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Post by Caitlyn & Tank on May 4, 2014 8:22:30 GMT -7
I have a 5 year old male doxie named Tank. He fell off the bed the other nighy and I could tell he was sore. So I took him to the vet and they put him on Rimadyl and Tramadol. After we got home from the vet he ended up losing movement in his back legs. He cant walk or even stand up. He is on strict crate rest. I'm having a hard time with this because he is my bestfriend and I can not afford surgery for him. I have considered a wheelchair to see how he does with that. Please pray for my baby boy.
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Kim & Querida
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Querida has been doing much better, till this morning
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Post by Kim & Querida on May 4, 2014 10:03:45 GMT -7
I think he should have been put on Prednisone. Call vet asap, or find another vet that will consider Prednisone. My girl wasn't using 1 1/2 weeks ago, and now she can bear weight and walks like a drunk but getting tons better. I use a sling for potty time and she is crated 24/7
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 4, 2014 11:26:34 GMT -7
Caitlyn welcome to Dodgerslist. Never give up, stay focused, stay postitive and stay strong! You and Tank will get through this bump in the road of life. Education will play a critical role in helping Tank. In the next couple of days do start your reading program here: www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htm Self education is what protects and ensures Tank gets the right help and helps to lesson alot of worry. Consideration when changing anti-inflammatories Often a vet will use a NSAID such as Rimadyl when there are very mild signs of pain only and slight neuro diminishment. It it important to keep a vet in the loop about your observations and worsening symptoms. When there is loss of leg use moving to loss of bladder control a vet may deem that an emergency and want to change classes of anti-inflammatories. This is a serious consideration to make as switching without a 4-7 day washout from a NSAID to the most powerful of anti-inflammatories-- a steroid such a prednisone can increase potential damage to the GI tract. So a vet will use TWO protectors Pepcid AC (famotidine) PLUS sucralfate. You may want to discuss with an ER vet today. More background reading for fullest understanding of anti-inflammatories. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmJust so you know how nerves are affected and know what to monitor for.... As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions. 1. Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord 2. Wobbly walking, legs cross 3. Nails scuffing floor 4. Paws knuckle 5. Legs do not work (paralysis, dog is down) 6. Bladder control is lost 7. Tail wagging with joy is lost 8. Deep pain sensation, the last neuro function. This function is often incorrectly assessed by a general DVM. It does not mean that nerves would not be able to self-heal and at some point return of bladder and and leg use. Good card to d/l and carry with you as reference: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/MedCard.pdf
-- What was the date you saw the vet and 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 for this current disc episode? Guessed it was May 2nd?
-- Is there still currently pain - shivering, trembling, yelping when picked up or moved, reluctant/slow to move head or body, tight hard tummy? Tramadol alone usually is not enough to control pain. So you will want to bone up on meds incase you need to advocate for needed pain relievers: Before discussing pain meds, these articles can give you good background information: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htm
-- How much does Tank weigh? What are the exact names of meds currently given, their doses in mg's and frequencies? Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason my dog may not take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in stomach protection by giving doxies 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours. www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htm
-- Eating and drinking OK? How are poops today- normal color and firmness, no dark or bright red blood?
-- Currently can Tank move the legs at all? or wag the tail when you do some happy talk?
-- Do you find wet bedding or leaks on you when lifted up? The proof there is still bladder control is the "sniff and pee" test. Carry outdoors, set on an old pee spot to sniff it. See if urine is then released. Make sure the sling or your hands are not on the tummy area as that can press on the bladder. If urine comes out after sniffing, bladder control is still there. Let us know what you observe. If he is leaking (overflowing bladder) then you will get more out of the lesson today at ER by first reviewing this video and info: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm
-- If there is pain or neuro diminishment, dogs can benefit greatly with acupuncture or laser light therapy. These therapies can be be started right away to help relieve pain and to also to kick start energy production in nerve cells to sprout. So if this therapy is in your budget, seek out a holistic vet. ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html www.serenityvetacupuncture.com/index.php/faq_/ [one vet's overview/prices] Chiropractic is not recommended for IVDD dogs.
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Post by Caitlyn & Tank on May 5, 2014 14:36:10 GMT -7
Tank weighs 13lbs and is taking *1/4 of a 50mg tablet lf Tramadol twice a day. *1/3 of a 25mg tablet of Rimadyl twice a day. I called his vet today to let them know that he still can not stand up. Because he cant not use his back legs at all.. They vet told me to keep giving him his medicine and crate rest. I asked about prednisone and was told that is an option for later treatment.. He is going to the bathroom all though I do have to help him..he eats a little bit but doesn't have much of an appetite. He's starting to act sad because he wants to be able to walk. It breaks my heart. He does get excited and want to lick my hand when I pet him but it unable to wag his tail. Tank also has a leaky bladder, he dribbles a little bit but licks it up from his cage and tries to eat his poop. Although I clean it up before he can. Is this normal? Praying for a full recovery for my baby!
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Sabrina
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My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
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Post by Sabrina on May 5, 2014 19:43:48 GMT -7
Hi Caitlyn, I'm Sabrina. So glad that you have found your way to Dodger'sList! Here is one of the most encouraging articles - it helped me so much when my little guy was first diagnosed: YES, Your Dog CAN Have a Great Quality of Life! www.dodgerslist.com/index/SDUNCANquality.htmIf you haven't already, here are some things to speak with your vet about asap (or whoever is on call, if it's after hours where you are): Stomach Protection: Did you ask your vet if Tank is ok'd to be on Pepcid AC? ---Not wanting to eat is a red flag that there is GI trouble brewing (GI troubles can be caused by anti-inflammatory meds and also the stress/pain of a disc episode itself). Tank needs stomach protection asap so that any GI trouble can be nipped in the bud! Pain: "Acting sad" can be a sign of pain. ---Is Tank showing any other signs? E.g.: holding the head in an unusual position...head held high or nose to the ground, shivering/trembling, not wanting to move much or moving gingerly, yelping, tight/tense stomach muscles, holding leg up flamingo style...not wanting to bear weight on the leg, just not their usual perky-interested-in-life self. ---Tramadol has a very short half-life, and typically needs to be given every 8hrs (3x/day) in order to provide complete pain relief. If you observe any pain, speak with your vet and ask if the vet will prescribe Tank's Tramadol to be given every 8hrs. Tank doesn't have bladder control - have you been able to express his bladder? If so, how often are you expressing? Leaks/dribbles are signs that his bladder isn't being fully expressed. It can take several "hands over your hands" lessons at the vet to learn how to fully express Tank's bladder. After studying the info/videos Paula linked, don't hesitate to get into your vet's for another lesson if Tank is still leaking/dribbling. The link also gives info about getting onto a schedule for expressing poo - dogs hate to have waste in their sleeping area, and getting on a schedule will help you keep Tank's crate free of poo. There is a great page on the main Dodger'sList site that overviews the 4 Phases of Healing from a Disc Episode: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm I've found it to be such a great resource to read and re-read! Medications for = ---Phase 1: total pain control dose to dose of pain meds, while ---Phase 2: the anti-inflammatory resolves the swelling/inflammation causing the pain. Time and the Body work to = ---Phase 3: develop secure scar tissue over the 8wks of 100% strict crate rest to protect the healing disc(s) ---Phase 4: regain neurological function, which can happen weeks, months, or years later. The great thing is that there is no "expiration date" for healing nerves! www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingnerves.htm))Hugs!(( Hang in there! We are here to support you as you care for Tank!
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Post by Caitlyn & Tank on May 6, 2014 6:47:40 GMT -7
I haven't talked to the vet about stomach protection. Tank will eat treats and he eats his dog food if I mix it with water to soften it up. But won't eat it hard. Sometimes I do believe that he is still in pain. He does act differently then when he is feeling okay. Sometimes he does shiver, I don't know if he's cold or in pain when he's doing this. He does constantly want under a blanket. He has always been this way. Is it possible that his medicine and doses aren't working for his pain? He is losing his bladder control. I've noticed he wets the bed sometimes. I have expressed his bladder. Every couple hours. He does go quite a bit when I do this. Is it normal that he isn't able to control it? Because I'm kind of freaking out because of it. I'm not sure how to help him poop though. He goes a little bit every once in a while on his own. But I'm sure he needs to go more. I'm having a hard time seeing Tank this way. He is my bestfriend and it breaks my heart to see him unable to walk..but I want to give a huge thank you to everyone on dodgers list. You guys are helping me tremendously. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on May 6, 2014 8:51:14 GMT -7
Caitlyn, it is important that you get on the phone with your vet asap and discuss the signs you are seeing. Pain should not be tolerated. Your vet has lots of room for additional pain relief for Tank. Gabapentin is a medication that works synergistically with Tramadol and has been shown to be very effective in controlling pain. Remember that true healing cannot begin until pain is controlled from dose to dose.
I reviewed your posts and I couldn't see if Tank had bladder control and is losing it or if he had lost it from the beginning. If he did have it and has lost it that is a sign of reduced neuro function and you need to contact your vet asap. However, if he hasn't had bladder control since the beginning, the leaking can be a sign that he needs to be expressed a bit more frequently or you aren't able to empty his bladder fully when you express it. Don't be afraid to contact your vet to do a hands on demonstration of the best way to express his bladder.
It is so hard to see our babies suffering, we all get that. The most important thing is to ensure that Tank is pain free so he can recover. Please let us know what your vet says ((HUGS))
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Post by Caitlyn & Tank on May 6, 2014 11:33:24 GMT -7
He has an appointment with the vet on friday, because of money problems thats the soonest i can get him in with his vet because they dont do payments..But im not sure if he should go sooner. Because now he is whining when I lift up his tail and there is a puslike substance coming from his rectum when he poops, and he only goes a tiny bit once in a while... This is the hardest thing ive ever been through.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 6, 2014 12:13:37 GMT -7
Caitlyn, call the vet on the phone today. You will be doing the job you are supposed to do which is to be the eyes and ears for your vet... he depends on you. Report your observation of pain of not being himself and that you are finding urine leaks meaning there is loss of nerve function. Any vet would definately want that report asap so they would have a chance to adjust meds if possible to deal with nerve loss. Tramadol could be given at an increased dose and more often than 2x/day...so your vet does have options he has not used to relieve pain. There should not be a charge to bring Tank in today to get a hands on top of your hands type of expressing lesson from the vet tech. Do be up front about your finances and pointedly ask the vet how much for an expressing lesson by the vet tech because you are short on money til Fri's appt. Expressing is a health issue. You will get more out of the lesson by watching this video first: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm and having Tank drink 1/8-1/4 cup of water an hour before the lesson. While on the phone of course report your observation of the pus. He will need to know if it is clear, white, yellow, etc. It could be something as mild as needing anal glands expressed.... you just don't know until describe things to the vet. Is the poop hard, too firm? A microwaved and mashed white potato has alot of fiber and with additional liquid it can help to soften stools if it is too firm.. 1 teaspoon of massed potato 1x/day PLUS each of his kibble meals soaked in equal parts water as kibble can help to loosen stool, make it easier to poop. While on the phone get permission to get Pepcid AC on board. The brand X at the grocery store is much cheaper than the brand name Pepcid AC. Have the grocery store pharmacist help you find a 10mg brand X tablet with only 1 active ingredient: famotidine. A 10 mg tablet will be easiest to cut in half for the 5mg 2x/day dose. I'm sorry there are so many things going on for you to make this difficult. Do, however, know that within you... you have everything you need to be able to dig down deep, stay the course as you help Tank. Maybe call in some favors from a friend, a family member for a small temporary loan til Fri, if it ends up a vet visit is needed today, trade a future babysitting job for cash now. Stay in touch on what the vet says.
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Post by Caitlyn & Tank on May 6, 2014 13:33:48 GMT -7
Okay I have been going to a vet out of town but because of money being an issue with me I have had a few family members recommend a vet here in town. I was told he is excellent with animals and is very helpful with payment plans. Tank now has an appointment for tomorrow at 4:15. I do plan on asking about his pain medication because he seems to be in pain when I touch his back end to help him go to the bathroom. So obviously the medicine he is on and the doses are not good for him. What exactly does the stomach medicine do for him? Thank you for your time and concern!
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Post by Jean & Mimi on May 6, 2014 14:16:24 GMT -7
Caitlyn, The FDA and manufacturer pkg insert indicate gastrointestinal problems are side effects of using NSAIDs. The natural defenses of the stomach to shield against stomach acid is hindered when taking NSAIDs. Serious gastrointestinal toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, can occur at any time, with or without warning symptoms. Pepcid can help protect the stomach from these types of issues. Phrase the question to your vet this particular way:" Is there a medical/health reason for my dog not take Pepcid?" If there is no reason, we follow vets who are proactive in stomach protection by giving doxies 5mg Pepcid (famotidine) 30 minutes before the NSAID. Pepcid is generally considered a safe-over-the-counter suppressor of stomach acid production for a healthy dog and good insurance. Dogs don't speak up at first signs of trouble like a person would. By the time we notice black or red blood in the stools, things can quickly go from bleeding ulcers to a life threatening perforated stomach. We ask that all members read about each med their dog is on or may take as a safety measure. This directory is in alpha order: www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.htmwww.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/stomachProtection.htm
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Post by Caitlyn & Tank on May 7, 2014 15:10:18 GMT -7
Tank went to an animal hospital today. His bladder was extended because of not being able to go. She said he has a bladder infection already. He lost his pain perception. Couldn't feel a thing. Then she told me there is no hope for him to recover and she thinks its time to euthanize him. I can't stop crying. He's my bestfriend. I don't know what to do. Help.
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Post by Linda Stowe on May 7, 2014 15:32:03 GMT -7
Caitlyn Its way too early to know if he'll regain deep pain and how far he will come. We have had several who have lost deep pain and came back. This was posted on our Facebook page today by Kristen (look under posts by others) : Here's my Lola standing and walking in the yard! She's come so far from her <10% prognosis in July of ever walking again. The surgeon said it was highly unlikely that she'd regain deep pain sensation or walk on her own, but she does both! She's done so well that our vet that does her acupuncture is writing a research paper! She's getting stronger and walking more each week! Don't give up IVDD parents!
Lola did have surgery, but like I said, we have seen those with conservative come back too. Even if Tank never comes back he can still lead a wonderful, happy life. Look at Paula's Clark and many other dogs on our Facebook page. If you euthanize, you will never know what he may be able to do. My favorite poem that says it all to me:
Because I'm "just a dog" you see. I don't sigh and say "Why me?" I just face it - go on living And play the hand that I've been given.
I need you more now, that is true For there are things I just can't do. The ball you throw I cannot catch I can't even lift my leg to scratch.
It's embarrassing a little, that I may need your help to piddle But if our roles were in reverse. I'd be proud to be your nurse.
But hey, I love you more than ever, Me give up? Well yeah, like never! I don't regret what cannot be, With you, my friend, I'll just be me!
I'm still me within my soul Where it counts, I still am whole. My back is bent, and I'm quite lame but in my heart I'm still the same.
Julie Smith for Dodgerslist #IVDD #Dachshund
Please give Tank a chance to heal. We'll be here to help you.
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Post by Caitlyn & Tank on May 7, 2014 17:16:05 GMT -7
My question is..what about his bladder infection? She did give him an antibiotic for a week. But now when I try to help him go to the bathroom he whines and wiggles because it hurts him. I don't know what to do. And I also don't know how to help him poop?
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Post by Pauliana on May 7, 2014 19:35:14 GMT -7
Hi Caitlyn, Let the vet know that Tank is sore when expressing. It could be the antibiotic isn't the right one to get rid of the infection. They can always try a different antibiotic.. As for expressing poop, here is the video that explains how to handle that..The good news is auto reflex causes all the poop to come out on its own. All you need to do is figure out your dachsie's schedule so you can act before surprise poop ends up on the floor: Here is our link on expressing bladder and bowel. Lots of info here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htmComforting thoughts headed your way..
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 7, 2014 19:40:35 GMT -7
Try a warm towel from the dryer on his tummy before expressing. That may help the tummy muscles to relax. Expressing should not cause yelps of pain. Are you expressing indoors where there are no distractions... express in the tub or shower stall with a rubber traction mat or on a peed pad.
Let us know you now have Pepcid AC (famotidine) on board.... Tank doesn't need any other problems to deal with on top of his disc problem.
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Post by Caitlyn & Tank on May 8, 2014 11:58:41 GMT -7
Tank went to his original vet today and he didnt even mention euthanazing him. He correctly demonstrated how to express his bladder and gave him something to soften his stools..Tank has lost his pain perception and as the vet said it isn't good he still has seen dogs recover. Hoping my Tanky can recover!
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 8, 2014 19:47:26 GMT -7
Do you have Pepcid AC now on board? What is the name of the stool softner?
We never loose hope here at Dodgerslist. Cause we know it IS in the cards for dogs to get back to enjoying life after 8 weeks even if it means they need a bit of assist with a wheelchair while waiting on more nerve healing to happen.
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Post by Caitlyn & Tank on May 10, 2014 14:06:53 GMT -7
Tank was euthanized today. He had the disease that eats his spine until it eventually suffocates him. It took all I had to do this today but I couldn't stand to see him suffer. I don't know how to go on without him. I miss him more then anything and I just want him back.. This is the worst day ever. Why did I have to lose my baby?
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 10, 2014 14:31:14 GMT -7
Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear animal companion will follow a path you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go. “Godspeed, good friend,” we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again. Crystal Kent www.journeyforanimals.com/html/read-the-journey.html
Oh, Caitlyn, my heart breaks for you. IVDD is not a fatal disease. But sometimes another disease follows. Myelomalacia is a disease that can follow when the spinal cord is damaged whether after surgery, whether with a car accident. I lost my Lewis to it. It comes fast. So you absolutely did the right thing once identified. You gave the kindest but hardest of gifts to give...the release from a painful ending. Tank surely could feel your love and all the care you gave him. There is no cure for Myelomalacia. It is not something anyone did to cause it nor anything known to prevent it. In some cases after the spinal cord has been injured by a disc herniation, the chemical changes that happen after injury lead to a progressive ascending death of the spinal cord. As the spinal cord dies paralysis happens over several days and quickly leads to death from respiratory paralysis. There is more of an explanation here: here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Myelomalacia.pdfWhile alive Tank's wonderful qualities and love existed within him. Now he lives in your memory and heart and in the minds of those he touched and may touch in the future. When the time is right you may wish to help educate about IVDD on behalf of Tank, give him a legacy to touch those he never met! Ask Linda to send you a free packet of our educational brochures and cards to share with owners of breeds prone to IVDD: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htmThere is a new Facebook page for those who have lost dogs to myelomalacia www.facebook.com/groups/381150025318109/ if you feel like checking it out. There is a lovely website called the Dachshund Memorial Garden where you can pay tribute and even place a photo. Many touching poems to help in this time of grief: www.dachshundmemorialgarden.com((Warmest hugs)) with my sincere condolences and godspeed to sweet Tank. I know my Lewis is showing him around the Rainbow bridge as they both run pain free and happy til we meet them again in another life.
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Post by Caitlyn & Tank on May 10, 2014 15:47:57 GMT -7
It's definitely the hardest thing ive had to do. But once I knew about the disease I knew I had no choice but to help him go easy. I would love to hug him and tell him I love him again. I can't wait to see him again. He was my baby. Thank you for telling me about Lewis. I'm sorry you have been through the same thing.
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Post by Pauliana on May 10, 2014 20:15:37 GMT -7
Caitlyn, I was so sad to read your news of Tank's passing.. Sending comfort to you on this very sad day.. Hugs from Pauliana
The following poem is inspired by this Norse Legend
By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill, Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still. Where the friends of man and woman do run, When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next, Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest. On this golden land, they wait and they play, Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness, For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness. Their limbs are restored, their health renewed, Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care, Until one day they start, and sniff at the air. All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back, Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met; Together again, both person and pet. So they run to each other, these friends from long past, The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart, Has turned into joy once more in each heart. They embrace with a love that will last forever, And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.
written by-- Steve and Diane Bodofsky
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Lola & Hurley
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2 paralyses, 3 surgeries, 2 conservative treatments. Now walking :)
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Post by Lola & Hurley on May 11, 2014 1:31:56 GMT -7
Oh Caitlyn, twice I started writing to you, but I cried so much, I couldn't finish my post. I'll try again. My situation is not the same as yours since I've not yet lost my dog, but I relate to your sadness. There are no words to comfort you but knowing that you did what you had to do will in time make the pain go away and make room for those happy memories of times spent with Tank. Knowing that he will be sitting somewhere up on a cloud, looking down, wagging his tail, will give you the strength to get through this. He is not in pain anymore, and I know he loves you.
Love, Lola
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Post by Jean & Mimi on May 11, 2014 6:53:20 GMT -7
Caitlyn I am so so sorry for your loss. Please know that Tank felt your love and was so blessed to have you as his mom. You made the most loving decision in letting him go and ending his suffering. He is now waiting for you, running free, ears flapping and pain free. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Post by Caitlyn & Tank on May 11, 2014 16:35:20 GMT -7
Does it ever get easier? Ever. I can't handle my life without my baby. He's my best friend. My life. And now he's gone. My home isn't the same without him here. I can't eat or sleep at night without him. I feel like I failed him. Why couldn't I save him? Why did he have to go so soon? He was only 5. It's just not fair. I want to hug him. I miss his kisses. He use to lick my tears when I was upset but now he's gone. Forever. Now when I cry I cry alone. My world fell apart when I lost him. I wish he was at home..I miss my baby boy so much. Help me.
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Post by Stevie & Cleopatra on May 11, 2014 17:12:56 GMT -7
Hi Caitlyn, it DOES get easier, but right now it is necessary to grieve for the wonderful friend you have lost. You are right that it is not fair, but there was nothing you could do to save him, you did exactly the most loving thing possible by letting him go peacefully.
I know that your heart is broken, I have been there too. Eventually, you will be able to think of all the wonderful times you had with Tank without the profound pain you feel now. Just remember that you did the kindest and hardest thing possible by giving him peace. My heart goes out to you.
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on May 12, 2014 4:20:56 GMT -7
Dearest Caitlyn, there was nothing that you could have done. You didn't fail Tank in any way. IVDD is a terrible disease and if the spine is damaged badly enough when a disc ruptures, Myelomalacia can develop. At that point, there is nothing that doctors can do. Surgery would not have helped. It's heart breaking and unfair but there was nothing you could have done.
I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. Time does heal. Know that your Tank had a wonderful life with a loving friend and was so very lucky to have had your love. Far too many dogs never know love. Take comfort in knowing that you gave him a good life for the time that he was here on earth. My prayers are with you as you grieve for the loss of your dear friend. I don't know what your beliefs are but I believe that Tank is back with his creator and is surrounded by his creator's love and that you will see him again one day.
Blessings to you.
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on May 12, 2014 5:17:19 GMT -7
I'm so sorry for your loss, and to lose a furbaby in such a horrible way definitely feels like you've been cheated. I too lost a dog when he was only 4 from this disease, and it is NOT fair, and it is NOT ok because they should have had so many more years with us - so go ahead and cry and hurt because it's totally normal and healthy for you to grieve for your loss.
They really are our babies, and you did everything you could to take care of him. You were SELFLESS when you decided to let him go instead of leaving him in pain so you could have more time with him. It's one of the hardest decisions I have ever made in my life to help end the suffering of one of my furbabies, and I'm so sorry you had to go through this.
Stay on the board and post, and let us support you in this time of grief.
Time heals all wounds, give yourself time. Some day, and it doesn't feel like it now, you'll be able to think of Tank and smile and remember how much fun you guys had together in his time with you.
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Post by Caitlyn & Tank on May 12, 2014 7:57:01 GMT -7
I feel so weak and alone. I don't want to eat or sleep. I don't want to move, but I can't sit still. I miss Tank, his kisses, cuddling up to him at bed time. I wake up sweating and so upset because he's not here. I've never felt pain this bad. It hurts knowing he is gone forever. I'm so alone even with people around.
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 12, 2014 8:54:41 GMT -7
Caitlyn, I know a little of how your may heart ache not having Tank by your side! You are feeling all the normal things that go along with grieving the loss of a loved one. You may wish to join a pet grief group for support: www.dailystrength.org/c/Pet-Bereavement/support-groupCarmen's essay dealing with the loss of her Josie and the 5 stages of grieving: carmenhunterhealth.com/1/archives/11-2013/1.htmlI know for me choosing some sort of action helped in during the days of grieving. -- Create a scrapbook of your written feelings with photos of Tank -- Order our free business sized cards and hand them out to breeds prone to IVDD so that you are seeing Tank still carrying on with you as you help others. -- Don't hold back the tears, remind yourself you gave Tank the best ever care even to doing the right thing for him in making it possible to quickly go to the Rainbow bridge. No one did anything to cause Myelomalacia and nobody could cure it. Life is just not fair sometimes. -- Do know you will never get used to him not being with you, over time you just learn to cope, learn to live with the LOVE he left behind... your mind eventually will dwell on the lovely times you shared, the times he made you laugh. ((hugs))
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