Guest HeatherDemps Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 Wasn't sure where this should go, but figured since it is health related, this is the best place for it. I know I had let everyone here know about having to put Dempsey to sleep several weeks ago after he suddenly lost the use of his back legs. I don't think I mentioned though that the morning after, the main oncologist called and offered to cover the costs of a necrospy since Dempsey was in a cancer study. After thinking it over, I decided to go ahead with it in case it could help other dogs with cancer or in the same situation... So, I spent the last couple of weeks worrying that they would come back and say that it had been something "minor" and we should have done something other than making the decision to PTS. Not likely or logical, but emotions have been on overload here. In typical Dempsey fashion, we couldn't end up with a clear cut answer of what the cause was (well, the cause of the cause). There was no sign of a tumor in his spine- the cancer hadn't come back. However, the nerves in his spine were degenerating for no obvious reason. There was bruising to the nerves like is seen when a disc hits there, but the disc was where it should have been and there were no signs of disc problems. The oncologist assured me there would have been no way of treating this, so I know for sure we did make the right decision. Had we done a CT, it wouldn't have shown anything and an MRI would have shown something wrong with the nerves- but surgery would not have been able to fix anything or been able to show "why". I did feel that night that we were making the right choice for Dempsey but it's been impossible not to second guess myself and wonder. I think having this information will put to rest the "what ifs" and serve as a reminder to trust my heart and instincts when it comes to making decisions for my dogs- even the tough ones like this. Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeForHounds Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 Heather, I'm glad you can have some peace now. It is never an easy decision to make, though I knew from reading that you had made a good decision for him. Sending you a big hug Quote Casual Bling & Hope for HoundsJanet & the hounds Maggie and Allen Missing my baby girl Peanut, old soul Jake, quirky Jet, Mama Grandy and my old Diva Miz Foxy; my angel, my inspiration. You all brought so much into my light, and taught me so much about the power of love, you are with me always.If you get the chance to sit it out or dance.......... I hope you dance! Missing our littlest girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytmonty Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 I am glad that you got some answers. You were tuned into Demps and you knew when he was suffering. I hope you find some peace in this information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbotaina Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 I'm so glad you got some closure on this. Now you can allow yourself to heal. Quote Meredith with Heyokha (HUS Me Teddy) and Crow (Mike Milbury). Missing Turbo (Sendahl Boss), Pancho, JoJo, and "Fat Stacks" Juana, the psycho kitty. Canku wakan kin manipi."Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." - Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahicks51 Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 Necropsy rarely gives us all the answers we want, but there are times like this where they give you the answers you need. That's good to hear you were able to make the correct choice. Quote Coco (Maze Cocodrillo) Minerva (Kid's Snipper) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 Quote Michelle...forever missing her girls, Holly 5/22/99-9/13/10 and Bailey 8/1/93-7/11/05 Religion is the smile on a dog...Edie Brickell Wag more, bark less :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 As others have said, I too am glad to hear you feel some closure. Doesn't mean that "what ifs" won't creep up from time to time. Your connection with Dempsey was deep, and your actions were selfless! You remain in our thoughts Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greypuppyluv Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 I'm sure it's somewhat comforting to know that your heart told you the right thing to do with Dempsey. Deciding whether or not to do a necropsy can be difficult, but I'm glad that in your case it did give you some answers. Quote Paula & her pups--Paneer (WW Outlook Ladd), Kira & Rhett (the whippets)Forever in my heart...Tinsel (Born's Bounder - 11/9/90-12/18/01), Piper, Chevy, Keno, Zuma, Little One, Phaelin & WinnieGreyhound Adoption Center ~ So Cal rep for Whippet Rescue And Placement For beautiful beaded collars, check out my Facebook page: The Swanky Hound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 I'm glad you had a necropsy done. Believe it or not, I still have "what ifs" about Topaz. But Brindle died in surgery. When they opened her up, they said she was loaded with cancer and we made the decision to just let her go. But............I still wonder about Topaz, 9 yrs ago. That's a nice closure you have. MP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest trevdog Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 I'm glad you got some information to help ease your mind a bit....and maybe he helped further some more research along the way..... Those what if's are tough to handle sometimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 Quote Patti-Mommy of Lady Sophia 7-28-92 - 8-3-04... LaceyLaine 8-2-94-12-5-07... Flash Gordon 7-14-99 - 8-29-09... BrookLynne...Pavé Maria... and 18 Bridge Kids. WATCHING OVER US~SOPHIA~QUEENIE~LACEY LAINE~ CODY ANGELO~FLASH GORDON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KRKWMU Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 I can't begin to know how difficult all of this has been for you. It was certainly nice for the oncologist to do a necropsy so you could have some closure and to help other hounds too. Dempsey will always be with you. Take Care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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