Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Please don't think me melodramatic...

I may be away from the computer again for awhile...or at least limiting my time on it.

I took Libby to the vet's today. She'd gone through her heat cycle and was almost done with it when we noticed heavy bleeding again. Since Via had suffered from "female problems" we suspected it might be the case with Lib as well.

Alas, no. Dr. Beth found a mass in her abdomen. Although the films were inconclusive, the placement of the mass indicates a probable cancer of the spleen. Without going into more detail, a tumor of this sort really grows because of the blood vessels. And, in most cases, surgery is dicey; though a dog can live without a spleen as a human can, in most cases something like that also indicates lung tumors.

Libby has very little lung capacity, at least on the one side. (She was laid on her side for the film). Beth was surprised that Libby was still breathing as normally as she is.

But, we may have only a couple of days, maybe a couple of weeks. Any more than that will be wonderful for us and as long as Lib is happy, it will be a gift from the God/dess.

Libby is still in good spirits, still has an appetite for food and play, wants to go for her walks, albeit slowly, but she's almost 13 so we aren't surprised by that.

But, I'm a wreck. I'll be spending a lot of time with her while I've got the chance. She's been my baby since she was 11 weeks old.

So, please, just know I've not pulled a disappearing act for the hell of it, but because to do anything less would be unthinkable.

8 comments:

Jude said...

Oh Kate..... I really do understand and I certainly do not think anyone is being melodramatic over a pet's illness or loss. They are just like our children, those furry friends of ours.

I'm so sorry to hear about this, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers..... and if you need me you know where I am hon. ((hugs))

Tracey said...

Oh no Kate.....losing our pets is so hard. Espcially when we've raised them, like children.

Know i'm here if you need me, ok?

((Hugs to you and Lib))

Kate said...

Thanks, Trace and Jude. I just wish my eyes would quit leaking. :(

Tracey said...

**passes XL hankie over**

Water away sweetie. We don't mind.

Alia said...

I was just there when we lost Winston -- we knew he was very old for a Basset so we just pampered and loved him till his time came. Take the time you need, love.

Orion said...

*HUGS!!!!*

I'm praying for you, Kate...And for Libby.

Orion

Jude said...

Still thinking about you Kate, and I'm also keeping you in my prayers!

Kate said...

Thanks, Alia, Jeff, and Jude - it means a lot to know you're thinking about Libby.