AN UPHILL BATTLE.....

Another early morning appointment for Henry today with ace vet Dave Cocker. I`ve now lost count of the number of times we have been to see Dave since Henry`s heart problems came to light over three months ago now. For some time, Dave was able to contain the problem with medication but it was always going to be a containment job, rather than any improvement. Henry`s dilated cardiomyopathy is not cureable, so it has all been about providing Henry with a decent quality of life.

This morning`s visit was one of the most distressing yet. Despite increasing his medication to an astonishing 13 pills each day over recent weeks, the fluid has again built up on Henry`s chest and his pulse is not as strong as it was even a week ago. So, Dave has taken Henry off a couple of the pills and is trying `human` versions of antibiotics and diuretics to see if that will reduce the fluid and sort out Henry`s `gastric` problems. For the first time, Dave was using words like `uphill battle` and `last resort` and it`s obvious that, unless the new medication regime has a significant effect, then Henry`s condition will carry on drifting away.

His quality of life is what`s important and although at the moment he still has enough good times to carry on, both he and we will know when the time comes to take the right decision for Henry himself. Dogs are very `knowing` and they give you signs to tell you what sometimes you would rather not know.

So, back next Wednesday for another appointment with Dave. God willing Henry will be able to keep it. In the meantime, although you can`t put a price on events like this, it would be nice if Mr. Tesco coughed up at least some of the insurance claim we submitted six weeks ago. We`ve now gone over the £1,000 barrier in vets fees, scans, medication and injections and every little help from Tesco`s would indeed be very welcome.