So sad right now....

[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.

[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~