Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Today

I realized late this afternoon that I hadn't brushed either the kids' hair or teeth this morning.

What I did do today
  • talk to the vet's office 3 times
  • walk the dog (and children tagging along, of course) at least a dozen times, but I did lose track
  • take the dog and children to the park, because if we have to go outside this much, we might as well stay out
  • clean up blood-tinged dog pee in the kitchen 3x, in the hall outside my apartment 3x, in the elevator, and small drops in the living room, Christopher's room, and my closet
So, I'm giving myself a pass on the hair and teeth for the day.

And, yes, Ranger is sick. I took him to the vet on Monday, in part because he started limping a lot after running with me last week. I also have been a bit concerned about how aged he has seemed lately. I really should have stopped running with him weeks ago. He has just been moving so slowly. He likes to sleep a lot. He doesn't get excited about much of anything. Needs to pee more frequently. Gained a bit (or a lot, really) weight. Just old dog stuff, really. But, he also seemed to always be thirsty. After reading this post, I thought maybe I should get him checked out. Ranger has Cushings disease. Of course, the blood tinged peeing has NOTHING to do with the cushings, apparently it is just a side effect from having a catheter on Monday. Fortunately, he doesn't seem to be in pain. I'm really trying not to concentrate on what needs to happen next, which includes further (expensive) testing and makes me very upset. I just want my poor dog to stop peeing everywhere.

6 comments:

The Dunns said...

Oh no! What a miserable thing for your dog and your whole family. I'm sure you have lots of tough decisions to make. I hope tomorrow is a better day for everyone!

The Capozzoli Clan said...

That does sound rough! I am hoping Ranger feels better soon. He is getting up there in age and it is hard when you realize your little one is old. I hope today is better.

Anonymous said...

Please pat Ranger on the head for me and tell him Papwpaw says your a good boy.
I am sure Ranger feels bad about his accidents, he is a good boy. What can be done for the disease? Curable?
Make him comfortable, soothing attention when he's awake and let him sleep. Love, Bob/Dad/Pawpaw

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear about Ranger. It's hard to decide what to do when a dog is nearly his life-expectancy. It's even harder when the kids are attached and the dog has been through some happy and tough times with you!

As far as the peeing, if it makes you feel any better, Denali pooped all over our basement (carpet) and it was bloody (we think from the bone he ate a couple of days ago).

Off to borrow our neighbor's to borrow their wetvac.

I have yet to go to your Etsy site, but, I will. Congrats on getting that set up!

Good luck with EVERYTHING!

Anonymous said...

we are sad to hear about Ranger - are those lumps anything to do with the disease? The vet here said they were fatty deposits and I would hate that it got missed if their was something we could have done sooner to help him feel better.
hope the peeing slows down a bit - that is going to be tough to say the least. maybe you could get some of those pee pads like Joys dogs have and teach him to go on it? it may save some messes and your sanity.

Susie said...

Biscuit and I send "be well" greetings to Ranger. Thanks for stopping in; I hope Ranger's treatment goes well.