Showing posts with label Memorials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memorials. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 September 2013
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Charlie and Daisy
We are sending our condolences to Joan & Buttercup, in the loss of their best friends, Charlie and Daisy.
Charlie was very well known in Halifax and surrounding areas, and the namesake of Joan's very popular blog.
Daisy was Delta's toy-soul-mate (as Joan called them) - the both of them always grabbed a stuffy or other toy and put their heads on our laps, inviting us to play.
Charlie and Daisy will be missed, and we share Joan's grief. Godspeed pups!
Charlie was very well known in Halifax and surrounding areas, and the namesake of Joan's very popular blog.
Daisy was Delta's toy-soul-mate (as Joan called them) - the both of them always grabbed a stuffy or other toy and put their heads on our laps, inviting us to play.
Charlie and Daisy will be missed, and we share Joan's grief. Godspeed pups!
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
My little man is home again
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| Oscar's ashes |
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| Oscar's resting place, right next to Duncan's (until I can put another idea into action) |
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Today would have been Oscar's 13th birthday
Missing him today.
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| Me and Oscar in the hours before his passing on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 |
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
June 2, 1998 - May 24, 2011
Photo by Sabrina Thurlow Photography - May 1, 2011
I sit here with tears in my eyes to announce Oscar's death last night at approximately 6:50 pm Atlantic time.
This past weekend was the Victoria Day long weekend - unlike last year when it was hot and sunny, this one was cold and wet.
Saturday night, as was the pattern this past month, Oscar stopped eating. Unfortunately, there was no enticing him to try something else no matter what I prepared or opened for him. He'd take a little sniff, maybe a little lick/nibble, and walk away. About the only thing he WAS enjoying were his Marrow Bone and Milk Bone cookies, so I let him have them.
But Monday night, I sensed things were changed for the worse.
When Tuesday morning dawned, he was not on the bed next to me, giving me his usual good morning kisses when I wake. This time, he was on the floor, about to have a bowel movement. I was able to get him outside on time - his bowels were a strong indicator that he was failing.
This time, I knew. His body language told me that he was done and ready. I made the decision and appointment to say good bye to him that evening.
The air warmed up, and the sun came out. Oscar spent a good portion of the morning outside with his face in the sun and the breeze blowing his fur. We went for a final walk up our street and said goodbye to our friend Monica and her Bichon-Shih, Casey, who we have known for years.
I tried to entice Oscar with some more of his favourite foods, which he rejected, but he did eat some ice cream, but only after Delta and Brosa showed so much interest in it. :)
The afternoon turned cooler and it started to rain. We cuddled on the couch while he napped. My mum stopped in for a visit and to say goodbye to him, offering to come with me, but I needed to do this alone.
About 1.5 hours before the appointment, we left home and went for a drive, which he had always loved. He was too tired to stand up on the door's arm rest to look out the window as he'd always done. I pulled into the McDonald's drive through to get a hamburger for him and he ate a couple of pieces of that.
Upon arriving at the appointment (early), we were put into the room and I sat on the floor, with Oscar in my arms on his back, while I told him over and over I loved him while giving him kisses and rubbing his belly for a good 10 or 15 minutes. Then it was time. With his final breath, I held his head, gave him kisses, and he gave me kisses right back. There was a little flinch when the needle poked his arm. Then he was gone. I stayed another 15 minutes with him; I picked up his body and held and kissed him.
He would have been 13 next week, on June 2nd.
Oscar had been a little bit of a challenge the past (almost) 7 years since I adopted him on August 14, 2004. He was adopted to be a best friend to Delta at the time (I'm convinced he saved her, or brought her back *into* life in our new home). He was dangerous around cats and was cranky at times around other dogs. He was a supreme diva about getting groomed and having his nails cut. All that aside, he was always entertaining and well loved. I miss him tremendously and always will. I hope that if there is life on the other side, he and Duncan will be there ready to be reunited with me.
Click here for the Dogkisser tribute for Oscar
Saturday, 31 July 2010
Warrior's Story
Some of you know of a wonderful dog whom we called Warrior. Warrior was found at large in June and no one ever bothered to claim him. He was thin and dehydrated but so sweet. We were asked if we could take him in and a wonderful foster home agreed to care for him. Warrior had some fear issues concerning small spaces and being enclosed. He also had very little muscle strength in his body, particularly in his hind legs. X-rays, blood workup, and other tests revealed, too, that Warrior had some kidney and liver damage. With extra supplements, lots of good food, an exercise regime, and an endless supply of love and support, Warrior began to improve. He was neutered and on the road to being eligible for adoption.
Unfortunately, Warrior suffered from 'gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome', commonly known as bloat. Warrior's foster rushed him right to the veterinarian where x-rays diagnosed him and he was rushed to life saving surgery as soon as it was possible. Warrior did not recover as quickly as she had hoped and, unfortunately, 2 days later, Warrior passed away. There was no explanation for Warrior suffering from this condition such as the typical factors of excess eating or drinking, swelling foods, excessive exercise. This happened first thing in the morning, after he was sleeping all night. The vet acknowledges that with Warrior's other concerns he could have had another complication but we'll never know. Poor Warrior was never able to find his new home but we were glad to let him know that he deserved love, like all dogs should have.
So, please, make yourselves aware of the signs of 'bloat'. Warrior's foster's quick thinking gave him a chance but even with this and a short trip to a vet, Warrior could not be saved. Here is a reference chart you should keep handy:
http://www.gdca.org/Bloat%20Chart.pdf
Although we would do what we can for any dog, the extensive cost of Warrior's treatment and emergency surgery has halted us from this. His total cost has totalled almost $4700 that we just don't have. Although we've been lucky to have a great list of applicants for most available dogs we do still have others in care who are what we call 'permanent fosters' because of health ailments which makes them unadoptable.
We've had to switch gears and go full steam ahead with fundraising now. We've added a store to our website with collars, hoodies and raffle tickets for a beautiful oil painting. We would appreciate any help and, as always, are thankful for your support.
You can donate directly using the PayPal "Make a Donation" button found on this page, or visit the store above. In addition, FaceBook users can join the group page Collars for Critters, and take part in the current collar auction, which also includes the very wonderful Oomaloo toys!
yours in rescue,
Boxer Rescue of Atlantic Canada
www.boxerrescueatlanticcanada.com
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Oscar, Thundershirts, Cold Stone Creamery and Ursa
Last week, Oscar and I went to see Dr. Carnegy for a 2nd opinion (3rd really, as I don't discount Shelly Beazley's opinion!) on the condition of Oscar's legs and the recommended course of treatment.
Dr. Carnegy has confirmed that Oscar did indeed have a complete separation of his Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his left leg. In addition, the patella in his right leg was also causing mobility issues.
A health exam left Dr. Carnegy with the opinion that despite Oscar's age (12 years) and his Grade 4 heart murmur, Oscar is actually quite stable and should withstand surgery/anesthesia without any complications. The alternative, non-invasive treatment would be to buy a brace, but in all likelihood, Oscar would require one for each leg; it would be an expensive purchase, long-term use, and there would be no guarantee that this ACL injury would heal like the January 2009 injury did. Dr. Carnegy indicated that "if it were MY dog", he'd choose the surgery. Hearing that he believed Oscar's heart was stable enough to go through with it was all I really needed to hear.
On July 21, 2010, Oscar will undergo surgery to repair the ACL injury, and will also have his teeth cleaned at the same time. Will be nice to know that he doesn't have gum disease, although I wouldn't be 100% surprised if a tooth or two is extracted as some of the ones out front are looking quite dark (dead?). He will be treated with therapeutic laser following surgery to help speed the healing time, and if necessary, I'll continue to take him for therapy with Shelly. Time will tell if Oscar needs surgery on his right leg as well, but hoping not!
Adina MacRae, of Sublime Canine, placed a bulk order of Thundershirts a couple of weeks ago, and I was quite fortunate to be among those who placed an order for two shirts (a medium for Oscar and and XL for Delta).
Delta and Oscar are both fearful of thunder & lightning, and fireworks. It's my hope that when either events happen, the shirt will help reduce, if not eliminate, their behaviour (shivering/shaking, panting, leaning).
Delta wearing her thundershirt. She was pacing a bit, and trying to rub the shirt off when I put it on her for the first time. She soon calmed down.
Oscar wearing his Thundershirt. He was very calm wearing this.
The next night, there was a forecast for thundershowers. While I didn't hear them, he could certainly sense or hear them. As soon as he started shaking/shivering, I put the shirt on him and within 2 minutes, he was calm and able to fall asleep. This is great! The true test will be to see if we get the same result with actual loud thunder, and fireworks.
Brosa did not receive a Thundershirt of his own as he appears not to have any of those phobias. Such a relief!
Brosa came with me on the ride to pick up the Thundershirts, and on the way home, I stopped at Cold Stone Creamery in Bedford, NS, to pick up a small cup of ice cream with my birthday coupon. I couldn't help but share some with him!
I bit the bullet last week and bought a portable Air Conditioning unit. 6 years I've spent in this house, which has direct sun all day long, and 5 summers of saying "I'll wait until the end of summer sales are on". Well, as we all know, life usually has other financial plans for us! This year, the humidity has come on like gangbusters and it's only the first 2 weeks of July! Therefore, I made the decision last Thursday night to go purchase a unit (after much debate on portable vs window installation) and bring it home. Thanks to Kent for having a Danby unit on sale!
It's currently installed in my powder room but I plan to buy a piece of Plexiglass cut to size for my casement window in the living room.
It makes a HUGE difference in how my house feels. Now I no longer have to worry about the comfort level of the fur-kids while I'm at work, and also know that Oscar will be comfortable during his recovery from surgery.
I did receive a bit of sad news this week. Our friend Janet had made the decision to give her ailing Rottweiler the kind gift of peace Thursday morning. Ursa is a lovely ambassador for the Rottweiler breed (she is a certified St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog and was a regular visitor at the I.W.K. Children's Hospital when she was younger) and a fun-loving resident at the Canine Casbah. She will be missed by many. Godspeed sweet girl. (photo by Joan Sinden)
Dr. Carnegy has confirmed that Oscar did indeed have a complete separation of his Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his left leg. In addition, the patella in his right leg was also causing mobility issues.
A health exam left Dr. Carnegy with the opinion that despite Oscar's age (12 years) and his Grade 4 heart murmur, Oscar is actually quite stable and should withstand surgery/anesthesia without any complications. The alternative, non-invasive treatment would be to buy a brace, but in all likelihood, Oscar would require one for each leg; it would be an expensive purchase, long-term use, and there would be no guarantee that this ACL injury would heal like the January 2009 injury did. Dr. Carnegy indicated that "if it were MY dog", he'd choose the surgery. Hearing that he believed Oscar's heart was stable enough to go through with it was all I really needed to hear.
On July 21, 2010, Oscar will undergo surgery to repair the ACL injury, and will also have his teeth cleaned at the same time. Will be nice to know that he doesn't have gum disease, although I wouldn't be 100% surprised if a tooth or two is extracted as some of the ones out front are looking quite dark (dead?). He will be treated with therapeutic laser following surgery to help speed the healing time, and if necessary, I'll continue to take him for therapy with Shelly. Time will tell if Oscar needs surgery on his right leg as well, but hoping not!
Adina MacRae, of Sublime Canine, placed a bulk order of Thundershirts a couple of weeks ago, and I was quite fortunate to be among those who placed an order for two shirts (a medium for Oscar and and XL for Delta).
With its patent-pending design, Thundershirt’s gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect for most dogs if they are anxious, fearful or over-excited. It is this pressure that has a dramatic calming effect for most dogs if they are anxious, fearful or over-excited. From real world experience, we know with certainty that Thundershirt DOES WORK.
Delta and Oscar are both fearful of thunder & lightning, and fireworks. It's my hope that when either events happen, the shirt will help reduce, if not eliminate, their behaviour (shivering/shaking, panting, leaning).
Delta wearing her thundershirt. She was pacing a bit, and trying to rub the shirt off when I put it on her for the first time. She soon calmed down.
Oscar wearing his Thundershirt. He was very calm wearing this.
The next night, there was a forecast for thundershowers. While I didn't hear them, he could certainly sense or hear them. As soon as he started shaking/shivering, I put the shirt on him and within 2 minutes, he was calm and able to fall asleep. This is great! The true test will be to see if we get the same result with actual loud thunder, and fireworks.
Brosa did not receive a Thundershirt of his own as he appears not to have any of those phobias. Such a relief!
Brosa came with me on the ride to pick up the Thundershirts, and on the way home, I stopped at Cold Stone Creamery in Bedford, NS, to pick up a small cup of ice cream with my birthday coupon. I couldn't help but share some with him!
I bit the bullet last week and bought a portable Air Conditioning unit. 6 years I've spent in this house, which has direct sun all day long, and 5 summers of saying "I'll wait until the end of summer sales are on". Well, as we all know, life usually has other financial plans for us! This year, the humidity has come on like gangbusters and it's only the first 2 weeks of July! Therefore, I made the decision last Thursday night to go purchase a unit (after much debate on portable vs window installation) and bring it home. Thanks to Kent for having a Danby unit on sale!
It's currently installed in my powder room but I plan to buy a piece of Plexiglass cut to size for my casement window in the living room.
It makes a HUGE difference in how my house feels. Now I no longer have to worry about the comfort level of the fur-kids while I'm at work, and also know that Oscar will be comfortable during his recovery from surgery.
I did receive a bit of sad news this week. Our friend Janet had made the decision to give her ailing Rottweiler the kind gift of peace Thursday morning. Ursa is a lovely ambassador for the Rottweiler breed (she is a certified St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog and was a regular visitor at the I.W.K. Children's Hospital when she was younger) and a fun-loving resident at the Canine Casbah. She will be missed by many. Godspeed sweet girl. (photo by Joan Sinden)
Monday, 5 July 2010
R.I.P. Jackie
Thinking of my friend Joan in her time of grief.
Jack is gone
Please hug your pets a little closer today and be thankful that they will never know the years of abuse which Jackie suffered prior to being adopted by Joan 2.5 years ago.
Jack is gone
Please hug your pets a little closer today and be thankful that they will never know the years of abuse which Jackie suffered prior to being adopted by Joan 2.5 years ago.
Friday, 21 May 2010
"Please keep Duncan in your thoughts"
The following was originally a "note" posted on Facebook, starting September 27, 2007. It chronicles the final 2 months of Duncan's life when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Duncan lived January 1, 2000 to November 13, 2007.
Thursday, September 27, 2007 - a.m.:
The past couple of days, he hasn't quite been himself. Although he was still eating, acting normal for the most part, he was less energetic and had the shivers.
Yesterday, when I came home from work, he was REALLY lethargic and didn't want his supper (which is not normal for him as he's always excited for his food). I thought I would take him for a quick one-on-one walk to see if that would perk him up. While we were at the door, about to leave, his legs started to spread and he collapsed to the floor. Right there and then I packed him into the Jeep and off to Downsview Veterinary Hospital we sped.
He was checked over - no physical bumps, blockages that Dr. Helynck could feel. His temperature was normal, as was his heart rate. She took some blood work and said while he was obviously weak (because of the way he was walking/standing), she didn't know what was wrong. When he got off the table, he lost his bladder (likely due to his weakened condition). She sent me home to watch him, and she'd call me about his bloodwork.
While standing at the reception to pay my bill, Duncan fell to my feet and had what appeared to be a seizure. I was told to stick around and wait for the bloodwork, and to see if anything else happened to Duncan. In the end, his blood panel was normal. She sent me home to monitor him closely but if anything else were to happen, to rush him to the Animal Emergency Clinic in Dartmouth. She was sending the bloodwork results there so that they would have it in case I took him there.
We made it through the night. He is still shivering and still not himself, but he doesn't appear to be weak in the legs nor did he have any more seizures that I'm aware of (he slept by me all night and I'm pretty attuned to him). I may still have to take him to the AEC for further tests. Please keep him in your thoughts as we get through this nightmare. :( Thanks to Lee Anne, Janet and my sister Kellie for their words of support last night.
Update September 27 - later that a.m.:
UPDATE: just got home from Dr. Carnegy's office (thankfully they could fit me in!). All indications point to Duncan being on the mend as he behaving much better now. Still not 100%, but better than last night, and even this morning.
Dr. Carnegy was such a nice man and responded well to Duncan. I'm to continue to monitor him and call Dr. C in the morning with an update (if nothing changes before then).
Update October 1:
Well, just when I thought/hoped he was on the road to recovery, Duncan relapsed overnight Saturday night. He began with the shivers, and by morning he was weak/wobbly again (however, his symptoms were nowheres as bad as they were last Wednesday night). I rushed him off to the Metro Animal Emergency Clinic in Dartmouth. He was checked over in the exam room, and admitted for the day while they could observe him and run some tests. In the end, I was able to take him home before supper. Despite all the symptoms he has, there isn't enough to pinpoint to one definite condition.
For the moment, he's being treated with antibiotics as if he has an inner ear infection. If I don't see improvement within 2 weeks, or if he deteriorates before then, we'll have to go to the AVC (vet college) on PEI, to have the Neurologist look at him, and get an MRI done.
Today, he is behaving like his old self, but still has weakness (his entire right side is weak). Wouldn't it be wonderful if an inner-ear infection was the cause of all of this worry, and will soon be cleared up? Please continue to send those good vibes his way.
UPDATE October 2nd:
1. Another relapse; Another trip to the vet, more blood work and a urinalysis....
2. Another seizure tonight. :'(
UPDATE October 4th:
1. Yesterday/today good days for Duncan, especially today
2. Thyroid results came back normal
UPDATE October 6th a.m.:
1. Duncan is still feeling good! Last night I thought he was relapsing again, but so far, so good. He's still a smige weak, and has the shivers at various times, but hasn't relapsed like he did on the 2nd. Keep those fingers crossed, no matter how tingly they may be getting by now. :)
2. P.M. Duncan's left eye was noticeably getting "weird" throughout the afternoon. After supper, off to the Emergency we went. His lower whites were red, and it almost looked like his iris was leaching into the whites. His pupil is very dilated. The vet said it's possibly another infection that is affecting the nerves/synapses to the eyeball. So he has another antibiotic. This vet is really leaning towards the possibility/probability that Duncan could have a tumor in his brain. As far as going to PEI, she said for $1.5 - 2k, it's a case of how much I NEED to know, as if he has a tumor, there is nothing else that can be done.
So I guess we wait and see what happens with his eye on the antibiotics, and re-evaluate later. :'( Time to go curl back up in a ball....
UPDATE October 9th:
Duncan still appears to be stronger and more like himself before this all started. The eye is the same as it was Saturday. Last night, I made the decision that we have to go to PEI and try to get to the bottom of this. We got the appointment and we're going Thursday morning. Aubrey is aware of all that is going on as I'm keeping him in the loop. He wants to help as much as he can, but it's difficult long-distance (he recently moved to Ottawa).
UPDATE October 11:
Went to PEI this morning for a consult with the Vet there who specializes in neurology. Dr. Gelens was a very nice man, but unfortunately, the outlook appears bleak. He believes too that the problems stem from a possible tumor in the brain. He asked me to be sure I really want the MRI, as he doesn't want me to have spent all that money and get mad if there is nothing that can be done afterwards. I assured him that I understood the possibilities and I just NEED to know what's wrong in order to best prepare for the future.
So Dr. Gelens took more blood, and some chest x-rays. The phone call has been made to book the MRI (it's off site from the AVC), and I will get a call with one day's notice to get Duncan there -- possibly next week. :'(
He had another seizure around 8:45 pm. This one took him longer to recover than the others I've witnessed. 3 of the 4 happened after we'd gone to the vet. As Lee Anne pointed out, he probably was under too much stress/stimulation and it brought the seizures on.
UPDATE October 12:
Got the phone call this morning. We head back to PEI on Monday morning - he'll have his MRI that afternoon and will stay overnight for observation.
UPDATE October 15:
Upon our arrival to AVC at 1 p.m., Duncan promptly dropped to the floor and had a seizure. He was whisked away by the students, and Dr. Gelens came to see me shortly afterwards - Duncan was fine and they were getting him settled in. The MRI was scheduled for 4 p.m. and would take 1 to 1.5 hours. At 5:20, I received the call that Duncan was back and resting comfortably. Unfortunately, they could see a large mass on the MRI. I then received another call shortly after 9 pm that he'd had another seizure. Needless to say, I did not have a restful night. To say that I am devastated is an understatement.
October 16:
Duncan was ready to go at 9 a.m. Dr. Gelens had a consult with me, & showed me the MRI. Duncan has a tumor almost 2 cm in diametre right in the middle of his brain, on the left side (which explains the issue with his left eye). It's not considered to be operable, and the nearest centre for radiation that he'd recommend is in Saskatoon. There is a neurologist in Quebec that I could talk to if I feel I have to pursue other options, but at this point, I don't believe I will. Duncan will be on Phenobarbital and Prednisone until the end of his days, whenever I make that decision for him. I don't have a timeline as every person/animal responds differently to their medications.
I was told what I will see when Duncan is starting to get uncomfortable from the growing tumor. When that time comes, it'll be time to help him on his way.
October 29:
It's been an interesting couple of weeks. Duncan steadily improved, beginning the day after his return from PEI (it was the night of October 16 that he had his last seizure I witnessed). From October 17/18, right through to the 25th, he was a perky boy. His Prednisone was decreased on the 4th day. He was incontinent daily, but we did have two dry days there. He was playing and generally very happy.
On Friday, October 26 in the morning, his shivers started again before I went to work. I ended up coming home right after lunch as I was worried about him, and sure enough, he seemed to be deteriorating again: weakened, head hanging low, etc. On Saturday October 27th, I made the decision to increase his Prednisone again, to the dose he had the first 3 days. By Sunday evening, he was coming around again.
Today, October 29th, he had his 2-week checkup at the vet, and he was feeling very good. He's not totally up to what he was like last week, but almost. Dr. G completely agreed with my decision to up his Prednisone. We'll play around with the dosage for a little while and hopefully hit on what he does well with.
He had a busy day and is exhausted tonight. First night in a while that he hasn't paced and chewed bones for hours before settling down. Hopefully things will continue on an even keel, because yesterday I was feeling that he is going to deteriorate fast.
November 2:
Duncan had a seizure at 3:30 this morning, and it was the first one I've seen since we got back from PEI, and also the longest-lasting one. He was fine all day though... no weakness, etc.
November 13 - final entry:
Despite the fact that Duncan had so many good days, it just wasn't meant to last. I think he fought hard to keep this awful thing at bay. Yesterday at around noon time, while on an errand, Duncan had a seizure in my Jeep. We went home, and we stayed low for the remainder of the day. At 11 p.m., he had another. At about 2:30 a.m., he had another, and at about 3:45 a.m., he had yet another. They were all quite lengthy. Today, he was so exhausted, and at approximately 12:30, he had another, which was the worse one, and I saw him turn blue.
I wasn't sure on my way in to the vet if I was definitely going to help him on his way, but once I was there, I knew I couldn't let him go through that anymore. Duncan died in my arms at 2 p.m., with my mother beside me.
Rest in peace my darling boy. You were simply the best and there will never be another like you.
(this was the final photograph of Duncan, just a few days before he died - enjoying the first snowfall on November 11, 2007).
The past couple of days, he hasn't quite been himself. Although he was still eating, acting normal for the most part, he was less energetic and had the shivers.
Yesterday, when I came home from work, he was REALLY lethargic and didn't want his supper (which is not normal for him as he's always excited for his food). I thought I would take him for a quick one-on-one walk to see if that would perk him up. While we were at the door, about to leave, his legs started to spread and he collapsed to the floor. Right there and then I packed him into the Jeep and off to Downsview Veterinary Hospital we sped.
He was checked over - no physical bumps, blockages that Dr. Helynck could feel. His temperature was normal, as was his heart rate. She took some blood work and said while he was obviously weak (because of the way he was walking/standing), she didn't know what was wrong. When he got off the table, he lost his bladder (likely due to his weakened condition). She sent me home to watch him, and she'd call me about his bloodwork.
While standing at the reception to pay my bill, Duncan fell to my feet and had what appeared to be a seizure. I was told to stick around and wait for the bloodwork, and to see if anything else happened to Duncan. In the end, his blood panel was normal. She sent me home to monitor him closely but if anything else were to happen, to rush him to the Animal Emergency Clinic in Dartmouth. She was sending the bloodwork results there so that they would have it in case I took him there.
We made it through the night. He is still shivering and still not himself, but he doesn't appear to be weak in the legs nor did he have any more seizures that I'm aware of (he slept by me all night and I'm pretty attuned to him). I may still have to take him to the AEC for further tests. Please keep him in your thoughts as we get through this nightmare. :( Thanks to Lee Anne, Janet and my sister Kellie for their words of support last night.
Update September 27 - later that a.m.:
UPDATE: just got home from Dr. Carnegy's office (thankfully they could fit me in!). All indications point to Duncan being on the mend as he behaving much better now. Still not 100%, but better than last night, and even this morning.
Dr. Carnegy was such a nice man and responded well to Duncan. I'm to continue to monitor him and call Dr. C in the morning with an update (if nothing changes before then).
Update October 1:
Well, just when I thought/hoped he was on the road to recovery, Duncan relapsed overnight Saturday night. He began with the shivers, and by morning he was weak/wobbly again (however, his symptoms were nowheres as bad as they were last Wednesday night). I rushed him off to the Metro Animal Emergency Clinic in Dartmouth. He was checked over in the exam room, and admitted for the day while they could observe him and run some tests. In the end, I was able to take him home before supper. Despite all the symptoms he has, there isn't enough to pinpoint to one definite condition.
For the moment, he's being treated with antibiotics as if he has an inner ear infection. If I don't see improvement within 2 weeks, or if he deteriorates before then, we'll have to go to the AVC (vet college) on PEI, to have the Neurologist look at him, and get an MRI done.
Today, he is behaving like his old self, but still has weakness (his entire right side is weak). Wouldn't it be wonderful if an inner-ear infection was the cause of all of this worry, and will soon be cleared up? Please continue to send those good vibes his way.
UPDATE October 2nd:
1. Another relapse; Another trip to the vet, more blood work and a urinalysis....
2. Another seizure tonight. :'(
UPDATE October 4th:
1. Yesterday/today good days for Duncan, especially today
2. Thyroid results came back normal
UPDATE October 6th a.m.:
1. Duncan is still feeling good! Last night I thought he was relapsing again, but so far, so good. He's still a smige weak, and has the shivers at various times, but hasn't relapsed like he did on the 2nd. Keep those fingers crossed, no matter how tingly they may be getting by now. :)
2. P.M. Duncan's left eye was noticeably getting "weird" throughout the afternoon. After supper, off to the Emergency we went. His lower whites were red, and it almost looked like his iris was leaching into the whites. His pupil is very dilated. The vet said it's possibly another infection that is affecting the nerves/synapses to the eyeball. So he has another antibiotic. This vet is really leaning towards the possibility/probability that Duncan could have a tumor in his brain. As far as going to PEI, she said for $1.5 - 2k, it's a case of how much I NEED to know, as if he has a tumor, there is nothing else that can be done.
So I guess we wait and see what happens with his eye on the antibiotics, and re-evaluate later. :'( Time to go curl back up in a ball....
UPDATE October 9th:
Duncan still appears to be stronger and more like himself before this all started. The eye is the same as it was Saturday. Last night, I made the decision that we have to go to PEI and try to get to the bottom of this. We got the appointment and we're going Thursday morning. Aubrey is aware of all that is going on as I'm keeping him in the loop. He wants to help as much as he can, but it's difficult long-distance (he recently moved to Ottawa).
UPDATE October 11:
Went to PEI this morning for a consult with the Vet there who specializes in neurology. Dr. Gelens was a very nice man, but unfortunately, the outlook appears bleak. He believes too that the problems stem from a possible tumor in the brain. He asked me to be sure I really want the MRI, as he doesn't want me to have spent all that money and get mad if there is nothing that can be done afterwards. I assured him that I understood the possibilities and I just NEED to know what's wrong in order to best prepare for the future.
So Dr. Gelens took more blood, and some chest x-rays. The phone call has been made to book the MRI (it's off site from the AVC), and I will get a call with one day's notice to get Duncan there -- possibly next week. :'(
He had another seizure around 8:45 pm. This one took him longer to recover than the others I've witnessed. 3 of the 4 happened after we'd gone to the vet. As Lee Anne pointed out, he probably was under too much stress/stimulation and it brought the seizures on.
UPDATE October 12:
Got the phone call this morning. We head back to PEI on Monday morning - he'll have his MRI that afternoon and will stay overnight for observation.
UPDATE October 15:
Upon our arrival to AVC at 1 p.m., Duncan promptly dropped to the floor and had a seizure. He was whisked away by the students, and Dr. Gelens came to see me shortly afterwards - Duncan was fine and they were getting him settled in. The MRI was scheduled for 4 p.m. and would take 1 to 1.5 hours. At 5:20, I received the call that Duncan was back and resting comfortably. Unfortunately, they could see a large mass on the MRI. I then received another call shortly after 9 pm that he'd had another seizure. Needless to say, I did not have a restful night. To say that I am devastated is an understatement.
October 16:
Duncan was ready to go at 9 a.m. Dr. Gelens had a consult with me, & showed me the MRI. Duncan has a tumor almost 2 cm in diametre right in the middle of his brain, on the left side (which explains the issue with his left eye). It's not considered to be operable, and the nearest centre for radiation that he'd recommend is in Saskatoon. There is a neurologist in Quebec that I could talk to if I feel I have to pursue other options, but at this point, I don't believe I will. Duncan will be on Phenobarbital and Prednisone until the end of his days, whenever I make that decision for him. I don't have a timeline as every person/animal responds differently to their medications.
I was told what I will see when Duncan is starting to get uncomfortable from the growing tumor. When that time comes, it'll be time to help him on his way.
October 29:
It's been an interesting couple of weeks. Duncan steadily improved, beginning the day after his return from PEI (it was the night of October 16 that he had his last seizure I witnessed). From October 17/18, right through to the 25th, he was a perky boy. His Prednisone was decreased on the 4th day. He was incontinent daily, but we did have two dry days there. He was playing and generally very happy.
On Friday, October 26 in the morning, his shivers started again before I went to work. I ended up coming home right after lunch as I was worried about him, and sure enough, he seemed to be deteriorating again: weakened, head hanging low, etc. On Saturday October 27th, I made the decision to increase his Prednisone again, to the dose he had the first 3 days. By Sunday evening, he was coming around again.
Today, October 29th, he had his 2-week checkup at the vet, and he was feeling very good. He's not totally up to what he was like last week, but almost. Dr. G completely agreed with my decision to up his Prednisone. We'll play around with the dosage for a little while and hopefully hit on what he does well with.
He had a busy day and is exhausted tonight. First night in a while that he hasn't paced and chewed bones for hours before settling down. Hopefully things will continue on an even keel, because yesterday I was feeling that he is going to deteriorate fast.
November 2:
Duncan had a seizure at 3:30 this morning, and it was the first one I've seen since we got back from PEI, and also the longest-lasting one. He was fine all day though... no weakness, etc.
November 13 - final entry:
Despite the fact that Duncan had so many good days, it just wasn't meant to last. I think he fought hard to keep this awful thing at bay. Yesterday at around noon time, while on an errand, Duncan had a seizure in my Jeep. We went home, and we stayed low for the remainder of the day. At 11 p.m., he had another. At about 2:30 a.m., he had another, and at about 3:45 a.m., he had yet another. They were all quite lengthy. Today, he was so exhausted, and at approximately 12:30, he had another, which was the worse one, and I saw him turn blue.
I wasn't sure on my way in to the vet if I was definitely going to help him on his way, but once I was there, I knew I couldn't let him go through that anymore. Duncan died in my arms at 2 p.m., with my mother beside me.
Rest in peace my darling boy. You were simply the best and there will never be another like you.
(this was the final photograph of Duncan, just a few days before he died - enjoying the first snowfall on November 11, 2007).
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Dexter - RIP
Sadly, Dexter, the deaf Boston Terrier foster dog, is deceased as of Saturday, January 31, 2009.
Run freely without fear at the Rainbow Bridge little buddy. Someday we'll meet again.
xoxoxo
Run freely without fear at the Rainbow Bridge little buddy. Someday we'll meet again.
xoxoxo
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