Bourbon's Eye is Swelling Again

[tatsxxx11]

Pepper. Like everyone else, I do believe you are doing the right, and best thing for him. What a difficult decision I'm sure. We all hope and pray that the course you have decided to persue will bring him some relief and improve his quality of life. You are a wonderful, devoted mom. And Bourbon is the most beautiful and bravest dog. I pray for you both every day. Please give him a big, big hug from me. Love, Sandra

[pepper636]

I began the holistic medication Monday afternoon. He is very good at taking it, there is quite a bit. I am also weaning him off dog food to a natural diet. I am supposed to think of him as a diabetic and feed him accordingly. Any ideas would be appreciated - no sugar. I have a call in to my vet with a few questions. I thought his swelling looked bad yesterday, but I put some bacitracin on it and it looks a little improved today. You know, you're afraid to say it looks better, but I think it does. He's still acting great. I sure hope this works.

[Sudilar]

I'm praying that it does! Good luck!

[lizbud]

Pepper..
So good to hear that Bourbon is in good spirits.Sorry i can't advise anything about
his diet, but Buddy & I want You to know
that YOU BOTH are in our hearts and always
remembered in my prayers.

[carrie]

Totally, totally agree with your decision against surgery. My heart tore a little when I read your decision as I am so proud of you for putting your, may I say very gorgeous, dog before yourself. At thirteen years of age he has had too good a life to let selfish hope and need get in the way but I'm not sure how many of us (well, me, really) would of been so compassionate. All my love to you and your family (human and animal) and I am proud to "know" you. Keep us up to date when you can and when you want to.

[Daisy's Mom]

Pepper and Bourbon, Daisy and I are still thinking about and praying for the two of you. Carrie, you said it all perfectly. Pepper you are such a sweet, caring person, putting wonderful Bourbon's needs before your own. I can only hope that if/when I ever have to make a decision like this, I can do what is best for Daisy like you are doing for Bourbon. He really does appreciate it, and I bet he loves you all the more for it. I hope his treatment is working!

[pepper636]

Thank you for the compliments. I think the only way I was able to come to this decision is because I've been there before and I went the opposite way. My beloved Pepper was diagnosed with cancer; he passed away about 6 months before I got Bourbon. Back then, they didn't have chemo and radition for dogs, but I opted for surgery, I think 5 surgeries. I always wondered if I had done the right thing. Well, I have another chance to make the "right" decision. I spoke with the vet again yesterday; he and another vet conferred and he felt that the spleen should be removed before it ruptured. I went back and forth again but then I thought I've committed to holistic and I believe I should stay with that decision. After all, if it is osteosarcoma (tests back from Purdue find no evidence, but previous slide test that other lab made their decision from has still not come back from Purdue), from what I've researched, he'll need his spleen to help fight the cancer, which is what the holistic meds are doing too. They will not "cure" the cancer, just make it a chronic disease which, hopefully, Bourbon and I can live with.

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Pepper, you are going through a terrible crisis right now, and probably doubting whether you are making the right decision for Bourbon. Which ever way you go is a risk, you have tried the other way, who knows maybe the holistic will give him more time to have quality in his life. I still think I would go the way you are going at least it wouldn't be invasive and I have heard good things about it. No matter what the Vets say, it is your decision in the long run to make, you are the one who loves him so much.
Jackie

[sammi]

Pepper, Thinking of you and Bourbon and praying for you. It is very wonderful of you to be able to put your dogs needs first. We usually like to do what makes us feel right or good.

[Sudilar]

Is the spleen terribly close to rupturing? Or do they think that in the future it might happen?

My prayers are with you. I understand what you are going through and only you can make the best decision for your furbaby. Good luck.

[Daisy's Mom]

Pepper, my prayers and thougths are with you. I think of sweet Bourbon often. Kisses to him!

[pepper636]

They told me there is a possibility the spleen may rupture, but the mass is only 2 centimeters at this time. He continues to feel good as far as I can tell. The holistic medicine is supposed to cut off blood supply to the masses so if it does it's job, I'm hoping the spleen will be OK. I have an appointment at the vet on Monday to aspirate the blood and pus from above his eye. I'll have to put a scarf around his head so he doesn't feel self-conscious out in public.

I'm going to be on vacation next week (my birthday's Sunday) so I will not be able to post. Please keep Bourbon in your thoughts and prayers.

[Gio]

Happy Birthday!
Have a nice vacation and don't worry we will keep those prayers coming for dear Bourbon.

[Sudilar]

Happy birthday Sunday!!!!
Try to have a great vacation and please keep us posted as soon as you get back. We will be praying.
Glad to hear that Bourbon is feeling well. I also agree with your decision. I pray that it works and gives you more quality time with your beloved furbaby.
Have a great vacation!!!!

[KYS]

Wishing you a happy birthday and a safe
vacation. We will all be hoping the best and thinking of both Bourbon and you.