Big Paws Only Dog Forums
BPO Medical Forum => Medical Conditions & Diseases => : shangrila February 13, 2008, 06:01:43 AM
-
Hi everyone. It has been too long - I have missed BPO! My computer has been in the shop for over a month and my internet was broken, so I haven't been able to check in.
Zoey has been having a pretty good month, but now she is having a really bad week :( On Sunday I noticed she was biting her butt. She wasn't letting me look at it and I couldn't see under all her fur so I went and bought a shaver so that I could shave her hind legs and discovered that under her butt hair there was black stuff around her butt. (warning, this is graphic) I thought she had had diahrea and gotten it stuck in her fur, but she wouldn't let me touch it to clean it off. So I got some pain medicine from the vet and borrowed a muzzle, and with the muzzle I was able to look at her butt closer - it looks horrible! She has a huge open wound (about the size of a nickel) and the fur around her butt is all black. What I thought was poop isn't poop - I think it is from a ruptured anal gland. So I had to take her to the vet today, which was horrible because Zoey has wicked high anxiety about being at the vet. It was horrible! The vet was great and Zoey actually walked in pretty cooperatively, but she was having nothing of the vet looking at her butt. So they had to put a muzzle of her and have two vet techs hold her down just so the vet could lift her tail to look at her butt. Zoey was struggling to get away from them and pushing her butt up against the wall so they couldn't go near it. They wouldn't let me help (not that I could help much) but it was so hard for me to watch I started crying :'(
When the vet finally looked at it she thinks it might not be a anal gland since it is a little higher than she expects an anal gland to be, but I still thikn it's an anal gland (wheres marit when I need her anal gland queen advice ;) ). The vet thinks it looks like a gash from siomething, but I don't know how it's possible for her to cut her butt. There's nothign for her in the house to cut her butt on and I don't think there's anything in the yard to cut her butt on and plus she can't walk backwards, so I don't down how it would be possible to get a cut on her butt even if there was (if she was going to cut herself on something wouldn't it be on the front). Plus the black stuff is deffinately not blood so I am confident it's anal gland fluid. I took a picture to send to Dan but I am not going to post it here because it's a bit graphic I don't want to traumatize anyone.
Anyways, they sedated her and made me leave her there. They gave her a sedative just to do the rectal examine (haven't heard anything yet - she's been there for an hour). And they said they are probably going to have to give her general anesthesia to fix it :-\ I asked them to cut her nails, clean her ears, and cut her paw fur so that at least we won't have to go through the stress of grooming her again soon, but I am so worried about her going under anesthesia with her neurological issues and I feel so bad about her broken butt :( And to top it off, Dan is out of town all this week and next, which means she doesn't have her daddy for moral support and I don't have a helper to take care of her :(
-
Poor Zoey :'( :'( :'(
I am sure your vet will take care of Zoey's butt :)
Keep us posted and give her a hug when you pick her up :-*
-
Poor broken butted Zoey :'( I hope you hear good news soon from your vet. Hugd Zoey for a speedy recovery.
-
that sounds AWFUL! poor puppy!! I wonder what happened??
-
OMG !!! How tramatic. I hope Zoey is well and things aren't as bad as they sound.
-
So I just called to check in and they said that they are putting her under general anesthesia now. They had given her a sedative earlier and were hoping that would be enough to do the rectal exam but she wasnt having any of them touching her butt. So they had to wait until they could do general anesthesia and they are gonna do the rectal exam now once shes asleep :-\
-
Oh honey!! I am so sorry. This is a lot to have to go through by yourself!!! Much big fury hugs from Rasputin and I, you are in our thoughts. Please let us all know what going on!! :'(
-
Oh big (((hugs)). Keep us posted. You almost made me cry.
-
I hope they get to the bottom (pardon the pun) of Zoey's butt problem soon. I just hate it when they're in such discomfort.
-
the vet just finished. it is so much worse then we thught, i am having a tonal panic attack so i cant type gonna come back when i calm downn :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
-
We're all worried about you and Zoey- What happened????
In the meantime, we're sending you hugs and good wishes.
-
Oh Heather! I don't know what it is but please stay strong...we are here for you when you are ready
-
I finally stopped shaking so I can type now. This is what the vet told me:
Once Zoey was asleep from the anesthesia the was able to get a closer look at the sore and says that even though its in the right place to be an anal pland it doesn't seem to be one because it isn'tr connected to anything inside so it must be a superficial lesion eventhough its a bad one. They were able to stitch it up and clean the area really well, so I am supposed to keep Zoey quiet and inactive until it heals and keep an eye on it.
Then she tells me that when there is anesthesia the sphincter relaxes, so she was able to get a really good look inside zoey's rectum. She said that is has multiple leasions inside the rectum, which she couldnt do anything about because rectal surgery is a really careful thing so you dont accidentally make the dog incontinent, and she is not trained for it. She can't tell if it's from self-inflicted trauma of zoey biting at her butt, but is concerned that it might be a more widespread problem. I am supposed to keep an eye on her for the next week and if everything seems ok, then I'm supposed to take her back in a week. But if she seems to get worse I am supposed to take her to tufts (the best vet hospital in our area) because she might have an autoimmune disease attacking her colon and she might have leasions throughout it. Zoey is so stranger to colon issues - she has had problems with pancreatitis and irratible bowel syndrome in the past, but her stools have been firm for a few months even though i have noticed she has had to strain to poop sometimes so I even worried they were too firm.
So I was already freaking out about the lesions and the possibility of an autoimmune disease when the vet tells me that zoey has lyme disease. She was due for her heartworm/lyme test so I had asked her to do it while zoey was under but i didnt think it was going to be a problem because we give zoey heartgaurd and we use frontline in the spring/summer/fall. I remember last fall pulled a couple ticks off her and the vet said that it was a bad tick season, but I figured with the frontline and use checking her for ticks everyday she would be ok. I don't really know anything about lyme so I will have to research it tonight, but I know it is bad.
My baby is such a sick dog :'( Those of you who know us, know that she has always had hip dysplacia, and on top of that has had IBS for a long time now. Then last year she started having neurological issues and they tell us that she might have a brain tumor and might be blind. So now she has: HD, IBS, seizures, possible blindness, lyme disease, and a possible autoimmune disease. That is just too much for one dog! :'( I am so scared and worried. I love her so much and I was already worried we were going to loose her soon and now with this new news I just don't know what to think. She is only three, and we did everything right to buy her from a breeder and treat everythign as best as possible, but I feel like such a bad doggy mommy because she is in so much pain. :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
It's so unfair :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
I took a personal day from school to take her to the vet but I have to go to my afterschool job in a couple of minutes, and then I am going to pick her up at 7 when I get out of work. I will check in when we are home
-
Oh, what a flood this must be for you...I'm so sorry that you are going through this right now. I wish I could help you out more....I'm going to start researching Lyme disease for you now. In the meantime, take a deep breath...and take care of YOU!
-
Heather, I sent you some info ;)
-
Take a deep breath, actually take a few! Research each of the things that Zoey has (some I'm sure you already have!) some of them may be related, maybe the lyme disease has been causing some of her other issues.
Quite a few of us have been through the double and triple wammies, we are all here for you. Sending lots of peace to you and Zoey. :-*
-
I am so sorry you have so much to deal with all at once. What a shock. You are a fantastic doggie momma. Just deal with what you can at the time. WE are all here to give you support.(((((((HUGS)))))))
-
I'm so sorry. Poor Zoey. Poor you. You are a great mom to her, don't think any different. Just take it day by day.
-
You are such a great momma! Here's my rec. take a bath, candles, wine and Zoey cuddles.
I totally agree. With both statements. In fact, when the stress starts piling on, take another bath with candles and wine. And another. And another. And give your sweet baby hugs, hugs, hugs. Please don't beat yourself up. You are doing all that you can to take care of your puppy. Nobody could do more. Prayers go out to the both of you.
-
Oh wow, I just read this thread & got caught up. What an hard day you both had! I'm sorry that you are going through all of this especially w/your hubby out of town. That must make it all so much tougher. You are doing a great job though, so give yourself a big pat on the back!
-
Poor Zoey. Her bum looks so sore. :(
I wish I was closer so I could help.
-
Zoey is doing pretty ok today. Last night was really tough. She would sleep for an hour and then wake up and cry for an hour and then sleep for an hour, and then cry for an hour. I slept on the floor in the living room with her so she wouldnt feel lonely but I ended up going unpatirs halfway through the night since she started barking adn growling at me i felt like she just wanted to be alone.
I had to put the ecollar on her for the day while iu was at work and she HATED it. I felt so bad for her - she kept putting her head down so the collar would get caught on the floor. She's much happier now that im home cause she doesn't have to wear it when I can keep an eye on her.
The only thing that is concerning me is that she isnt going to the bathroom normally. She pooped yesterday and today but it was really strained so i picked up a high fiber food to make it easier. But she hasnt peed at all last night or today even though she has had water.
Right now shes not crying to much - just a little off and on. I'm gonna give her her dinner and meds in a bit, and try and clean her bum while she's eating. Wish me luck
-
both of you are in my thoughts. What an ordeal. but you will get through it with her. Give her a big kiss.
-
Well she finally peed - unfortunately it was in the middle of her bed ::) I feel bad cause she only hs one bed that she actually likes, and now i have to take it away when she's most sore because it's saturated with pee :-\
but on the upside, she hasnt cried once since I gave her her evening pain killer this afternoon
-
AWww Zoey you poor sweet girl. What a rough day. Hope you are feeling much better with the meds.
-
Awwww, poor Zoey with her sore bum & poor you. You must be exhausted. I hope that you both sleep well tonight.
Fiber is a good idea, but is there a stool softener that your vet can prescribe, too? I'm guessing that both might make her more comfortable until she's healed inside. Owwwwww... :(
-
I can't realy say much because I am still too upset, but I wanted you all to know... After I posted about Zoey doing ok, so started crying again, andn then around midnight she took a turn for the worse. Her stiches bust on her butt and she was crying and barking unconsollably, so I took her to tufts emergency room. The only way the vet could get to stop crying was to sedate her, and it was clear that the issue was more serious than we thought and she we would not be able to make her happy and healthy again. So I had to do the right thing for her and let her be free from pain. It was such a hard decision for me, especially since dan was not there to say goodbye to her, but I know it was the right thing to do for her with all her health issues and she is finally at peace.
I know that I did the right thing for her, but knowing that doesn't make it any easier and I have been crying hysterically all day. I feel like a zombie and now it is so hard to be home alone and know that she isn't here and she isn't coming back. I think I am going to go visit dan in texas cause we are both havingh a hard time being alone. I miss her so much :'(
-
OMG OMG OMG!!!! I am so sorry. I just can't believe it. Sweet Zoey - she's not suffering anymore. It really sucks to do the right thing sometimes.
Oh my. All good thoughts to you. This must feel so bad. :'(
-
Oh Heather your last post brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry to hear Zoey was in so much pain. YOu made the right decision as hard it was. She is free of all the pain. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. (((HUGS))))
-
OMG Heather! I am so sorry for your loss :'( :'( :'(
I don't even know what to say...It must be so hard on you
RIP sweet Zoey
(((((hugs))))))
-
Oh my gosh, hun. What a horrible decision to have to make, and how hard to have to make it on your own. I am so sorry for the loss of that sweet girl. Sometimes there is just no rhyme or reason for why things happen. Try to hang in there, we're here for you.
-
We just want you to know we are thinking about you. Cirra sends her love!!!
-
Oh Heather, I'm so sorry. We're thinking of you.
-
I'm so sorry Heather. :'( My heart goes out to you and Dan.
-
Heather,
While I am new to the board I would just like you to know that our family's thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Our hearts are breaking for you. As I read through the posts, tears came to my eyes for both Zoey and you.
Marianne and the Mals
-
Oh, I am so sorry that you had to go through that by yourself. It doesn't make it any better, but she is free now and you gave that to her. My thoughts are with you and Dan, I hope you were able to go and be with him.
RIP sweet girl.
-
Thank you everyone for your kind words. I wish I could say more but the pain is really more than I can bear to say.
I feel like a zombie, exhausted and numb and weary, but I can't sleep because it feels so wrong to go to sleep without taking zoey out for the night. I'm hungry but I can't eat because it felt wrong to eat without zoey drooling over my pizza. My lungs are burning because the stress and anxiety have really aggrivated my asthma, and I've given myself a sinus infection from all of the crying.
I made a reservation to go meet Dan in Texas on Sunday. I'm hoping some time away will help me heal, but I know that it will be so much worse when I come back and all of her things are here but she isn't. I gave all of her food and treats to her best puppy friend next door, but I can't bring myself to look at any of her other things.
I have known for awhile this was coming but I was in so much denial about it would hurt. I know that she is happier now that she is free from her pain, but I would have taken her pain for myself if it meant I could just have a few more days with her happy and healthy
-
Oh Heather!
I don't know what happened, I guess I somehow missed the original thread. But I'm so so so so so sorry for you losing Zoey!
Its only been a few months since Mabel has been gone, so I still remember how you are feeling. I'll be thinking of you!
-
I'm so sorry for your loss. Find peace in knowing that Zoey's at ease and no longer plagued by pain. I know it's easier said than done, but know that we're thinking of you.
-
Oh Heather! My heart is breaking for you and Dan. I can't imagine this whirlwind you've gone through in the last few days. It's difficult for us all to imagine that Zoey won't be with you any more, at least in the physical world.
Just don't forget that we are all here to help you through your sadness and no one expects you to heal overnight.
Big Hugs!!
Jeanne
-
:'( :'( :'(I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what you're feeling now. I'm bawling right now, just thinking about how horrible it must feel. You definitely did the right thing though. Zoey is no longer in pain. It's all about quality of life, not quantity. And you gave her so much love and affection-she had a wonderful life. I'm sure she would be thanking you right now, for the wonderful life you gave her, and for putting her out of misery when things got really painful.
Going down to Texas definitely something you need. You need to be together during this rough time. My thoughts are with you two.
RIP Zoey :'(
-
Oh my. From the bottom of my heart, I want to send you my deepest condolences. I am so sorry that this has happened to you and your family. Please take the time to grieve, heal, reminisce, and eventually, you will find peace in your heart again.
RIP, sweet gal.
-
I am so very sorry. Zoey was blessed to have been so loved and so well cared for. Take good care of yourself now and know that despite your own pain that you did what was best for her. You & Dan will be in my prayers. ((hugs))
-
I'm SOOOO sorry to hear about Zoey! If you need anything let us know. You made the right decision for her and we all know it was a hard one for you to make. She was lucky to have you and Dan. RIP Zoey.
-
Oh, Heather...I'm so sorry I didn't see this until now (where the heck have I been)! :-\ I'm so, so, sorry for your loss... :'( :-*
PLEASE don't say that you couldn't help her, you did everything that you could for Zoey (and more!), you gave her all of the love a dog could ask for and you freed her of her pain & suffering...a lot of people couldn't do that, it was an act of compassion and I admire you for that! :-*
Know that Zoey is now resting comfortably, and that she's watching over & and Dan...and will be forever :) I'm so sorry and if there's anything we can do for you...you know we're all here for you :-*
Big (((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))) to you Heather, sending lots of thoughts your way :)
RIP Sweet Zoey, you will be greatly missed :-* :-* :-*
-
Heather- I am soo sorry for you and Dan. I know how much you loved Zoey. I have been away from the computer for a few days and I am not trying to catch up. I am thinking about you and sending you good thoughts.
Paige
-
HOLY COW!!! WHAT HAPPENED HERE??? I left for our dog show on friday and i come home to read about poor Zoey!!! I am so sorry, it is so hard to loose one that is loved so much. Dogs are our soul mates, and are always there. I am sure that all pets, including Zoey will be waiting for us at the rainbow bridge. I can not give enough condolences to you!!!
-
Oh my gosh. Heather I am so unbelievably sorry. I am going to terribly miss seeing pictures and hearing of your baby girl, but I'm relieved that she is no longer in any pain. You really did give her the best life possible, and then when you could no longer provide her with that life, you helped free her of her physical bonds and pain. I know that she will be forever grateful to you for that, and that she will wait for you at the bridge with love in her heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
-
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Poor Zoey. You did the best you could and gave her a wonderful home. Take comfort in the fact that your sweet girl is no longer in pain.
Take care.
-
I'm in Houston with Dan now trying to get my mind off things. I am feeling much better but still very sad everytime I think of my baby girl.
When I get home and I feel ready, I will post a bridge thread about my beutiful baby