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Babies on the Brain
JenniferJaneC
member
NBR: Very sad. Dog related. Need advice.
JenniferJaneC
member
In 2001 my former boss gave me a sweet little dog, JD, as my graduation present. In 2007 I gave JD to my mom as I was moving into a "no dogs" rental property. Mom is 70 now, and this little dog is her constant companion, her best friend, and one of the few happy bright spots in her day.
I just got a call from JD's vet. He didn't want to tell my mom and is letting me break the news to her. JD's blood workup this week wasn't good. In fact it was horrible. Liver problems, a heart murmur. A badly infected tooth which needs to be removed but because of his collapsed trachea (common to this breed) he'll need a specialist from the university hospital. Even then, they don't think JD is going to make it through the procedure.
How am I supposed to tell mom this? To say it will crush her would be an understatement.
Jack Donovan, b. Christmas Eve, 2009.
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Re: NBR: Very sad. Dog related. Need advice.
Sit down with her and tell her JD is sick. But, as much as it will hurt, please do it as soon as possible so she has time to give him extra love before he passes.
I'm so sorry.
I think that sounds pretty compassionate. Maybe the vet did not want OPs mom to be alone when she heard, ect.
I would tell your mom in person, explain that Dog is very sick, and have a conversation with your mom.
On a totally unrelated note, your child bears an uncanny resemblance to my oldest as an infant.... I had to do a double take!
Mmmm...cake!
I'm very sorry to hear about your mom's dog. Unfortunately, I don't have any really good advice. It seems like the sooner you tell your mom the situation the better. That way she has time to come to terms with what is going on and time to give the pup some extra love. And also, if you tell her sooner rather than later, should you decide to put the poor fella to sleep, you may save him from weeks or months of living in pain.
Sorry to hear your sad news.
This. I'm so sorry. I know this is really hard.
At first I was upset that I have to be the one to tell her, but really I would rather tell her in person so she isn't alone. Mom has had a rough year, living alone for the first time in her life, and she lost her firstborn, her only son, my big brother, last year. She's had some bad depression problems because of this. The vet knows our family well enough so ultimately I think his decision was pretty thoughtful.
The liver issues and murmur could be because of his bad teeth. Both can be results of infection from bacteria shed from his mouth. Antibiotics may be able to help the liver, though the murmur is here to stay. Did they say how severe either of them were?
I have done many dentals on small dogs with tracheal issues. That is why you put in an endotracheal tube - to preserve the airway. We have only turned away ONE dog in 3 years, and it had other significant problems. We are not a "specialist university hospital" either.
I would get a second opinion if I were you. I would also have the vet start him on Antirobe (an antibiotic that is great for mouth bacteria) and recheck his liver values in a week.
I think if he is as important to your mom as it comes across, then it is worth looking at all the options/angles. If I can help any further, let me know.
*****I am not a veterinarian, but a veterinary technician. I have worked in the vet field for several years, and have worked with animals my whole life. I perform dental procedures on dogs and cats almost every day. *****