JJNg Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 I know you're working with your vets and trust them, so perhaps the additional feedback is not wanted at this point, but Giselle's signs remind me so much of my girl Willow that I can't stop thinking about her. Does she still have edema/joint pain/active inflammation now? I am a conventional 'Western' vet, but I also feel that there are cases where conventional medicine does not have all the answers and alternative or holistic approaches can help. I wouldn't abandon mainstream medicine but would consider alternative therapies in conjunction. In Willow's case, we still used antibiotics and steroids, but I truly believe that the acupuncture and Chinese herbs also contributed to her recovery. Each case is different, and especially since neither Willow nor Giselle have a definite diagnosis, and Giselle's problem is much more chronic, I have no idea if any of these things would help. But it might be worth looking into and probably won't hurt at this point. Quote Jennifer & Willow (Wilma Waggle), Wiki (Wiki Hard Ten), Carter (Let's Get It On), Ollie (whippet), Gracie (whippet x), & Terra (whippet) + Just Saying + Just Alice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4My2Greys Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 I know you're working with your vets and trust them, so perhaps the additional feedback is not wanted at this point, but Giselle's signs remind me so much of my girl Willow that I can't stop thinking about her. Does she still have edema/joint pain/active inflammation now? I am a conventional 'Western' vet, but I also feel that there are cases where conventional medicine does not have all the answers and alternative or holistic approaches can help. I wouldn't abandon mainstream medicine but would consider alternative therapies in conjunction. In Willow's case, we still used antibiotics and steroids, but I truly believe that the acupuncture and Chinese herbs also contributed to her recovery. Each case is different, and especially since neither Willow nor Giselle have a definite diagnosis, and Giselle's problem is much more chronic, I have no idea if any of these things would help. But it might be worth looking into and probably won't hurt at this point. Your the kind of vet I would want for my dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Giselle Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 We discussed additional tests for TBD and bacterial infections, but he said that her symptoms are so severe that it points strongly to cancer (particularly, GI lymphoma) at this point. That's not to say that her symptoms before weren't indicative of a less malignant disease, such as IBD or TBD or bacterial infections or what-have-you, but it is undeniable that what is causing her rapid weight loss (basically, continued starvation) now is something much more aggressive and likely irreversible. I understand the need to explain what is going on with her, but the past few years of unanswered questions and now this incredible spiral downwards is beyond what either of us can handle. She may very well have had some chronic infection in the past and I do believe that that is the case, but it has progressed beyond the point of help and I can't justify prolonging her life unnecessarily. I've discussed home euthanasia with our vet, and he will be coming out to our home next Saturday. I just hope that Giselle won't have lost even more weight and can stay relatively comfortable for now. Thanks for all the thoughts everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
o_rooly Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 I am so, so sorry. Giselle is one very lucky pup. Quote every day a tiny adventure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 I am so sorry this is happening, but for whatever my opnion is worth, I think you are making the right decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 I'm so sorry. May you & Giselle have peace & love in the time you have left together. Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeh2o Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 I'm so sorry to read this. It is just heart-breaking. Quote Sunsands Doodles: Doodles aka Claire, Bella Run Softly: Softy aka Bowie (the Diamond Dog) Missing my beautiful boy Sunsands Carl 2.25.2003 - 4.1.2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Giselle Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 FYI: Tests are back - nothing. No pancreatic insufficiency. Blood all normal. Levels all normal. No real significant clue. Next step would be endoscopy, which would be the only definitive way of determining whether or not she has lymphoma. But considering all the risks, I just don't think it's fair. Her pressure sores broke open again today and it probably won't heal nicely what with the Prednisone. We're all treasuring our last moments together and trying to make her as comfortable as possible. Thanks again for all the thoughts everyone. She's so stoic =/ She's such a wonderful girl.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Stripeyfan Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 I am so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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