Briefly regarding Remington, he’s given us a couple of scares but the prognosis is still for a treatable immune mediated disease. This afternoon he had a transfusion for a lagging red blood cell count, which in many ways is expected and not the bad news that it seems. Clinically apart from a brief infection that he reacted badly to, he’s bright eyed, alert, and issues like blood in his urine are beginning to clear up. We simply await his body to react to the treatment and begin creating platelets to bring him home for treatment.
Alongside that we’ve received some comments about putting Remington down or spending so much on his treatment that Rochelle I think addressed best on her facebook page. Here are her words:
I’d like to put forth the issue of putting Remy down at this point – It’s been brought up to us multiple times from friends and family. I understand their concern, but let me tell you…we have been through this. We will NOT let our pets suffer because of our own selfish reasons of keeping them alive. There are several factors: financial, quality of life, and age.
We are blessed to be in a position that ER expenses are not an issue. Secondly, Remy is not at a stage of tremendous suffering (yes, his body has been through a lot, but he has given us NO indication that he is in severe pain or suffering). Thirdly, he is 1 1/2 years old.
Prognosis is good for the most part – Auto Immune-Mediated Disease is treatable. We just have to get him to a point where he responds to medication. If, for any reason, he is not respondent to treatment…then yes, we will visit the option of letting him go. We are not there yet, and it’s way too early to tell (he’s only been through this one week). What we ask is that our friends and family respect that Remy and we will be the best judge of when it’s time. In the meantime, we appreciate continued support, prayers, and positive thoughts.
We’ve received tremendous support from friends and family. From fans of the Major Nelson Podcast, to my Twitter followers, to the gang at Xbox (especially my enforcers), to friends at Harmonix and fellow w00tstock and jococruise performers. Remy’s not out of the woods yet so we still need good thoughts, but thank you all so very very much.
Remy is family man, no clue why people would jump to “put him down” but I am with you and the missus, exhaust all options before that part of the conversation ever gets broached. Be well good sir, the Wilson’s are certainly pulling for you and the family during this tough go.
Ditto what Terrence said. It never even occurred to me that you might put him down…I’m so sorry that it did occur to others. You’ll all know when (and if) it’s time.
Hang in there :-) Sending good thoughts your way!
Hang in there Remy! You too Stepto, I’m sure everything is going to be just fine.
Hang in there guys Remy is fighting, and he knows you guys are fighting for him too!. Years back, I had to take the decision to put my dog down, she was poisoned and survived, she lost her sight but was OK; the problems came when the kidneys begun to fail and she started to suffer. The decision was hard but she was at peace at the end! Keep fighting!!!
You are very lucky that you can afford to do all that. That said, so is Remy and if you can, I say go for it. Suffering is different from being sick. Sick can be fixed, suffering cant.
Since your vet techs say they are surprised Remy is sick since he is so darn happy, I say you are making the right choice! Good luck and keep up the updates!!
You are very lucky that you can afford to do all that. That said, so is Remy and if you can, I say go for it. Suffering is different from being sick. Sick can be fixed, suffering cant.
Since your vet techs say they are surprised Remy is sick since he is so darn happy, I say you are making the right choice! Good luck and keep up the updates!!
I cannot believe that anyone would even suggest that you put
Remy down. If he was suffering, in pain, or you were keeping him alive for you
then yes, a decision like that should be made. I went through the same thing w/
friends and family over my Siamese several years ago. People just don’t get it.
Animals aren’t just pets. They are family members and deserve the same care
that you would give to anybody. The reason vet bills are so high is they pay
the same amount to go to vet school as an MD. In fact, an extra couple of years
of residency in a hospital most would be people doctors. The medical equipment and
most medications that are used is the same used on people and just because it
is for animals doesn’t make it any cheaper. The equipment alone is tens of
thousands of dollars. Not that you need validation from me, but you are doing
the right thing for Remy. His medical problems are treatable, he isn’t
suffering, he is a very young dog, and to put him down would be irresponsible
if you can afford the treatments. He deserves the same care as any family
member would. He is after all, one of your “kids”…he just happens
to wear a fur coat year around. Remy is in my prayers.
Keep on fighting Remy!
How can people expect to put down the animal you love if you might be able to save him :(. You just don’t put down family. I think it would be worse if you didn’t try all you can.
Hope Remy will soon be well and wagging his tail all over the house.