As we all know, death is part of the package called life. Each being is born, lives and, when the main components either break irrevocably or simply wear out, dies. Today was our dog Princess's day to move from this side of the veil of mystery to the next.
Initially, she had responded to the drug our vet had prescribed; we were cautiously optimistic. But while her color and appetite recovered a bit, other issues began to present themselves. She started drinking water like a lost person in a desert who finds an oasis. This led her to wee wee all over the house. She was panting and whimpering more. The worst new symptom, however, was the bloating.
Her abdomen and chest cavity looked like a balloon with too much air in it. She was looking more and more like a furry beach ball. The drug, prednisone, causes fluid retention in humans and so we thought it most likely that it was the same for dogs.
Unfortunately, when we took her to the vet today, we learned the bloating indicated something altogether different: bone cancer. Of the two initial possible diagnoses, cancer was the more severe one.
After the exam, our vet was very frank -- she said Princess was in the final stages of a terminal disease. While Dr. Lee acknowledged that her abdomen could be drained, it most likely would fill back up within a mere day or two. Since it was readily apparent that the bloating was interfering with her ability to breath normally AND we knew our little doggy was in pain, the decision as to whether or not to have her euthanized wasn't that difficult rationally, though it almost ALWAYS is difficult emotionally.
For the first time since I can remember, I did not stay as she "went to sleep." Della volunteered for this solemn duty. I don't know why it was different with this four-legged creature, but I simply couldn't bear it. So, Della stayed with Princess to the end and I went out to the car and our other dog, Jasmine, to have a good cry.
I think I'll have another one now.
:'-(
Initially, she had responded to the drug our vet had prescribed; we were cautiously optimistic. But while her color and appetite recovered a bit, other issues began to present themselves. She started drinking water like a lost person in a desert who finds an oasis. This led her to wee wee all over the house. She was panting and whimpering more. The worst new symptom, however, was the bloating.
Her abdomen and chest cavity looked like a balloon with too much air in it. She was looking more and more like a furry beach ball. The drug, prednisone, causes fluid retention in humans and so we thought it most likely that it was the same for dogs.
Unfortunately, when we took her to the vet today, we learned the bloating indicated something altogether different: bone cancer. Of the two initial possible diagnoses, cancer was the more severe one.
After the exam, our vet was very frank -- she said Princess was in the final stages of a terminal disease. While Dr. Lee acknowledged that her abdomen could be drained, it most likely would fill back up within a mere day or two. Since it was readily apparent that the bloating was interfering with her ability to breath normally AND we knew our little doggy was in pain, the decision as to whether or not to have her euthanized wasn't that difficult rationally, though it almost ALWAYS is difficult emotionally.
For the first time since I can remember, I did not stay as she "went to sleep." Della volunteered for this solemn duty. I don't know why it was different with this four-legged creature, but I simply couldn't bear it. So, Della stayed with Princess to the end and I went out to the car and our other dog, Jasmine, to have a good cry.
I think I'll have another one now.
:'-(
I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteNo it never gets easier. I have had to put two beloved beagles down and it is a crushing blow to the soul. Feel some comfort in knowing that you shared your life and love with her and the her life was rich and fulfilled because of it. Namaste.
ReplyDelete