Vet update--need help!

[LauraMax]

RE: Q

Awwww I'm sending good vibes to everyone with big old buddies. Who knew there were several of us going through the same thing.

OK so here's something weird: Cosmo had a pretty bad night last night. She woke me up at about 1 am b/c she threw up all over my bedroom floor, & she wouldn't eat at all this morning. How ironic is that? No symptoms at all & the day the vet tells me she MIGHT be sick she gets sick. That's why I didn't want to take her there in the first place.

I'm gonna write this off to the new meds, the heat & the stress of the vet appt. Tough on an old dog. I guess I'll have to keep a really close eye on her from now on (as if I wasn't already).

 

[fitnessgirl]

I'm so sorry to hear about Cosmo, I had a similar experience with my family pet, it is never easy, they are part of the family. We didn't do the x-ray b/c we knew, so we just kept her as comfortable as possible and tried to give her the best remaining days we could, i.e. ice cream, lots of walks, lots of love -- I even took a leave of absence from work! My thoughts are with you, I'm sure whatever you decide will be what is best for you & for Cosmo

 

[JeanneMarie]

Laura,

If Cosmo is on Deramaxx (not sure if you confirmed this), there can be side effects with the digestive system. My DH said that sometimes it will upset the stomach. Maybe that is why Cosmo threw up. If she continues with an upset stomach, I'd let your Vet know.

Hugs to Cosmo!

 

[LauraMax]

Yes, that is the med, thanks Jeannemarie. And she did finish up her breakfast when I went home for lunch, so I think that probably is the problem. Those pills are giant--maybe I should break them in half & give her one half a day for a week or so to get her used to it?

Fitnessgirl, I did the same thing for Cosmo 9 years ago--the last time a vet told me Cosmo had cancer & had 6 weeks to live! I swore I would be there for her last moments. I took 3 weeks off & it turned out she had some kind of autoimmune thing that cleared itself up. It's amazing the things we do for our babies.

 

[bestoutwest]

LauraMax,

Yes, Cosmo's GI upset certainly could be from the Deramaxx. I would start her with a lower dose, then see if she can tolerate more. Also, always give it with food and not on an empty stomach.

As a veterinarian, I can understand your frustration with our profession from your past experiences. I would probably not do the x-rays if you are afraid of stressing her out more. If there truly is a mass, there is likely nothing that can be done, and you probably wouldn't do anything if surgery was an option (just guessing here, but that's the impression I get). I wouldn't operate on my own 16 year old dog. Quality of life is most important. If she seems to be relatively ok, then let her be!

As far as veterinary medicine being a guessing game, I must disagree. In a vast majority of cases, we formulate a definitive diagnosis. In most of the cases where we don't end up with a firm diagnosis, it is usually because the owner doesn't allow us to do the necessary diagnostic tests (blood tests, x-rays, ultrasound, biopsies, etc). The reasons owners decline tests varies dramatically. In some cases, like yours, it is because the patient is older and the owners don't want to put the pet through any more stress. I absolutely understand these situations. In some cases it is financial or the owner's simply aren't that interested in finding out what't truly wrong. Most of us try very hard to provide appropriate answers so that owners can make the proper decisions. I have never considered what I do to be "guessing". I'm sorry that so many of you feel that way. Perhaps you just haven't found the right veterinarian yet!

 

[ColleenM]

\ Most of us try very hard to provide
>appropriate answers so that owners can make the proper
>decisions. I have never considered what I do to be
>"guessing". I'm sorry that so many of you feel that way.
>Perhaps you just haven't found the right veterinarian yet!

I agree wholeheartedly! My vet is worth her weight in gold! I have found most vets to be pretty good, but this vet is exceptional. In the 4 vets, I've seen with Gabby's ER vet, Bear's 2 ER vets and the regular vet, I only felt one was not good at all. 2 were good and then again I can't say enough about my regular vet.

Colleen

 

[LauraMax]

Thanks for the advice Edie, I really really appreciate it.

And I don't want you to think I don't respect your profession, b/c I do. I've had 2 wonderful vets in my life--my last one in VA & my current vet, who clearly cares deeply about animals, not to mention being straightforward & no nonsense.

IMO being a vet is much harder than being a dr. Dogs can't tell you what they're feeling. They can't say "I'm having trouble swallowing" or "I always feel like I have to go to the bathroom" or "my stomach hurts." I have no doubt vets make the best educated decision whenever possible.