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The past few days have been difficult for me as most of you can imagine.
But I have made the decision to not euthanize Lucky at this point, because I know in my heart that I haven't tried everything. Once he is gone I can't say 'OMG I should have tried this treatement or maybe that treatment would have worked.' It is just such a final step and I don't think it's the right one.
I didn't clip as much off him as I wanted too, but the bit I did take off has definitely made him more comfortable. For the past two days he has wanted back into our bedroom and has slept on my hubby's side of the bed.
The lump on his back is not causing him discomfort and we have an appointment to get it looked into. It's not as red, or as big as it was and it doesn't cause him any discomfort when we touch it.
Over all, he seems much more comfortable and lovable and I think he is telling me that it's not time for him to go yet.
Hi Bansidhbabe: I just can't read thru this whole thread right now. The loss of one of ours last month is still too fresh and I wouldn't be able to give a rational opinion or advice. Just wanted to let you know I wish you the best in your decisions. Gentle hugs to you both.
It's heartening to see that you've made a decision to go the wait and see route. I feel your pain for sure.
I read where someone suggested salt water for the hot spot but be sure the skin has not been broken and is not raw or the salt will surely sting.
About the lump; my sheltie has fatty tumors and one got quite large on her elbow. The vet checked it often and one needle biopsy found that it was releasing toxins into her body. That explained her lethargy, etc. So, we had it removed and she's much better attitude and energy wise.
I think, if I were you, I'd have your little one shaved for the summer so you can at least check out hs body for those tumors on a regular basis. You got some very good advice so far, esp the diet. Dogs can be allergic to the simplest things that you'd not even consider...food, treats, grass...lots of things..jst as we are. Wendi gets yeast infections in her ears every spring and one of our chi-chis always had lots of scratching going on in spring on his little body.
Thank you. I just know that if I talk to you guys I'll get good, sound, loving advice and that is what I really need right now.
I do want to get him completely clipped but I'm not sure how to go about doing that. For the first time in his life - when I started clipping him last week, he attacked the clippers and ended up nipping me (because of his sight problem I don't believe he saw me, I think he went after the clippers and missed. He's never nipped me before) so I'm not sure a professional will clip him. Hubby and I can try again and do it a little bit at a time stopping when he gets uncomfortable.
We'll just have to see.
My daughter walked him this morning and said he walked into a pole. Not Good. But she said he shook it off and trotted on his way - so I guess he wasn't hurt. Good thing dogs don't get embarrassed. lol. He can't even blame that one on a cute female dog across the road.
This is hard, I'm sure we've all faced this at one time or another. I'm glad you decided to try a few more things. I would like to suggested a dermatologist for the skin. It was the best thing I could have done for my allergic girl, Katie. She suffered for 3 1/2 years and was on continuous antibiotic and Benadryl and basically had no existance other than sleeping and itching. Yeast was found and treated and we did a food trial. She's now off the food trial and is on a food which I found that had no triggers for her ..flax, brewer's yeast, chicken (I think), dairy or soy. She also gets at least two baths a week with medicated shampoo..Hope I can say the name here..4% Chlorhexiderm shampoo, and there is a spray the same for between baths. Katie has been off all medications for months but I do need to use the shampoo which is gentle enough to use every single day if I needed to and it works on yeast and bacteria. You can PM me for any particulars if you'd like. I don't want anyone to have to go through anything like this..it can be managed. Good luck!
Don't know how you and Lucky are doing, but I got this information from a specialist I took my dog to for her site problems. I'm going to order one for my dog. She has degenerative eye disease. The vet didn't know when my dog would be completely blind, but her night vision is almost completely gone. I'm going to build a ramp for her to use off my deck so she can go outside to do her business. Her personality is 100% of normal so I'm hoping she's still got years left. I worry about her being alone and not being able to see. I'm going to work on making my home safer for her.
We also use GenTeal gel (severe formula, it comes in a tube at Target or Walmarts) at nite to help w/ the dry eye and is only around $8 - the Cyclosporin we use about 2x a day and is good for Pigmentary Kerotitis (PK) but our vet doesnt carry it, the ophthamologist does, in my dog's case it helps prevent blindness, ie preserve what vision she has (her vision isn't great, she's a senior now and has been on it for years). Not sure the cause of his blindness or which would help more. Were told if we're away all day to use the GenTeal gel which is more effective b/c it's thicker than the drops and should last longer.
Glad he's feeling better. Would avoid any food w/ corn, soy or wheat as they can be problemic in dogs w/ allergies (same w/ the treats).
The past few days have been difficult for me as most of you can imagine.
But I have made the decision to not euthanize Lucky at this point, because I know in my heart that I haven't tried everything. Once he is gone I can't say 'OMG I should have tried this treatement or maybe that treatment would have worked.' It is just such a final step and I don't think it's the right one.
I didn't clip as much off him as I wanted too, but the bit I did take off has definitely made him more comfortable. For the past two days he has wanted back into our bedroom and has slept on my hubby's side of the bed.
The lump on his back is not causing him discomfort and we have an appointment to get it looked into. It's not as red, or as big as it was and it doesn't cause him any discomfort when we touch it.
Over all, he seems much more comfortable and lovable and I think he is telling me that it's not time for him to go yet.
I am so glad for your update. I have an elderly 12yr old chi, and while she has no severe medical problems, she has definately become "touchy" as she ages. That your also has medical issues makes sense that he might be a little more snippy than he used to be. As one person mentioned, take that as the exception, and watch how he acts the most. My little senior is feisty, tail wagging, lying in the sun and quietly happy most of the time. When she does get snarky, we just let her be. Again, I am glad you are taking the extra step for your little one. And yes, you need to be sure for YOU that you have done all you can. Then there will be no regrets when it comes down to it. Take care.
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