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captainsblogThe older dog, who we were scared we'd find Really Bad Things about back a few months ago?
We didn't- at least not then. Her tumor wasn't any bigger, her weight and other vitals seemed good, and we breathed sighs of relief.
Now it's two months later- and the sighs are shorter. Pathologically, not much has changed, but subtleties have. She's licking the site of the tumor far more often. Although she can climb the three steps into the house from the backyard or garage, I haven't seen her able to climb up onto a sofa, love seat or (more ambitious) any bed in the house for several weeks. Plus, she's still fairly regular about needing to go out before morning feeding (4-not quite 5 a.m.), is much more vocal when she does bark to go in and out, and seems to be doing it more during the day when one or both of us is here- although we've still yet to witness an accident when we leave her inside for hours at a time.
Earlier today, we got a quote on upgrading our electrical service for the Smart car. More than I expected, way more than a similar upgrade cost 20-odd years ago in our last house. It wasn't the cost per se that worried me, but the risk that we might be looking at serious veterinary expense for this dog, either for surgery or for.... you know.... end of life care.
In the end, Eleanor agreed that we need to get more estimates and options on the electrical stuff. She also called the vet, and they weren't suggesting any immediate acute care procedures, long as she seems generally okay (mostly, yeah) and the tumor's not significantly changed (it's not). We have some Puppy Prozac that we keep on hand when company comes, for fireworks nights, and to get Tasha buzzed before vet visits (until a few years ago, she needed full sedation to get her through a routine checkup). They suggested starting with that before bedtime. They also have some Doggy Alzheimer-ish meds we can combine with that, or move to, if her mental condition seems to be deteriorating. Neither they nor we want to head for the extremes just yet, but still. I feel her pain- and feel for the neighbors who have to listen (along with me) as she seemingly barks at Nothing In Particular when she goes out in the early hours. We long ago passed the point of getting extra Time Off Purgatory on account of caring for her- she was an abused wreck of a puppy when she first came here and we've given her over a dozen years of good care and happiness.
But it still sucks, knowing that she's not completely the self we've known and loved so much.
We didn't- at least not then. Her tumor wasn't any bigger, her weight and other vitals seemed good, and we breathed sighs of relief.
Now it's two months later- and the sighs are shorter. Pathologically, not much has changed, but subtleties have. She's licking the site of the tumor far more often. Although she can climb the three steps into the house from the backyard or garage, I haven't seen her able to climb up onto a sofa, love seat or (more ambitious) any bed in the house for several weeks. Plus, she's still fairly regular about needing to go out before morning feeding (4-not quite 5 a.m.), is much more vocal when she does bark to go in and out, and seems to be doing it more during the day when one or both of us is here- although we've still yet to witness an accident when we leave her inside for hours at a time.
Earlier today, we got a quote on upgrading our electrical service for the Smart car. More than I expected, way more than a similar upgrade cost 20-odd years ago in our last house. It wasn't the cost per se that worried me, but the risk that we might be looking at serious veterinary expense for this dog, either for surgery or for.... you know.... end of life care.
In the end, Eleanor agreed that we need to get more estimates and options on the electrical stuff. She also called the vet, and they weren't suggesting any immediate acute care procedures, long as she seems generally okay (mostly, yeah) and the tumor's not significantly changed (it's not). We have some Puppy Prozac that we keep on hand when company comes, for fireworks nights, and to get Tasha buzzed before vet visits (until a few years ago, she needed full sedation to get her through a routine checkup). They suggested starting with that before bedtime. They also have some Doggy Alzheimer-ish meds we can combine with that, or move to, if her mental condition seems to be deteriorating. Neither they nor we want to head for the extremes just yet, but still. I feel her pain- and feel for the neighbors who have to listen (along with me) as she seemingly barks at Nothing In Particular when she goes out in the early hours. We long ago passed the point of getting extra Time Off Purgatory on account of caring for her- she was an abused wreck of a puppy when she first came here and we've given her over a dozen years of good care and happiness.
But it still sucks, knowing that she's not completely the self we've known and loved so much.
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no subject
Date: 2013-06-19 06:29 am (UTC)Perhaps there is something the dog can eat that will help reduce the size of the tumor. Dunno. I've only done research on humans. Something like propolis might help.
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Date: 2013-06-19 08:47 pm (UTC)