Pet Lovers

[NYwoman]

Thank you.    Holly died last Thanksgiving weekend.    I still relive that day over and over.   

I gave her raised bowl and supplements to my friend who had a Shih Tzu with congestive heart failure and one with arthritis.   I visited the little one till he passed about a month ago.    He seemed to enjoy my visits.    

[betteb]

(((((((((((((((((((((((((NYwoman))))))))))))))))))))))))

[Karnerblue]

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@NYwoman wrote:

Last year at about this time my 15 yr old Lhasa Apso got sick.   I took her to vet after vet, got different diagnoses and different meds.    The meds made her sicker.    One round of meds made her  comatose.    I spent 4 days on the floor with her keeping her alive.    She finally recovered 75%.    As the meds did not relieve her pain, her kidneys gave out and she refused to eat.    She was helpless and I had to make that terrible decision.    I relive that day constantly.    I told her to go to her first Mom (who died) and who she loved dearly.    It is a terrible thing to go through but you do it because you love them and they depend on you.   

I know what you are going through.    I pray for you and Buddy.    HUGS to you.    What you do is out of love and selflessness and love for Buddy.    Prayers, love, and hugs!

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Oh no ... Tramadol is one of the medications they gave me for Buddy for pain. 

[Sammycat1]

Karnerblue, don't panic about tramadol....many dogs tolerate it well (ours did).

[Karnerblue]

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@Sammycat1 wrote:
Karnerblue, don't panic about tramadol....many dogs tolerate it well (ours did).

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OK, thanks Sammycat.  The last thing I need is another worry.  I'm just trying really, really hard to deal with this rationally and it's not working at all.  The harder I try, the harder it is.  I'm trying to be strong.  Truth is, I'm just not.

[Sammycat1]

Karnerblue, I understand completely...I've had to take care of dogs and cats with terminal illnesses, one with heart failure who I was told could die at the drop of a hat. Your heart and mind play tug of war with each other at a time like this, but you'd be surprised how strong you can be when you keep your focus on Buddy and how he's always put his trust in you to do right by him. And you always have, or he wouldn't have had so many years with you already! Trust your gut and your knowledge of him...and notify your vet of any reactions to meds or anything else that doesn't feel right. You can do it...and we are all here with you.

[NYwoman]

Karnerblue,  Tramadol is used routinely for post operative dogs.    Holly was given 3 times  the correct dosage by the second vet.   When the NSAIDs couldn't work anymore, she returned to Tramadol but at the correct dosage.    Holly was only 18 lbs.    It was the dosage, not the med that harmed her.    Every dog reacts differently to meds.    Keep in touch with your vet.    It makes them more comfortable but does not cure them.    

My prayers are with you.    {{{{{{{{{ Karnerblue and Buddy }}}}}}}}   

[Karnerblue]

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@Sammycat1 wrote:
Karnerblue, I understand completely...I've had to take care of dogs and cats with terminal illnesses, one with heart failure who I was told could die at the drop of a hat. Your heart and mind play tug of war with each other at a time like this, but you'd be surprised how strong you can be when you keep your focus on Buddy and how he's always put his trust in you to do right by him. And you always have, or he wouldn't have had so many years with you already! Trust your gut and your knowledge of him...and notify your vet of any reactions to meds or anything else that doesn't feel right. You can do it...and we are all here with you.

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Thanks Sammycat.  I'm so glad someone understands.  Tug of war is right.  I'm going to need lots of help.  I feel so alone at times.  Friends are either "it's just the way things are" and are not really compassionate or helpful, or they just want to talk about their pets and they go on and on and on.  It's hard to focus on work and other things right now.

How special a person you must be to deal with sick animals.  You seem to have a very kind, nurturing way about you.    Thanks for being you!

[HappyDaze]

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@NYwoman wrote:

Karnerblue,  Tramadol is used routinely for post operative dogs.    Holly was given 3 times  the correct dosage by the second vet.   When the NSAIDs couldn't work anymore, she returned to Tramadol but at the correct dosage.    Holly was only 18 lbs.    It was the dosage, not the med that harmed her.    Every dog reacts differently to meds.    Keep in touch with your vet.    It makes them more comfortable but does not cure them.    

My prayers are with you.    {{{{{{{{{ Karnerblue and Buddy }}}}}}}}   

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Yes this is so true- dosage is a tricky thing. I always start out on the smallest dosage and work my way up if they aren't seeing as much pain relief as they should.

Tramadol is one of the safest pain medications out there for dogs, KarnerBlue. Please don't worry about that right now.

[GingerPeach]

@Karnerblue 

Please let your friends know that there is no such thing as "just a dog."

Even though you didn't mention that's what they said, I'm guessing it's what they think.  Too bad we don't always get the support we need from those closest to us.

No matter what, we are here to listen. 

Big (and gentle) hugs to both you and Buddy.