Another seizure - Pet forum for dogs cats and humans

Tommysmom · #1 January 26th, 2010, 10:48 AM

Tommy had another one last night, lasted about 2.5-3 minutes. Combined with all of his history and other issues it doesn't really look good, although we wouldn't know without an mri but we've always known that a tumour was a good possibility. He wandered around most of the night staring at walls and howling in fear and confusion because he didn't know where he was. We'll be seeing our vet on Thursday and in the meantime we're just trying to figure out what Tommy wants and what is best. We keep asking him to tell us if he's had enough.

We love him so much. We've moved heaven and earth to get him this far, spent tens of thousands of dollars, researched for thousands of hours, tried so many alternative methods, seen so many specialists, we'd never spare anything that could help him. How do you know when enough is enough?

He spends his days sleeping in his crate or in his bed. He won't play with toys anymore. He gets no pleasure from food, some days not bothering to eat at all. He'll stalk his treats, barking and howling at them, putting on a real clown show! Other times he ignores the treats for most of the day. Sometimes he'll just wander in circles for ages until you stop him. He forgets where the walls are and ends up staring at a corner until you call him away. He's scared to jump off the footstool or the step outside, sometimes scared to get down off a curb. He loves to snuggle up and jumps up on the footstool or couch to curl up at our feet or in our laps, and sleeps all snuggled up with us all night long. He's the best furry kisser ever.

I guess reading that tells me exactly where his quality of life is. Lately he's been snuggling with us ever so much more than he used to, and I wonder if he's trying to say something. I don't want to give up on him. I don't want him to suffer. He is my baby boy.

He's only 3. Please just think of us over the next few days, and hope that we have the strength to make whatever decisions need to be made.

Chris21711 · #2 January 26th, 2010, 10:57 AM

Tommysmom, I have no advice for you, just lots of hugs, I know how much you both love that boy of yours

hazelrunpack · #3 January 26th, 2010, 10:57 AM

Oh, Tommysmom, I'm so sorry.

I didn't realize he was still having so many problems

You have always gone the extra mile for him...I know that any decision you make will be out of love for him. We were faced with the same decision for our Evan when he was 3, as well, and I know how difficult it is.

You're in my thoughts and prayers and all the good wishes we can muster are winging your and Tommy's way.

ancientgirl · #4 January 26th, 2010, 11:08 AM

I'm so sorry. I had hoped the seizure would not repeat.

I'll be thinking of your boy and hope you find the strength to do what is best for him, whatever it may be.

Love4himies · #5 January 26th, 2010, 11:11 AM

Oh, no, Tommysmom

, you have given so much to help him in his short life. I don't envy you.

for Tommy.

14+kitties · #6 January 26th, 2010, 11:57 AM

Oh Tommysmom, I am so sorry.

I am sitting here tears pouring. It hits too close to home. I know you have been the very very best parents any dog could ever want. You have done more, given more for Tommy than most ever would. He has felt your love every step of the way. He knows how much you treasure him.
It is such a hard decision to make. He has gone a while without a seizure. Hopefully the vet will give you some answers on Thurs.
I

for Tommy. I

for you as well. You are in my thoughts.

bendyfoot · #7 January 26th, 2010, 12:38 PM

No words...just hugs

Winston · #8 January 26th, 2010, 12:45 PM

rainbow · #9 January 26th, 2010, 02:33 PM

I am so very sorry Tommysmom.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tommysmom · #10 January 28th, 2010, 05:46 PM

We're pretty sure it's a tumour. Tommy often isn't even sure where he is anymore. Our vet came here so she could see him at home and she's pretty sure, as are we.

Our boy has been through enough in his short life. I can see it in his eyes ever since the last seizure. He's my baby, I know he's fought the good fight and he needs to rest.

We're going to try a few things to make him comfortable for now and we're going to set a date. We'll take the next few weeks to say goodbye.

I've had many, many pets in my life, furry and scaled and hairy and feathered. He's my heart dog. My baby. My firstborn. He was supposed to grow up with my skinbaby. I used to sing my baby made up songs when she was in my tummy all about her furry big brother Tommy and what they would do together. Now I watch tears pour down my poor husband's face as he pets our boy.

We're not sure which day yet, but it will be soon. I appreciate all of your thoughts, and all the help and advice and love you guys have shown us over the last few years through the entire saga that has been Tommy's life. I can't believe I'm going to be petless, Tommy-less. Thank you for everything though. And if you have a moment over the next few weeks, spare one last kind thought for Tommy.

ancientgirl · #11 January 28th, 2010, 06:04 PM

I cannot begin to fathom what you are feeling right now. He's had such a difficult life. You gave him love and happiness, something he may not have had otherwise.

You will have memories of him to last a lifetime. Enjoy the time you have left with him and embrace every moment.

aslan · #12 January 28th, 2010, 06:30 PM

Tommy'smom, i'm so sorry this is happening. You'll be in our thoughts..explains why we haven't been able to get together. God had another plan and didn't want to stress Tommy anymore.

Love4himies · #13 January 28th, 2010, 06:52 PM

I am so very sorry, Tommy'smom. You have the absolutely best mom to him.

Myka · #14 January 28th, 2010, 08:17 PM

Hi Tommysmom, I'm really sorry that you, Timmy and your family are going through this. It is such a shame that Timmy is only 3.

There are so many opinions out there it is tough to give you an answer for your own situation especially without knowing the dog, but I can tell you what I would do since you are looking for advice...

Imo, loving an animal is knowing when to let go. You do not measure love by the amount of money spent trying to make a dog healthy. A life full of clinics, tests, stress, and health issues is no life at all. If Timmy is having seizures to the point that he is permanently "out of it" that is a very bad sign. If Timmy was 10 years old the decision to say goodbye imo would be a fairly easy decision (although the aftermath isn't so easy). Since Timmy is so young a person feels like they "should" try everything. This is a tough position to be in, but I would not be able to watch Timmy go through his life like this. If it were me, I would do any non-invasive (no anaesthetic) tests that could point to something treatable. Imo, there is no point in doing tests to find out if Timmy has something untreatable (like a tumor).

Good luck with your decision.

EDIT: I didn't see your second post before I made this reply. I think you are making the right choice. We are here for you. I recently went through a very similar experience.

Shaykeija · #15 January 28th, 2010, 09:05 PM

Tommy is such a special little fur kid. There are many of us here who have come to know Tommy through his travels. We will be all here for you on his final journey. Know that a wall of tears and love will surround Tommy. I will ask my husband to say a prayer at church this weekend for Tommy, and I will light some candles here to help guide his way. Please do not close your heart, Tommy would want you to smile and remember all the special times and talks you had.

14+kitties · #16 January 28th, 2010, 10:27 PM

I am so very very sorry.

Treasure the time remaining. I know you will.

luckypenny · #17 January 28th, 2010, 11:06 PM

for you and your family, and for sweet Tommy.

hazelrunpack · #18 January 28th, 2010, 11:16 PM

Oh, Tommysmom, I was hoping for better news.

I know how heartbreaking this decision is for you and your husband. You will definitely be in our thoughts and prayers for the next weeks, and many kind thoughts for Tommy.

growler~GateKeeper · #19 January 29th, 2010, 12:00 AM

TeriM · #20 January 29th, 2010, 12:35 AM

I'm so sorry Tommysmom

. I know how much you love him and I wish you peace, love and good memories to guide you on this journey.

Tommysmom · #21 February 17th, 2010, 05:16 PM

Thank you for all of your thoughts. Next Thursday we will be letting our Tommy go. Our vet is wonderful enough to come to our house for us. Now I just have to pick out a cremation urn or frame or something, because I want my little boy back home.

diandpat · #22 February 17th, 2010, 05:34 PM

I am so heartbroken for you and your family. You absolutely did everything you could have been expected to do and more in the name of love for this little guy. Now you are offering the final selfless act of love

Enjoy the all too short time that is left and bless you, your family and Tommy at this unbearably sad time.

BenMax · #23 February 17th, 2010, 05:39 PM

Strength to you.

We are here to help you where required. You have been one heck of a mom!

aslan · #24 February 17th, 2010, 05:39 PM

oh tommysmom i'm so sorry as diane said you did all you could and more. I was actually thinking about you earlier and was going to call to check on you. We send our thoughts and prayers to you.