Gracie

I have been sitting here watching Gracie try to be comfortable and yet I know there isn't any way she could possible be comfortable. She is only 9 but she is suffering from a prolapsed disc in her back. We've been giving her cortisone for several months and that has allowed her to be somewhat normal. Last Sunday, Gracie came down with a bug (we think) and her tummy hasn't tolerated the cortisone. She has been diagnosed w/ an infection and it's causing her digestive system grief so we haven't been able to give her any cortisone. We thought we would have to put her down on Thursday but our vet wanted to try her on antibiotics rather than assume the worst and think the disdended stomach is a tumor rather than just BIG weight gain from the steroids. I can't wait for the antibiotics to work because as of now she can't stand up at all. She lies on the floor breathing very hard trying to move to be in a comfortable position, but she can't move. When she needs to go out, dad has to harness her to lift her so she can stand up and walk to the door. I can't even lift her at all, so we need someone stronger around all the time. She has been such a good girl and is the most loving dog you can even imagine. She loves the kids, and they all love her. She is protective yet cuddly, silly yet obedient. I have been so lucky to have her as my puppy. If the antibiotics don't work, then it's more than likely a tumor, and as much as I love her, I can't let her live in pain and be miserable all the time. We have a follow up appointment on Monday so I hope we will have good news then.