Could use some prayers for Katie

[Equine_Woman]

My old cocker spaniel Katie (and my very favorite dog, as long as you don't mention it to the other dogs) is very sick. She started throwing up overnight last night. (yellow foamy stuff) so I kept her inside today and hoped that with some rest she'd be doing better.

However when I got home tonight she seems so much more lethargic and she's started aspirating/regurgitating water out of her nose. She has no interest in eating, but she drank, however I don't know how much she still has in her since so much came out through her nose. . .

I'm afraid she swallowed a toothpick because there was one in her throw up. . . but I thought she might have just thrown up on it instead of it actually coming up from her. . . She's always been a trash surfer but she didn't get into anything unusual yesterday.

I've tried calling my vet all evening and no response. Every 30 minutes I try and I've left 3 messages. I even drove up there to see if maybe he was in with another emergency. There was a truck there but no vet so maybe they are on a farm call.

I came back home after sitting in the vet's parking lot for an hour. Katie is in a kennel right by my bed and hopefully will get some rest and be miraculously better by morning.

But just in case, if any of you would send up a good word for us it'd be much appreciated. Plus if anyone has any words of advice, I could use them about now. This is the dog that sleeps against my legs every night, and sits in my chair anytime we are watching tv, and she has me wrapped around her little finger. She is 9 years old this year but her age is really catching up to her.

[outriding01]

Is there no other vet you can take her to? I would get her in somewhere ASAP. I'll send up some prayers for her. My family has always had cockers and our current one, Gracie, is 10 years old and living with me right now. They're really great dogs. I really hope Katie pulls through for you.

[Arrow]

How is she doing this morning?

[vicklynn]

EW, you know you have my Prayers up for Katie. I hope that your next post is good news.
((HUGS))

[oursarge]

Only good thoughts. It's terrifying worrying about a sick animal. We have an ER clinic over an hr away and drug Puppy there one night. I really hope your baby will be OK.

[WashingtonBay]

Oh dear... Let us know how she is this morning.

[Equine_Woman]

Well she made it through the night. I have to take my son to school at 9 and then we will be in the vets waiting room waiting. . . She slept about half the night, and then for the last several hours she's just sat there with her head leaning against her kennel breathing. .. She hasn't aspirated again but she also hasn't had anything to drink. . .

[Vacker Hast]

Awwww, EW, my Prayers are up and I hope Katie will be okay.

Warmly, Stacy

[oursarge]

Good Luck, hope it's nothing really bad, she's really not that old so only good thoughts for her and you.

[Equine_Woman]

Good Luck, hope it's nothing really bad, she's really not that old so only good thoughts for her and you.

Thanks everyone! 9 isn't very old that's for sure but Katie had heartworms when we got her and I think they've damaged her heart. She's gained a ton of weight this year in her chest and I'm afraid of what the vet will tell us. . .

[WashingtonBay]

Good luck.... I'll be out much of the day, but I'll be thinking of you and looking for updates tonight.

[~*Domino*~]

Sending poor Katie many prayers! ((hugs)) to you!

[outriding01]

Hope everything is going ok. Still sending prayers up....

[natisha]

Oh boy, I hope things work out favorably. Toothpicks can cause wicked damage.

[lovesfortune]

Amy updated on FB that she is headed to the vet with Katie and a colicky horse. Not sure which one. I'm sure she could use all the prayers she can get!!

[JetLagaside]

Prayers to all!

[outriding01]

Oh no! She's just not having a good day.... :(

[missyfritz]

Prayers up for EW and her animals. :(

[lovesfortune]

She just updated again saying June Bug was doing alright and Katie was getting x-rays and not doing the best.

[Equine_Woman]

Thanks so much for updating everyone Lovesfortune, Katie was admitted, they are going to run a full blood panel on her, she's on iv fluids, they are planning to keep her at least two days. Xrays didn't show anything really, just a bit cloudy in the lungs and there is something weird in her stomach but we couldn't tell waht it was and it was round. . . she said it might be a bone but she hasn't been in anything lately so I have no idea what it could be.

June Bug was the horse that colicked. I think it's the weather change. She has banamine in her and she was oiled. I made her a stall in our shelter because the vets want her held off hay and feed for 24 hours. I think she is going to be okay thankfully. . .I'm very glad I noticed her laying down in the pasture as I was taking my kid to school. . . could have been worse. Poor Katie had to ride around in the car in her kennel for over an hour while I took Wyatt to school then went back for June Bug.

Not been a very good day here.. . and it comes in threes so I'm praying that we get skipped on that third event.

Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts it's much appreciated! I'll let ya'll know if I hear anything about Katie.

[Vegashorselady]

I hope everything goes well at the vet's office. Prayers up for Katie and for you EW.

[Gypsy Rose]

I'm sorry I missed this this morning, EW!

Keeping both June Bug and Katie in my thoughs!

[dame_wolf]

I'm glad you got to June Bug in time and that Katie is okay. Sorry for your day...

[Petra]

I missed this thread! I'm sorry to hear the bad news.
I'm glad Katie is getting help. Hopefully she'll be well soon. You must have been so worried not being able to reach the vet. I really feel for you.
Wishing the best of luck!

[Arrow]

Glad all's well so far--praying for both to recover!

[JackieB]

Prayers for Katie!

[vicklynn]

I hope they find out what is going on with Katie. Prayers up for her.

Weather changes can be terrible for horses. I hope everything is ok with June Bug. Prayers up for a full recovery.

I sure hope you are ok too((HUGS))
We know mommy stresses over the babies.

EW, repeat after me....THERE IS NO #3...THERE IS NO #3....THERE IS NO #3.

[oursarge]

Hope all will be well with everyone.

[Equine_Woman]

Lol, Vicklynn. . There is no #3. . .

So far everyone seems to be listening. . . June Bug is doing good. Mad as all get out at not getting food. . .which seems counter intuitive to me. . . seems like missnig food once she was doing better would cause colic just as much as eating it would. . . she isn't supposed to even get hay!!

I checked on Katie before they closed today and there was no change. I hope tomorrow brings better news.

I have class all weekend. . 10 hour days so I won't be around much but I'll come by and give updates while I'm on my breaks. I have no idea how I'm going to pick Katie up if she gets to go home this weekend because my husband is going to be working and I'll be over an hour away in class (that I can't miss) all day. Sigh. . Guess I'll be calling on friend or family!! Hopefully we get to figure that out because it means Katie is doing better!!

Thanks again everyone for your support! It's nice to know there are people out there praying and thinking good thoughts! Katie is a tough old dog. . I hope she kicks this in it's hiney.

[Arrow]

I'll be thinking of you and Katie in the coming days--have fun with the classes and all, and here's hoping Katie feels better soon.:)

[Equine_Woman]

Well I talked to the vet this morning and is doesn't look good. Katie's liver is infected and she is jaundiced. We are going to give her untill Monday and see if she makes any improvement but it doesn't look good. I don't know how I'm going to make it through in my class today.

[WashingtonBay]

Oh dear EW... I am so sorry.

[oursarge]

I'm so sorry, you never know she might make a turn around. I sure hope so.

[Vacker Hast]

My Prayers are still up for Katie and your family.

Warmly, Stacy

[GrungeEquestrian]

I'm so sorry EW. You, Katie, and Junebug will be in my prayers.

[Petra]

Oh I'm sorry to hear about Katie. Hopefully she'll improve by Monday. I feel for you, you are going to have some tuff weekend. Just hang in there. I wish you both the best of luck.
Glad June Bug is feeling better.

[Gypsy Rose]

I'm so sorry! Still keeping my fingers crossed for Katie!

[Toodlestoo]

Prayers and good thoughts for your family and Katie this weekend.

[Mandzanita]

My prayers are up for you :( You need lots of hugs that's for sure. I'm in hopes we will get a good update on Monday. I'm Really praying for a 2 day miracle for you and Katie!

[Arrow]

Oh no! I hope she improves this weekend. I'm so sorry, EW.

[Equine_Woman]

She isn't doing any better. I'm starting to lose hope. Still giving her until Monday. My heart is hurting

[vicklynn]

BIG ((HUGS)) Hon. I hope she turns around.
Prayers up.

[oursarge]

Hopefully things will turn around, our vet gave us almost no hope for our old dog but he bounced back. We did loose him but he was 12 and had 6 months longer to live and for the most part they were good months so maybe she will improve. It's just so sad, my heart is hurting for you.

[Equine_Woman]

Thanks everyone,

Oursarge I hope we are so lucky. Praying for it desperately.

[Arrow]

((((((hugs))))))))))

[Gypsy Rose]

Sending ((((HUGS))))

[dame_wolf]

{{{hugs}}} to you and your family EW. I know how it feels to be in your postition.

[grandmadeb]

Might she have swallowed a rock? I had a basset hound, Clara, that did it once a year for 4 years. She got what I called the slimy vomits and wouldn't eat or drink. When x-rayed the rocks would show up and they were always too big to come out. The first time they thought she had gastroenteritis but when she did not get any better they x-rayed her and the rock showed up and surgery was needed.
I am praying that Katie recovers. I know what you are going through and just how painful the hurt is.

[missyfritz]

Sending prayers for Katie.

Last fall my dog suffered severe liver damage and we were told by the vet he would have to be put down, but when my parents went there to see him, he was perfectly happy. We brought him home and he's happy and healthy to this day! Hopefully Katie will be as lucky.

[Equine_Woman]

Might she have swallowed a rock? I had a basset hound, Clara, that did it once a year for 4 years. She got what I called the slimy vomits and wouldn't eat or drink. When x-rayed the rocks would show up and they were always too big to come out. The first time they thought she had gastroenteritis but when she did not get any better they x-rayed her and the rock showed up and surgery was needed.
I am praying that Katie recovers. I know what you are going through and just how painful the hurt is.

I'm not sure. There was something in her stomach on the xray but it was small and we coudln't tell what it was. Her blood work showed very elevated levels of bilirubin and white blood cells. She is jaundiced today.

My last call the vet said she wasn't any better. Still wasn't interested in food but she drank just a little bit.

To those of you have dealt with liver problems, how long did it take for the dog to turn around once they were on treatment?

[Equine_Woman]

Sending prayers for Katie.

Last fall my dog suffered severe liver damage and we were told by the vet he would have to be put down, but when my parents went there to see him, he was perfectly happy. We brought him home and he's happy and healthy to this day! Hopefully Katie will be as lucky.

I always like hearing the happy ending stories. Thank you for that! I hope we are as lucky with Katie. I'm a pessimist by nature and I've seen nothing so far to cling to. Other than she's not gone yet. .

[Gypsy Rose]

I'm so sorry to hear Katie's not doing any better! Still keeping my fingers crossed!

[star197]

How did I miss this thread?! EW I'm so sorry to hear about all that's going on. Sending prayers & good thoughts your way for Katie.

[Equine_Woman]

well she ate one bite of food today
. . .but she hasn't perked up though. It's going to be a long Sunday. . .they said they'd call if something changes but I'm not sure they mean they will call if she is better too. . . They said she is on oral antibiotics and injectable antibiotics, fluid and she hasn't thrown up since she's been there. I'm hoping that since she isn't getting worse, she might still get better.

[WashingtonBay]

All the best to her tomorrow. Where you have hope, we have hope :)

[Arrow]

I'm keeping you and Katie in my thoughts--cyber hugs!

[oursarge]

Fingers crossed. It's not bad news so she might be OK. We can all only hope.

[vicklynn]

I sure hope there is a turn around for her soon.
Prayers up.

[Gypsy Rose]

At least it's not bad news! Still keeping my fingers crossed!

[Equine_Woman]

I think I've decided to let Katie go. She isn't doing any better and the vet says she's done all she can for her at this clinic. We don't have the money unfortunately to go to a specialist in the area and it's killing me. Oh to be a millionaire for just a few days. She says she might have a bile duct obstruction but that she really has no idea since they can't do ultrasound at this clinic. The vet said liver problems are pretty common in Cocker Spaniels. She also said the area of 'fat' in front of her body is getting bigger and it's likely fluid around her heart.

I don't know how I'm going to do this after just loosing Mack. I'm not sure if hearts can handle two deaths. The pain is certainly acute. I haven't talked to my husband but I will likely be going up there this afternoon to have them do it. I want to be with her but I'm not sure it's a good idea since I'll have to have Wyatt with me. I don't want him to be afraid of needles. I wish I was four and unaware of the long term significance of death.

[Arrow]

I'm so, so sorry. I will be thinking of you today--it's so hard to say goodbye to a beloved companion. I wish I could be there to give you a hug in person. I'll think of Katie today when I play with my doxie.

[JackieB]

We're all so sorry. Your family is in our prayers.

[Equine_Woman]

I've decided to go pick her up this morning and bring her home so we can love on her all day, then I will take her back this afternoon when Greg is home. One more day of love for our Katie.

[WashingtonBay]

I am so sorry for everything... This is sure a lot to handle at once. I hope you can come to peace with this today and that it goes as well as it can.

[Vacker Hast]

Awwwww many hugs to you. This has been such a heartbreaking weekend for you and your family. Katie has been loved and well taken care of and your decision to not allow her to suffer any further and to pass comfortable and pain free is, again, selfless on your part.

Looking through Wyatt's eyes and heart are so honest as a child's would be ... it would be nice if we all still had that childlike bliss. I'm sure Wyatt can stay in the waiting room when the injections are given then bring him in to say his goodbyes to her.

My heart just breaks with you. Having Mack and Katie both become into a fatal condition over the same weekend is just almost too much.

Maybe somewhere in your heart you will feel with Katie as you do with Mack, that a part of your decision will bring peace to you that they went peacefully and you gave them a great life here on earth ... that's all they really want and you provided that.

Warmly, Stacy

[Arrow]

I've decided to go pick her up this morning and bring her home so we can love on her all day, then I will take her back this afternoon when Greg is home. One more day of love for our Katie.

That is an excellent idea! The day that I decided to let my old cocker Christie go, I sat with him in my lap on the couch all evening and cuddled him in bed that night before saying goodbye to him next day.

[oursarge]

I am so so sorry. We can't let them suffer but it's so hard to say goodbye. Likely even with all the money in the world it wouldn't make her better. I would have mortgaged the house but the fact was my Noah wasn't getting any better and we had to let him go. This is bringing up so many horrid memories, I lost my precious cat Misty 5 days after Dommie. I am only telling you this to let you know you aren't alone, it's a horrible horrible feeling, it's bad enough to loose one you love then to loose another so soon after is a nightmare, I lost 10 lbs over it all. I wish you strength and peace. I haven't found mine yet but wish it for you and I will be thinking about you, not that it helps but I just want you to know my heart is with you and Katie. Such loss, I don't understand life sometimes, why it is so cruel.

[vicklynn]

EW. I am sorry to hear this is happening. I cant imagine the suffering you are in.
Prayers up for your healing.
Major ((HUGS)) my dear.

[Equine_Woman]

I am so so sorry. We can't let them suffer but it's so hard to say goodbye. Likely even with all the money in the world it wouldn't make her better. I would have mortgaged the house but the fact was my Noah wasn't getting any better and we had to let him go. This is bringing up so many horrid memories, I lost my precious cat Misty 5 days after Dommie. I am only telling you this to let you know you aren't alone, it's a horrible horrible feeling, it's bad enough to loose one you love then to loose another so soon after is a nightmare, I lost 10 lbs over it all. I wish you strength and peace. I haven't found mine yet but wish it for you and I will be thinking about you, not that it helps but I just want you to know my heart is with you and Katie. Such loss, I don't understand life sometimes, why it is so cruel.

I'm so sorry for you. I read what you wrote about your Dommie in Mack's thread and it's how I feel about Sterling. Mack was very loved but he isn't Sterling. I wouldn't be upright if this had happened to her. That is one thing I'm thankful for. That's the day I dread the most.


Katie is home with us. She wagged her tail when I opened her cage and gave me a kiss (which is unusual). She wanted to go home you could tell. So home she is. I got her to eat about 6 - 7 thin slices of Turkey and am googleing like crazy looking for some sort of miracle product. Read a lot of good stuff about Milk Thistle so Wyatt and I are leaving Katie bundled up on her bed and going to pick some up. Today is not the day I'm going to let her go. (Unless she gets worse). She's eaten now so I know she has longer. I'm going to fight. If anyone here has any secret liver helper herbs or meds, or voodoo, or prayers! let me know. I'll dance naked in the rain if it'll help. (Might scare the neighbors.)

[Vacker Hast]

Praying Katie will do a turn-around and you are able to keep her full of life for awile longer. I don't have any advise but I have many hugs and Prayers to offer for all of you.

Warmly, Stacy

[oursarge]

Thank you for what you said about my Dommie, he was the love of my life, I think I loved him more than anyone or anything. His death about did me in, guess you can tell huh?! I think that's why I put the wall up between myself and the others, I'm not sure I can love another animal like I loved him, Noah was a very close second and I've really been close to the looney bin since I lost him. Loosing Dommie was awful, our neighbor who is a big macho construction guy broke down and cried when Dommie died. It was a rough day and it's been 3 rough yrs so my heart goes out to you.

Do you have any holistic vets around? I know alot of people don't believe in things like that but I do. I once read in a Good Housekeeping article about a cat who had liver problems and the vet had given up on it, the owner didn't, the cat was taken to a holistic vet, treated and the regular vet could not believe it was the same cat he totally recovered. He was still alive when the article was written. If she's eating now and you've decided to give her more time maybe a holistic vet can help. I remember looking up info on holistic vets in TX for my friend who lived in Carrolton, I found alot of names listed. We are not so lucky around here, our closest one is 2 hrs away, funny though she's near my parents and if I need her I will go to her. I go to a natural healer and she has helped me where regular Drs couldn't so I am a believer. Good luck to you and hugs to Katie. I hope she will be fine, she has so many people pulling for her.

[SedonaThunder]

I too have read/heard great things about Milk Thistle. There are a few stories on the Dynamite site about dogs with bad livers making a come back. It seems important to get them off all preservatives and chemicals... and no more vaccines or flea dips or other harsh things that the body has to process. I'll be sending reiki and prayers - come on Katie!

[vicklynn]

Oh, good, Katie is home!!! I sure hope she comes fully around soon.
more prayers up!!!

[Equine_Woman]

Well we made a dash to the herbal store and bought milk thistle and vitamin e. She's more tired this afternoon than she was this morning, but she's still able to go up and down the stairs on the porch and outside to potty. I haven't tried to give her any more food yet but I will later. She's drinking water everytime she gets up.

The chemicals she's been on makes me wonder. I just dosed her with frontline last week and gave her her heartworm pills at the same time. I wonder if her liver was already doing badly, if that might not have done it in. . . She's still jaundiced, her eye whites are yellow. And for the most part all she is doing is sitting beside me on her doggy bed snoring (with a warm blanket on top of her). But I'm going to fight this a little longer. Those few bites of food have given me hope.

I'm off to google natural food diets for dogs. I'll cook for her for the rest of her life if that's what it takes. The rest of my dogs as well. No more nasty dog food for them.

Thanks everyone. There's a book on Amazon that is highly recommended and I'm just afraid to order it, afraid it will get here too late. . .

[Equine_Woman]

Thank you for what you said about my Dommie, he was the love of my life, I think I loved him more than anyone or anything. His death about did me in, guess you can tell huh?! I think that's why I put the wall up between myself and the others, I'm not sure I can love another animal like I loved him, Noah was a very close second and I've really been close to the looney bin since I lost him. Loosing Dommie was awful, our neighbor who is a big macho construction guy broke down and cried when Dommie died. It was a rough day and it's been 3 rough yrs so my heart goes out to you.

Do you have any holistic vets around? I know alot of people don't believe in things like that but I do. I once read in a Good Housekeeping article about a cat who had liver problems and the vet had given up on it, the owner didn't, the cat was taken to a holistic vet, treated and the regular vet could not believe it was the same cat he totally recovered. He was still alive when the article was written. If she's eating now and you've decided to give her more time maybe a holistic vet can help. I remember looking up info on holistic vets in TX for my friend who lived in Carrolton, I found alot of names listed. We are not so lucky around here, our closest one is 2 hrs away, funny though she's near my parents and if I need her I will go to her. I go to a natural healer and she has helped me where regular Drs couldn't so I am a believer. Good luck to you and hugs to Katie. I hope she will be fine, she has so many people pulling for her.

I can't imagine the pain you are in Oursarge. Like I said, I know how you feel about Dommie, it's how I feel about Sterling. I haven't even started Sonora under saddle (Sterling's daughter) because I just don't want to spend any of my horsey time away from Sterling. It's probably time I change that. Sterling is 21 this year so I know I don't have decades left with her. I need to find my bond with her daughter while she is still here. That way when she is gone I'll already have it. Heck I can get Sonora going under saddle and pony Sterling on all my trial rides. . .that is a good way to get Sonora experience and still be with Sterling. .

[Toodlestoo]

I always think that as long as they're eating, there's hope. We put our cocker, Peke-A-Boo, down last year. She was steadily going downhill but after two days of not eating and refusing a hot dog, I knew it was time. I took her to the vet but didn't go into the room. Just stayed in the waiting room until it was over. Cried like a big ol baby. Hopefully, you'll have many more days with Katie. Prayers being sent your way, EW. This weekend has been brutal for your family.:cry:

[oursarge]

I sure hope Katie will bounce back, I have such a dilema, we lost our Noah to Lyme Disease, the ticks are awful, before he got sick I refused to put Frontline on him because I figured it would poison him so I didn't and he got Lyme that hit his kidneys so I feel like I killed him trying to do the right thing. We got a puppy which I didn't want because I feel like she'll get Lyme too but my husband wanted to get a dog. We spray her yard with natural tick repellant which does seem to work if it's kept up, we ran out and there were ticks out there the other day but he sprayed them yesterday and we haven't seen another since. I bought natural stuff to put on her but then read reviews on it and it doesn't work so I put Frontline on her, we've had her 4 months and I've used it twice but it scares the life out of me. I found 4 ticks on her Friday night, 2 were crawling and 2 imbedded, the imbedded ones were dead. I feel like I'm going to kill her either way, with the Frontline or with the ticks. I don't do the heartworm stuff, as far as I know that's not a big problem here but about every dog I know has some form of Lyme Disease, it's just awful.

She's allergic and we have her on a special food but I also have a doggie cookbook but I don't know how to cook! Since she's allergic to grains and it calls for so many grains I don't think it's the right book for her. I looked on line but didn't have alot of luck with recipes but found the Natural Balance Venison and Sweet Potatoe and that is OK for right now. I just looked at the book to see if they had a special recipe for dogs with liver problems but couldn't find anything, I would have written it out for you.

I hope you will bond with your other baby, if you do that it won't really make it easier but at least you'll have a bond. It's hard. I only had one horse and put all my time, energy and love into him and when he was gone it was like the world ended, I couldn't even look at a horse. My husband drug me to the stable, I didn't even know the people but he was scared of what was going to happen to me to he threw me in the car and drug me there then the owner and I became best friends and I always tell her she saved my life. She's got me doing stuff I never thought I'd do on a horse so she might kill me too but she helped me more than anyone else could since only someone who loves a horse so much can understand and even though she has 80+ horses at times she had her favorite and lost him right before I lost Dommie so she understood.

Only thinking good thoughts for you and Katie.

[WashingtonBay]

Good luck with Katie, I can't help a lot with recommending herbs and hippie stuff, but keeping it simpler for her system is probably the right thing if you can find something she'll eat that's good for her. Dogs are easier in this than cats, I think. If she makes it, I even have some Vitamin E I'd send you if yours runs out. It's good pharma grade stuff, you'd just have to work out the dosage because it's formulated for horses. I bought it for the pony. Vitamin C too.

[SedonaThunder]

Sarge - I don't do the heartworm stuff either but I do use Frontline... I guess you have to pick your battles. If you have a dog that is healthy, I think they can handle things like Frontline (I use top of the line organic food and only vaccinate every three years to make up for it) but when you have one that is already challenged you have to weigh the risks. If you're in an area where Lyme is that prevalent then the risk of Frontline outweighs the risk of taxing her system - especially if you are already giving her the best food you can.

I think you both (EW and OS) would like this book... http://www.amazon.com/Last-Chance-Dog-Stories-Holistic/dp/0743223012

[missyfritz]

I was in almost the exact same situation with my dog last fall! If I were you, I wouldn't give up on Katie yet. We thought it was the end of the road for Shay, brought him home all jaundiced and everything. His liver was so terrible. I did some research however and found a liver cleansing diet that likely saved his life. The vet told us not to get our hopes up, that it takes 6 months for the liver to completely regenerate. But it's been almost a year and he's the happiest he's ever been. Let me look it up for you. It's used to cleanse the liver and for dogs with epilepsy, so maybe it will help you!

http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/liver_diet.htm
This website saved Shay's life. It has a diet that he's still on, along with a variety of supplements that he was weaned from about a month after he came home. Give it a try! Shay loves fish, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, and zuccini. He was on a vitamin E pill, milk thistle, and Sam-E mood supplement.

[oursarge]

Thanks Sedona, that makes me feel better. I truly didn't want another dog because I felt like I'd be condemning it to Lyme. The ticks are unreal, from what we heard we are in the worst area of PA for ticks, our vet heard that it might be all the wild turkeys we have, he said they ride in on the turkeys and there are hundreds of turkeys around. Lucky us, another reason to move out of this place. The horses get them too, one night at the stable we were picking ticks off of horses, some horses would have 50 or more ticks on them, we were filling water bottles filled with soap with the ticks we pulled off. They don't just drown either you have to use the soap. I'm sort of an expert at pulling ticks off, I have no idea where I got that skill from!

Puppy was sick when we got her so I was scared to use the Frontline but they said I had to weigh the Frontline vs Lyme so I put it on her then checked her all the time after and didn't see any so didn't put any more on her 'til Friday night when I found the ones I mentioned. The yard got zapped the next day but we do take her for walks and we can't spray a miles worth of pasture so we just do the yard where she spends most of her time when she's out and hope for the best.

I will check into that book. Thank you.

[Arrow]

I'm glad to hear that she's still fighting! Looking forward to more updates!

[Gypsy Rose]

I'm so sorry, EW! That just seems like way too much to deal with in one week!

((((HUGS))))

[Equine_Woman]

Well we have some more fluid coming out tonight. Greg couldn't tell if it was through the nose though, so I'm hoping she just had a mild water reflux. She's sleeping beside me right now. I don't know how long she'll make it but at least I'll know we didn't give up too early.

I went and picked up her meds at the vet and my Veterinarian wouldn't charge me. They have been so wonderful through all of this. I'm going to have to write the best thank you letter of my life for all they've done for us.

[Gypsy Rose]

Keeping my fingers crtossed that Katie can still pull through this!

[Arrow]

I'm glad that the fight is still on!

[natisha]

Thanks Sedona, that makes me feel better. I truly didn't want another dog because I felt like I'd be condemning it to Lyme. The ticks are unreal, from what we heard we are in the worst area of PA for ticks, our vet heard that it might be all the wild turkeys we have, he said they ride in on the turkeys and there are hundreds of turkeys around. Lucky us, another reason to move out of this place. The horses get them too, one night at the stable we were picking ticks off of horses, some horses would have 50 or more ticks on them, we were filling water bottles filled with soap with the ticks we pulled off. They don't just drown either you have to use the soap. I'm sort of an expert at pulling ticks off, I have no idea where I got that skill from!

Puppy was sick when we got her so I was scared to use the Frontline but they said I had to weigh the Frontline vs Lyme so I put it on her then checked her all the time after and didn't see any so didn't put any more on her 'til Friday night when I found the ones I mentioned. The yard got zapped the next day but we do take her for walks and we can't spray a miles worth of pasture so we just do the yard where she spends most of her time when she's out and hope for the best.

I will check into that book. Thank you. You can use most horse sprays on dogs, I have for years without problems.

[lovesfortune]

How is she doing this a.m.?

[Equine_Woman]

I made the decision to put her down. It's just not fair to her to put her through this. She started peeing blood and throwing up again and her eyes were oranger this morning. I just thank God we have the option of humane euthanasia for our pets. I kissed her and she was gone. So peaceful and so final. I have tears of grief for me, but am happy she is no longer in pain. She was a wonderful dog that was in our lives for 8 wonderful years. I don't know how I will move on without her but I know it's part of life. I have 3 healthy dogs here at home who will benefit greatly from what I've learned from this. Beginning today I'm going to change a lot of what I've done in the past. I'm cutting unnecessary chemicals and unhealthy foods out of their diet. My dog Sable is 10 this year and I want her to live to be 15 at least. . . Piper is 3 but a large breed dog. . the better nutrition she gets, the longer she will live.

Thank you all for being so supportive over the last week. I've been through the wringer with the loss of Mack and the slow loss of Katie. Thankfully the third, June Bug, is doing well. Go hug your dogs and horses (and cats for that matter) You never know when they will be gone.

[Vacker Hast]

Many hugs and Prayers to you and your family. Katie is now pain-free and flying high because you allowed her to go.

Now let the healing begin of your hearts and Spirits.

Warmly, Stacy

[Equine_Woman]

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=220&pictureid=5866
I wanted to post a pic of Katie. I hope God has lots of cheetos for her. . .she's a fan. .

[oursarge]

I'm so so sorry. I was hoping things would get better since she seemed to improve. She was beautiful and my heart breaks for her and for you. Sometime it doesn't matter what you do things happen. Noah ate no preservatives, I fought about the Frontline, I actually didn't even vaccinate after the first adult shots and Lyme got him so you can't win no matter what you do. I hope all of your others will live long and happy lives. Again I feel so bad.

[lovesfortune]

I'm so sorry for the week you have had Amy. Sending prayers for you, Greg, and Wyatt. I'm sure Katie loved her last day at home with all the extra attention from you.

((hugs))

[WashingtonBay]

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=220&pictureid=5866
I wanted to post a pic of Katie. I hope God has lots of cheetos for her. . .she's a fan. .

Oh what a sweet face. I'm so sorry, but glad you took her home for these last couple of days, and have really had time to spend with her, and make this decision soundly. I hope you have peace with it now, bless both of your hearts.

[Arrow]

What a sweet face--I know we're all saying it, but it is! (((((((((hugs))))))))) Rest in Peace, Katie--look up Christie at the rainbow bridge, he's a buff cocker--you two can gossip about Arrow and EW!

[natisha]

I'm so sorry, I know how hard it is.

[outriding01]

I'm so sorry for everything EW. Wow, what a cutie. My cocker is black too, but with tan as well as white. She's 10 and I've really started thinking a lot lately about how my time with her is getting shorter and shorter. It really upsets me sometimes, she's my baby girl. Hopefully when it gets to that time, I can do as well by her as you've done with your animals.

[Gypsy Rose]

Awwww! She looked like such a sweetie!

I'm so sorry, EW! It's been just an awful week for you!

Hopefully, Katie is chowing down in Cheeto heaven right now.

RIP, Katie!

[SedonaThunder]

Gosh darn it... couldn't log on all day and now that I'm here... well, this is the last thing I wanted to read. That face got me - I was sad but those eyes pushed me to tears... I am so very sorry Amy.

I try to believe that everything that happens has a lesson or a reason, and I know that when you're grieving that is hard to believe but it sometimes helps me. I feel like each of my lost animals came into my life to teach me something and I find comfort in moving forward with that. Perhaps Katie taught you something in her life... and it sounds like in her death you are rethinking some things so that is something too.

Prayers to you during this hard time for your family.

[valleyrider]

EW,,I just found this thread.. I am so sorry to read this about your Katie:cry: What a sweet face she has. You did the right thing,, she is pain free now playing in the heavens with my Pinky & Draco eating Cheetos.. My thoughts & prayers go out to you and your family who has been threw a ruff time with your pets.. I hope things turn around for you soon..

[grandmadeb]

I am so sorry and I know the decision was a tough one. I sat on the couch for 3 nights, all night over an Easter vacation holding Clara, my basset, to keep her calm and not coughing. They finally found the cause, a mass in her chest and I took her in to be euthanized as she was not going to get better. You have done everything you could and she had a great life with you. No matter when it happens, you always feel their time was too short. God bless.

[Athena's Handmaiden]

I just found this thread. So sorry for your loss. What a goood strong mama you were to Katie. I hope I have that same strength should that situation come for me.

[shewasmyshadow]

Are they doing anything for the jaundice? If that builds up then it can do serious damage, right? I believe sunshine is beneficial. Could you visit her and take her outside in the sunshine? Maybe take a blanket and let her lie in the sun? Just a desperate idea.

I will pray for you both!

[Equine_Woman]

She's gone Shewasmyshadow. I but her down on Tuesday. It's been a rough week around here.

[shewasmyshadow]

Oh, no... I'm so sorry.

[ursa509]

you have my prayers and thoughts for katie, :)