Wednesday, July 02, 2008

The Ugly, The Bad And The Good

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has either left a comment or sent me a personal email regarding Brie. I didn't get a chance to download my emails until late this afternoon and it was such a warm feeling to hear from you all. I can't even begin to tell you how much it meant to me! It was like one ginormous hug. So here is what we know...

The ugly ~ the vet rang early this morning to inform me that Brie's condition had deteriorated overnight and DH and I were faced with some difficult decisions :o( She had pretty much lost the mobility in her hind legs, an indication that pressure was not being taken off of her spinal cord as he had hoped would happen. DH and I were faced with three choices. One, we could keep medicating her in hopes that things would turn around 'but' if things suddenly got even worse, there would be little or no time for surgery. Two, we could take Brie to the University in PEI and have them operate on her but this would be a 'very' costly decision. And three, we could do nothing and just put her to sleep.

The bad ~ since option three wasn't even an option, we gathered more information on option one and two. It was finally decided that option two was the best for Brie so within half an hour, we were packed and driving towards the island. I had told DH that I had always wanted to cross the Confederation Bridge but not under these circumstances :oS I sat in the backseat with Brie the whole way. In order to calm her, we had to take the top off her kennel and I rubbed her ears until she relaxed enough to rest. I was so scared to move her but this worked out well. So now she's in the hands of the doctors in PEI, three hours away from us. She is scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning as long as the preliminary test goes well.

The good ~ DH and I love her doctor. We were both very comfortable with him and he seems very nice. After he examined Brie, he came and talked to us. He stated that she still has good pain sensory in her hind legs, which is good. She also has good muscle tone and is not overweight and that bodes well for her as well. He seemed very positive about the outcome, although as we all know, there are never any guarantees. DH and I both know she is in the best place even though we are so far from her right now.

So as of now, I won't know any more until after her surgery tomorrow morning. The vet will call as soon as he can afterwards and update me. We're not sure just when we can go and pick Brie up so that is why we elected to come home. It might be Saturday but it might be Monday, they weren't sure.

I'm trying to keep a positive attitude but part of me is scared to just because I do know reality and reality states that anything can go wrong at any time. We only want what's best for Brie and we're not going to make her suffer any more than she has to. It just breaks my heart because she is so confused as to what is going on. She tries so hard to come to you but her hind end won't allow her :o( Like I said, she's a trooper and therefore a fighter so I taught her well.

19 comments:

Velda said...

More hugs headed your way....please let us know as soon as you do, how Brie is. Thinking of all of you

Jennifer said...

Of course, I am sending PLENTY of good wishes to you and Brie for a safe, uneventful, and most importantly, successful surgery. Having a doctor you can trust makes a huge difference, and I am definitely hoping for the best.

I know it's hard, but try to relax and stay calm. Remind yourself that you are doing the very best you can for her, and that's all you can do. Hang in there, I know it's hard!!!

Kendra said...

Major (((HUGS))) for you and Brie right now. Here's hoping she does well with the surgery!

Anonymous said...

Sending good thoughts your way!!

Iris said...

Big hugs umpkin for you and Brie.
I hope surgery goes well !!!

Chiloe said...

Lots of hugs to you hoping everything goes well ;-)

(((((((((hugs)))))))))))

Ginnie said...

She is in good hands, hope all goes well. I know it is hard because you can't explain to them!

WendyCarole said...

Got everything crossed for Brie. Will be thinking of her send you all more hugs

Anonymous said...

{{HUGE HUGS}} I hope all goes well, and sending *get better wishes* to Brie
Hugs Rachael

Faith Ann said...

Will be thinking of Brie (and you) this morning. I hope the surgery is successful and she's back home where she belongs *very* soon!

Sue said...

I'm sorry to hear about Brie. My sister had a dachshund/chihauhau mix who had the same thing happen. They did surgery on her and although she lost the ability to move her hind legs she lived for another 6 or 7 years a very happy dog. Even though she dragged her hind end around she would still play and was just....happy. The dog adjusted very quickly and my sister and her husband very quickly adjusted because of the dog's attitude. I do hope your dog will be okay and be able to walk after the surgery, but if she can't she may still be able to live a very happy life once every one has adjusted to the disability.

Mary Ann said...

You and DH must be so worried. You are all still in my thoughts and prayers.

(((HUGS)))

Jenn said...

I'll keep Brie in my thoughts today. Big hugs and lots of love to all of you.

Tammy said...

Sending you more hugs for wee Brie. Praying all works out with her surgery and recovery.

If only love were enough to take away the pain Brie would be right as rain. Sending her some sweet kisses.

Lori said...

AAaawww... Your doing the best for her and we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Carolyn said...

Cathey,
Sorry to hear about Brie...

I hope everything goes well with her surgery.


Please let us know how she is...

Try not to worry but I know that is a hard thing to do but I think you and hubby made the right choice...

Take care

Sharon said...

Sending lots of prayers for you all!{{{hugs}}}

Karen said...

awwww Cathey at least she is in the best place even if you and DH can't stay with her

Hugs to you all

Alberta said...

I will be keeping you, your DH and Brie in my thoughts and prayers. It sounds like you got a very caring doctor for her - you are doing the very best you can for your furry friend!

Take care Cathey!