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Hello everyone, my first post here.

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#1 · (Edited)
My name is Mike and i was a member of a yahoo email list back in 1999 and 2000 when i first got my male Havanese Tucker. He was born Nov. 21, 1999 and I got him from Crofton Havanese in Orlando.

Last June, Tucker was diagnosed with heart failure and ever since he's been take three pills twice a day (lasics) to keep fluid from around his heart. I was told then that I might be able to have him for another year.

Wednesday night he had an extreme episode and Thursday morning I took him to my vet. Later that day they advised me to take him to LSU Veterinary school to see their cardiologist.. They immediately put him on more lasics and he's been in an oxygen and temperature controlled pen ever since.

I drove back to LSU yesterday and saw him and he seemed a little bit better but certainly no tail wag. Very lethargic and drawn. I had a pupcorn in my pocket which has been his favorite treats since he was a puppy. He took it in his mouth but wouldnt eat it. I was told later he ate it.

They told me yesterday that i could likely pick him up today. Well, this morning the vet called and said he hasnt improved like they like as his heart rate is still high and the fluid has not dissipated enough. His kidney numbers were fine so they are going to increase the Furosemide.

The pain I am feeling right now is greater than anything I've ever felt. I am not going to be selfish as I am prepared to let him go if his quality of life is no longer good. He's lived a fantastic life with me and he's had a great 13 years and 3 months on this planet.

With this sadness I can certainly understand now why so many former dog owners decide to never get a dog again as the pain is so great. I havent stopped crying today and it's been tough since Thursday. When I left my vet Thursday I was so broken up that I couldnt compose myself to sign the VISA receipt and then get on the hour long drive to LSU. Luckily my girl friend demanded that she meet me so that she could drive me to Baton Rouge.

I live alone and the last two days have been horrible. I work from home as well so I am used to him being near me. I miss his sounds as he scratches or walks on my wood floor. I go into the kitchen and I see his dog treats and his bowls on the floor. I go into my bedroom and I see his crate on the side of my bed. His dog bed in the front foyer. It's all so sad.

I'm dreading the call for them to tell me that he just has not responded to treatment and it's time to put him down. I'm holding out hope and I will do anything for a few more months with him, but if he's in pain and his quality of life will not be there, then i will not be selfish.

My love for Tucker is greater than anything I've ever known and I've been so blessed to have him in my life.

I wish i could stop crying.

 
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#2 ·
Welcome Mike, I can feel your pain. Yeah the downside of owning a pet. I wish you two the best and please feel free to share with us., even if it is so sad. Hugs to both of you.
 
#3 ·
Oh Mike, I'm so sorry to hear this. Our little furbabies are such a part of our life that we love them as much as if they were our children - and they really are! I will be praying for Tucker but I know you will do what it best for the little guy when the time comes.
 
#13 ·
Oh, I am so sorry Mike. Your story definitely brought tears to my eyes. Pet are more than pets, but part of the family. I have been there with a few of my pets as they took their last breath. the only things that got me through it was they were no longer suffering and that they weren't alone when they passed. I know that everyone on this forum sends you big hugs. :grouphug:
 
#15 ·
Hello everyone, my first post here



Mike, I feel your pain and your story brings back sad memories for me. I got my first Hav, Bailey, in 1996 and another, Tyler, in 1997. In March of 2010, I noticed that during and after our usual walks, Bailey was panting. Our walks weren't brisk or long and it wasn't hot or even warm yet at that time of the year, so I was on guard. Then in April, he began to cough. My medical background was telling me that this was probably congestive heart failure. I took him to his vet and after examining him, she felt that his heart was okay and that it could just be seasonal allergies as he did suffer from those. She suggesting keeping an eye on him and keep her posted. After a while, his cough seemed to subside, so all seemed good. Then in June, he started up with a cough again, although it was different that the other cough that he had. One Sunday morning, on June 5th, I took the two dogs for their walk first thing in the morning, then groomed them and brushed their teeth. As I was putting away the grooming tools, Bailey started to walk toward me, staggered and collapsed. He couldn't get up and was just looking at me as if to say, "please help me Mommy". I was so panicky. As I mentioned, it was a Sunday and his vet was not working so my husband and I rushed him to the local emergency care facility. I held him in my lap on the way there and he continued to look at me for help. They examined him, did all kinds of tests and xrays and mentioned that his chest was filled with fluid. Something that I had suspected. They aspirated the fluid and he immediately felt better, however, had to stay overnight to see the cardiologist the next morning. We were to it was best to go home and they would give us updates. I was extremely upset and cried all the way home and at bome, just like you are doing. At 5:55 pm, I got a call telling me that Bailey had collapsed again. I told her we we would come right over. By the time we grabbed the car keys and were heading out the door, she called again and asked permission to put him down as he couldn't breathe and she didn't want him to suffer. I told her that it would take us only 20 minutes to get there, but she said that he would be suffering during that time and, of course, one of us wanted that. It was the hardest decision I've had to make as I wouldn't be there with him and he was truly my Velcro boy, by my side always. Also, like you, I worked from home and was with my dogs constantly. We saw him after the fact, but I couldn't stop crying and beating myself up as I wasn't there to hold him when he finally left this earth adter 15 wonderul years. I still haven't gotten over it and it's been over a year and a half. I know i never will. His ashes are here with me and he will go with me when I go. Sorry to go on and on, Mike, but you opened the flood gates for me. Your story seemed like mine all over again. I am praying for you and Tucker and hope that ther is a miracle for you. Time does heal, although it doesn't seem as though it will ever happen. It takes months and months of crying and you will never forget but, eventually, you will have great memories and will go on. My heart goes out to you as I've been through it too. Hang in there and try to be brave.
 
#17 ·
Mike, I feel your pain and your story brings back sad memories for me. I got my first Hav, Bailey, in 1996 and another, Tyler, in 1997. In March of 2010, I noticed that during and after our usual walks, Bailey was panting. Our walks weren't brisk or long and it wasn't hot or even warm yet at that time of the year, so I was on guard. Then in April, he began to cough. My medical background was telling me that this was probably congestive heart failure. I took him to his vet and after examining him, she felt that his heart was okay and that it could just be seasonal allergies as he did suffer from those. She suggesting keeping an eye on him and keep her posted. After a while, his cough seemed to subside, so all seemed good. Then in June, he started up with a cough again, although it was different that the other cough that he had. One Sunday morning, on June 5th, I took the two dogs for their walk first thing in the morning, then groomed them and brushed their teeth. As I was putting away the grooming tools, Bailey started to walk toward me, staggered and collapsed. He couldn't get up and was just looking at me as if to say, "please help me Mommy". I was so panicky. As I mentioned, it was a Sunday and his vet was not working so my husband and I rushed him to the local emergency care facility. I held him in my lap on the way there and he continued to look at me for help. They examined him, did all kinds of tests and xrays and mentioned that his chest was filled with fluid. Something that I had suspected. They aspirated the fluid and he immediately felt better, however, had to stay overnight to see the cardiologist the next morning. We were to it was best to go home and they would give us updates. I was extremely upset and cried all the way home and at bome, just like you are doing. At 5:55 pm, I got a call telling me that Bailey had collapsed again. I told her we we would come right over. By the time we grabbed the car keys and were heading out the door, she called again and asked permission to put him down as he couldn't breathe and she didn't want him to suffer. I told her that it would take us only 20 minutes to get there, but she said that he would be suffering during that time and, of course, one of us wanted that. It was the hardest decision I've had to make as I wouldn't be there with him and he was truly my Velcro boy, by my side always. Also, like you, I worked from home and was with my dogs constantly. We saw him after the fact, but I couldn't stop crying and beating myself up as I wasn't there to hold him when he finally left this earth adter 15 wonderul years. I still haven't gotten over it and it's been over a year and a half. I know i never will. His ashes are here with me and he will go with me when I go. Sorry to go on and on, Mike, but you opened the flood gates for me. Your story seemed like mine all over again. I am praying for you and Tucker and hope that ther is a miracle for you. Time does heal, although it doesn't seem as though it will ever happen. It takes months and months of crying and you will never forget but, eventually, you will have great memories and will go on. My heart goes out to you as I've been through it too. Hang in there and try to be brave.
I'm sorry to hear about your Bailey. Yes, Tucker is similar to his situation but Tucker never collapsed. He would just cough and cough. For almost a year my vet said, "those little dogs have small trachea and as they get older it gets worse".. Well, I would like to know how long his CHF went un diagnosed.

We all see the lifespan in the description of Havanese and we all want ours to be on the maximum end. Over the last year I have wondered which diagnosis is the best one to die from for a dog. CHF might be one of the better ones from what I've seen as I've been able to keep him comfortable with Furosemide, Enalapril and Pimobendan. Sure, we all want them to die of "natural causes" in their sleep but ive got three veterinarian friends and I've talked with all of them in the past few days and they all say that doent happen anymore. We are all too keen on our dogs and when something isnt right we are on our way to the vet.

Tucker is a hearty Havanese. When he was under 10 years old he sometimes got as heavy as 17 pounds.... and I only fed him once a day. He's been right at 15 for the last three or four years. He's had the best dog food and he's gotten only healthy people food from my plate.

Everyone who has come in contact with me in the past 13 years adores him. I cant go anywhere without people asking about him. He has never met a stranger. My facebook page is full of his pictures and he's entertained a lot of people.

I sure hope to have him for a few more months at least. My affection is likely to be what kills him if i'm able to bring him home for one last stretch of life.
 
#18 ·
Mike, I'm so sorry you are going through this. It is so hard... I have a Tucker, aged 6, and I could hardly bear to read your post. Your Tucker is a very handsome boy, and it is so clear how much you love him.

Please keep us posted.
 
#19 ·
Don't give up on Tucker! My Havanese was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and when we first brought her to the animal hospital, she spent several nights in oxygen and they were able to stabilize her (get the heart rate/breathing rate down, fluid off) with medication. I was so surprised to bring her home! They said she would probably be with us for another 3-6 months but she stayed with us for well over a year - yes, they had to tweak the medicines/add a few over time and monitor her kidneys to make sure they were not compromised by the heart medicines.

It was difficult to read your post because I felt everything you are feeling - Tucker is obviously a well-cared for, well-loved little guy!

Hang in there and please keep us posted.
 
#20 ·
Leigh, the Cardiologist said that he was amazed that Tucker hadnt had his medication tweaked since last June when he was first diagnosed. He said if he got through this episode, the dosage would be increased of Furosemide (he currently takes one 12.5 mg tablet twice a day) plus the other two drugs.. and now he's got Atrial Fibrillation which would require an additional drug to be added. He told me if he got through this maybe another 3 to six months. This morning he said his prognosis isnt as good as what he gave Thursday night.
 
#22 ·
Bailey went to Tufts Animal Hospital on several occasions and came home every time after a few days, to my amazement. She was up to 2 (12.5) tablets of furosemide, 2x a day and a small dosage of torsemide midday. As the disease progressed, they were able to manage the symptoms by tweaking her medications. It sometimes felt like more to manage, but it worked and was worth it. I can tell that you very dedicated to Tucker and will do what you need to do to help him stay comfortable.

Stay strong! I truly know how hard it is.
 
#23 ·
Please know my heart & prayers are with you. It's so hard to go through this - like Kathie said, they are truly like our children. We've lost our golden & 2 labs in the last few years, each time we were with them when they left us. Absolutely breaks your heart. Pan is only 3 so I'm hoping for many more years with my sweet girl. God speed, please keep us posted on how things go....
 
#24 ·
I, too had a hard time reading your post...had to leave and come back again to finish. Can't read Mary's post, as I already fear the puffy eyes I'll be going to work with tomorrow. You're post takes me back to my many losses over the years. I pray you and Tucker are given many more months together!
 
#25 ·
So sorry Mike, It's so tough when these little guys we love so much are in pain and we are losing them. We lost a Maltese mix over 2 yrs ago. He was only 4 1/2. He suddenly started getting sick and we thought it may be bad inner ear infection. He was finally diagnosed with GME and after 6mths and $4,000 we had to put him down. Hardest thing ever! Then a year ago we had to put down 14 yr old Golden Retriever which was my husband first dog of his own. He had lived a good long life especially for a Golden but it was still really hard. Also a really bad end that I won't get into, but we still have to beat ourselves up over because we didn't let him go sooner. We still miss him so much.. Hopefully you will get some more quality time with Tucker! Nothing can make it easier you just have to get through it..Loving Dogs and the joy they bring to our lives is very special. I can't ever imagine my life without a dog or even a few of them. The sad fact is they just don't live very long. I know there is some great profound quote out there that would be about this but I don't know it..lol.. Other than that I really don't know how to put it into great words why we put ourselves through this horrid pain over and over again..ugh! My prayers and good thoughts are with you and handsome Tucker!

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#26 ·
So sad.... remember the good memories. He is a beautiful Hav and he has lived a long life, only you can say when the time is right to end his suffering. We are here for you for support. Our prayers are with you. Lots of hugs coming your way.
 
#27 ·
oh Mike and all who post here, it is just so hard to go through this. I have lost many dogs but there is something about these Havanese that totally steals your heart. I can't bear the thought of loosing Atticus. I think you get through it, not over it and it is such a hard time. We love and are loved so deeply that it's hard for others to understand the pain of it. You have obviously given your all for Tucker and whether its sooner or later I'm sending bigs hugs and understanding! I'm also glad to hear you have a girlfriend to hug! Tucker has the sweetest face and huggable little body ever! So sorry
 
#35 ·
Hi everyone my first post here



Oh, Mike, I have tears in my eyes and am so sorry. This makes me so very sad for both you and Tucker. Thank God you will have the chance to be with him and hold him close when it's time to say goodbye. It's going to be one of the hardest things you will ever have to do, but you will go on. It takes a long time to get over something like this, but most of us have been through it before and time does heal. You will never forget him and just know that you gave him a great life and all your love. My prayers are with you as you embark on this sad journey. Please stay in touch with us as I think it will help you. Glad you reached out to us in your time of need.
 
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