Tank fell, probably Wednesday, and he slipped a disc on his spine. He is now at the Nashville Vet Specialists, has been there since last night – he cannot use his back legs. SO….., as an older dog, who’s just had surgery, with a Mom who’s running out of money (no, I’m not soliciting, but I will consult here about financing things, I know people have blogged about it), I doubt the Neurologist will recommend him for surgery. My heart is ripped in two, I was an idiot letting him run, but it looked like that was easier for him than walking. I only just today got his harness in the mail. Even without the money barriers, which are huge, I don’t know whether it’s fair to ask this of him, but also, when pain free he’s still my wonderful boy with a love of life and will to live. I have been getting some judgment from best friends (like family, so they can be dysfunctional with me…) – one said she never thought I should have done the amputation because I’m by myself and couldn’t handle it, another kept trying to be “Realistic.” Don’t you hate it when other people are good at being realistic about your problems? To be fair, he is good at knowing his own limitations, but even so… there’s a time to keep quiet. Squirt and I stayed the night at a hotel in Nashville because we got to the clinic so late (that’s a story…), we are back in Jackson. We’ve had a very quiet day here. I have a ton of work for school that I haven’t touched, well, actually I worked on a power point presentation of my family for my French 1’s, took me quite a bit of time to change it the way I wanted, but no grading has been done yet. I got an estimate for including an MRI (to diagnose the location of the slipped disc, I think), and you know that estimate doesn’t include the surgery if they do approve him, + all rehabilitation needs. This is why people just let their pets go. It’s only the “right thing to do” because it’s too heavy a financial burden. I’m in that space where you feel angry / ashamed / deeply sad because of what you can’t do. I’m also {stupid / hopeful / f*** those people who tell me about limitations} enough to go to the bank & ask for $. Please don’t judge, or rather, judge all you want, just don’t tell me about it here.
Oh my gosh! Just caught up on all of Tank’s blogs AND great poctures pf jis handsome self! And your Squirt is adorable too!!
Now take some deep breaths,me okay? You’ve been through a lot! And you are DEFINITELY, DEFINITELY, DEFINITELY DOING EVERY POSSIOBLE FOR YOUR TANK!!!
We understand the depth of love uou have fot him, for all your dogs. We also know how judgemental others can be who have never had the kind of bond you have with Tank..
Every single decision you have made for Tamk has been out of love, and that is ALWAYS the right decision!! You’ve done your research, the “others have not. Uou kmow uour Tank better than anyone, and the “others” don’t. I’m sure their comments are well intended, just misguided and misinformed.
And each of us here understand that, as hard as it is to accept, finances downplay a role in our dec. It’s just a fact. But keep in mind, in those situations, you can alway fo “something” even if it’s not the full spectrum options a Bet may suggest if we were all millionaires.
I was researching on line, and for a variety of reasons, surgery is not always an option for slip discs. Anti inflammatory meds, muscle relaxers, laser therapy, cage rest, massage for circulation, all have some good results!
And for goodness sake, you do NOT need to feel quilty for anything!!! You have done more for Tank than anyone else would!!! I actually think he may have had sone undetected preliminary back issues before, based on some of his early mobility “issues”. So don’t waste one second on guilt. Tank only wants you to continue to focus on him and spoil him to pieces!!
I’m gonna keep all paws crossed that some good pain meds and anti inflammatories can help bring about some good results. Sterio injection s may make a difference too.
I’m going to suggest that you start a thread in the forums…..maybe even under Ask A Vet as others may have some good suggestions for you.
I’m so impressed with your devotion and your determination. Hang in there, okay??? And do post in the forums so you can get more support and insight.
Send you clarity and peace and best wishes for your adorable Tank! I just loooove his pictures…..and Squirt too!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too
Thank you so much, Sally – I am up at 2:45am, woke up about 15 mins ago feeling miserable, and just had the “tripawds” thought — I came here and found your comment. This really helps me. If I can see past the feelings of guilt (a go-to response of mine from way back), i’ll be better able to think clearly about what to do for my boy. You also gave me hope about other possibilities. Thank you, thank you, thank you, or, as the French say, “mille fois merci!” — 1000 times thanks!
Margaret,
Please do not allow everybody (except Sally, lol) to get into your head. Maybe you would feel better knowing that a large percent of us have friends and family that think we are bonkers when it comes to our pets and choices for them.
You have done nothing wrong. And this may or may not have happened regardless of surgery. Dogs can have back issues, just like people.
Talk to your vet about your concerns and financial constraints. There is a good chance that Tank (as do many) may need a steroid injection followed by anti inflammatories and maybe some pain meds with lots of rest and TLC.
Because it is the back, it may take a bit more time for him to start feeling better so please breathe.
Fear of the unknown is the worst… I hope today gives you more definitive answers and better news. Hopefully today he will have found his legs and can start a road to recovery. I know this is scary…
Sending big hugs and hope for a better Tank today.
Jackie and Huckleberry
I tried to post earlier but it disappeared when I hit submit 🙁
I hope you have better news today and I hope Tank found his back legs.
Please do not listen to others regarding their opinions on animal care. Many, many of us here and places that I have worked have come across the same thing, you just need to do what you know in your heart is right and you will always be fine.
I am hoping and praying that some steroids and anti inflammatory medications ease the swelling and give Tank some relief.
Rest and limited activities may be all that he needs. Thought about you all morning, please let us know how you make out.
Hugs,
Jackie and Huck
Margaret I am sooo sorry. This really sucks. I’m hoping you have news by now, and that it’s good for you and Tank.
DO NOT blame yourself. You did your best, and things happen. Those who judge you have NO IDEA, and although they mean well it’s best to tune them out right now. They do not understand the bond you have with Tank, they do NOT know know him like you know him, and they are clueless about the possibilities of life on three. Until someone has been through it they should keep quiet. It’s just not kind nor right to judge. Sorry, I’m off my soapbox.
Tankie is in great care right now. He could not ask for more from a human, or a vet team at this point.
Please let us know how things are going OK? You can always call the Helpline if you want to talk in person.
((((hugs)))))
P.S Jackie’s first post did not disappear, it’s awaiting moderation.
OH! Sorry Jackie, I’ll approve it. I checked the site early this morning but hadn’t been back since. And thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you.
Hi Margaret,
Any word on Tank?
Hugs
I am going to Nashville to send him to Jesus tomorrow. The specialists think the cancer spread to his spine — it wasn’t a slipped disk at all, and now he has no feeling in his back legs, and can’t even pee anymore. They’ve let me wait a day, and I’ll be able to spend as much time as I want with him before and after. Thanks so much for asking!
He’s comfortable, not in pain, and is less anxious now that the neurologist has stopped poking him. I’ll get there earlyish and stay latish. Does anyone know how long they’ll REALLY let you stay with your dog before you put him down? And how long afterwards? And I am going to bring Squirt with me. I don’t know that I want heron the room when he dies, but before & after I want her there. Any thoughts about that?
Hi Margaret,
You are doing an AMAZING Job. Only you can make the right decision and I actually feel sorry for those that have the ” Its only an animal” Mentality.
I am HEAVILY in debt with all the treatments but do not regret my decisions at all.
Prayers to you and your fur babies!
This is going to sound awful, but I know you’ll understand: I love that you are in debt. Take care of yourself, if I were wealthy I’d pay it all off for you. xo!