Such was the case over the past several weeks when Brody became ill. I took him to one vet who did not really listen to me when I brought up all his symptoms. Though he ran bloodwork and urine tests, all he could do was put us on antibiotics because he thought he had a slight rise in temp. That was on a Saturday. By Monday night I knew he was worse, not eating, and a bit dehydrated and having mild seizures. Off to the emergency vet! They ran bloodwork again with the same results, everything looks normal. Took an X-ray and due to a distended and full stomach and empty bowel it was decided that perhaps there was a blockage the X-ray did not show, so he had surgery. Found nothing but food. Sent us home the next day with more pills and to try to get some food into him. That Thursday, he ate on his own and an hour later had a small seizure. So we went back to vet number one on Friday, which happened to be a good day for my boy. He did Good Friday and most of Saturday, but still no solutions or answers from the vet, despite my pushing. He didnt like an informed pet owner. By the
next Tuesday it was decided to put him on phenobarbital.
Wednesday he did ok and finally ate on his own, but was losing coordination and Wednesday night had a grand mal an hour after his dose. Another round with the emergency vet, no answers, only the suggestion that I take him to the university animal hospital on the campus where I work. We did that following afternoon after trying to discuss with vet number one about it all. He basically just said keep giving him the pheno and take him to a specialist.
Thank god the vet at the university clinic listened to me. They admitted him and scheduled an MRI for the next morning. I loved and cried on my boy but felt some hope that some one was willing to listen and help me find answers.
The next day I got the most heartbreaking answers ever. The one I feared the most. It was a tumor and there was no good prognosis. And it was going to be risky to bring him out from the anesthesia as the likelihood of a cluster or never ending grand mal seizure was too great. I had to let him go without being there or helping him transition.
Absolutely the hardest decision of my life. And the most hurtful. You see I absolutely love these little dogs with all my heart. I wouldn't quit fighting for them. They both had such a crappy start to life, they deserved the best. And they both bring me so much joy and happiness, and the ability to deal with anything I can. They've been my inspiration of forgiveness, absolute love, wonder of the world and new experiences, and compassion. I am grateful I still have Abby to help us both grieve and heal.
I cannot forget my happy cuddly boy. He was special. And cancer is a horrific disease that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I know I did the right thing and gave him the absolute gift of compassion, but it doesn't make the loss any easier. Even the cats who loved him dearly have grieved.
Don't ever stop fighting for your kids, be they two or four legged. They depend on us to care for and love them. I am glad I fought for him, he was worth every moment and penny. And so is Abby and all the kitties.
Animals love us unconditionally and teach us so much. You wouldn't just take pills for an answer for your children when you know there is something much more wrong, so don't do it for your fur kids either.
Love them as much as you can every day, cherish the moments you have with them
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