I have not been on the site much of late, my apologies for not being more active. It's been a crazy start to 2014. I sold our home, moved us in to a rental, found a home to buy, found people to sublet the home we are renting, assisted in the delivery of my son, all while working full-time, with the exception of a few days I took off for the birth. -such a busy time. Then about a week ago my dog Hemingway (who had a leg amputated late last year because of bone cancer and has undergone chemo) started uncontrollably shaking and his joints began to swell. Within hours he couldn't walk.
We took him to the vet and they were encouraged by what they saw. "We don't think its the cancer." -Apparently the fever and the swelling are more common in infections and not in cancer. So we put the little guy on broad spectrum antibiotics. After about a week of that we have no change. He won't eat and he's very depressed. I carry him outside to go to the bathroom etc. He's depressed. I've been to the vet several times with him to assess his progress. Here is the most recent email from our (amazing) veterinarian:
- Without a further workup I cant say for sure, but there is nothing else that makes sense at this point. With that in mind, I am concerned about his quality of life. I think we need to either make a decision to go further with diagnostics and treatment or consider humane euthanasia.
Just give me a call or email with how you think he is fairing and how you would like to proceed from here.
He has told me in consult that he doesn't think we should do any x-rays or work up to see where Hemingway's cancer is. All a work-up could do would be to confirm that it is, indeed the cancer doing this, at which point we don't really have any recourse except possibly more chemo, which would be much harsher than his first round and likely only give him a month or so of additional life. -"life" that would likely be painful.
Anyways, this sucks. The decision has largely fallen to me and I have decided to move forward with euthanasia. I'm not sure when this will happen, but it will be soon.
I'll likely be away from the site till our upcoming #hubskidrinkclub. -I'll need one.
EDIT: Thanks for the well wishes everyone.
Here is my all time favorite Hemingway photo:
caught red-handed.
Here he is with his "brother.":
Putting a dog down is a heavy decision, but I think you're right to consider his quality of life. I remember when you mentioned your dog got sick last year and were worried about what might happen if he got worse. It's a hard thing, but at least your son got to meet Hemingway.
Sorry homie. No fun indeed. Hopefully Harrison is still in good health.
Harry is good, I think he's a bit confused though.
You're making the right decision for Hemingway, in my opinion. Not that you need any confirmation or justification from me.
Vale Hemingway. Condolences, TNG. I know how painful making a decision like that can be.
Hang in there and enjoy what time you have left with Hemingway. I'm sorry to hear that and hope nothing but the best for you.
Recently lost the dog that I grew up with. My heart goes out to you and anyone dealing with any kind of loss of loved one, pets certainly included. I like to believe we'll all meet up, in the end.