Dear Flossie,
Thanks for posing the question and starting this discussion. I have
been pondering this same thing for the past 6 months. That is when
Charlie, our 7 year old Shihtzu was put to rest. Before him we had Chaplin,
another Shihtzu who was 11 when he got cancer.

I miss having a dog so much! It was so great to have the companionship.
This was especially true on days when I stayed in bed a lot. Both Chaplin and
Charlie would stay by my side and keep me company.

I have many of the same concerns that you voiced. I live on a limited
income now. I can’t work outside the home. The cost of a vet, grooming,
etc became a hardship. I wasn’t physically able to walk them every day
like they deserve. I have a yard, but it’s not the same. Poop pick-up
was a real problem. Some times I would come in crying. The few times
a year that we can go somewhere, the added expense of boarding really
hurt.

BUT, I so miss the little guys! Please keep posting and let us know what
you decide and how you came to that decision. I will do the same.

I pray that 2010 brings better health and much happiness to all of us!

Sandila 😉

Gabrielle, about that weight gain? Do you get a good bit of saline infused prior to the IVIG infusion? and, Is your IVIG a brand that is diluted with saline as well?
I ask because the weight gain of exactly 4 pounds happened to me! I would gain 4 during the infusions and lose 2 before the next infusion. It added up over a couple of years. Asked my doc about it, asked the brand manufacturer and no one had a clue. When I changed to a sucrose diluted IVIG weight gain stopped.
I’d initially figured it was all the pre-infusion hydration and that the IG dilution weighs a bit and that the IG doesn’t disperse as quickly from your system…
It’s just good to know I’m not alone or crazy about this.
Thanks