Winnie...I don't really know what to say

[Marty]

Today's blood test came back on the danger zone. Bone marrow is not producing enough red blood cells, in spite of all we are doing to boost her up. Her kidneys are still failing.

There is a human drug available...very expensive...

DH and I were talking...it's not going to make everything better...may only add on a few more months.

Otherwise, she is eating well now, and alert to what is going on and joining in on the bark fests.

Just talking...it helps to put things in words!

[Tambrey]

{{{Marty and DH and Winnie}}}
I wish I knew what to say...I can understand your feelings of helplessness and frustrations and wondering...hoping...praying...

love her and know that whatever decision you make is the right one...

Peace Be With You

[k9Karen]

I'm so sorry Marty. We all know what you are going through and how difficult it is. Hugs and much love to you and Winnie.

[E's]

Marty, my heart aches for you and your family - wish there was something one could say to make this easier for you. Will say it seems to me that, as devastating as it was to lose my darling Winnie suddenly and unexpectedly, it isn't as hard to deal with as what you're going through.

My DD and her family have a similar situation - the wonderful big mix Medb ("Mave") is now 14, very crippled and very poor eyesight - but she seems happy and 'glad to be here' so we live day to day in a sort of benign denial: spoil her, cater to her, trying to keep her comfortable.. as long as she appears to enjoy life and is not in severe pain, letting nature take its course

But a few weeks ago when dear Sergio the golden retriever got out of the yard and ran into a moving car, the whole ethical/moral dilemma (sp?) flared up again for a few days... how much should a family with many other needs/expenses give to keep a suffering pet alive?

Once again, as I say, we lucked out for the time being: After nearly a thou in ER vet care, Serg isn't as pretty in the face as he used to be (he "hit the car's grill with his grill" as someone said and is missing some teeth) but is otherwise healthy, and Mave's condition is unchanged.... so for now at least we're back to feeling ethically correct in letting Nature take its course... I hope knowing of this particular situation helps you cope with your own, dear Marty.

Dot B

[Traci]

Marty, did your vet find or suspect a cause? Bone marrow suppression can be a factor of numerous disease processes, it's important to find the underlying cause in order to determine if treatment may be effective or not.

My thoughts are with Winnie and you...

[Marty]

He didn't mention a cause, although I imagine he suspects something, and I didn't know eough to ask. We were trying to build up her blood with Pet Tinnic, so she might be able to have exploratory surgery, but it doesn't look like that is gonna happen.

Hematocrit was 26.6 this week and 29.8 last week. I just talked with him, and I think we will try 6 injections to see what happens, and face this decision all over again in 2 weeks. We can handle that for now...

Dot, you're right about how hard this is. If she were in misery, I would know what to do...

[Traci]

Marty, ask him, you are entitled to know what his suspicions are. Again, there are numerous causes to this process, he needs to narrow them down and find the incitiing cause in order to determine the treatment approach. If he isn't telling you, I'd seek a second opinion and right away. I know you love your vet, but sometimes a second opinion can be quite helpful.

[Marty]

Well I totally forgot to ask him that question today, dang. But the good news is that after one shot of Procrit on Friday, her hematocrit went up 2 points by today! She seems to feel better already, and has even played with Biscotti a couple times...not for long, but she did!

I dunno how long we can afford this stuff or how long it will work, but I couldn't deny her the chance...

[Traci]

Glad she seems to be feeling better....but I would be for asking your vet and asking about the cause/suspicion. Whenever immunosuppression is going on, you need to have answers.

[momPaws]

Marty--- Holding a good thought for Winnie.