so I thought that posting what was on my mind might help.
I have been putting Winnie through a lot of tests, meds, treatments, etc for a while now. Don't think it was necessarily for me...more for her, but I wonder if she really wants all this done. I know she's a dog, and she goes where I take her.
There is this little sensor telling me she doesn't want to do it anymore...not yet, but it's coming.
I am discouraged and can't sleep
Re: I am discouraged and can't sleep
(((Hugs for you and Winnie))) I understand what you are saying as I have thought about that time coming in my life as Honey is 13. Very tough, Marty. You know what davet says, but only you and hubby can make those decisions about Winnie's healthcare. I think you will know and make the right decisions.
God Bless.
God Bless.
Re: I am discouraged and can't sleep
I can certainly understand. They tug at out heartstrings so-o-o-o-hard, don't they? Of course she's tired of being poked and examined, and I'm sure she doesn't like the meds or not feeling well any better than we would. I guess you have to weigh how much you are helping vs what would happen if you stop. Maybe you could make a list and have a very frank discussion with your vet about what you can realistically expect with different options.
It is so hard to watch them age and see them failing. I never felt Mickey was ready to give up, but his body gave up before he did. I know you feel helpless (I did), and I think that's the hardest part. We love them so much we want to make them all better - they are our children and we hurt when they hurt. I wish so much that I could help you know what to do, but only your heart and Winnie can answer these questions for you.
((HUGS)) Give Winne a hug for me too.
It is so hard to watch them age and see them failing. I never felt Mickey was ready to give up, but his body gave up before he did. I know you feel helpless (I did), and I think that's the hardest part. We love them so much we want to make them all better - they are our children and we hurt when they hurt. I wish so much that I could help you know what to do, but only your heart and Winnie can answer these questions for you.
((HUGS)) Give Winne a hug for me too.
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
Re: I am discouraged and can't sleep
In my opinion (for what it's worth), poking and prodding are not invasive, as say, surgery or repeated invasive procedures. If followup care is only poking and prodding and minimal diagnostics and if it leads to a diagnosis and available treatment, then you're giving your pet quality of treatment and quality of life.
In Winnie's case, however, I'm not sure her problems are strictly urinary tract-related or due to the present e-coli...there was an incident not long ago that didn't seem likely it was just an infection. Just wondering if something else is going on that your vet may be missing. I'm also not sure I understand her reactions to the meds that have been prescribed of late, again, this may not be the meds, but something else.
Personally, I'm always of the opinion that our pets can't talk to us, they can't tell us where it hurts, or how they are feeling, so we have to be their voice and be proactive in getting all the options layed out before us, for their benefit. Sometimes, it takes what seems like forever to reach a diagnosis or see a result from treatment, but leaving nothing to miss or undetected should be priority to ensure we're giving the pet the best treatment available.
You have to talk to your vet and not be afraid to ask questions, or even demand more. If you are not satisfied with the expected results, perhaps it's time to see another vet. I know, you're happy with your vet, but sometimes a second opinion can pick up on something the previous vet may have missed.
JMHO. I'm thinking of Winnie and you, hang in there ...
In Winnie's case, however, I'm not sure her problems are strictly urinary tract-related or due to the present e-coli...there was an incident not long ago that didn't seem likely it was just an infection. Just wondering if something else is going on that your vet may be missing. I'm also not sure I understand her reactions to the meds that have been prescribed of late, again, this may not be the meds, but something else.
Personally, I'm always of the opinion that our pets can't talk to us, they can't tell us where it hurts, or how they are feeling, so we have to be their voice and be proactive in getting all the options layed out before us, for their benefit. Sometimes, it takes what seems like forever to reach a diagnosis or see a result from treatment, but leaving nothing to miss or undetected should be priority to ensure we're giving the pet the best treatment available.
You have to talk to your vet and not be afraid to ask questions, or even demand more. If you are not satisfied with the expected results, perhaps it's time to see another vet. I know, you're happy with your vet, but sometimes a second opinion can pick up on something the previous vet may have missed.
JMHO. I'm thinking of Winnie and you, hang in there ...
..........Traci
Re: I am discouraged and can't sleep
Yes, I've been thinking it might be related to that suspicious area on her liver, but that does involve surgery, and I'm just not sure she is up to that. Her arthritis is bothering her now, too, as the nights are cooler.
Re: I am discouraged and can't sleep
Depending on your vet's suspicions, it may not require open abdominal surgery. An ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration/biopsy might be an option. This would of course require anesthesia and recovery time (probably overnight), but would be less invasive than abdominal surgery.
I can't remember what his comments were at that time, but wasn't there something that was concerning about the spleen?
I can't remember what his comments were at that time, but wasn't there something that was concerning about the spleen?
..........Traci
Re: I am discouraged and can't sleep
Sheesh, I had to go back and find my post. Yes, he did say there was a spot about the size of a fingernail on her spleen, and to remove the spleen is major surgery. The other spot is not on her liver, but between the liver and kidney.
So what are the symptoms of spleen problems? Maybe it's time for another ultrasound to compare?
So what are the symptoms of spleen problems? Maybe it's time for another ultrasound to compare?
Re: I am discouraged and can't sleep
Mainly hemorrhage or anemia, progressing symptoms (as a result of blood losses somewhere).
It's entirely possible the e-coli is problematic, but also wonder about any other type of bacterial infection, whether in GI tract or elsewhere, remains to be determined.
I just mention it because at the time, I was really really concerned about her, the symptoms didn't seem likely for e-coli (those symptoms were before e-coli was even detected).
I think at this point, I would at least monitor her CBC, as in platelets, RBC count, and any indication of inflammatory process, and infection (elevated WBC's),... bloodwork is the least invasive you can get. But I'd also followup on a chemical profile as well....I doubt your vet would want to recheck bloodwork sooner than 3 months from the last time, providing Winnie hasn't developed any new symptoms or problems. If symptoms progress or new symptoms develop, another ultrasound might be indicated and good for comparison with previous results, but that has to be your vet's call based on symptoms and bloodwork results. I just worry because she seems to be losing her appetite alot, and not sure it's entirely related to the meds.
It's entirely possible the e-coli is problematic, but also wonder about any other type of bacterial infection, whether in GI tract or elsewhere, remains to be determined.
I just mention it because at the time, I was really really concerned about her, the symptoms didn't seem likely for e-coli (those symptoms were before e-coli was even detected).
I think at this point, I would at least monitor her CBC, as in platelets, RBC count, and any indication of inflammatory process, and infection (elevated WBC's),... bloodwork is the least invasive you can get. But I'd also followup on a chemical profile as well....I doubt your vet would want to recheck bloodwork sooner than 3 months from the last time, providing Winnie hasn't developed any new symptoms or problems. If symptoms progress or new symptoms develop, another ultrasound might be indicated and good for comparison with previous results, but that has to be your vet's call based on symptoms and bloodwork results. I just worry because she seems to be losing her appetite alot, and not sure it's entirely related to the meds.
..........Traci
Re: I am discouraged and can't sleep
I'm getting brain-dead on this and need to go make supper. But I want to add that the lab never saw any blood in her urine. E-coli was caught because we do monthly UAs and a cysto when needed. You might be right about an infection elsewhere. I dunno right now...I need to think about something else.
Re: I am discouraged and can't sleep
lust incase the removal of the spleen is not that big a deal and the dog is a unique animal that can get along fine without the spleen..have revmoved sevaral in the past and all did well.....