Roxie and pneumonia again

[pugaddiction]

Sadly Roxie developed aspirated pneumonia again on June 14th. I started her on antibiotics but unfortunately they did not work so on the 16th she had to be brought in for a round of iv antibiotics. My husband and I had to make the hard decision to leave her at the vet as we were leaving early in the morning for Las Vegas. We were taking our daughter and her boyfriend as a special trip to get her away. She was diagnosed with MS in March and we felt that since she was well at the moment she needed to get away. Thankfully my girlfriend was able to pick her up the next day and brought her home. We were away for the entire week but when we got home she was much better and so happy to see me. She is still on antibiotics but she sounds so much better. Right now we are feeding her ground up kibble mixed with water by hand. I am trying to do everything we can so she does not aspirate again. I only wish we knew what was causing the aspiration. Is she regurgitating her food, or is this a bacteria that just keeps growing. The only way we might be able to tell is if we put her under and have them give her a bronchoscopy. This is a 2500 - 3000 dollar bill and its not 100 percent that they will find anything. At 11 years I can't put her through this. I am very sad to say that we are going to have to make the decision very soon to let her go. I keep asking the dr.'s if we could just keep her on a serious of antibiotics but they do not agree. She does not have much time left with us an I just want to make it as comfortable as possible for her. She is such a happy dog, her tail is always wagging, she loves her food and adores me. How can I make such a decision when she is so happy. Her vet bills have really taken its toll on us, this past one was $1000.00 for the overnight stay and iv. I am afraid that when it happens again and I know it will that we won't have the money to pay for it. How is Eddie going to be if he is alone with out his mate? I wish there was more that we could do for her. I know that not a lot of people would have done what we have done for her but it still makes me very sad. I am angry that her previous owners never cared for her the way she needed and allowed her to live for so long not being able to breath properly, and to continue to breed her knowing that she was not well. I can't imagine the pain she must have been in.
Sorry I have gone on here, this is my place to vent and be sad. Any suggestions are always welcome.
Roxie and I thank you for listening to us.

[LilyFayre]

So very sorry to hear about Roxie. I don’t have any experience of this so can’t give you any other advice other than to follow your heart in this as to what is best for both Roxie and just as importantly yourself.

It never gets any easier when we have to face situations like this, but try to keep your mind focussed on the present and enjoying the time that you and Roxie have together, rather than the “what ifs” and take each day one at a time.

I’ll be thinking of you and Roxie

[Tinker's mom]

No advice other than to follow your heart and love her while she's here.

[Rugbysmom]

I'm keeping you & Roxie in my thoughts & prayers! It is very hard when our babies get old! Have you tried PM'ing Lisa (6 Beautiful Pugs)? Or you can contact her on her facebook page.....She has so much experience & has always been so helpful whenever any of us have had problems with our babies...…

A few years ago when Rugby got very sick, I ended up taking her over to WSU to the veterinary college. They did every test you could think of--MRI, CT Scan, bronchoscopy, lung lavage, rhinososcopy…..the bill came to almost $1800 if I remember right, but that was for everything....I wonder if you could call around & see if you might be able to get the bronchoscopy for less.....however, like you said, it isn't 100% sure they would find the problem......they didn't with Rugby, & ended up putting her coughing & gagging problems down as allergic rhinitis.


Have you tried an elevated stainless steel eating bowl? Not sure if that would help or not, but might be worth a try.....Good luck & please keep us posted how she does. I'll be keeping her in my thoughts & prayers!

When the time does come (I hope not for a long time) Eddie *might* do better than you think.....I know some pairs are very closely bonded, but in my own experience, my dogs have adjusted fine when we've lost their best friends......

[ayleash]

hugs to you all... love is so hard to give and sort out.

[Lu Ci and Ri Ki]

I'm so sorry you and Roxie are going through this again. I will be praying for healing for Roxie and wisdom for you as you make decisions. Pug hugs to you.

[Wonka & Nilla]

SO sorry to read this.
Keeping you and Roxie in my thoughts and sending positive vibes.

[GordonBrunoPugMom]

In the US you can use Care credit to pay for pets as well. I am not sure if you have something like that ?
When my Dachshund got cancer I knew it was time when he stopped looking for a mouse or squirrel. You will know when it's time. Me and my husband knew. I wonder if he in a sense told us?
Dogs go through grieving just like people . It's individual on how long. A few month or even years for some. They will adjust to a new companion and the relationship will be different from what it was before. Gordon I believe, just now 1 year later is getting over missing our Gustl and getting closer to Bruno ( or not )
You got all the support here and prayers as well.

[shaynapug]

I'm so sorry you're going through this!!! Rugbysmom gave some good advice! I'd contact Lisa for ideas!!!

Sending positive thoughts that you still have good times ahead!

[Suri]

Sending prayers, but like Diane said, you are on FB, contact Lisa.