Sophie, the Chinese Pug has crossed The Bridge

[Harley PoMMom]

Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. Good luck on Thursday, keep us updated!

[Squirt's Mom]

The roads around my house were icy this morning and our vet is about 30 minutes away thru twisty back county roads so I rescheduled for this afternoon. I'll let ya'll know what I learn when we get back.

She has continued to be her usual self...maybe a bit more clingy but she's been that way since surgery so I'm not sure where that's really coming from.

[labblab]

Stay safe, Leslie!! We’ll be so anxious to hear what you find out.

[Harley PoMMom]

I'm here too, waiting patiently!! Good luck and be safe!!

[Squirt's Mom]

We're home with new meds and new diagnoses. yay

Doc said she had what sounds like a mini seizure since it didn't last long. He sent us home with Gabapentin 100mg to be given twice a day. He said that was the mildest, gentlest drug to start with. If she continues to have them and they get worse the med will change. As for what may have caused it...he's not sure BUT her BUN has gone up 18 pts in two weeks. From 25mg/dl to 44mg/dl and the CREA from 0.9mg/dl to 1.5 mg/dl. BUN/CREA is 29 and it was 29 last lab work as well - that didn't change. He said if the BUN had shot up quickly that could have precipitated the seizure but since weather prevented her being seen Monday when it happened he can't be sure that's what happened. But with the adrenals impaired it would certainly be possible.

Her CI went from 112 mmol/l to 108 mmol/l during the same time frame, normal range 109-122. Most of her other values actually improved from the last labs.

Her NA (sodium) was 152mmol/l and today it was 157 mmol/l with normal range 144-160; K (potassium) was 5.4 mmol/l and today it was 5.7 mmol/l with normal range of 3.5-5.8 mmol/l.

In addition to the Gabapentin, I came home with syringes and Percorten-V. So starting Monday I will be giving her one injection, 7.2mg, every 25-28 days instead of using the Fludrocortisone. Doc felt this would provide more consistent control and be easier on her. I'm willing to give it a try for sure. So Sunday she takes the last Fludrocortisone and Monday will be the first injection with the second one on March 1st. She will go in to have the electrolytes checked shortly after the second injection.

So now we can add a seizure disorder and probable kidney disease to the list of issues Sophie is dealing with. The kidneys will be checked in March as well and if the CREA is higher the SDMA will be run to verify KD.

I told her she was teaching me lots of new things in her old age but it was time to STOP, I am content with the knowledge I have currently.

[Harley PoMMom]

Sweet Sophie is teaching us all!! The gabapentin may make her sleepy, I know when I first started taking it I felt drowsy. Wishing you both lots of luck and sending huge loving hugs. Keep us updated, please!!

[labblab]

So glad you’re both safely home!

[Squirt's Mom]

Unfortunately my precious Sophie continued to decline over the last few months. Sunday was my sign that it was Time. I woke them all up to go outside to potty as usual but instead of going out the door, Soph turned and went behind my recliner. As I was trying to get her turned she threw her head back and started screaming at the top of her lungs then lost control of her bowels and bladder. She had no idea where she was, who was touching her or why, and she was absolutely terrified.

So this morning my sweet Sophie took her last ride to the vet. She was tired. Her bones hurt. Her mind had slipped sideways causing her to experience fear and confusion. She could barely smell, hear or see. So That Day has come. I promised her I would not let her suffer and she was getting very close to the day when that was all she could expect. So it was Time.

There are no words in the English language to express the amount of pure simple joy Sophie has brought into our home. She has been our clown, the one who can always make you laugh no matter how bad you feel. The one who exhibited unbounded joy and excitement over the littlest of things...such as a frog in a puddle or a big buzzing June bug or the teeniest of treats or a guest in our home (who, of course, had come just to see her!).

Now my Sophie is whole of body and mind once again. She was greeted by all her brothers and sisters from both homes who have gone before...Moe, Jessie, Brick, Trinket, Squirt all of them. I believe Gia was there and Sophie's Grandma Betty as well. It's not possible to believe that there wasn't a whole crowd waiting on this special girl as she crossed The Bridge, tail once again curled over her back, yapping her weird bark in joy, and bouncing with renewed vigor. This is what I see happening for her...which it makes this so much easier to swallow.

I have been so very blessed to be her mom for a while.

Fly free, my precious angel, fly free. I will miss you so, Soapy-soap, but I will see you soon.

[labblab]

Oh Leslie. Upon reading your post, words are totally escaping me right now. But my heart is right here. With you, and honoring all your sweethearts. Your home has been Sophie’s safe haven, just as for so many others. Bless you, and bless Sophie, and bless all your angels. I am so, so sorry for your loss, Les. Wishing you comfort and sending you love. I will come back again when I’m able to write more. But until then, please know that my candle will be lit tonight for sweet Sophie. A flame of love and honor. To brighten her journey and to warm your own heart. Always in loving memory, my dear friend. Always.

Hugs, hugs, and more hugs,
Marianne

[Joan2517]

Dear Leslie,

I am so sorry for the loss of sweet Sophie. We are still getting over the loss of our sweet Doree Darling, and my heart aches for you. They are so loving and loyal to us and to lose them is a terrible thing.

Love,
Joan