Virga

Virga and Cirrus had another follow-up appointment today with our vet. The last week or so Virga has seemed to be slowing down, and after a period where the tremors had lessened, they returned with more frequency.  She also has been overgrooming her abdomen to the point where she has little fur.  Virga still has been spending time on the wheel, but doesn't run as long and quite as hard. It's been two months since the cancer returned and in the back of my mind I knew that she wasn't feeling well, but I've tried to be optimistic. So, it was hard to hear that her body is in decline and the tumors had grown. Although her weight has been stable, she has lost muscle and fat to the growth of the tumors. The vet says she probably is having a little trouble breathing as well. She is on a medication to reduce inflammation and any pain or discomfort.

We don't want her to suffer or to progress to the point where she is unable to function, and she is not at that stage yet.  I was not ready to say goodbye today, and I don't think she was either.  Our hearts are with Cirrus as well, because they are so bonded and Cirrus will have a tough time without her sister.  Cirrus, by the way, came though the exam with flying colors, so there was some good news today.  However, that only slightly tempered the fact that sometime soon we are going to have to make a difficult decision and make our last trip to the vet with Virga.

This is a photo of Cirrus and Virga after their exam, asleep
in their pouch. Virga is on the bottom, and Cirrus is laying
on top of her with her arm on Virga's head