Ava's not eating again

[Stacy]

I don't even know where to put this discussion. I thought Ava was doing better. We increased her prednisone dose on 1/8 to 12.5mg /day. She really perked up and was eating better. Then starting on the 19th she wasn't eating as well. She would eat, but not all of it. So I started putting some salmon on top and she did a little better with that.

Late on the 23rd she had one episode of diarrhea. On the morning of the 24th she had mucous-y diarrhea with blood in it. We went to the vet and they started her on Flagyl, lomotil, and probiotics along with the gross canned science diet for 2 days. She ate the Science Diet okay with some encouragement.

Yesterday she had a normal stool and I transitioned her back to her kibble with some canned Fromm mixed in. I eventually got her to eat most of that. But then this morning I couldn't convince her to eat anything at all. She turned down eggs, she turned down canned food, kibble, canned tuna, treats. 

Then we went outside and she really didn't want to come back in. I don't know what that was about, but it was unusual that she wouldn't come when I called her. I had to go outside and stand her up and walk her back in because I needed to leave for work. 

I'm just at such a loss as to how to help her. It doesn't feel like anything we've done is making her better. She has another appointment at the vet on Thursday. I don't know, maybe I need to stop and pick up some chicken on the way home tonight. I wish she would tell me if there was something she would eat. I just worry about her. 

Stacy

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

So very sorry to hear this.  Not knowing what was wrong is I'm sure very frustrating but at least she is no longer suffering.  Thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Hugs.

[Lindsey Holt]

Oh Stacy, when I read this last night I had this sinking feeling in my stomach.

I'm so sorry to hear this latest update, please know that Jake and I are thinking of you and glad that Ava is pain free at last.

[Debbie and Toby]

I am so sorry to hear of Ava's passing. May she rest in peace! Prayers to you and your family at this time.

[Stella]

So sorry to hear the sad news about Ava. Run free sweet girly. 

[Ron English]

Stacy, so sorry to get the news of Ava's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

I’m heartbroken to hear this news. I’m so very sorry. Sending so many prayers your way.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Stacy, I am heartbroken to hear about Ava.  I am so glad that she passed peacefully. It is comforting to us doggie parents to feel that our beloved furbabies are at peace.  Ava had a wonderful life once she got into your loving care.

[Stacy]

Thank you all so much for your compassion. Even though I really knew that it was the road we were heading down it's just devastating. I wasn't ready. But if you'd asked me in 200 years, I would still say the same thing. I spoke to my vet this evening and he said something that resonated. He said, in hindsight. Seeing the progression of her illness, we did the right thing. We could have put her on oxygen in the ICU, but most likely it would have been 36 hours and a delayed euthanasia. And she would have been a sad, scared, lonely girl. I do take comfort in the fact that she was here with me and Katie. Safe and warm and loved on her very own couch. If it had to happen, that's the way I would have wanted it for her. And I truly believe that she gave me the gift of not having to make that decision for her. She went out on her own terms. I will always wish that we had more time, and that we had been able to do more for her physically. But I truly believe that every moment she was with me I loved her as much as anyone could ever love anything. I hope she knows she is the most precious thing that ever was.

[Amy and Annabelle]

My heart breaks for you. It sounds like she was at peace when she passed, on her comfy couch with her family that love her. You did the right thing by not prolonging the inevitable. I don't care how long you have to prepare, you are still not ready when it happens. She was a lucky girl that she had you for a mom, you did everything humanly possible to try to get her healthy. I'm sure she knew how much you loved her. In the end, I'm glad you and Katie have each other to help heal your broken hearts. She is probably running free with Jackdoodle and all her doodle friends that have gone before her. Hugs Stacy