I know many of you were following my "dog cancer" thread and I appreciate your support in that thread. Zoe, one of my female Rhodesian Ridgebacks, took a turn for the worse yesterday and today. She went for a chemo treatment last Friday for a rescue protocol on a drug called CCNU. She did not handle this treatment well and showed signs of lethargy, not eating/drinking, and not even able to walk. This started Thursday and culminated today in Zoe not able to walk...probably due to running a fever and lethargy. I had to carry her outside to let her do her business and she basically did it while laying down...getting feces on herself. As you can imagine, it was hard to watch. I took her to the local vet to get her bloodwork done and her white cell counts were so low they were almost non-existent. She had zero ability to fight infection. At the time, I was told she could be administered a drug to boost her white blood cell count. They gave her a shot to treat that but she still had to recover from dehydration, infection, liver function problems, etc. . She also needed extra support in the way of IV fluids for her dehydration. At the time I took her to the emergency clinic, I met with the doctor and there were so many drugs and things they were going over they might have to try...including blood transfusions to get cell counts up...that the prognosis was not good. Even if she partially recovered from this (which was doubtful), then she still probably would have had problems. The costs were getting exceedingly high to hospitalize her (anywhere from $1500 and $5000 just for this trip) and the prognosis was grim with a list of problems and meds they wanted to shoot in her to fight her latest problems. There were no guarantees and it appeared the writing was on the wall. So, I made the very difficult choice to put her down this evening. It was quite the stressful day. I saw three different doctors at three different clinics driving all over. At first, I thought there would be a glimmer of hope for more quality time with her. But, in the end, the cancer, arthritis, and all the variables (poor liver function, extremely low blood cell counts, etc.) was just too much and I couldn't fathom putting her through all that they listed might need to happen. I think I would have been right back there sooner rather than later. And, Zoe wouldn't have quality living during that time. Please say a prayer for Zoe. I did all I could do for her I think. But, the fight was just too much and she was in obvious distress these last two days. I was there with her until she was asleep and left before she was gone. Goodbye, Zoe. You were a good dog and will be with me forever. I will miss you. You lived for 11.6 years and had a good life. I spoiled you as best I could with every treat you could imagine. I walked you a lot and gave you freedom off the leash. In the end, I did the best I could for you. It was just time.
Ive had my dog 13 years.....since i was a kid..... When he goes it will be hard.....hes like my best friend..... Sorry about Zoe man.....
I will pray for you Surfguy so that God will heal your heart. I know how depressed I got when something similar happened to my family.
Surfguy, I am very sorry for your loss. If it is any condolence to you, the things you did to try to help her recover from the cancer is much more than most other people would have done. It seems to me that you took very good care of her. Again...I am very sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss Surf. You are a very good owner and am glad you stuck by her side for as long as you could. You are and should be an inspiration to all pet owners. May Zoe find herself in heaven where God takes good care of her and bestows her with the best of treats and belly rubs. RIP ZOE
Very sorry to hear this... Had to put my beagle down last month that I had since I was 10 years old. It was the worst day of my life. So damn lonely around the house now without him there.
Sorry to hear that. But she had a good life and you did a great job taking care of her. It was just her time. Comfort Chloe.
Sorry for your loss. It sounds like you helped her live a very good life. I fear the day that I will be in your shoes.
Sorry for your loss bud. Zoe sounded like she was awesome and she had an awesome owner. You tried your damnedest, so keep your head high and your spirits up. Your loyalty to your friend even till the end is much admired. A good dog is hard to find.
I'm sorry for you loss but Zoe sound like a wonderful dog that will always be a part of your life. I know what's it like losing a pet since I've loss my cat years ago. You will find time if you would want another pet and I hope you do. It won't be Zoe but it will be a whole new wonderful experience again. Good luck.
