Now I am in that most difficult of places.

[milestogo]

About 6 weeks ago my dog was diagnosed with pancreatitis.

Following that he was found to have a mass. The mass was removed along with his pancreas about 2 weeks ago. He is now diabetic.

I followed up with an internist for his diabetes and an oncologist for his cancer. The cancer was removed surgically, but treatment could help to stop microscopic spread of the disease, which is adenocarcinoma.

His blood glucose is not under control. He isn't eating full meals, and he's urinating a lot. A few days ago I was able to walk him around the block 3 times in a day, although he was slow.

This morning I took him out to pee, and he just settled down and wouldn't get up. I had to get a wagon and load him into it to get him back upstairs. Once I took him out of the wagon he just stayed put. I gave him some water, and he was definitely thirsty. There is nothing wrong with his hind legs, he's just getting weak.

Later on got him to walk outside again, with much coaxing. He laid down again and I let him rest for a while. Then I coaxed him some more and got him back upstairs (via the elevator) without the wagon.

So I don't know if I should keep nursing him along or what to do. He's still eating and drinking, and he doesn't appear to be in pain. If I took him to emergency I'm not sure what they could do for him. He did have a huge operation and I know his body is still adjusting. But today it seems like he was moving in the wrong direction.

I don't want him to just waste away. But I am not ready to give up yet.

[ZZenith]

1. Strength and Courage, milestogo -

Strength and Courage.

How old is your pup?

[milestogo]

6. Almost 12.

[ZZenith]

8. Well, that almost makes any big decisions you have to make a little easier.

What breed is he?

Don’t mean to pepper you with questions, just trying to understand the situation.

[milestogo]

13. He's a mix of malamute and aussie.

Normally about 65 lbs, but now he's down to 53. He was healthy as a horse 2 months ago. He's always been very playful, and it has only been a couple of months since somebody asked me if he was a puppy.

Now its like he's become a little old man overnight.

[ZZenith]

15. Holy Moly, I know he's an awesome dog with that mixture of breeds.

We recently lost our golden boy to a neurological disorder at the age of eight. He went from bouncing off the walls to barely able to stand in four months. I am still a wreck but I will always treasure the experience of getting to love him, and I’m grateful that he let me know quite clearly that the pain of staying in the world was outweighing his desire to be with us.

I am pulling for both of you.

[milestogo]

17. Oh I'm sorry.

Eight is not very old.

Yes, he is an awesome dog with a big personality. He's still a sweetheart, but life is harder. Waiting for him to tell me its time.

[ZZenith]

18. That's a hard wait.

They really do want nothing more than to be by our side.

[milestogo]

19. Yes.

[procon]

2. If he just had major surgery why do you make him

walk around the block 3 times? That seems quite harsh. With all his medical problems it's not a good idea for any DIY stuff. He needs to see the vet ASAP.

[ZZenith]

7. 3 times in a day.

Reading comprehension is awesome!

Maybe the vet recommended that for the dog?

[milestogo]

14. While exercise makes the glucose temporarily go up, it ultimately helps to stabilize it.

Before all this happened we were walking a minimum of 3 miles a day. If you don't give an animal or a person exercise, they will get weaker. Not too much, just whatever they can handle.

[Tree-Hugger]

3. Big hugs

I am so sorry. These decisions are always so difficult to make and it's hard to think of our beloved furbabies suffering.

Can you call into his regular vet to discuss how he's feeling? It's a rough spot - pancreatic adenocarcinomas are fairly difficult to treat successfully. All of his symtoms are common with that cancer. However, those symtoms are also common with unregulated blood sugar. I think a chat with his vet might help you work through some of it.

Big hugs to you. It's hard to watch out pets when they don't feel well. Know that you are doing your best for your pup.

[milestogo]

4. I am in constant communication with the vets.

Last night I talked to his internist and she increased his insulin dose. His blood glucose is not so high today, but he seems to be weaker. My regular vet is on a leave of absence. He has an appt to see the internist tomorrow and the oncologist on Monday. I don't know what more they can do for him.

[Tree-Hugger]

10. Take it one moment at a time

I know that's not a solid answer, but often times the best we can do is take it moment by moment.

I've been in this position many times with my own pets and I'm a (retired) vet tech so I have walked with many owners during such times. It's never easy and there's always second-guessing no matter what happens.

Wishing you tons of peace. Spoil him with lots of love and cuddles.

[Laffy Kat]

26. You are doing everything in your power.

Maybe give it a little more time? This is the hardest part of love.

[in2herbs]

5. Sorry to hear this. I am in a similar situation only with one of my horses -- watching and

hoping that what I do will make a positive difference but walking that fine line of not wanting him to suffer. If you have a marijuana card I suggest you purchase some 1:1 oil (600 mg) and start feeding it to him. Let him get a THC high cuz it will help fight the cancer and allow him to sleep and rest in less pain. For cancer and glucose issues I have had excellent results using turmeric (and 1:1), however, if the dog is not eating it's not worth offering because it has to be fed with something containing fat (oil).

Sometimes I feel like this experience is a message to humans to reassess our life priorities. If I were in your shoes I would sit and hold the dog or lay by his side all day long, reminiscing with him about the fun times shared.

I may get slammed for this but if you know an animal communicator I'd engage this person and have a 3-way conversation between you, the dog, and the communicator. The good ones are able to do phone consults.

[milestogo]

9. They don't even allow medical marijuana in WI.

I have pain meds for him but I don't think he's in pain because he doesn't mind when I pick him up.

I am playing a healing meditation tape for him and he seems to like it.

I think I will cuddle him all night tonight.

[livetohike]

11. When I was treating my dog Cindy for diabetes she had

good days and bad days. You’ll have to do a curve for the vet, or leave your pup there for a day. You test their blood sugar every two hours and plot it. My vet had me call the numbers in and she would call me back with how to adjust the insulin dose. I did this once per week.

Cindy was 12 when she was diagnosed. It takes a while to get regulated. Hang in there. Sending hugs to you both.

[milestogo]

12. Thank you..

My dog has the free style libre device, so all I have to do is scan it. But I don't understand what makes it so variable.

I watch my dogs blood glucose like some people watch the stock market.

[livetohike]

16. Oh I know what you mean. That and worrying about how much and

how often she peed. She kept getting UTIs and bowel issues. The amount of food they eat and the amount of exercise affects the levels. I never fully understood it either. We had two more years together after her diagnosis and as I said, good days and bad days. It’s manageable and you can do this.

Sounds like you have a great support in your vets. Please update when you can. My Freyja and Riley day “Arf!” to you both.

[milestogo]

24. He went to the internist who is managing his diabetes today.

He is much weaker than last week. This vet was totally negative about his prognosis, tried to talk me out of taking him for chemo, and was kind of suggesting I put him down. She was very negative the first time we visited also.

She hasn't been very responsive to my emails and requests for prescriptions - she responds but not very quickly. Today she suggested that it is her role to look out for his best interests. I got really upset and told her I don't want to hear any more of her negativity and that I am the one who is looking out for his best interests.

So she is advising against the chemo. My regular vet is in favor of it. Its like night and day. If the oncologist didn't think it could be helpful I wouldn't do it.

[livetohike]

25. I'm so sorry about the internist. Hopefully your regular vet

and oncologist will have the answers to help you both feel better soon. I hope you see a change for the better this weekend .

[milestogo]

37. thank you so much

[TexasBushwhacker]

20. Does he get insulin? N/t

[milestogo]

21. Yes, twice a day.

But it's only been 2 weeks so he isn't adjusted to it.

[TexasBushwhacker]

22. Is he on a grain free diet?

Since he isn't making his own insulin anymore, the last thing he needs is extra carbs from grains. Since you say he isn't eating full meals, maybe more frequent smaller meals would work better. He's thirsty because he's peeing more frequently to get rid of the excess blood sugar.

[milestogo]

23. He is only allowed two meals a day, 12 hrs apart.

Diet is high protein, low carb, low fat. He's been grain free his whole life.

[AirmensMom]

27. There's a look.

I can’t describe it, but mine have given it to me when they’re ready. If he’s eating and drinking, that’s a good thing. You know best what is good for him.

[leftieNanner]

28. Have you checked his mouth?

Look to see if his gums are pale. My Riley (90 lb. GSD) was really draggy last fall, finally one day, he couldn't get up. We carried (!) him to the car and he had emergency surgery on his spleen. It turned out he did have cancer, but the main issue was he was bleeding internally. Three weeks after his surgery, he became weak again and we had to let him go.

I wouldn't wait on this.

[milestogo]

30. His gums are pink.

[MuseRider]

29. We always have multiple dogs

and cats and goats and horses so making these decisions have become far too frequent for us. Once in a while it becomes a no brainer, they are in such distress or will die horribly at our home if we do not take care of it right away. Usually it is one of those things where you go back and forth and I am so very sorry you are facing this especially when every other part of life is weird and hard and sad right now. I know you will do what is right, I am so very sorry you are in this position but so happy your doggie has you for his pal. It is very apparent that he has been well loved and had the best life. So sorry, be at peace whatever you do.

[milestogo]

31. Thank you.

[Donkees]

32. There is a link between diabetes glucose levels and hind leg weakness or muscle wasting in dogs...

Have you investigated online Canine Diabetes Support Groups? Here's one on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CanineDiabetesSupportandInformation/

About This Group

Description
"Your dog is diabetic" is a diagnosis no pet owner wants to hear. We are made up of many individuals but are knit together by the common thread of coping with the care of our diabetic dogs. We exist exclusively to offer one another a safe haven - a respite - from the weariness, uncertainty and unknowns of canine diabetes. Both the well-being of dogs and their owners are of vital concern to us. The advice given is based on personal experience of owning and dealing with a diabetic dog 24/7. What you do with the information is solely up to you.

The members of Canine Diabetes Support and Information continually give of themselves. Out of the abundance of their hearts they share experiences, knowledge, and offer support. Each has a story to tell – some of triumph, some of tragedy. Those here who have experienced grief can and do help mend hearts that are heavy and torn by sadness. We respect each others' rights, because of this new members will not feel hindered in asking questions and will find much in the way of knowledge and seasoned experience with diabetic dogs. Our site admins/moderators and veteran members excel in sharing well thought out insights and options to concerned owners of diabetic dogs.

Just researching ''canine diabetes/hind leg weakness/muscle atrophy'' will give you more information to help you discuss this with your vet.

[milestogo]

33. Thank you.

I joined the group about a week ago, but I haven't posted yet. Before that I was in the dog pancreatitis group. It really does help to talk to other pet owners who are dealing with the same issues.

His glucose levels have been in the 400s this week and this vet acted like it was no big deal because shes seen dogs whose glucose levels are in the 600s. His blood glucose is higher this week than last week and I think that is what the difference in his strength is.

Tonight I got some emails from the diabetes vet. She apologized for upsetting me. She forwarded his medical records and told me that "going forward" I should have him managed by the vets that are going to manage his chemotherapy. Which is what I was going to do anyway.

Tonight he ate about half his dinner. Then he came over and laid at my feet. So I petted him and he licked my hands. Then I took him outside. He did lay down once from weakness, but I got him back up again and coaxed him all the way back to the apartment. I love this dog. I will keep him in this world with love as long as I can. I can't believe this vet, who has spent a total of an hour with him out of his whole life, was willing to give up on his life so easily.

[Donkees]

34. I'm still skimming through research and saw several sites recommend that Canine Diabetes Group...

I'm glad you joined. While skimming through research on google, I did come across someone mentioning that her dog's muscles did regain strength once his glucose was under control. Maybe supporting your dog's torso with a towel sling during the short walks might make it easier on his limbs (?) I'll continue to search...

All best wishes

[milestogo]

38. Thank you. I ordered a sling from Amazon this week and should get it today or tomorrow.

I also have a wagon to use in case I can't get him going.

I upped his insulin last night and this morning his blood glucose was 180. Thats in the normal range, and its the lowest reading he's ever had.

When I took him out to pee he did not stop and try to lay down until we got outside and he had peed. I let him rest for a while. He kept laying down but I finally got him going and coaxed him all the way back to the apartment.

Its kind of weird that the vet didn't even mention that the hind leg weakness could be related to high glucose. I'm glad to be moving on from her, I think shes incompetent.

[Donkees]

40. I am happy that he's feeling stronger today. I hope that you will continue to make steady progress

So many people on the diabetic forums have mentioned that their vets didn't make a connection between the glucose levels and the hind end weakness. I'm glad you are moving on, moving forward, and feeling more confident.

What's important too is protecting his joints while his leg muscles are weaker, because there's extra strain on the joints right now and it's easier to rip a tendon, etc.

All best wishes 🐕

[milestogo]

41. Thank you.

It was only a month ago that he was jumping into the car and we were walking a mile at the dog park. He does not have arthritis, so I really think the hind leg weakness is related to the blood sugar.

This morning he ate about half his breakfast and then he laid down. So I spoon fed him a few tablespoons more. He was still hungry but didn't feel like standing up.

Amazon says the sling is coming today so I am happy about that.

[Donkees]

42. Joints rely upon muscles to support them, so he may be feeling some joint pain while his muscles are

weakened. Just follow his wisdom and make haste slowly. Don't know if a heating pad or massage would help.

[Donkees]

35. An excerpt from an older thread from k9diabetes.com

http://k9diabetes.com/

Thread title: Newly diagnosed diabetes and hind end weakness

Our dog Eddie (lab cross) had bad rear end neuropathy shortly after he was first diagnosed. It too got worse initially, despite insulin, then very gradually over weeks if not months it got better and went away completely.

He became so weak he could not stand or walk without our help and the vet was convinced that he had terminal tumours as he did not think it could all be attributable to diabetes. Fortunately I had by then come across this group who gave us the hope to persevere with insulin and hope he would be ok. As I type he is out playing ball with my husband with no sign of any weakness at all - so it really can go away.

The improvement was very slight at first - so that our vet thought we were deluding ourselves - but it was real, just very slow! We had started on quite a conservative dose of insulin so that may have contributed to it being slow to improve. It looks like it is very early days for you so I'd say hang on in there and keep at it!

http://k9diabetes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5077

But I really would encourage you to stick with it.

Eddie got very weak - so we were carrying him if it was more than a few steps (and he is quite an armful though not quite as big as your Hannah). His whole back end seemed to have gone numb including his tail. He looked as if he was on the way out and we were seriously doubting whether it was right to keep him going in that state.

The vet was convinced there was something else going on and insisted he had a scan, just as we thought we had detected tiny improvements. They scanned him and three vets looked at the scan and they agreed that he has tumours which they said would kill him within 3 weeks. That was on 27 November last year.

We ignored that and carried on with the insulin, based upon the advice I found on here. I am so glad we did! By the beginning of January he was steady on his feet again, and he has gone back to normal and stayed fine.

http://k9diabetes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5077

[Donkees]

36. More excerpts from k9diabetes.com ...

This thread is several pages long and also contains some info on B12 injection/supplement

Thread title: Newly diagnosed, hind legs won't work!

I can totally relate to the hind legs not working. My dog has not walked on his own for over 2 weeks. His BG was 570 at diagnosis, and he is now up to 38u 2x/day. I have noticed that when his BG is lower, he feels better. Last night, he was pretty low (high 200s, which is LOW for him), and he actually stood on all four feet for about 3 seconds before his hind legs began to give way. For him, this was an accomplishment! I haven't seen him do that in a few weeks now. Until the BG is under control, hind leg weakness is going to be a problem for us (and for my poor, aching back!).

When my husky was initially diagnosed, her neuropathy was pretty bad and i was worried as she just couldnt get up to use the bathroom. After getting her insulin dosage right and giving her b12 pills and switching to a partial raw diet, i saw a significant increase in her rear leg usage after 2 weeks, and some of her muscle mass has come back now after 3 weeks. As others have noted, you really have to nail the insulin dosage and the methyl based B12 helps as well.

http://k9diabetes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5646&highlight=hind+weakness&page=2

[milestogo]

39. The oncologist gave him a B12 shot and they gave me another one to give him on Monday.

I'm glad you posted this. With all thats going on I might have forgotten about the B12.

He's been on a partial raw diet. I may go back.

[milestogo]

43. Thanks for the information.

I am going to check out k9diabetes today.

I posted in the facebook group last night - and got a lot of support, but alarmingly, people asked me a lot of questions and were ready to argue about every answer. It seems there is one person who thinks she is an "expert" on pet nutrition and she posted question after question till I told her to stop. Members of the group seemed to back her up, but she has no credentials and is not a vet or nutritionist.

Its the "internet" problem. There's a lot of good information, BUT I am not going to take the advice of a stranger on Facebook over that of a vet. It scares me that people don't realize how risky this is.

[Donkees]

44. Use whatever is useful and leave the rest. How are things today?

I don't have any experience with either group, most I can offer is emotional support and help with researching.
It seems DU was offline most of this morning. This is first time I've been able to log on.

[milestogo]

46. Not great.

I got him to eat the equivalent of a full breakfast by switching foods when he got tired of the first one. I have been bringing him water.

I was able to get him outside to pee at 7am by using a support for his hind legs. Its awkward, but it works. That's been 6 and a half hours ago and I know he must have to pee because his blood glucose is high. But when I try to get him to get up he resists it.

I feel helpless and hopeless. I don't want to force him to get up and go out if he doesn't want to. But if he stops walking altogether, I don't know what kind of life he can have.

[Donkees]

47. Are you familiar with ''expressing a dog's bladder?''

There is a video on this link:

https://vth.vetmed.wsu.edu/specialties/neurology/information-for-owners/expressing-dog-bladders

[milestogo]

48. Thanks I will check it out.

[Donkees]

49. There also are descriptions for expressing handicapped dogs

It's also possible to do with the dog lying down.

[Donkees]

45. Excerpts: What Canine Diabetic Neuropathy Looks Like

https://www.vetinfo.com/diabetic-neuropathy-in-dogs.html

What Canine Diabetic Neuropathy Looks Like

Diabetic neuropathy, which is more common in cats than in dogs, can develop at any time following a dog’s initial diagnosis of diabetes. Its main symptom is progressive weakness or paralysis in a dog’s hind legs, which is caused by excessive levels of glucose in the dog’s blood. The high glucose levels damage the sheaths, or coverings, on the nerves in your dog’s body, and the nerves in his hind legs are particularly vulnerable to damage. Both legs are affected equally in diabetic neuropathy.

The first clue that you may have that your dog has diabetes is when he is unable to stand. He may drag his paw or leg while walking, or his feet may suddenly go out from under him as he walks. He may not stand correctly on his paw pads, or he may have trouble getting up if he’s lying down or sitting. Finally, your dog may begin lying down after short walks.

How to Treat Canine Diabetic Neuropathy

The severity of your dog’s diabetic neuropathy will determine the level of treatment required to resolve the condition. In mild cases, the symptoms disappear after the dog’s blood sugar levels are controlled. More severe cases may require regular supplements of vitamin B12 or other medications to bring the symptoms under control.

[Donkees]

50. How is he feeling today?

[SheltieLover]

51. Do you have access to a Holistic Vet for consult?

Here is the website link. And they must complete regular vet school & be licensed to be listed here.

Adjuncts can make the difference, speaking from experience.

[link:https://www.ahvma.org/|

Big hugs of support!

[cate94]

52. I was glad to hear he eats and drinks.

Those really are the biggest clues about their health.

[milestogo]

53. Update - he's back in the hospital

We were scheduled to start chemo yesterday but he was still doing poorly. To weak to stand up, not eating. Blood sugar too high.

So I brought him in anyway and they evaluated him instead of doing chemo. He has a fever and after excluding many possibilities they started him on antibiotics for a bladder infection.

Got up this morning and he was just lying there like he had barely moved since last night. Wouldn't eat. Couldn't get him up to go out. emailed the oncology vet and they said bring him in right away.

I did, and he was seen by a critical care specialist. They got him on an IV, and gave him a feeding tube. The Vet just called me and said he is doing better this afternoon. He is alert and will eat/drink on his own. Tomorrow he will get a new internist to manage his diabetes.

He's not out of the woods, but thankfully there are some terrific vets out there for very sick dogs.

[Donkees]

54. Good to hear that he's feeling better, and that you have confidence in the new specialists...

Take extra good care of yourself as well, to keep your immune system strong.

Infections make it more difficult for the body to use insulin. The two common causes of infection in dogs with diabetes are urinary tract infections and dental disease. Urinary tract infections are common in dogs with diabetes for several reasons. First, diabetic animals have more dilute urine than healthy animals. This allows for bacterial growth since the chemicals present in concentrated urine, which normally kill bacteria, are diluted. Second, the urine of diabetic animals contains sugar, which attracts bacteria and helps facilitate bacterial growth. Finally, dogs with diabetes will often have distended bladders because they drink more, and this allows bacteria to be in contact with the bladder for longer than it should.

http://vhc.missouri.edu/small-animal-hospital/small-animal-internal-medicine/diseases-and-treatments/diabetes/

[milestogo]

55. Thank you, that helps.

They called me this morning - he's alert, eating, and his blood glucose is in the normal range. He still can't use his hind legs.

The urinary tract infection will take a few days to resolve.

Today a new internist will evaluate him.

I hardly think about getting CV, because I am so focused on him.

[Donkees]

56. He has a team taking care of him, and you need to replenish your health reserves as well ...

You know that each day can be a challenge. We know how added stress easily depletes our reserves. Stay well and keep a positive outlook whatever each day brings, because thoughts are living things and affect your health.

[milestogo]

57. Thank you.

[milestogo]

58. Update - still in the hospital with more tests coming

He was evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon today for his hind leg weakness. The doctors do think he has hind leg pain but not numbness. He had a hip xray. They think he may have a joint capsule infection or a pelvic fracture. It was hard to see clearly on the xray, so tomorrow he is going to have a CT scan and a biopsy of the hip joint.

The good news is that it may not be neuropathy, which is usually not reversible. The bad news is that anything orthopedic will take some time. It could take surgery.

They are getting his insulin/blood glucose under control. While his initial internist kept upping the insulin dose and wasn't interested in why it wasn't working, the current vet agrees that he was insulin resistant because of the urinary tract infection. She is giving him a much lower dose.

His fever is down a bit, urine still cloudy. They inserted a catheter, to keep him clean because he was peeing right where he was lying. They are still waiting on the results of the urine culture taken Monday.

So, they are helping him get under diabetic control, curing the bladder infection, and trying to figure out the hind leg weakness. The clinic he's at now is the sister clinic of the one that did his pancreatectomy so the vets know each other and there is good communication.

Poor guy. I hope that they can get him back to a normal life.

[Donkees]

59. Looking through your older posts, you mentioned your dog stumbling, falling, and losing strength

in his hind legs at the end of Feb and then recovering his strength. It seems that the vet in charge at that time is the one in communication with the new vet at the sister clinic (?) So they must have that hind leg incident from Feb. in their records. You mentioned it being diagnosed possibly as a vestibular disease event. It seems they are getting closer to finding the root of the problem.

The new vet seems to be doing a thorough investigation, and it's good to hear that progress is being made. Sending love and best wishes for healing.

[milestogo]

60. The stumbling in February was a one-time event which lasted less than 2 hours.

The next day I went to the vet (my original long-time vet clinic) and they said it was a vestibular disturbance. It hasn't happened again. He was walking fine later that night. I guess its not uncommon in older dogs. But as I understand it, this can happen once or many times and there is no underlying pathology. I am guessing that it was related to the gabapentin or cerenia he was on at the time. I don't think they know what causes it.

The original vet is on leave of absence during the pandemic. It was one of her colleagues who was going to operate on him to remove the mass but when she put him under anesthesia he spiked a fever. That's when he was transferred to specialty clinic/ER clinic #1 where they removed his pancreas and he stayed for six days.

The day after he was released I took him to specialty clinic/ER clinic #2 which is a mile from my apartment and saw the internist there. She never seemed that interested in treating him. It was only last Friday she told me that she thought it was in his best interests to be put down. The insulin wasn't working, but she kept increasing it. She didn't know why his hind legs were weak, and she showed no interest in working it up, even though she is at a specialty clinic with lots of available diagnostics and veterinary specialists.

Monday I took him back to specialty clinic/ER clinic #1 where he was going to start chemo, but the oncologist diagnosed the fever/bladder infection. The next morning I emailed her all my worries and she told me I should bring him in to their sister clinic which is on the other side of town (well its 15 miles instead of 4). The vets have a "home" clinic and work at either one. But the west side clinic is big enough to have a CAT scanner. They have a critical care specialist, an internist, an orthopedic surgeon - well those are the ones who have seen him so far. He's in really good hands. The internist at the #2 clinic seemed to resent that I was bringing him to #1 clinic, I guess they are competitors.

It is a somewhat complicated case, but whats clear is that the hind leg weakness started suddenly. We had an election last Tuesday. I walked down the block to vote early in the morning. Over the course of the day I walked my dog around the block 3 times - I remember because there was a guy outside registering voters, and I talked to him every time. So thats about a mile total. He was slow, but not showing signs of pain or wanting to lie down. The next day he just wanted to lie down outside. That made the vets look for something besides neuropathy.

I live in Madison WI, which has a great vet school. Madison is great city, so lots of people who come here for professional training never want to leave... so we have lots of great vets and specialists, besides at the UW vet school. The vet school had a COVID-19 case very early on, so they closed the clinic to new patients the 3rd week of March. Otherwise I would probably have gone there and also received very good care.

[Donkees]

61. It's a complicated case, but your post gave a clear summary ...

The internist at 'specialty clinic/ER clinic #2' contributed to the complications by not being diligent, and being indifferent. Who knows how long the bladder infection has been brewing. The bladder infection could have reached a critical tipping point with back pain when he gave up walking.

The good news is that your dog is receiving the best care now, and I hope he is feeling much better today.

[milestogo]

62. My blood boils when I think about her.

When we get through this I will give feedback to the clinic director on her.

Thanks for your support.

[Donkees]

63. She reminds me of a couple of vets I've come across that seemed all too quick to euthanize ...

in order to cover-up their negligence. When several clients feel the same way about a particular vet, speaking up helps protect other pets.

[milestogo]

64. 20 years ago my dog was mis-diagnosed by 2 vets -

my regular vet (not where I live now) and an oncologist. He and a lump on his wrist/carpus and both told me that my dog had bone cancer. They had nothing to offer except euthanasia.

I drove to the UW vet school and they diagnosed him with a soft tissue tumor. It was NOT bone cancer, despite what I had been told by an oncologist.

He got into an experimental study at UW using canine interleukin2 which was injected into the tumor for ten weeks. The IL2 stimulated his immune system and the tumor disappeared. I took this as a sign from the universe to move to Madison. He was 7 at the time and he lived 8 more years.

So, I'm always a little skeptical. Sometimes vets give up and tell you its hopeless just because they don't know what to do. I think doctors so the same thing.

[Donkees]

65. Many years ago my young dog developed a benign histiocytoma on his paw which regressed on its own...

once his immune system strengthened. It may be similar to what you described.

[milestogo]

66. The body knows best, sometimes it just needs support.

I just talked to the vet and he's coming home this afternoon. His temp is down, his blood sugar is down, he's eating and walking. And their CT scanner is still down, so they can't do anything extra for him now.

The vet is working on giving me specifics for his diet and insulin.

I'm so excited!

[Donkees]

67. I'm very happy for you both :)

Sending love and hugs

[milestogo]

68. So I brought him home on Friday

The vet did a good job of getting his blood sugar down and into the normal range. So, he acts more normal and doesn't have to pee all the time.

His appetite is variable. I haven't gotten him to eat a full meal yet, but he usually eats something. That makes adjusting the insulin more difficult.

His hind legs are weak, but getting better. Its hard for him to get up. I think that will get better, but that will take some time.

Lots of meds, things to check. I feel like his nurse.

The weather is nice. This afternoon I'm going to take him to the park and just sit with him for a couple of hours. Really looking forward to just hanging out together.

[Donkees]

69. It's good to hear that his hind legs are gaining strength, and that he has a chance to enjoy getting

out to the park with you today. Maybe the exercise outdoors will help increase his appetite too. It might be that some of the new meds have a side-effect of upsetting his appetite (?) Thanks for letting us know how he is doing. All best wishes.

[livetohike]

70. Thinking about you and hoping things are continuing

to improve. Please update when you have time

[milestogo]

71. Signs of his old self emerging make me happy.

Like
-eating a whole bowl of food at once
-getting annoyed when I pay attention to another dog
-resisting when I try to give him a bath
-coming to my bedside in the morning to wake me up

His diabetes is responding to insulin and he seems to be getting a little better every day. I am so glad he's alive and getting better.

[Donkees]

72. Such wonderful news :) Those little things bring so much joy

[milestogo]

73. update - he's doing well

His pancreas was removed due to a cancerous tumor 2 months ago today. He's had 2 hospitalizations, problems walking, fevers, and blood glucose issues.

We've worked through all these with a specialty vet treatment center. He's walking well now. His blood glucose is starting to fall into a regular pattern. He's eating, although he needs to eat more to gain back the weight he lost.

What's amazing is that I see traces of his old self. We take walks that are almost a mile long. He wants to chase squirrels and other critters. He's very friendly and expects everyone to pet him. He begs for food.

I didn't know it was possible for him to recover this well.

Its possible he may get a feeding tube so that I can supplement his diet when he is not getting enough calories. I'm good with that, as long as it brings him back to health.

A long hard struggle, but I still have my wonderful dog and I'm so thankful.

[irisblue]

74. I am so happy for both of you!

[milestogo]

75. thank you!

[Donkees]

76. You might consider asking about adding nutrient-dense toppers similar to Ziwi Peak formulas

Happy to hear that he's doing so well

96% fresh meat, organs, bones and New Zealand green mussels—a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine, which supports joint health.

95% digestible, this high-protein and high-kilocalorie diet packs more power than raw food or kibble so you can feed smaller quantities per day.

Contains no peas, legumes, grains, corn, soy, potatoes, wheat, rice, fillers, sugars, glycerins, rendered meals or preservatives.

Here's the calorie count of the mackerel/lamb formula:

Caloric Content
4800 kcal ME/kg, 273 kcal/scoop

Ingredients
Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Liver, Lamb Lung, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Bone, Lecithin, Inulin from Chicory, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Yeast), Salt, Parsley, Preservative (Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid).