From Christine:
I think it was Laurie G. that originally posted the info on the Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC). She might have triggered her memory because my agile Boykin Spaniel is one of the positively IDd for AFFECTED DNA. It’s listed in the OFA databank as Carolina’s Duck Duck Goose. Feel free to use him as an example if you want.
I have CC’d Paisley Stevens Knudsen, president of the Boykin Spaniel Club (AKC parent club) and also Terrie Tomlinson, Chair of the Boykin Health Committee. Terrie also has Labs and has a lot of knowledge on EIC. She was instrumental in identifying the EIC disease in the Boykin Spaniel — which until that point was mis-diagnosed as a variety of mystery illnesses. Terrie is also in direct, frequent contact with the University that does the EIC DNA testing. These 2 ladies might be of some help on the subject if you need anecdotes or other info.
I would be very interested to listen to the podcast sometime — please let me know when it will be available!
Christine Prince
Boykin Spaniel Club of America
Education & Communication Outreach Ad Hoc Committee
Dear Christine, Paisley, and Terrie:
Thank you for forwarding the email to me. I hope you will listen to Dog Talk® this Saturday (July 3) when Dr. Philip Padrid will be on the show to discuss this and other related topics. If you’re unable to listen on Saturday morning, a podcast will be available later in the day, on July 3. Click on the Dog Talk® link for more information.
–Tracie Hotchner
Tracie,
I had talked to you a few months ago right after Christmas and was on your show, regarding my Shepherd mix, Lucy, who died suddenly in my back yard the day after Christmas. Your time with me on the phone and being able to spill myself on the show briefly was a help. Today marks the 6th month to the day that Lucy passed, and while it’s still rough sometimes, I’ve come mostly to terms with it and how things played out.
Unfortunately, yesterday, I had to have my 2nd dog, Retriever-mix, Roxy, euthanized. She was Lucy’s companion for nearly 13 years, but finally her battle with Lymphoma and a heart illness took it’s toll and she was no longer able to perform basic functions. It was a sad ending for me, as while I loved Roxy dearly, in a way, she was also a living link to Lucy as well since they were literally like Thelma and Louise when growing up together. While Roxy lived, a tiny bit of Lucy lived on in her personality. With her death, not only did I lose her, but the last bit of “living” Lucy passed as well. It’s very sad, but at least unlike Lucy’s unexpected death, this time I had a heads-up on what had to be, and it was not unexpected.
My point in writing about all of this is that when I made the decision to have Roxy euthanized, I chose an in-home pet euthanasia service here in the Atlanta area, as there was no way I could take her in to the Vet’s office (which terrified her) to have this done on a metal table surrounded by strangers, and none of my local Vets will do house calls for this. Did some research and found one with some good customer testimonials. The cost was high for me considering my very basic income ($379.00), but it was very much worth it as the Vet and her assistant who came to my home were extremely nice, sympathetic, and caring. They took their time, checked Roxy first, agreed it was well past time for her, and gave me time to be alone before the shots were administered. They then stayed a while to make sure I was going to be ok before they left.
I’m sure the NYC/Long Island areas have these services, and hopefully they are all staffed by caring people as well. I just wanted to pass this story on to you because in-home pet euthanasia might be a topic you may wish to discuss as an option for pet owners on your show if you’ve never done it. I feel it’s well worth the money to do it, as the pet can pass in the most comfortable environment possible, and it’s much less stressful for the Pet owners as well. I have one remaining dog and should she have to be euthanize at some point due to illness, this is the route I’ll take with her as well.
Greg
Dear Greg,
Thank you for the email. I apologize for the delay in responding. It’s a rather hectic time!
First and foremost, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. The loss of a pet companion is always difficult. You’re in my thoughts.
While it’s wonderful that Roxy was able to remain at home as she lived out her last days, I’m surprised to hear that your regular veterinarian did not perform the euthanizing. So many Vets today do provide a house call service under such circumstances and often times it’s done for free.
All pet health issues are expensive. Have you considered pet insurance? It’s such a good investment and has saved pet owners literally millions of dollars. Most insurances will also cover the cost of euthanizing a pet which can be costly. If you log into my website, you’ll find information about Pet’s Best Health, which is the company I use.
Wishing you the best,
–Tracie Hotchner
