Guest vtgreys Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 My Duke is gravely ill. Until today there was a small hope that he was just battling a bacterial infection, but it does not look like that's what it is. About 2 1/2 weeks ago, he started having a little trouble getting up on the bed or couch, no problem, I just helped him up, I thought it was a combination of getting older (he's 11) and recovering from his dental a week before that. Last weekend he was getting worse, and had a hard time standing up by himself, I had to help him up almost every time, and he had started losing quite a bit of weight quickly. I started hand-feeding him anything he would eat - he would not touch his kibble at that point, but would eat canned food. I made satin balls for him, and he ate those for about a week at every meal and enjoyed them. Tuesday am of last week I took him to the vet, how gave him some IV fluids in the hopes of strengthening him a little and ran blood tests. Results came back Wednesday, with slightly elevated kidney values, moderately elevated liver values and a very high WBC. He was immediately put on 2 broad spectrum antibiotics. He continued to get slightly worse every day, and wouldn't eat the satin balls anymore either. I have an array of meats and other things for him in my fridge that would make a butcher proud. I had a nice big bag of chicken innards, he ate those for a few meals, then stopped eating those. I also picked up a roll of soft food for him, and he ate some of that. I cooked up a huge batch of chicken thighs/legs over the weekend, and he's been eating those up until this morning. Tonight he's refusing even those. I've checked in with the vet regularly about his progress, and today was the day by which he said there should be some improvement from the antibiotics. There isn't, and that means his high WBC means it's cancer. So now it becomes a matter of how long I can keep him comfortable - he doesn't seem in pain, no labored breathing or panting, and you can tell he wants to get up, but just can't. I'll have to take it day by day, and I can call my vet anytime. I am totally devastated - Duke was supposed to be with me for a few more years, he was the picture of health up until a few weeks ago. I just lost Jaxie and am still grieving over that. At the same time, I'm busy acclimating a new guy in the mix, I rescued him off Craig's List this weekend. He's a wonderful playmate for Tessa, and the 2 of them are a real joy together. Intro of him and pictures to follow in a happier thread soon. Please send some good thoughts for me and Duke to get through the next steps of this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 My heart goes out to you and your handsome boy. Sending gentle hugs for both of you. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I'm sorry. Sending hugs. Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Smiley Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I'm so very sorry. Many hugs to you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Javasmom Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Sending hugs and good thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I am so sorry to read this. I hope you have many more good days with your boy. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeForHounds Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I'm so sorry. I wish there was something more I could do. 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...
MandysMom Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Sending prayers for Duke Quote Beverly. Missing my happy toy-flinging boy Sammy (Where's Mandrill), (8/12/2009-9/30-2021) Desperately missing my angel Mandy (BB's Luv) [7/1/2000 - 9/18/2012]. Always missing Meg the Dalmatian and Ralph Malph the Pekeapoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrina Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I feel so bad for both of you, so sorry that you have to go thru this Quote Caroline, Mom to Daphne (49B-50215) and Penny (41D-55779)Remembering Bridge Angels Margo and Sabrina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kickchick2000 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Many prayers coming your way, I wish you and Duke the best during this difficult time. Quote Alicia and Foster Yoshi ( pit bull) Always in my heart: WV's Milky Way 6/25/2000- 4/22/2013, Hank ( St Bernard/Boxer) ???? - 10/3/2017 and Sweet Pea (English bulldog) 2004 - 6/19/2019 www.etsy.com/your/shops/MuttStuffnc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mychip1 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I'm so sorry for you.... Quote Robin, EZ (Tribal Track), JJ (What a Story), Dustin (E's Full House) and our beautiful Jack (Mana Black Jack) and Lily (Chip's Little Miss Lily) both at the BridgeThe WFUBCC honors our beautiful friends at the bridge. Godspeed sweet angels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I am so very sorry to hear about Duke. Spoil him as best you can and give him a hug from me. Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I am so sorry you & Duke are going through this. Many prayers coming your way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paige12 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 You probably have tried it, but what about the jarred meat baby food? That seems to be something that works. Keeping you both tucked tight in my prayers. Cancer sucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhead Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Just share all the love you can. Our thoughts are with you. Quote Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45MPHK9 Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 we will be thinking of you and duke in the coming days. hugs to both of you. Quote Tricia with Kyle, our senior mutt dog Always missing Murray Maldives, Bee Wiseman, River, Hopper, Kaia, and Holly Oaks Holly“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.“ -Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MyBoys Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 I am just so very sorry you and your sweet boy are going through this, sending gentle thoughts and hugs to you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mcsheltie Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Ditto to what has been said. Will be praying for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Adding more good thoughts and prayers for you and your boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teri_d Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 no words - just sending hugs & scritches - teri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Hugs and prayers :hope 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...
grey14me Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Hugs and prayers :hope 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...
Guest zoolaine Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Greytluv Posted August 24, 2010 Share Posted August 24, 2010 Duke :candle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.