Abbe’s Story by Sharon Keele Buffington
Abbe was almost 6 years old and for most of her life enjoyed chasing squirrels, moles, bees/flies and anything else that moved. She had 8 acres around house and 12 acres with pond --- both fenced. She had it all to herself and was in Boykin heaven. Abbe was so eager to chase. She had a bad habit of jumping off the golf cart or she would jump out of the backseat of the truck.
Several times when she laid down on the floor I would hear her groan. (clue: should have been checked earlier).
Her back left leg started to go limp and could not use it running but it didn't stop her. She would drag it. Few days later she began having problems with both back legs.
On 4/27, when she went to the Vet, she had to be carried inside. After the exam and x-rays they let her walk out. She was not one who enjoyed going to Vet. She had separation anxiety too and was really ready to go home. They gave us medications for her. Gave referral to VCA vet but after discussion with Thomson vet we decided to give her a few days with the meds as they had prescribed. While taking the meds, she had problems with bowels and vomiting. She continued being sick and not improving.
On 4/29, we took her to Columbia SC for appointment at VCA. They took her in for an examination (see report from VCA, Dr. Draper). The neurologist advised to continue meds and bring her back for further tests and possible surgery if she got worse.
On 5/1 since she had not gotten better and she was having a hard time with the meds, we took her back the Wester Vet Clinic in Thomson. Dr. D. Wiley was there and reviewed Abbe's situation. He advised to discontinue meds except Gabapentin. She would not eat or drink. Legs were lame and we had to carry her outside. She would not leave her sleeping chair. I sat with her all night.
On the morning of 5/2/2020, she passed away.
We had no real understanding of what had happened to bring her to this. In some ways we are not sure the meds didn't damage her internal organs due to level prescribed.
Things that could help prevent:
Get pet insurance so finances would not be a concern!
Get DNA testing done to see if dog has inherited genes of IVDD or related diseases.
Know meds being given -- why needed -- side effects
Watch how dog hits the ground/pavement/floor -- correct if necessary
Maintain good weight
Be aware of dog's pain level. Some don't whine (Abbe didn't).
I think of her daily with love, care and guilt. We loved her to the "moon and back".
Several times when she laid down on the floor I would hear her groan. (clue: should have been checked earlier).
Her back left leg started to go limp and could not use it running but it didn't stop her. She would drag it. Few days later she began having problems with both back legs.
On 4/27, when she went to the Vet, she had to be carried inside. After the exam and x-rays they let her walk out. She was not one who enjoyed going to Vet. She had separation anxiety too and was really ready to go home. They gave us medications for her. Gave referral to VCA vet but after discussion with Thomson vet we decided to give her a few days with the meds as they had prescribed. While taking the meds, she had problems with bowels and vomiting. She continued being sick and not improving.
On 4/29, we took her to Columbia SC for appointment at VCA. They took her in for an examination (see report from VCA, Dr. Draper). The neurologist advised to continue meds and bring her back for further tests and possible surgery if she got worse.
On 5/1 since she had not gotten better and she was having a hard time with the meds, we took her back the Wester Vet Clinic in Thomson. Dr. D. Wiley was there and reviewed Abbe's situation. He advised to discontinue meds except Gabapentin. She would not eat or drink. Legs were lame and we had to carry her outside. She would not leave her sleeping chair. I sat with her all night.
On the morning of 5/2/2020, she passed away.
We had no real understanding of what had happened to bring her to this. In some ways we are not sure the meds didn't damage her internal organs due to level prescribed.
Things that could help prevent:
Get pet insurance so finances would not be a concern!
Get DNA testing done to see if dog has inherited genes of IVDD or related diseases.
Know meds being given -- why needed -- side effects
Watch how dog hits the ground/pavement/floor -- correct if necessary
Maintain good weight
Be aware of dog's pain level. Some don't whine (Abbe didn't).
I think of her daily with love, care and guilt. We loved her to the "moon and back".