The latest on Sirius ..

[DemoTex]

The good news: he is back home tonight and the pneumonia is responding to treatment.

The bad news: An ultrasound exam this afternoon revealed some bad things.

#1. Sirius does have congestive heart failure (CHF). Significant CHF.

#2. There are suspicious masses in the lymph tissue of the cranial mediastium above the heart.

They found bilateral atrial enlargement and decreased fractional shorting (29%).

Monday will be another trip to the vet for another x-ray and references to the best clinic in the region for CT scans and oncology (Greenville, SC .. where I happen to own a condo).


Sirius

[arismomkoofie]

1. I'm glad he is home, but I'm sorry for your bad news. n/t

[greatauntoftriplets]

2. Did the CHF cause the pneumonia?

I remember that happening one time with my father...they aspirated quite a bit of fluid out of his lungs. Not a pleasant experience, he said.

Happy Sirius is home with you, but you have more mountains to climb with him.

The best of luck to you both. I want to hug that dog. :)

[DemoTex]

5. Probably .. if he really has pneumonia.

Opinions differ, but he is being treated for pneumonia. I'll give him a hug for you. Both vet clinics have said that they have never seen such a trusting dog. They know, I know, and you know why a dog is so trusting. He has never seen anything but unconditional human love. Lucky boy!


Sirius

[greatauntoftriplets]

9. Thanks for giving him the hug for me.

My sister has a dog, a Brittany spaniel a bit younger than Sirius. A year ago last month, my brother-in-law and the dog were running and the dog tore a ligament in his hind leg.

He had surgery and is fine now...although under the fur he has a big scar. It was so damn difficult watching him limp around for months before and after the operation. Now, he can jump on me like a young dog.

His name is Doogie (named by my now 24-year-old nephew for his favorite TV show at the time, Doogie Hauser) and I are great friends. I love dogs.

[Placebo]

3. what a gorgeous doggy!

almost looks human :)

[DemoTex]

7. He is better than he looks ...

He is the best dog ever!

[salin]

4. Love him, love him, love him

cherish each moment... if he gets better - you just have more intentional memories in the future. Our (11 yr old) pup had some serious problems more than a year ago... got a little better than had a relapse - hasn't gotten any worse - but we now notice every small change.. and worry. I only get to see her on the weekends these days, but I spend so much more intentional present time with her... she and I both are richer for it. More time, when reading, that I sit on the floor with her, rubbing her tummy while reading... just didn't think of that reading time as intentional time together, before.

I hope that Sirius ends up being in better shape than indicators suggest. But either way - take the time to relish your moments together.

All my best,

salin

[DemoTex]

6. Thanks Salin ..

He is curled up at my feet right now. He has to touch me. I have to touch him. It is in the million-year-old genes. Dogs and mans. What a biological relationship!

Mac

[arwalden]

10. I know....

[DemoTex]

11. Allen,

Thanks friend.

[DemoTex]

8. Meanwhile, I have my hands full with Nick-Nick

Nick-Nick is slick, and quick. He is a trick.

[driver8]

14. I love that name, "Nick-Nick."

Is there a story behind it??

[DemoTex]

12. I have spent the last hour or so curled up with Sirius ...

On a Heriz rug in front of a roaring fire. Head-to-head. Talking and singing his favorite songs (anything I sing is his favorite). I don't have time to payback the love he has given me. Even if he lives forever. He is not doing well tonight,


Sweet sweet darling dog

[driver8]

13. DemoTex -- sorry to hear about Sirius...

I am a dog lover also and it is never easy when our furry family members get sick. He is a very good looking dog and is lucky to have someone like you to look after him. I am sending good thoughts your way to you and Sirius.