I need love and strength from Dog people


(Heather Meyer) #1

So for those who havent been following me on my journal… i have been undergoing a painful, expensive 8 months with my Dog. Cadie is only 3 but since last June she got super sick… became listless…bleeding from end to end. I took her to the Vet who treated her with meds and got her symptoms under control but had no diagnosis. Ahe would improve for 3 weeks or so and then she would be back to the Vet and into the hospital for more fluids, more meds, more tests and still nothing could explain her symptoms. Month after month we watched her vomit uncontrollably and bleed end to end, losing her energy abd being uncomfortable and in pain. To date, since June… we have now spent $14,500.00 on tests and medications and specialists and special foods and the has undergone bloodwork, urine culture, poop cultures, endoscopy, x-ray and still they can not find a cause. Now they want an ultrasound which is easily 500$ more.

I started my job in June and literally every pay cheque just pays for her Vet bills. My last Dog NEVER had health problems until she was 16 abd she was a LabradorX. Cadie is a purebred chocolate Lab who is only 3. I am at a loss right now because im just having meltdowns emotionally now because i dont know what to do anymore. When she is good for tbe moment when her symptoms are gone…she is the happiest, cuddliest Dog ever. Full of spunk. But when she starts feeling sick again then its different.

I need support or prayers or somthing because i think we might be at the place where we have to consider all the options.

Its going to take a miracle to stay Keto today cause i am a mess…but hopefully if i post… and reach out…maybe i wont emotionally overeat.

Thanks for listening.
-H


(Frank) #2

I have had dogs for most of my life and sometimes the best way to love them is to say goodbye. As hard as it is you shouldn’t be sacrificing your financial stability.


(Full Metal KETO AF) #3

I feel for you and I pray that your doggy gets better before you go broke. Try to stay strong with your WOE, if you binge out you will feel even more stressed and crappy tomorrow. :cowboy_hat_face:


(Victoria ) #4

How horrible for both of you, Heather! Try to stay strong for your sweet cuddle pup. Maybe some IF/time restricted eating with a power walk to ease your stress might help. Or indulge in some keto comfort foods. I’m rooting for you! :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

BTW, I have something called a Care Credit card that my vet accepts, which also works for human medical expenses in various places. You get interest-free credit for a certain number of months, depending on whether you’ve paid the charge by the end of the interest-free period. It worked for my husband’s dental implant. Maybe that’s an option you could explore, or your vet might be compassionate enough to work out a payment plan for you.


(Retta Stephenson) #5

Heather, my heart goes out to you. Our little mini-schnauzer, Joey, is 5 now, and has had about 3 close calls, health wise. It’s so hard on several levels. We want so much for them to be happy and healthy, and it tears us up to see them in pain. Yet it’s totally legit to take into consideration the finances. We aren’t rolling in dough, and it’s just a reality that has to be included in decision making.

I’ll tell you something that always encourages me. If you are familiar with the story of Noah and the ark… when Noah was led to dry ground after the flood, and all the animals and he and his family were safe, God sent a rainbow. It was a symbol of His promise… and it says in the story that the promise was not only to the humans, but included all the ANIMALS, too. That tells me that God really cares for ALL His creation, which includes our beloved fur babies… my Joey and your Cadie.

So I’m sending up prayers for your Cadie, that she will find relief; that the vet will find some answers; and that you will find some peace and comfort.

Hugs to you!


(The amazing autoimmune 🦄) #6

Hugs. I know how long you have fought for him. I know how hard it is to say goodbye. It is the hardest and greatest gift we can give them. Stay strong


(Doug) #7

Oh Heather, that’s rough - hard decisions all around. I still cry about a dog that died in 2004, and he wasn’t even my dog…


(Full Metal KETO AF) #8

Is this a GB :uk: thing? I have never heard of this.


(Victoria ) #9

Probably not. It’s a USA thing for sure. But you have the NHS, so you might not need that kind of credit like we do here.


(Allie) #10

Sometimes when the suffering cannot be fixed, it’s best to let them go :broken_heart:


(Full Metal KETO AF) #11

I’m not British but @PortHardy is I think. :cowboy_hat_face:


#12

I have Care Credit that I got when my cat was sick. I’m in the US. It saved me…it was much easier paying off a huge vet bill over a year.

@PortHardy I feel for you and wish you the best. Sometimes we have to make hard decisions. You have to do what is best for your dog and you. I wouldn’t want to watch my cat suffer.


(Sheri Knauer) #13

I have a Care Credit Card as well. With 4 dogs and one that has his own cardiologist, it really helps out not having to dish out the entire cost of the vet trip in one lump sum. Im in the US.


(Sheri Knauer) #14

Im so sorry to hear this. So very frustrating. I have 4 dogs (one is a chocolate lab) and its so heartbreaking when they get sick, especially if the vets have no idea what it is. Have you explored feeding her a keto diet? You may find some useful info in https://www.ketopetsanctuary.com/#features


(PSackmann) #15

Heather, I have no words just lots of support. I know how hard it is to not be able to make them feel better, and it’s even harder to come to the point to realize there may never be an answer. My heart goes out to you as you deal with this

g


(squirrel-kissing paper tamer) #16

Have you gotten a second opinion. If you are in a position to continue to spend money, take your records and seek a second opinion. Obviously something is wrong. And I know you’ve probably been asked by your vet but you aren’t giving NSAIDS like ibuprofen are you? It causes severe end to end bleeding like you’re describing.

Anyway, sorry you’re going through something so frustrating. Could this be flora destruction with antibiotics and a cycle of issues? Things to ask your new vet, if you get one.


(Lazy, Dirty Keto 😝) #17

I just wanted to say that I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be. If you can afford to continue the treatments / vet visits, I say do so. But if you can’t then you can’t. As PPs have said, sometimes the best thing you can do is let them go if they are suffering. I also would look into the care credit card as others have said. Best of luck and keep us posted.


(Katie the Quiche Scoffing Stick Ninja ) #18

Very sorry to hear Heather. Sending you and the pup good vibes.


(Heather Meyer) #19

Nope…im Canadian!


(Heather Meyer) #20

Thank you for your encouragement and support everyone. It has been a difficult time and because i am married… i feel that its not a decision thats faor to make on my own even though she has ways been mine. Its my husbands first time owning a Dog and he is having a difficult time with the idea of letting her go since she is so young. So we have compromised and agreed this ultrasound would be the last test she has. If nothing is treatable or is but her quality of life wont be improved by a great degree… i feel it will be time to end her pain and suffering because i dont want to watch her live that kind of life.
So we find out Saturday afternoon if the ultrasound showed anything.

Because i was so phyaically and emotionally exhausted from the long night being up with her, i thought it was probably best not to fast or push exercise. So i had two meals consisting of sausage and cheese and then for desert, i had some fresh raspberries and called it a day. So… i was able to stay at 20 carbs and did not binge oe go off Keto.

Thank you all.