That is wonderful news! Congratulations! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Dear Nancy,

This news about your girl being o.k. just made my day.

God Bless You And Your Girl Always,

Joyce M. Burrows

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Good for you and your dog. Hope all goes well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

OK It's been about a week since Belle' Amie' came home and today she seems to be having a "bad day" I just took her temp and it was 103 which is not to high but under the circumstances a real concern. I am calling my local vet to take blood work for a CVC and chemistry panel. This will be sent to Cornell University. They may want to begin a immunosupressive therapy which was suspended because of her drastic recovery on monday. I already have $6000.00 into my baby and am running out of money. If anyone has any advice or a similar experience please talk to me. My husband and I are going toe to toe on what to do and what decisions we are facing. She is only 4 years old and a very important part of our family. As you all who know and who have had a special love for a special animal this situation is tearing us apart. I shudder to think of putting her down because of financial problems but how far would be reasionable and how far would be false hope. I really need some imput from everyone who has ever owned a dog that would walk on water or hot coals for thier master. I still have two of her pups now 2 years old and spent hours training them in protection, agility, and tracking. Thier temperament surpasses any dogs in my area.These guys have given me a new direction and joy but without Belle' I just want to give up. Any prayers or words of encouragement any ideas or hope would be greatly appreciated. I have never loved or known a love so unconditionally as we have shared and don't know where these boundries are. I know many of you must have faced similar expierences so I'm turning to you for advice. Thanks

Nancy,

I just want to tell you that Belle' Amie wouldn't want anyone else but you at this moment. Seing your dedication as a responsible owner gives everyone a new shot of ambrosia. I believe she will tide over this challenge soon.

Nancy,

I just want to tell you that Belle' Amie wouldn't want anyone else but you at this moment. Seing your dedication as a responsible owner gives everyone a new shot of ambrosia. I believe she will tide over this challenge soon. In the meantime, take care of yourself too.

I reread my post and I do sound desperate and hesterical. I guess thats because I was. I do appreciate the encouragement as many of my friends and relatives are questioning how much is to much. We are traveling to Cornell tomarrow to begin a steroid treatment. My head tells me this is crazy but my heart, when I look at her, won't give up.The Dr.'s all agree this is a very rare condition and are curious as to the primary cause. They all agree on autoimmune and are at a loss when it comes to understanding the variety of symptoms, blood and chemistry levels. I do know she has a strong will to live. Hey it ain't over till its over and it ain't over yet! I'll keep you posted.

I've been in your shoes, and nobody can tell you how much money is too much or when to stop. Mine, at age 5, also developed what turned out to be an autoimmune disorder affecting all his joints. Developed pneumonia, couldn't get up, wouldn't eat...took months of tests and experimenting with all kinds of meds to get a diagnosis. He had to go to work with me everyday, be force fed, picked up to be able to relieve himself, etc etc. I know every one of my friends couldn't understand why I didn't put him down, put him out of his misery. Once we got him on steroids, he came around fairly quickly and lived another 6 yrs, with no more trouble from that particular problem. I sank a fortune into him, and my then-husband didn't agree with it, but it wasn't anyone's call but mine. And it was the right one. Hang in there.

Nancy, contact Carolann Hamilton

Canine Health and Nutrition Consultant

hamilton.carolann@warp.nfld.net


if anyone can help, she can. Good luck.

Nancy,

I sure hope things work out for you and your beloved dog. I spent close to $15,000 on my dog that had hip problems. I would do it all over again just to have her with me one more day. Keep us posted and continue to look into holistic solutions as well. One suggestion I would have is to put her on probiotics. Do you vaccinate your dog yearly? If so this could the reason the autoimmune problem is showing up. I hope all goes well for you and Belle. She is young and has many more great years to share with you.