Last night I rushed Lola, our Belgian Shepherd, into the emergency pet clinic due to her stomach expanding right before our eyes. She was in obvious pain, hunched up and anxious.
Heather knew it was bloat immediately. Bloat is a condition where the stomach swells and sometimes rotates, twisting and trapping in air and obstructing veins which in turn damages other internal organs. A bad situation.
Lola is a rescue dog, we picked her out because she was opposite from the Rottweiler we had - subdued, calm, just hanging out behind the bars of the Hayward animal shelter at a discounted $25. They thought she was 7 at the time which makes her 12 now.
Due to Lolas’ age and hip issues I’d convinced myself if anything bad happened to the old dog we’d let her go. I assumed it would be her hips and that would be it; no hard decisions, just done.
The clinic explained the diagnosis, the risks, survival rate, etc. I received a quote for the emergency operation – about 2000 Starbucks coffees. Honestly, I tried to find excuses not to do the operation. Not only for the cost but because of her issues; hip strength, fusing spine, age. I asked the doctor to diagnose her pre-existing conditions before we made a decision. I called Heather, we were in agreement that if her spine and hips were as bad as we thought Lola wasn’t coming home.
Then the doctor came back and things changed. X-rays showed the spine was only fusing in one place, nowhere near the back of her body like we thought. Her hips were not likely to just give out; she has arthritis, nothing fusing her spine to her back legs. No cancer in her mouth, no cancer showing up anywhere else. Her vitals were great.
We signed up for the operation. Here's to Lola being around for another bunch of years.
5 comments:
My heart dropped reading this story. I am so sorry you guys had to even go to a place where you have to make such a decision. The thing that freaks me out is that just last week, I sent an article to Jennie about this very condition because she has a big dog. I never read stories about dogs since I don't have one...I just happen to have stumbled upon it. Weird. I am so happy to hear that Lola will be around!
Do you remember the day you brought that girl home? Let's just say that after ingesting our weight in alcohol the night before, I was shocked that you two had the energy to adopt a dog. Great to hear that Lola will be part of the family for years to come. Hug sweet Lola for me! xoxo
My father would never spend very much on our pets. Anything over a reasonable amount, by which I mean a reasonable amount for a Dutch man, and the pet was put down. I like to think that I'm more like you. You spend x amount an a vacation and that 2-week vacation brings no where near the happiness that a lifetime with your pet does. Good stuff.
I'm glad she's okay and the Ruder family keeps on keeping on...
I'm a little teary after reading this post and am so happy that Lola pulled through! You guys are amazing. I can't imagine being faced with that decision. Since I hug your dogs, give her one for me. Call me if I can do anything. xoxo
Oh, poor Lola! She is such a sweet doggie. I'm glad she is doing better, and we will keep thinking good thoughts for her. She is so lucky to have you guys.
xoxo,
Doug and Julie
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