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If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Not good news for Porridge.....

16 replies

higgle · 29/02/2012 07:23

I posted over a week ago about Porridge being a bit out of sorts, and then a week ago he seemed to make a full recovery and that, I thought, was that.

By the weekend he was a bit sleepy again and not too keen on going for a walk, so it was off to the vet's last night to see what was wrong. After a lot of prodding and poking and an ultrasound it turns out he has some sort ot tumour on his liver and it does not look too good. Poor Porridge, he has only had 13 months with us since we adopted him - an elderly Staffie that no one wanted, it seems so unfair that after all he has been through - pound, months in rescue, two failed placements and then a happy life with us, that this should happen to him. He is the sweetest, nicest mannered dog you could hope to meet and even the vet was struck by how he put up with everything last night.

So, he is having a nice breakfast of scrambled eggs and rice to tempt his jaded appetite and we are going to hope the blood test results allow hope, please beam us some rays of positive suppport today if you have a moment.

OP posts:
thewizenedone · 29/02/2012 07:31

Aww poor Porridge, I hope he enjoys his breakfast and that the blood tests come back with something more positive. I think dogs tend to live in the now as it were so the wonderful home you have given him will make up for earlier experiences. Keeping fingers crossed for you

Original poster
higgle · 29/02/2012 07:33

Thank you, not sure how I'm going to get through work today.

OP posts:
ChickensHaveNoLips · 29/02/2012 09:21

Aw, poor Porridge (and poor you). Just take it one step at a time, and whatever happens, he has ended up with someone who cares. And I'm sure he knows it x

Ephiny · 29/02/2012 10:50

Oh poor thing, I hope the test results don't turn out as bad as you fear, fingers crossed here as well.

I agree dogs live in the 'now' (even though obviously they're shaped and affected by past experiences, they don't dwell on these things like we might) - and for him the 'now' means a happy home and lots of love with you, that is his world. We have an elderly rescue dog with a sad history too, and that's what I like to think.

Scuttlebutter · 29/02/2012 13:05

Another one here with an old boy of 12 who came to us after a horrendous history, but is now a much loved member of our family. These golden oldies are so precious - we have done our utmost to make sure that every day he spends with us is a good one.

I am so, so sorry to hear this about Porridge. Sad Whatever happens, at least you know he is living in a safe, loving home, getting the best possible vet care, and not stressed or lonely in a kennel, or worse.

If your colleagues are dog owners themselves, then they will understand, and you have everyone here to support you. Wishing you and Porridge all the best. xx

Original poster
higgle · 29/02/2012 13:41

Yes, the whole office is upset! I have now heard from the vet that he has leukemia, which is not good news. There are some limited treatment options that might possibly buy him a bit of time but the choice seems to be from about a month without chemotherapy to about 6 months with it, if it works ( and it may not) we are going to have a family discussion tonight. I'm trying to keep stron as I have to go to important meeting this afternoon and I look a fright.

OP posts:
ChickensHaveNoLips · 29/02/2012 13:52

Oh higgle :( I am so very sorry. I know that you'll do the best thing by the lovely Porridge x

Ephiny · 29/02/2012 14:11

So so sorry to hear that :(. It is so unfair, he sounds a lovely boy.

Remember all this, all the sadness and worry and hard decision-making, is a human burden. He doesn't know anything about it, he just knows he's safe and loved with you, and when the time comes he'll just slip away peacefully.

wildfig · 29/02/2012 14:32

Sad I agree with everything that's been said. Of all the time in Porridge's life when he really needed human care and love, it's now, and he has it in abundance from your family. Whatever you decide to do, you've helped him at the end, and that's all any of us can do for dogs we love.

JaxTellerIsMyFriend · 29/02/2012 16:38

so sorry about porridge. Sad

The time that he has been with you he has known love and kindness.

RedwingWinter · 02/03/2012 19:13

So very sorry to hear this. Poor Porridge. I'm glad he found this precious time with you and knows that he is loved.

Original poster
higgle · 23/03/2012 11:24

Just to update, nearly 3 weeks on Porridge is having chemo tablets and steroids and doing very well. His blood count (white cells) is down from 1,000 at its worst to 30 ( still high, but uch improved) and he is enjoying life. Not too keen on walks but he gets up and down stairs OK and onto the sofa if he tries hard. We know we won't have him for as long as we had hoped but we are giving him lots of love and cuddles for as long as we can.

OP posts:
Ephiny · 23/03/2012 15:56

Glad to hear he's still with you, and doing well given the circumstances.

I guess you have to take each day as it comes, at times like this. I think that's how dogs view life anyway, and sometimes there's a lot we can learn from them :)

AllergicToNutters · 24/03/2012 08:15

awww - that is heartwarming to hear. It must be so lovely for him to feel surrounded by the love of you all. Glad you decided to go for the chemo. It may even buy him longer than you had thought. Let's hope Smile

Scuttlebutter · 24/03/2012 12:55

Higgle, hope you and Porridge are managing to enjoy these precious last days together. It will be a very bittersweet time for you, but I'm sure Porridge is being loved and pampered. Smile

rogersmellyonthetelly · 27/03/2012 20:06

Great news, and while his time with you won't be as long as you hoped, hold onto the knowledge that he knows he is loved and is having the best life he can imagine right now x

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