Rosebud has really been ill.

Squash Blossom · Post by **Squash Blossom** » Jun 13, 2005 8:15 pm

One week ago today, without so much as a hint of trouble, Rosebud had something like a mild seizure. When it passed, she was 100% within minutes. The following morning the exact same thing happened and I knew we had to see the veterinarian. When we arrived at his office at 11:00 A.M., Rosebud went into a fullblown seizure that really couldn't be calmed. The doctor gave her two Valium shots and two Phenobarbitol pills but things just got worse by the minute. I think she had a reaction to the Valium but I don't know for sure. I do know that for the next 24 hours I didn't know if she would survive or not...she could not be still, was walking into walls, her legs couldn't support her, she couldn't get enough water or pee enough, every 20-60 minutes all night and into Wednesday.

The vet isn't sure what's happening, he suspects Laryngeal Paralysis and neurological problems BUT, at this time, Rosebud has been extremely stable...for all practical purposes back to her old self again.

The local doctor's tests and earlier tests a few months ago are all normal but he said we might want to consider going out of state for more elaborate testing and possible surgery. After days of considering the risk of surgery and the stress I know would be overwhelming to a 12 1/2 year old pug, we've decided to try to manage her symptoms and keep her comfortable here. The vet said Laryngeal Tieback surgery is so risky - choking, permanent problems swallowing, pneumonia, etc., PLUS Chinese pugs have unique problems with any anesthesia.

This has been a heck of a week. My computer crashed last Friday and had to be totally re-installed.

Please say a little prayer for Rosebud - she is a strong-willed, determined old lady and I'm so hoping she can enjoy life for awhile longer. Her only real symptom is an intermittent cough and there is no regularity to when it happens. She is on Torbutrol and seems to be doing O.K., though I can't relax for fear of another life-threatening episode striking.

Ann

jmboyer · Post by **jmboyer** » Jun 13, 2005 8:52 pm

Ann, I am truly sorry that your precious Rosebud is ailing. This must be a very difficult time for you....and then your computer had to crash on top of it. My mother used to say when it rains, it pours. I send healing thoughts and best wishes for you and for Rosebud. Let's hope that the medication is helping her and that she will soon recover.

janey · Post by **janey** » Jun 13, 2005 9:03 pm

Ann~
So hoping that Rosebud is better today! At least comfortable and free of pain and happy to be in the home that is familiar and with those that love her.

I have often wondered what my choice will be when it comes time that Bailey the Beagle runs into major health problems as she gets older. I'd love to have her forever, but I know that isn't the way things go. So, will I opt for measures that may or may not prolong her life? With pain, without? Will I be making choices for Bailey---or for me? How does one know what is the best to do???

I empathize with the position you are in....these furry critters wind themselves all around our hearts and the thought of them in distress or gone is way too hard to handle....

Good thoughts and all kinds of moral support are coming your way~

j~

mamawsdaughter · Post by **mamawsdaughter** » Jun 13, 2005 9:11 pm

my prayers are with you...I hope the medicine helps and keeps Rosebud stable for a long time to come...who would have known when god thought of dogs, that they would be such a blessing to us all...keep us posted on Rosebud....Hugs to you and rosebud....

mamawsdaughter

Snow · Post by **Snow** » Jun 13, 2005 9:43 pm

Bless her heart. Hoping for Rosebud to have some more time with you.

Lionitus · Post by **Lionitus** » Jun 13, 2005 10:06 pm

Ann, you know you can count on me to send my best wishes and good vibes to you and Rosebud. You're doing just what we did with Really. We kept her comfortable and happy for as long as she was with us. It sounds to me that that is the best thing for Rosebud.

(((((((Ann, family and especially Rosebud))))))

Hang in there Rosebud!

Lionitus

LucyGoose · Post by **LucyGoose** » Jun 13, 2005 10:08 pm

Oh goodness....Boy, I do hope she just says stable....I sure will say a little prayer for her and the rest of out forum furbabies that seem to be needing them here lately!!!

Tundra_Queen · Post by **Tundra_Queen** » Jun 13, 2005 10:31 pm

I'm so sorry to hear about Rosebud. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way. [hugs]

Debbie

Squash Blossom · Post by **Squash Blossom** » Jun 13, 2005 10:38 pm

Thanks so much for your interest and support. I agonized for a couple of days as to whether or not to pursue more specialized testing but I know Rosebud too well not to know how traumatized she would be. I told the vet I honestly believe the stress of that much traveling, being outside her home, being tested, etc., and possibly having to be hospitalized would kill her. Period. Rosebud rules her little kingdom around here but she is literally scared to death at the vet's office...so much so that I'm not so sure the panic of struggling to breathe with a veterinarian and three vet techs trying to restrain her may have intensified the Tuesday seizure. Rosebud also very seldom has ever responded to medications the way you'd expect.

I just feel like it would be more cruel than compassionate to subject her to such a frightening and painful ordeal that she might very well not survive, AND, if she did survive she'd no doubt have to live with constant restrictions for the rest of her life and 12 1/2 is getting on up there for pugs anyway.

It's been tough really, I want to do the best thing for her but I'm honestly afraid all that stress would be counter-productive. I went the specialist route trying to save Digit and then she died at the vet's office, no doubt wondering where was her family. I just can't do that again.

Ann

Old earth dog · Post by **Old earth dog** » Jun 13, 2005 11:07 pm

Hoping the best for Rosebud! (((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))

wishiwere · Post by **wishiwere** » Jun 14, 2005 7:51 am

{{HUGS}} prayers and good thougths for you and Rosebud.

PeggyC · Post by **PeggyC** » Jun 14, 2005 8:05 am

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Rosebud.

caliloo · Post by **caliloo** » Jun 14, 2005 8:21 am

I will keep Rosebud and your entire family in my thoughts. (((((HUGS)))))))))

Alexa

Ginger · Post by **Ginger** » Jun 14, 2005 10:22 am

(((((SQ))))))
I think you did exactly the right thing for Rosebud. She has been through so much in her little life before you came along, I can only imagine what she thinks when she is at the vets, or confined for any time at all! Poor puppy, give her big hugs from me, I love Pugs so much!

Ginger