So sad to report

[kebideplin]

I had been posting reg my 12yr old dachshound "Rudy" suffering terribly from foul smelling diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration, labs not too bad, showed some infection, x-rays normal, we took him with us to L.V (my daughter is a vet tech) The day we left N.Y he wasnt feeling to well, woke up with large amount of diarrhea, when we got to L.V we syringed some water and offered him some food, couldnt get him to eat. We let him rest all the next day, but still he wouldnt eat, and more diarrhea, the vet in N.Y increased the predisone, but still no improvement, we took him to a wonderful vet here, bless her heart she showed more compassion for the dog and me then my own vets did! She examined him and did a ultra sound at no extra cost, still nothing too bad, he had a deviation of duodenum, and some thicking of loop in his intestines. I was hoping she would find a tumor or something! He lost another pound and looked so sick it broke my heart, We made the decision to put him down, didnt know what else to do. I was so upset I couldnt stay with him, Thankfully my wonderful daughter took my place and stayed with him, I am angry that my vets didnt put him on predisone a month ago, I would have had more time to evaluate and adjust his meds.I know that if the predisone doesnt help it is most likely some form of cancer. I have lost dogs to cancer before and none of them had diarrhea and vommiting like this! Now I will never know what happened! The first thing I am going to do when I get home is find a new vet! (I have been with these vets for 33yrs) I was there when most of them started! The vet here in LasVegas didnt even know me or my dog ,still she gave me what information she could and hugged me as I cried my eyes out! I cant tell you how much her kindness and support meant to me. I tried so hard to get him better even if it meant giving him special care, I was prepared to do anything I could to give him alittle more time. I am mad at his previous owners, for not caring for him, and I am really mad at my vets for not doing anything for the diarrhea for 2 weeks, (I suggested the stool sample!) I thank all of you that helped me out with suggestions, and I am so glad I found this forum, I will be dam sure my other two dogs dont go through what Rudy went through!  Deb

[lindapalm]

I'm so sorry Rudy didn't improve, you tried so hard for him.  I know how it feels to be disappointed and mad at your vet.  I too, will never go to our old vet, I would rather pay more for tests and get a diagnoses right away, than to keep going back and playing a guessing game.  If they can't diagnose whats wrong, admit it and send the poor animal to a specialist.

[deadgamegrrl]

I am so sorry for your loss.  I lost my 14 yr old girl 'Pumpkin' on May 29.  She developed severe gastroenteritis and then a clotting disorder due to her age and other conditions. I know they are both free from their pain now and was glad I could help her through to the 'other side'.

Treasure all of your memories, you did the right thing.

~~ dgg

[ginger899]

Deb, I am terribly sorry too, that it came to this. I was so hoping a solution would be found for your Rudy.
You did your utmost best, that is for certain. And I am sure he loved you, and knew you were trying your best to help him. They do know things like that.
Your other critters are very very lucky to have a mom like you.

[Misfits4Me]

You know....I read this last night & went to bed crying....This reminds me of a previous heartache in my life that still makes me mad & heartbroken.....I know what your feeling, trust me!

I commend you for taking this little guy on at an old age & with a list of medical issues.....Most people would not even have considered it....This says alot about you & your Character.....I'm grateful that Rudy had you to help him & I know he appreciated it more than you will ever know.....

You did everything you could for this guy & the greatest gift was to ease his suffering....
We all want to hang on to these "special needs kidlets" longer, as Compassion kicks in to overdrive and it's hard to let go.....I speak from experience here & it's these old, sick throw aways that make it even stronger! Did that make sense?

I'm sorry for your heartache & I hope time will heal your heart.....Sometimes we just have to say "Enough"! I feel you made the right decision and Rudy loves you for it....

Run Free Little Rudy~~~~You were very much LOVED~~~~~~One of the Lucky ones

OK, I'm crying again so, Gotta run.....Take care of yourself and your other furkids.....Check in and let us know how your doing.....Sincerely, Karla

[el_em_en_oh]

A Dog's Prayer

By Beth Norman Harris

My Beloved Master, for not heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness
then the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick for though I
should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding
will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. Speak to me
often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the
fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear. When
it is cold and wet, please take me inside...for I am now a domesticated animal,
no longer used to the bitter elements...and ask no greater glory than the privildge
of sitting at your feet beside the hearth...though you had no home, I would rather
follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest
home in all the land...for you are my Devoted Worshipper. Keep my pan filled
with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell
you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play
and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stay ready, willing and able to
protect you with my life, should your life be in danger. And Beloved Master,
should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away
from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful
boon to eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I draw,
my fate as ever safest in your hands.

***
RIP Rudy... my thoughts are with you Deb.

LMNO

[Margot49]

Oh Deb, I am sorry to read this sad news.  What a horrible thing to go through.  Thank goodness you were at least able to deal with a compassionate Vet that was there for you and nice you had the support of your daughter.  
RIP Rudy and run free and healthy at the Bridge.
hugs