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Our 11 1/2 year old golden is not doing well. Ginger started acting listless on Christmas eve. She seemed to rally by that Fri. but by Mon. she couldn't even get up. DH took her to the vet and the diagnosis is that she has a hemangiocarcinoma on her spleen. Apparently this is not very common but more common among Goldens. She bled into her abdomen. After giving us our options ( he did not recommend euthanizing her at this time) we chose to have them give her fluids including blood transfusions. She was dramatically better Tues. Up walking. She has not eaten yet but is now drinking water. Today he said that if she is still drinking water he will let us take her home. The prognosis is not good though. He said that this is not painful and if and when she bleeds again and if it is a lot she will just go to sleep and not wake up. It has been really hard this week. I think maybe we are just postponing her death and giving us time to accept that she is dying. If Ginger continues to not eat I think the vet will recommend that she be euthanized.
Pat
Polly and Carol (and other dog lovers)
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
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jodibelle352
- Angel
- Posts: 610
- Joined: Sat Jun 21, 2008 10:57 pm
- Location: Michigan
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Hi Pat:
So sorry to hear about Ginger. Our pets are not just "animals" as some may think, they become part of us as family. IMO, you will know when and if it's time to have her put to rest but until that time may come just give her all the love she needs just as before.
When I lost my beloved; Blackie (a cockapoo) after 15 yrs. a close friend sent me this poem. So I'm passing it on to you now. It's about a special place where our beloved pets go when the pass on.
Love and God Bless:
Jodi
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
So sorry to hear about Ginger. Our pets are not just "animals" as some may think, they become part of us as family. IMO, you will know when and if it's time to have her put to rest but until that time may come just give her all the love she needs just as before.
When I lost my beloved; Blackie (a cockapoo) after 15 yrs. a close friend sent me this poem. So I'm passing it on to you now. It's about a special place where our beloved pets go when the pass on.
Love and God Bless:
Jodi
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
May God and All His Angels, watchover, protect and guide you "One Day At A Time".
Pat,
I'm so sorry to hear that bad news. I hope that you'll be able to spend some more quality time with her.
Unlike the human spleen, a dog's spleen stores whole blood. That's why your vet can be relatively sure that if she begins to bleed significantly, she could very quickly just go to sleep, and not wake up. As sad as it is, I suppose it's as good a way to go as any.
Hugs,
Tex
I'm so sorry to hear that bad news. I hope that you'll be able to spend some more quality time with her.
Unlike the human spleen, a dog's spleen stores whole blood. That's why your vet can be relatively sure that if she begins to bleed significantly, she could very quickly just go to sleep, and not wake up. As sad as it is, I suppose it's as good a way to go as any.
Hugs,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Carol Arnett
- Gentoo Penguin
- Posts: 423
- Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2006 12:07 pm
Ginger
Oh Pat, I am so sorry to hear about Ginger. I hope for your sake and hers that when the end comes, she just goes to sleep. Euthanization is so traumatic for the humans.
We had to have our 2 Shelties put down at 2 separate times and it was so hard. I had to think about getting another dog for a long time before we got Toby and the main reason was having to let go when the time comes. We hadn`t had an animal for 18 years.
My heart goes out to you and everyone who loves Ginger and I will pray that she has some good time left and goes to the Rainbow Bridge as quietly and painlessly as possible. Love, Carol
We had to have our 2 Shelties put down at 2 separate times and it was so hard. I had to think about getting another dog for a long time before we got Toby and the main reason was having to let go when the time comes. We hadn`t had an animal for 18 years.
My heart goes out to you and everyone who loves Ginger and I will pray that she has some good time left and goes to the Rainbow Bridge as quietly and painlessly as possible. Love, Carol
Carol Arnett
Dear Patl
I am so sorry to hear about Ginger. Our pets hold such special places in our heart. When they leave, there is a hole left behind. I have several of those holes, starting back when I was a child.
You will know when it is time to let her go. I just pray she goes comfortably.
Jan
I am so sorry to hear about Ginger. Our pets hold such special places in our heart. When they leave, there is a hole left behind. I have several of those holes, starting back when I was a child.
You will know when it is time to let her go. I just pray she goes comfortably.
Jan
While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart. - Saint Francis of Assisi
Oh Pat, 
What a sad time. I am so sorry to hear about Ginger. These decisions are among the most difficult ones in life, I think. It's good there is no pain involved. But I know how difficult it is to see a golden "down" - they are such spirited, wonderful family members.
Our Rusty , age 12, was diagnosed with severe arthritis of the hips last mo. and is now on Rimadyl, which is helping. But I constantly worry about him - especially on those days when he is quieter than usual. The vet said to keep him from jumping onto furniture or into cars, but it is almost impossible - he just keeps wanting to "go". But what can you do? They have to have quality and their usual routine too. But Ginger's problem sounds more serious than Rusty's at this point. Pleas know I am agonizing along with you.
I don't think you're prolonging her life just for the family to adjust. With a first episode, it makes sense to me to give her all of the benefit of the doubt. Wouldn't it be super if she perked up and did well for a while? There's no way to know unless you give it a try.
Love,
Polly
What a sad time. I am so sorry to hear about Ginger. These decisions are among the most difficult ones in life, I think. It's good there is no pain involved. But I know how difficult it is to see a golden "down" - they are such spirited, wonderful family members.
Our Rusty , age 12, was diagnosed with severe arthritis of the hips last mo. and is now on Rimadyl, which is helping. But I constantly worry about him - especially on those days when he is quieter than usual. The vet said to keep him from jumping onto furniture or into cars, but it is almost impossible - he just keeps wanting to "go". But what can you do? They have to have quality and their usual routine too. But Ginger's problem sounds more serious than Rusty's at this point. Pleas know I am agonizing along with you.
I don't think you're prolonging her life just for the family to adjust. With a first episode, it makes sense to me to give her all of the benefit of the doubt. Wouldn't it be super if she perked up and did well for a while? There's no way to know unless you give it a try.
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
I am so sorry about Ginger, caring for our four legged family members can be just as stressful as caring for the two legged variety. We just lost our 16 year old whippet in Nov. and are doing hospice care for a 25 year old horse right now, so I feel your pain. Our animal family is good about telling us when it's time to let go, Olivia ( the whippet ) did that. You will know by the look in her eyes when she has had enough. Until then, enjoy every moment with her and cherish the time you have together.
Hugs,
Carrie
Thank you all so very much for your kind words and support.
Jodi - Your poem is beautiful!
We brought Ginger home today and she did eat a little bit! She is lying in her favorite spot on a rug in the kitchen by the back door, a sliding glass door. The sun is shining on her and she seems so peaceful but I know that she is not going to be back to her old self. I guess time will tell. Thanks again everyone!!!
Pat
Jodi - Your poem is beautiful!
We brought Ginger home today and she did eat a little bit! She is lying in her favorite spot on a rug in the kitchen by the back door, a sliding glass door. The sun is shining on her and she seems so peaceful but I know that she is not going to be back to her old self. I guess time will tell. Thanks again everyone!!!
Pat
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barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 5394
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:11 pm
- Location: New York
Pat--I also am sorry to hear about Ginger---
Douglas--my son--had to put 2 of his *family* away this year---
Yes-the animal kingdom are part of our family---I remember when our 3 went to doggie heaven-
But all the years they were with us will never be erased from our minds and hearts--
luve Barbara
Douglas--my son--had to put 2 of his *family* away this year---
Yes-the animal kingdom are part of our family---I remember when our 3 went to doggie heaven-
But all the years they were with us will never be erased from our minds and hearts--
luve Barbara
the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control
Pat,
I'm glad to hear that Ginger is back home and eating a bit. I'm sure you're enjoying the time that you have with her. It's nice to know that she's not in any pain. It's so hard to watch our "other family members" suffer. I hope she regains her appetite and stabilizes.
Gloria
I'm glad to hear that Ginger is back home and eating a bit. I'm sure you're enjoying the time that you have with her. It's nice to know that she's not in any pain. It's so hard to watch our "other family members" suffer. I hope she regains her appetite and stabilizes.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
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annie oakley
- King Penguin
- Posts: 3859
- Joined: Fri May 13, 2011 5:56 pm
Pat, So sorry to hear about Ginger. Pets need our prayers as well. Goldens are such a special companion. They give Heart and soul. Ginger is in my prayers because our four legged children need prayers also. Love Oma
May I be more compassionate and loving than yeterday*and be able to spot the idiots in advance
We could tell this morning that Ginger was not going to have any quality of life. She would drink a little only when I put it under her mouth. She wouldn't eat. And she couldn't/wouldn't get up to go outside. DH tried to make her go outside with great difficulty - Lifted her back end with a towel but she couldn't do it. So we took her back to the vet. She will be cremated. It has been so hard and I thank you all for your support. So many don't understand but you do. Thank you so much. We still have her son, Prince, who is 9. I dread the day he goes too, but until then we will enjoy him.
Pat
Pat
I'm so sorry to hear about Ginger. You've made a difficult decision, but it is the right one. You don't want to watch her starve. We went through the same agonizing process with our Beagle 11 years ago. My prayers are with you and your family.
Gloria
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.