HAMISH 12yr old Shetland Sheepdog (Has passed away)

[Leslieg]

Hi My Name is Leslie I have a 12yr old shetland Sheepdog that was diagnosed with cushings 2 years ago... He is on Trilostane 80mg once a day... he has arthritis in his legs (due to knee reconstruction) and a bad break in his other leg when he was a pup... this week he went down hill very quickly (ran out of meds & in australia can take several days to get it) anyway he wet himself and due to his coat we had to wash him that is when we found the lump on his scrotum... my heart sank and I just cried that whole day... went to the vet today and he is not ready to give up on him yet so after a check over his temp is high so he is now on antibiotics for an infection and he has started his meds.. vet said at this point we do nothing about the lump he is 80% certain is is a malignant growth... so we have week at the moment to see if he improves with the meds and if he doesn't the decision then will have to be made on his quality of life... if he does improve the vet seems to think we should be able to remove the growth with a local as he doesn't want to put him under a general... so fingers crossed that meds kick in quick to save my beloved pet....

[mytil]

Hi Leslie and welcome to our site.

I am sorry Hamish had developed this with doing so well in treating him for several years. I am wondering firstly if his reaction (fever) can be a result of stopping the Trilostane. I know others with direct experience with it will chime in shortly. I do want to ask if his electrolytes (checking for an inbalance) have been checked while at the vets too.

Now regarding the lump, how does your vet know for sure if it is malignant? Even 80% sure requires some testing (biopsy).

I am hoping the antibiotics work for the infection and please keep us posted. I know others will chime in shortly.

Terry

[Leslieg]

he hasn't tested the lump but the way it appears he is sure it is malignant... he said we will worry about that later we need to get the infection under control his temperature is very high... he doesn't think that it has anything to do with the running out of the Trilostane which was my first question ( he has the runs as well) which is how we found the lump due to his long coat we trim his saddles bags to make it easier to clean him up...

[lulusmom]

Hi Leslie and welcome to the forum....Hamish too.

I am so sorry to hear that Hamish is having such a rough time of things at the moment. We normally ask a bunch of questions of new members but since cushing's has rightfully been placed on the back burner, that's where the questions will stay. However, we're here to try to answer any questions you may have of us. If nothing else, we're a great bunch of handholders and we'll do whatever we can to help you through this tough time.

I'll be checking in for your updates and in the meantime, you and Hamish will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

(((Hugs)))
Glynda

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Leslie and welcome to you and Hamish! :)

I am so sorry for the problems your baby is having at the moment and hope the ABs do their job quickly and efficiently so attention can be turned to the growth asap.

You are to be commended for handling his Cushing's treatment so well for as long as you have....and all on your own! You are brave! I'm such a wuss and was such a basket case, I ran looking for help the first hour, I think! :o:eek:

As Glynda said, we are here to help in any way we can, even if that is just to listen. You and Hamish now have a world-wide family beside you who will take every step of this journey with you - ya'll are no longer alone.

Keep your chin up!
Hugs,
Leslie and the girls :D - always

[Leslieg]

Still not much of a change... eldest son came to work and said he seems brighter today mum he got up and walked around... It made me feel better that day but I think it is just wishful thinking on his part it is now day 3 on the antibiotics and he is still laying around not moving much although he is getting up by himself So i suppose that is an improvement I had to pick him up and put him on his legs before.... I am still hoping each day I come home I can see something that says to me he is going to be ok....

[mytil]

Thanks for the update Leslie. It can take a bit for the AB to start making them feel better. It takes me more than several days of taking them to start to feel better myself :)

Terry

[Leslieg]

Things don't look good for my baby... giving him his antibiotic tonight we have found another growth in his mouth....

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Leslie,

How is Hamish feeling today? Did the growth you found last nite resemble the other growth? Let us know how things are today, ok?

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[Leslieg]

he seems a bit better in himself still laying around but he is getting up without help when on the carpet but he likes laying on the lino and 9 out of 10 times we have to help him up... the lump we found last night is on the roof of his mouth and is about 2 cm round or just under a inch round it appears smooth unlike the one on his scrotum that is raised and lumpy... I will be going to the vet on Monday again.... I have promised my children that I will call them if a decision has to be made I am thinking I will contact them today and asked them all to come on Monday... (anytime we have had to put a pet to sleep we have done it as a family so we are all there together, we have had Hamish since he was 8 weeks old)

[Leslieg]

Vets appointment today :( although I still have my fingers crossed

[Squirt's Mom]

Do let us know what you learn! Sending healing white light and prayers for you both...

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls always

[Leslieg]

he has a melanoma in his mouth but the vet said where it is it is tricky to remove (between the hard palate and soft at the very back) and as we are not sure how long it has been there at this stage we don't know if it is benign or Malignant It is now a waiting game to see if it changes he is happy with his progress this week... we have opted for no surgery due to his age and the cushings disease.. so for now we make him comfortable and hope the tumor has not spread.. and most of all making the most of each Day he is with us

[Squirt's Mom]

Morning Leslie,

I had so hoped we would learn that it was a simple abscess or something along those lines - not a cancer. :( Hopefully, it has not spread and will remain unchanged, causing no problems for Hamish, or you.

The good news is that his vet was pleased with his progress concerning the other growth. That was nice to hear! :)

It's tough, isn't it, when our babies reach the age when we begin to weigh our options against the quality of their remaining days. We want to always be able to take action to address our babies problems, to fix whatever is wrong and make it all better. But the time comes, if we are lucky enough for them to live this long, when we have to stop and ask ourselves, is the action riskier than the problem. When our hearts tell us the answer to this question is "yes" then we take whatever steps we can to make the situation as good as it can possible, for as long as possible.

I know your love for Hamish will lead you to make the right decisions for him, today and every day to come. Hamish knows this as well. ;)

Leslie, we are here for you any time, for any reason even if you just need a safe place to fall for a minute, a place to vent what others might find difficult to understand. You will find we are a great bunch of hand-holders. More than once, these wonderful folks have kept me going.

It would be an honor for us to have the chance to get to know Hamish a bit if you would like to share some stories of your lives together. From your posts so far, it is obvious he is a treasured member of your family so if sharing some of your memories is helpful to you, please know we would love to hear them.

Hang in there!
Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[Leslieg]

Hamish seems to like going to the vets on a Monday... last night we found a lump on his back about the size of a pea this morning it is the size of a tennis ball have spoken to the vet and he believes it is a cyst or hematoma so of to get it drained in the morning my poor baby cannot win at the moment... one thing after the other... on a brighter note the is no change to the melanoma in his mouth....

[apollo6]

Will be praying for you.
Hugs Sonja and Apollo

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Leslie,

Glad to hear the mouth hasn't changed but sorry for the new development with Hamish. Is he acting alright? Eating and drinking ok?

Bless your heart. I know this must be so tough. :(

Let us know what the vet says tomorrow, ok?

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[Leslieg]

Hamish Passed away today at 12.30pm... He now has no more pain.. we rushed him back to the vet but died in my arms before we got into the room... :(

[Roxee's Dad]

Dear Leslie,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know there is nothing I can say to ease the pain. Hamish knows he was and is loved.

Rest in Peace Sweet Boy. You are our newest and brightest star in the sky.

[frijole]

Sending you warm thoughts and love. Hamish is now free of pain and can run wild and free. RIP dearest angel. Know you were loved and will be missed. Kim

[Leslieg]

Thank you everyone... Just waiting for all the kids to get here and we will then say out goodbyes as a family.... little things that pop into your head like the day we went to pick him up as a pup we had never met before that day but he ran up to us as though he was meant to be ours from the start...

[Buffaloe]

Leslie,

I am so sorry you lost your sweet Hamish. I know the pain is just to the bone. You did everything you could do for him; he knows that and he knows he was deeply loved.

Ken

[Casey's Mom]

Leslie I am so sorry for your loss of Hamish. You did all you could and were a wonderful mother to him. He is now our brightest star in the sky, running and pain free.

Love and hugs,

[BestBuddy]

Dear Leslie,

I am so sorry to hear this last battle could not be won. Hamish was much loved and I know you will miss him deeply.

Godspeed Hamish.

Jenny

[Sabre's Mum]

Leslie

I am so sorry for your loss of Hamish. My thoughts are with you from across the Tasman.

Angela and Flynn

[Spiceysmum]

So sorry to hear that Hamish has passed away. My thoughts are with you.

Linda

[mytil]

Oh Leslie,

I am so very sorry to read about Hamish. I have not posted in your thread but had been following. Your Hamish has an incredibly loving family throughout his life. I know it is so hard when they pass in our arms, but I am sure he would not have wanted it any different - in the arms of someone who loves him dearly.


We will always remember your sweetie pie.
((((((((hugs)))))))))
Terry

[littleone1]

Leslie, I'm so sorry to hear about Hamish. Rest in Peace Hamish.

Terri

[labblab]

Dear Leslie,

I am so sorry that I, too, had not yet had a chance to post to your thread. But I want you to know how deeply sorry I am about your loss of your sweet boy. How painful for you to lose him in your very arms, but what a comfort for him to make his passage surrounded by your love and protection. I know we cannot change your pain, but we will remain here alongside you, in order to offer you our comfort, as well.

In addition to talking to us here, we have two special spots that you may wish to visit. The first is a candle-lighting site, where candles have already been lit for your sweet Hamish:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=517

The second is our memorial thread of honor. You will see that Hamish has now joined all our other beloved pups on that thread. And in the coming days, if you should wish to give us a photo of Hamish to link to his memorial line, his sweet face will be added there, too (I will send you a message about this).

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1588

Leslie, again I am so sorry. I send you many hugs this day, in loving memory of your precious boy.
Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

Dear Leslie,

I am so saddened this morning to read of Hamish's passing. Being held in your tender arms, hearing your gentle voice and the beats of your heart, Hamish's spirit soared free of his damaged vessel flying on wings of life-long love.

Hamish is whole and strong once again, running in the sunshine chasing butterflies with all our babies that have gone before. He will watch over you and the rest of his family with the same love and devotion you all so freely gave him, waiting til the day when you can all be rejoined never to be parted again.

Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Squirt, Trinket and our Angels, Ruby and Crystal

I AM NOT THERE

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.

Hobi Native American Tribe

[Bichonluver3]

Dear Leslie & family,
My heart is breaking over your loss of sweet Hamish. He was such a lucky boy to have been chosen and cared for by such a wonderful family. And you, Leslie, gave him the greatest gift ever - a peaceful and comforting passage over the rainbow bridge. He can now be whole again and run free through the fields of heaven with the sunshine in his face. We live in the California desert and have a clear view of the night sky and all its wonders. Every time a furbaby passes, I check that night to find the brightest star and I know Hamish's will be the brightest ever. Although he is no longer here beside you, he is here within you just as you are within him. Please know that our most heartfelt thoughts
and prayers are with you during this sad time.
To Hamish - Fly with the wind at your back, precious prince. God bless and godspeed.
Love,
Carrol & Chloe

[Leslieg]

I can't thank everyone enough for all the kind words... I have cried as I have read each message.... coming home from work today was the hardest he has always been at the front door to greet me and tonight I accidentally called my other baby Hamish..... My other baby Max has gone of his food and sits at the front door as though he is waiting for his best mate to come home
Anyway again thank you I wish I had found this site a long time ago... when your pet is first diagnosed is the hardest as you don't know what to expect when I look back over the years I realise he had cushings for a long time before he was he was diagnosed... the one thing I thankful is when he passed he was in my arms being held..... The vet said he made a decision for me so I didn't have to make it... I believe he is now in Heaven with my mum and his other mate Honey Bunny (yes a rabbit) the one that is in my profile picture with him... they shared a very unusual relationship which always made us laugh

[jrepac]

So sorry to read about Hamish's passing; I understand your feelings, it's always hard to re-adjust once they are gone. Just the other day, I was calling my little rat terrier "Mandy" by mistake (the rattie's name is Pinky!). And, walking through the door w/out that familiar greeting is always a killer :( When each of my dogs passed on, I do think that was the very worst feeling in the world..

But, Hamish is in a better place now and resting peacefully. He freed you from making that difficult decision we all dread. I am sure you will always remember him fondly.

And that photo with the bunny is priceless! I did a double take; at first, I thought it was a stuffed animal! How cute! That is one to frame and keep, I think.


Jeff & Angel Mandy

[bernie47]

I feel your pain ..as it is only a short time since i lost my ebonie ..i have a poem that helps me through tough times , i would like to share with you ..may god bless our fur babies at this time of the year and always ...hugs from us ,

Catherine ..ken..[ natcho ] my other girl....

The Last Battle (http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/lastbatt.htm)

[bkdice]

Leslie,

I am so sorry for your loss. I just looked at Hamish's pictures, and what a beautiful boy. He looked like he was a very happy soul.

I am familiar with the roller coaster you've just been on, and the heartache you are feeling now. I hope that happy memories of your boy will help you heal.

Sincere condolences....

[addy]

Dear Leslie,

I am so saddened to hear of Hamish passing. I hope you find peace and comfort in the coming days.

He lives on in your heart forever and you will always be able to find him there.

Love,
Addy

[ChristyA]

Leslie,
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Christy

[k9diabetes]

Oh, I'm so sorry to learn of Hamish's passing... it is hard when you discover something like that and do not have much time to adjust. We learned of our dog's cancer just two weeks before he passed away.

Godspeed to Hamish...

Natalie