[jdetmering]

just a note to let you know we are thinking of you too and hoping that things turn around for your Olivia. I do understand your feelings for her, my Harley I call my "boyfriend" because he is so melodramatic and caring and everything like a boyfriend "should" be! LOL
Hugs to you and yours... and snuggling close to my babies tonight
Judi and the gang

 

[Gingergoose]

Thanks everybody,

Olivia's numbers are increasing with aggresive fluid therapy (and going to another vet). But the fluid therapy is very hard on her and she is depressed. She doesn't understand why she has to spend her days at the vet (getting fluids) and nights at home in a crate (getting fluids). I know she is wondering what she did to deserve this treatment from me.

After three days of fluids we will re-evaluate. Even if her labs get better, I don't want her to die (eventually) thinking that I don't love her and am punishing her.

Sorry...I'm tired from watching her IV all night and walking her so that she can pee constantly. Thanks for the encouragement and prayers.

~Denise

 

[jassy]

I know this is so difficult for you. I wish I could offer something to help but I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[Gingergoose]

Thanks Jassy,

I spoke with the vet and Olivia's levels continue to decrease (I said increase by mistake before). Decrease is good.

I don't know how low they will get or how long they will stay at those levels or what we have to do to keep them there. I just want her to be happy in the time she has left and know that I love her.

Thanks again for the emotional outlet.

~Denise

 

[jassy]

Oh, I am so glad it is a decrease. With the cats once they reach an acceptable level we start experimenting to see how much fluid is needed to maintain. I do so hope you get some good quality time.

 

[RhodaTse]

Oh no Denise, how did I miss this thread. I'm so sorry about Olivia. Almost feel like a kick to my wound of losing Marlin. His kidney was failing too. I wouldn't made that brave move(euthanize) if I didn't see him crippled with arthritis. I know he is running free and appreciates what I did. He is enjoying the quality of his second life up there.
My thoughts are with you, please keep us posted.
Hope everything goes well.

Rhoda

 

[Genie]

Our thoughts are with you, Denise. So many of us have walked this hard road you're walking with Olivia, torn between not wanting to lose our babes and not wanting to see them suffer. I know you'll do what's best for her. Bless you both.

 

[Gingergoose]

I'm getting ready to go get her after another day of fluids at the vet. Her levels are good but she is still depressed and not eating. The thought now is the possiblity of cancer. There are some weird cells washing into her urine. So it's possible that her kidney failure is secondary to another "illness".

I'm going to sleep in the computer room with her tonight...close to the front door so that she can go pee without my having to carry her down the stairs. I'm also going to fix her IV line so that I can disconnect the fluids from her while whe walks...that means a little more quality time outside without that IV line.

Take care...kiss your babies extra tonight.

~Denise

 

[Murphys Dad]

Denise -- you know you and Olivia are in my daily prayers -- every moment we have with our senior beags is precious.

 

[jcfehr]

you must be exhausted Denise ..... give Olivia a special hug from her beagle world friends. Sending out a special hug for you too.

Julie

 

[debannib]

Olivia-Prayers are continuing for a miracle
and Denise-prayers are continuing for strength

We're here for you. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif

 

[angelaH]

Denise we are also praying for you. This is one of the hardest times of being a dog owner. Whatever happens, you have been a wonderful mum to Olivia and I'm sure she knows you are trying to help her.

 

[patama1004]

Denise, I'm very sorry to hear about Olivia. I know this is very difficult for you and I'll be keeping you and Olivia in my thoughts.

Pat

 

[Gingergoose]

Thanks Angela and Pat.

We are at this point pretty sure it's primary renal failure now. (long story) Now we just keep her as comfortable as possible until it's time.

Her and Henry are on their favorite sofa...every time she gets up, I take her outside to pee then to get a drink of water. We spend as much time outside as she wants to. She isn't hungry but as soon as my husband wakes up for a little while, I'm going to the pharmacy to get some prescriptions which include an appetite stimulant.

I'm still giving her IV fluids peridically through her access on her arm.

Now we just make the most of our time, I guess. Nothing is impossible but I don't see her turning this around. I would like to see her eat again.

Thanks for listening.

~Denise

 

[Gingergoose]

Here are Henry and Olivia doing their favorite thing in their favorite place...together. When I was browzing my photos, I noticed how many pictures that I have of these two together.

 

[jassy]

What a sweet picture.I am keeping you in my thoughts.

 

[Murphys Dad]

What a sweet pair! :angel:

 

[BookerMoose]

Quote:Originally posted by Sandyj:
When I remember how old Misty and Miss Priss are my, "I'll think about it tomorrow," persona kicks in. It's just too hard to focus on.

I know that persona well...

We're thinking of you, Denise, at this difficult time. And giving our own guys extra belly-rubs and hugs.

 

[Gingergoose]

We've had a little bit of a miracle here and I thought I would share it in hopes that when the time comes, it may help somebody else here.

Olivia isn't interested in eating because she is in renal failure and typically animals in renal failure have no appetite because of the buildup of waste in the blood.

My friend who lost her dog to renal failure earlier this year told me to ask the vet for a prescription for cyprohexadrine. It is an antihistamine and is routinely used as an appetite stimulant for cats.

I asked Olivia's vet for a RX for the cyprohexadrine and she was happy to try it. I gave it to Olivia at 3pm on the nose. At 4:05pm, she got up and walked to her treat drawer. I gave her one of her treats...the first time she's been interested in one in a week. Then she proceeded to eat a jar of chicken baby food and some Kraft Mac/Cheese which is one of her favorites that I made for her last night. (she had no interest last night). Now she is walking around and begging. I don't want to give her too much until I know she can keep it down.

Just remember...appetitie stimulant...cyprohexadrine....cats and DOGS!

~Denise

 

[Murphys Dad]

Denise, great news! I wish that I had known of cyprohexadrine when Amber was going through this. I hope that Olivia keeps it all down. I love the picture of her and Henry.

You're both in my thoughts and prayers. I know how hard this is for you and I can't even read the posts here without crying. It's all so familiar. You're a very good Honorary Beagle Mommy! Extra hugs to Olivia. And you too.