Rusty's 4th Birthday and Not Good News

[Chuck Holliman]

I have not had time to keep up to date with this site the past few months. My Mom, who is 91, has been in and out of the hospital since May; she lives six hours away. I received a call Tuesday morning that she had fallen again and was transported to the hospital. I rushed over on Wednesday, fortunately she did not suffer any broken bones and I was able to take her home on Thursday and return home on Friday.

We had another Birthday party for Rusty, his 4th, his friends and supporters; in order to include Dr. Macy, we had to schedule it for August 11 rather than his actual Birthday. I will upload some photos from the party; Jan and a neighbor made the cupcakes with the dog decorations. Rusty had a great time seeing all of his human friends and supporters, although he needed a couple of timeouts to recharge during the evening.

Rusty had been doing very well the past few months and then three weeks ago, he went into a tailspin; he began to slow down eating and then stopped altogether; a couple of days later he also stopped drinking water. He started vomiting and developed diarrhea. Dr. Macy was in Alaska fishing, and we took him to our regular vet; they could not find anything in their tests as to what was going on and wanted to wait for Dr. Macy. They gave him several injections to stop the diarrhea, increase his appetite and perk him up; we fed him chicken broth and Pedialyte several times a day using a syringe. Jan and I spent three nights in our recliners with Rusty in his bed between us. Dr. Macy ran a battery of tests on Rusty last week; none of which gave him the answers as to what was happening with his stomach/GI tract. He scheduled Rusty for ultrasound tests.

Rusty underwent abdominal ultrasound scans today; the good news is that there is no sign of cancer! However, Rusty was diagnosed with Microhepatica, which basically means that he is in liver failure. Rusty will be on a special diet and medications for the duration of his life (this has been routine for him over the past 2 ½ years). Dr. Macy would not give us a prognosis until he does a through review of all of the tests, but it does mean a much shorter life. Most likely the liver was damaged by the chemotherapy treatments. We were expecting that the scans would show the return of his cancer, not another problem that he has to battle. Rusty has exhibited all of the symptoms of this disease over the past three weeks, especially not eating. Dr. Macy is going to research what treatment protocol will work best for Rusty and get back to us tomorrow with a plan of action. He has to be on a low-protein diet; Dr. Macy says to give him as much ice cream as he wants.

It seems so unfair as Rusty has battled his cancer to a standstill for 2 1/2 years, only to lose to complications from the chemotherapy that has kept him alive since his amputation.

Chuck & Rusty

[Leslie and Halas]

Aw, Rusty!  That's just not fair.  But you're a fighter, and I'm praying you can fight through this, too.  I hope the meds can keep this in check, and that you're feeling better soon.

And Happy Birthday!

[Penny, Comiskey & Beemer]

Sending strength to you and prayers for Rusty....

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

So sorry to hear about Rusty.  It breaks my heart to imagine what the poor guy is going through.  Lots of hugs to you guys and praying for you! 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Chuck, I am so sorry about this latest setback. You really have to look at this differently.  Look at how long you have had the pleasure of Rusty's company - so much longer than it seemed you might have.  I am  sure this is due to your loving and diligent care. I send my prayers for you to have lots and lots more time with Rusty. He is a wonderful dog.  I am so sorry about your mom's increased difficulties.  My mom fell last year and broke her leg which ended her independent living.  This is a difficult time for you.  Just know that you have lots of love and support from dk members.

[Sharon & Monty]

Dog gone it, poor Rusty.   It really is unfair, so sorry about this new finding.  :(  Hugs for all of you and ice cream a plenty.

[Rose]

Happy Birthday, Rusty. Enjoy that ice cream. I'm so sorry to hear your news. Hugs to all of you.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I am so sorry to hear this. We will be keeping Rusty is our thoughts and in our hearts. hang in there, Rusty, and  enjoy that birthday ice cream!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Chuck, I'm so sorry to read this about Rusty!  We all love Rusty on here and am praying that Dr. Macy will find some treatment to help him. 

[Donna K & Quincy]

I am so sorry to hear that Rusty is not doing so well, he is such a little trooper. I hope the new diet and treatment regime is the answer and he is feeling well soon. Happy Birthday Rusty and we sincerely wish you many more.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I hate to hear this and will keep you all in my thoughts.  Happy birthday to Rusty. What a fighter he has been.