Labradoodle with chronic hepatitis

[Barbara Dudas]

I am hoping someone out there will have some experience with this. Over the last three weeks my husband and I noticed some changes in our 8 year old doggie. First we noticed he seemed to have smaller than usual stools and he seemed to be straining. Second he started not wanting to get in the car. He goes to the office everyday with us and jaunt in the last two weeks he was hesitant getting in the car and we had to coax him. On Tuesday we thought his stomach looked a little larger so without hesitation we took him to the vet. An X-ray showed fluid in his abdomen which they drained to make him more comfortable. Blood work showed all his liver numbers were abnormal. They suggested we see a specialist for an ultrasound. We had that done yesterday and it showed what they believe is chronic hepatitis and pretty significant liver damage. At this point they would like to do a biopsy of his liver. The normal outpatient method of doing that is not possible since they are afraid he would bleed too much. They either want to do it in surgery or laparoscopically so we have to consult back with our vet to determine which method is the best for our guy. We have so many questions and are trying to wrap our heads around this. This seemed to come out of nowhere. The symptoms we were seeing seemed pretty minor. We were thinking we'd leave the vet on Monday with some meds or suggestions to relieve constipation and maybe some meds for arthritis. If anyone has any experience with this I would very much appreciate hearing what your experience has been. The big immediate question I have is regarding diet. The last few days I had been feeding him some chicken breasts mixed with broccoli and carrots to try to get him some relief from constipation. Generally he's been eating a mix of a high quality lamb canned food and dry food. He had gotten picky six months or so ago and we started mixing in the canned food (probably a sign of what was happening). Also any idea concerning the method for the biopsy? While I know the laparoscopic procedure is less invasive without specifying it the specialist indicated its an expensive procedure. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. The vet said they see chronic hep more frequently in the lab breed than in other breeds for what it's worth. Thank you!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I have tears in my eyes reading this.  I am SO sorry for your loss, and I can only imagine how you are feeling today.  As hard as it was, I really respect you for listening to his message of being ready to go to the bridge.  Bless you and your family.

[charlotte bednarsh]

My heart is breaking for your family.  Chase will live in your hearts forever.  I'm truly at a loss for words.

[Janet & Jaxson]

I am so, so sorry to hear the news about dear, sweet Chase. He was a lucky dog to have such a good mom. I am thinking about you and your family and hope the memories you have help you through this difficult time.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm so sorry to hear this news Barbara. May you and your family find comfort in your memories of your wonderful boy.  Run free sweet Chase!  

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Barbara, I am just reading the news about Chase and my heart goes out to you and your family. I am sure Chase felt the love all around him as he passed on. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult and sad time. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so very sorry for your loss, Barbara. Hugs to you and your family. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am s sorry to hear this news. You know you made the best decision for Chase.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I'm so sorry for your loss and the pain you must be feeling.  Chase had a wonderful life with you and I respect your courage in making a such a difficult but oving decision for him. Sending hugs.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I am very sad to hear this, but you did the best you could for him and I do feel you knew best when it was time and it does sound like he let you know. So sorry for your loss.

[Wendy and Myla]

I'm so sorry for you and your family!  Even though it was the best decision for Chase, it's just so heartbreaking!  I know that Chase will be part of your hearts forever and please know that Chase was the luckiest dog ever to have you and your family love him the way you did!  Even though he had to leave way to soon, he had a great life - a loved dog is a happy dog!  Sending hugs your way and hoping that his memories will bring a smile to your aching heart soon.

[Stella]

So very sorry to see your sad news. Hugs to you and your family. The kindest thing we can do is to make sure that these guys have a good 'end' and that they don't suffer. As you noted, he was telling you it was his time to go, and now he is running and playing with friends over the rainbow bridge - restored to before he became ill.

Regarding the meds, I would ask your vet about taking them back, it is worth trying - they may know of someone who needs the meds but are struggling to pay for them?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry for you and your family, but I feel it is such a privilege to be able to help our beloved pets cross the rainbow bridge and not let them suffer unnecessarily. Making this tough decision shows just how much you loved him. I am so glad you have lots of pictures and videos as reminders.  Right now they mostly make you cry, but somehow they also give comfort.