Hey everyone, I know I haven’t done an update on Buddy in a while and I’m sorry about that so this is an extra long post. I’m just trying to get through each day and get what he needs done. He’s become quite difficult to feed as he doesn’t seem to have an appetite most days so I have to try every few hours and usually get down on the floor to feed him. It seems that all I’m doing is cooking chicken and vegetables and trying to feed him all day. I don’t mind; it’s just that I get upset when he won’t eat because I know to keep up his strength and stay reasonably ok, he needs to eat.
I had him in for some more blood tests this past Friday. They were testing the how his adrenal gland functions. As I was writing this I heard from the vet. Buddy does show a problem with his adrenal glands which indicates Cushings Disease. Yet many of the most common symptoms of it Buddy doesn’t have. The vet is going to speak with the pathologist on another test they can do to hopefully better determine Cushings. So basically I’m still no further ahead than before. Cushings Disease is not curable either but can be maintained depending on how well the pet tolerates the medicines. However if it’s an adrenal gland tumor then you’re looking at only a few years as surgery is pretty dangerous because of blood clots, etc. His ultrasound didn’t show a tumor but there can be small ones that aren’t seen unless you’d do something like a CT scan which apparantly they don’t do often on pets. Unfortunately the vet said we still can’t rule out something called amylodosis which is not good. There isn’t a cure nor is there treatment; basically you can just keep your pet comfortable. They can be with you anywhere from a few months to a few years, but not likely more than that. So far Buddy hasn’t been losing weight but if he keeps up with not eating he surely will. So here I am again waiting to hear from the vet as to the next move. At least my vet is really good and goes to great lengths to make sure he’s doing the right tests instead of me spending a lot of money on ones we don’t necessarily need. The vet bills are already pretty scary but Buddy is worth it to me. The worst thing is that with a lot of these diseases dogs can get they are very hard to exactly pinpoint as these symptoms practically go for almost all of the diseases they can get.
Of course I’m devastated. My heart just hurts every time I look at him. I know other people have lost pets but I still keep thinking ‘why us’. Buddy is such a big and important part of my life. I got him shortly after I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and even on my worst days I know he has to be fed and all that – he makes me want to get up out of bed those mornings. As well when I got sick a lot of my friends decided it was too much trouble I guess to stay friends with someone who just didn’t have the energy anymore to be going out all the time but he was always there. Needless to say I’m extremely attached to the little guy. He’s been so much more than just a dog for me – he’s pretty much been a lifesaver at times.
Anyhow when I hear from the vet I’ll post again. Hopefully I’ll have more of an idea of what to expect and stuff like that. I know I haven’t been visiting blogs and I probably won’t be for a while. I’m not even completely sure what I want to do with the blog at this point. I’ve lost a bit of the will to keep it up right now. I am fulfilling all my tour dates and such but not booking much extra right now. I think ultimately I may just go back to the old days where I read what I wanted and then just write reviews. I really haven’t made a set decision there yet.
Thanks to all of you who have kept up reading my reviews even though I haven’t been commenting on your blogs. I do miss the interaction sometimes. As well thanks to all of you who have sent me emails and commented here on the blog with wishes and prayers for the Budster. It means a lot to me. I took a few pictures – the first one is of Buddy the other day when he had his blood test. You can see his pretty little bandaid on his paw. The second one is of his new haircut that he got yesterday. It’s extremely hot here right now and there was no way I could leave the little guy as furry as he was – he would have been really uncomfortable today. Doesn’t he look like a completely different dog with his short hair? I’m partial to the long hair but I love him with his haircut just as much!
Again, thank you all so much for your support. I have no words – just thank you.
Oh, he's so cute with his hair cut!! I know what you mean about being there for you. It is the same with my 2 dogs, they are family, not just a pet..I'll keep you and Buddy in my prayers.
I'm so sorry to hear that Buddy is still not doing too well. And I really hope it turns out to be something that can be treated and maintained, and that he can still be with you for a long time to come. I know how much a pet can really boost your spirit, and just how devastating it can be when they're having problems. And just remember that all your blogger friends are still here with you, even though you don't have the time or energy to do a lot of blogging. Just look after yourself and Buddy for now.
I'm so sorry about Buddy, Dar. I hope he will get better soon! I'll keep you and Buddy in my thoughts and prayers. Do take care of yourself too!
I'm so sorry to hear you still don't have any answers and that Buddy isn't feeling better. I adore my pets too and have never been without one. We lost one of our dogs to old age this winter and while it wasn't unexpected, it was still heart breaking.
You are always in my thoughts and prayers and I'm wishing all good things for the adorable Buddy! Don't worry about your blog, we are all still here for you. Be well!
Darlene, have you discused force feeding. It is as awful as it sounds but can be good if he stops eating altogether. I had a cat years ago that went into liver failure and wouldn't eat. The vet said that I should try force feeding her for a couple weeks and then see if she would eat on her own. She did finally eat on her own again and lived another 4 years. I know Buddy doesn't have the same thing but I thought I would just throw it out there.
It was very messy. You waterdown soft canned food and get it into a syringe then put it in their mouth. I swear I wore more food than went in but Sasha was worth it.
Poor little Buddy! It must be very hard for you, but we're all out here for you when you need to talk about it!
Buddy is so very cute long or short hair. Will keep you all in my prayers.
Wow Dar, Well your timing is great with the update. I was going to email you today to find out how he was doing. I am so sorry you and poor buddy have to go through all this. I know personally how hard it is to have to go through this with a beloved pet. I know Buddy is really a part of your family.
I will keep you in my prayers.
There is a picture of Buddy on Martina's blog (if you haven't visited yet) – http://princessmartina.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the Buddy update… still sending thoughts and prayers your way. The new haircut looks so cute! Be sure to take care of yourself, too, Dar.
Dar..sorry Buddy's illness has been all consuming for you. Hopefully, he is comfortable and will be back to liking his food soon. Thinking of both of you 🙂
Dar, please don't worry about not visiting blogs. Just be with Buddy and do what you need to do where he's concerned. You both are in my thoughts. I hope you can get some solid info from the vet.
I'm so sorry you and Buddy are having to go through all of this. Buddy is adorable no matter what his hair looks like.
I'm surprised you can blog at all with all that you have on your mind. Do what's right for you and know that we'll be here.
So sorry that you have no answers yet as to what is ailing poor little Buddy. I fully understand the trying to get him to eat all day. I've been there. I hope you get some answers soon and it is something that can be treated. You and Buddy are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Dar, I am so sorry that this is such a frustrating time for you. I imagine that it must be hard not to have any answers. I will say that Buddy is looking good, and that he looks very well cared for, so I think you are doing an awesome job showing him that you love him and you and he will continue to be in my prayers. I hope that you find out what's wrong very soon, and that there is an easy way to treat it. I know it's hard right now, but remember that there are a lot of us out here who love you and are wishing you the best. And don't worry too much about the blog. Whatever you decide to do, we will all be there to support you. Take care of yourself and Buddy.
The hard part about sick pets is that the poor things can't tell you what hurts, so you are left to decipher their mannerisms. I will hope and pray for the best in this situation, which would be that his diagnosis is treatable. Losing a pet can be just as hard or harder than losing a human family-member.
Blogging-wise, I agree with Kathy. I am surprised you are able to even think about blogging and commend you for sticking to your commitments. Don't worry about us. Also, just so that you know, I get the feeling there are more than a few of us who are rethinking things, and wishing we were reading for fun. That is where is all started, isn't it?
I will keep you in my prayers. I know how much a pet can mean, and they are like another member of the family like a child.
Poor Buddy! He's still as adorable as ever, though. Hang in there!
(((HUGS)))
I am so sorry that they aren't finding any answers. We will pray that they find out it is treatable and Buddy will be feeling good as new soon.
As Teddy Rose mentioned, we have also used the watered down food in a syringe at times too. You find yourself just trying anything and everything.
Can you add anything to his water for vitamins and energy? Or maybe somekind of bottled energy water that the vet says is ok?
Hugs and prayers,
(He looks great before and after haircut!)
Thank-you for the update. Buddy is such a cutie and I'm sure he's happy with the haircut, now that it's done.
Give him lots of hugs and take care of yourself. Don't worry about the blog. You know we'll all be here for you whatever you decide.
Dar, I am so sorry to hear what you and Buddy have been going through. I've been slack lately and haven't visited many blogs. I hope that things will work out and that you get the answers that you need from your vet. My pets are my most precious gifts, and I take care of them until the end. I presently have a cat who is age 17+ that I give sub Q fluids to three nights a week because his kidneys are failing, and he is also hyperthyroid, so he gets meds for that. Our pets love us unconditionally, so of course we do anything and everything that we can to keep them here with us comfortably for as long as possible. You and Buddy are in my thoughts and prayers and please don't hesitate to email me if you want to talk….I'm here. ((((hugs)))
Dar, never think your alone with the love that you have for your pet Buddy. We are all feeling this with you as we have pets that mean more to us than most humans. My dog Jake is coming up to 13 this year and he seems to have got so old so quickly. I am scared out of my wits, because I know what we will have deal with.
I am hoping that your vet finds a cure soon for Buddy and that you get many more happy years together.
My heart breaks reading this. I didn't realise Buddy meant all that to you. I hope with all my heart that there will be a miracle and he will be ok
*hugs*
Oh Dar, I've been thinking about you hoping Buddy's health has improved. I will be praying that the vet can properly diagnose his problem and get him started on the path to recovery.
I'm sorry you are going through this. It's obvious that Buddy is ahn important member of the family. Right now the waiting is probably the most difficult part. At least he doesn't look like he is in any discomfort.
Dar,
thanks for the update on Buddy. Just want you to know that not a day goes by that I'm not thinking about you and Buddy. Stay positive and hopefully Buddy will start to eat and respond to treatment. I know how much he means to you and I totally get "it." We're here for you anytime!!!!
Lots of Hugs and Love,
Staci
Buddy's looking handsome with that short haircut! Dar, do not worry about not commenting on our blogs. I'm sure we don't read blogs just so ours get commented on as well. 🙂
I will pray for you and Buddy. Sending lots of hugs and thoughts to you and your little guy.
Hope the haircut perked him up for a little while! I remember when Groucho (no longer with us) got older he looked so funny when we'd clip him down, but he loved being so much lighter without all that fur. He'd act like a puppy again for about an hour before setteling down to the little old man he'd become.
If only wishes alone were enough to cure Buddy, he'd be the picture of health with all your bloggy friends pulling for you both!
Oh Dar I'm so sorry to read about Buddy and his health problems. I'm praying and thinking positive thoughts that he can be given some medicines and will feel better soon. I'm sorry you are going though (both of you). I empathize with your feelings about what's happening to Buddy and your concerns about the future. I'm attached to my cats in a similar way, they are my children.
Hang in there and I will check back soon.
Buddy is adorable, he really has the sweetest look in his eyes and I'm sure he's going to start talking to me any minute. I know he loves you and doesn't want to be without you either.
I'm keeping you and Buddy in my heart, prayers and thoughts.
~ Amy
Poor Buddy. I think of you and him often, and I'll keep you in my prayers. Please don't worry about blogging. Just take care of yourself and Buddy, and we'll be here when you're able to be here.
–Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
I am keeping you and Buddy in my thoughts. HUGS.
Hi Dar, Buddy does look too cute with his new haircut.
I'll keep you both in my prayers.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
As always, your sweet post about Buddy had me in tears. His companionship for you, and your sweet way of discussing it are inspiring. Thanks for sharing with us. You both are in my thoughts.
Not a lot to say but Love you and Love Buddy. Cushings is better than the alternate. But I know that doesn't ease your mind. Buddy is your partner who has helped you through thick and thin, he is your purpose. I know this is the hardest of times ever for you.
He looks younger with that haircut!
I hope everything is getting better and hopefully you'll have some good results soon.
Oh Sweetheart! I wish I could just hug you and Buddy right now. I know how scary and unknown all of this is. I'm sorry there is nothing I can do for you. Wish I could. I will continue to send good thoughts, hugs, and love from Philly to you both.
Dogs are our non-speaking kids so I know how tough it is. And I so don't care if you comment on my blog or not. You are my friend no matter what. Plus you have my email if you ever need to vent or cry or whatever.
As far as your personal blog goes, if you have to cut back then do so. There is nothing wrong with that. Buddy needs you right now, and he's family. Family first I say! I'm here for you no matter what you decide 🙂
{{hugs}}
I'm so behind on blog reading so I just read this post. I'm so sorry about Buddy's health problems. I know my pets are so important to me and bring such joy to me each day. I'll be thinking of Buddy and sending out good thoughts.
Buddy has done for you the very thing that people get pets for–he has been the unconditional love that we all need. I'm sorry to hear that he is having such a rough time–I know that, right now, it is even harder on you than it is on him.
Cushings Disease is one of the items we had to rule out for Charlee! It was a scary thing, but now I think he may have Alopecia X, which is genetic and incurable. He's so uncomfortable and losing his fur…
I feel badly about Buddy and you are right…they are our little friends and family members…when they hurt, we hurt.
Its funny that not more research is done with animals like dogs and cats to determine what these diseases are and how they can be best treated. It seems like science is letting pet owners down when they have no particular test for these diseases and then have to rule out a bunch of other ones first. Its frustrating and expensive.
I will keep positive thoughts for you and Buddy!