The vet called this morning and the news wasn't what we wanted to hear. We were hoping the lab results would indicate an infection that could be treated with antibiotics, but the blood work was normal, no infection.
We're left with more questions than answers. There's something wrong in Tsar's brain and we don't know what or why. I was given the option of taking him to the university for an MRI and spinal tap among other tests, but I declined. Tsar is ten years old now and he has always hated to be fussed over or to have his personal space invaded. I know he would hate these tests and as his advocate, I have to do what's best for him. In this case it means proceeding blind and hoping to keep him comfortable and happy for his remaining time.
We've taken him off all meds including his pain meds for arthritis and he's starting to feel it. He wants no one but me near him, so that's how it'll be for now. On Saturday when his system is clear of all medications, we'll start him on steroids to try to fight whatever is affecting his brain. We don't know what the possibilities of success may be, but that's our plan for now.
After not eating for almost a week, he couldn't resist a baked chicken breast last night as long as I hand fed him bite size pieces. He ate it all plus part of mine. This morning he had a little yogurt and another chicken breast. Once he gets started on steroids his appetite should pick up.
Tsar is in trouble and this is a stop gap solution to buy him some time. Rob and I thank you for all your good wishes for him and hope you'll keep him in your thoughts.
33 comments:
Oh Tsar.....this is not the news we was hoping for either.
We will keep our paws crossed that all the extra-good care you are getting from your mom will make a difference! Sometimes that kinda care is better than what the doctors order!!
Hugs,
Black dogs are special and he is one of the MOST specialist ones!
I hope the Prednisone helps right away. It seems like sometimes it brings on its own set of problems but you are good at regulating meds, so he will be OK in your hands.
Gentle hugs for Tsar.
Jo, Stella and Zkhat
You're in my thoughts and prayers, Tsar. Enjoy every single day to the fullest, buddy. Mom's heart goes out to all of you. She knows exactly how you're feeling.
Love ya lots,
Mitch
Poor Baby. I understand your anguish. My love and prayers are with you, Rob and Tsar.
Sending lots of love, tail wags and good vibes.......
I admire you greatly for doing what you're doing and putting Tsar first, acting as his advocate. Bless you.....
Hi Tsar. My name is Mayzie and my furends Mango and Zona sent me over. I'm sorry you're not feeling good right now and I just want to let you know I'm thinking SUCH good thoughts for you and keeping my paws crossed real tight. Your pawrents are doing the right thing for you and you are very lucky to be so luved.
Gentle wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie
We are just findin' out 'bout Tsar's troubles and we is so sorry to hear dat him is not feelin' well.
Our best boxer puppy prayers is on da way to him.
Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae and Max
Mom Beaglebratz here-
Poor Tsar and poor you too. It is so not easy to watch our furry companions in their later years. I will say a prayer for both of you for healing and strength - the Beaglebratz are crossing their paws too.
Kim
So sorry it wasn't something simple that could be fixed.
We support you in not subjecting him to lots of invasive tests that he would hate.....kendra was the same way.
Better stock up on chicken breasts for when the steroids kick in.
XXXOOO Daisy,Bella & roxy
Paws still crossed and sending you hugs.
Will you start him back up on his pain meds? We want for him to be comfortable...
-Bart and Ruby
Hey Tsar - nothing beats chicken, right?!?
Oh poor, Tsar. We are sending are very best healing thoughts and prayers to him and to the whole family.
This reminds me so much of our cat Tommy. They suspected he had a stroke or some kind of brain lesion or tumor. He started losing his balance and seemed generally confused. We opted not to have invasive procedures because he was 15 and it just didn't feel right. We decided to just keep him comfortable. He lived two years with this condition, getting progressively worse. The prednisone works wonders - helps with pain, increases appetite, etc.
Oh my. Our hearts are breaking... so good of you to advocate for what Tsar would want. Paws are crossed, drool has been slung and will be again after Sissy's nap.
I'd send you all of my chicken if I could. I'm not a fan.
Oh that is heartbreaking news. I understand completely. Let Tsar give it a try with the steroids. Why put him through the stress of MRI and who knows what else. I am sure he enjoyed his special chicken meal very much. He is in my thoughts.
Mango Momma
Not the news anyone wanted. PAws still crossed
Dachshund Nola
Sue, we are all so sorry to hear this news. Tsar and Phantom are so alike in so many ways. We know you are doing what is best for HIM and that is what really matters. You are a good Mom and his wanting to be near you tells you that. All our paws are crossed for him and Mom sends lots of prayers and good wishes. Hoping for the best.
Woos from your pals - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning and Mom
Oh my paws are all crossed for Tsar....feel better soon!
Tail Wuggles, Rubie
Tsar we are sending you all our good wishes and hugs and healing slobber. Thinking of you from across the pond. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory x x
I am sorry to read Tsar is not well. Prednisone can work wonders for CSF inflammation and quickly. I hope Tsar has success with it.
Oh Sue - the not knowing is so hard. I don't have a doubt that you will be a fabulous advocate for Tsar and I know he appreciates you not making him take tests he would hate. g
So sorry to hear this sad news . Of course you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Your plan sounds like the best way to go for Tsar, his appetite should pick up as soon as he starts on the prednisone.
Keep us posted on his progress.
Winston, Chloe, Cecil and Shawn
We are so very sorry to have been away for so long; Becky, Gus and their peeps are pulling all stops out and putting their paws together to pray....Tsar you are in our hearts tonight ~ waiting for good news angel!
we are so sorry to hear how sick Tsar is. We are sending lots of pawsative healing thoughts to help him.
Stay strong & positive.
Big Nose Pokes
The Thugletsx
oh poor Tsar, we've got everything crossed xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Such a worrying time. I am thinking of you.
Oh, Tsar. I was hoping is would be something simple and there would be a magic pill to fix it. So sorry that is not the case. You are making the right decision in not subjecting him to what would clearly not be in his best interests. He is lucky to have you, for whatever time he has.
Hugs...
We are keeping our paws crossed for Tsar and praying for a miracle. Keep eating the hand-fed noms, little buddy. Big hugs to the whole family.
Jed & Abby
Hi! just came over from Mango's. Sending you comfort and hugs...
Wiggles,
Calhoun
Hope you find something that works!
Tsar is a lucky guy to have you. Only the very best owners have the very best dogs.
All our love to you and Tsar. X X X
Sue, I read this last night and just couldn't comment...I'm so very sorry that this news is not what we, especially you were hoping to hear. But I admire you for making what I know is literally a leap of faith in deciding the direction to take. But you know Tsar better than anyone, and you know what's best for him and you've made the absolute best choice for him--Don't ever doubt that, and don't ever look back and question yourself. Just know that you're not alone in all of this, there are many like me who are out there keeping you all in my prayers and sending healthy thoughts and lots of good energy!!
Sorry to hear the news about your beautiful Tsar. We will keep him in our thoughts and hope the steroids will bring him some relief.
Warm regards,
Leslie and Bella
Sue, I'm so behind in reading blogs that I didn't realize that Tsar was in trouble. Please know the thoughts and prayers of the Rocky Creek Clan are with you and your pack at this time.
xo
Lynn
We will definitely keep Tsar in our thoughts and prayers!
Power of the Paw!
Woofs....
Baylor
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