It's my precious doggie's 14th birthday today. I should be thankful that he is still with me, because many dogs don't get to be that old, but I am having a terrible time dealing with his mortality. We've been together so long, and he means so much to me, that it's hard to imagine life without him. In addition to his current medical condition, he's so old that he could suddenly die from a wide variety of causes.

He has a pituitary brain tumor, Cushing's disease. The tumor releases a chemical into his blood stream that causes his adrenal glands to go nuts, and flood his system with excess cortisol. The excess cortisol causes excessive drinking (excessive urination), excessive hunger, fur loss, muscle weaknes, a damaged immune system, and a long list of other things.

Nothing can be done about the tumor, but if they work, drugs can somewhat control the excess cortisol.

Thanks for listening...

Thanks for your support!

He had a good Birthday.

Ignorance is bliss. He doesn't know about the bad things going on inside of him, so he was happy and bouncy.

quote:

Originally posted by fbroadie:
...Right now my current kitty is having a few problems that are requiring multiple trips to the vet...

Best wishes for your precious kitty.

I was at the vet's today, for another $300 in tests, to see how he is responding to his drugs.

When he comes back from the vet's, my boy is SO "wired". He's just so happy to be back home that he's beside himself.

Happy Birthday precious doggie!

Sheltieguy, I know how difficult losing a pet can be. We had a cat for 13 years and we could see that he was getting sick so we also knew that he wasn't going ot make it. They become a part of our family.

Dawn

I've had Missy for a year and a half and we are so bonded already that I can't imagine what it's going to be like if she lives to 14! Shih Tzus tend to live long lifes, so it's a possibility.

Happy Birthday to your pup. God bless you for taking such good care of him and making his last years comfortable and full of love.

I've had my dog less than two months and already I can't remember what life was like without him. I can only imagine how you're feeling.

Hope his remaining time is comfortable and full of love.

Happy Birthday to your doggie! Give him a few pats on the head for me.

We had a cat who made it to 19! Right now my current kitty is having a few problems that are requiring multiple trips to the vet. So I know how stressful that can be.

Best wishes for a longer and happy life for your sweet doggie.

enjoy every moment, and every day with your precious doggie!