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milestogo

(16,829 posts)
Thu Apr 9, 2020, 03:24 PM Apr 2020

Now I am in that most difficult of places. [View all]

About 6 weeks ago my dog was diagnosed with pancreatitis.

Following that he was found to have a mass. The mass was removed along with his pancreas about 2 weeks ago. He is now diabetic.

I followed up with an internist for his diabetes and an oncologist for his cancer. The cancer was removed surgically, but treatment could help to stop microscopic spread of the disease, which is adenocarcinoma.

His blood glucose is not under control. He isn't eating full meals, and he's urinating a lot. A few days ago I was able to walk him around the block 3 times in a day, although he was slow.

This morning I took him out to pee, and he just settled down and wouldn't get up. I had to get a wagon and load him into it to get him back upstairs. Once I took him out of the wagon he just stayed put. I gave him some water, and he was definitely thirsty. There is nothing wrong with his hind legs, he's just getting weak.

Later on got him to walk outside again, with much coaxing. He laid down again and I let him rest for a while. Then I coaxed him some more and got him back upstairs (via the elevator) without the wagon.

So I don't know if I should keep nursing him along or what to do. He's still eating and drinking, and he doesn't appear to be in pain. If I took him to emergency I'm not sure what they could do for him. He did have a huge operation and I know his body is still adjusting. But today it seems like he was moving in the wrong direction.

I don't want him to just waste away. But I am not ready to give up yet.

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Strength and Courage, milestogo - ZZenith Apr 2020 #1
Almost 12. milestogo Apr 2020 #6
Well, that almost makes any big decisions you have to make a little easier. ZZenith Apr 2020 #8
He's a mix of malamute and aussie. milestogo Apr 2020 #13
Holy Moly, I know he's an awesome dog with that mixture of breeds. ZZenith Apr 2020 #15
Oh I'm sorry. milestogo Apr 2020 #17
That's a hard wait. ZZenith Apr 2020 #18
Yes. milestogo Apr 2020 #19
If he just had major surgery why do you make him procon Apr 2020 #2
3 times in a day. ZZenith Apr 2020 #7
While exercise makes the glucose temporarily go up, it ultimately helps to stabilize it. milestogo Apr 2020 #14
Big hugs Tree-Hugger Apr 2020 #3
I am in constant communication with the vets. milestogo Apr 2020 #4
Take it one moment at a time Tree-Hugger Apr 2020 #10
You are doing everything in your power. Laffy Kat Apr 2020 #26
Sorry to hear this. I am in a similar situation only with one of my horses -- watching and in2herbs Apr 2020 #5
They don't even allow medical marijuana in WI. milestogo Apr 2020 #9
When I was treating my dog Cindy for diabetes she had livetohike Apr 2020 #11
Thank you.. milestogo Apr 2020 #12
Oh I know what you mean. That and worrying about how much and livetohike Apr 2020 #16
He went to the internist who is managing his diabetes today. milestogo Apr 2020 #24
I'm so sorry about the internist. Hopefully your regular vet livetohike Apr 2020 #25
thank you so much milestogo Apr 2020 #37
Does he get insulin? N/t TexasBushwhacker Apr 2020 #20
Yes, twice a day. milestogo Apr 2020 #21
Is he on a grain free diet? TexasBushwhacker Apr 2020 #22
He is only allowed two meals a day, 12 hrs apart. milestogo Apr 2020 #23
There's a look. AirmensMom Apr 2020 #27
Have you checked his mouth? leftieNanner Apr 2020 #28
His gums are pink. milestogo Apr 2020 #30
We always have multiple dogs MuseRider Apr 2020 #29
Thank you. milestogo Apr 2020 #31
There is a link between diabetes glucose levels and hind leg weakness or muscle wasting in dogs... Donkees Apr 2020 #32
Thank you. milestogo Apr 2020 #33
I'm still skimming through research and saw several sites recommend that Canine Diabetes Group... Donkees Apr 2020 #34
Thank you. I ordered a sling from Amazon this week and should get it today or tomorrow. milestogo Apr 2020 #38
I am happy that he's feeling stronger today. I hope that you will continue to make steady progress Donkees Apr 2020 #40
Thank you. milestogo Apr 2020 #41
Joints rely upon muscles to support them, so he may be feeling some joint pain while his muscles are Donkees Apr 2020 #42
An excerpt from an older thread from k9diabetes.com Donkees Apr 2020 #35
More excerpts from k9diabetes.com ... Donkees Apr 2020 #36
The oncologist gave him a B12 shot and they gave me another one to give him on Monday. milestogo Apr 2020 #39
Thanks for the information. milestogo Apr 2020 #43
Use whatever is useful and leave the rest. How are things today? Donkees Apr 2020 #44
Not great. milestogo Apr 2020 #46
Are you familiar with ''expressing a dog's bladder?'' Donkees Apr 2020 #47
Thanks I will check it out. milestogo Apr 2020 #48
There also are descriptions for expressing handicapped dogs Donkees Apr 2020 #49
Excerpts: What Canine Diabetic Neuropathy Looks Like Donkees Apr 2020 #45
How is he feeling today? Donkees Apr 2020 #50
Do you have access to a Holistic Vet for consult? SheltieLover Apr 2020 #51
I was glad to hear he eats and drinks. cate94 Apr 2020 #52
Update - he's back in the hospital milestogo Apr 2020 #53
Good to hear that he's feeling better, and that you have confidence in the new specialists... Donkees Apr 2020 #54
Thank you, that helps. milestogo Apr 2020 #55
He has a team taking care of him, and you need to replenish your health reserves as well ... Donkees Apr 2020 #56
Thank you. milestogo Apr 2020 #57
Update - still in the hospital with more tests coming milestogo Apr 2020 #58
Looking through your older posts, you mentioned your dog stumbling, falling, and losing strength Donkees Apr 2020 #59
The stumbling in February was a one-time event which lasted less than 2 hours. milestogo Apr 2020 #60
It's a complicated case, but your post gave a clear summary ... Donkees Apr 2020 #61
My blood boils when I think about her. milestogo Apr 2020 #62
She reminds me of a couple of vets I've come across that seemed all too quick to euthanize ... Donkees Apr 2020 #63
20 years ago my dog was mis-diagnosed by 2 vets - milestogo Apr 2020 #64
Many years ago my young dog developed a benign histiocytoma on his paw which regressed on its own... Donkees Apr 2020 #65
The body knows best, sometimes it just needs support. milestogo Apr 2020 #66
I'm very happy for you both :) Donkees Apr 2020 #67
So I brought him home on Friday milestogo Apr 2020 #68
It's good to hear that his hind legs are gaining strength, and that he has a chance to enjoy getting Donkees Apr 2020 #69
Thinking about you and hoping things are continuing livetohike Apr 2020 #70
Signs of his old self emerging make me happy. milestogo Apr 2020 #71
Such wonderful news :) Those little things bring so much joy Donkees Apr 2020 #72
update - he's doing well milestogo May 2020 #73
I am so happy for both of you! irisblue May 2020 #74
thank you! milestogo May 2020 #75
You might consider asking about adding nutrient-dense toppers similar to Ziwi Peak formulas Donkees May 2020 #76
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