Ugh.
Kacey has been ill since we returned from Hawaii/IA last month. Her energy is low, appetite is poor, and she's having more bad days than good. Initially, we suspected this was from overexertion and dehydration from all the hard play at the kennel while we were on vacation and her labs supported this theory with a few outlying differential diagnosis to consider.
With some screening lab testing, it appears that she may have an autoimmune hemolytic anemia (her immune system killing her red blood cells). Confirmatory labs are pending, drawn today.
Repeat blood counts show her anemia has worsened over the past 7 days despite an increase in reticulocytes. This means that her body is manufacturing red blood cells as fast as it can but the mature cells are dying off early yielding a net loss of cells. We initiated treatment a few days ago to suppress her immune system and see if her symptoms improve. Unfortunately, it seems as though the treatment is working which further increases suspicion for an autoimmune mediated illness. This is one instance where I hope that the vet and I are both exhibiting judgement errors.
Still missing Bailey (February 2012),
Peter
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Animal advocacy.... it just became more personal
12 years ago, Tracy and I stopped at a pet store in Las Vegas, NV to pick up some aquarium supplies for my discus tank. As we walked towards the store entrance, we passed what was a routine scene. Dogs and cats, in cages or behind temporary fences with an adoption agency patiently seeking homes for unwanted, abandoned animals. We had walked through this scene many times in the past but really didn't pay much attention to it. Something happened on this day that made us stop and actually look at the animals. Sitting in the middle of a pen, looking up with a calm alertness yet seemingly deep seeded desperation, was a golden colored, white chested, folded ears, dark masked little puppy.
Somewhat to our surprise, it was love at first sight. We took time to hold and interact with this strikingly calm, beautiful creature and the bond was immediate. On that day, in June of 2000, we were blessed to start our family with the adoption of our first dog, Bailey.
Our time together has been worth more than the world. Bailey has grown old with us and watched our household change immensely. He has shared a bond with his adopted sister Kacey, who will miss him as much as we will. Bailey was present to greet the homecoming of two newborn girls. He has been a protector and guardian as the girls have learned to walk, talk, love, and share life with him.
Several years ago, Bailey developed a tumor on his leg and was diagnosed with a type of cancer called neurofibrosarcoma. We had a couple of successful surgeries that gave him what seemed to be a full, healthy recovery. Shortly after moving to TX, he developed yet another tumor but this time surgery was unsuccessful. The tumor involved the neurovascular complex that controls his leg. We considered amputation, but Bailey has arthritic hips and his body would not have tolerated such a life altering change.
About a week ago, Bailey began limping on his right rear leg and has spent several days not wanting to put his rear foot down. Medications are not working well enough to control his pain and no medication can cure him of his cancer. Today, with a heavy heart, I sit here with tears in my eyes after making arrangements to euthanize Bailey. Many more tears will come from our entire family today as we embark on a day that feels like it will never end. Genevieve, at age 4, understands that Bailey is sick, but possesses innocence that lacks a conception of death. Claire, age 6, cried while hugging Bailey before we left to walk to school. She asked me if he can have just one more day. I'm sorry Claire, but we need to rid Bailey of his pain and of his cancer.... I will cry with you.
Taking the responsibility of advocacy for a loved canine family member is a hard burden to assume. Knowing that it is time to end his suffering has been a difficult choice to make and a difficult one to accept. I am thankful that I was able to provide a good home for him, full of love and adventure. I am thankful that he was able to return more love and dedication than I was ever able to give him. I am thankful for my strong family and for a great wife who has helped in every step of Bailey's care.
Today I am going to take Bailey in the car to a local park where we can sit and look out on the lake. We will enjoy our last few hours together before making the agonizing trip to the vet clinic that has provided excellent care for him. I will make his time today very special. I will miss him dearly.
Somewhat to our surprise, it was love at first sight. We took time to hold and interact with this strikingly calm, beautiful creature and the bond was immediate. On that day, in June of 2000, we were blessed to start our family with the adoption of our first dog, Bailey.
Our time together has been worth more than the world. Bailey has grown old with us and watched our household change immensely. He has shared a bond with his adopted sister Kacey, who will miss him as much as we will. Bailey was present to greet the homecoming of two newborn girls. He has been a protector and guardian as the girls have learned to walk, talk, love, and share life with him.
Several years ago, Bailey developed a tumor on his leg and was diagnosed with a type of cancer called neurofibrosarcoma. We had a couple of successful surgeries that gave him what seemed to be a full, healthy recovery. Shortly after moving to TX, he developed yet another tumor but this time surgery was unsuccessful. The tumor involved the neurovascular complex that controls his leg. We considered amputation, but Bailey has arthritic hips and his body would not have tolerated such a life altering change.
About a week ago, Bailey began limping on his right rear leg and has spent several days not wanting to put his rear foot down. Medications are not working well enough to control his pain and no medication can cure him of his cancer. Today, with a heavy heart, I sit here with tears in my eyes after making arrangements to euthanize Bailey. Many more tears will come from our entire family today as we embark on a day that feels like it will never end. Genevieve, at age 4, understands that Bailey is sick, but possesses innocence that lacks a conception of death. Claire, age 6, cried while hugging Bailey before we left to walk to school. She asked me if he can have just one more day. I'm sorry Claire, but we need to rid Bailey of his pain and of his cancer.... I will cry with you.
Taking the responsibility of advocacy for a loved canine family member is a hard burden to assume. Knowing that it is time to end his suffering has been a difficult choice to make and a difficult one to accept. I am thankful that I was able to provide a good home for him, full of love and adventure. I am thankful that he was able to return more love and dedication than I was ever able to give him. I am thankful for my strong family and for a great wife who has helped in every step of Bailey's care.
Today I am going to take Bailey in the car to a local park where we can sit and look out on the lake. We will enjoy our last few hours together before making the agonizing trip to the vet clinic that has provided excellent care for him. I will make his time today very special. I will miss him dearly.
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