12 Year old Bully, Ocelotl aka OZ is retaining water in the abdomen and the left side front and back ankle.

[Ocelotl]

I am blessed to have in my life a 12 year bulldog that I picked up when he was 3 months old. My family has taken very well care of our pride and joy of the family OZ. Three days ago he began to show signs of swelling in the left rear ankle. He eventually developed additional swelling around the front left ankle and a small edema was formed in the abdomen. He was immediately taken to the vet for an evaluation which he ended up admitted in attempt to control the water retention by draining the swollen areas. The vet finally informed us that he was being placed on diuretics and in observation. He was seen today by a highly recommended cardiologist where he underwent a batch of exams. I know I am grasping. He is 12 years old but never ever showed any signs of slowing down until this week. The cardiologist prescribed additional heart medication. He was diagnosed with a rare form of left sided heart failure. It just flared up out of nothing. As of last week he was running around the grass chewing on his favorite ball. I need to vent. I don't want him to suffer but the vet and cardiologist believe that taking care of him at home and his new strict diet has me crushed as a know the inevitable. He obviously hates his new medication and food. Have any of you had the same issue with your bully?

 

[Ocelotl]

 

[helsonwheels]

So sorry you’re all going through this ordeal. Extremely hard to understand how we can have a dog in top shape and just like that, diagnosis with issues without even a sign of “heads-up” Been there and still can’t understand how it can happen. Sadly EB has a very high pain tolerance and you don’t always see signs till last minute. At 12yrs old and always been fit, is extremely good for that breed. Yes, your dog is better at home with the ones he loves. What’s the difference between his regular diet and this new one? Just curious

 

[Ocelotl]

So sorry you’re all going through this ordeal. Extremely hard to understand how we can have a dog in top shape and just like that, diagnosis with issues without even a sign of “heads-up” Been there and still can’t understand how it can happen. Sadly EB has a very high pain tolerance and you don’t always see signs till last minute. At 12yrs old and always been fit, is extremely good for that breed. Yes, your dog is better at home with the ones he loves. What’s the difference between his regular diet and this new one? Just curious

Thank you for your reply. He was placed on hydrolyzed protein from a prior diet that addressed a prior skin infection. He refuses to eat the new food and I am feeding him smoked salmon, his favorite. I have to mix his heart medication in addition to diuretics and pain medication. I rather feed him something he enjoys as he has shown no interest in dry food. Thank god he remains able to drink water and go outside for a minute. I am truly blessed to still have him but his breathing is labored this morning and very lethargic which also stems from the plethora of medications he is for life. He was running around the block weeks ago and this hits. Thanks for your concern.

 

[Dmrock]

Thank you for your reply. He was placed on hydrolyzed protein from a prior diet that addressed a prior skin infection. He refuses to eat the new food and I am feeding him smoked salmon, his favorite. I have to mix his heart medication in addition to diuretics and pain medication. I rather feed him something he enjoys as he has shown no interest in dry food. Thank god he remains able to drink water and go outside for a minute. I am truly blessed to still have him but his breathing is labored this morning and very lethargic which also stems from the plethora of medications he is for life. He was running around the block weeks ago and this hits. Thanks for your concern.

Sorry you're going through this, I couldn't imagine. Have you ever tried a raw or cooked diet for him? Or perhaps beef liver as a topper?

 

[Manydogs]

Very handsome boy! Not too long ago, I lost my best friend. Many of us,sadly, have dealt with it. My girl was okay,one day,notice her not walking right,went to vet,next day gone.Twelve years is a pretty good age for EBD it seems.
I would say ,at this point, feed him what he wants, give the meds he needs and pray. We all know the fear,keep him happy as long as you can(within reason) .Every one's prayers are with you. Most of us know the fear.

 

[helsonwheels]

@Ocelotl Ive recently been in your shoes not to long ago. Within 24 hrs my dog, gone. Like @Manydogs mentioned, just feed him what he likes. Yes keep giving his meds but spoil himGive him like 1/4 cup of raw beef liver as a topping on his meals or as a treat. It’s loaded of minerals or organic Bone broth. Meds destroys an immune system why it’s important to add everyday, either/or, raw liver, broth, fermented sauerkraut, Greek yogurt etc. keeps the gut flora on top with meds. Hug him everyday

 

[Ocelotl]

Ocelothl passed away at 3 33 this morning. He is finally at peace. I am trully going to miss him for the remainder of my life. Thanks for your support!

 

[Ocelotl]

Very handsome boy! Not too long ago, I lost my best friend. Many of us,sadly, have dealt with it. My girl was okay,one day,notice her not walking right,went to vet,next day gone.Twelve years is a pretty good age for EBD it seems.
I would say ,at this point, feed him what he wants, give the meds he needs and pray. We all know the fear,keep him happy as long as you can(within reason) .Every one's prayers are with you. Most of us know the fear.

Thanks for your support. I prayed God taking him without any suffering. He died within two days. I am devastated.

 

[helsonwheels]

I’m so so sorry for your loss. Yes, it’s so devastated but, Ocelothl is now pain free. You gave him 12 beautiful happy years and Ocelothl knew that and so do you. Cherish the beautiful memories and never forget, he’ll always be right there in your heart smiling at you.

RIP Ocelothl

 

[Dmrock]

Thanks for your support. I prayed God taking him without any suffering. He died within two days. I am devastated.

So sorry for your loss

 

[2BullyMama]

Ocelothl passed away at 3 33 this morning. He is finally at peace. I am trully going to miss him for the remainder of my life. Thanks for your support!

So incredibly sorry for your loss... you have 12 wonderful loving years - cherish those memories, they are priceless, think of the happy and fun times that you shared, look at photos as they will warm your heart. we all understand the sudden loss and the crushing pain that goes with it. sending big hugs and prayers to you all.

rest well OZ, find all our babies at the bridge and go have a blast

 

[Ocelotl]

So incredibly sorry for your loss... you have 12 wonderful loving years - cherish those memories, they are priceless, think of the happy and fun times that you shared, look at photos as they will warm your heart. we all understand the sudden loss and the crushing pain that goes with it. sending big hugs and prayers to you all.

rest well OZ, find all our babies at the bridge and go have a blast

Thanks for your understanding. I picked him up as a pup when I was going through a tough time. I was 40 when I brought him home. I carried him out this morning in lieu of a gurney thanking him for changing my life and I realized what true love is. He brought our family together and he died with all of us together. I am happy he is no longer in pain.

 

[Manydogs]

Very sorry for your loss. Many of us have dealt with the pain- we have to deal with-but loving is the upside of losing,
thinking of all the good you gained having him for his lifetime will get you through. From experience many of us here know what you are feeling.