I am truly sorry to learn of Shadow's diagnosis, as SwampDonkey says, it is a horrible disease. Talk to your vet about the fluid therapy and how that might help him xx
I'm so sorry to see that Shadow's diagnosis is kidney disease. Having lost a lab at only seven years old several years ago I can imagine how devastated you feel. It's a terrible decision to have to make, but only you can decide what's suitable for Shadow. You obviously know him well and thankfully persisted in insisting on further investigation to help him. I hope the vet gives you some guidance on the fluid therapy so that you can continue to do the best thing for Shadow. Do let us know how you get on.
Might be worth talking to the vet again and asking about his quality of life and prognosis if you go down the route of fluid therapy. Sorry to hear about his diagnosis.
I am so very sorry you have had such wretched news. If there is any real hope with the fluid therapy then I would try it, but if not, then it may be better to let him go if he is feeling so poorly.
I was in a similar position with my first Labrador, and strangely enough, he was named Shadow too. I loved him very much, but he became extremely ill very quickly, and I begged my vet to give me some honest advice as to what would be best for him. She told me even if she admitted him and he managed to survive, he would never be the same dog. I elected to have him euthanised. The guilt and confusion was overwhelming for quite some time - I knew I had done the "right" thing, but I constantly replayed the possibility of trying something...anything...to keep him alive. It took me some time to finally get it straight in my head - the decision I made...rightly or wrongly...I made with love for him. I suppose my point is, if you make your decision with genuine love, it's going to be the right one...and I wish you only peace and wisdom during this difficult time.
very sorry for you all, we will be thinking of you and your brave dog.we are all with you at thi.s terrible time.ruthx
So sorry you're in this awful position. I think I can speak for everyone when I say our hearts go out to you. I have no advice to give, as I have no experience of either the disease or being in the situation to make this decision myself, but I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you. I hope you have support at this time.
Just a quick update regarding shadow. The vet wanted to see him this morning and he went through all his blood results again. Not only is he in kidney failure, but his liver is starting to go as well. The Vet has talked us into trying the fluid therapy for one day, so they are keeping him in for today and we will reassess the situation tonight. I just feel that this is a waste of time, but it is so difficult to let go. I will keep you all informed and let you now how things progress later today.
Thinking of you & Shadow. My Belle was given 10 days of steroids to try - we took her back for re-assessment, but I knew it was her time. I said to the vet that he didn't need to do further bloods. She was in pain, she would only eat when I hand fed her junk food. I miss her every day but I let her go for her sake.
Thinking of you and Shadow. What a sad diagnosis. Hopefully the fluid therapy will make some improvement.
One final update for tonight. Shadow had his first course of Fluid Therapy, and to be honest there was no improvement in him at all. If anything he seems to have deteriorated a bit more. The vet told us this evening that he now has bloody diarrhoea and that is another concern on top of his failing kidneys and liver. But he is still insisting on carrying on with the treatment for at least 3 days as he think there will be a slight improvement after this. We have asked about his quality of life, and he could not answer as he think he will improve over the next few days, personally,I cannot see that happening. The vet does not want to euthanise yet as he still thinks that Shadow will get his appetite back, but we have been trying everything and he will not eat a thing. I just think that the vet is being disrespectful, not only to Shadow, but also to our feelings. We are back in again tomorrow and we are not going to let him have any further treatment, and will push for the final solution, no matter how heartbreaking that is, but our boy deserves better. Thank you to everyone for all their supportive posts, it is a great comfort having this forum and talking to real dog lovers.
So sorry. You are being incredibly loving and selfless. He a very lucky dog to have such devoted people in his corner. Best wishes and hugs
