I can do my best to answer your questions, as a DVM but "not YOUR DVM"... it's always much easier from the outside of the situation.

Otherwise, just know my thoughts are with you guys. However it goes, you know you will make the right decisions for Maggie. Hang in there.
Jes

[Aggie_Ama]

Jes- Our friend concurred with our vet which made us feel more confident. He said the same thing as you, unless he knows there is nothing he can do he always gives the option. He himself had to recommend an owner put their schnauzer/lhasa to sleep yesterday and he said it really stunk for him.

See our vet's office has grown and the founder is the one we have always seen but Maggie got assigned to a newer guy Friday so it was a little stressful with her being so sick. With my husband's buddy saying the same opinion as the vet it made us more confident in the new vet. Didn't hurt to warm us up the new vet is a proud product of the Aggie Vet School, the founder of the practice is not an Aggie. ;)

Maggie's levels (BUN, CREA and PHOS for those who know about these things) are still elevated the BUN is 3x the normal value but we are giving her two more days to try to bring them down. The vet said he put her at about 35-40% chance given her levels. He said we weren't at "a shot in the dark" she would improve but we need to keep realistic expectations. She did pig out while we were there so that is an improvement. We will just see what happens when they pull the blood values tomorrow, if they are still not dropping it likely means she cannot be sustained off the IV and we will have to discuss putting her to sleep which stinks because on the IV she is our normal little bear but I know she was very sick without it. Thanks for all the warm vibes and support, I just wish our kiddos didn't have to go through so much!

[ClockworkOrange]

Thanks for the update Aggie.

Please whisper to her, that people the other side of the world are sending her lots of love and good wishes.

Am thinking of you too.


Clock http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/3145716824_a8962e52f8_o.gif

[badger]

that's so crap you all have to go through this (including Maggie, of course!)

So many of us here have gone through similar things and obviously have so much empathy for you.

I know no words made me feel better when my puppy died. It hurts like hell, and will for a very long time afterwards, but know that if/when Maggie needs to go and you've had time to grieve, your heart will open for another Maggie who needs you!

[Blueberry]

I wonder if you could do fluid injections at home? Sometimes that's a possibility (and not something animals mind too much). Just a thought.

Continued hugs and healing thoughts...

CA

[crazydoglady]

Just wanted to say you're in my thoughts. I grew up with schnauzers (and actually had one named Maggie, in fact) - they're great little dogs!

Coming from a veterinary perspective - I work part-time as a vet tech while in grad school, and we have A LOT of clients who give subcutaneous fluids to their pets at home. It really isn't hard to do, or a big deal, but it helps the animals a lot.

[Aggie_Ama]

Well as you all said our little guys and gals can be their own miracle workers. The vet called this morning and said her numbers improved "significantly" and she needs to go home then come back next week to pull a blood panel again. They are still guarded on her condition and how long she could go before relapsing but think she may have bought herself more time. I am headed to go get my little bear! :D

[divingbiker]

That's fantastic!

[OakLeaf]

Yay! I'm so glad!

[Selkie]

A fantastic end to the year for you. Hope she continues to improve.

[Aggie_Ama]

We are trying diet first, the vet said her levels are still elevated but not like they were. The only one I remember is BUN is now at 38 they want it at 27 max but it was at 96 Monday.

She now gets canned Science Diet KD which is angering Heidi because she still gets dry CD. The vet did say if diet wasn't enough but she wasn't into hardcore failure subcutaneous fluids might be recommended. I didn't even ask about those but he supplied that.

Jes- They are treating her for Lepto just in case. He said the blood pathology test for it is pretty expensive so we would just treat but not test. It was funny, I forgot to ask him about Lepto he just prescribed the treatment plan. He has won my confidence.

Maggie is home and way better now, hopefully this is how she will stay.

[salsabike]

Ah, how nice.

A number of us have given subcu fluids to our animals for long periods of time and it can keep them happy and going for quite a while. So just know that this can be done and work...not forever, but for a goodly amount of time depending on what's happening with the individual.

I'm glad Maggie's back. This stuff matters!

[divingbiker]

She now gets canned Science Diet KD ...

Here's a hint if you want to give Maggie some treats that are still kidney-friendly. Slice the can of k/d down the middle and slide it out of the can. Then slice each half into thin slices and put them on a paper plate. Cook them on high in the microwave for about 10 minutes, or until they're crispy. They go from done to burned very quickly. Stinks to high heaven also.

One of my dogs lived with kidney disease for 6 years before I lost him in June. He loved the k/d treats.

[spokewench]

So glad your little one is coming home. Big Kitty and I are thinking of him always.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Another trick to help kidneys is something I'm doing with my cats- feed only canned (wet) food, and mix it with enough water to make it like a very wet sloppy stew. This increases their water intake and thus may help avoid having to give subcutaneous water injections. The idea is to get more water into their system one way or another to help flush the kidneys and keep them healthier.

[Blueberry]

Yay!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!! Enjoy each and every minute with her (that's what we're doing with our kitty!).

CA

[ClockworkOrange]

There is 10 minutes left in the UK until 2009, am sending lots of prayers across the pond, that she will see 2009.

Bigs hugs to all

Clock

[PamNY]

I'm so glad she gets to come home. You just never know with kidney disease, but that doesn't stop you treasuring every day, as I know you will. Tell Maggie she has lots of folks pulling for her.

Pam

[nancielle]

So happy to hear that Maggie Bear is home! Hope that her levels continue to
improve. It's so frustrating when the furbabies get sick.

[Aggie_Ama]

Well I hope the blood test on Tuesday confirms Maggie is doing well. She is so loving, playful for her and eating like a piggy. She is drinking on her own and pottying well. She seems to be feeling much better.

[Brandi]

Yeaaaaaaaa! Happy dance!

[ClockworkOrange]

That has made me smile, I am so pleased for little Maggie Bear. :)

Clock

[Blueberry]

Yay Aggie_Ama and Maggie! Please cross your fingers we get similarly good results when our kitty goes back to the vet on Monday (blood work should tell if he has cancer or just had some sort of infection).

CA

[jesvetmed]

Excellent news! Enjoy your weekend with her and we'll all keep our fingers crossed for Tuesday.

[OakLeaf]

So happy for Maggie!

Keeping her and CA's kitty in my thoughts.

[Aggie_Ama]

Yay Aggie_Ama and Maggie! Please cross your fingers we get similarly good results when our kitty goes back to the vet on Monday (blood work should tell if he has cancer or just had some sort of infection).

CA

Oh CA I hope it is just an infection!!!

Everyone else- thanks for all the well wishes. My kids have been sick before but not so severe, how stressful!

[Aggie_Ama]

Today my cell phone rang and immediately recognized the number as the vet. I figured he was other checking on my little bear or they were calling to say they realized the bill was too low. Nope, it was one of the techs saying Maggie had been chosen Pet of the Month for their website. They choose one a month and after her ordeal they felt she was quite deserving. She will be a star with her photo on the site all month and a nice little gift certificate to the vet. :p It made her Mommy and Daddy quite happy.

[snapdragen]

Yay Maggie Bear!!!:D:cool::D:cool:

[jesvetmed]

That's pretty cool! You'll have to post the website for us to check her out!

[ClockworkOrange]

Wow Aggie, Pet of the Month, how cute is that, still little Maggie Bear deserves it and more besides.

Clock

[OakLeaf]

linky!

[Aggie_Ama]

I haven't emailed the vet yet (they want a little write up) but once it is up I will let you guys know. I don't have many good pictures of Maggie Bear. :( Heidi is in constant pose but Maggie not so much. She won't have the best close up but she still is deserving.

[Aggie_Ama]

Vet check was okay today. Phosphorous is still too high for his liking. He wants to put her on a phos binder first. If that doesn't bring it down he will move to subcu fluids. I was relieved to hear the subcu is not too pricey.

BSG- We are putting water in the canned food per your suggestion and the vet suggested it as well. We told him we were already doing that and he said "what am I here for? You're already a step ahead, good job." :)

[bmccasland]

Vet check was okay today. Phosphorous is still too high for his liking. He wants to put her on a phos binder first. If that doesn't bring it down he will move to subcu fluids. I was relieved to hear the subcu is not too pricey.

I was giving Erin kitty subQ fluids for a while, 100 cc daily. People gave me a funny looks when they saw the IV bag hanging on the kitchen wall. For the most part it isn't that difficult - all things considered. Only once did I have to bundle kitty, IV bag stuff and head back to the Vet for help. They had told me that if I ever had trouble to come in and the techs would help me. As I recall, one of Erin's Vets checked in when they found out we were there, and I wasn't charged for the visit. The cost of the IV bag and needles is pretty minimal.

Glad to hear Maggie is doing better. Maybe eating sloppy wet food will get enough fluids in her.

[smilingcat]

Oh Aggie,

I didn't realize what this post was all about. Sorry to chime in so late. I wish your Maggie Bear good health, and happiness. Sounds like both of you have gone through a lot. And sounds like she's getting over it so more good thoughts for the two of you.

take care,
smilingcat

[smurfalicious]

Sorry to jump in on this late. I feel for you immensely with your puppy. This group is all the kept me sane after all the hell I went through with Hank this summer.

I am blessed to work for one of the largest natural pet supplies companies in the world. We have a lot of homeopatic kidney support supplements that might work wonders for you. Here is a sampling of what we have available for your conundrum: http://search.onlynaturalpet.com/search.aspx?searchterms=kidney&mf=0

If you're interested please PM for a coupon code to order with. Also, if your vet wants to give you a "prescription diet" run like hell. Ask them specifically what sort of nutritional balance they recommend. Such as protein, fat, fiber, etc. I promise you can find something like that in a quality natural food that will be less expensive and better. I helped a gal switch off nasty Hill's K/D food tonight. The first few ingredients in that food are brewers rice (by product of alcohol production) corn gluten meal (awful and useless for cats or dogs) and pork fat (ummmm). The rest of the ingredients were byproduct this and byproduct that. Ick. My dogs get a grain free salmon formula that runs $45 for 30lbs. The average 35lb Science Diet bag costs that much and that's not even the "prescription diet."

[andtckrtoo]

I agree with Smurf. My elderly American Eskimo, Kimo has Cushings and Diabetes. My vet tried to put her on Science Diet food, and I looked at the label - the main ingrediant was soy protein isolate. WTF? I basically said, "There is no way I'm feeding my dog this." I research home cooked foods for her condition, and I make her a batch once a week in my crock pot. The vet is astounded at how well she is doing for her age and her condition. If Smurf can get you a diet similar in break down to the Science Diet, but that is all natural, I would definitely take her up on that.

[smilingcat]

Hi Christine,

One of our dog is getting up there. 13 or 14 year old golden. Such sweetie... We've been feeding him California Natural and we have thought about feeding real home made food food. But we worry about getting him a balanced diet.

Recipes we find on the internet is iffy or just plain bad for the most part. And the pet supply store we go do carry frozen raw food for the dogs.... But we are just bit weary.

It sounds like the recipe is working for your dog (been feeding him for some time and he is doing well so it must be right). Can you post the recipe. I may want to give it a try.

California Natural is over a $1.00/pound ($2.50/kilo). and cat food for our cats is now running over $2.00 pound. We have 12 cats including fosters so its straining our budget. We supplement the cat food with cooked chicken at just over a $1.00/pound.

thanks,
smilingcat

[Aggie_Ama]

I appreciate the thoughts but no offense, I eat processed crap so I am not opposed to giving it to the dogs. The girls have been eating Science Diet all their lives no issues.

Our vets (the two now and the one we had before moving here) have all expressed that Maggie's history as a backyard breeder is very likely influencing her health. They cannot say for sure but they all felt it wasn't helping anything along. We do not know how many litters she had before being sold to us because "she just won't take". Heidi had a bladder stone which is why she is on special diet. She is pretty healthy otherwise for an inbred dog that is 7 years old.

[Aggie_Ama]

Here she is featured as pet of the month:

http://www.premieranimalhospital.com/petofmonth.html

Of course my husband's delightfully tacky boss said "Oh she is that because you spent more than everyone else and they feel sorry for you". Probably true but oh well she deserves it. :p

[lunacycles]

I am blessed to work for one of the largest natural pet supplies companies in the world. We have a lot of homeopatic kidney support supplements that might work wonders for you. Here is a sampling of what we have available for your conundrum: http://search.onlynaturalpet.com/sea...ms=kidney&mf=0

How cool you work there! I am soooooooo grateful for your herbal incontinence meds. I got a spay incontinent dog at age 3 and the only alternative to this stuff was synthetic estrogen (you do not want a dog on this their entire life!) or the crap they put in diet pills that makes you hyper (she's hyper enough!)! Her incontinence was pretty bad, but these pills work great and she eats them up like candy. I even told my homeopathic vet in Boulder about it, and he was pretty happy to hear about an alternative to what he does.

Sorry for the thread drift, but this company makes and sells good stuff.

[andtckrtoo]

Hi Christine,

One of our dog is getting up there. 13 or 14 year old golden. Such sweetie... We've been feeding him California Natural and we have thought about feeding real home made food food. But we worry about getting him a balanced diet.

Recipes we find on the internet is iffy or just plain bad for the most part. And the pet supply store we go do carry frozen raw food for the dogs.... But we are just bit weary.

It sounds like the recipe is working for your dog (been feeding him for some time and he is doing well so it must be right). Can you post the recipe. I may want to give it a try.

California Natural is over a $1.00/pound ($2.50/kilo). and cat food for our cats is now running over $2.00 pound. We have 12 cats including fosters so its straining our budget. We supplement the cat food with cooked chicken at just over a $1.00/pound.

thanks,
smilingcat

Sorry - haven't been on here for a few days.

My dog has to be a low fat diet, low sugar diet according to the vet, so this is what I feed her on a daily basis (spread out over 3 meals):

1 cup chicken breast
1 cup brown rice
1/2 cup green beans
1/2 cup - mix of broccoli*, cauliflower and carrots (light on the carrots because of the sugar, but they are so good for the dogs)
1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese

*Some dogs have issues tolerating broccoli - so use carefully.

She also gets knuckle bones to chew on (she has a liver tumor that is inoperable, and pushes against her nerves in her back so she has a lot of difficulty walking. Chewing bones is the only thing she can still do that she really enjoys - and it's good for her, too).

Kimo has been on this diet for about a year now and has done better than our vet thought she would (he gave her 3 months to live a year ago).

This works for us. I can point you to user groups where there at vets who can tailor a diet to your dog's specific needs. They do charge about $100, but it can be so worth it.

Smiling Cat - the reality is is that there is no perfect formula for a dog. Most kibbles do not provide a balanced diet, believe it or not, and are very inferior. In my opinion - you do better with switching foods around so that he is eating a different kibble every month or so, in order to get more balance in his diet. Dogs, like us, actually do better with variety. But, if your dog has been eating the same thing most of his life, changing things up frequently can cause digestion issues so move very slowly - and not often. I feed my Aussie some of Kimo's food and a high quality kibble that I switch with every bag (right now he's eating Canidae salmon, but I like Wellness, Solid Gold, and others). I also get him raw food from Whole Foods on occasion, as well as the high quality canned stuff. He's used to having his food switched, so he tolerates it well. He also gets certain table scraps (in moderation and only of foods that dogs can tolerate). He's a healthy high energy Aussie who can hike 11 steep miles and still get the zoomies in the evening. (Then again, maybe I should feed him something else :rolleyes:)

[ClockworkOrange]

Here she is featured as pet of the month:

http://www.premieranimalhospital.com/petofmonth.html

Of course my husband's delightfully tacky boss said "Oh she is that because you spent more than everyone else and they feel sorry for you". Probably true but oh well she deserves it. :p

First of all, love your new avatar, now I wonder who that might be? :)

Little Maggie Bear looks really proud in the Newsletter feature, thanks for posting it, not bad for a 63 year old. ;)

Clock

[bmccasland]

So has Maggie gone Hollywood now that she has the spotlight on her? Does she give autographs? And have you told her it's only for a month?

And ONE more question.... is she feeling better?? :confused:;)

[Aggie_Ama]

So has Maggie gone Hollywood now that she has the spotlight on her? Does she give autographs? And have you told her it's only for a month?

And ONE more question.... is she feeling better?? :confused:;)

She is trying the aloof approach to her 15 minutes.

From the outside she seems to be feeling much better, she is a little bloated from eating her canned food too fast. She is still boney but all pot bellied. The vet wants to try this phosphorous binder 7-10 days and recheck. Then it will be continue on that or go sub-cu. The pharmacy that fills her binders is a people pharmacy that compounded it there, it is pretty funny the label says Last name, Dog "Maggie". :p

[OakLeaf]

She's darling! Hope she continues to feel better.

[smilingcat]

Hi Amanda,

How wonderful. Sounds like she is doing well. She is cute.

smilingcat

[gingerale]

Amanda, she is absolutely precious! I am glad to hear she seems to be feeling better.

[Aggie_Ama]

Back in the hospital with elevated kidney counts. We are on the last ditch effort, if they come down we have to try subcu and check in a week. The vet said she is a fighter, she should be feeling like crap but she isn't acting like it. But he also warned us there is a chance that this will be in vain. DH wouldn't give up on the little bear yet so she is enjoying hospitalization until Friday. I feel pretty hopeless and nothing is going to snap me out of that tonight, hopefully sleep will.

[OakLeaf]

:(:(:( Sending more prayers that everything will come out for the best.

[crazycanuck]

Poor doggie :( ((Aggie & Aggie dh)

[ClockworkOrange]

Big hugs for little Maggie Bear. http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y272/Missbe/pinkdust.gif

Clock

[jesvetmed]

Poor Maggie Bear. I'm sorry she's back in the hopsital. I hope that it goes ok. She is in our thoughts (that's Mac-dog and me!).

[bmccasland]

So sorry to hear Maggie is doing poorly and had to go back to the hospital. Hope she gets to feeling better soon.

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks ladies. I had a good cry last night you know the wheezing, alligator tear popping kind. I still feel really bummed for the little bear and anxious. We have fur children not the human kiddos, it is amazing how much emotional value you invest in your pets. My husband the eternal optimist says she will pull through, hope is all we got. I wish I could bottle his enthusiam. He was diagnosed with crohns and put on IV therapy indefinitely, his response to me saying I felt bad for him "I just play with the hand I am dealt, all you can do." One of the most profound things anyone has ever said to me. So we will let Maggie play her hand.

The vet said if he thought it wasn't worth a shot he wouldn't have offered it but we got a fighter and if we can afford it we should let her try. So we are. He compared the way she feels to the flu, she feels awful but she isn't in physical pain. Like you can hold her and cuddle her without her wimpering. I really worried we weren't doing right by Maggie by keeping trying but the vet thinks that is the best thing to do if we can.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

If she pulls through I imagine you would have to keep her on subcutaneous water shots every day or every other day for long term. Not everyone is prepared to do this. Ask your vet about that issue.

I'm sorry she's having such a struggle. I know it's terribly painful for you.

[smilingcat]

Dear Maggie Bear,

We all have our thoughts on you and wish you a speedy recovery. You have a wonderful momma, your dad has lots of positive energy for you and your doctor sounds very nice so hang in there.

from my family with 14 fur babies,
smilingcat

[badger]

sending good thoughts and positive vibes. Please take good care of yourself, too!

[Aggie_Ama]

If she pulls through I imagine you would have to keep her on subcutaneous water shots every day or every other day for long term. Not everyone is prepared to do this. Ask your vet about that issue.



He is think every other day or maybe every third day. We don't like it but it is a better option than euthanization. It would unfortunately probably not keep her in the clear for long, not as long as she deserves.

[emily_in_nc]

Aw, I'm so sorry to hear that she has taken a bad turn again. It is very, very hard, I know.... :(

[gingerale]

I'm so sorry. Keeping your little fur baby in my thoughts and hope that she gets her own miracle.

[tzvia]

:(:(:(

Sending good vibes and prayers!

[Aggie_Ama]

Well she was happy to see us today. All the techs love her so much I wonder how many hearts will break if there isn't good news tomorrow. She was still really mellow and napped and DH's arms while we were there. They had to move the IV to the back leg so now 3 are shaven, maybe I should just ask them to shave the 4th one. :rolleyes: Tomorrow is when we find out if she pulled off one more miracle, going to be hard to sleep tonight.

On top of that Heidi is acting like someone gave her drugs or something, freaking out like crazy because she smells Maggie on us. She is like a 3 year old who was given too much candy tonight.

[jesvetmed]

You and Maggie will be on my mind tomorrow. Good Luck.

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks Jes. Unfortunately I just got off the phone with the vet. After having her there since Tuesday night on aggressive IV fluids the BUN only came down 6 pts from 104 to 98. The PHOS dropped quite a bit but is still elevated. The CREA didn't really budge.

The option is hospitalize over the entire weekend and hope for a miracle or bring her home and try Sub-Cu. I am leaning towards just bringing her home and letting her be with us. I mean last time we hospitalized 6 days and got 3 weeks. I just don't think we are going to get what we want from continuing to keep her in the hospital. The worst is my husband already paid for a mountain bike race tomorrow, I don't want to go anywhere tonight. I want to stay home and hold my little bear. The best is sitting at work crying and not wanting to tell my male bosses I cannot deal with having a sick dog.

[bmccasland]

(((((((Aggie_Ama & Maggie))))))

Sometimes being at home, being quiet is the best medicine, and it sounds like you've reached that point. Hope you have a good weekend. Sigh.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((Amanda & Maggie)))))))

I'm sure that you and Maggie are more important to your DH than his race.

And you might be surprised about your boss, too, I know I've gotten outpourings of sympathy from males I really didn't expect to (and I've also had females repeatedly express that they felt no attachment to their pets, fwiw). If you're not getting anything done at work anyhow, can you take a personal day?

Keeping the prayers coming.

[Aggie_Ama]

(((((((Amanda & Maggie)))))))

I'm sure that you and Maggie are more important to your DH than his race.


I got to think of him to and I think taking his mind off things might be the best medicine. We haven't decided whether to bring her home for the weekend or wait. He is calling on his vet friend one more time just to give a second opinion. My mom said she would still keep Maggie overnight so we can go, then he can race and after that we have all weekend. Warped to some but DH needs something to channel his frustration and racing does that.

[gingerale]

I understand it and sympathize. I don't think there's anything wrong with him riding. When my dh can't "fix" what's wrong he goes for a really long run, situps, pushups, weights, etc. Works out all of his frustration and feels better after. I understand the pull to do both...take care of your little fur baby and just go hit something as hard as he can (in this case, a good mountain trail). Good luck with all of your decisions and big hugs about Maggie. I really do continue to hope for the best.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Personally I would keep her at the vet's until after the race.
My reason is this- when my cat Pearl was literally on the verge of death from kidney failure, we had her for several days at the vet's on a constant IV fluid drip. Unfortunately, we had to take a Fri-sunday trip- a commitment that we literally could not get out of.
The vet warned me before I left for the weekend that things looked grave, and that the constant fluids were her only chance, along with the antibiotics for her infections that were induced by the kidney failure. She was literally drooling bloody mucus, that's how bad she was. :( It was breaking my heart.

But though she was lethargic she didn't seem in awful pain, she would purr whenever petted, and I knew her only chance might be the vet's IV water hookup. So with heavy heavy heart I left her at the vet's while we did our trip. I knew she was in the best of hands and they were so gentle and loving to her there.
I couldn't bring myself to phone during the weekend. When I came home, I drove directly to the vets without calling because I was sure she would be 'gone' and for some reason I couldn't bear to find that out over the phone.

I got there to the waiting room, they said "just a minute"....then opened the door and Pearl literally came bounding out to greet me happily. :eek:
After that I had to give her sub-cutaneous water injections every other day for a year. She has been very happy and 'mostly' healthy since then, as long as I give her very wet food 'soup'.

I only tell you this not to falsely raise your hopes (because Pearl could just as easily have not made it, it was that close, and your Maggie is certainly in serious condition as well) but simply to say it's OK to keep her at the vet's on direct IV for an extra day or two while you go to your husband's race. It might be the best choice for Maggie, might give her that one little extra boost she might need from the extra fluid intake. Consider giving her that chance- her latest tests don't seem great but they 'have' improved a little while on IV, right? I would say if they start getting worse than before then there's no point in continuing.

I'll be thinking good thoughts for you.

[ClockworkOrange]

My goodness, the time and thought that went into the above post from BleeckerSt_Girl, such good advice and so carefully written with your feelings being taken into account.

I can only send my warmest thoughts to you and your husband, for darling little Maggie Bear.

Hugs

Clock

[Brandi]

(((((((HUGS))))))))) I hope your weekend is a nice peaceful one. When My little fur friends are sick I can't think of anything else but them. Keep keeping us posted on how all is going!. Butterfly kisses heading your way!

[Aggie_Ama]

Lisa- Thank you for the kind, thoughtful, LONG and helpful post. It made me feel like keeping on with Maggie is okay and going to the race was okay too. Sometimes we feel so torn on what we should do you know?

Everyone else- thanks for the support, it is so hard when you can't explain to people you know personally how much your fur kid means.

So Friday we went to see Maggie and the Doc before leaving town. The comforting thing is to see the pain your vet feels that your dog hasn't returned the numbers he wants. If you go back you see that this is a new vet but he has won our support 10x over. He said other dogs with Maggie's levels he would likely not suggest Sub-Cu but we got a real fighter, she is eating, she is happy to see us and the techs (who adore her) and she isn't vomitting. Since she won't act the way he expects he is treating her, not her values. She will go home Monday with daily Sub-Cu for a week. After that we test and see if she maintained, improved or tanked. If she tanked we know what we have to do. He said he doesn't really know what to expect with her she kepts defying his expectations. He said we may get a week, a month, six months. He really doesn't know. He also said he prays for this "Little kid" to trick him again, I am not overly religious but what a sweet thing to say.

DH did race and it was not a good one. Turns out he had a wire bead coming loose and didn't know it. Three flats later he walked his bike across the line for last place missing the cut off to do another lap (which he couldn't because he would have just flatted again), they didn't DNF him because he walked 5 miles of the course instead of taking the short cut. He is a stubborn one! I am glad we went and we got to enjoy some tasty Mexican food afterwards with our cute as a button niece so it wasn't a total loss.

And no matter what happens with Maggie I am glad we took the gamble. If she only gets one more week it will hurt like hell but we will know in our hearts she fought and we didn't stop fighting for her. It has been a pricey gamble but go back to 12/26 and tell me she wouldn't get much more time I would still pay to get those weeks. Take me back to 2004 and tell me she was going to be a sickly dog who didn't might not make it to old age but would be a joy for the time she could give you and I would drive 3 hours to snatch her from the breeders. Maybe she has another trick under her fur she hasn't shown. Maybe it is just her poker face again.

Those of you who read this far, thanks. :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Amanda,
So good to get that update! I'm sure everyone from this thread has been waiting to hear, and rooting for Maggie.
It sounds to me like your head is in a good place and you are getting prepared for all possibilities. All of you are doing everything possible.
When Maggie comes home be sure to mix some water into her food to add yet another source of water into her. Water is the key for flushing natural waste toxins out of her body that her kidneys cannot. Maybe try to make her food like a thick soup.

I have to tell you one more thing because your last post made me think of it...
When I left Pearl that critical weekend on IV at her vet's, my vet tried to prepare me for the worst- she said to me that I should know that she had never had a cat survive with lab test numbers as poor as Pearl's were. Three years later, I always kid her about that when I bring Pearl in for one thing or another, and she always says how Pearl proved her wrong and made her change her mind about what was 'hopeless'.
I think there is always hope when your pet is still eating and acting happy to see you. If Maggie is not going to make it, you can feel good that you gave her every chance short of letting her suffer in pain. And when Maggie's time comes (whether this week or 3 years from now) you will be lovingly there for her.

[smilingcat]

Hi Amanda,

You are doing the best you can for her and that is the best gift you can give. And Bleeker's comment are really the best advice I've heard.

Maggie is special and I wish her the best. Song from Diamond Rio keeps going in my mind. "one more day".

We are all pulling for Maggie and for you. You are the best thing that happened to Maggie.

Take care,
Smilingcat

[ClockworkOrange]

He also said he prays for this "Little kid" to trick him again, I am not overly religious but what a sweet thing to say..........

Going slightly off topic but reading the above, I too am the same but when I come on TE Forum I feel really close to you guys, despite the distance and at times I feel so upset and actually find myself saying similar things, I guess it's not such a bad thing. :rolleyes:

Anyway Amanda, still have my fingers crossed and it's good reading how things are going.

Hugs to little Maggie Bear.

Clock

[Aggie_Ama]

Well the news this morning wasn't as good on paper. Her values dropped over the weekend but not substantially. The vet offered that we could leave her another night but at some point it seems in vain, she is still double what she should be and at nearly a week of hospital at this point. We decided to bring her home and enjoy whatever time she has left. He said one more night of hospital might mean one more day on her overall life. But really does that mean one day she spent at their hospital? We don't have a way of knowing and in our hearts know she needs to come home. She needs hugs, we need hugs. She was so damn happy last night to see us and eat and love on us. He did tell us we can't leave her there forever, that is not fair to Maggie or us, visiting for one hour a day (and we have been by nearly every day she was there). Another night likely will provide help but it would probably be minimal, he did say it was fair to her to come home. We are still trying subcu but I don't think we have many nights, at least we have this one. Bad day to not wear waterproof mascara for sure.

[Brandi]

I think you should bring her home and spoil her rotten! She wants to be with you and your dh more then she wants to be at the vet that I am sure of. Enjoy her as much as you can with the time you have with her. I have lost animals way to young and wish i had taken the time to enjoy them more. You just never know how much time you will ever have. Spend this time with her. Good luck and (((((hugs)))))) to you all.

[Aggie_Ama]

For all the anger I cannot put into words. My mom knows a miniature schnauzer breeder, a good one that does genetic testing and the like. She said they do not breed the girls until they are TWO and only allow TWO litters before retirement. We got Maggie right before her fourth birthday and she had already had "3 or 4" litters. I am assuming the bred her young, frequently and without much care for her health. My poor beautiful girl, I am just glad we got to love her more than she ever knew those first four years.

[bmccasland]

Can the vet leave in a heprin lock IV and show you how to give her fluids? Either that or just show you how to attach the needle to the bag and tell you how many cc's she needs? I was giving Erin 100 cc's daily for the last couple of weeks of her life, and if I can do it solo, you certainly give Maggie fluids.

I think bringing her home is the best medicine. There living, and quality of life. Frankly I'd be much happier at HOME!!!

[smilingcat]

Hi Amanda,

Beth and Brandi is right. Home is the best place, being loved, cared in a familiar setting with familiar smell. sub-cue isn't that hard. Emotionally it was hard to administer to my cats. I know I had more difficult time than my cat.

Take a day or two off and spend some long time together. It helped my cat Murphy and it helped me. I sat on the couch with him in my lap and I just read books to pass the time. Stroked his head, his ear... He enjoyed the soothing touch of his mom. That's the important thing for maggie bear too. To feel comfortable.

I wish you well and peace to Magie Bear, she has a wonderful mom.
sincerely,
smilingcat

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Amanda,
It sounds like the vet IV treatment did not turn things around for Maggie this weekend. I'm so sorry.
I know this is a terribly sad sad time right now. But the best you can do now is shower Maggie with love, which you are doing. I'm glad you have her home now. Keep in mind that she doesn't know anything except that she doesn't feel too good and that you are pouring attention all over her. She must be happy about that.
Do keep giving her sub-cu water. being dehydrated is not comfortable from what I have read, so keeping her fluids up as best you can will make her more comfortable for her last few days. After a while she will not want to eat anymore. I guess for me that was the point where I would help them 'cross over'.
Again, I am so very sorry.
Maggie has been so very lucky to have such a love-filled life with you. Just keep thinking how lucky and well loved she has been...her happy life...all because of you and your family.

[OakLeaf]

Lisa said it so much better than I could. I'm so sorry the news isn't better.

I didn't want to say it going into the weekend because you were clear how much you and your DH needed the break, and there's nothing wrong with that. But, my Xiao Shieung died at the vet's while they were trying to save him. We were actually in the car on the way to visit when we got the call. :( There were many things surrounding his death that I felt horrible guilt for, but that's definitely one of them.

Bring her home, let her feel your love surround her, be with her when the time comes.

Hugs to you all.

[wackyjacky1]

I can't add anything that hasn't already been said. I know how hard it is to lose a pet. It's been over 4 years since I had to put my sweet kitty to sleep, and sometimes I still want to cry about it. But I relish the time I had with her, and I know I did the right thing for her.

Stay with your puppy and love on her. That is the best thing you can do. My heart goes out to you.

[emily_in_nc]

I'm so sorry for the bad news. I never give up hope until it's truly time, but I agree with everyone else who has posted, that she will have better last days at home. I've been in a similar situation with a very sick old Boston Terrier, and it was horribly sad for us, but I was glad she was with us at home until it was time for her to go to the bridge. I spent the last weekend of her life downstairs with her, sleeping on the couch, so I could comfort her between seizures, even when she couldn't see or hear me. I am very glad I had that time, even though it was emotionally wrenching, and my eyes were never dry. Our pets are just so much more comfortable at home with their "pack".

Thinking of you and Maggie Bear.... :(

[salsabike]

Ah, Amanda. I'm sorry.

[Blueberry]

Oh Amanda - my heart is breaking for you, your DH and your little Maggie Bear. You're trusting your heart, which is the right thing to do. She'll tell you when it's time. Until then, shower her with love and treats (as I know you will). You'll look back on these memories and treasure them - even though they'll still hurt like h3ll.

Hugs,

CA

[Aggie_Ama]

No one told Maggie how sick she is. When the vet tech (one of the many she loves brought her in) she started bouncing on her. Then she heard the vets voice (Maggie is blind) and ran to him then we called her and she bounded over to us jumping on DH and then me, then DH, then me. She wore herself out being so excited! The vet tech came in and showed us how to do SubCu which Maggie doesn't mind at all right now and that is good because with her frail condition she is getting 100 cc two times a day.

We brought her home and she bounced right to the backdoor then came in and went straight to her water dish. Made up a good ol' bowl of "gruel" and she ate it like they hadn't been feeding her. Wandered around the living room part of the evening, then made herself at home in her bed. We know she is on borrowed time because her values are still extremely elevated and it is very unlikely subcu will bring her down but last night was a gift.

Thank you all for the support. Most of my family has been there but at the same time think we are crazy for fighting for her. My husband's stepmom yesterday told me we should put her to sleep. My mom just reminds me that my Pawpaw let his cat suffer.

[PamNY]

I'm so glad she's enjoying herself, and that you are treasuring each precious moment. I wouldn't think too much about what others say. You are in tune with her, and you will know when it is time.

Pam

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

What Pam said. It doesn't sound like Maggie is suffering right now. Enjoy life with her for now. You are already prepared.

[Blueberry]

Thank you all for the support. Most of my family has been there but at the same time think we are crazy for fighting for her. My husband's stepmom yesterday told me we should put her to sleep. My mom just reminds me that my Pawpaw let his cat suffer.

Trust yourself and your DH. Enjoy your time with her. You will know when the time comes - animals do have a way of telling us - as Lisa said, you're already prepared. They don't know you and her as well as you do. Please don't let that cloud your happy memories.

CA

[ClockworkOrange]

Hmmmmm, people so like to interfere, especially family!

What better way to be, than giving little Maggie Bear umpteen hugs and cuddles.

Don't mean to go off topic but that was the one upsetting thing when my little budgie was very poorly, I just could not cuddle him up, he would have freaked and probably keeled over.

No, you keep close to your little Maggie Bear.

More hugs and nice things coming across the pond for Maggie & Co.

Clock

[bmccasland]

Aggie-Ama - Pox on the relatives! Maggie is happy to be home and she loves you unconditionally. That's obvious. She knows she's home, safe and loved. Good luck wth the twice daily IV therapy. It'll be a challenge, but it will make sure her kidneys gets the fluids they need. Unfortunately, eventually the sticks will become more difficult as her skin becomes scarred. Yeah, I missed a few times sticking Erin, and managed to stab myself a time or two. I hope Maggie is a cooperative patient.

[Aggie_Ama]

Beth- So far other than the other night (see my gross thread) they are going okay. The vet recommended moving to her rump and shoulders. We tried the rump that night with no luck. We may try it again soon though.

Otherwise Maggie still has a lot of energy for her. She LOVES her soupy food. Unfortunately all the fluids mean she is having accidents while I am at work. I do not live close enough to come home. Fortunately it is on tile and she seems to be okay in spite of it. She has access to plenty of water and a rather large area of the tiled area so she doesn't have to stay directly with her accident if she has one, neither does Heidi. It is so clear I am actually not sure some days she hasn't run into her water which she frequently does.

We have a working neighborhood so a neighbor letting her out isn't an option and with her being blind a doggie door wouldn't be. But I think it is okay. I am still shocked at her energy level, I don't expect us to have many more days but I still have to go get another bag to get us throw the weekend coming and I didn't expect that.

[jesvetmed]

I'm glad Maggie is feeling frisky despite her illness. Enjoy your time with her. It is hard when you have to be trying to medicate, etc, all the time. Try to find the humor in it and as long as she seems perky and you are happy, then that's all that matters. Good thoughts going out to you and Maggie.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I don't expect us to have many more days but I still have to go get another bag to get us throw the weekend coming and I didn't expect that.

Sounds like maybe you should get more than one.

[Aggie_Ama]

Sounds like maybe you should get more than one.

Luckily the vet is on the way home from work and Maggie needs a blood check Monday. When I was there this afternoon one of her favorite techs (and one that she stole the heart of for sure)was showing me how to install the line on a new bag. She was so excited to hear she is doing alright. I told the tech "I honestly didn't think I would need this bag." She looked at me and said "Neither did we." So each day is a blessing for sure.

Little Heidi got a treat too, a couple of cans of wet food to go with her dry. She feels a little more special now.

[bmccasland]

As with many creatures, the attitude of the spirit is part of what keeps us alive. Maggie is happy to be home, so her body is following along. Am glad she's having good days. And maybe her accidents are due to bashing into the waterdish than lack of bladder control. The fact that she's peeing means that her kidneys are still functioning (layman's terms) too. Good Heidi is getting treats, she shouldn't be left out. She knows something is up, can smell Maggie isn't well, and needs extra love herself. Hope you have an uneventful weekend. Just the usual routine - IV therapy, feed the dogs, walk the dogs, pet the dogs, nap with the dogs, run an errand or two, .... ;)

[Aggie_Ama]

This morning Maggie stopped eating. She is having trouble getting up. Last night she had energy but this morning none. I just got off the phone with the vet and he said to bring her in tomorrow morning but without saying it he said we were likely bringing her in for the end. I know it, DH knows it so why can't I stop crying? He said we can keep her comfortable by giving her subcu 4x today. I have plans for a 2 hr mtn ride which I am still going on because it is sunny and I need a diversion.

We had decided last week to plant a Texas Mountain Laurel in the backyard for Maggie, I hope DH's nursery has one and we can plant it this week. I am glad it is a slow week at work. Thanks everyone who followed and held my hand virtually through this.

[Blueberry]

Oh, Amanda. I'm so sorry for you, DH and your little Maggie. Hugs to you all.

[OakLeaf]

(((((Amanda, Maggie & DH)))))

I'm glad you had a few more good days together. I'm so sorry that they seem to have come to an end. Keeping you all in my thoughts.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thinking of you and your family. These past few days were a real gift for both you and Maggie. You will get through this terribly hard part. Later on you will feel better inside knowing that you did everything you could to keep her healthy and happy. My heart goes out to you.

[ClockworkOrange]

This has all been so hard for you and your husband but you have both done the best possible.

Little Maggie Bear has had a wonderful life with you, so much love and care. You can remember all the good times plus you saved her so many times and you have helped take away any hurt and pain, nobody could have done anymore.

My heart and prayers go out to you.

Hugs.

Clock

[Blueberry]

This has all been so hard for you and your husband but you have both done the best possible.

Little Maggie Bear has had a wonderful life with you, so much love and care. You can remember all the good times plus you saved her so many times and you have helped take away any hurt and pain, nobody could have done anymore.

My heart and prayers go out to you.

Hugs.

Clock

You said everything I couldn't quite put into words:)

CA

[tulip]

Aggie, just to add my support, Maggie is so fortunate to have found you and your husband. She may have had a rough start in life, but you gave her joy and hope and love. No one could ask for anything more.

Hugs to you all.

[wackyjacky1]

Ah, I'm so sorry. :(

A Texas Mountain Laurel is a lovely tribute. It is my favorite tree.

[lunacycles]

I know it, DH knows it so why can't I stop crying?

because you love her! I went through something very similar about a year ago--and most of the people posting here have clearly been through some version of this, too--and it is really heart-wrenching every single time. I find it interesting that we are given constant opportunities to love beautiful beings we know from the beginning most likely won't outlive us. But we love them, anyway. And we do it again and again, and accept that our hearts will break.

My thoughts and prayers for you, Maggie, and your DH.

[redrhodie]

Amanda, we've all fallen in love with her. Give her a hug for me.

[crazycanuck]

Amanda, your dog loves you & surely appreciates all that you've done for her. You're a good woman :)

((AM & DH)))

[emily_in_nc]

Oh crap -- I am so very sorry, Amanda! :( :( :( :(

Our Pepper (Boston Terrier we had before Paisley) had one final terrible weekend with cluster seizures, and we made an appt. to bring her to the vet on a Monday morning too (12/18/06). We knew it was going to be the end as well -- so I do know what you are going through. We were both there with her when her vet administered the euthanasia shot, and we took her home and buried her in our back yard. It was a terrible day, but it comforts me greatly to see the stone we put on her grave.

Peace to you at this worst of times...

[derailed]

I feel awful not having seen this thread earlier.
My heartfelt sympathies at all you and she have been through, and deep empathy.
What a special pup!

[msincredible]

((hugs)), hang in there.

[smilingcat]

Hi Amanda,

Maggie didn't have an easy start but you were her angel for rescuing and giving her a wonderful loving home.

You have given her all the love possible and allowed her to have few extra days of happiness. It's never easy for us to let our babies go even though its most dignified way and peaceful. Yes we are all selfish in that way. to wish for another happy day together.

Each time I was with my babies as they went to sleep, I cried over it. I still cry from time to time and tears are welling up as I write this... You realized that as they go to sleep, each one gave a thankful happy smile knowing that their suffering and pain was being taken away. Not suffer anymore.

Planting a tree in her memory is such a wonderful tribute.

Eternal peace and happiness to Maggie.
Amanda, you have a big wonderful heart and I wish you well too. And its okay to cry. We all do.

Sincerely,
Smilingcat

[bmccasland]

Pooh. :(

[jesvetmed]

Just wanted to add my condodlences. You guys have had quite a time of it lately with Maggie... and she sounds like she's been a little trooper through it all. She was blessed to have found such a loving home.

Planting the tree for her is a beautiful way to remember her daily.

[mtbdarby]

More hugs to you all. Thanks for being such wonderful parents to Maggie and remember all the love and joy you brought each other. And let the tears flow. It's natures way of helping us heal!

[Aggie_Ama]

We took her in as the vet said to yesterday but she had started eating and pottying again last night. So the vet pulled blood work and her levels actually dropped from last Monday. His guess is yesterday morning's diahrea, behavior and refusal to eat was GI distress from all she is struggling with. He did caution she is still in severe kidney failure and most dogs can't function even at her lowered levels. The protein levels are dropping which means other organs are getting stressed. Her heart is showing signs of stress (heart mumur) but he couldn't say it was her time so he sent her home with the gloomy caution of "you may have a week".

She is getting weaker but ate this morning. I wish I could say the same for myself. My stomach is in knots from this roller coaster and DH's is really upset which is never good. So we keep waiting and wondering. We will do the same level of subcu and feeding her until she tells us something changed. Could be tomorrow, could be next week.

I woke up this morning finally at peace. I am thankful for one more day but fatigued too. I talked to my mom and told her I feel like I am saying I want to put her to sleep which isn't the case (she knows because yesterday she got the sobbing call) but I am just tired and wish it were easier. I can tell Maggie is getting weaker, walking and eating a bit slower so I will cherish this evening, hold her and be thankful we got it together. I think for my sanity I should quit guessing how she is feeling.

[Veronica]

I want to give you a hug. :) Enjoy the time you have with her. Be in the moment.

Veronica

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

That's hard. Like Veronica said, just try to be in the moment and not torture yourself with thinking and guessing. At least you know what's coming and have time to prepare. In some ways, the desperate hoping and the not knowing whether they'll recover or not can be worse than knowing for sure that their time is approaching.

When Maggie is really ready, I think it will be more obvious. As long as she seems happy and eats a little, I think maybe it's not time yet. She might have a day without eating which could be just a normal fluctuation in her weakened condition, or a morning when it's hard for her to get up for a while. When they are really failing for the last time, it's more obvious. I'm guessing from your posts that you only want to prevent the last phase when they are typically very uncomfortable and completely weak.
Your strength and your love will pull you through.

[emily_in_nc]

Hang in there, Amanda. This is a very hard time I know, but one small silver lining is that these little reprieves give you more time to prepare for the inevitable, and to enjoy your sweet Maggie Bear's last days. Our last year with Pepper was filled with many ups and downs medically, and I thought we were going to lose her more than once, only to have her rally back. By the time the end finally came, we had a terrible week, but my DH and I both bounced back pretty quickly after that -- I think because we had already gone through some of the grief work ahead of time, very different from a sudden, unexpected loss.

Thinking of you.... :(

[kermit]

They just don't live long enough. She knows she is loved and she thanks you.

[nancielle]

Oh damn. I've been off-line for a few days and just saw this.

So sorry for the heartache you're going through. Through all of this Maggie Bear knows how much she was loved. You've given her something that so many other dogs (and cats) will never get to experience. Keeping you all in my thoughts.

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks girls, I have been not guessing and not worrying this week. She has started to complain about the subcu which means stress for mommy and daddy but guess what? I have to go get another bag tonight for a dog the vet was thinking was ready to go Monday. I am not getting optimistic but this little girl just refuses to quit. So another bag, a few more cans of food. She is still pottying, she is still eating, she is moving a bit slower but as the vet said this food is not the highest in protein. She still puts her paws up on your knee to say hello when you come in, trots over to her name and she still snuggles if you pick her up (she has never been able to climb up on you like Heidi). I don't think she is ready to say goodbye yet.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

That's good. You just keep her comfortable and keep pouring on the love.

I know sub-cu's are the pits. Try doing it to a very pi**ed off cat for about a year! :eek:
You're doing great.

[Aggie_Ama]

That's good. You just keep her comfortable and keep pouring on the love.

I know sub-cu's are the pits. Try doing it to a very pi**ed off cat for about a year! :eek:
You're doing great.

At first she was mellow for it but now she is restless and at least once pulled the line by moving. He wants to keeps doing 100cc two times a day, Maggie is verbally telling us she isn't happy. I can't even imagine doing it on a cat, especially if they had claws.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

At first she was mellow for it but now she is restless and at least once pulled the line by moving. He wants to keeps doing 100cc two times a day, Maggie is verbally telling us she isn't happy. I can't even imagine doing it on a cat, especially if they had claws.

We found that if the 'assistant' held the cat gently but steadily, then I was free to insert the needle, then when things got flowing I would scratch her head and distract her with one hand while holding the needle in place with the other hand. I found if I pinched some fur (not skin) onto the needle while holding the needle between my thumb and index, then when she struggled for a moment the needle would not pull out accidentally. And I rubbed and 'scroonched' her head and neck a lot to distract her throughout it all.

[bmccasland]

At first she was mellow for it but now she is restless and at least once pulled the line by moving. He wants to keeps doing 100cc two times a day, Maggie is verbally telling us she isn't happy. I can't even imagine doing it on a cat, especially if they had claws.

I had to wrap Erin in a towel, and do some contortionist moves, but I managed to get her stuck. Sometimes she escaped, sometimes I didn't get her restuck, and sometimes I stuck me. Once in full dispair I took her back to the clinic for help. Generally she'd growl, doing a very good Lion imitation, and she'd bite & hold, to let me know she was irritated. I figured she had that right. But my motivation like yours, was that without the IV therapy, I knew she'd very quickly spiral down, and I wasn't ready to quit.

It is definitely easier with two people.

My heart goes out to you Aggie_Ama, and to Maggie. IV sticks are never fun, even with sharp needles.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Amanda, how is Maggie doing?

[Aggie_Ama]

She seems to be okay, we are exhausted from the subcu. This morning she only ate half her food and refused her pepcid but I think she was annoyed she had to go out in the rain. She is pretty lethargic but she has always been less active so it is really hard to say how she is doing.

She has had a slight bit of blood in the stool which makes me think another organ might be starting to weaken, need to call the vet about that today. He said it was just a matter of time before something other than the kidneys might give out. Still we have gotten two weeks since we took her out of the hospital, what a blessing that has been. Thanks for checking Lisa.

[sundial]

Gentle hug for you and your Maggie bear.

[bmccasland]

:( Pooh.

May she have a gentle night.

[emily_in_nc]

Still thinking of you and Maggie Bear....there are no good words, but just know that everyone here is sending warm wishes your way.

[Aggie_Ama]

She wouldn't eat last night and had very little energy but I tried not to read too much into it because after 6-8 weeks I know I can't guess anymore. I also was too tired to worry so I let DH cuddle her and I laid on the couch with the spazz-monkey Heidi. This morning Maggie ate like a little pig.

Some days I feel like throwing my hands up and saying "wheeee" because it is one heck of a roller coaster. I try to tell myself her days are limited to lessen my pain but DH will have none of it.

Why can't I be Dr. Doolittle so I know if she is just tired or getting sick? I used to have a music box that played "talked to the animals", I wish mine would talk to me. :rolleyes:

[ClockworkOrange]

Everytime I see you have posted on this thread, my heart sinks...............then I have to chuckle because little Maggie Bear is such a little fighter.

Please give her a special cuddle from the Land of Tea and Crumpets. :D

Hugs

Clock

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks Clock. She does have a lot of fight in that little body. Tonight she ate her food like she hadn't been fed in days. DH just shook his head and laughed. He said he thought we were losing her last night and tonight you'd never know she was sick. It is stressful and amusing at the same time. The vet told us last Monday he expected a week but she is still kicking so I am beginning to wonder if she just didn't like hearing that either?

I try not to get too optimistic and just enjoy this precious extra time, what a gift the subcu is affording us.

[emily_in_nc]

Amanda, that is wonderful news. Enjoy every minute, hour, day left with her!

*hugs*

[Aggie_Ama]

Today is my birthday and guess who is still here?! Last night Maggie ate like a pig, had her paws on the gate when we got home, bounced outside, bounded around the house. It was really a sight to see.

Last week I was kind of worried she might get sick again just in time for my day when she wasn't too hungry but nope, still kicking. I can't say the 2x subcu doesn't still suck but the vet wants to see her this week so maybe she gets to back off. The blood in the stool seems to have subsided but I am not letting myself be too optimistic. I am just so thankful she made it to February 17th! :D

[Blueberry]

Happy Birthday, Amanda!!! So glad you've had this much extra time, and that she's still doing well!!

CA

[bmccasland]

HippoBirdy Amanda! So glad to hear Maggie is full of spirit and being a happy puppy. Obviously someone forgot to tell her she's supposed to still be sick. :D

Hope the vet visit goes well. I know the IV fluids are a pain, literally, but it does give her the fluids she needs. Maybe you could up the amount, but only once a day? Or not, what do I know?

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks ladies. Maggie's hearing is fine but you know she is stubborn, I guess she didn't hear the vet say she was on the verge on death two weeks ago or didn't like that.

Beth- I am kind of wondering why we can't just load her up all at once? It absorbs super duper quick but I guess 200cc is a lot. I have a liberal arts degree and took two science classes (one was meteorology), what do I know? When the bag is out tomorrow or Thursday I will take her on in.

[bmccasland]

Maybe the same logic that drinking a gallon of water in the morning won't keep us as hydrated as spreading that amount of water throughout the day. So 100 ccs gets absorbed and used by the body, where with a 200 cc dose - 100 gets used, and the other 100 goes straight to pee without passing through a cell wall and picking up anything on the way by.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

One possibility is to continue the twice a day for another week (I know it's a huge PITA), and then switch to doing once a day with about 150 cc instead of 100. Might be a good compromise. I don't know how anyone would be able to keep up with sub-cu twice daily on a long term basis. But once a day is way more do-able. I did once a day with Pearl for about 6 months, then was able to back down to 3xweek. After another 6 months it was 2xweek.
I think it would be good however for you to keep up the twice daily for another week if you can, since it obviously seems to be helping her a lot.

Glad that maggie is enjoying herself so much and feeling well! :p

[OakLeaf]

Happy birthday Amanda! :D:D

And happy another-day to you and Maggie. So glad she's still hanging in there.

[ASammy1]

What a great b-day present! And Happy Birthday to you too!

[Brandi]

Oh yes a big Happy Birthday from your friends out in Cali! Toast to another wonderful day with your fuzzy friend! ((((((HUG))))))))

[jesvetmed]

Happy Birthday!
As for the SQ fluids.... usually it's a matter of how much gets in how fast. Sometimes their little hearts can't deal with the excess all at once. Also, the skin itself taking on huge amounts underneath can be a problem, but rarely.

I don't remember how much Maggie (aka "tough as nails" ) weighs, but if she's 15-20 lb, she can have 200 at once without too much trouble. I might spread it between two different sites to lessen the stress under the skin. Lisa's idea of trying 150 first is good.

I'm so glad she's doing this well.
Enjoy!
Jes

[Aggie_Ama]

Maggie was 14-15 lbs when she was at the vets last. I will see what our options are.

The Doc did mention her heart is under stress, he noted a new heart mumur and what he believes is congestive heart failure. Still for a dog that he said had a week or month we are nearing 8 weeks from first episode and two weeks from last, what a trooper! Having her still hanging around and yapping this morning (she has become vocal when hungry) was a great present. :)

[sundial]

Schnauzers are quite tenacious you know. :) She reminds us all that every day is a gift.

[spindizzy]

She reminds us all that every day is a gift.

yes

[ClockworkOrange]

Belated happy birthday to you Amanda.

I am off to work shortly and reading about Little Maggie Bear still hanging in there has put a big smile on my face.

Super big hugs to Little Maggie Bear.

Clock