I am very saddened to report that my furbaby canine princess, Koira Sioux, is not doing well. She had an ultrasound yesterday which revealed a tumor in her liver. One more test, a needle biopsy, would confirm if it's cancer not, but the Vet is 99.9% sure it is, so I don't see the point of putting Koira through any more tests, since it will not change the outcome. She's not going to have any surgery, chemo or radiation; I'm just not putting her through that at her age (11 1/2 years), so what is the point of continuing w/more tests? The Vet agrees w/me; he said if she were his dog, he would do the same.
So, we're are going to keep her comfortable. She will have a special liver enhancing diet and take supplements. The good news (if there is any in all of this) is that it doesn't appear to have spread to her kidney, stomach, colon or other organs for the moment, and her liver functions appear fine. I asked the Vet if we are talking weeks or months, he said months, so we're just going to go one day at a time and keep her comfortable. She's eating, peeing and pooping ok and does not appear to be in pain (other than the arthritis). She's just as mischievous as ever and was barking at the Vet, which he thought was very funny.
He told me what the signs and symptoms would be when the end is near, and I'll deal with that at the time.
So, those of us with furbabies always know in the back of our minds that this day will come, but when it's here, there is no preparation. The important thing is, she doesn't know she's sick; that's the one saving grace of being a pet, they have no concept of their own mortality.
Some of you had the pleasure of actually meeting Koira Sioux at various peep meets. Right now, we'd both appreciate virtual hugs, well wishes, prayers, kind thoughts, or whatever you have to spare.
Having met Koira, I can can attest that she is a sweet wonderful love. I know this news in not unexpected but it doesn't make the situation any less heartbreaking. I am crying for you right now, Suomi, because I know how much you love her and how much she loves you.
Prayers for both of you as you face the future. For Koira to feel no pain so she can exuberantly experience life. For you, dear friend, as you shoulder this burden of knowing. May you find joy admidst your grief, somehow, some way.
So sorry to hear that. Our oldest cat is finishing up a month long round of steroids to see how it might help with a mass he has. We are hoping the fact that we haven't needed to give him pain meds in over a week (we waited until we knew he had pain) and he still hasn't cried is a positive sign. DH was scared the other day because Loki was acting very lethargic, that was the day after the ceiling came crashing down in our bathroom so I think he was just stressed out about that and he is returning to his normal. It is a scary thing and I send you *hugs* as you go through this.
So sorry to hear that. Our oldest cat is finishing up a month long round of steroids to see how it might help with a mass he has. We are hoping the fact that we haven't needed to give him pain meds in over a week (we waited until we knew he had pain) and he still hasn't cried is a positive sign. DH was scared the other day because Loki was acting very lethargic, that was the day after the ceiling came crashing down in our bathroom so I think he was just stressed out about that and he is returning to his normal. It is a scary thing and I send you *hugs* as you go through this.
How are things going for you and Koira? Looks like our Loki is getting worse again. DH thinks this may be the time to make the decision to let him go. I am out of town so this makes me exceptionally sad. Loki was DH's cat so I have only known him for 1.5 years but I am still quite attached to him and his personality. We do know that we will not let it get to point of where he was last time. He was better by the end of treatment but it took a while for it to help any.
My heart goes out to all of you, but especially to Loki. It's such a dificult decision because, unlike w/humans, animals can't express their wishes and desires on how they want their end time to be carried out. Perhaps, he can make it until your return, so your DH can have you their for support. But, if poor Loki is in such distress, well, your DH will have to do the best he can. It's heartbreaking, I know.
Thank you for asking about Koira. A month after her diagnosis, I am grateful to report that she is not exhibiting any ill effects from her illness. She's eating, eliminating, and just as feisty as ever. Except for the arthritis, she doesn't look or act sick at all. I don't know how long she has, but we cherish every moment.
That is where DH and I both are, we just wish that he could tell us what he wants. He is beginning to think that Loki being lethargic and stuff was him trying to tell us he doesn't want to do with this anymore. I knew with three cats and a dog we would eventually have to deal with this but I just didn't want it to be now.
That is where DH and I both are, we just wish that he could tell us what he wants. He is beginning to think that Loki being lethargic and stuff was him trying to tell us he doesn't want to do with this anymore. I knew with three cats and a dog we would eventually have to deal with this but I just didn't want it to be now.
It's always too soon. Our furry friends go way too quickly.
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"Yabba Dabba Doo" - Frederick J. Flintstone... So what?
(Judd Nelson as Atty. Robin 'Stormy' Weathers in "From the Hip")
That is where DH and I both are, we just wish that he could tell us what he wants. He is beginning to think that Loki being lethargic and stuff was him trying to tell us he doesn't want to do with this anymore. I knew with three cats and a dog we would eventually have to deal with this but I just didn't want it to be now.
It's always too soon. Our furry friends go way too quickly.
It's the only down side, and I mean the ONLY down side to having an animal companion.