My favorite pet, a little hairy thing I think is a poodle, has an impacted bowell. He’s 15 years old. I’m quite sad because I can’t imagine things around here without him so I’ve decided that if they need to do surgery I’'ll gladly pay the price. He’s a very happy dog and other than cataracts and stupidity he has lots of life left in him. We’ve had him for 12 years and he was already 3 when we got him. His name is Pangy (soft G, i.e. panjy). My wife wanted to name him Benji and I thought that was idiotic so I suggested Pangy. That’s idiotic too; but unique.
The dalmation is currently befuddled because she doesn’t know why Pangy isn’t here. So we sat on the floor and I petted her because I feel as lonely as she does.
It’s pretty serious because his bowells are so badly mangled he might not make it. I honestly cannot find it within myself to give the go ahead to put him to sleep. My wife will have to decide.
I’ve never been a pet person but I love that annoying little yapping shithead.
I will pray for your beautiful little “puppy.” Even though they get bigger and grow old, they are still, in some senses, always your “puppy.” I hope everything turns out ok for him and for you. hugs
I’m so sorry to hear your pet is not well–and I hope he pulls thru’. One of my 2 oversized pups will be 13 next month and is going all silver-faced and arthritic and milky-eyed on me–I can’t imagine life without my brainless red shadow.
Hugs to you and your wife and dalamation–and to Pangy when (not if) he comes home.
Oh flyguy, that’s terrible. I’ve been there all too many times and I know what a decision it is and the pain we share with our animal companions. It’s a catch 22 all too often. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
Be strong and know that whatever the outcome, Pangy knows you all care and you’ve done your best for him.
I understand your sadness.
This is a difficult time for you.
These little creatures are members of our families, and we love them so much.
Remember, your little one is counting on you to help him, however that may be. Strength.
I know Pangy is getting excellent care. There are clearly many here who can well understand why this is such a terrible time for your family. It really is so horribly, horribly hard when a pet is sick. I will be hoping very much that you get some good news from the vet.
Hang in there. These little guys can surprise you. My Cedar recovered from a blocked bowel and intusseception when he was 13 years old, and lived to be 18.
Hope for the best. If the decisions are difficult, make them together. Sounds like you had a great time together. Here’s hoping the Pangy has three more bonus years for the three you missed at the start.
Best of luck with the pup.
The doc/nurse side of me needs to point out that these type of bowel problems are an increasing problem in dogs, cats and humans as we age. As difficult as it may be, you may want to consider that even if you pull Pangy through this episode, at his age it’s not unlikely that it will return. Keeping him well hydrated is essential, but to paraphrase an old saying, you can lead a dog to water but you can’t make him drink. Administering laxatives and/or stool softeners may help, but again, treating a non-cooperating animal may not be easy. I’m just saying… It’s most definitely a difficult situation in any event-- I’ve been there with a number of cats.
Intusseception is no fun at all, it’s where the bowel in question telescopes back ontself. It is very painful and will cut off circulation to the bowel killing the tissue… and that is deffinately not a good thing at all.
Flydude, I am so sorry to hear of Pangy’s plight. I will keep you both in my thoughts and pray for healing.
Listen to your vet and listen to Pangy. They’ll both let you know when it’s time. Until then, do everything you can for Pangy. When it was time to send our 18 year old cat ahead to the Rainbow Bridge, we knew it was the right time; neither too soon or too late. My thoughts are with all of you.
A bad sitch for sure. I lost my dearest cat to that 2 years ago this week. I hope you find peace with whatever decision you make. Poor dear pooch. Poor dear pooch lovers.
Well everything came out OK. He’s back home. They didn’t have to do surgery. We have to keep him on a high fibre diet since his colon is a bit misshapen but otherwise he’s a happy puppy.
