Max's tumors have enlarged and he confirmed that I am feeling more on his throat. He is on prednisone twice a day, they will only shrink the tumors for a short time. The general prognosis is 3 to 6 months...some are gone in a month and some beat the 6 months. It's the luck of the draw.
He told me what to watch for besides the enlargement of the growths. Vomiting, bloody diarrhea and also problems swallowing and breathing. They can have the growths inside that he can't feel. He said it was nothing I did or didn't do, there is no way to know which dogs it will hit. He told me the reason that Max has gotten this far in his life is because of the things I did do...the acupuncture, the surgery for the other growth and making sure he gets his shots. I told him I will do whatever I need to and he said he knows that. And then he gave me a hug.
I asked him if he believed things happen for a reason, he said absolutely. I told him about Brody. He thinks it is a good thing and would be a comfort to me. As I walked out of the exam room into the hallway we came nose to nose with another corgi! I've never seen another one there before. Max was thrilled but the other girl was a noisy bugger...bark bark bark. Max just sat down and looked at her. The gal asked if she could take a picture of him because she has never seen a fluffy in person. She was staying in the hallway because there were 2 big dogs in the waiting room...a young guy and an old dude...they were together. They came other and sniffed all over Max and he sniffed back. As long as the other dog is calm and doesn't try to jump on him he is thrilled with other dogs.
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Oh, Linda, so sorry to hear that! I know how much you love your boy. He's had many happy years with you.
Oh Linda, I'm so sorry. It is so difficult to lose them. When i lost Sparty to cancer, we had a little while to enjoy him. I think it helped me knowing we had a few months where he could have treats without worrying about his weight and he could roll and sniff everything on his walks. Lots of ball time plus bacon for dinner the ight we said goodbye. You just have to focus on the good part I guess.
Beth....we've had 8 wonderful years with Max, he came to us when he was 5. Even tho his first family had to give him up I know he was much loved by them. We still keep in touch with them.
Bev....we still have time with him and he is still his happy self. I plan on making sure he enjoys his time, wish I could indulge him in all those things he would love to eat but I have to watch his weight because of the DM and the prednisone will make him gain weight as it is. He has had a happy life and been well loved and has given me so much in return.
Linda, I am so sorry to hear that Max is worse. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
We started the prednisone on Thursday evening. The vet told me to check them every few days. I was stunned last night when I checked his neck....the tumors have shrunk considerably! I never dreamed it would work that fast but I am very happy it did.
As for the DM...it's progressing. I've been helping him up the stairs at night, he can't do it on his own, he has always slept next to the bed. We had to make the decision that he can't come upstairs anymore. With a weaker back end him going down the stairs is too risky for both him and me. I've been staying in front of him to make sure he doesn't slide but if he did I'm not sure I could stop him and we would both go down. I've been researching slings so if/when it becomes necessary I can help him outside (we have a ramp for him) to do his business.
I so appreciate all your kind words and good thoughts.
Holly....thank you. He has always had an expressive face, you just know what he is thinking.
I've had dogs on prednisone before with good results also. Hoping that you have wonderful times with Max and that he can be around for a long time. Sometimes I think about how our pets are lucky to be able to have owners that care and love them but also the ability to stop the suffering when it gets too bad. Take care!!!!!
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