Need To Cancel and ask for your prayers

[Leigh123]

I just found out that the love of my life, my 6 year old doberman has cardiomyopathy..there is nothing they can do for him..so now it is a waiting game..as you can imagine, I do not want to leave him to take my Sep trip (WDW will always be there)...my question is can I just call and have my reservation at the dolphin (which is paid in full) switched to some time next year, and then when it is time for us to go call and change it to the dates we need?

Thanks and please pray for my darling Sebastian

 

[Eeyore1954]

I am so sorry to hear about this news. Your doberman is so young to have this problem. I am sure you will give Sebastian loads of love and the time you have left together on this side of the Rainbow Bridge will be his best ever.

I don't know about switching your ressies... maybe someone else knows more about that.

http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

 

[mrsltg]

Hi Leigh-

Sorry to hear about your pup... I know it's hard to lose a pet.

I think that they will probably just refund your money unless you have a specific date to apply it too. Can't hurt to ask.

Erin

 

[Curly Q]

I am so sorry about your baby ((((hugs)))) to you and Sebastian.

 

[Lainy67]

I am sorry to hear that. Not trying to get your hopes up, but have you considered contacting a veterenary (sp?) school in your area? They may know more options or treatments that might be available, if not to cure, then maybe to make him more comfortable.

 

[Kermit]

I'm so sorry.

You should be able to get all of your money back right now since it's not too close. The other alternative, if you're afraid you might spend the money if you have it, is to change your ressie to a specific date. You can always change it later if necessary.

 

[chatty]

I just lost my love of my life March 29th.02. She too was only 6 yrs.old. she was a Beautiful West German, German Shepherd named ZANA, sounds like (Donna) but Zanna.. Anyways the vet bills were almost a thousand dollars and they still couldn't figure out for sure what she had.. First they said cushings, than Lupus, Than the Heart, By that time it was too late..I am still upset that I didn't take her for another opinon..They said that they could of started her on dieretics to reduce the fluid build up..I have been asked if a new puppy would help, But I just can't, I have had other dogs and cats but she was my love and I thought I had alot more time with her. I truly know how you feel..I just wish I would have gone and gotten another opinion, maybe you could see what another vet.says..I'm sure you have a Great Vet. But it never hurts to get other opinions. . All of my prayers are with you, your family and your baby..we will all think positive, I believe in the Power of Prayer.. God Bless..

Chatty

 

[Tinkbell]

Prayers and hugs to you and your sweet dog. I'm so sorry that this has happened. We put my dog down in February. She was suffering from bone cancer. I know that I would not be able to go on vacation if she were still alive and ill.

 

[jeleebeene]

I can't imagine losing either one of my baby schnoodle's (miniature schnauzer/toy poodle mix) they have brought such joy to our lives. I wouldn't be able to leave them if they were ill, either, but you are correct, Disney will always be there waiting for you.
All my prayers are with you and sweet sebastian - maybe a miracle will make her well.

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by Leigh123
I just found out that the love of my life, my 6 year old doberman has cardiomyopathy..there is nothing they can do for him..

First of all, I want to say I AM NOT A VET... But, I have CONSIDERABLE experience with animals. (Put it this way, my vet welcomes me into the surgical room, and sends clients to me for homeopathic things)

At any rate, there IS plenty you can do for your Dob.

Talk to your vet about getting the dog on Lasix (generic is Flourisemide). This is a diuretic which will relieve the fluid congestion around the heart and in the chest cavity. You do need to watch out for low Potassium levels and dehydration, but most animals tolerate Lasix remarkably well. Generally you start with a small dose and work up until you find the right one. You'll know it's right as the coughing will stop, and the dog will be more energetic (easier to breathe, better circulation).

Next, talk to the vet about Enacard. This is a fairly new drug (3 years maybe? manufactured by Merial) and helps strengthen the heart muscles and assist in circulation.
If the vet isn't aware of these treatment protocols, or doesn't have a really good reason to not want to use them, I'd go for a second opinion. And do'nt ask the vet for a referral, ask friends and neighbors who they use.

Unless the cardio is very late stage, your pet could ahve another year or more with proper drug therapy. Once the disease advances, fluid taps can be done as needed to reduce the abdominal and chest rentention.

Good luck!

Anne

 

[Hollymom1229]

As the mother of a beautiful Shepherd/Husky girl my heart goes out to you. I know you're doing everything in your power to make his life happy and comfortable, and he will wait for you at the Rainbow Bridge with a heart full of love. My prayers are with you, God Bless.

 

[Leigh123]

Thank you all for your well wishes is means more than you can know...Also just so everyone knows, this was the 2nd opinion...my vet did a routine electro cardiagram each year since Dobs are prone to cardio myop,,,the speacilist she sent us to did all the tests this morning and confirmed....it is in the early stage and she said he still has "fairly good contractability" but it will eventually kill him. Dobs have "sudden death syndrome" the only positive about this is no pain,,,the other side effect is the congestive heart failure, but they can treat that for a period of time if that pops up...THANK GOD he does not have that at this time. Again thanks for your well wishes!!!!!!!!!!!!


Anne thanks for the tip on the drug, I will call her asap in the morning.

 

[RugratsMom]

Leigh, I am sorry to hear about your dob. We returned from Disney this past Saturday having found out that our 12 year old Basset hound was missing. My dad had been coming over and feeding her and checking on her twice a day. She had never been a dog that got out so it surprised us all that she escaped this time. We have a new neighbor that saw her and said she was having difficulty breathing so she took her to the vet. (the neighbor wasn't sure who she belonged to) When the vet checked Lucy out he found 2 large cancerous tumors on her lungs and said that they seemed to be new and seemed to be fast growing and that Lucy needed to be put down. Not knowing anything else to do the neighbor gave the vet permission to put Lucy to sleep. Our family is devasted by losing Lucy while away but grateful that she didn't have to suffer very long. My dad had fed her the night before and she was fine and had no trouble breathing so we know that her suffering was short lived. She had went through a short period 2 months earlier and we thought she was going to die then. The vet checked her out and said that she had broncitics. We had him run test as we were afraid she might have cancer so he ran a whole series of test and nothing showed up at that time. He gave us antiboctics and she got better but he warned us at that time that with her age that we needed to start preparing ourselves for her death. Bassets usually only live 10 to 12 years. Still even with this in mind we weren't prepared, especially our 14 year old as she recieved Lucy as a birthday present when she turned 2 so she can't remember life without Lucy. I will keep you and Sebastian in my prayers.

 

[Nolcrest]

Being a former Doberman owner who was also the love of our lives, my thoughts and prayers are with you. These Dobies are the best. I own 4 dogs now. Toy poodle, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, yellow Lab and German Shepherd. They're great dogs but my Dobie will always have that special place in my heart. The only bad thing about going on vacation is leaving the dogs.

 

[wendyww]

So sorry to hear about your precious pup! We had to have our cocker ( Buddy ) put down at Easter he had cancer. This saturday we rushed our springer ( Gutsy ) to the hospital he was in liver failure he was so far gone we had to have him put down as well. I feel for you. I will keep your dog in my prayers.

 

[chatty]

My heart is with all who have put their best friends to sleep..Or who has a animal that is sick..It's the hardest thing I've ever done..Besides my daughter who's Ill. My family has gone as far as suggest an animal support group. Maybe I should look into it. I just never in a million years thought that I would be hit like this. It helps me just to talk about it. Up to now I haven't said much to anyone. It just hurt to talk plus I'ts hard for some people to understand how much I loved her...Even my sense of security has been shattered. I never used to worry when alone. I knew she was right next to me in bed. Sorry for my ramblings on, but I connect with everyone, and I'm hoping it might help me some.

Chatty

 

[Beanie]

Hugs to you...I am so sorry...I do know what this is like as about 10 years ago, we had to put our Golden Retriever to sleep...It was the worst thing in the world at the time...I have yet to own another Dog to this day!

Prayers and thoughts for you...

 

[Leigh123]

update


first thank you for all your well wishes...it appears that the specialist is also known as a doom and gloom dr...the follow up with my reg vet was very good..she said that dobs get enlarged hearts and the dog is vrey healty otherwise so now we just monitor and treat with medication..her exact words are "for god sake, there is no need to dig a grave"...but thank you thank you for all your well wishes, and for those of you who shared your stories of losing a beloved pet, i am glad to know they will be there waiting for my darling Sebastian and he will have someone to play with once he gets there!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[eeyore0062]

So now perhaps, if you can find a trusted friend or family member to watch your dog, you won't have to cancel your vacation! My DSIL has too cats with heart disease, and when she goes on vacation, my DH always watches them for her so she can go.

I am glad that you got a good report, so now you can relax a little and have a little fun!

 

[BethA]

I will keep your dog in my prayers. Last year the week prior to our Disney cruise we had to have our 19 yr old ShihTzu put to sleep. The very next day our 8 yr old cat became paralyzed and we had to put him to sleep the day we left. It was a devastating time. They did a million tests on the cat and never found the cause. I believe I'm still paying for it on my credit card. It is difficult to go and leave them. Our remaining cat is a diabetic and our 1 dog is 15 so I am always very nervous when we go away. The people on these boards were very supportive last year and I'm sure you will find the same thing. At least you have some positive news. Hope things work out for you. You will be in my prayers. Beth