February 5, 2009
Some kind thoughts for Lancie, please
Lance is very sick. His liver is failing. The doc believes that he has a liver tumor. He’s recommended an ultra-sound and biopsy to confirm the problem, but there’s not much point in doing either because Lance can’t have surgery. His heart murmur prohibits him from having anesthesia. It’s possible that the liver failure is due to some type of infection instead of a tumor. We’ve started him on an antibiotic plus vitamins (he’s severly anemic) and a liver-sparing medication. That’s pretty much all that can be done. If the liver failure is the result of an infection, we’ll see some results within two weeks. The doc doesn’t believe that’s a case because there’s no real evidence of an infection.
Lance had some dental problems in November. It was understandable that he wasn’t eating much while he had mouth pain. His appetite picked up after his dental work, but he’s never gone back to his robust eating habits. He’s lost about a third of his body weight in the last two months. Some days he’s not interested in food at all. The damage to his heart has also increased: he now has a Level 6 heart murmur, the worst level of damage. He still romps and plays a little, but mostly he just sleeps. He’s so skinny that it’s painful to look at him. I’m to get back in touch with the doc next week, but we both think it most likely that Lance won’t be with us much longer.
[tags]beagle, dog, dog health, canine health, canine heart murmur, canine liver failure, Lance[/tags]
Posted by skeet @ 11:48 am • Home & Family
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February 5th, 2009 at 12:35 pm, sassymonkey Says:
Aw Skeet. I’m sorry. Love and huggles to you and Lance.
February 5th, 2009 at 1:09 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo, my sassy friend.
February 5th, 2009 at 1:13 pm, The Social Frog Says:
Oh,I am so sorry to hear this. It is such a tough thing when our pets get sick and I feel your sadness! Many hugs to you & your pup.
February 5th, 2009 at 1:32 pm, Julie Says:
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear this
February 5th, 2009 at 2:31 pm, Tarrant Says:
Oh damn skeeter, I am so very sorry.
February 5th, 2009 at 3:44 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo, Social Frog. Lance and I lost our old companion, Buddy, just a year ago. In spite of his heart condition, I thought I’d have Lancie with me for a long time to come, but now it looks like that probably won’t be happening.
February 5th, 2009 at 3:46 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo Julie. I’m not ready to go through this again, but it doesn’t look like I’ll have much choice.
February 5th, 2009 at 3:49 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo, Tarrant. I’m anxious to get the news next week, but dreading it at the same time since the lab results have painted a very dismal picture.
February 5th, 2009 at 4:19 pm, Flo Says:
Skeet, I’m so sorry about Lance. My thoughts are with you both. That’s what keeping us from moving sooner, the dogs. Both are so old and ill I think the move would kill them. So we are here until they are gone.
February 6th, 2009 at 5:00 am, Lee Says:
Thinking of you and Lance…
February 6th, 2009 at 7:57 am, Kawena Says:
Skeet, so sorry to hear about Lance. That is so sad. Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.
February 6th, 2009 at 8:46 am, Jade Says:
Sending good thoughts out for you both
February 6th, 2009 at 12:25 pm, hyphen eight Says:
Oh no! That’s really terrible. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it is an infection and it does get better soon.
Sending hugs & good wishes for both of you…
February 6th, 2009 at 3:25 pm, allysther Says:
Give Lance some love from us. I know that he will return it to you. I am so sorry to hear this news.
February 6th, 2009 at 4:29 pm, valmg Says:
Skeet I am truly sorry to hear that you’re going through such a difficult time again this year. I’ll say a prayer for Lance.
February 7th, 2009 at 10:49 am, Connie Says:
I’m so sorry to hear about Lance. I know this is hard for you. Sending (((HUGS))) to you and Lance.
February 10th, 2009 at 2:59 am, Anele Says:
Oh Skeet, I pray Lance will be comfortable for as long as possible. I prayed very hard when you spoke of his dental issues b/c it reminded me of our own baby before she left us. I pray Lance will stay strong and hopefully with some softer food or even a raw diet, he can gain some of his appetite back. You can always email if you need to, I know what you’re going through. Give Lance a great big smooch and hug from me.
February 10th, 2009 at 8:59 am, corrin Says:
I’m so sorry to hear that Lance isn’t doing well. We’ll keep him in our thoughts and hope he is pain-free.
February 11th, 2009 at 10:17 am, Deanna Says:
Aaww… I’m so sorry to hear about Lance! It is so hard for me to think about losing our little friends. I will send up a prayer!
February 14th, 2009 at 3:58 pm, Grace Says:
This is so sad. Our pets are part of the family and it’s sad when they are sick. Hope things turn out best.