View Full Version : Another Dog Thread
Bailey Guns
08-21-2016, 08:39
Lola, our 13-ish year old JRT (a rescue dog) started looking a little off about a week ago. Then she had a night where she seemed to be in pretty severe pain. It improved and she seemed back to almost normal but with a low energy level. Then she had a day (Tues) where she was very lethargic and seemed almost unable to stand on her own.
Took her to the local vet on Wed. Blood tests showed pretty severe anemia...platelet count was under 30k. Normal is over 300K. Unknown problem causing it. Vets started a steroid regime to knock down the immune system which she suspected was causing the issue.
Thurs: Lola's abdomen looked very bloated. Back to vet. Xrays showed nothing amiss with the exception of possibly an enlarged or slightly displaced spleen.
Fri: Back to vet for blood re-check. Platelets below 11k. Waiting for steroids to work on immune system.
Sat: Noticed small amount of blood in her stool. Called E-vet. He told us there was little he could really do due to lack of testing equip and other logistical issues. Discussed transfusion but he didn't have access to platelet enriched plasma which is what she needed. Recommended calling Wash State Univ Vet Hosp. We did.
Sat evening: Got Lola to the WSU vet around 5pm. Lots of tests and exams and poking and prodding. They did a quick scan of her abdomen...no fluid (ie: blood) in her abdomen. Suspect cancer in spleen but can't do test due to low platelet count possibly causing uncontrolled bleeding. Chest xrays showed no signs of any cancer having spread. Blood retested around 11pm. Platelet counts about 54K and anemia appears resolved for now. Taking her back to WSU on Mon for a test of her spleen (king of like a biopsy I guess) and an ultrasound of her abdomen.
So, fingers crossed. But the point of all this is to remind all you pet owners who give your pets better care than you give yourself (like we do) to consider the local university teaching hospital when your family vet is out of ideas or beyond their ability to provide care. I know there's a great one at CSU. Very reasonable cost for all the care she received and she had several people looking at her issue from different perspectives. Plus they generally have all the equipment and other things needed right on hand to handle anything.
Good point on Ag schools being a resource.
Good luck with your pup BG.
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StagLefty
08-21-2016, 10:11
Hope all turns to the good side !!!
OldFogey
08-21-2016, 10:19
Good luck to you and Lola. CSU vet school did right by my dog back when I was in school. They rock.
laportecharlie
08-21-2016, 11:51
Those of us in NE Colorado are blessed to have CSU Teaching Hospital nearby. By no means cheap, but some of the best animal care available anywhere.
C
Prayers for Ms. Lola. Get well soon little gal!
An IV with lots of Immunoglobulin (Gamma globulin) can help jump start the platelets.
Thrombocytopenia can kill fast.
Check her gums and make sure her soft tissues are not bleeding.
Good luck and good wishes to you guys.
Those of us in NE Colorado are blessed to have CSU Teaching Hospital nearby. By no means cheap, but some of the best animal care available anywhere.
C
We were just talking about this a few days ago. Great resource but many think that it's 'free' or cheap because it's a teaching school and it's certainly anything but. They've got resources at their disposal that most vets simply can't provide but that will come at a price and at times that price is steep. Agreed with the subject of this thread though if your vet doesn't seem to know or simply isn't meeting your expectations to speed or solutions then a teaching school if you have one nearby is a wonderful resource. Hope your pup makes a full and speedy recovery.
Bailey Guns
08-29-2016, 17:21
Lola didn't make it. She went in for surgery today and the mass on her spleen had ruptured. The cancer was in her liver and other organs. The doc just put her to sleep on the operating table.
I'll miss her terribly. Best cuddler ever.
The photo is from Dec 2007...right after she came home to us. She looked different now. The pretty brown face had turned gray and the wild hair on her back was long gone. She was just a pretty, old girl.
Lola:
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt337/baileyguns/DSC_0057_zpsa6ggbw5u.jpg
Honey Badger282.8
08-29-2016, 17:25
Damn sorry to hear.
I'm sorry buddy. :-(
Rest easy Lola.
Zundfolge
08-29-2016, 19:08
The little buggers just worm their way in, don't they?
Sorry for your loss.
buffalobo
08-29-2016, 19:19
Sorry to hear the sad news BG.
Good on you for the rescue many years ago. A little effort and a few dollars are a cheap price for the love they give for the rest of their lives.
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I hate this kind of news. Sorry for your loss.
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68Charger
08-29-2016, 19:22
Sorry for loss, RIP Lola
killianak9
08-29-2016, 20:34
So sorry to hear[emoji1317]
StagLefty
08-29-2016, 20:48
Sorry about Lola RIP
Oh, no!
I am so sorry for your loss. Our furry family members are forever in our hearts.
She was a cute little dickens! And you gave her a wonderful home.
theGinsue
08-29-2016, 23:05
Very sorry to hear of your loss brother. No more pain for Lola.
3beansalad
08-30-2016, 07:11
My condolences on your loss. There is no substitute for the love and companionship of a good dog.
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:( I'm very sorry for your loss. This stuff hits me right in the feels, every time.
Stopped reading... allergies and such.
Sorry for you loss BG.
I'm sure she went knowing she was loved
HoneyBadger
08-30-2016, 10:39
Sorry BG. I'm sure Lola is irreplaceable. :(
I have been trying to stay away from this thread because I was afraid of what I was going to hear. Losing a special dog is so much more traumatic than ever imagined. As you can tell by my avatar picture of Eddie, JRT’s are close to my heart. To this day we are afraid to even replace him because it would be unfair to always compare. I hope you have better days ahead and things to keep your mind occupied, because time to sit think will result in tears. Mine too was a rescue dog and after almost $10K at the vet he did not make his tenth birthday. I would spend another $10K tomorrow to have had another month with him. Just take comfort in knowing you saved Lola and gave her a wonderful life.
Fentonite
08-30-2016, 22:27
I'm truly sorry for your loss.
Bailey Guns
08-31-2016, 06:25
I appreciate the sentiments. I know most, if not all, of you have been there probably more times than you care to remember. It's hard dealing with the loss, time after time, but worth it. There's gotta be another little girl out there that needs a home and a lap to lay on, if only for a short time. I realized some time ago that must be my purpose here in this life...to provide a home and care for dogs in need. And that's OK with me.
And so the search begins again.
Bailey Guns
08-31-2016, 06:33
I have been trying to stay away from this thread because I was afraid of what I was going to hear. Losing a special dog is so much more traumatic than ever imagined. As you can tell by my avatar picture of Eddie, JRT’s are close to my heart. To this day we are afraid to even replace him because it would be unfair to always compare. I hope you have better days ahead and things to keep your mind occupied, because time to sit think will result in tears. Mine too was a rescue dog and after almost $10K at the vet he did not make his tenth birthday. I would spend another $10K tomorrow to have had another month with him. Just take comfort in knowing you saved Lola and gave her a wonderful life.
I understand how you feel. But there's another one out there that needs you. You're not replacing Eddie...you're helping another pup that desperately needs it. I've lost 4 "Eddies" since 2010...and each one takes a part of my heart and soul when they pass. But each one also needed my help and I just can't say "no" to a little dog in need. You'll find yourself comparing others to Eddie all the time...but not in a bad way. It'll be in a way that brings back fond memories of your buddy. Find another pup. Your life, and a needy dog's life, will be happier for it.
BuckeyeNative
09-03-2016, 17:33
Sorry about your loss.
I'm sorry to hear this Bailey, if you need anything just hit me up.
Bailey Guns
09-05-2016, 19:10
It sucks. Still miss her but working through it. Probably another girl in my (not-too-distant) future. We'll see.
We're left with the 15 or 16 year old deaf and nearly blind JRT, an 8 year old neurotic JRT and an 8 month old blue heeler...all males. I've never really bonded with any male dogs we've had...always the girls. The girls have always been the special ones in our pack.
Thanks to all for all the kind words. I know you've all been there.
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