Thursday, February 17, 2011

More Bad News for our Fur Baby

For those who follow the blog, you're aware our elder fur baby has had a rough year. First we thought he had prostate cancer. Several procedures and a surgery later informed us that thankfully that was not the case. His prostate does become inflamed now and then, so we monitor him with medication. 

A few days ago I noticed Ceasar was vomiting up his food, sometimes two or three times per day.  After the fourth day, we took him into the vet. Some blood work showed abnormalities so they did an X-Ray and we received very unexpected, bad news. Ceasar's heart is seriously enlarged, which is putting pressure on his diaphragm. In other words, he's in congestive heart failure.

We are going to put him on medications to see if we can't mask the symptoms and give him some extra time, but it's tough.  Right now, he's not suffering.  Sure, he's a bit lethargic and not his usual perky self (see picture above), but otherwise he's the same dog we've had since my husband and I married (the pooch had been with my husband for several years before I came into the picture). 

You never realize how attached you become to your pets until situations like these arise.  I'm just hoping we can keep him around for as long as possible. Being powerless to do anything more just plain sucks. 

13 comments:

latishajean said...

I know you love them so much I lost my kitty sammy a few months ago ! They are part of you in everything you do. Im very sorry very cute dog!

J.A. Saare / Aline Hunter said...

Hey ;) Yeah, it's hard. I'm sorry about your kitty. Thanks. He's a big baby.

Shelly said...

Oh Jamie, i'm so sorry to hear about your fur baby. Hopefully, the meds will keep him comfortable for as long as possible.

J.A. Saare / Aline Hunter said...

Thanks, Shelly. It's hard. It really is. I just hope we have a bit more time with him. :)

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Oh I'm so sorry to hear this. Hopefully the meds will at least make him feel much better. My pup has low thyroid and we found it on a fluke. I'm thinking he had it for a long time and he's only 3. So, yep... I know what it is to worry about a furbaby. Hugs to the family!

Michelle R said...

Things I Learned From My Dog

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.


Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.


When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.


Let others know when they've invaded your territory.


Take naps and stretch before rising.


Run, romp, and play daily.


Thrive on attention and let people touch you.


Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.


On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.


On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.


When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.


No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout... run right back and make friends.


Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.


Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.


Be loyal.


When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle
them gently.

Lawfrog said...

That kind of news is so hard to hear. HUGS!!

Mary Kirkland said...

I'm so sorry your fur baby is having medical problems. It's so hard when our little animal babies get sick or have medical problems. My heart felt sympathy is with you.

J.A. Saare / Aline Hunter said...

I wanted to thank all of you for the well wishes and comments. He's home and he's doing okay. :)

oreoparris said...

Work is nuts so not a lot of personal computer time. So sorry to hear about Ceasar's health issues. I know for me, my cat is just another member of the family. Its tough when their ages catch up to them and there is not much you can do to help. My sympathies.

Marianne Arkins said...

It's so freaking hard to lose a fur-baby... they love us unconditionally, they are always there whether we're happy or sad, they don't judge, just put a paw up to hold our hand.

It NEVER gets any easier. And we never quit missing them once they're gone. I wish I had words of comfort ... but all I can send you are hugs.

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said...

Hey hon. I do hope the meds are working for you. It's so hard to watch you loved pets go through this.

I hope the kids are holding up. It's hard for them.

Wishing you and your little fur buddy love and luck.

MamaKitty said...

We had to have our cat Sam put down last summer because his heart was enlarged. We wanted to do medication, but it wasn't an option; he was too far gone. :( I know watching your pet go through something like this isn't easy, but he's lucky that he's got such good parents. Keeping y'all in my thoughts & prayers. xoxo