[RIP] Cushion, 10Dog Talks

We let our Japanese Spitz, Cushion go yesterday. He suffered from kidney failure - I’m guessing from a combination of too many operations under general anaesthesia and diet choices.

Cushion had a history of abscesses and we decided to operate on some of them. We weren’t properly informed that the operations would have negative effects on the kidney, until his latest operation three months ago. That was the most required operation as he had several mouth abscesses and had to extract some teeth out.

At the same time, my family loved to give Cushion treats. I really regretted not being firmer and giving into their pressure, and being away from him in the middle of his life for uni. Maybe if I had been here his diet could’ve been controlled better.

Cushion’s abscesses did not get better post-op and the swelling continued. They couldn’t drain it out because his creatine was too high and he couldn’t undergo another operation. His creatine level was at 13 and the vets said it was astonishing to see Cushion still being a normal dog despite the high levels. He still had good appetite and was walking. They couldn’t give an estimate of his lifespan. Cushion lived another 3 months.

Cushion continued doing very well. We gave him supplements daily and subcutaneous fluids twice daily. He always slept through the fluids and even shifted to lie on his side. It’s so silly to think that he was so comfy with the fluids.

Ultimately the kidney issues caused blood circulation to lower and his red blood cell count lowered. He was weaker and although still keen to go out, couldn’t walk for long. In the last 2 weeks he deteriorated and stopped going for walks. He still went potty by himself. He was usually a very independent doggo, only coming into our rooms if there was air conditioning, but the last few weeks he would come in of his own accord and sleep.

Last Monday he suddenly deteriorated very badly. He sat by us and was very uncomfortable. He couldn’t lie down to sleep, and was gasping everytime he moved up or down. He was so tired and wanted someone to be near him at all times. On Sunday, there was a thunderstorm and he ran and barked his heart out. But on Wednesday morning, he could only sit and watch the storm.

We brought him to the vet on Tuesday and Wednesday, where the blood panel revealed the low blood count and also that there was fluid surrounding his kidneys and abdomen. They aspirated him and the fluid was clear. They suspected white blood cell fluid, from cancer as they were unable to diagnose the mouth abscesses. It was too many issues and too little time for us to do anything.

Cushion could breathe better after aspiration. We took him home and fed him a good last meal of cheeseburger from Mac Donald’s, and talked to him. He finished the burger despite his condition. We talked to him for an hour and then brought him back. My parents didn’t stay for the euthanasia but I accompanied him. It felt fitting to be the last to see him go as I was the one who first met him.

He went very quickly and peacefully, it felt like not even two breaths before I saw him go. It looked like he was sleeping and could wake up any second. Vet said after that it was the right decision and that he went without a struggle, he probably knew it was time.

We cremated him today. It was very beautiful and he was laid with his flowers and his favourite snacks. It still looked like he was just resting for a while. I shook him gently to try to wake him up before they took him away. Maybe it was a bad dream.

He was the best doggo, very calm, independent, and the softest and loveliest smelling ever and the greatest cat lover. I miss petting him and smelling him and his footsteps and just hearing him plop down to sleep and snore. I miss touching his legs and paws and snout and ears as he slept. Rest in peace Cushion, I will miss everything about you and will love you forever.

Submitted November 05, 2020 at 12:47PM by addehhh https://ift.tt/3l75SG3