My beautiful Bryn succumbed to peritonitis on Tuesday evening. He was perfectly fine less than 2 weeks ago then developed a tummy bug. I thought it would pass in a few days - he's a sensitive boy and didn't much like hot weather. It didn't and he developed some obvious pain/stress symptoms so I took him to the vet last Friday. They thought it might be an ulcer so put him on a bland diet and Pro-Kolin but he got worse over the weekend so I called on Sunday to get him admitted on Monday for further investigation. By this time he was dehydrated so was hospitalised and put on fluids, pain relief and antibiotics but this didn't work as expected over the next 24 hours so they kept him in, did an X-ray and a CT scan and contacted the Dick Vet as their results were inconclusive. On Tuesday evening we were contemplating referral to the DV the next morning when my vet phoned to say that, on DV advice, they had increased fluid input and were now able to see what they had been looking for on the earlier CT scan - signs of fluid leakage and severe peritonitis. They advised that he shouldn't be kept going any longer so we went over straight away and said goodbye to him.
I've included this detail in case anyone else has the same situation. It all happens very quickly and vets follow a protocol in terms of enteric disease. If it's caught early enough, peritonitis may be treatable but it's not always easy to pick up on.
Fiona and Stuart, if you read this, please know that Bryn was loved for every minute of the 8 years he spent as part of our family. We hope Bluebell remains on top of her arthritis and wish you well.

Oh Marion, we are so TERRIBLY sad to hear about Bryn ... this has, indeed, been a hateful year for you

Bryn's death must have been a devastating shock for you, particularly following on so soon after Kim's death in March ~ life can be so unfair.

Your dogs have been exceedingly lucky to have had you as their Mum ~ you have brought so much love and happiness to their lives, and continue to do so.

We really cannot begin to imagine how you must be feeling, and just wanted you to know that you are very much in our thoughts.

Bryn will have joined Kim, Dylan and Charna over the Rainbow Bridge, and they will be sharing their happy memories and watching over you with love in their hearts. They will live on in YOUR heart, and memories, forever.

Susan, Mo & Bootsie xxx

Marion,
Sorry to hear about Bryn, It does seem to be a horrendous year for us dog lovers.
As you said in another post the roll call of the "Hero's of 16" just seem to be getting bigger and bigger.

Our Lassie accepted a bandana to wear at the dog show supposedly in Billy's memory but in my acceptance speach I nominated it to all the "hero's of 16" and all the dogs that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Our Billy will be at the Rainbow Bridge to offer a paw to Bryn to show him the way and where to go.

It is not easy when you have a healthy dog and in just weeks or days you loose them. Like you with Bryn, Billy was ok we thought, then went down hill quickly from the Wednesday till the Sunday and you have to make the kindest decision of love that you can for your 4 legged family member. In the end we were there for Billy just like you for Bryn and he will thank you for helping him become pain free for ever.

Bryn will be running free with Billy guiding him through the meadows over the Rainbow Bridge and I am glad he is there to make Bryn feel safe.

Thanks for doing the right thing for him and enjoy the memories. Give the rest of your pack a big cuddle from all of us and reguards to Mike who will be greiving also.

Thinking about you all.

George, Morag, Lassie & Ace

This year surely can't get any worse for all those wonderful hounds out there. I feel you're pain as it only seems like yesterday I lost my big lad John but you will always remember him with fondness.

We all open our hearts to these wonderful hounds knowing that one day they are going to break them but you made the ultimate sacrifice for Bryn by releasing him from his pain.

Thinking of you at this difficult time.

Anji x

We are so very sorry to hear your terrible news and we are thinking of you.

Kaz, Pat, Ace and Jade x

So sorry, Marion. What a shock for you.

Aw, gee, Marion.
What on earth can we say to console you ? That is terrible news. Your poor family must be wondering what is happening.
The only thing we can say is thank you for taking all the furry children into your house and teaching them what a loving home is.
We're so glad that you brought Bryn to the kennels quite recently.
At least Bryn will see many well known faces over the Bridge.
R.I.P. dearest big Bryn with the most beautiful tiger coat.
Auntie Celia and Uncle Jimmy.

Dreadful news. Very sorry for your loss

Thinking of you gill john and willow sorry for your loss again xxx

Thank you all for your kindness. If this forum does one great thing, it is to give support in times of huge sadness. As Celia and Jimmy say, by the very fact that they started in 2005, there will be more and more news of dogs passing on.
I'm still not off the hook, as the growth on Jock's gum (noted under Kathleen's post about Lady) was removed and analysed and, although there was no bone involvement, tests indicated some basement membrane involvement and cells that may be indicative of squamous cell carcinoma. I have to watch for signs of recurrence so his daily tooth brushing has new significance. I firmly believe that Jock is immortal.
Of course the forum shares happiness as well and provides lots of useful information. I don't do Facebook so it is my valued link to GRF between visits. Today's 'please choose me' sees a whole new batch of great dogs looking for homes so the cycle continues. I'm too sad at the moment to ask Celia and Jimmy to consider me for another, but I have a surplus of dog coats, beds, etc, that will either need to find a new home or someone to fill them.

Oh Marion, we are so sorry for your loss, especially in this manner. Unfortunately, we know exactly how you must be feeling. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you at this horrible time.xxx

So sorry to hear of your loss so soon, thoughts are with you.

David, Lynn, Bhan & Missy(Krystal) xx

O Marian, we are so sorry to hear about Bryn. He has had a wonderful life with you and he will be thanking you from heaven. We want to send lots of love and cuddles to Jock and hope he is going to be OK for as long as possible. Our Carrie had a lump on her gums, not long after we adopted her 5 years ago. The vet said the lump was an Epulis, a benign tumour, which was removed, but it came back again some time after. It has not got any bigger and does not bother her at all, but it is still a worry, especially after reading about Lady and Jock. This has been some year for lots of our beloved Greyhounds and their Mummies and Daddies. Keep all your dog beds and coats, as we know that you will fill them again, sometime in the future, when your sadness and pain and lessened. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Lots of love from all of us. xxxxx

I've just seen this. Marion, I'm so sorry to hear about Bryn. It's so hard to get through but we're all thinking of you. x