Sunday, April 12, 2009

BEAGLES ON PREDNISONE

A little more than a week ago, I put a brave face on a sad post about Starry. After several hours at the (yes, $125/hr) animal neurologist, it was clear that my 11-ish yr old rescue was rapidly losing control of her hindquarters and after several (yes, $325) x-rays all we knew was what it wasn't: Obvious.

With enormous sadness, I made the decision not to spend thousands more on determining the problem and attempting a fix. I've only had Starlet for 30 months and know nothing about her history; was she hit by a car? Kicked around? On a grossly unhealthy diet?

Too many variables for me to make any decision other than keep her in the lifestyle she was now accustomed -- loved, and pain-free.

I then left for a week of digital media training at UC Berkeley with instructions for the housesitter re:drugs (several) and walks (none). I had no idea what kind of beagle I'd be coming home to but people were lined up left and right to step in if she needed emergency care.

I got home yesterday.

STARLET'S THRIVING!

The only real change in her regime is doubling the prednisone and cutting out the exercise. It may add weeks or maybe months, I'm not greedy, but I am enormously grateful she's no longer falling.

Make this the one billionth testimony to the beauty of elder care and meds...
at 8:05 AM

15 comments:

  1. See? Another Passover miracle! Is she ravenous? My ex-dog (left with ex-husband) is undergoing chemo right now, which includes daily prednisone - and she is HUNGRYALLTHETIME. All food has to be placed high on shelves and the cats are now being fed on top of the counter so she can't devour all the dry food.

    What's also wonderful is that you'll hopefully be able to enjoy Turkey even more, right? Thanks for sharing the good news.
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  2. Hooray for Starlet! I hope the prednisone keeps her pain free for years and years.
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  3. Thank you both. And re:her hunger, she's always ravenous but as yet she isn't aggressive. She's been on a steroid before and she was SCARY hungry...
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  4. Best of luck to you and Starlet. Sounds like you are keeping a very good attitude.
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  5. i love these kinds of miracles.
    So glad for both you and Starry.
    Extra days are extra blessings.
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  6. Great news. These little critters have reserves of toughness that are pretty inspiring. Starlet is lucky to have been chosen by someone who will hang in there with her. I hope she stabilizes and that you guys have many good years together coming up.
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  7. I was so happy to read your post that little Starlet is up and moving! kay
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  8. I greatly regret this post.

    I had sworn to myself I wouldn't live through the hills and valleys of Starlet's condition publicly. I was just going to celebrate places we'd been to and show some fun pix.

    The sad truth is I spoke too soon re:Starry's recovery. She's definitely in high spirits but is still falling.

    Worse, she's ended up in surgery. Sometime during my absence, she tore her tummy open on something and NO ONE NOTICED. I found the gash after I'd posted. It was so bad it had to be sewn up. She's still recovering.

    Now you see why I'd like to delete the post altogether. Terri, Lauren, Zephyr, Jay, all of you sweet readers - would you agree that this difficult story with its inevitable sad end is not for the blog?
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  9. I've had a rescue cat who rebounded without much reason. Here's to hoping Starlet hangs in there for a while!
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  10. Oh, no, Ketzel, I'm sorry to hear about Starlet's surgery. Hang in there!
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  11. You both deserve the dignity of going through this trying time in a private way that emphasizes your bond and that focuses your energies on the tasks at hand. I'm sorry that Starlet is having these difficulties. I'm sorry if she is winding down.

    As difficult as it will be to make certain decisions, it's about Starlet. Make things as easy for her as possible whatever those things turn out to be.

    No more sharing is needed. Best wishes to you both as you move through this time of difficult choices.

    "She's definitely in high spirits but is still falling."

    Aren't they amazing creatures.
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  12. Dear Ketzel,
    i do empathize...on both counts: the whip lash of the ups and downs and your wish to delete this post.

    i've chosen not to blog/comment on my roller coaster experiences with my old furry pal. But, on the other hand, i was compelled to share another loss...these blogs really are very curious places.

    A difficult journey shared is often not so painful... And yet, i really do understand how it may be too heart rending to share more. I know that you know there is a community of us out here who totally understand and "are with you" in spirit.

    Sending you and Starlet lots of warm thoughts. May the ties that bind you also buoy you through the difficult times.
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  13. I'm sorry, but I don't see why this story has to come to an inevitable sad ending. I have a dog who went through back surgery and via rehab is back walking.

    But even if that were not the case, we would gladly have had our Beagle be a cart dog. He loves life and it would have be unfair for him to be put down. As a matter of fact it was never even an option.

    Starlet should be on strict crate rest. While you may think that it is unfair to Starlet, it's actually the best thing for her. 11 is still young and she has plenty of living to still do.
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  14. Ketzel,

    Your stories are your own, to do with as you will. If you are more comfortable with Starlet's decline as a private matter, then delete this post and all its comments. I know I will understand and I'm sure the others who care about you will too.

    I wish only the best for you and your four-legged family.
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  15. Well, I'll let the record stand and close down the comment line. Thank you all. Onward...
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