Chris Berry On The Net

Back in June I wrote about my two dogs and their ongoing health concerns. If you didn’t read the original post, this probably won’t make much sense. Since that time, Grover has suffered another nearly fatal bout of pancreatitis and endured several more grand mal seizures. His massive daily dose of Phenobarbital is gradually becoming toxic, and the vets are worried about the damage being done to his liver. He has also racked up another $1500.00 in vet bills. In spite of this, he remains in good spirits and is a truly wonderful companion.

Maggie’s condition has deteriorated dramatically. Her chronic skin conditions have worsened and she is losing hair in large patches. She has also developed a growth on her spine that is causing her to lose control over the back half of her body. This problem is worsening rapidly, and results in periods of temporary paralysis of her hind legs. She can only walk a few steps at a time before her back half collapses. In spite of this she continues to try and get up and down the steps in order to be with the rest of the family. At least once a day she falls down an entire flight of stairs, and it’s only a matter of time before she breaks a leg or a hip.

My wife is out of town for the week, but I took Maggie to the vet yesterday to discuss our treatment options. Surgery is possible but risky, and the likelihood of success is no better than 50/50. The estimated cost is $3000.00. Considering that she is already two years beyond the average life expectancy for bulldogs, I don’t think it is a chance we are going to take.

The vets tell us that they don’t think she is in serious pain, but she has always had a stoic personality so it’s not easy to know. Based on the rate of progression, I think it’s only a matter of days before the paralysis takes hold permanently. At that point we will have no choice but to put her out of her misery. I have no idea how to explain to my son that we’re taking her to the doctor and she won’t be coming home.

Maggie’s personality changes over the past year have had a serious impact on our quality of life, and I thought that would make it easier to deal with her ultimate demise. I’ve even tried to harden myself in preparation for her death by withholding my affection, but Maggie remains unconditionally devoted to me in a way that no other living creature ever has or ever will. She has become a very unpleasant presence in our home, but I will be truly heartbroken when she is gone.

UPDATE

We had to euthanize Maggie on 10/22/08.