Our Little Quincy Has Auto-immune Disease, Hurts So Much Options

[Aaron]

It was just a few years ago that I came here to lean on this community for support when we lost our car Reggie to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). It's with great sorrow that I have to return for support for another sick pet. Our sweet dog Quincy, a Maltese, came down with auto immune disease recently and we are trying to suppress the inflammation, but it is proving to be a difficult task so far. We are by no means giving up, but I feel like every day that passes that he does not improve means we are closer to losing him. Back in late December he had his regular annual exam and got his vaccines. We suspect that one of the vaccines triggered his immune system to go into over-drive, for lack of a better phrase. The vaccine was not the cause, as all vets we have spoken with say this is genetic and it takes just one trigger to bring this disease to the surface.

We initially tried steroids which helped some, but it did not completely suppress the inflammation. He slowly got worse so we got an MRI done which revealed considerable fluid on the right side of his brain. So they tried a large does of steroids (prednisone) which had an impact but then he seemed to get worse. So we went to the next treatment which is chemo since we are trying to suppress over-active cell activity. He was having seizures so he is on meds that make him considerably drowsy, so it's hard to tell if the chemo is having an impact since they cannot measure his neurological signs accurately. But the doctor is concerned the chemo might not be having an impact, which means we have fewer treatment options. They have told us that if the chemo does not have an effect, then his prognosis is "poor".

If you are reading this, then you know how difficult this can be. We are stressed both physically and mentally and it would devastate us to lose another pet after just 2.5 years. I can't even imagine how destroyed my wife will be of we lose him, but I am starting to prepare myself for that. I am just typing this to get it off my mind and my chest. We are staying positive and won't go out without trying every viable option. But every day is incredibly difficult.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Aaron, thank you so much for sharing with us how your precious Quincy and you are doing. When our precious companions are experiencing a medical crisis it is perfectly normal for us to think about having to say goodbye and what life would be like without their sweet precious physical presence with us. I have experienced this many times with each of my companions, and as recently as 6.5 months ago when my I came so very close to losing my precious Noah with what turned out to be a twisted intestine. Because the surgery was expected to be very intensive, I put a "Do Not Resusitate" order on Noah's chart, and instructions for the surgeon to call me during surgery so that I could decide to have him peacefully transition home to the angels if that turned out to be the best for him. It is hard not to let our fears and sorrows find a place in our thoughts and grieve for them even though they are still physically with us yet so very ill. Thankfully, the surgeon was able to restore my precious Noah's health to him - - this time, and he is doing well to this day.

And so it is with your precious Quincy - - because of the deep enduring love you have for him you do not want him to suffer - - yet he is still showing you that your love for him is giving him the strength and courage to endure through this medical challenge. It sounds like your precious Quincy isn't ready to "throw in the towel" yet - - so let this be your guide. You are doing the absolute RIGHT thing when you share with us: "I just don't want to give up on him until we have exhausted every possible angle. He is that important to us."

Please know we are here for you, Aaron, to share with you whatever is in your heart and on your mind - - and to offer you encouragement, comfort, and hope as your precious Quincy, you and your wife, and your family travel this journey in your precious boy's medical crisis. Please know your precious Quincy and you and your wife are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how your precious boy and you are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam