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At the vet with my buddy
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Abrignac Offline
#1 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 8:53 AM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,273
My rescue dobie Titan is 16-17 years old. He’s been losing weight for a few months. Last month when I was passing through I took him to his vet. He said he was fine and that old dogs have trouble keeping weight on them and not to worry because he was ok.

On the other hand he does have a few swollen glands. But, the other vet that checked him out said it was nothing to worry about. Then while I was out of town he started having diarrhea. When I got home Friday I noticed he had lost a tremendous amount of weight. He’s also not eating very much.

So I took him to another vet this morning. Hopefully, they can find out what is wrong with him and treat him. 🙏🙏🙏
dkeage Offline
#2 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 9:13 AM EST
Joined: 03-05-2004
Posts: 15,151
Good luck. Pray
Abrignac Offline
#3 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 9:24 AM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,273
Blood work just came back. He has terminal kidney disease. Vet is going to give him some medicine to ease his symptoms, but I will probably have to say goodbye to him before I leave next week.
BuckyB93 Offline
#4 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 9:57 AM EST
Joined: 07-16-2004
Posts: 14,188
Ugh...

Similar situation with my dog about 4 yrs back. He was about 18 yrs old. Losing weight, not eating or drinking, very lethargic. During the last trip to the vet, she said his kidneys were shutting down and they could hold him over the weekend and pump him full of fluids (via IV) and maybe his kidneys would come back on line. Prognosis - not good.

I took him home and they gave me a few bags of saline solution with some nutrients, tubes, needles and told me to stick him and drain 1/3 of a bag saline x3 a day and come back in 4 days. Midway through the third day, a friend stopped over when I was draining another bag of solution into him and made me realize the truth. "Look at him... he wants to go and you're only trying to keep him alive because you don't want to let him go."

The next day was his last trip to the vet. It was a very hard decision to make but I think it was the right one to end his suffering. He still remains alive in pictures, memories, and his ashes from cremation.

It's a tough thing putting a four legged member of your family down. My heart goes out to you.
Speyside2 Offline
#5 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 10:19 AM EST
Joined: 11-11-2021
Posts: 2,384
I am so very sorry Anthony. I have had 2 dogs pass this way.
JadeRose Offline
#6 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 10:45 AM EST
Joined: 05-15-2008
Posts: 19,525
Good Boy, Titan.

Worst part of being a pet owner. Having to keep that covenant you made with them when you got them. You have to make those choices they can't make for themselves. It sucks
delta1 Offline
#7 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 11:28 AM EST
Joined: 11-23-2011
Posts: 28,784
Titan has had a great life with you, Ant...it hurts, but time to say goodbye...condolences to you and those who loved the big dog...
RMAN4443 Offline
#8 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 11:29 AM EST
Joined: 09-29-2016
Posts: 7,683
Very sorry to hear, I know how hard it can be...Pray
Gene363 Offline
#9 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 11:48 AM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,814
Abrignac wrote:
Blood work just came back. He has terminal kidney disease. Vet is going to give him some medicine to ease his symptoms, but I will probably have to say goodbye to him before I leave next week.



I am so sorry.
Palama Offline
#10 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 12:47 PM EST
Joined: 02-05-2013
Posts: 23,677
Oh man, I really feel for you Anthony. Sad

I know we all know that THAT day is inevitable when we bring a furry friend home but doesn’t make it any easier when that day draws near. 😢
Stogie1020 Offline
#11 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 12:47 PM EST
Joined: 12-19-2019
Posts: 5,325
Sorry to hear the news. Know that he is grateful for the good life you gave him.
Abrignac Offline
#12 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 2:22 PM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,273
Thanks for all the kind words. It’s been a 💩 day. I’ve got 3 dr appointments today so I can’t be there now. Talked to my Mom a little while ago. He was laying on the couch napping.

The vet switched him to a very bland diet. He’s going to be getting a Rx Science Diet and plain white rice. Tomorrow I’m taking him to the groomer to get him all nice. I’m going to just take it one day at a time and hope for a miracle.

He’s had a great life. We’ve always fed him the highest grade of dog food. No by-products or corn based crap. He used to sleep with me when I worked nights as a deputy sheriff. Anytime I sat on the couch he sat with his head in my lap. His head and ears have been rubbed so much I’m surprised he has any hair left there.

I wish I could take him on the road with me. But, in his condition that’s out of the question. If I do have to make that decision I’ll have his ashes put in a doggie urn so he can ride with me.
RayR Offline
#13 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 3:04 PM EST
Joined: 07-20-2020
Posts: 8,888
Ya, so sorry. One of our cats passed away last year from terminal kidney disease. It's no fun watching them slowly waste away.
madspackler Offline
#14 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 5:04 PM EST
Joined: 03-07-2000
Posts: 3,608
So sorry Anthony. You are doing the right thing by making him comfortable and treating him with kindness.

Know that you have been a blessing to him, just as he has been to you.
Sunoverbeach Offline
#15 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 6:25 PM EST
Joined: 08-11-2017
Posts: 14,665
Sorry to hear, Anthony. That's rough news.
frankj1 Offline
#16 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 9:09 PM EST
Joined: 02-08-2007
Posts: 44,221
I got kinda teary eyed reading this, bruddah.
You got a lot of friends here (and phone numbers) to help you get through it.

Mind if I ask how Cindy and the kids are handling it?
8trackdisco Offline
#17 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 9:51 PM EST
Joined: 11-06-2004
Posts: 60,075
Anthony,
Heartbreaking.

It’s going into that tunnel. Will be dark for awhile until the light.

It never gets easier.
MACS Offline
#18 Posted: Tue, Jul 5 2022, 9:59 PM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,773
I was all misty eyed when I had to put my cat down after 19+ years.

I'm much more attached to this dog, and him to me... oooof. That's gonna leave a mark, Anth.
Burner02 Offline
#19 Posted: Wed, Jul 6 2022, 6:13 AM EST
Joined: 12-21-2010
Posts: 12,884
Sorry to hear about your buddy, Titan.

It is never easy to loose a long time pet, after all they are one of the family.
burning_sticks Offline
#20 Posted: Wed, Jul 6 2022, 5:14 PM EST
Joined: 08-17-2020
Posts: 152
If he's suffering it's time to let him go, painful as it is.
deadeyedick Offline
#21 Posted: Wed, Jul 6 2022, 5:43 PM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 17,087
Sorry to read this Anth. Went through this and never got another dog. Sounds like it's time to let him go.
Mr. Jones Offline
#22 Posted: Wed, Jul 6 2022, 7:09 PM EST
Joined: 06-12-2005
Posts: 19,421
Prayers sent...
Anthony is a good man...
Pets are family...
Abrignac Offline
#23 Posted: Thu, Jul 7 2022, 8:24 AM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,273
Still taking it one day at a time. He seems to be responding to the Rx and new diet. He’s at the groomer now getting a bath, his nails trimmed and his teeth brushed. I take him back to the vet on the 13th. We’ll decide then if he’s turned a corner. If he can hang on I’ve decided he will spend the rest of his days on the road with me.
frankj1 Offline
#24 Posted: Thu, Jul 7 2022, 9:05 PM EST
Joined: 02-08-2007
Posts: 44,221
riding shotgun!
Abrignac Offline
#25 Posted: Tue, Jul 12 2022, 5:04 PM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,273
Well I’m happy to say Titan is doing much better.

He’s gaining weight slowly, but surely. He gets 3 cans of Hills Science Diet Prescription Chicken and Vegetable Stew for K/D every day along with 2 cups of plain white rice. His 💩 is solid. He’s able to stand up straight without his cheeks hugging the ground. His ribs aren’t showing nearly as much. He’s also much friskier than when I got home a week and a half ago.

Before he pretty much laid on the couch all day. Now he moves around quite a bit.

All in all he’s made remarkable progress. I’m going to take him to the vet tomorrow to get him reweighed so we can see how much he’s gained. He weighed 51 lbs when I took him in. I’m guessing he’s gained at least 2 lbs. Before he got sick he weighed about 62 lbs.
Sunoverbeach Offline
#26 Posted: Tue, Jul 12 2022, 5:08 PM EST
Joined: 08-11-2017
Posts: 14,665
Promising news, Ant. Hoping for good things
frankj1 Offline
#27 Posted: Tue, Jul 12 2022, 9:16 PM EST
Joined: 02-08-2007
Posts: 44,221
note to self...
get some Hills Science Diet Prescription Chicken and Vegetable Stew for The Lovely Caren...
Abrignac Offline
#28 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 12:05 PM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,273
Well my buddy Titan hasn’t responded to his new diet. He did gain about half a pound, then he started losing weight again. Talked to the vet the other day. She believes his body is eating his fat to try to keep up with his deteriorating kidneys. So I had my son take him to groomer for one last bath even though I took him a couple weeks ago when I was home. My office is rerouting me so I can get home tomorrow morning. Sunday evening he and I are going to have filet mignon. Then we go to vet’s office Monday for 10:00 AM. I should get his remains back in about a week. Cindy said she and our children have purchased something special so I can take him with me on the road.
DrafterX Offline
#29 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 12:09 PM EST
Joined: 10-18-2005
Posts: 98,548
Crying
8trackdisco Offline
#30 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 12:15 PM EST
Joined: 11-06-2004
Posts: 60,075
(Gulp)
RMAN4443 Offline
#31 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 12:25 PM EST
Joined: 09-29-2016
Posts: 7,683
So sorry to hear the sad news Abrignac...for both you and your ever faithful Titan...my prayers are with you both
Pray Pray Pray
ZRX1200 Offline
#32 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 12:27 PM EST
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,599
Not fun stuff Anth, but you’re doing the right thing.

🙏🏻 Titan.
rfenst Offline
#33 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 12:33 PM EST
Joined: 06-23-2007
Posts: 39,302
ZRX1200 wrote:
Not fun stuff Anth, but you’re doing the right thing.

🙏🏻 Titan.

Sorry, Bro.
MACS Offline
#34 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 12:54 PM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,773
Awwww,man. Crying
delta1 Offline
#35 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 1:15 PM EST
Joined: 11-23-2011
Posts: 28,784
so sorry, Ant...you'll know when the time is right...

come back here afterwards to post your fave Titan stories.
Gene363 Offline
#36 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 1:35 PM EST
Joined: 01-24-2003
Posts: 30,814
I am so sorry.

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
― Will Rogers
frankj1 Offline
#37 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 2:07 PM EST
Joined: 02-08-2007
Posts: 44,221
sorry, Anth...
Palama Offline
#38 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 2:14 PM EST
Joined: 02-05-2013
Posts: 23,677
Crying
Sunoverbeach Offline
#39 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 3:14 PM EST
Joined: 08-11-2017
Posts: 14,665
Dang, so sorry ant
Ram27 Offline
#40 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 3:58 PM EST
Joined: 04-30-2005
Posts: 49,014
Sorry know the feeling been through this 4 times.

Another crosses The Rainbow Bridge.
KingoftheCove Offline
#41 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 5:21 PM EST
Joined: 10-08-2011
Posts: 7,632
Fuqin bummer!
Been there several times now………it’s always tough……..but as noted, you are doing what needs to be done.
Hang in there Brother…….you'll see each other again someday.
Stogie1020 Offline
#42 Posted: Fri, Aug 5 2022, 10:16 PM EST
Joined: 12-19-2019
Posts: 5,325
Sorry to hear. I bet you gve him a great life, and I bet he loves you for it.
Abrignac Offline
#43 Posted: Sat, Aug 6 2022, 10:19 AM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,273
I got home a couple hours ago. Poor boy, he’s lost more weight. So sad.
Abrignac Offline
#44 Posted: Sun, Aug 7 2022, 7:01 PM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,273
I’ve been agonizing over this all weekend. Is there something I can do for him? What if we fed him more, would he gain back weight, even though we are feeding him more than normal for his weight. But, now I think I’m finally at peace with my decision.

On the way home I stopped and bought him that filet I said I was going to cook for him. Once done, I sat on the floor and held his bowl so it wouldn’t slide away while he ate. By the time he was finished he was all but laying on his belly. He didn’t have enough strength and coordination to keep his legs from sliding out from beneath him. I had to lift him up and let him stabilize before he could start walking.

Tomorrow is going to be difficult, but now I’m sure it’s the right thing.
MACS Offline
#45 Posted: Sun, Aug 7 2022, 8:10 PM EST
Joined: 02-26-2004
Posts: 79,773
Yup... when I put Phoebe down the vet was like... we can do this and that and give her 6 months to a year more. But why? She's not happy. She's hurting.

You're doing the right thing, buddy.
delta1 Offline
#46 Posted: Sun, Aug 7 2022, 9:56 PM EST
Joined: 11-23-2011
Posts: 28,784
yup, we let my fave cat, Christopher, suffer for a couple extra months because we lacked the courage to make the right decision, even tho it was plain as day...we suffered right along with him...
Sunoverbeach Offline
#47 Posted: Sun, Aug 7 2022, 10:03 PM EST
Joined: 08-11-2017
Posts: 14,665
It's a hard call. Sounds like the right one, but that doesn't make it much easier
frankj1 Offline
#48 Posted: Sun, Aug 7 2022, 10:49 PM EST
Joined: 02-08-2007
Posts: 44,221
Abrignac wrote:
I’ve been agonizing over this all weekend. Is there something I can do for him? What if we fed him more, would he gain back weight, even though we are feeding him more than normal for his weight. But, now I think I’m finally at peace with my decision.

On the way home I stopped and bought him that filet I said I was going to cook for him. Once done, I sat on the floor and held his bowl so it wouldn’t slide away while he ate. By the time he was finished he was all but laying on his belly. He didn’t have enough strength and coordination to keep his legs from sliding out from beneath him. I had to lift him up and let him stabilize before he could start walking.

Tomorrow is going to be difficult, but now I’m sure it’s the right thing.

and I'm sure that you know.

Be strong.
Burner02 Offline
#49 Posted: Mon, Aug 8 2022, 10:15 AM EST
Joined: 12-21-2010
Posts: 12,884
As good pet owners, we are responsible for taking care of our pets through the good as well as the bad.

The latter sucks but that is part of the deal.

Anthony, I feel for you.
Abrignac Offline
#50 Posted: Mon, Aug 8 2022, 10:55 AM EST
Joined: 02-24-2012
Posts: 17,273
Poor boy had lost another pound in the past week. But, he’s at peace now. He went to doggie Heaven while in my son and my arms. He’s no longer suffering.
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