My Heart Dog, Chico Options

[Berta]

Chico is my jumbo chihuahua mix and my best friend and constant companion for 11 years. I got him when he was 9 weeks old and we've been inseparable ever since. He has taught me so much about life and unconditional love. He is my heart.
He has always been big. He's also always been fat. He was hungry when I got him and I've made sure that never happened again! His bowl was never empty. He's always looked like a ham with a chihuahua head stuck on! But my poor baby. Since he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in September he has gained about 8 lbs of fluid. He weighs about 34 lbs. He can no longer walk due to his enormous belly. Even his legs are swollen so badly. He lives on the couch all day. I pick him up to take him outside a few times a day. I pick him up to take him to his bed beside mine at night. The couch is covered with pads because he has alot of accidents. I hand feed him and hand water him. But he still has a great spirit and still barks at anything that moves outside. He'd really love to get at 'em!
We live in a small town with a small-town vet. His vet says there is nothing else to do for Chico. Just to keep him comfortable until he dies. He takes Enalapril, Lasix and Vetmedin. I had to go to another vet to get the Vetmedin, which saved him in January, because our vet had never heard of it. Obviously the Lasix isn't working properly. I've asked him about a belly tap and he says no, that it is too risky and that he would not do it. I've read online about it and can't decide whether it would be dangerous for him or not. Has anyone here ever had this procedure done to their pet? I don't want to put him at risk, I just want him to have some relief.
I have made an appointment with another vet for Monday. They told me he would refer me to someone in a larger town to get Chico a sonogram and tests that he has never had to see what's going on with his heart. All our vet has ever done is listen to his heart. I am just so worried because I don't even know how I'll pay for all that. I guess I'll have to use a credit card. Times are tough. But I have to do something. It's getting to the point that he sometimes bites me when I try to pick him up and I know it hurts him to move him.
Thanks for listening. I have been really stressed about his condition lately. It is so upsetting when I can't do anything to help him. I'd appreciate any prayers for Chico.

Berta

[tahoeden]

Dear Berta,

Sorry for all the pain both you and Chico are in. My dog, Kota, whom I put down one month ago, was on a lot of meds, and as the doctor said, probably in a lot of pain. That Chico doesn't like to be touched much was also how Kota was, not wanting to be cuddled or hugged anymore. When you see the new vet, have him evaluate the pain that Chico is bearing. Make decisions based on the quality of his life. You are in a tough situation--reality-wise, emotionally and financially. Love Chico, and in this love, try to intuitively hear what Chico is saying and where Chico is at. I know that you must be frantic at a time like this. You'll do the right thing and make the right decisions. Wishing you well.

Dennis

[madi]

I had a small dog that had the same condition as Chico has and for years he had regular injections to relieve the fluid retention and daily meds to keep the fluid from building up too quickly. He lived for years like this and was quite fit in between his injections. Has your vet ever suggested giving injections? they work so quickly. It doesn't seem right to me to just send chico home and simply say keep him comfortable, because he isn't comfortable and he won't be until he can get rid of that fluid. I would be seeking out another vet. I really do hope you can get some help for Chico, he is not living a quality life style the way he is. xx

madi xx

[janika]

Dear Berta

I hope the new vet on Monday is more encouraging, and yes hopefully as Madi says they will advise injections to get rid of all that excess fluid, which should very quickly make dear Chico feel better.
I will be thinking of you both and sending prayers.
Hugs Jan x

[Berta]

Thanks so much for the replies. Mati, what kind of injections did your dog get for the fluid? No, the vet has never mentioned this. That would be wonderful! The only thing I have heard about is the abdominocentesis, which our vet won't do and doesn't recommend. I found a vet a while back that would do that, but she's 30 miles away and I'd have to take him in the morning and pick him up late afternoon. She also said he may have to do this at least once a week, maybe twice. And it is $50 each time. It is just impossible. Not only the money, but the time and leaving him all day, plus the stress for Chico. Injections would be so much better.
Dennis, I am so sorry about your Kota. That's a beautiful name, by the way. There is nothing worse than seeing your baby in pain. I know that Chico has a poor quality of life since he can barely move. But he seems fairly happy when he is in his home on the couch until I try to move him. That makes this so very difficult. He is alert and his old self a lot of the time (since the Vetmedin). He does have some bad days and breathing episodes. But I think he would be alright if it wasn't for all this fluid. But the way he is now is just heartbreaking and I can't bear it. Just a few months ago he was running around the house chasing the cat, but it seems like it's been forever.
Hopefully I will get some answers Monday. I just can't accept that this all that can be done. I appreciate your insight. I have just been so emotional lately and needed to get some of this worry off my chest. I've never seen another dog with ascites as bad as Chico and knew someone here may have been through this before. Thanks.

Berta

[Berta]

Chico woke us up at 2:30 am yelping out in pain. I am really worried about my little man. He's not feeling too well today and I can't get his meds in him yet. Just waiting for tomorrow and hoping it doesn't happen again. That was very disturbing!!

[janika]

Dear Berta
I'm sorry to hear that Chico is not good today. I'm sure you'll be making him as comfortable as possible and just being there for him. Let's hope that tomorrow the new Vet will help to bring relief from his discomfort and a course of action to help improve his condition.
Love and prayers.

Jan and my Angels and Pixie xx

[ladywolf]

Hi Berta--

Sounds like Chico is in something of an emergency. I hope that the new vet treats it as such and finds a solution to his pain and fluid build-up. Hang in there as best you can; at least you already have an appointment tomorrow...

Sending much love--

Margi and Spiritwolf

[madi]

Berta, I can't remember what the actual name of the medication was that the vet administered to my little dog, it was 30 yrs ago. Diuretics were given daily in tablet form, with regular injections to get rid of excess fluid as well. He did really well on the medication, he lived a pretty normal life and he wasn't a young dog. His condition was due to heart failure. I do hope you can get a vet to help Chico, I feel so sorry for the little darling xx

madi xx

[Berta]

The vet recommended euthanasia. There was no point in a referral. He said he would drain some of the fluid if I chose to do that, but it would come back soon and that Chico's organs were already in failure since the edema is in his legs so badly, too. He really is enormous and his belly is crimson from bruising caused by tearing. I am just devastated! I've known in the back of my mind I think, but hearing it is so painful. I am trying to process this and make myself call to make the appointment. I just can't pick up the phone to set a day and time for this. I don't know how I'm going to do this.

[MishasMom]

The vet recommended euthanasia. There was no point in a referral. He said he would drain some of the fluid if I chose to do that, but it would come back soon and that Chico's organs were already in failure since the edema is in his legs so badly, too. He really is enormous and his belly is crimson from bruising caused by tearing. I am just devastated! I've known in the back of my mind I think, but hearing it is so painful. I am trying to process this and make myself call to make the appointment. I just can't pick up the phone to set a day and time for this. I don't know how I'm going to do this.

I'm sorry to hear about the vets recommendation. It is a difficult decision. Love is about doing what is right for them and not about us. I tried to make my kitty as happy as I could the night before. There are so many of us that have had to make that decision. We are here for you. I will be praying for you

Karen - Mishasmom

[tahoeden]

Dear Berta,

I'm so sorry that the time has come. On the day, last month, that I put my Kota down, I kept calling the vet, hoping he have a new miracle for me. But the only miracle was the life I had with her, and your miracle was the life the two of you have/had together. I drove around all day with Kota in the back of my car, took her swimming, got her a Taco Bell taco. Called my sister to come over and realized that time had run out. I know how hard it is for you to pick up the phone. With all the vet said, and what you said about her bruising, and other symptoms, it's time for your final act of pure, unconditional love. You are doing her a favor, she is hurting, and when the organs are shutting down it's a slow death. Please, for both your sakes, realized what a wonderful and loving life the two of you have shared. And please realize that it's your decision and I know that you don't want your baby to suffer anymore. Please write and let everyone here know what is happenning. Peace to both of you.

Dennis

[Berta]

I made the call. The appointment is Wednesday at 1:30. I know that this is the right thing to do for my Chico, but it is so hard. I have probably been in denial for quite some time and allowed my pup to suffer longer than he should have. It is just so hard when he is alert and wagging his tail and barking at the mailman. This is the first time I've ever gone through this. I thought he'd be acting sicker than this and the choice would be more clear.
I'm trying to find a way to make tomorrow special for Chico. But he is so uncomfortable he doesn't like to do anything except lay here beside me on his couch. I am going to cook him some ribs, his favorite. Not forcing his meds down him will be a good thing, too. He hates them so much. He will sleep with me and hubby, no matter how many accidents he has on the bed. And of course give him plenty of love and talk to him. Tonight he is being distant. Maybe he knows something. Dogs are so intuitive.
I still don't know how I'm going to do this. I am still in a state of shock and I hope I stay this way for a while. I want to be strong and brave for my boy, and it is so hard to do. Thank you all for your support. It helps so very much! I know most of you have been through this and my heart goes out to all of you.

Berta

[smokey/lady/max]

Hi Berta
Just hours spent with your boy is special. You dont have to do anything special except love him. Spent every moment you can before Wensday. People have posted so many things that I wished I had done like take a casting in clay of thier paw just little things you dont think when that day arrives. In my situation with my Max I was hit with the news at the vets and made the decision right there and then without having a clear head I wished I would have brought him home for a little longer just to take alittle more time to really say my goodbye. With my Dozer I had no warning and wasnt even home when he died suddenly. So charish the next day with him. Make him his favorite food. I will be thinking of you and your little man. I know you dont think you will be able to do what you have to do, but its our love for them that gives us the strength. It truely is the hardest thing aI have ever had to do and I have had to do it 4 times in my life and each time I swore I could never do it again but our love is so strong that we find away. I will be sending prayers for you. I will ask my Angels to please watch over your little boy.

Hugs
Anna and my Precious Angels

[missy]

My thoughts and prayer will be with you on Weds.
(((hugs)))

[tahoeden]

Dear Berta,

I really do feel your pain. This is the hardest decision a person has to make. Nothing takes away the frantic feeling and dreadful anticipation of what you have to do. I know this next day and a half is torture for you and your husband. Just hold and tell Chico, a million times, how much you love have for Chico. It's hard to imagine, and see, life going on around you when you are facing the inevitable. I was watching Forrest Gump last night, and before his mom died, she told him simply, "Death is just a part of living." I wish I could have Kota back for one more minute to tell her again how much she means to me and how much I love her. Chico knows, and has know her whole life that she has been with you, how much she means to you. Just be with her, just be with her...she loves you too.

Dennis

[MishasMom]

I will be thinking and praying for you today and tomorrow.

[janika]

Dear Berta and Chico

My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Hugs Jan and my Angels and Pixie xx

[Cheryl83]

Thinking of you through this difficult time. You are doing the right thing for your baby. Cherish every last moment you have with him. Hold him for as long as you possibly can. Tell him everything that's in your heart. This will help with the grieving process afterwards. That's one thing I always think... I wish I held her for longer before she went to see the vet. But I didn't know I wouldn't be getting her back. You have time to say goodbye, so make sure you cherish it.

You're in all our thoughts.

Cheryl xx

[Berta]

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and thoughts and your posts. It is comforting. I am trying to enjoy my last night with Chico, but it's so hard. I just can't believe that this is the last night he will be laying here at my side. He has been in this same spot for 11 years, right beside me. I just can't imagine how empty this couch will be tomorrow night. It will be unbearable. Life will be unbearable. I feel like I should be doing more tonight, but we are just hanging out together, like usual. The time is really, really going too fast. I have never dreaded a day as bad as I dread tomorrow. I am just praying for strength to get through it.