my "ratdog" has to see the vet - need a little karma here

[radfringe]

Rhonda is 15, terrier-chihuahua mix, eating and pooping fine but losing weight and sleeping alot, not interested in playing with her one-eared stuffed bunny-toy

could be nothing, but gut tells me something is wrong

she does have a heart murmur, and minor kidney/liver problems and is on a special diet

normally I can deal with animals being sick - but for some unknown reason I'm having problems coping with this, maybe because she's the last tie to my former home in Massachusetts (lost my cat last year)

told my parter last night that she would have to take the lead on this, if there's any 'final' decision to be made, I'll make it -- but right now I am having problems dealing with it

ennywhooo - my partner is calling the vet this morning and making an appointment so we can all go to the vet

some good thoughts, karma is appreciated

[NJCher]

1. will light a white candle for you, radfringe

We love our animals so.


Cher

[RebelOne]

2. I'm sending positive vibes for your fur baby.

[xchrom]

3. our loved ones

the furry ones can get us all messed up, can't they? -- really good thoughts coming your way and your dogs way.

[Rhiannon12866]

4. My best positive thoughts are going out to you

I lost both of my Cocker Spaniels in the past year and am still shellshocked by this. I did everything I could, including acupuncture and herbs and special diets. You may want to look into alternative treatments, though it sounds as if you have already considered this, which can improve quality of life, though I don't want to burden you. I wish your little dog all the best. I have since adopted a tiny Brussels Griffon, whose previous owner died, and he is the light of my life.:-)

[radfringe]

5. update on the "ratdog"

she's lost 1/2lb, now weighs 7-1/2lbs... the sunken in look is because of her age, the vet is not concerned about that

vet is running full blood work on her, thinks it might be kidney/liver ( a common problem in "senior" dogs ) and we will know more tomorrow

if it is kidney/liver the ratdog will have to go to the vet everyday for a few days to get pumped with fluids, or stay at the vets and get pumped with fluids (this is more expensive - so if she needs the fluids I'll be driving to vet everyday), and then there will be the medications...

no change in the heart murmur, so that's a good sign

she's curled up in her bed with her blankie and bunny - had a good meal of chicken/rice

thanks for the good wishes and karma - will let you know what's up when I know more

[NJCher]

6. any news?

Cher

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

8. IT's a drag when they get old

hope the liver function studies are OK. Sending good vibes!

[Rhiannon12866]

13. I hope your little one is doing okay

I have two terriers, myself, a Brussels Griffon and a little terrier mix, and spend more time at the vet than you can imagine. My cat is of the most concern to me, these days. I rescued her from outside, so she has needed a lot of care. My thoughts are with you and your little one. She is very lucky to have someone who cares so much. You are in good company on DU.:-)

[Cooley Hurd]

7. Pulling for Rhonda...

Chuckiemutt & I are hoping and praying for Rhonda's speedy recovery!

[Mountainman]

9. dupe

[Mountainman]

10. Good wishes for Rhonda and our kitty named Miss Kitty

Miss Kitty went under a table in a corner and was laying down not eating and not drinking water. We gave her antibiotics and are spending a lot of time with her. She seems to be getting better.

I was hoping she wasn't giving up the ghost. She is old but very sweet.

So here are prayers to the goddess and god for Rhonda and Miss Kitty.

[JM]

11. Hang tough Rad...

I know it is rough, especially when they can't talk back to you to tell you what is wrong.

Hope all is well and poochie is getting better soon...

Take care,
JM

[Skittles]

12. oh "rat"fringe

I am hoping for the best; Rhonda is so lucky to have you and your partner.

[grasswire]

14. I wonder....

....do they suggest giving the fluids at home with dogs? They usually send cat owners home with an IV setup so you can drip the fluids in through a needle. At the vet it would cost $9 to do this. At home, the cost is negligible.

[ronzo]

15. radfringe lost her friend, Rhonda...

Please see this thread. :(

http://democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=559861

I'm going to lock this up.
I'm sincerely sorry about Rhonda, rad...