Caring for my sick pet is the heaviest and most sacred responsibility I carry. 🐾
Quick update on Baby. After her recent emergency and setback with her arm, I emailed our oncologist because I started noticing drainage and a strong odor coming from the ulcerated tumor site. We were concerned something wasn’t right. Our oncologist confirmed that an infection has likely settled in, so we are changing the antibiotic she was previously on.
We have an appointment later this week where her doctor will take a culture to determine the exact bacteria and make sure she’s on the most effective medication. For now, we’re monitoring her closely, keeping the area clean, adjusting meds as directed, and focusing on providing a calm, comfortable environment while her body works hard to stabilize.
She is still eating. Slowly walking. Resting a lot. We are taking this one day at a time.
I also want to say — we are absolutely enjoying the lighthearted nature of the memes on our last video. When I asked people to stop making fun of my dog, I truly meant it in a protective way, but we definitely see the humor in the “large one-arm” memes and creative comments. We appreciate the engagement more than you know because it genuinely helps support Baby’s ongoing care. Laughter has been a small but needed relief in a very heavy season.
For those who are new here, Baby is 15½ and currently managing:
• Mitral valve disease
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Heart murmur
• Vestibular disease
• Addison’s disease
• Cancer (limb tumor with ulceration and secondary infection)
Her medications & supplements (under veterinary guidance):
• Sildenafil
• Vetmedin
• Cosequin
• Dasuquin
• Yunnan Baiyao
• Antibiotics (recently adjusted due to infection)
Thank you to the brands that help us care for her:
@stokespharmacy
@chewy
@walmart
@banfieldpethospital
@purina @proplan
@thepetlabco
@zoetispetcare
We are not out of the woods, but she is loved, monitored, and surrounded by softness. Thank you for continuing to walk this road with us. 🫶🏽🐶
#doghealth #sickdog #dogsoftiktok #pitbullsoftiktok #creatorsearchinsights
Caring for a senior dog like Baby, who is facing multiple serious health issues, is both challenging and deeply rewarding. When dealing with conditions such as mitral valve disease, pulmonary hypertension, and cancer with secondary infection, staying vigilant is crucial. From my experience, closely monitoring symptoms like drainage or odor from ulcerated tumor sites is vital, as these signs often indicate infection requiring prompt antibiotic adjustments. One important aspect I've learned is the value of clear communication with veterinary professionals. Scheduling timely culture tests helps identify the exact bacteria causing infections, enabling the prescription of the most effective antibiotics. This not only improves recovery chances but also minimizes risks of antibiotic resistance. Creating a calm and comfortable environment is another key factor. Senior dogs under medical care benefit greatly from reduced stress, which supports their immune system and overall stability. Gentle walks, adequate rest periods, and clean wound care are daily priorities. Nutritional support and the right supplements form a cornerstone of ongoing care. Supplements such as Vetmedin and Yunnan Baiyao, guided by a vet, can improve heart function and aid wound healing. Adjusting medications as needed ensures that side effects are managed and quality of life is maintained. Lastly, I've found sharing our journey—complete with moments of humor and community support—provides emotional relief during tough times. Engaging with others who love and understand their pets encourages a positive mindset and shared strength. For anyone navigating similar challenges with their pet, remember: patience, vigilance, and support networks are key. Cherish each day with your furry friend, and don’t hesitate to lean on veterinary guidance and the wider pet care community for help along the way.
