Is your Schnauzer in peak health?
Last week I posted ‘Episode 1 – Turmoil‘ of one of the most remarkable cases I have ever had to deal with.
Episode 2: Defeat
I kept myself up-to-date on Winston’s daily progress at the specialist center. He was hospitalised for a few more days after the surgery. He developed some expected complications, the main one being jaundice. On the bright side, I was informed that he had also started to eat which was a very good sign after such a massive surgery. On his final day at Advanced Vetcare, his liver histopathology results came through.
His owners were informed that his liver was suffering from chronic long term changes and these changes were irreversible. They were given a very guarded prognosis and sent him home loaded with a ton of medications and a special low fat food (Hill’s w/d).
He needed five different types of medications grouped below:
1. Cortisone (prednisolone) to hasten down any inflammation that can further damage his liver.
2. Broad spectrum antibiotics. Two types were used: Amoxyclav and Enrofloxacin.
3. Ursodeoxycholic and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) to support his liver and reverse the jaundice.
Surprisingly, Winston improved more and more each day. He came to me for weekly revisits and appeared livelier each time.
He was eating well and his owners were feeling very happy with his progress. I just always knew Winston would power through and defeat all the odds. We closely monitored his liver enzymes via blood tests which showed very subtle improvements each week.
I must say, each time Winston came to see me; I was really moved with the powerful bond shared between him and his lovely owners. They were supporting each other so much during this whole ordeal. His owners were doing everything in their power to keep him comfortable and help him recover and Winston in return, was making more progress each day and filling them with so much hope.
In the picture above, Winston is giving me the funniest look; the one that says, please take me back to my parents.
Two weeks passed and out of nowhere, Winston had a really bad turn.
He was vomiting and couldn’t even keep any water down. He looked pretty flat when he was brought in. Overnight intravenous fluid therapy at our clinic had not really made any difference to him.
After consulting with the specialist, the concern was that Winston was either suffering from a bout of pancreatitis or terminal liver failure. We needed to do more tests to determine which of the two situations were occurring. If it was the latter, it was simply the end of the road. Both possibilities posed very grim outcomes. However, pancreatitis was treatable. He would require several days of intensive hospitalisation and supportive care.
Soon after I spoke to the specialist, Winston’s owners came in to visit him. He managed get himself up and greeted him with a tiny tail wag. I conveyed our concerns and discussed his options and then gave them time to digest the news. They all sat huddled together and Winston was looking ever so frail.
For the first time ever, Winston looked like a very sick dog to me.I just couldn’t believe how quickly he went downhill. After much deliberation, one of his owners looked at me and said:
‘We have got to stop now. We have put him through so much and we simply can’t do that to him anymore’.
He couldn’t utter the unspoken words. The other owner was in complete denial, he searched my eyes for hope or a refusal to put Winston down. I asked them both if they were 100% sure of their decision and if they had any more questions. By that stage, we all knew what had to happen. I helped my Winston to his pain-free destination. Nothing I said or did could contain the anguish my clients felt at the terrible loss of their little boy Winston. This was definitely not the ending we had all worked very hard for…
It has been one and half month since I mourned the loss of Winston and I still cry whenever I think about him.
It has been quite hard reliving this whole case but I had to share it with you all.
I want Winston’s tragic loss to spread awareness about this lethal liver condition that Schnauzers can get. If you own one yourself or know somebody that does, it is imperative that you read this or share it to relevant parties and learn from it.
If you own a Schnauzer, please make sure to do the following:
1. Even if your dog appears bright and healthy, make sure to get him/her regularly (say every 6 to 12 months) blood tested to check their liver. For all you know, he/she may be battling with this undercover liver condition.
2. Maintain your dog on balanced low fat diet as prevention. Consider adding silymarin supplement to their diet to help support their liver.
3. If your dog appears to be suffering from intermittent episodes of vomiting, once to twice a year, it warrants further investigation of his/her liver.
Winston’s resilience masked his inner workings beyond belief. Would you ever suspect Winston was very sick based on his picture below?
My dear Winston, you taught me so much and I will forever be grateful to you. I promise you that I will never again be fooled by any of my patient’s outwardly healthy appearance.
Related articles
- The Plight of a Schnauzer – Episode 1: Turmoil (rayyathevet.com)
Dr Rayya's Online Veterinary Journal 
August 26, 2012 at 3:11 am
So sorry about Winston. It’s always a heartbreak to lose a beloved pet. I know you did the best you could for him.
September 2, 2012 at 3:36 pm
Thank you so much. I agree, it is always hard to lose a pet.
August 26, 2012 at 3:16 am
Oh no!!! *wiping eyes* This was difficult to read but an important warning to ALL dog lovers to get help asap. Thank you for helping Winston and his people through this awful situation.
September 2, 2012 at 3:38 pm
Thanks Amy. I didn’t mean to make you cry but it goes to show how much you care. I hope this post helps serve its purpose in spreading awareness.
August 26, 2012 at 4:15 am
I was so worried this would be the outcome. Thank you for going through the pain to tell this story. Such vital, potentially life saving info. So sorry for Winston, his owners and you. I take my hat of to you for caring so much that it hurt to tell us the story. Wish all vets cared as much as you do.
September 2, 2012 at 3:40 pm
I really appreciate your very supportive comment. It was definitely not the ending anyone expected or wanted. You win some and you lose some concept never seems to be something I can accept. I aim for a good outcome for all my patients.
August 26, 2012 at 6:22 am
Oh Rayya, how enormously sad. Is there a register for breed-specific health problems? It would be so good to be able to send owners to a place where they can be warned if there is anything they should be looking out for. We’ll certainly remember your valiant efforts with Winston when we meet Schnauzer owners in future. Thank you for sharing this harrowing story.
September 2, 2012 at 3:54 pm
I don’t think there is one and I definitely think that’s a super helpful idea for pet owners. I will try to compile a list myself and put one online at some stage. Thanks for your support and it really makes my day when you promise to spread the word out for Schnauzer owners.
September 4, 2012 at 7:51 pm
If there’s anything we can do to help, consider us in!
August 26, 2012 at 6:23 am
Oh, we are so sorry about sweet Winston losing his battle. We can see he, his family and you tried very hard to save him. We are just so sorry. Thank you for sharing his story even though it brought you pain. You may never know how many dogs you help from your sharing but we believe there will be some. We leave you lots of hugs and nose kisses
September 2, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Hey Chancy. We definitely tried really hard especially his parents. I will never know how many dogs may be helped from this post but if it helps even one, then my post served its purpose.I appreciate your lovely support and hugs 🙂
August 26, 2012 at 7:53 am
Thanks Rayya for sharing this beautiful-and sad- story. I am sure that this will prevent similar episodes if people are aware of symptoms!
You emphasize the human-animal bond in such a good way… congratulations
September 2, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Thank you so much David. I hope you are right and this post prevents any more tragic loss of much loved Schnauzers. Have you ever dealt with a Schnauzer with this condition?
I am glad I have managed to portray the human-animal bond in a good light 🙂
August 26, 2012 at 11:26 am
Oh my goodness…I just read this story after blogging about my pet Marley and his ordeal this summer. When I saw the pictures of Winston, I couldn’t believe how much he looks like my Marley-man. My thoughts go out to the owners…I am praying that we have a different outcome. I am touched by the story, and wish you all the best. Thank you for sharing it.
If interested, my blog about my lil’ fella Marley, is posted at http://thepopulistcytologist.com/2012/08/25/what-a-summer/. Would appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
September 2, 2012 at 4:12 pm
Hey Jana. Thank you so much for your comment. I bet it really hit home to you reading about this post. We both happened to post our blogs around the same time, quite unbelievable really. I tried to put a comment on your post but I kept gettting an error.
Firstly, just wanted to tell you so sorry for the loss of your precious ‘Missy’. You sure have had an ordeal of a holiday. I think you need to book another holiday soon to recover from this one. How is your gorgeous Marley going now? I highly recommend you start him on silymarin (milk thistle) as it will help support his liver. Thanks for stopping by my blog and I plan to read yours regularly.
September 3, 2012 at 2:29 am
Thank you so very much! It was actually uncanny the timing. I think the error is because I privately host my blog (helps cut down the spam). But anyway, I greatly appreciate the reply.
Marley is hanging in there. He seems to have if good and bad days, but overall, unless it is my imagination, he is gaining weight, and no vomiting (fingers crossed). He isn’t on silymarin, but something else for his liver Denamarin.
Thanks for your reply! I will be sure to keep up with your blog…I think it is great.
August 26, 2012 at 6:50 pm
Rayya, This has moved me to tears. My heart goes out to Winston’s family and to you. I will be forwarding this to several of my clients.
September 2, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Thanks Nicole. I appreciate your support and mostly you spreading out the word to your clients. Education and hopefully prevention of this condition will make Winston’s loss more bearable.
August 26, 2012 at 8:52 pm
Thank you for sharing Rayya – such a hard story for you to tell, and my heart goes out to Winston’s family who obviously loved him very much. Sometimes despite everything you can do for your best friend, it can’t help them in the end. I lost my boy to lymphoma 3 years ago and we did everything we could but in the end had to let him go – heartbreaking but we, like Winston’s family, and you, will have your lovely memories of this special boy. xx
September 2, 2012 at 4:19 pm
You are absolutely right, sometimes we simply can’t save a much loved pet and it is important to let them go at that stage and not prolong their suffering. It is simply never easy to say goodbye to your fabulous fur friend. I am sorry for the loss of your boy to lymphoma. Winston and your dog continue to live in our memories 🙂
August 26, 2012 at 9:54 pm
I am so, so sorry! For all of you.
September 2, 2012 at 4:20 pm
Thanks Heather.
August 27, 2012 at 12:15 am
Dr. Rayya, You did your best for this little doggie. Tears for the family as I know what it feels like to have to put a dog down from pain and suffering.
September 2, 2012 at 4:21 pm
Thank you so much Melody. I appreciate your kind words. His parents definitely knew they made the right decision by him. Winston is now free of pain and suffering.
August 27, 2012 at 1:57 am
Oh, I was so hoping for a happy ending to his story…RIP Winston..
September 2, 2012 at 4:22 pm
So was I. Unfortunately my hopes were shattered. At least Winston is pain free now.
August 27, 2012 at 3:39 am
That is so sad and I can only imagine the heartbreak of Winston’s owners. (And your own, by the sound of it). You fought a very brave battle there and I really hope that your blog helps to warn other owners about this condition.
September 2, 2012 at 4:28 pm
Hey Jo. Winston’s owners definitely suffered from a huge heartache and I felt all of their pain. I really hope lots of Schnauzer owners read this blog and I manage to prevent any further tragedies like ‘Winston’ from occurring.
August 27, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Rayya, this is heartbreaking news but I know that you did your best for Winston, but it seems it was a battle that couldn’t be won. I feel for his owners.
Thank you for writing this post, because I know how hard it must have been for you; it contains valuable information for Schnauzer owners in particular, and if it helps just one owner, then it is worth the pain you went through to write it. Thank you again.
I wish all vets cared as much as you do.
The loss of a pet is never easy; my friend had to put her dog down three days ago and her pain is indescribable.
September 2, 2012 at 4:33 pm
Hey Barb. I guess Winston’s owners and I were really hopeful because he put up such a brave face throughout his ordeal. The only time I actually thought Winston was unwell was the day I had to put him down. His owners are definitely still grieving and will for some time.
The purpose of writing this post was simply to help prevent a similar loss of a much loved Schnauzer and like you said, if it saved just one, then it was worth it.
Thank you for noticing how much I care and more importantly appreciating it 🙂
So sorry to hear about your friend losing her dog. We all ultimately dread that inevitable day and can simply never be prepared for it.
September 3, 2012 at 10:50 am
Thank you for your kind words Rayya, they mean a lot.
August 27, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Dr Rayya, how very sad. I’m so sorry that you lost such a dear patient. Thank you, though, for writing this tough series to make us aware and to teach about the special needs of schnauzers.
September 2, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this very long and tough series. I really appreciate your support. 🙂
August 27, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Oh so sad, Rayyathevet. I am glad he had such good owners who knew when to say enough. And a good alert for Schnauzer owners. I had no idea they had a tendency to liver problems.
September 2, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Hey Isobel. Winston’s owners loved him so much and they could not bear to see him suffer. They definitely always put Winston first. I actually myself wasn’t aware Schnauzers were prone to this condition. I think it has been discovered fairly recently.
August 29, 2012 at 5:55 am
Oh Dr. Ryya, how terribly heart-breaking. You and they did so much more than many others would have. Try not to be too hard on yourself.
September 2, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Hey Jodi. I did take Winston’s loss pretty hard but like you said, I did do my best. Time heals all wounds and writing about his tragic loss has definitely helped me put things into perspective. Thank you for your very thoughtful comment.
September 2, 2012 at 4:46 am
Ugh, sorry to hear about this sad ending to a tough case, Rayya. Take comfort knowing that it happens to the very best, and you definitely went above and beyond in taking care of this handsome little guy.
September 2, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Hey Elliott. I can’t tell you how much your supportive comment has touched me. Thank you so much. I think a good vet should always reflect on each case he/she has lost and see what he/she could have done better.
September 5, 2012 at 5:48 am
You are the most wonderful veterinarian! I’m so sorry for your loss, as well as for Winston’s family’s. He was a beautiful and obviously, very loving dog.
It’s so hard to lose our best friends. Oh, it is so hard.
Your tribute to Winston brought tears to my eyes. I pray that in good time his owners’ hearts will mend, and they are able to remember the good times and all the smiles with their little guy. That has been the most helpful part of grieving the loss of my girl, Free, in 2006. She asked me to remember our good times and not to talk about those last days too much. Amazingly, this is the way it is. Most of the time when I think of her I smile. Sometimes, I still cry, but mostly I recall something funny she did.
Thank you for writing this story. I imagine that was hard too, but it is a lovely remembrance and also good to spread awareness about the liver disease in Schnauzers. I know Winston is proud of you for that.
Peace,
Michelle (with ‘dogkisses’ and hugs)
September 6, 2012 at 5:17 am
Sad story. 😦
September 17, 2012 at 5:58 am
Hello! I just wanted to let you know that I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog award, for the rules etc. Click the link: http://gretchendelrio.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/appreciation/
October 19, 2012 at 12:20 am
Such real compassion and care from a vet is wonderful to see.. I have a barn yard full of animals and can totally understand how sometimes you do everything you can but you are still miserable at the end.. wish i had a vet like you.. c