So sad right now....

[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~

[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!!
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/a1...se69/?start=40