I took Morris in for his follow up appointment and a SubQ hydration treatment. Dr. Grimm declared him stable as of this time.
We discussed Morris's medical future. He has Kidney Disease/Failure along with a very bad tooth. He isn't stable enough to have surgery on the mouth nor will he likely ever be. Plus, that surgery is very expensive and not recommended for dogs his age and in his condition.
As long as Morris is stable we won't be poking and prodding him a lot. As long as he maintains weight with his new Kidney Diet food and continues to drink water and not begin to vomit and have diarrhea, we are doing well.
There is a BUT in this.
But Kidney Disease is Kidney Failure and it will take his life. We don't know when or how quickly. It can be weeks or months, but Morris will succumb to the disease.
There won't be any heroics when Morris succumbs to the next crisis. That may sound cruel but I don't want to promote suffering.
So yesterday after the visit with the Doctor we went for a drive. We then walked a new trail in Jersey Valley County Park and just enjoyed the autumn afternoon.
I'd like to say that I had a philosophical discussion with Morris as we sat on a rock overlooking the lake. But we didn't. He smelled, sniffed, and was basically a dog enjoying the walk. As long as we can, we will continue with these walks, they won't be hard or demanding as we used to do, but just nice simple walks at his pace.
Morris napped comfortably in the car on the half hour drive home. He was alert and perky when he hopped out of the Subaru to oversee his farm. After he checked things out, he asked to go in and get fed.
Life is simple for him. When he feels good, he wants to be on the go. When he is hungry he lets you know. When he'd like to get up at 4am to survey his "Kingdom" he also lets you know.
Nap time is preferable if he has a lap to do it on. Otherwise his couch will suffice.
May the rest of his days be pain free.
Losing a beloved pet is so hard. They really do become part of the family. Morris has many fans out here in Internet-land who will gratefully enjoy "his" blogs.
ReplyDeleteSending prayers for continued good health for as long as possible.
I love you, Morris!
That sounds like a plan with Morris' best interests at heart. Scout is going to be 15 in exactly one month from now, and I have told my vet that I no longer want him to have a yearly physical, as I see no point in giving him additional vaccinations and doing blood work to test his liver and kidney functions. He hates to have his blood drawn, and as long as he feels good and acts good, I am not going to put him through that. If he acts sick, I will, of course, have him checked out to see if there is some help for him without putting him through any tough procedures. I think you are being the best friend for your dog.
ReplyDeleteWe'll have to plan another trip sometime soon to check up on him.
ReplyDeleteIt is all about quality not quantity. Kidney failure is what took my beloved Tanner a few years ago. It is like a tsunami and it will win in the end, but Morris is responding well and many dogs can continue on happily for a long time. He has had the kind of life some dogs can only dream of and continuing to keep him happy and content is the best thing you can do for him, there is nothing cruel about it. It is good that Morris is responding to treatment and I hope he continues to do so for a good long time.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and Morris more walks, bright eyes, goofy smiles and tail ways in the time to come. Sending you ((hugs)) and gentle ((pats)) to Morris.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad he has a reprieve...for now. No matter how long it lasts, I know you will savor the moments. You have a plan, you have a little more time, you get to pour love into his little heart, and absorb his love into your own. It's a gift. You whisper to Mr. Morris: thank you, little man, for all of the joy you have shared with the world. You are dearly loved by so many. Big Hug, Val. Sue.
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