Beau needs your help again!

[nanajoy]

When my husband took Beau for his morning walk, he seemed fine, but then he began to limp, and would not put weight on his leg. As many of you know, he is a tiny 13 year old white poodle who has experienced many health challenges. We have been watching him, along with our dear vet, and in October he had poor blood levels and a weekend hospitalization. He rallied, but today's blood levels were again very poor, and full body xrays showed that his arthritis in his spine was causing the problems, not his terrible knees. Inflammation is wreaking havoc with his red cell count. His knees and hips, as well as all his vital organs seem fine. While there he vomited, and had a loose stool attack.

We had three options...leaving him for another weekend hospitalization, leaving him to be hydrated for the day and taking him home with the meds that would be administered at the hospital, or a humane euthanasia. We decided that he was so traumatized by being left over the weekend last fall (he has never been boarded or away from us a night in his life) that we would take him home and see if he responds to the treatment plan. Our doctor actually agreed that we were capable of following his treatment plan, and that Beau would be happier, and more comfortable, at home. We will re-test his blood levels in three weeks, and decide how to move on from there.

Please send healing thoughts Beau's way...we know that his time is very near to cross the rainbow bridge to join his best friend, Ozzie. We are prepared to let him go, if need be, but if we can make him comfortable here we want to give him every chance to stay with us. He was shaking and very scared to be at the vet's office, but once his doctor came in his tail was wagging a mile a minute. He is still, for the most part, a happy and loving little man!

[kjc]

Aw! Poor baby. Sending prayers and healing thoughts...

[matese]

How very sad.

Keeping sweet lil Beau in my thoughts and prayers.

[lilgidget]

So sorry you and Beau are going through this.

[ladyjane]

Prayers for Beau.

[Lovetodream88]

I’m so sorry. Sending prayers as well as hugs.

[nanajoy]

I sat up all night with Beau. He was restless and uncomfortable, but is doing much better today. He is on a protocol of seven different meds and/or supplements, and had several injections at the vet office. He does not seem to be in pain today, and is walking much better. He is interested in eating, and is keeping food down with a much firmer stool. Right now he is sleeping soundly, and I anticipate that he will probably spend most of the next three days napping.

He is barely four pounds (was just under 6 at his prime), and his red blood cell count needs to drop before he is out of the woods, but we are trying to let him enjoy his regular routine, as much as possible, for the next three weeks until his next vet visit.

Thanks to everyone for your support. It makes a huge difference when we are trying to stay calm and not panic or get depressed for his sake!

[kjc]

So happy Beau is doing a bit better. Wishing him more good days to come.

[tedy05]

Prayers and positive thoughts to your pup!

[nanajoy]

It has been a week, and Beau is not showing any improvement in stamina or alertness, but he does not seem to be in any pain. He does not want to eat, but he is on so many meds right now that I think that is playing a part. I changed things up and offered him a bit of warm scrambled egg yesterday morning, and he happily ate it. This morning he did not want his usual chicken at breakfast, but again ate some egg. His first dose of the day is a med to improve his liver function, and is given on an empty stomach one hour before food. I think that it is affecting his appetite.

His energy level is very low, and my husband and I were debating whether he is telling us that he is ready to leave. He still wags his tail happily, and cuddles, but most of his days are spent in bed, and he has not joined in on any play sessions this week...then we left him for the first time in a week for a one-hour meeting, and he greeted us at the door with his favorite toy in his mouth! He is making this decision so hard for us, but for now we are waiting two more weeks to see if his blood levels show improvement.

Trying hard to remain hopeful!

[kjc]

Praying for you all, and for improved blood results for Beau. Hang in there!

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by nanajoy

It has been a week, and Beau is not showing any improvement in stamina or alertness, but he does not seem to be in any pain. He does not want to eat, but he is on so many meds right now that I think that is playing a part. I changed things up and offered him a bit of warm scrambled egg yesterday morning, and he happily ate it. This morning he did not want his usual chicken at breakfast, but again ate some egg. His first dose of the day is a med to improve his liver function, and is given on an empty stomach one hour before food. I think that it is affecting his appetite.

His energy level is very low, and my husband and I were debating whether he is telling us that he is ready to leave. He still wags his tail happily, and cuddles, but most of his days are spent in bed, and he has not joined in on any play sessions this week...then we left him for the first time in a week for a one-hour meeting, and he greeted us at the door with his favorite toy in his mouth! He is making this decision so hard for us, but for now we are waiting two more weeks to see if his blood levels show improvement.

Trying hard to remain hopeful!

I’m so sorry this must be very hard. Sending prayers and hugs.

[matese]

Stay strong and positive, prayers going out for good blood results for sweet little Beau (((hugs)))

[nanajoy]

I went to our bedroom to meditate this morning, and Beau was in his bed on the familyroom couch with my husband. A few minutes into my meditation I heard barking, and I assumed that it was Jim having morning playtime with the boys. When I finished and came back to the familyroom, he told me that he was sorry for all of the noise...Beau had jumped off the couch and pawed open the baby gate that we use to keep the dogs contained. (We have to velcro it shut when we go out since Beau has taught Gus to stick his paw into the cracks and pull it open too!)

Just a moment ago Beau jumped off the couch and grabbed his toy to play fetch with Jim. He only fetched once, then rejoined us on the couch, but this is the most physical activity that he has initiated in days. Also stopped off to grab a few mouthfuls of kibble on his way past the food dishes. Way to go little man!

[EarthAngel]

Praying for Beau to continue to get better. What a joy it must be to see him playing and even grabbing a "snack" on his way back! Give him a pat on his head for me.