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Thank you all for your kind words. At the moment Jess seems stable so I can't ask for more than that! One of the nasty aspects of this disease is that she could have another flare up at any time so I just continue to give her her medication and keep my fingers crossed. The vet said unfortunately even if she were to go into remission that the disease will come back, it always does, and worse than before. As long as she continues to appear bright and wag her tail then I'm happy. She is being spoilt with lots of food and hugs.
The blood tests were apparently quite conclusive that it was autoimmune. Lyme disease is still extremely rare here in Australia, we don't seem to hear of any cases but we do get the dreaded paralysis ticks which are awful, and this season has been especially bad. Fortunately, the vet that I take Jess to is undertaking further studies in Lyme disease so they have taken the possibility seriously. It does sound very similar though!
I will make whatever time she has left, be it ten months or two, comfortable and happy for her. I have to keep in mind that she has had a great life so far (spoilt, trips to the beach etc) so whatever happens, I can rest easier knowing that.
I love your attitude. This is the way I felt with Jack, my black lab that died of canine lymphoma last year at age seven. It was obviously very difficult but I knew Jack lived a wonderful, albeit too short, life.
Thanks RSFGW. Funnily enough my other lab is a black one called Jack! He is a gorgeous, big, cuddly guy. Fortunately I haven't had any problems with his health.
Thank you all for your kind words. At the moment Jess seems stable so I can't ask for more than that! One of the nasty aspects of this disease is that she could have another flare up at any time so I just continue to give her her medication and keep my fingers crossed. The vet said unfortunately even if she were to go into remission that the disease will come back, it always does, and worse than before. As long as she continues to appear bright and wag her tail then I'm happy. She is being spoilt with lots of food and hugs.
The blood tests were apparently quite conclusive that it was autoimmune. Lyme disease is still extremely rare here in Australia, we don't seem to hear of any cases but we do get the dreaded paralysis ticks which are awful, and this season has been especially bad. Fortunately, the vet that I take Jess to is undertaking further studies in Lyme disease so they have taken the possibility seriously. It does sound very similar though!
I will make whatever time she has left, be it ten months or two, comfortable and happy for her. I have to keep in mind that she has had a great life so far (spoilt, trips to the beach etc) so whatever happens, I can rest easier knowing that.
That is the wonderful aspect and the saving grace is that our animals are treated royally which they should be. Friends from beginning to end they enrich our lives and we do the same for them! Ennoy your days the best you can. Our best wishes and good luck!
OP is finding out, yet again, like anyone who loves a dog, that they help us to live more fully in the present, as they do. Best wishes to OP and the pooch from Massachusetts and my gang of six elderly critters.
Thanks for the link Fontucky, I know that Lyme Disease is not unheard of here but the cases are very few and far between, though there seems to be a belief that it may be becoming more of a risk. My vets office actually has a flyer up advertising that they are doing a study on Lyme disease and would like any dogs with symptoms for their work. Jess has been ruled out as having it. She has never had a tick, despite my living in an area where they can be quite common. I'm militant about both dogs and their tick treatments (though I know its no guarantee), so far we've been very lucky.
Went to the vets today for Jess's check up, the vet was pleased that she is still looking happy and wagging her tail, but the deterioration of her muscles is marching along, despite all the meds. She looks like skin and bone even though she eats constantly. The weather here has been fairly warm but Jess gets to stay inside with the air-con on. She has been panting heavily despite being in the cool. This is because her heart, being a muscle also, is deteriorating too. The vet had hoped that the medication would bring on remission, or at least keep Jess steady. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be. She is already on huge doses of medication so there isn't much more that can be done. I'm taking her back again in two weeks for another check up, but I fear now that we may be on the home straight. It's awful, especially as her mind is still sharp, but her body continues to fail......
Oh, Aussie, so sorry to read your latest update. My heart goes out to you and your girl. How is jack handling all this--any signs of distress? Does he have any inkling that so much is wrong, do you think? Again, so sorry!
You're taking care of her the best last possible way as her time comes sooner. Be well.
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