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The doghouse

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

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Original poster

DDog and liver problems / end of life

47 replies

MilsDogMom · 13/12/2021 19:06

Hi all

A bit of background - My DDog had a suspected stroke a few months ago, she recovered well and was able to walk by the time we arrived at the emergency vets. Vets weren’t concerned, said she is very healthy and ‘everything about her is perfect’ - just said if it happens again come back.

She had another yesterday but vets ruled out a stroke but suspected vestibular syndrome, she is only having mild fits so not to worry as anything they can do is so intrusive and might not yield any results. He said DDog was the picture of health (she’s nearly 10) so we were happy enough to take his advice, although I did ask for blood tests as her gums have been pale for around a week, he said he wasn’t worried about that and to see how she is. Long story short, we had the blood test and got the results a few hours later.

The results were high liver enzymes and he wanted her back today for an ultrasound and scan. The results aren’t good and she has a smooth rim but nodule centre and it’s liver disease. Vets have recommended not doing biopsy’s etc as she is older and it’s obviously well progressed and to get a definitive answer on what type of liver disease (or cancer but there were no visible masses) it is quite intrusive and long.

We are to go back in 3 weeks and redo bloods to see if there is any improvements as she is on supplements, different diet etc. Basically we are to wait and see when she goes downhill and make the call.

I’m so shocked, she has (this year aside) never been to the vets for anything other than vaccinations and spaying. She is a sensitive soul and normally makes us well aware when she isn’t feeling well, we had nothing apart from the first suspected stroke which she was up and running about within the hour. She was our first dog, we now have 3 and she is leader of the pack, she’s been with us for our first house, new jobs, our first child. I’m absolutely gutted and my DP and her are so bonded.

Just wondering if anyone has ever been through similar and can advise us on anything else we can be doing or if we should at least try and do a biopsy to see if it’s potentially treatable? I don’t want her to suffer or spend every other day at the vets, her quality of life is my priority and she wouldn’t cope well.

Thanks for reading

OP posts:

Original poster

MilsDogMom · 15/12/2021 21:05

@BackBackBackndo you think they would be able to tell as her last lot were only done Sunday? She is booked in for 30th and that is earlier than they suggested but we thought probably better.

I went to the vets this afternoon to get my other dog weighed for flea and worm and asked again about Millie, they gave me some paste to help firm her poo and if she’s not better in 2-3 days to call back. She has eaten a little sardine and a little bacon today - turned her nose up at everything else offered - tried the healthy stuff first.

She has still had diarrhoea but her last lot we couldn’t see any blood but it’s still orange. Will see how she is tomorrow and make the calls if I need to. Trying to keep her out of the vets as to not stress her out really.

OP posts:

BackBackBack · 15/12/2021 21:13

Yes. If there are signs of liver failure then it should be reflected in her blood results.

Is she drinking normally and is her urine a normal colour? If her stools firm up then watch for dark tarry looking poo as that is indicative of bleeding.

Were her bloods normal for everything else?

Original poster

MilsDogMom · 15/12/2021 21:28

@BackBackBack

Thanks I’ll give them a call tomorrow and see if they think it would be beneficial for her.

She is drinking normally but we can’t see her urine colour, she will only go on the grass in the garden, she gets so low to the ground we can’t accurately see. She isn’t going loads though, just her normal amount - 3/4 times a day.

She had low potassium, high glucose, high everything liver related. We didn’t see the results she literally just told us that. Said her gall bladder was fine on the scan, her liver was smooth on the lining but the centre was completely covered in nodules.

That was the extent of the information we were given.

OP posts:

BackBackBack · 15/12/2021 21:34

Ok, if she's still eating and drinking ok, and her stools firm up, then keep an eye on her. But if anything changes - if she becomes lethargic, starts vomiting or panting or drooling, stops eating or drinking or if you see any signs of blood in her stools - then get her straight back into the vet.

Is she on any painkillers? Meloxicam (Metacam) can cause an upset tummy.

Original poster

MilsDogMom · 15/12/2021 21:53

She has a decreased appetite definitely, but she has never been a greedy dog that will eat for the sake of it. She has slept a lot and occasionally pants but will happily walk into the living room and jump on the sofa.

She has just this second gone for a few poos and 2 were bloody diarrhoea and one was is mostly fresh red blood. I will attach a photo on my next post incase anyone doesn’t want to see. I think I’ll be calling the out of hours.

OP posts:

Original poster

MilsDogMom · 15/12/2021 21:54

Just now.

OP posts:

portandchocolate · 15/12/2021 22:41

Nothing helpful to say except sending you a hand hold.

So sad for you x

Original poster

MilsDogMom · 16/12/2021 07:37

@portandchocolate thank you so much.

We rang the out of hours vets and they weren’t immediately worried. They said to call this morning at 8 for an appointment to do bloods as her electrolytes could be lower (apparently they were already low) and she might need to go in for a few days - she would not cope well with this. If it was either of the other 2 they would be fine but Millie is just so sensitive and nervous of it all. Poor girl.

OP posts:

portandchocolate · 16/12/2021 09:23

[quote MilsDogMom]@portandchocolate thank you so much.

Hope today is a little easier for both of you.

BackBackBack · 16/12/2021 09:31

Sorry only just seen this. You definitely did the right thing and running a fresh blood test sounds very sensible. Hand hold from me as I know how worrying it is when older dogs are poorly.

Original poster

MilsDogMom · 16/12/2021 11:43

Thanks all, she is being seen at 6pm tonight as this morning her diarrhoea turned to dark red clot like poo.

We know what this probably means so are just enjoying the day with her.

OP posts:

Santahatesbraisedcabbage · 16/12/2021 16:13

Thinking of you tonight op... Not to be a scaremongerer but if Covid threats increase in a week or 2 you may not be allowed to stay with ddog at the crucial time. We lost dcat last year and I know dh had to hand him over. Although he told me he stayed I think a small fib fell out of his mouth and I let it go.
Whatever happens you will be giving ddog peace and a relief from any pain.
That goes to us when we leave the vet's alone...

Original poster

MilsDogMom · 16/12/2021 16:22

Thank you so much, she has had a few moments of seeming like her normal self but has passed much more blood and even a small blood orange stone type thing? Have took pictures for the vet.

DMIL and DFIL have came to see her and my DDad is coming round now - just incase. We will bring her home either way and have a company on standby if it’s bad news at her appt, that way we can both be with her as the vets are only allowing 1 person in I think. We will see what they say.

Thank you all so much for the support and hand holds. Dmil and DFIL both seem to give off the idea we are being premature as she is walking about and barked when they came to the door but we know her well enough to know she isn’t right. She must be dehydrated at this point as well with the amount she is going.

OP posts:

icedcoffees · 16/12/2021 16:26

Oh, I am so sorry to read this OP.

Have a hand-hold from me

BackBackBack · 16/12/2021 20:15

Hope all is ok and that you are getting support from your vet.

Original poster

MilsDogMom · 16/12/2021 20:47

Sorry to tell you all our dear Millie will be saying goodbye tonight, she’s with me and her favourite human - my DP. She has been a wonderful companion for both of us. I spent my pregnancy with DS ill and mostly in bed with her by my side. She’s never let me down in 10 years so it’s my turn to return the favour tonight.

Here she is in her glory days, our girl Moo x

OP posts:

Santahatesbraisedcabbage · 16/12/2021 20:52

Ah op... A real beauty! That smiley face!

Pixiedust1234 · 16/12/2021 21:23

I am so sorry

portandchocolate · 16/12/2021 21:34

What a beautiful girl..

So sorry to hear this, but you will have done her the greatest kindness.

Original poster

MilsDogMom · 16/12/2021 22:40

Thank you so much all, she has gone.

We saw the pain leave her body and straight away we knew we’d done the right thing for her. It was the most relaxed we’d seen her in a long time. Rest easy Millie.

Thank you so much for the support, advice and hand holds, it’s given me much comfort in knowing I’m making the best decisions for her. I’ll be forever grateful.

OP posts:

MunroBagger · 17/12/2021 12:54

What a beauty. She’s at peace now and she had a great life. Take care.

BackBackBack · 17/12/2021 16:19

So sorry to hear this. It's a tough decision but the right one. A kind and peaceful ending is the best thing you could have done for her.

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