Lots of news: #1. Riley- Here's my conclusions and the email I sent to Lea & Dr. May (our new Vet)Hi Dr. May,
After monitoring Riley’s water intake for the last 5 days, I’ve found he’s not drinking more than 2 Liters a day. I’d like to postpone doing anything else at this time. I need to spend more time with him and allow him to get over his grieving of my husband… spending more time with Riley will help me too. What I do realize is we’re thankful to have found a new Vet. that cares.
Dearest Lea;
OK after the ultrasound and the urine culture and a lengthy conversation with Dr. May:
1. rule out kidney infection
2. not Cushings disease unless very rare- atypical
3. normal adrenal glands
4. nodules in liver are well defined- not suspect- benign - liver size is normal
Next is what you suggested: measure water intake and take a tsp. of urine in for testing each day for 3 days as I taper his water intake after the initial 3 days of measuring intake. Warning: too quickly reducing water intake could precipitate death. i think I’m into this...
Also suggested: see Int. Med. Specialists- board certified
Also biopsy & x-ray lungs to rule out cancer
Now after lots of introspection and after my experience with doing anything and everything conceivable to save Tracy; I’m reluctant to continue doing anything. Riley is very comfortable altho’ I think he’s grieving and has been grieving T and the vet agrees that his excessive water intake may be psychogenic polydypsia and this could rule out central diabetes insipidus. If so, my question remains what about his quality of life? while we put him through all this stuff - he was not himself last night after spending the day at the vet’s office and being shaved etc. I feel that had we known that T only had 3 months left T would have elected to be home - walking on the beach rather than being tortured for 3 months. Ry has puppy like energy and loves his walks on the beach and seems to be happy so, do I really want to pursue all this? Is this just me being too nuts?
So, I've elected to just let Riley, the wonder dog, be. He gave me a scare last night- acted like he'd had a stroke or at least a bad muscle cramp with nightmares. I made him comfortable, he drank a little water and walked with him 'til he was able to rest comfortably while I massaged him. Oh my boy...
#2 Rentals: I am oh so grateful to be able to have gotten them back into shape - still some exterior painting and repairing to do but later, once I've gotten some income. I've found some wonderful helpers in the interim and I'm very grateful for that. I just hired a Property Manager (a Realtor I've known for about 10 years) and if 105 isn't rented by May 1st to a responsible party of 6 max; I'll sell the duplex. Finally, a decision!!!
#3. MRI yesterday on my knee. Meet with the Ortho Fri. Physical therapy 2x a week started last week. May need arthroscopic surgery on a torn meniscus. We'll see.
#4. Getting back to living the life I have now. I feel very lonely at times but I just read something that reminded me that I traveled alone for most of my life. Just have to get out there. There's so much to see and do and I just have to seize the moment... carpe diem... one step at a time....
Thank you all of my dear friends and family for supporting me through this tragic loss. I know you are mourning him and our shared lives too, in your own way. I am soo grateful for your presence in my life...
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