Gentle Spirit
Mountain Center, CA
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Hi Everyone - I need help and once again, I'm turning to you all because I know you really love dogs. For the last few months my dog, Baxter has gone up and down healthwise. On Thanksgiving morning at 4am, we rushed him to the emergency vet - then my husband didn't want to spend the $600 for xrays and blood work, so we just had a fecal test and urinary test to rule out bladder infection and giardia which he's had several times. No bladder infection and they only found one parasite in the fecal, but sometimes giardia doesn't show in a fecal exam. He's been to the vet so many times for things, not eating, arthritis pain and so on. He has severe diarrhea, vomiting and won't eat, and is losing way too much weight. The clinic gave him an antibiotic which treats both colitis and giardia. Unfortunately the pill also causes diarrhea and vomiting. So, I don't know if he's getting any better because of the side-effects of the pill. He still gets up and goes outside to do business and yesterday was interested in a rabbit that ran by. So, anyway, it's touch and go here, if they had done the xrays and found cancer I wouldn't be putting him through all this and have found that I am resentful of my husband's cheapness. Although he said that if I felt I really needed to spend the money I could, and now I wish I had.
On another note, we have another dog, 110lb malamute mix and he's causing alot of problems. He has a problem with being alone and that hasn't been a problem as we had 4 dogs (including him), but have lost 2 and now it looks like Baxter will be going as well. Wolfie is not allowed in the house because my husband is allergic and Wolfie's 6" long fur gets full of dust and pollen. I don't feel so bad about him not coming in because we have 5 acres and he sleeps in the garage at night. Anyway, since Baxter has been in the house, Wolfie has torn up the garage, dug under the fence, climbed over the deck railing and howled all night. I'm so tired, lying on the floor next to Baxter the last 3 nights and getting up every couple hours, I can't think straight. I feel like I'm going to loose 2 dogs - when Baxter goes, I'll have to get rid of Wolfie - I don't think I could take it. Getting another dog comes to mind - but I'm to depressed to think about that right now, plus, if I did, it would be a smaller dog that would live in the house, therefore not solving the problem of the howling, digging and tearing up the garage...
Sorry to go on, and on, times are not good for me right now, any advice will help.
Thank you.
Carole Winch, husband George
Brandi and Baxter-at Rainbow Bridge among many others
Wolfie-Malamute/wolf mix
Tiger-cat/Spicey-cat
Dillon & Ranger - Tennessee Walking Horses
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Dixie Flyer
504 Jones Ave Waynesboro, Georgia 30830
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Hi Gentle Spirit. Baxter could be suffering from a reaction to some medication like Fella did until we found out what the problem was. Then again it could be something he is going through, like some kind of bug maybe? There are so many things that can upset a dog’s system when it comes to old age. Then Suzie would often start vomiting from things she would find and eat when she would be outside. Blood work should tell you much of what is going on and if not then it is a guessing game. Your other dog acting out with behavioral problems could be the lack of attention because you are so involved with Baxter. Try taking your other dog for walks and give him a little more play time and see if that helps.
Maybe you could also use a kennel crate for the other dog at night inside the house just to keep him close to Baxter. I have found crate training is valuable even with older dogs. Peaches has her crate, Sarah has her crate and Suzie has hers. There is never a question of them going into their own space at night when there is a treat inside and when the lights go out there is peace and quiet until the next morning. It is a sad truth that diagnosis cost money and if there is a limit, then that is where the line should be drawn and there is nothing else to do but wait and see what develops. Worry can be counterproductive as it takes your mind off of the solution and keeps you focused on the problem. When your problems become larger than your faith it is a losing situation. I know I haven’t been much help here, but I hope maybe you might find some solace in these words.
* This post was
edited 11/30/08 07:44pm by Dixie Flyer *
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Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue
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Hoops
Indiana
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Carol, sorry Baxter is having so many problems. There is no advice I can give as you are the one who knows all the values that must be looked at. Wish I could help, but I do offer a prayer for you and Baxter, to guide you and give the wisdom to make some choices. What Richard wrote above is also good advice. You and your DH need to talk to figure out what is best for Baxter. God Bless.
Becky
The Hoops. ED and Becky
Missy our little Bichon
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chemisd
Lancaster, Ohio USA
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Carole, I feel for you.....when we discovered that Maddey had issues, I assumed it was hip and told my husband I would cash in some of my retirement in order to pay for the surgery. I still feel that way. That was the one and I think only time in 14 years that he called my parents to basically try and talk some sense into me. Unfortunately, surgery was not going to help so the choice ended up not being mine to make. I was so angry with him. I can still feel it. Our girls can be destructive at times too. Usually I think it is because they are "mad" at me. (I know, there are those out there that say animals can't feel emotions like us....) What about a kennel in the garage to keep him from tearing up the garage? Definitely spending more time might help, but to tell me to spend more time on anything right now just can't happen. Just know that we are listening on here and saying some prayers for you....
Congrats Dan and Lori on Sarah! It sounds as if a perfect solution has been found!
Old Fella is still at 59 today.....only 14 days left!
Chemisd's
Joe,Jana,Jarod,Jansen
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See you at the bridge Maddey&Maicey
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Dashonthedash
CO
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Sarah can give Anna an update on her sister 
Congratulations, Dan, Lori and Sarah!
Carole, the best advice I can give you is, trust your vet! Discuss Baxter's problems and your (and your husband's) concerns, including the financial ones, and let the vet give you some options. Most vets are willing to work with you and, if your vet isn't, you can always find one who will. Good luck with Baxter.
* This post was
edited 11/30/08 01:56pm by Dashonthedash *
Gary Shapiro
Spc. Dash - 10-year-old GSD
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and Spc. Allan (DOTL Rainbow Division) - now waiting at the Bridge with Max, Willow & Dot
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Gentle Spirit
Mountain Center, CA
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I really appreciate the advice and prayers. My big dog, Wolfie probably would be too traumatized being in a crate - as he was a rescue from a man who kept him on a rural lot of land (no house), locked in a cage with a padlock for weeks at a time - the neighbor had to go over and give him food/water and her husband used to cut off the padlock to let the dog out. It was quite horrifying to hear the story. I don't know what I'm going to do. We discovered that he tore up the carpeting in the garage and also wrecked the door trying to get out.
Anyway, poor Baxter is on his 4th day of no food - he just won't eat! Whenever he does eat a miniscule portion of something, he vomits. It's hard not knowing if it's the medication making him so sick or if he'd be sick w/o out it since he was before.
I will put Baxter in God's hands. He just turned 10 on Nov. 14th, not that old. In fact, it seems I must put my life in Gods hands right now and trust that things will turn out right.
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whimstock
Beautiful El Paso, Texas
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Joined: 08/09/2004
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Dixie Flyer wrote:...Worry can be counterproductive as it takes you mind off of the solution and keeps you focused on the problem. When your problems become larger than your faith it is a losing situation.
Wonderful words, Richard, that apply to so many things in life, not only to caring for our pets.
I always leave this thread with more than I came with. 
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woodstick
Home base, Edmonton, AB
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whimstock wrote:Dixie Flyer wrote:...Worry can be counterproductive as it takes you mind off of the solution and keeps you focused on the problem. When your problems become larger than your faith it is a losing situation.
Wonderful words, Richard, that apply to so many things in life, not only to caring for our pets.
I always leave this thread with more than I came with.
Very true Whimstock!
Prayers for your family Gentle Spirit.
Woodstick and Queen of the North
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Scottiemom
South Dakota/Indiana
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Hi Gentle Spirit,
If I read your post correctly, you took Baxter to the ER vet and was quoted those prices. My regular vet is much, much cheaper than the ER vet we have used. Could you try your regular vet? I am so sorry for your dilemma. Praying for a resolution soon.
Dale
Dale Pace
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Mom to 2 rescued Scotties
Bailey and Neal
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Dixie Flyer
504 Jones Ave Waynesboro, Georgia 30830
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Good morning everyone. Suzie and Sarah are back home and all is well. Sarah was so glad to get home she went straight to her bed as if to say, "Oh thank God it's still here!" After breakfast she and Suzie are fast asleep. Gentle Spirit I hope Baxter is doing better this morning.
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