Senior Dog Health Issues - Grief, Loss
Hey everyone.
This is not a happy post, be warned. I just really wanna vent or let things out somewhere. And well, here feels like a pretty good place.
So yah, my dog, wonderful unique fella. Mix of Labrador, Dalmatian and Golden, is pretty much terminal. He's 12 years old so we (me and my parents) kinda figured he wouldn't have much longer.
It was just such a shock. We were at the vet last night, they checked him out and did an x-ray. I kinda just figured "we're in 2022, medicine has taken huuuge leaps surely they can do something to help him." And then we hear the opposite. He has arthritis, which we have known about for years. And it's like narrowing or "hugging" the nerves in his lower back. Not squashing but yah effecting them negatively. He doesn't walk well, sometimes it's like he forgets that he has hindlegs.
We have medicated him for about two years but it doesn't seem to be doing a lot lately. Sooo....we're in a predicament. The vet said they **might* be able to do surgery, which **might** help and give him more time. But his quality of life is of course also a factor.
I'd just love to get him a better ending. Like yah do a surgery which would make him better for a while. Just so he could at the very least enjoy the time he has left, walk properly for one. But we got a lot of "the odds are, chances are" etc. Surgery might not do much, then he might just have post surgery things to deal with. And at best it might only buy him a year.
Ahh man.......soooo we are like.....get him some more time. But what kind of time would that be, more discomfort?? Or maybe, put him to rest within 10 days or so. He's my first dog that I practically grew up with, so yah......this sucks! 😢😢😢
We don't really know what to do. Of course we don't want him to suffer, or get worse. But I don't want him to have a bad ending where he struggles to walk properly. I just want more time. Well who doesn't. The vet also said the kindest thing to do might be to put him to sleep.
I'm just super duper grateful I still got a cat, healthy cat. Senior cat, but at least cats typically live longer.
Anyone who has been in a similar predicament who has any insight?
Btw we live in Sweden. Soo yah treatment options, procedures etc is different from country to country. Maybe I'm silly, but feels like my dog would have more options in the US or even in the UK.
@VDarkAge You're welcome ❤️ I'm glad it helps. It does help to be able to talk about this
I'm afraid that will probably happen for a few days 😞 you had a routine - a life with him. He was a big presence in your home and I know you'll never forget him. Those big paws will be etched in your heart forever but right now your heart is broken and it hurts
There's absolutely nothing wrong with putting his things away. That would be painful to see every time you go for your jacket. I'm actually lucky there because we never used leashes much because we live in the middle of no where. So no cars to worry about and they liked to be with us where ever we were outside. They never wandered off
The same with getting a puppy - when you feel the time is right then the time is right. It could be in a few days or a few weeks. The house will be quiet and you'll miss the company of a furry face and a new puppy can help you all heal
Lol! Truls sounds like a typical cat! I've graced you with presence what more do you want? 🙂
@mytwistedsoul Big paws.....ahh lols, now you made me laugh. When he was a pup, we used to joke "my word such huge paws! What kind of enormous beast will this grow into?? o.o" xD lols.😂 Since he was mixed breeds we had no reference, no way to know really how big he'd get.
Yah it's morning here now and it's very veeeery strange with no dog at all. Memo to self, always have a dog. When one gets older get a younger one.
Naw, nice to not have to use any leash. 😊I wish I could've kept him off leash more. But it's actually required by law here to keep a dog on a leash during summer months, when wild baby animals are born. But even so we live in the country and there are some large busy roads here and there. But on occasion I would let him off the leash and he would walk quite nicely next to me.😍
Well a new pup now would yah be nice, distraction heh. But no one shouldn't get a new dog to forget about another one, nah. In idk a week....or two, a month. Like you said there is no set timeline, no "rule book" or such. But also feels like one should give Ajas some appropriate time to be mourned.
However, having a very empty home isn't very nice. Idk for how long we can stand it, for lack of better words. It's just bizarrely empty and quiet.
I'm not sure, just a hunch. I think Truls went around the house searching for Ajas. Sure they weren't total BFFs, but they did live together all their lives. And they would mess with each other and sleep next to each other. So cute when they sniffed each others nose. 😍
I got a thought, more of an idea really. Since he passed here at home, Ajas will always be here in spirit.❤️😢🐶
@VDarkAge It's so funny how they have to grow into their feet! 😊
The first morning I think was the hardest. The silence and lack of routine. To go out and do their business and then breakfast and out again. You never realize how much of your day they fill
That makes alot of sense to keep them on leash when there's baby animals around. Keeps everyone safe that way
I think you'll know when the time is right for a new puppy. Maybe you'll see an ad in the paper or someone might know someone who needs a home for a pup. Like an opportunity presents it's self? And Ajas wouldn't want you to be sad for too long I think. I totally respect that you're giving yourself time to mourn him. He was a good boy and he was family
Aww poor Truls 😞 I wondered if he would look for him. Since they lived together for so long. They might not have been BFFs but they slept together and they were family ❤️
*sending you good thoughts and hugs* ❤️
@VDarkAge
First off I am so sorry you are dealing with this dogs and pets in general are so good for us and make us feel good and we build great relationships with them so it's not silly too feel this way. My first dog passed away due to similar circumstances and at the end of the day it just came down to the fact that living was making her uncomfortable and she was hurting so we decided letting her pass was the best option for her.
I miss her dearly still everyday but I don't regret my decisions. Again I'm sorry you are dealing with this its a difficult thing to deal with.
Hello. I am so sorry for you. I've been a veterinary technician for 30 years so trust me I understand both sides. Being that I am not a licensed veterinarian nor am I involved in the case it's hard to comment specifically but I wonder though have they mentioned a product called adequan? I've had every single one of my animals on it at the senior years of their life. It is an injection that is initially given twice a week for a total of 8 injections and then monthly after that. It's more of a supplement than a medication. I had a 15-year-old Doberman trotting around the yard with the younger dogs once. And it also turned out that she had cancer in her shoulder. You would of course need to use pain medication during loading phase. Mine were always on carprofen for anti-inflammatory and tramadol for opioid. Like I said, I can't be sure in what I say. Maybe look up the products online and see what you think, and then discuss it with the doctor and see if it might be an option. It's been around since before I started so it's extremely safe. It started in racehorses, then we were using it off label and dogs. Then it became labeled for dogs and we were using it off label in cats. Oral fatty acids can help too as well as glucosamine chondroitin. And weight is extremely important with arthritis as well. A lean dog does much better than a dog that is overweight. Everyone has their own parameters when it comes to that time. Only you can make that choice, and I understand completely wanting to make sure that you do everything possibly that you can do considering that that decision is irreversible. Having been on both sides of this final exam personally and professionally many times over the last three decades, I understand exactly what you're going through and I'm so so sorry. Dogs are the definition of unconditional love. They give us so much and expect so little in return. The only bad thing about a dog is their lifespan.
@VDarkAge I've been in this position because we have had multiple sled dogs your options in the U S would be the same. it's never an easy choice and for us if all his blood values are ok it might be worth the risk I don't know if this is an option for you but I have heard that accupuncture and or chiropractic treatment can help. we usually choose not to put them thru surgery because that and the recovery can be painful. believe me, I know what you're going thru and how much you love your dog. it is a horrible thing to face We have an arthritic 16 year old dog right now if that helps. yours could have time left. I'm sorry I wish I knew more to help I know you will decide what's best for the doggo. don't make a choice you aren't comfortable with. love and best wishes
@VDarkAge Hey :) How are you doing? I hope you had a nice visit with your friend and got to cuddle her dog ❤️
Our cat likes to watch the squirrels and chipmunks like that too. He soooo still. He's never caught a squirrel but I hate to say he's gotten a few chipmunks. He's funny. He likes to run in front of me when I'm outside and he falls over - hoping he'll get picked up and carried. Goofy cat 😁
Did you get to go see the puppies? Are they mixed too or are you looking for a certain kind? I know I love all dogs but I prefer big dogs myself lol
@mytwistedsoul Hey again. 😊
Well it's been over a week now. Sooo yes doing better, can talk about him without feeling as sad. So I suppose time helps. Still get some teary moments every now and then.
Lols your cat sounds very funny. xD My cat has never caught anything, except cat candy hihi. He's very cuddly though, likes to use me as his bed. But your cat....falls over in front of you to get a free ride. xD That's a new one. 😂
The puppies yes. Feels idk....more appropriate to talk about puppies now that it's been over a week. We saw them, they are Labradors. We have never had a "pure breed". I say "pure breed" because I suppose if you go far enough back all dogs have traces and elements of other breeds. We also prefer larger dogs like yah Labrador size.
Would be fun to own a pure breed dog for a change, it has it's benefits. For one we can more accurately anticipate what health issues a Labrador pup may be more susceptible to. One troublesome thing with Ajas was that his mixed breeds meant that it was very difficult to say what troubles he might get. You know how some breeds are more vulnerable to some health problems, like for example German Shepherds and back problems.
Sooo yup we may have a little lab pup hopping around in a couple of weeks. Did you know young puppies have a certain smell? I thought it was so darn odd, like "what is that smell?? o.O" But it was not a bad smell, just peculiar.
@VDarkAge Time definitely does help. I'm glad you're doing better. Those moments do hit - there's still moments here that I get teary eyed
*smh* we joke about the cat and say he broke when he does that lol. He drools when you pet him - I actually had to Google that one because I didn't know why. He's perfectly healthy but apparently he drools because he's relaxed lol. Cat candy 😄 I'm going to have to remember that
Oh! I've heard labs are really great dogs! And it will definitely be great to know what to keep an eye on health wise and like pretreat to keep it from becoming a problem. Yeah some breeds have certain problems that are related just to those breeds
Idk if I ever really noticed. Kind of like a new car smell but for dogs. Its been a while since we've had any really young dogs. I know they have weird breath lol like - Idk we allways called it spaghetti breath lol now that I think about it - it's kind of dumb 😂
@mytwistedsoul
Today makes two weeks. Of course one should move on, eventually. Some people say "it's just a dog". But like you said, there's no rule book. I don't know when I've "moved on". In general things feel better, still got an oddly quiet house though.
Your cat drools, wow lols. That is something mine doesn't do. Whenever my cat goes outside he likes to eat grass. I googled that like "whyyy?? He gets food." Apparently it's also a normal thing for cats to do. Cats, they sometimes come up with some very strange behaviors which leaves us owners puzzled. Same with dogs of course. 😊
Labs are great dogs! 😄I've never had a pure breed lab before, but I've met some and seen them in dog shows, on TV and such. Labs just seem like they can do it all. My neighbors have a Lab that is about a year old now. But yap, should be easier to watch out for lab specific health issues. Lately I've just been reading up on puppies, young dog training. I haven't had a puppy in 12 years, soo feels like a good idea to just hit the books. YouTube also wasn't so huge 12 years ago, now there are countless good puppy training videos.
Spaghetti breathe hihih lols. Well dogs and cats do have some odd smells sometimes. Just as long as they don't smell bad, that is a red flag to maybe call a vet. Know something funny? When dogs fart and it smells like eggs, Ajas used to do that. I was like "how the heck can your farts smell of eggs, you don't eat any...." 0.o ??? xD
@mytwistedsoul
Today makes two weeks. Of course one should move on, eventually. Some people say "it's just a dog". But like you said, there's no rule book. I don't know when I've "moved on". In general things feel better, still got an oddly quiet house though.
Your cat drools, wow lols. That is something mine doesn't do. Whenever my cat goes outside he likes to eat grass. I googled that like "whyyy?? He gets food." Apparently it's also a normal thing for cats to do. Cats, they sometimes come up with some very strange behaviors which leaves us owners puzzled. Same with dogs of course. 😊
Labs are great dogs! 😄I've never had a pure breed lab before, but I've met some and seen them in dog shows, on TV and such. Labs just seem like they can do it all. My neighbors have a Lab that is about a year old now. But yap, should be easier to watch out for lab specific health issues. Lately I've just been reading up on puppies, young dog training. I haven't had a puppy in 12 years, soo feels like a good idea to just hit the books. YouTube also wasn't so huge 12 years ago, now there are countless good puppy training videos.
Spaghetti breathe hihih lols. Well dogs and cats do have some odd smells sometimes. Just as long as they don't smell bad, that is a red flag to maybe call a vet. Know something funny? When dogs fart and it smells like eggs, Ajas used to do that. I was like "how the heck can your farts smell of eggs, you don't eat any...." 0.o ??? xD
@mytwistedsoul Hi, idk if you're still active, I hope so.
I'm having a *** month, bad 30 days. First Ajas went. Last week we took kitty to the vet, he possibly has a tumor on his hindleg. x.x Dog is gone, cat might have cancer. Mega sigh..........
It started out as a idk....like idk what to call it. I read something that cats can lose small patches of fur on their hindlegs or paws due to friction. Like if they are on rugs a lot or such. Soo it kinda started out like that just a small bald area on his hindleg. A while later, same day Ajas went as a matter of fact. He did something, no clue what, but somehow he got to some sharp edge and poof, he was bleeding from that same place.
I treated it as a minor wound, just keep it clean and it will be fine. For some reason, I guess why doesn't matter, it now looks more like a tumor. It's located on his heel. Soooo I decided to take him to the vet last week. Since then I've given him medication in hopes to shrink it. Tomorrow they might remove it. Though I'm worried. A 13 year old cat (not far from 14) in surgery, ish.
The darn bump isn't life threatening, more of a nuisance.
The vet that looked at him last week said it looks like a tumor. Can't say for sure without running tests and such. If it's a tumor (and not something that just looks like a tumor) it can be a "nice" or "mean" tumor. Nice is the best kind, they are (I think) usually benign and harmless.
But yah, Just mega ultra sigh, feels like a joke....a bad one, like a bad dream. Lost my dog, and my cat might have cancer. 😕😕😐 I just really hope that in 24h, or a week, all these troubles will be over.
One good thing, only thing that cheers me up at the moment. Next week a puppy is coming. We decided to name him Cosmos, or as a nickname Cosy. Since Cosmos is the Greek name for the universe. Soo at least I got that to look forward to. 😄His parents have Greek names, so yah, wanted to follow that theme.
@VDarkAge Hey :) I'm sorry I didn't get the tags until your latest post *smh*
Oh no! Not Truls too! 😞 It's like double whammy so close together
I hope the surgery went ok. I know I would have been terrified to have that done when he's up in age like that. I know they say not to worry and they have all kinds of state of the art stuff to keep them safe but the anaesthesia part allways scares me. He was pretty healthy otherwise though? Hopefully it's just a nice tumor and not a bad one
Omg! I love the name! 😄 Cosy 😊 Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! Oh yeah I'd be reading up on puppy training too tbh lol cause it's been so long. I heard somewhere that alot of labs are food motivated lol! So as long as you got some snacks as a reward 😁 is he a black or yellow lab? There's chocolate too. Have you ever seen the silver labs? There was some for sale a few months ago and I was tempted because they're such beautiful dogs but with Taz - I just didn't want to stress her out with a new puppy to deal with
@mytwistedsoul Hi! No worries, just glad to hear from ya. ^^ 😄
Well they didn't do a complete surgery they only took a biopsy and sent to a lab. Probably a good idea, figure out what the heck it is first. So we are just waiting for the results, then we will decide the next steps. In the mean time he's on some medication.
However the vet is concerned that it might be in his tendon. Worst case scenario, three legged cat. 😕
Well it's not fatal, just meh.
But good news, they did x-rays and blood tests. Otherwise he's 100% healthy. Just some tiny signs of arthritis in his hindlegs and lower back. That's it, the arthritis isn't so advanced that he needs medication for it. But now we know it is not some skeletal tumor, so that's good. There was also no signs of anything bad in his chest.
Soooo now we wait and see. This does indeed kinda suck, one sick pet replaces another. Even if it is a "nice" tumor, still gonna be difficult to remove. Well hope for the best, all we can do really.
But his behavior is unchanged, still as cuddly and adorable as ever. 😍 We went back to the vet today to check his bandage. They did cut into the lump for the biopsy, so he has stitches there. The stitches need to be checked everyday and change bandage. But the vet was like "very well mannered cat, very nice." Even under these circumstances when someone is poking what is obviously a sensitive area for him.
Ahh my little boy, my cat has always been a good fella. ^^ Usually it only takes seconds for him to start purring. I absolutely love that you can hear how happy a cat is, feel the vibration of their purr. ❤️😍 And all the adorable sounds they make hehe. 😊
Soo yah the diagnosis is a bit meh, uncertain. Shall see how it goes.
Cosmos, Cosy, is a black little fella. 😊 So his name also felt quite fitting, Cosmos for a black dog. Silver labs, no never heard of them or seen any. 😱 I googled, wow they are gorgeous! Really cute. ^^
But yap there is a joke that labs never get full hehe, so food and candy works very well to motivate them. Great for training. ^^ We are picking him up on Monday.
I understand why you don't want a new puppy right now. But older dogs can do well with puppies, it all depends on the dog. They all react differently. But yah it could be stressful for Taz. If you want a companion for her that isn't a puppy, could always consider adopting an adult dog. Say idk, a three year old. Easier to manage and maybe less stressful for Taz.
@VDarkAge Hey :) I hope the biopsy turns up nothing bad. Oh gosh I hope he doesn't lose his leg. At his age that's a major surgery - even for a younger animal but for an older guy - geez it does seem like it's one thing after another :/
If it's not a bad tumor does it still have to be removed? Does it affect his walking or cause him pain or anything? Or are they worried that if they don't remove it it will grow? I'm glad he's healthy other wise. He sounds awesome! That purr is like a little motor 😁 Pita does it too. He likes to lay on me when he's in the house. He's technically an outside cat. He showed as a stray a few years ago and never left. He's kind of house trained I guess. There's no litter box in the house - he just asks to go out when he needs to. Its gotten really cold here - like -25 so he's been spending alot of time inside by the fire
I'm sending good vibes and hoping it turns out to be nothing serious ❤️
Oh gosh Cosmos does make a great name for a black lab! I bet you're excited for Monday! I know for me the time wouldn't move quick enough. When you do go get him - give him an extra squeeze from me please ❤️
Yeah - Idk. Its hard with her eye sight being mostly gone. She's not completely alone - I mean there is still the cat but she gets alittle weird with him too sometimes but I might give the older dog idea some more thought
Merry Christmas! And congratulations on the new puppy!!! ❤️😊
@mytwistedsoul I'm actually not super worried about the surgery itself. Because I know they monitor everything possible extremely thoroughly. His heartrate, breathing etc, they watch it like a hawk.
He has had surgery three times in his life, most recently in September. Two dental surgeries and once when he was younger for a bladder crystal. But it all went fine, no concerns about him on anesthesia. That said, with any surgery there is always the risk with anesthesia no matter how healthy the pet is otherwise.
I'm more worried about the outcome. Maybe three legs ish, or the preferable outcome where he gets to keep his leg. But it's still an area that is difficult to close so it will be difficult to heal.
But no he does not have any difficulties to walk and it doesn't appear to bother him. How to describe it.....it kinda looks like a darn meatball sticking out of his heel. Sounds koko I know. We haven't really talked about not removing it.
But what do we know, if we break it down. We know it's grown fast which is, well a bit alarming. But also that it hasn't spread elsewhere which is good. It might be in his tendon which is bad, but that isn't confirmed. If it stops growing.....I think he could live with it. Since it doesn't bother him. It's not like in the middle of a joint, so it doesn't prevent any normal leg function.
Fingers crossed, a lot. I need/want a good outcome for at least one pet. I will take all the good vibes you can send. 😊
Ohh so your cat Pita, kinda adopted you? Hehe cute. ^^ A motor, excellent description. We say the same hehe. My cat also likes to lay on me, especially when I got a blanket. Then he reallllly wants to be on me. xD House trained, huh neat. I know some people train their cats to use a human toilet. I find that a bit odd. We just got a normal litterbox. It's not that cold here anymore, around 32F. It was colder a week ago, some days we had -0,4F. Now that was cold.
I am very excited for Monday indeed. I will give him a hug from you, lots of hugs! 😄I just keep thinking what will I do first, when he comes home. Play a lot, bought some great puppy chewing toys. Gonna have fun and start some easy training. 😊
Hmmm, I think there are dogs that get trained be like companions, for dogs with poor eyesight and such. Like idk assistant dogs. So it's like yah an adult dog that has been trained to assist a dog with some issue. Might be nice for you as well. As adorable as puppies are, could also be nice to get a fully trained dog. If you also don't have a lot of time right now for a puppy. Might work well for Taz. Keep me posted. 😊
Merry Christmas to you as well, and thanks. I hope you have a great Christmas! 😄😊😃
@VDarkAge The outcome is scary. Hopefully it comes back that it's not a bad one and if it's not bothering him the vet could decide that it doesn't need to be removed. Definitely got those fingers crossed! *sends more good vibes* You don't need anymore bad news ❤️
Oh gosh yeah lol! Pita showed up out of no where. He was pretty skinny and I couldn't just let him go hungry. Now he owns the place lol
I'll have to look into the assistance dogs for other animals. I was kind of hoping Pita might help more. To guide her because he often joins us on walks but he doesn't have much interest in that lol. Maybe a cat just isn't the right one for the job lol
Hopefully you got Cosmos home now and are having a blast getting to know each other 😊
@mytwistedsoul We shall know in a week, give or take. The result might come early, before it's been two weeks. But so far it's going well with his leg. I change the bandage everyday and let his foot air a couple of hours. The vet wanted us to allow it air, aka be uncovered a couple of hours everyday. All things considered, my cat is being very very nice. No temper, no kicking or squirming for freedom, just patiently waits until I'm finished. And takes his meds without a fuss.
I think he could live with it. But if possible and it's not to difficult or complicated I'd rather they remove it. The optimal outcome would be if my cat doesn't have a lump on his leg for the rest of his life. And since he's in good health, he could easily live for another 10 years. Hopefully. 😊 The oldest cat in the world became 27 years old, and might still be alive....idk.
A cat as assistant? Hmm might not work very well hehe. I mean it's not impossible, but yah it doesn't sound like he's right for that job. He probably just enjoys the company and the walks. 😀
Oh yes, Cosmos has been here for....8h give or take. He's a blast! He's adorable, and goofy, jumps a lot hehe. Just what you would expect from a Labrador puppy. He's soooo small, think my cat is slightly larger. 😄But he'll grow fast. Gotta enjoy this time when he's small and cute, you blink and poof, he's a huge beast. o.o
@VDarkAge I hope the results come early. That way you know for sure. He sounds like such a good cat :) that he lets you do what you need to to care for him and he doesn't fuss
That makes sense to me to have it removed if it can be done easily. Especially if it was growing. Even if it's not bad I think it would be better to remove it so it doesn't become a problem and make walking hard for him. Gosh I just realized how much we worry about our furry family members *smh* 🙂
I hope Cosmos is settling in nicely! He sounds so sweet and energetic! I got a smile just thinking about him bouncing around. But Yeah before you know it he'll be a big beastie 😊 😁 What does Truls think of him?
@mytwistedsoul Ohh he's a wonderful cat. Sure he does some silly things sometimes like "scream" aka meow very loudly in the middle of the night. xD 😂But mostly he's a good kitty.
I'm not certain, I might have like "tunnel vision" since I see it everyday. But I think it stopped growing....not sure, or I'm imagining things. Well going back for the weekly check up on Friday.
We do worry about our fluffs a lot. Heck when my cat had dental surgery in September, that day I was a bundle of nerves. Kept thinking "he could be under the knife at this very moment...o.o what if he doesn't handle anesthesia well?" etc. Hehe, yah. We are their parents, more or less, parents worry.
Cosmos is awesome. So far nights are the most difficult, getting him to sleep and not whine in his bed area. But during the day, my word he's adorable. I can quite easily spot differences between him and Ajas. For one he is very sound reactive and...he watches TV. Like actually watches it and follows people on the screen, hehe it's cute. Today is day 4 with Cosmos, so of course he's still adjusting. Have to think about things from his perspective and be patient. 😃
Oh he and kitty had their first like real meeting yesterday. Didn't wanna force them together on day one, not a good beginning. Gotta let them get used to each others smells and such. But it went well, kitty was quite chill, didn't growl or hiss or such. Cosmos my word, was hilarious. Wagged his tail, hopped around. He didn't try to jump on kitty or such. All things considered I think it was a good introduction.
@barncat Thanks a lot. Yah it was tough, definitely the worst part about owning pets. But we remember him, we miss him. Gone but never forgotten. 😊❤️
Oh that's great its not growing! It can be hard to tell these things with seeing it every day - so I do get that part
Oh gosh yeah. It doesn't help that with the surgeries you have to sign those forms asking about if this happens do you want them to try to - well - save them. And then having them put under anesthesia - there's allways that risk 😬
Nights would be hard. He's used to having his siblings with him at night. It's probably alittle scary for him at night too. He'll get used to it eventually but it's great you're so patient with him and try to see from alittle puppy's perspective 😊 Omg he watched tv? That's so cute!
Aww! I'm glad their introduction went so well! With kitty not hissing or growling Cosmos hopefully won't pick on him. Lol I don't think Truls would have appreciated being pounced on. Its so great that you're taking your time with them both and not forcing things with them. It gives them a chance to get to know each other slowly and at their own pace
@mytwistedsoul Serenading, hehe that's a joke I usually make. Whenever someone goes all "why is the cat so loud??" I answer "he's singing" xD 😂. I don't mind a chatty cat, it's more when they "sing" in the middle of the night...mm not as much fun. I like animals that kinda "talk" feels like they are talking to us.
Well we have been at that weekly checkup, the vet that has seen it from the beginning (about 2 weeks ago ish) said it's growing. Mm yah, crap. Well no results yet, so not gonna go all fearing the worst. Though now the picture is more clear. If it's any kind of "bad" tumor, they will most likely take his leg. As far as I understand only a "good" aka benign tumor, will allow him to keep his leg. Ahh my word, pretty please be a benign tumor, please. The vet mentioned that if it's a bad tumor and if they take his leg and all of that goes well, the post op recovery could be very complicated and tricky. Truls could stop eating and get sick because of that etc etc. 😕
Soo yap, I'm really realllllllly hoping it's benign. It hasn't spread elsewhere, soo...you'd think it's a "good" tumor. But yah best not to speculate.
About Cosmos (rather talk about him) I agree. I try to think about things from his perspective. He was taken by "giants" from his siblings, parents and the only home he's ever known. Sure he met us a couple of times before we picked him up, we visited. But he is definitely still acclimating.
But yup he watches TV and he reacts to birds, windmills. Just a very reactive dog. 😃
As for Truls and Cosmos....one incident. Cosmos chased Truls through the living room. Mm yah, wops. After that Truls jumped up on a bed and assumed "defensive position" 😂. Well all relationships have their ups and downs. Just gotta teach Cosmos that Truls is not a walking toy, but a friend. Respect your elders little fella hehe.
Tonight on New Years I hope Cosmos is calm. No idea how he will react. I read that in general Labradors aren't frightened by fireworks, but of course it varies from dog to dog.
Happy New Year! 😀
I hope your fluffs won't be frightened tonight, but have a calm pleasant evening. 😄
@VDarkAge Happy belated New Year! I hope everyone did ok with any festivities that might have gone on. Everyone here did ok. It's usually pretty quiet. I don't live in town but one of the neighbors across the valley has a cannon he fires on New years. Wasn't expecting it so it scared the crap out of me lol but all the fluffs were unfazed 😁
Oh man 😞 I was hoping it wasn't growing. But yeah let it be a benign growth. I hate the thought of him having to go under for such a big surgery and I can totally see that his recovery could be tricky 😞
Lol his perspective would make a pretty cool children's book tbh. Cosmos's adventures in the land of the giants. You figure so much of his world is so new right now - in so many different ways and he grows taller he'll find more new things lol! I just think it's so cool that he watches tv 😁
Lol Truls has the advantage now with being able to get up out of reach 😁 But In a few months Cosmos will be able to get up there too. Makes me think of the talk that was had with the girls a few years ago when Pita first showed up here - about how we don't just bowl over our friends. The girls were unimpressed 😂
How'd he do with the fireworks? Do they bother Truls any or is he all Zen cat with those things?
@mytwistedsoul
I live in a smaller town, but it can sometimes be quite lively with the fireworks. Truls is totally zen, he might left his head but that's usually it. Cosmos....different story. He is quite sound reactive, he even stops to listen to birds and such.
The first fireworks startled Cosmos. Thankfully around midnight he was more or less asleep. Can't say he's a fan nope. But oh yes he is discovering his new world, started to grab sticks from the ground hehe. 😄
Truls is alrighty, for now. Soo bottom line, bad tumor. 😕They don't want to do any kind of surgery. Because of his age (14 in March), the location of the thing etc. On the bright side, he is spared what would probably be a complicated surgery and recovery. Downside, he's stuck with the darn thing. Now we're more talking how long he can live with that thing, they don't wanna speculate. But right now he is totally mobile, it doesn't hinder him, he eats well etc.
Soo the plan now is to get it to heal, as good as possible. Which in itself is a challenge, Truls is proving a genius with removing the cone. So I gotta let it air/be uncovered and at the same time prevent Truls from getting to it to lick it. Depending on how things go, I might have to "prepare" for him to go in idk a couple of months or a year. If the darn thing escalates, effects his quality of life and all that.
Sigh, first my dog Ajas, now Truls. And Ajas has officially been turned to ash, we can go pick up his urn whenever we want to.
Well we take things one day at a time. As for both fluffs together, Cosmos and Truls. Cosmos has failed to understand that Truls is not a toy. Fortunately, Truls is faster. 😊I sometimes put them together with me in between them and pet them both. To help them understand that we are all friends. Truls is quite chill, it's Cosmos who hasn't really understood yet. Had Cosmos for over a week now. ^^ He weighs more than 4kg now and yesterday I managed to cut his claws. Taking it slow with lots of candy, one paw at a time.
Overall things are good with Cosmos. 😃Truls is alright for now.
@VDarkAge Oh no 😞 I was hoping it wasn't a bad one. Hopefully it slows down and doesn't grow too fast. I am glad though that he doesn't have such a complicated surgery. - especially at his age. Its good he's eating - that's allways a good thing. But wow - you didn't need another thing to worry about. Time for lots of kitty treats and some catnip ❤️
I had a hard time when I went to pick up my girl to bring her ashes home. It was hard seeing how *small* she was
That's exactly right and the best way to do it - one day at a time
Cosmos sounds like he's thinking Truls is his new brother to rough house with 😄 Truls says no way little fluff monster lol
Aww that's great you're working with him to trim his nails. I've seen some videos where people and gets put peanut butter on their foreheads for the dogs to lick while their nails are trimmed. You have to be careful though because some peanut butters have xylitol in and its toxic to dogs. So it probably better to just stick with the candy. I can imagine him trying to sit like a good boy but that puppy enthusiasm getting the best of him 😁
*hugs to you all* ❤️
@mytwistedsoul I have a bit of hope. One side is better compared to the other, because Truls has only managed to reach and lick on one side. When we were back at the vet the other day, from what I gather, the "bad side" has a lot of swelling. Probably because Truls has been at it. Soooo if I can keep Truls off it, and it heals up nicely, the swelling may go down and it may shrink. Bottom line, it's current size from my understanding is at least in part because of swelling, which may subside.
But yes he is at the very least spared a surgery. That is something we might revisit in the future, if things escalate. Though I think I'd have to take him elsewhere, no vet at this clinic seemed very eager to do any kind of surgery. Had an unpleasant thought in my head....if things get worse, we may have to put him down for the sake of his quality of life, to prevent suffering. Would be similar to Ajas. What Ajas had wasn't anything that was fatal, but he would never get better. Ayayay ish.
Catnip, mmm Truls is a weirdo. He used to love catnip, now he is totally bored of it. 😂 But yes lots of candy. Actually trying to get him to gain weight. He isn't underweight, but another kilogram wouldn't hurt.
We retrieved Ajas ashes 3h ago....yah not fun. Especially not with other people around with healthy or recovering pets. There I walk past with an urn in a bag, bah. x.x Cried a bit. But he's back home now where he belongs.
Ahh Cosmos, hehe that might be how he's thinking. Heck for all I know he sees Truls as some strange looking sibling. 😄
I'm actually against, at least somewhat, dogs eating human stuff. It's not really meant for them, and it has a ton of calories which they don't need. Soo neh I'm not gonna give Cosmos peanut butter, though I have also seen that is a common trick. Some people place peanut butter on these lick pads, to distract the dog. While I was trimming his claws I just had some candy nearby. Before I even began I played with him and got him a bit tired, so he would be calmer. Make it a positive experience, so he won't fear it or hate it the next time. Also introduced the brush...yah he tried to bite it. 😂But now I think he understands that it's not a toy.
I'd say Cosmos is doing very good so far. 😃 Taught him sit, stay, lay down, let go, come and some fetch. Fetch and come are kinda being taught together. Though I can't say I've taught him any command 100%, taught him to do them in specific controlled environments.😊 He's a very good boy. Just a bit skittish about going on walks, it's a very large world for such a little fella.
*hugs!*
@VDarkAge Oh that does make alot of sense. If he's been messing it it would get irritated and have swelling. Maybe because they did that biopsy it itches? Is there something else that would work better than the cone of contempt? Like a baby sleeper lol - you'd just have to cut it out go his tail but maybe it would cover the bump so he can't get to it. Lol Idk kind of a dumb idea and I doubt he'd appreciate it but he would look really cute 😁
It does suck though that we have to put them down sometimes even when they're not sick. It just doesn't seem right. I think when we get a dog it should be a lifetime companion. Our lifetime not that their's ❤️
Maybe he figures he's outgrown the nip habit and doesn't need it to have a good time lol 😂 Pita likes the catnip treats. Well tbh he likes all treats he's not too picky. Its good he's holding his weight though with being an older gentleman. I know it's not good for them to get too heavy but I'd rather see alittle pudge than have them be too thin
Oh gosh yeah its hard picking them up 😞 everything kind of rushes back in. I'm glad he's home now where he belongs ❤️
I guess I got pretty lucky with my girls. There's alot of things they wouldn't ever eat - peanut butter is one of them. They never liked eggs or anything potato related. No popcorn either. Weirdos lol! They do get - well just Taz now gets chicken and beef jerky but the chicken is boiled and the jerky homemade so nothing extra is added and its all natural
Sounds like he's doing great though! 😊 a very clever little guy allready learning so many things! Lol yeah it will take him alittle before the environment doesn't have to be so controlled. He's just in school now 😊
Gosh it sure is a big world for such alittle guy. All those new smells and sounds out there and just the openness of it all
@mytwistedsoul He was at it before the biopsy. but the stitches are gone now so it might be less of a bother. No need to search for a cone alternative. 😄I figured out a way, I overcame his genius. I put the cone and his harness together, ta da. Works like a charm. And his wound does look better after some air and no cat licking at it. It's hardly a picture of beauty, but it's better. 😊 Truls might not like the cone, what cat would. But it's for his best.
Oh yes agreed, lifetime companion, not just a couple of years. Though I suppose we should be happy with the time we get with them, even if it's not as many years as we'd like.
Truls also loves all treats! He often comes and sits next to the drawer where they are. Just sits there, purring, staring at me. Like "open this and gimme treats" ahh very cute.😂 Agreed, I'd rather have a kitty that is a little plump instead of thin.
Truls also loves chicken, he can get a small cooked piece every now and then. Cosmos is a classic lab, so far I have yet to discover anything he won't try to eat. xD But of course he's a baby, and he explores with his mouth. I haven't given him any human stuff, trying to also avoid any begging behavior.
Very clever and sometimes he does these things which makes you go "0.0". Like this morning when he was hungry before breakfast, he tried to eat air. Like yah just chomped air. xD 😂And after a meal he will happily roll around a bit and want a belly scratch. Silly little baby. He isn't fat, but sometimes when he's upside down he sure looks fat. xD
@VDarkAge- sending you hugs after crying reading your posts about losing your dog. Hope you are doing better with new puppy. Hardest thing ever is loving a beloved pet.
I live in the UK, and despite our reasonably good vetinary care and I can relate.
Just before new years my cat got very sick, next day he was ok then on the third he was extremely sick again, so we took him to the vets.
They tried everything, checked his eyes, checked his temperature, his gag, then they checked his blood. Absolutely nothing. So he got an X-ray. Absolutely nothing.
He's going for another x-ray this morning in-case they missed anything but otherwise we've been given 3 options,
try wait it out and hope that whatever it is passes over (very unlikely).
Put him down in the next week or so and call it quits.
Or try open surgery and try find if there a bit of plastic lodged in his insides. This is also risky, as it could impact his life and be completely unnecessary.
I understand your predicament, I love my cat to bits, he's the most joyfull, playfull, cuddly, albeit it, a bit stupid animal I've known. For something so unexpected to happened when animals are othereise healthy is confusing, angering and outright depressing. It's going to be difficult but I find it easier to just remember all the good memories, and remind yourself whatever your doing, your doing it to your best ability.
Stay happy, if you wanna talk about it I'm happy to.
Have a nice day!
@KupkakeIn8or
Hi, sure sounds like you're in a very difficult situation.😞
In my case it developed slowly, more or less. Over the course of weeks, your poor fella got sick so suddenly and fast. 😕I hope everything works out!
If I had those options, I'd wait and see idk 2-3 days. If there was no change I'd opt for surgery. How old is your cat? Age is a big factor, but if surgery is an option sounds like a younger cat.
But I do agree. When they just get sick like poof, out of the blew for no apparent reason. It really does suck. We now know my cat has cancer, but it was also sudden. But it's apparently common in older cats.
At the end of the day, like you said, enjoy the good times and think of the good happy memories. 😊
Hi there,
It's certainly difficult with it being such a suprise, but no matter how sudden these things are, I think the experienced pain is still the same, just drawn it longer or shorter, taken in different ways.
We've actually just had the X ray results and apparently the silly animal has swallowed a whole bit of string.
Unfortunately this means we do have to do surgery, there's a 50/50 chance apparently that it's just being caught in the stomach meaning and easy removal, however if it's caught knitted in the intestinal track then there's nothing we can do and we'll, you know what.
Hopefully the surgery is successful, he's a young cat (4 years just a few weeks ago) and despite his utter lack of brains he's a happy healthy cat, I hope he does stick around as my other cat although lovely, much prefers the females in family, whereas Hobbes loves anybody haha.
I find that currently I don't feel that sad rather than just hopefull, and even if it doesn't work out, I think we just gotta ride it out, look back and laugh.
I hope you feel better soon and one day can look back and reminisce only good memories. Have a lovely day 😁
@KupkakeIn8or Very true. The pain we owners feel with sick pets is always the same, just varies in how it comes.
A piece of string ahhhh, so that's the culprit. Not uncommon, my own cat has a fondness for plastic string. Think I'm just lucky that he has puked it up on his own. No matter how many times you try to teach them to leave certain things alone, cats are stubborn!
I hope it works out! He's such a young fella, he has a long life ahead of him. Would be a shame if he had to go when he's so young. Fingers crossed and sending best wishes! Let's hope for the best! ❤️😃
I feel better today, perhaps I'm just more at peace with the situation my cat is in. Well I'm just gonna do what I can, do the best I can. Hopefully my fella gets to see his 14th birthday in two months.😊
I'm glad you feel better today, I hope everyday brings more and more happy memories.
Sadly Hobbes passed away a few hours dew to getting fluid in his lungs due to a complication during the surgery. Still trying to grapple with it all but I'm finding looking through some funny photos is helping.
My best wishes to your fella to live a happy life, I know Hobbes may not have lived as long as we had wished but he spent every moment loving and having fun.
Kind and loving regards from me and Hobbes ❤️😸
@VDarkAge. I am so sorry for your loss. I went through something similar just 4 month ago losing my Dora after 14 yrs. She was such a huge part of my life and still and always will miss her. I went through he same about did I do the right thing as her pain became uncomfortable for her. I know I did the right thing for her now. She was ready to go but also was sad to leave me. I could see it in her eyes. Even if there are more options does not mess we should. I work in the cancer field for humans and many times hate what the patients must go through in cases where it does little up and just provides hope for the family more than anything. Most patients do not want to go through it but do it for their loved ones. I want my Dora back very much but not at the expense of her going through so much pain. I want my active happy baby back which I lost a few years before her passing. I did not realize it than but looking back at photographs I can now see the difference and her sadness.
@VDarkAge if u really love something sometimes u have to let them go....hate to say that but it's the truth....if u feel like he would be in constant pain and suffering after the procedure(s) u gotta put him down for his sake....hurts to even type that but u gotta think of the animal first and put yourself in his paws....either way good luck