Brue Update

On May third I reported that Brue had a bad infection, possibly leukemia. Her white cell count was the highest our vet remembered seeing. She was put on antibiotics to see if the infection could be reduced. Last week another blood test was performed and the antibiotics (which Brue had difficulty keeping down) had not worked, her white cell count was even higher and that, plus other test indicators confirmed leukemia.

The treatment course now is to keep her as comfortable as possible. We had decided not to try "heroic" measures that might prolong her life but with considerable pain and discomfort. The antibiotics have been stopped and she now is on prednisone which has made her more comfortable. We don't think she is in pain but because her red blood cell count is so low, she pants in an effort to get more oxygen into her blood stream. Now we are wondering if or when we should have her euthanized.

Years ago we had our Lhasa Apso, Muffin, euthanized and it was one of the worse experiences I've had. Muffin went to sleep peacefully but I struggled over my right to take her life, and the experience of watching life go from her. She had arthritis so bad she couldn't climb the two steps between our family room and kitchen. She was in constant pain and I think we did the right thing but my conscience still berates me.

Brue is still eating, although we have to entice her with richer and better food - no more dog food. Today it was a cooked hamburger. Euthanasia may be a harder decision in that she may not have outright pain. The breathing, however, may be so uncomfortable we will decide it is time to put her asleep rather then force her to struggle more. Like Muffin she finds it difficult to navigate steps but this time due to shortness of breath. We had already stopped trying to take her on walks and now have stopped taking her into the yard on a lease. Her trips outside are prompted by nature's call and we will be carrying her up and down the steps.

The signs of her failing are more apparent on a daily basis. Partly I imagine because as we learn more about what is occurring we become more aware of how it affects her. On the other hand, there is no denying that Brue is nearing the end. A few days ago we were thinking she might have a couple months or at least weeks to live, now we wonder if it will be days.