Hello-
First, I'd just like to say "THANK YOU" so much for all your kind replys and helpful info!! It was very much appreciated!! But I regret to inform you that much precious "Shadow" girl had to be put to sleep on July 14th 2009 @ aprrox. 6:30PM. Needlees to say, we are ALL devastated and heartbroken!! But what makes this entire NIGTHMARE worst, is she had just gotten BETTER!! As I think I explained in my earlier post...................
she was having some difficulties with her right hind leg.
She went to Penn and had an MRI done that revealed two herniated disks in her spine. They wanted to operate, but I elected to take her to Dr Sadanaga, at The Veterinary Referral Center. He is an awesome surgeon and HUMAN BEING!! He was going to come in on July 4th to perform her surgery !! But then he thought it would be a good idea to do an ultra-sound of her abdomen first, to check her liver, adrenal glands, etc. That couldn't be done until Monday. The ultra-sound came back almost unremarkable. There was a small nodule on her liver, but Dr Sadanaga asked his ultra-sound tech what his opinion was as to whether it may be cancerous or not. The tech (whom Dr Sadanaga uses all the time and has a great deal of faith in) said he believed it to be at least 80 percent benign!! But a small miracle happened while "Shadow" was waiting those 2 days to get her test done. She began improving on HER OWN !! It was Dr Sadanaga's opinion that she may not need the surgery. So they kept her for 7 days, giving her various medications. Finally, on Thurs., July 9th 2009. she was released and came home with me!! She had her ups and downs. But there was NO DOUBT, she was fighting with ALL her heart & soul to get better!! We took her to see YOU for an acupuncture treatment on Monday July 13th. And it was a true miracle. We were helping her in with slings and after her session she stood up on her own. (She actually stood on her own the entire time we were paying the bill!! She walked out, still with a little assistance, but she was placing her foot properly and not knuckling her toes over. We were all SO HAPPY!!
The next day we all, including my 89 year old mother, piled into the car to take her to the physical therapy appointment in Delaware at Windcrest Animal Hospital I had told you about. She was seeing the same therapist that had worked with her after her amputation. When we got there, Dr Katie (the therapist) took her outside to see how good she could stand and walk. It was a hot, sunny day. It had been a LONG car ride and she was a little weak and tired. She also had some diarrhea from some pineapple we had given her earlier in the week. (she loved pineapple, but I guess with her lack of activity and the meds she was taken, it didn't sit well with her). Anyway, Dr Katie took her inside and put a Speedo (diaper) on her, and then proceeded to put her in the swimming pool. I was a little concerned by her going in the pool, first time out!! (she didn't go in the pool after her amputation until the 3rd visit.!) Anyway, in she went and Dr Katie let her go ,to try and swim. I'll NEVER forget the look of terror on her face as she flipped and flopped all over gasping for air and trying to swim and stay afloat. Bill & I coaxed her over to the side where we were, and there was a ledge for her to stand on. Her gums were WHITE!! She was breathing erratically and trembling!! We got her out of the pool immediately and Dr Katie rushed her off to see an emergency vet on the premises. We thought she was in shock!! The vet recommended doing some X-Rays of her chest and abdomen (I guess to check and see if water and or air had gotten in them). She came back into the room and said, "We have a big problem. Your girl has BLOAT !!!" I know I don't have to tell you the severity of this condition, not to mention the time factor in getting treatment!! I called Dr Sadanaga immediately. He said he could and would perform the surgery, but he was afraid "Shadow" wouldn't make it all the way to Malvern, PA. The Dr there didn't think she was a good surgical candidate. And I realized that in her present condition, being still weak from her other trauma, she probably wouldn't even make through the surgery!
So I had to make the hardest, most agonizing decision of my life!! And that was to let her go. Needless to say, we are ALL heartbroken!! She was like a baby to us and the very best friend I'd ever had in my entire life!! But what makes it hurt so much more is the fact that she had fought, and fought, never giving up for a minute to get better!! And just when she had made it to that point, thanks to your help, this had to happen!! It just seems SO unfair!! But all I can do now is pray with every fiber of my being that she is in a better place, with all four legs, running and chasing bunny rabbits and squirrels. (and maybe some cats too....
But truly, thank you so much for all your help. It really meant a lot!! And the very best of luck to all of you and your pups...I'll continue to read to the posts. Maybe I'll have a chance to help someone else the way you tried to help me!!
Best Regards,
Shadow & Elizabeth
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