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October 2008 
Big Decision
Posted on Nov 10th, 2007
by 
ponysong
ponysong
Spike is 15 years old. He's always been my fierce tiger (that's my Chinese sign, too). But for multiple expensive veterinary interventions over the years, he would have been dead several times over from abscessed bite punctures, from fighting (but hoo boy, you should have seen the other guy).
Now he's got probable tooth root abscesses, and his kidneys may be failing. He hasn't eaten for nearly 4 days, and he's dehydrated.
We went to the vet yesterday, he's on antibiotics now, but he's facing general anesthetic for dentistry, which the attending vet said will probably give him a good prognosis, depending on the results of his kidney and thyroid function tests.
I'm facing this decision of whether to push on with the tests and the oral surgery, or have him put down now, before his suffering increases. Having trouble predicting the future.
Please pray for us.
Now he's got probable tooth root abscesses, and his kidneys may be failing. He hasn't eaten for nearly 4 days, and he's dehydrated.
We went to the vet yesterday, he's on antibiotics now, but he's facing general anesthetic for dentistry, which the attending vet said will probably give him a good prognosis, depending on the results of his kidney and thyroid function tests.
I'm facing this decision of whether to push on with the tests and the oral surgery, or have him put down now, before his suffering increases. Having trouble predicting the future.
Please pray for us.
Spike in healthier days
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Our prayers go out to you and Spike. My dog, Kelsey, is 14, and our cat, Sasha, is 16. Right now (knock on wood) they are both relatively healthy. Kelsey has earned the nickname, “Doctor Leaky” because sometimes he forgets to ask to go out and dribbles on the floor. Sasha has a touch of kitty dementia and acts in strange ways sometimes. Pets are truly members of the family. Best of luck with whichever decision you take.
Thanks very much for your concern. You made me laugh! Dr. Leaky…
That's the nickname given to a character (for the same reason as your Kelsey) in the books “Last Call” and “Earthquake Weather”, by Tim Powers, a Sci-Fi/Fantasy author who is one of my all-time favourites.
Spike had a small drink and ate a little canned food earlier today - I encouraged him to eat by petting him with the dish right on the bed in front of him. Apparently he still has some will to live, and maybe the antibiotics are helping too. I'll post more as things develop.
Prayers for you and for Spike. (He is beautiful, BTW.) As a pet lover myself I have had to make similiar decisions. And, sadly, my son and I are hoping for miracles with his Golden Retriever puppy, who has several health challenges right now. Not the least of which are problems with his left hip.
So, you certainly have my heartfelt prayers and gentle hugs during the coming days …
Thanks, Lucente.
Spike spent the night in the vet clinic. They decided to keep him when I took him in to get blood drawn yesterday. He may have his surgery today, but it depends on the results of his blood work. He's also very dehydrated, so they have him on IV fluids. I have to call later to find out if he had the surgery or not, or if I need to pick him up today, or if he needs to stay in for treatment while waiting for surgery. As the $$ rack up… But the great and powerful God of MasterCard will provide ;-)
Lots of love, hugs and prayers coming your way. I have always been a lover of cats (and have 2 of my own). I know how loving and important they are. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for orange cats… don't know why, but I do. Spike's beautiful. Hang in there!
Hugs!
-Susan
Thanks, Susan!
Spike is home right now. He hasn't had his teeth done yet, because the attending vet wants to stablize his hydration, kidney function and heart condition before subjecting him to a general anesthesia. He's on 3 medicines right now. If he continues to improve (he's eating well and acting almost normal), he will get the surgery early next week. He had a cardiac X-ray yesterday for a newly-diagnosed heart murmur. But I drew the line at sending him to a specialist for a cardiac ultrasound. He has to have the oral surgery if his life is going to have any quality at all. But he may not survive it. So I'm looking for him to tell me if we should take the risk of the anesthetic, or let his life decline more naturally, and let him go sooner. So I'm still in difficult decision-mode, but mostly at peace with it.
Well, it's been 8 days, and I'm wondering how that beautiful kitty is doing. I was faced with a similar question about our boxer, Jade, just last week. She was found to have a very rapidly growing cancer, and the vet put her on pain pills but no treatment. I asked if she should be put to sleep that same day, to avoid unnecessary suffering for her. The vet said that with the pain pills she would probably have a pretty good quality of life for awhile, but nobody could say how long. And so it was. We doted on her, gave her pan-cooked liver and cookies. She loved them and ate every morsel. And we gave her hugs and hugs, she curled up next to us all the time, but then she always did that anyway. One morning, she went out to her favorite spot in the sun and laid down and left her body. And I was SO glad that we had about 10 wonderful days together, where she and we could experience our love. So, that really surprised me, and it was definitely worth it. I have a friend whose cat lived to be 23!!! :) Sounds like your little guy will need soft cat food?
Martha, hank you so much for your wonderful story. I'm so glad your Jade had a chance to leave you with dignity, and after a joyful last few days. I hope your heart is light knowing you did your best for her, and she knew she was loved.
Yes, Spike is on soft food, and has been for a while. He's eating, drinking and all the other functions pretty much normally now, and is back to his old annoying self, waking me up at 6 am with demands for food and attention. I'm very glad.
My dog is called Jade, too. http://ponysong.zaadz.com/photos/album/3462
And now I really must go feed the animals if I wish to continue receiving their “unconditional” love… ;-)
Vicki
Hello Vicki,
I have been searching rescue sites and humane societies for a lady companion. I now live alone and miss someone to snuggle up with. I have always loved dogs, fairly large dogs are my preference. I now live in fairly close quarters and have downsized my thinking some. I am seeking a boxer to be my friend right now and your blog has raised an important consideration for me. I was thinking about a k9 not unlike myself, middle aged, kind of saggy in the face, but full of thoughts that she's still a pup. I will most likely choose a dog that is also in need of medical care due to age related issues not far down the road. She sounds more like me all the time! Now, I think about how I would like to be cared for in my old age. I think that I would like to be with someone like myself in that repect. I hope she does too when I find her.
Thank you, and all the best to you and your feline companion. I am sure that she is thankful for your loving presence in her life.
Lynda