Heard back from Matthew. Hobkin’s ultrasound procedure is over, he’s awake and alert, and I can breathe again.
The good news is that the spot they saw in his lungs is gone now and his kidneys seem fine. The bad news is that he has dilated cardiomyopathy, which is a disease where the heart is enlarged and the walls of it have subsequently thinned.
Hobkin’s long-term life expectancy isn’t good. The disease is fatal. However, he may still have some quality time left with us. The vet couldn’t give us a precise estimate; he said anywhere from days to months.
He’s already on the meds he needs to be on—pimobendan, furosemide, and enalapril—and will be on for the rest of his life. My preliminary research has come up with a couple additional treatments (i.e., taurine and L-carnitine supplements) which I’ll want to bring up with the vet as well.
Finally having a proper diagnosis eases some of the helpless frustration I’ve felt this last week, but knowing that Hobkin is indeed dying makes me anguished and tearful. I am grateful that it seems likely we’ll have some time left with him, just not as much as I wish we had.
Oh, sweetie, I’m sorry. 🙁
I know you have people closer, but if you ever need to talk, you’re welcome to e-mail, or even ask for my number. And while I know it’s unlikely, let me know if there’s anything I can do.
Oh no.
Fatal?
I’m so sorry to hear this.
lots of love and hugs to you, your hubby and my favorite fluffy skunk
Oh, this is sad. Poor Hobkin! But I know he’ll go out comfortable and loved.
Oh, I’m so sorry. It’s been so clear to me from reading your journal just how much he means to you.
I’m glad he’s still with you and seems to be feeling better.
I’m so sorry his disease is fatal. *sending lots of supportive thoughts*
That is sad news, and I feel for you all. As you say, knowing what to expect takes some of the helpless anxiety away. It’s obvious that Hobkin is much loved and I’m sure that you will treasure the time you have left with him.
::hugs::
I’m so very sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you.
Oh, I am so very sorry to hear.
Oh no. 🙁 Terribly sad to hear this. I hadn’t said anything, but I was really hoping for the best.
You’re taking fabulous care of him, though. Maybe he’ll stick around a little while longer.
*hugs*
Aw, sweetie. I’m so sorry. But it’s good that he’s feeling better. <3 <3 <3 to you, Hobkin's daddy, and Hobkin. Every minute will be even more precious now. Give him a hug for me.
I’ve been following Hobkin’s plight closely over the past week. In fact the only reason I’ve been reading my flist over the past couple days was to see how he was doing. {{hugs}} to you guys and snuggles to Hobkins. I’m glad you have a diagnosis to work with now. {{huggles again}} You folks will be in my thoughts through this difficult time.
I’m sorry to hear this. I’ve been searching your entries out on my friends list these past few days, because I’ve been so concerned about Hobkin.
I hope he has more time than you think he does. He’s such an enchanting little fellow.
I’m so sorry, Eugie. *hugs to you and Hobkin*
Oh no. I’m so sorry.
*hugs*
*hugs you tight*
I’m so sorry. I hope you can keep him comfortable.
::Hugs::
I’m sorry to hear this about the little guy.
I’m sorry the news isn’t better.
I’m glad you have time to love and say goodbye.
*hugs*
I am so sorry, and glad you have some time left with him.
There’s never enough time. 🙁 But he will know how much you love him, to the end and beyond.
That is just terrible. I am so sorry.
It is good to have a warning, though. To be able to make something of the time that is left. I know that you will give him the best of care straight through to the end.
*hugs*
I am so very sorry.
I’m sorry the news wasn’t better. I’m glad you do get some more time with him, though.
Aw, Eugie. I’m so sorry!
I’m so sorry. I hope you still have some good times together left.
I’m so, so sorry.
I’m so sorry to hear about Hobkin’s diagnosis, but I’m glad that you’ll be able to spend a little more time with him. Every moment I spent with Doc after his lymphoma diagnosis was precious to me.
I’m very surprised that you have a vet that is this good; one that can actually diagnose a skunkie,and give him all the treatments that he needs. And one that cares for him almost as much as you do.
I’m so sorry that he’s so ill. I’m still sending all my hopes and prayers to you 3 for him to live much longer. *hugs*
I’m so sorry.
I know that a lot of guinea pigs with heart problems are able to live normal lifespans with proper medication (exactly what Hobkin’s getting, except benazepril instead of enalapril, it’s supposed to be easier on the kidneys).
It’s hard to be given a serious illness diagnosis for a pet. Just enjoy every day you have with him and TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES AND VIDEO. When he runs around the house and knocks crap over? Someday he won’t and it’ll break your heart.
*hugs*
Oh, that is so sad.
{{{{{Eugie, Matthew & Hobkin}}}}}
Eugie, I’m so sorry to hear about this. I know how very much you love your Hobkin. Just keep in mind that he loves his people and any time spent with him will definitely be quality time.
I am so, so sorry. *hugs*
I’m so sorry. *hugs* to all of you.