for the worse. His right hind leg has gotten badly infected due to a combination of factors - from lack of blood flow (which will eventually cause gangrene) and bacteria infection - despite the regular physiotherapy done daily on his hinds and his dosage of antibiotics.
He basically has no sensation on his right hind leg now. The paw feels cold due to lack of blood flow. His left hind leg, on the other hand, is still able to sense slightly.
He seems not much better than on Sat, appearing a wee bit thinner to me cos he is eating but not that much. As usual, according to T, no vomiting, no diarrhea, no cough, no pain apparantly cos he is not whining/groaning. He just appears weak and listless.
His gums are still very pale despite medication, no signs of improvement. The tumour in his stomach is the other issue, though of cos that could be just benign or just possibly, that growth could be what's causing his anaemia and paralysis.
Advice given was to put him down as there doesn't appear to be any quality of life for him in this state. And as always, there is this plaquing doubt if we humans are playing god again by prolonging a life seemingly not worth living anymore.
And there are other questions to consider
He basically has no sensation on his right hind leg now. The paw feels cold due to lack of blood flow. His left hind leg, on the other hand, is still able to sense slightly.
He seems not much better than on Sat, appearing a wee bit thinner to me cos he is eating but not that much. As usual, according to T, no vomiting, no diarrhea, no cough, no pain apparantly cos he is not whining/groaning. He just appears weak and listless.
His gums are still very pale despite medication, no signs of improvement. The tumour in his stomach is the other issue, though of cos that could be just benign or just possibly, that growth could be what's causing his anaemia and paralysis.
Advice given was to put him down as there doesn't appear to be any quality of life for him in this state. And as always, there is this plaquing doubt if we humans are playing god again by prolonging a life seemingly not worth living anymore.
And there are other questions to consider
- if we decide on amputation, are we further compromising Jamie's quality of life?
- Who will take in a disabled dog and give him a permanent, happy home?
- There are also people who will chide a decision to spend money on Jamie instead of putting him to sleep right now.
My answer there and then at the clinic: I don't know.
I heard the advice but it just didn't get absorbed in fully. I hear it again but I couldn't make a decision.
So I came back and emailed out Jamie's photos to KZ and L, and later CL took a look. After talking and discussing, which is vital in such situations as I cannot make a decision on my own, Jamie is blessed to have CL's help in making an appointment with ARC tomorrow morning for a second opinon on his chances and prognosis.
We will decide after Dr L sees Jamie tomorrow. That is only fair to Jamie I guess. Or is it fair to us? When we make decisions on behalf of animals, who are we making the deciosn for? What would Jamie want right now? I'm sorry I don't have the answer right now.
On a separate note: Thanks so much T. We know how much work it has been for the past few days. Not many people will take on this responsibility like you did. Truly appreciate.
1 comment:
I may sound naive but I am strongly against putting him to sleep. Jamie is sliently fighting the battle thou he culd not speak as dog has strong power to live. We should help him n give him a chance. If he eventually returns to the Lord, it is God's will, we should not play GOD and decide on his fate. Suggest to re-confirm his diagnosis again, not sure if we are treating the right illness. There are people with special calling who are willing to adopt the disabled dog. Keep trying & never give up.
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