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Arthur
Jun 20, 2015 14:28:09 GMT
Post by bongosfriend on Jun 20, 2015 14:28:09 GMT
At another visit to the vet yesterday, Arthur was given a tentative diagnosis of cancer. Then last night, he lost the use of his hind legs. He now drags himself by his front legs around the apartment. Otherwise, he's acting perfectly normal, eating and drinking, and is his normal cheerful self. I'm putting off the inevitable decision while this behavior continues, as he doesn't seem to be in any pain. As the vet told me yesterday, when his time comes I'll know it.
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Arthur
Jun 20, 2015 19:20:50 GMT
Post by Whimsy on Jun 20, 2015 19:20:50 GMT
That's so sad. I hope you know what to do....and when is the right time. That's a horrible situation to be in, but it makes me feel better to hear that Arthur isn't in any pain.
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Arthur
Jun 20, 2015 19:26:20 GMT
Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 20, 2015 19:26:20 GMT
I am so very sorry to hear this love, poor Arthur and poor you. It is indeed a horrid situation to be in as Whimsey says. Lots of love on the way.
Hugs JO xx
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Arthur
Jun 20, 2015 20:17:03 GMT
Post by 3piggles on Jun 20, 2015 20:17:03 GMT
I'm so sorry to hear that he's lost the use of his back legs. Does he have any problems going to the bathroom, or just walking? I really hope he manages to have a great life for a while longer. Hugs to both of you!
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Arthur
Jun 20, 2015 20:30:19 GMT
Post by bongosfriend on Jun 20, 2015 20:30:19 GMT
Thanks, everyone, for your kind thoughts.
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Arthur
Jun 21, 2015 18:58:08 GMT
Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 21, 2015 18:58:08 GMT
You are welcome sweets, please keep us updated.
Hugs JO xx
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Arthur
Jun 25, 2015 20:31:29 GMT
Post by bongosfriend on Jun 25, 2015 20:31:29 GMT
I took Arthur to a different, knowledgeable vet in Iowa City today. He only confirmed what the first vet said, that it was probably a pituatary or adrenal problem, and was difficult to treat. He didn't hold out a lot of hope.
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Arthur
Jun 26, 2015 15:51:21 GMT
Post by 3piggles on Jun 26, 2015 15:51:21 GMT
I'm so sorry As long as he's happy and able to do what he needs and wants to do, it's hard to know exactly what action to take. Hugs!
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Arthur
Jun 26, 2015 19:11:26 GMT
Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 26, 2015 19:11:26 GMT
You have my deepest sympathies sweetheart and I am sending lots and lots of virtual cuddles.
Hugs JO xx
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Arthur
Jun 27, 2015 1:06:46 GMT
Post by bongosfriend on Jun 27, 2015 1:06:46 GMT
Arthur remains in good spirits. My wife said that if it weren't for his legs, she wouldn't know anything was wrong with him. He really tucks into his "nummies" (a romaine lettuce blend with red cabbage and carrots) every night, and enjoys special treats like watermelon and strawberries. As long as his spirits hold up, I see no reason to change things. Of course, that will change if he stops eating or shows signs of being in pain.
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Post by bongosfriend on Jun 27, 2015 15:46:44 GMT
I have remarkable news this morning! In the past 24 hours, Arthur has regained the use of his hind legs, his tumor has shrunk noticeably, and his fur has begun to fill out on his back! There is no medical explanation; he's just such a fighter. He refused to give up or give in and now he seems to be on the road to recovery!
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Arthur
Jun 27, 2015 18:41:43 GMT
Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 27, 2015 18:41:43 GMT
I cannot tell you how pleased I am to read this darling, I bet you are dancing around the room. The little love put up a good fight and won and how I love to hear stories like this. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Hugs Jo xx
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Arthur
Jun 27, 2015 20:16:19 GMT
Post by 3piggles on Jun 27, 2015 20:16:19 GMT
Fabulous! That's excellent news! I certainly hope he continues to improve I've had friends with dogs who lost the use of their hind legs. Use did slowly return in all cases, though it came and went depending on what the dogs did. Certain motions, walking too far and getting really tired, etc., all seemed to contribute to the hind end going for a while. That is totally wonderful news!
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Arthur
Jul 2, 2015 14:30:56 GMT
Post by bongosfriend on Jul 2, 2015 14:30:56 GMT
Just a quick update on Arthur. He continues to thrive and has total use of his hind legs again. As a bonus, the fur is starting to fill out nicely. Not bad for a piggie who seemed to be at death's door a couple of weeks ago!
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Arthur
Jul 2, 2015 14:59:19 GMT
Post by 3piggles on Jul 2, 2015 14:59:19 GMT
That is excellent news! I am so glad he's regaining all his functions, and the tumor is shrinking I don't think there is much better than seeing our babies doing well, especially if they've had a hard time of it, and we thought we were going to lose them!
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Arthur
Jul 2, 2015 19:02:47 GMT
Post by jolovespiggies on Jul 2, 2015 19:02:47 GMT
This is wonderful hunny, lots of loving vibes are on their way.
Hugs JO xx
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Arthur
Jul 6, 2015 22:53:31 GMT
Post by bazookagoof on Jul 6, 2015 22:53:31 GMT
Bongosfriend, I'm new to the board and coming into this a little late, but I wanted to say how glad I am to hear about Arthur's recovery. (I lost a dog to cancer 9 years ago; he gave me 14.5 years of companionship, so I know where you're coming from.) Cheers!
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Arthur
Jul 7, 2015 15:01:53 GMT
Post by bongosfriend on Jul 7, 2015 15:01:53 GMT
Thanks, Bazookagoof. Arthur seems to be fully recovered now, and is his old charming self.
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Arthur
Jul 7, 2015 15:12:54 GMT
Post by 3piggles on Jul 7, 2015 15:12:54 GMT
That is truly wonderful news
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Arthur
Jul 17, 2015 14:39:28 GMT
Post by bongosfriend on Jul 17, 2015 14:39:28 GMT
Since his recent illness and recovery, Arthur has become quite the talker. He never had much to say before, but he now keeps up a near-constant conversation with George, with me, and sometimes just himself. George used to be my talkative piggie, but he has now been quite eclipsed by his brother. Have any of you had a similar experience with a gp suddenly finding his voice after being nearly silent before?
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