Written with a heavy heart

[bullmama]

[MENTION=2242]karenben[/MENTION] I am so sorry and shocked and numb right now, I cannot even imagine what you are feeling and I know you are wanting to do what is best for Annie.

I know you do not like steroids nor do I, but I am wondering if you could try them first?

 

[Vince00]

Very sad and I feel so sorry for you, Read it earlier and didn't even know what to say. I couldn't imagine being in your shoes right now. Bless you and hope for the strength you need to work through this.

 

[karenben]

Thanks for your messages they give me strength,steroids for the rest of her life are not an option ,I'm only prolonging the inevitable,the vet said there is a possibility that she's allergic to herself now ,mmy 20 yr old son broke his heart but he knows what Annie suffers listening to her through the night scratching,she went through a phase of slight itching but to be honest there has only been 1week when she's been itch free,in the last 14 months,as the vet said she's very sick,though looking at her face she's the picture of health ,no stains on her face,I'm still trying to get my head round it,karen

 

[Meggs19]

This makes me want to cry just reading it...especially since I am dealing with bad allergies in my baby right now too. Not to the extent you are but I suppose it's always a possibility since Tonka is only 11 months old. This breaks my heart and I am sending prayers your way! I have to tag along with [MENTION=2071]Davidh[/MENTION] and ask if there is any possible way to consult with another vet or specialist or to at least try low doses of steroids intermittently to help with discomfort. Or have you heard of the medicine called Atopica (cyclosporine) that can help dogs with allergies that are severe as well and doesn't have the side effects of steroids. I am sure you have considered every possibility already and tried everything possible and that this is a last resort for you, but just thought I would ask. I know that you would not come to this difficult decision without having tried everything first. I commend you for being so strong. I just wish so much that there were a different answer or solution for you!!!

 

[Saalwi]

Oh I'm heartsick for you, it's a terrible place to be...you know what's best for Annie and her love for you will remain steadfast...know that you are in our prayers

 

[kim n the guys]

between this news about Annie and Maggie, I'm numb and can't even begin to comprehend to know what to say so I'll just say "I don't know what to say but here is a

 

[Meggs19]

Have you consulted with any vets in the US? I know our methods of veterinary medicine might be a little different and perhaps provide some new options? I am probably totally reaching...I just feel so bad for you and Annie and hate to see you both have to go through this. Especially if she looks so healthy...that's got to count for something, right? Tonka looks awful when he is suffering from his allergies.

 

[MamaAndi]

I'm so sorry you had to make that decision. You have been a wonderful mama to sweet Annie and in the end, you know what's best for your baby. Our thoughts are with you.

 

[Lauren31287]

I am so sorry to hear this and I can not even imagine the pain you must be feeling right now. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[AubreysMom]

This breaks my heart. Only you know what's best for your Annie. These decisions are heartbreaking to make, but knowing how her quality of life would be, I completely understand. You can never be prepared for something like this, but we are all here for you. EBN kept my head on straight after having to make the same decision with Aubrey.

My thoughts are with you. Once Annie reaches the Rainbow Bridge, she will be healthy and happy. If you need someone to talk to, let me know.

 

[izstigspunks]

I'm so sorry, Karen, that you're faced with such a difficult decision. Out of all the members here, I felt that you and I were the most similar in terms of our beliefs in rawfeeding and following a holistic / homeopathic, chemical-free upbringing.

But for Annie's sake, I'd like to suggest to please try a different route. I remember when I first brought home Stig, he developed allergies right away. His hotspot and hives were out of control. He had scabs all over, all the hair on his wrinkles fell off, he really looked like a sick puppy. Went to the vets almost every week, spent thousands of dollars, and still they couldn't give me answers. It didn't occur to me to try a different route until we hit bottom, which is when my bf and I decided to give it a couple of weeks, and if he didn't improve, we'd give him back to the breeder.

It was then when I researched for options, and found this site. I wouldn't have tried raw if it wasn't for one of the members suggesting it. I wouldn't have known to look for a different vet, if it wasn't recommended here. And from there, I continued to meet numerous people who promoted natural remedies.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that, there's never only one way of doing things. A couple of my close friends had to give her bully steroid shots, one lived to be 13 years old. Sarah, Lisa's first bully, is allergic to 20 foods, and double that for environment, and another double if she travel to another state. She's 10 years old now and still loving life.

I'm not saying that steroids is the answer. Only to please exhaust all the options. I know you're at your darkest at the moment and feel overwhelmed with sadness and anger, maybe even tired, but please give it another thought. Stig wouldn't be with us now if it weren't for people sharing their perspectives and experiences, even if they sound foolish and irrational at first.

 

[Bizzymammabee]

My heart goes out to you and your family God bless you all during this very sad time.

 

[PapaMurphy]

I just wish you and Annie all the very best possible in such a hard time. My heart goes out to you, there is just nothing much to offer but prayers and love. God Bless.

 

[Twice]

[MENTION=2242]karenben[/MENTION] cant you try giving her vegetable proteins? Forget the meat for a while. Abby does great on them.

Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2

 

[2BullyMama]

[MENTION=2242]karenben[/MENTION] -- I am numb and heart broken to read this, can't even comprehend what you are feeling and thinking-- Annie has always looked the picture of health - so beautiful. I agree steroids forever is hard to accept, but there is a possibilty they will help and you could slowly ween her off them.... try the vegetable meals like [MENTION=4225]Twice[/MENTION] does for little Abby??