Pets

[ShinbonerBaz]

Banjo walks like he is drunk, still no pain and he seems happy. Its not nice to watch, you do wonder.

I will give the chiro a shot thanks Sidebottom2Beams.

by the way, tried to upload a photo, said it was too big, will see if the kids can help

Get the kids to re-size the pic in just about any photo editing software, I think it can only be 1 meg max if you are using the "upload a file" tab. Would love to see him.

 

[Gabbie]

It is with great sadness in my heart that today my Clyde passed away. He was not in a good way..his internal organs were stuffed to say the least. I didn't want him to suffer and have zero quality of life so made a hard decision to take him on that one way trip to the Vet. There was nothing she could do for him and as it was He'd been living on borrowed time for the past 7 months. He's now up there in heaven with Bonnie and they are now able to run, and jump and chase cats. I'm going to miss him terribly as he was my best mate and it's so quiet here now...I still look down at the floor while typing away now and he's not there. He and Bonnie both had the best life on a tropical island after they came to me nearly 4 years ago as rescued dogs. R.I.P. CLYDE..

 

[ShinbonerBaz]

It is with great sadness in my heart that today my Clyde passed away. He was not in a good way..his internal organs were stuffed to say the least. I didn't want him to suffer and have zero quality of life so made a hard decision to take him on that one way trip to the Vet. There was nothing she could do for him and as it was He'd been living on borrowed time for the past 7 months. He's now up there in heaven with Bonnie and they are now able to run, and jump and chase cats. I'm going to miss him terribly as he was my best mate and it's so quiet here now...I still look down at the floor while typing away now and he's not there. He and Bonnie both had the best life on a tropical island after they came to me nearly 4 years ago as rescued dogs. R.I.P. CLYDE..

Very sorry to hear this Gab. Condolences to you on your loss, I can't imagine how terrible it must be to lose two close companions in such a short time. They were very lucky to have someone like you to rescue them. R.I.P. Clyde.

 

[Mr Reliable]

Very sorry, Gabbie. As a pet lover myself, I really feel for you right now.

 

[Horace]

It is with great sadness in my heart that today my Clyde passed away. He was not in a good way..his internal organs were stuffed to say the least. I didn't want him to suffer and have zero quality of life so made a hard decision to take him on that one way trip to the Vet. There was nothing she could do for him and as it was He'd been living on borrowed time for the past 7 months. He's now up there in heaven with Bonnie and they are now able to run, and jump and chase cats. I'm going to miss him terribly as he was my best mate and it's so quiet here now...I still look down at the floor while typing away now and he's not there. He and Bonnie both had the best life on a tropical island after they came to me nearly 4 years ago as rescued dogs. R.I.P. CLYDE..

Very sorry to read this Gabbie. It is just a very sad situation when you lose a dog or a cat or whatever the pet might be.

Growing up on a dairy farm we had a number of dogs over the years and saw them all one by one go until the last one, a terrific little Red Kelpie, just a few years old, was let off the lead one winters night, ran out on the road and got hit by a tandem trailer. After that we said enough is enough and never had another dog. Lots of cats though and all of our cows were pets and had (and the beef cattle offspring still there today) names and we hated losing them too.

 

[Dan]

It is with great sadness in my heart that today my Clyde passed away. He was not in a good way..his internal organs were stuffed to say the least. I didn't want him to suffer and have zero quality of life so made a hard decision to take him on that one way trip to the Vet. There was nothing she could do for him and as it was He'd been living on borrowed time for the past 7 months. He's now up there in heaven with Bonnie and they are now able to run, and jump and chase cats. I'm going to miss him terribly as he was my best mate and it's so quiet here now...I still look down at the floor while typing away now and he's not there. He and Bonnie both had the best life on a tropical island after they came to me nearly 4 years ago as rescued dogs. R.I.P. CLYDE..

Very sorry to hear this Gabbie, at least Bonnie has Clyde now for company. We all know what its like having those 4 legged guys around, they are like family. Dont hesitate to pm or post in here if ya need support Gabbie.

Hopefully one day you'll open your home and heart again to some new additions.

R.I.P Clyde

 

[rocker_oz33]

Sorry to hear about your loss gabbie i cant say what dan said any better.

 

[Gabbie]

Thanks all..it's been a hard week to say the least especially coming home and no happy face and tail wagging, no company while doing stuff in the garden, he knew when I would say "c'mon time to turn sprinklers on or let's do some gardening" and also knew when gardening finished when I turned off hose, he'd race around the back cos that was DINNER TIME. But I'm feeling more myself today..that win yesterday was what the doctor ordered.

 

[mark73]

It is with great sadness in my heart that today my Clyde passed away. He was not in a good way..his internal organs were stuffed to say the least. I didn't want him to suffer and have zero quality of life so made a hard decision to take him on that one way trip to the Vet. There was nothing she could do for him and as it was He'd been living on borrowed time for the past 7 months. He's now up there in heaven with Bonnie and they are now able to run, and jump and chase cats. I'm going to miss him terribly as he was my best mate and it's so quiet here now...I still look down at the floor while typing away now and he's not there. He and Bonnie both had the best life on a tropical island after they came to me nearly 4 years ago as rescued dogs. R.I.P. CLYDE..

We had the same problem with Kiko. One of the couple of Alaskan Malamutes that have past through these doors and the worst part was we took him off the hands of someone who treated him like shit and most likely contributed to his premature death. And I agree it's a horrible feeling.


He's actually up there now with two Bonnie's.

 

[Horace]

Little did I know that when I posted on this thread a couple of weeks ago that we would now be facing a horrible siutation with one of our two cats. We acquired Bella and Milo from a nearby veterinary practice about 9 years ago. Last Monday night Bella was very unwell with sudden swelling in her mouth which we initially thought was an abscess but when taken to the same vets the next morning,was diagnosed as a very aggressive tumour in the mouth called squamous cell carninoma.

There is s surgical procedure that can be undertaken where half the jaw is removed, known as a hemi mandibulectomy. In dogs the surgery is very successful however in cats it is nowhere near as successful. It is not so much a matter of successfully removing the tumour; the success factor lies in the fact that a number of cats never learn to eat again. They can however be fed via a tube in through the abdomen and provided the tumour has all been removed the cat can have a reasonble chance of a normal life expectancy.

Nevertheless we decided to have the surgery done and this morning took her to a specialist veterinary hospital in Moorabbin where they do this surgery. Unfortunately when they performed further scans they discoverd that the tumour has spread across her jaw which will require approximately three quarters of her jaw to be removed. This means that it is almost certain that she will not regain the ability to eat.

My view remains unchanged. We should still go ahead with the surgery. Mrs. H differs significantly with that view. If the surgery is not undertaken Bella has at best about two months to live. Ms. H is extremely distraught however is tending to agree with Mrs. H.

I actually don't see that all that much has changed. Clearly Bella's quality of life will be diminished a little, but who are we to question whether she will be better off from a quality of life perspective?

As I think I also said in this thread, I grew up on a dairy farm. I have truly seen many cows (and one or two cats) come back literally from the dead and live well beyond what might have been expected at the height of their illness. We have always taken the view that you try whatever you can and if you fail well at least it isn't for trying. There have been some terribly sick animals that we have nursed back to full health over the years.

We have also had vets who have diagnosed very short lifespans for some of these animals. As an example one cow aged 13 was diagnosed with a twisted bowell, requiring surgery but was deemed to be too old to operate on. She was given a few days to live but miraculously the bowell righted itself and she eventually died at the age of 21.

I know I am going to get rolled on this by Mrs. H, who currently refuses to even listen to anything I try to say. (Not an unusual situation might I add.)

Does anyone have any view on this? Thanks.

 

[Dan]

Sad news Horace regarding Bella. All you and the family can do is weigh up the pro's/con's with the surgery. Other than that, their isn't really any proper advice I can offer. I've never lived in a household with a cat.

Hoping for the best for Bella

stay in touch.

 

[Horace]

Sad news Horace regarding Bella. All you and the family can do is weigh up the pro's/con's with the surgery. Other than that, their isn't really any proper advice I can offer. I've never lived in a household with a cat.

Hoping for the best for Bella

stay in touch.

Thanks Dan.

 

[ShinbonerBaz]

Very sorry to hear this Horace, we faced a similar decision about 10 years ago with our first cat, Tiger, who was suffering badly with a cancer which ate way most of his nose. It's always a hard decision to end the life of a much loved companion and family member, but in our case, poor Tiger, was at tipping point with regards to quality of life and he had a good innings at 15. It's obviously a purely personal decision and I would never be critical of any choice you make mate, having said that though, my personal opinion, all things considered, would be to side with Mrs and Ms H. I don't envy your position and you, your family and Bella have my best wishes. Good luck.

 

[Horace]

Very sorry to hear this Horace, we faced a similar decision about 10 years ago with our first cat, Tiger, who was suffering badly with a cancer which ate way most of his nose. It's always a hard decision to end the life of a much loved companion and family member, but in our case, poor Tiger, was at tipping point with regards to quality of life and he had a good innings at 15. It's obviously a purely personal decision and I would never be critical of any choice you make mate, having said that though, my personal opinion, all things considered, would be to side with Mrs and Ms H. I don't envy your position and you, your family and Bella have my best wishes. Good luck.

Thanks mate. I suppose the bit that I find hardest is that in Bella's case, at age 9, if not for the cancer she still should have a good 4 to 6 years. If she was 15 like Tiger was, the decision is not quite as dreadful. Not that there is ever anything less than dreadful in these situations.

 

[Saintly31]

Thanks mate. I suppose the bit that I find hardest is that in Bella's case, at age 9, if not for the cancer she still should have a good 4 to 6 years. If she was 15 like Tiger was, the decision is not quite as dreadful. Not that there is ever anything less than dreadful in these situations.

Very sorry to hear that Horace. My parents Golden Retriever was put down very recently (I also spent a lot of time with her) and know how hard these decisions are.

My view is the same as yours. Considering her age I would do the surgery and take it as comes after that for the reasons you have outlined previously, - I think you will know then if Bella can cope OK with her situation or not, she might as you say. Still, it is entirely your family's decision of course - good luck.

 

[Saintly31]

Very sorry to hear this Gabbie, at least Bonnie has Clyde now for company. We all know what its like having those 4 legged guys around, they are like family. Dont hesitate to pm or post in here if ya need support Gabbie.

Hopefully one day you'll open your home and heart again to some new additions.

R.I.P Clyde

Well said Dan.

Gabbie, sorry to hear of the loss of Clyde, and hope each day that passes makes it easier in dealing with your loss.

 

[Horace]

Very sorry to hear that Horace. My parents Golden Retriever was put down very recently (I also spent a lot of time with her) and know how hard these decisions are.

My view is the same as yours. Considering her age I would do the surgery and take it as comes after that for the reasons you have outlined previously, - I think you will know then if Bella can cope OK with her situation or not, she might as you say. Still, it is entirely your family's decision of course - good luck.

Thanks Saintly31. I am the odd one out here and really appreciate that you see it in the same way as I do.

Southpaws at Moorabbin have only ever operated on one cat that had to have as much of the jaw removed as Bella would have to have. That cat never ate again though could have been fed through the tube method.

The fact that that cat never ate again actually enhances Bella's chances from a statisitical point of view (although long forgotten now that theory fits in with what I learnt a long time ago majoring in Maths and Statistics at University.)

I also take the view though (almost certainly a minority one) that we have some level of responsibility to at least try because it is only through trying certain procedures that advancements occur. These days the veterinary and medical professions have excellent pain killing medication and while she will suffer some pain and discomfort, I think this can be managed.

I certainly know that if I was in her situation I would opt for the (hopefully) short term pain aspect in the hope of extending my life. (I do understand though that there are quite a few people going around in the world who would want to put me out of my (or theirs having to live with me) misery as quickly as possible!!!)

 

[Saintly31]

Thanks Dan.

Horace, I should also pass on that I know where you are coming from for sure. Whilst no situations are the same, the Golden Retriever referred to above was diagnosed with Leukemia almost two years ago - given three months to live. Vets suggested her health would deteriorate fast and it may be best to put her down on the spot to save suffering. My parents grappled a similar situation to your family albeit very different in other ways.

Chelsea suffered no effect of the Leukemia in the next two years. It turns out she had to be put down due to previously rear hip/kneee injuries meaning she couldn't get up herself, go to the toilet etc and my parents knew it was time. With the Leukemia they gave her a chance and got two more (memorable) years.

Again, totally your family's choice but I must say I vets sometimes get it wrong, and i'm all for giving animas their best chance. Good luck with this very difficult decision.

 

[Saintly31]

Thanks Saintly31. I am the odd one out here and really appreciate that you see it in the same way as I do.

Southpaws at Moorabbin have only ever operated on one cat that had to have as much of the jaw removed as Bella would have to have. That cat never ate again though could have been fed through the tube method.

The fact that that cat never ate again actually enhances Bella's chances from a statisitical point of view (although long forgotten now that theory fits in with what I learnt a long time ago majoring in Maths and Statistics at University.)

I also take the view though (almost certainly a minority one) that we have some level of responsibility to at least try because it is only through trying certain procedures that advancements occur. These days the veterinary and medical professions have excellent pain killing medication and while she will suffer some pain and discomfort, I think this can be managed.

I certainly know that if I was in her situation I would opt for the (hopefully) short term pain aspect in the hope of extending my life. (I do understand though that there are quite a few people going around in the world who would want to put me out of my (or theirs having to live with me) misery as quickly as possible!!!)

Hi Horace.

Seems we crossed over in our posts above as I forgot to mention my parents' situation in detail regarding the Leukemia with Chelsea in my earlier post.

I couldn't agree more with what you have written above. That is (I suspect) how I would view the situation with health regarding my dogs.

I can also understand how your family must be feeling in terms of the 'other' viewpoint. No owner wants to see their pet suffer, but as you mentioned with your post above that may be able managed successfully, and if not, the decision to be humane and put down can still be made regardless. Of course, for some financial limitations don't allow them choices but it appears you are fortunate in this regard to at least make a decision based on pros/cons whatever that eventuates to.

In terms of the "misery' aspect, you are quite right, and there certainly is quite a few going around in the world like that (including this online community known as BigFooty).........

 

[Horace]

Hi Horace.

Seems we crossed over in our posts above as I forgot to mention my parents' situation in detail regarding the Leukemia with Chelsea in my earlier post.

I couldn't agree more with what you have written above. That is (I suspect) how I would view the situation with health regarding my dogs.

I can also understand how your family must be feeling in terms of the 'other' viewpoint. No owner wants to see their pet suffer, but as you mentioned with your post above that may be able managed successfully, and if not, the decision to be humane and put down can still be made regardless. Of course, for some financial limitations don't allow them choices but it appears you are fortunate in this regard to at least make a decision based on pros/cons whatever that eventuates to.

In terms of the "misery' aspect, you are quite right, and there certainly is quite a few going around in the world like that (including this online community known as BigFooty).........

Thanks again Saintly31. All excellent points there that you have expressed and exactly where I am coming from.

 

[ShinbonerBaz]

Thanks again Saintly31. All excellent points there that you have expressed and exactly where I am coming from.

It's bloody hard and I don't envy the situation you or your family are in H. I am pretty stoic in most situations, but I already know that I am going to be a total mess when I am eventually faced with a similar inevitable problem when Archie gets older. The very fact that you (and others in similar situations who have previously posted in this thread) are having such a hard time dealing with what to do just reinforces to me that you are obviously responsible and caring pet owners, your pets are all the better for having you in their lives others, unfortunately, are not so lucky. As before, best wishes to you all.

 

[Dan]

I have new addition to the family

 

[ShinbonerBaz]

I have new addition to the family

Are you going to elaborate Dan? A photo perhaps?

 

[Dan]

Are you going to elaborate Dan? A photo perhaps?

This is Max, an American Staffy......

8 weeks old.

 

[ShinbonerBaz]

This is Max, an American Staffy......

8 weeks old.

G'day Max Nice looking Pup Dan, how is Jack handling the new addition?