Thanks everyone. He is definitely back to his old self this week thank goodness!!! Playing with me again, trying to steal my dinner haha! His coat is even shinier. It must have been a rough few days for him trying to adjust to his holidays ending. I'm just so happy and thanks for all of the reassurance. We have enrolled in puppy classes, which start in two weeks. Sadly we never got to do them because of the covid lockdown. So that is something to look forward to!
Basenji without spunk - very sick, pls read
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Fingers crossed for your Beta!
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ditto here…we're still sending thoughts and prayers your way!
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keep your fingers crossed.
It's hard to read this let alone experience it….thoughts and prayers and fingers crossed.
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Well, Beta pooped last night, had diarhea in her kennel sometime during the night and had only water diarhea this morning with blood in it. I realized this morning that she couldnt even hold the tiny amount of food she had yesterday and knew that she wasnt getting better with all of the medicine.
I took her in this morning and was just streaming with tears as I checked her in. It is just too much to feel her shudder like a leaf and nothing helps. So they took her and were to give her IV meds throughout the day hoping for news from the tests.
I received a call late in the day from the Gastrointestinal Specialist that did the scope. She said that Beta has been diagnosed with Hypertrophic Gastritis which is a rare disease in people and even more rare in dogs.
Giant hypertrophic gastritis of Basenji dogs.Krunngen HJ.
Giant hypertrophic gastritis is a newly recognized disease of adult Baseji dogs similar to Menetrier's disease of man. It is characterized by weight loss, diarrhea, dry coat, pale membranes, anorexia, raised convoluted rugae in the body of the stomach, palpable fluid- and gas-filled intestines, colonic inflammation, and radiographically demonstrable dilated intestinal loops. Laboratory findings include leukocytosis, neutrophilia, low hemoglobin, hypoalbuminemia, hypobetaglobulinemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, decreased serum fatty acids, hypocholesterolemia, indicanuria, low fecal pH, and increased fecal fat and nitrogen. Four dogs studied had gastritis with hypertrophy and diffuse lymphocytosis and plasmacytosis of the small intestine.This disease in humans is called Menetrier Disease.
Ménétrier's Disease
Ménétrier's disease causes giant folds of tissue to grow in the wall of the stomach. The tissue may be inflamed and may contain ulcers. The disease also causes glands in the stomach to waste away and causes the body to lose fluid containing a protein called albumin. Ménétrier's disease increases a person's risk of stomach cancer. People who have this rare, chronic disease are usually men between ages 30 and 60. The cause of the disease is unknown.Ménétrier's disease is also called giant hypertrophic gastritis, protein losing gasteropathy, or hypertrophic gastropathy.
Symptoms
Symptoms include pain or discomfort and tenderness in the top middle part of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, vomiting blood, swelling in the abdomen, and ulcer-like pain after eating.Diagnosis
Ménétrier's disease is diagnosed through x rays, endoscopy, and biopsy of stomach tissue. Endoscopy involves looking at the inside of the stomach using a long, lighted tube that is inserted through the mouth. Biopsy involves removing a tiny piece of stomach tissue to examine under the microscope for signs of disease.Treatment
Treatment may include medications to relieve ulcer symptoms and treat inflammation, and a high-protein diet. Part or all of the stomach may need to be removed if the disease is severe.The specialist said that in humans they cut out the area of the stomach that is effected. In Beta's case it is her entire stomach.
There is no cure for this disease. This is a precurser to stomach cancer in humans but they haven't found it in dogs. Apparently there are a few cases in basenjis, one boxer and a couple of dogs in Holland.
The stomach lining thickens. Remember how they thought it was the intestine folding over on itself and couldnt find anything in the surgery? Well, there is text online somewhere with reference to that in intestines which sounds similar to this and I wouldnt be surprised if they are not related.
So basically the stomach cannot hold proteins. Then the blood vessels cant hold the proteins and the fluid passes to a layer outside of the vessel causing the swelling. Last night when I brought Beta home I noticed her muzzel looked swollen again, but figured it was the IV meds.
We are sending a sample of her blood to a well known (they say) vet dr at Texas A&M who is doing research on gastrinoma which is a rare disease as well. They are testing with a new gastrin level test.
Anyway, there are two treatments in dogs. One is something called a sandostatin drug which is in the injectable form. And the other is monoclonal antibody. Apparently the two treatments prolong life a bit but the disease is terminal.
Beta's lungs came back with an increase of eosinophil cells. These can be caused by a parasite condition, a fungus (blastomicosis) or a sever allergy. We are giving and have given her from the beginning the prednison and flagyl to aid this. The doctors are not sure if this is a result of the stomach disease or not. They suggest that with this type of lung cell to use fenbendazole which is a super strong parasite anti worming med.
So, the specialist did another blood test today to review her protein level. Remember she has had about 3 of these tests with low protein levels, but nothing major. They say her protein is at 3.2 and the vet's regular level is 5.2 for the norm. She then gave me a formula about her protein. There are two types of protein, the albumin and globulin. She did some math equation that states Beta's globulin level should be 2.5-4.5 I think, and that her albumin minus the globulin is less than 1 and is life threatening.
What that means is, she can't hold her protein through food (because she can't hold her food), now her blood vessels arent going to hold the protein which is the swelling part.
All I know is that she hasnt eaten in 4 days, shakes, is in pain, and has diahrea with flecks of blood in it and she is depressed.
I brought Caesar home today. I picked Beta up from the vet with oral meds to give over the weekend. She is now on tramadol pain med as well. I had a discussion with the specialist that since she had already sent Beta's case to a few gastro doctors and she has this rare disease that has been found in other b's that I felt It is unfortunate that they can only prolong her life. It is unfortunate that no meds for intestinal problems, parasites, or ulcers have made one bit of improvement in her day to day life. I feel that it is time to put her to sleep or help her to the rainbow bridge as the b community says. I have scheduled her time to be Monday morning at 8:30 am which will allow the doctor to get samples of her stomach afterwards. I hope that the samples they take will be of interest to someone out there that will give the b community more info on this disease. I have challenged her and hope that it will help someone as I hope this journal of Beta's illness might help another B owner down the road.
I have thought about if it is correct to put her to sleep as opposed to her dying naturally and have decided that she will eat till her heart is content and throw up and have diarhea as much as she wants until Monday. She is suffering and I can aid that. I can't imagine keeping her in critical care on daily IVs becuase she can't hold food down. That is not the quality of life for my little Beta.
She came home today on some pain meds for sure. She has been fighting this for 4 weeks now and tonight she grabs her stuffed squirell and does her crazy dance on the couch for the first time! That is how I will remember her.
Blowing on her face and watching her run around the room in delight. Watching her wag her tail at me because she is so happy ( I didnt know b's could do that, Caesar doesnt) and remembering her beautiful timid , gentle and sweet nature. She is looking at me with her sweet brown bambi eyes right now and that is the face I will always remember.
This Sunday I will take her with Caesar to the West Park dog park in Tampa. She will meet with her group of basenji pals (10-15 local b's) to play and enjoy the park for as long as she wants. That group is her family as much as I am. They accepted her into the pack and loved her as a scared and hurt rescue, as a happy strong playful basenji, and now as a sick little girl. I will miss that bounce in her trot and the rare roo's she made. My little Beta.
If anyone is in the Tampa area, you are welcome to join us. I will arrive around 9am and stay as long as they want.
http://www.forthevoiceless.org/west_tampa_dogpark.html
Thank your for listening to her story.
Betsey
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Oh Betsey - I am so sorry to hear to hear of the prognosis. I can't imagine how difficult the journey was to reach your desicion. Beta is a very lucky girl to have been so well loved and cared for and hopefully her story will help other b's out there who may be afflicted with this disease. Many hugs, lots of love, and all the prayers I can muster are headed your way. I wish I were closer to you to be at Beta's gathering, but know I, and many others in this community, will be there in spirit. (((((Betsey and Beta)))))
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Dear Betsey,
I am in tears. I'm so sorry you and Beta have had to go through this. I am awestruck at your strength. There is much for us to learn from Beta's story–not just about Beta's illness, but about how to deal with situations such as this. I wish I could be there for Beta's last day in the park--you and Beta will be in my thoughts. Caren
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Betsey,
I am so sorry, I wish there was something that we could do. Please be strong and know that you gave Beta a great life.
You, Beta and Caesar are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jenn
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Dear Betsey, I will have you and Beta in my prayers. How fortunate she is to have you as her mom and she knows she is loved. That's what matters most. Lenora
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Thanks to share all that with us, you''ll be both in your thoughts.
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Betsy,
I'm sorry and I share your tears. This is the hardest decision to have to make but you are such a good mom to think of your furbaby first. I also wish I could be there to give you and Beta a hug. Take care and you are in my prayers.
Winnie -
Dear Betsey,
I read this last night - my heart broke and could not find words to express my sympathy, because all I could do was cry. On one hand I am glad that you finally found out what was happening to Beta. On the other hand, you've discovered there is no cure. Your heart and love for Beta is admirable. You and Beta will always be with each other in heart. I sit here and struggle keeping composure. You have a big support system here and hope this is of some help to you. From experience with my old boy Rocky, I feel somewhat connected with your courage and persistence to get Beta well again. Thank you for sharing your journey with Beta and know that your publishing will possibly help others to realize an otherwise difficult diagnosis. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Beta always.
Give your girl lots of hugs and kisses for me too . . . and a favorite treat.
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Today has been hard. I fed Beta baby food last night and she was doing great, spunky and alert.
Today she has received her medicine (no pain meds) and is eating and isn't shaking. I am stuggling with the decision to put her to sleep. I suppose I will just have to wait and watch.
I dont know what the right decisions are. I just think she shouldnt suffer. I dont want her to be at the vet hooked up to an IV all day. That is not the life I will allow. That is where I am now….allow...my decision....and is that fair to decide when.
I have options. I could let her keep going until she displays the shaking and pain again. I could just keep her on the meds I have left and when they run out not fill them anymore. I have spent over $7k and feel that it would be financially wrong to continue with procedures or new meds.
I could let her die naturally, but that could be when I am at work and she is in the kennel with Caesar. I dont know about that. And then I can't get her to that specialist for the samples on call. If I put her to sleep, the doctor can get as many samples to help with more research. I think that is important.
I also have thought a lot about Caesar. Beta has extreme separation anxiety and screams when Caesar leaves the house without her. She didnt do that when she was super sick probably because of the pain. I think although they arent litter mates that they have been inseprable for the last 3 years and he should be involved with her death by understanding that she is no longer alive in his world. I think that is important.
I think I will have her put to sleep with me alone. Then bring Caesar in to see her. I think that is what I want.
If any of you have experiences with this I would really appreciate hearing your feelings. I am so scared of making the wrong decision. I wonder if Beta is doing ok today because I have made the decision. I will watch her tomorrow at the park and decide Monday morning I guess.
Maybe it would be a good time becuase she is not in severe pain, she will remember the park and Caesar and me happy. Maybe it is selfish for me to wait for her to crash again. I am so selfish. I dont want to let her go. This is all about me and that is wrong. I cant fix it anymore.
I have never lost a pet before and it feels so much harder than the loss of a family member at a funeral. I am sure it is because I am deciding the ending.
You all have been so helpful. I have never had such hard decisions or ever been so lost and scared of being incapable to remove her pain. Thank you. I hate this soooo much.
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There is nothing that will make this decision easier. The hardest part about pet ownership is knowing when to say goodbye. I know you will do the best thing for Beta.
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Dear Betsey, I would not presume to offer advice in a situation like this. But I can tell you what I have done in the past. I've had two beloved pets put to sleep in the past few years. They were my children; they were my babies. With both I made the decision to euthanize them right before they would have had to have been put on IVs because they were so ill. The first was Pepper–my german shepherd mix and Max's (my basenji) life long companion. I was with her by mysef with the vet. I did not have Max there at the vets and didn't have him see her afterwards. I came home alone to Max, and he did not suffer from any depression or seem confused--but every dog is different. With Max last year, I did the same thing--because it was so difficult for him to be confined anywhere, I had told all his doctors (vet and oncologists) that I would give him medical care up until he would have to be hospitalized--at that point we would put him to sleep. When I found out on a Saturday morning in November that his kidneys had gotten worse after a week of daily sub Q fluids, I knew it was time, and I had him put to sleep in my arms that morning. He was almost 16. These were the most difficult times of my life, and I know you will make the decision that is best for you and your beloved Beta and Caesar.
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Oh, Betsey, I read your posts with tears rolling down my face. It is such a hard decision. But always, no matter what you decide, know that you gave Beta the love and the life that she deserved. She was lucky to have found you.
Terry
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Dear Betsey,
In my previous post, I mentioned my old boy Rocky a Chow mix. He lived to just shy of his 16th birthday. He had a cancer on his rear thigh that we tried desperately to cure. It was the type of cancer that if wide enough margins of tissue could be removed, it might be curable. Long story with surgury, radiation and more surgery, it kept comming back. We knew it was all painful for him, but we had hoped we could get him cancer free. Unfortunately, he never ever recovered. It must have been unbearable for him to stand up and walk. Thousands of dollars later, we made a difficult decision. I began to feel selfish that he was living in pain just so I wouldn't have to say good-by. My husband and I decided to take him to his favorite park in our old neighborhood. We all delightfully enjoyed that hour that brought back so many memories. Rocky was excited and happy to be there. Then we took him to the vet's office, laid out his blanket on the grass under a tree outside. Rocky laid down on the blanket and we comforted him by his side with lots of happy talk. The vet came outside and gave him his last shot. He went to sleep dreaming all about squirrel chasing. I asked the vet if we could stay outside because going into the office had always stressed Rocky and I didn't want him to be that way. I knew the decision I made was right for him because he was no longer in pain. That was almost 4 years ago. I just loved him so much and still do.
Oh my - I hope my experience is of some help making your decisioin. It is one of the saddest, hardest things in life to go through. Again, my thoughts and prayers for you and Beta.
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Thank you. Beta's high or happiness yesterday was short lived. She played with Caesar a bit and was tired for the rest of the evening.
This morning she had some problems of the usual variety. Then she received her meds and a half a tramadol to give her less pain.
We took Caesar and Beta to the park and they had so much fun. The whole pack was there: Nikki, Topper, Eddie, Cally,Call's new brother, Frankie, Bella and all of the basenji parents. They all ran around together for hours. Beta out of character went to each parent and let them pet and love on her. She had a great time.
I will post pics from the park when I get them.
Betsey
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I can only say that my heart goes out to you Betsey…please give Beta a special squeeze from me and Nala. I don't think I could add to the wonderful advice given to you from the rest of the forum. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lots of love, Sharon
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Betsey, you and your little one are in my prayers as I know today will be very difficult for you. Lenora
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betsey, i am sorry you are going through this ordeal. i have heard of vets making house calls to make it easier on everyone. please dont beat yourself up anymore!
you are so kind to have saved little beta, and given her a wonderful life. bless you and beta.
