Thursday, May 29, 2008

Nitro (written by William)

We awoke early today to get the feeding and milking done ahead of schedule. A appointment had been made for Nitro at 09:00 in Raleigh at the state veterinary hospital/school. Where Nitro's two oldest sons(here at Hidden Haven)were dehorned last year.
In the past few months,he had been not feeling his best. Peggy had pulled him through what seemed to be a bad cold or possibly pneumonia earlier this year. But in recent months he continued to lose weight and act lethargic. At times he would swing his lower jaw from side to side which made us think that he may have injured it playing with his sons and Leonard.
Traffic was heavy on the way from Fayetteville to Raleigh which made us about 20 minutes late. The receptionist paged the vet(Dr. Foster) as soon as we checked in. He came to the waiting room and started the process to get a history on our concerns. Within a few minutes,we were backed into a unloading dock and encouraging "Nitro" to walk off the back of the pickup. He easily did this and walked to the holding stalls for large animals.
Dr. Foster asked more questions and intermittently examined Nitro. He seemed to be leaning toward thinking that the jaw injury or a impacted tooth was likely the problem.
After a x-ray he said that a tooth or injury was the probable cause of his discomfort. However he said that there was a slight possibility of cancer. We ok'ed some more tests,blood work and extracting a sample from the glands under his jaw.
We left to take care of some paperwork and get bite to eat. Arriving back at the hospital late afternoon we or I was expecting the news that a injury was the problem and with some continued good care all would fine. Peggy had expressed more apprehension about news to come.
Sadly to say this but she was right! Nitro has a aggressive cancer that is incurable (Maxillary lymphosarcoma). The Dr. explained our options of the near future. He could put Nitro down at the present time or we could take him home and have it done in the next few weeks. I'm not sure which would be the better choice but I opted for him coming home and take some medication(steroids) for a short time, and then--------.
Nitro is a champion billy and even in discomfort he continues to be the most gentle,yet massive built goat in this part of the country.
Peggy is being the remarkable lady she always is,while hurting deeply,crying some,she continues to be the Hidden Haven mainstay center.

27 comments:

Patty said...

Oh how sad. My thoughts are with you

tlawwife said...

Oh I am so terribly sorry. William I am glad you are there with Peggy at this time when you are having to make awful decisions. Our prayers are with you.

Unknown said...

I am so very sorry to hear the news about Nitro. I think I would have made the same choice to bring him home. I know it couldn't have been easy to find out that nitro has cancer. Just know that I hold you in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry about Nitro Peggy. I can feel you hurting way up here. I wish there was something we could do to ease your pain. Just know we all send hugs your way and we are praying for Nitro, and the two of you also. Take Care
Sea2Shore

amelia said...

Oh Peggy how sad! Especially after losing sweet Pea. It never rains....

Cathy said...

Hello William

Take care of Peggy please

Love to you both
Cathy

Caroline said...

So sorry to hear about Nitro. Your family and your animals are in my prayers.

Kelley said...

I am so sorry about Nitro...
You and Nitro are in my thoughts and prayers!

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

Lately things have not been going very well for your family of goats!! i so hat this for you guys!! I know just how much they all mean to you both!! you did the right thing by bringing him home.

JoyceAnn said...

Sorry to hear about Nitro , you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

~ Comfort Hugs ~ JoyceAnn

Lib said...

Hi,
So sory to hear about Nitro!
My thoughts are with ya'll.
Peggy is a Fine Lady!
My thoughts are with ya'll.
Blessins',Lib

Carole Burant said...

Oh no, I'm so sorry to read of what's happening over there...William thank you so much for posting this. Peggy is like a sister to me and whenever she hurts, I hurt:-( I know that Peggy will do everything in her power to make sure Nitro's last days are comfortable and loving ones. Love ya sis!!! xoxo

Tossing Pebbles in the Stream said...

I am so sorry to read about Nitro's illness. It is hard to lose a valuable animal which has also been a beloved pet.

I hope you will find the courage and right time to put Nitro down in the near future.

Rachel said...

Oh, I am so sorry to read this. I had a bad feeling when I started reading your post but was hoping for a better outcome. Poor Nitro.
Poor Peggy. This will be so hard for the two of you, but I know you'll make his last days the very best they can be.

Thanks for the posting William. Glad you were with Peggy when she got this news. I'll certainly be thinking of you all.

Patti said...

I am so very very sorry. Your in my prayers!

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

I am so sorry to hear of Nitros cancer. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeanette said...

So sorry to read this about Nitro. And pleased William was with U Peggy when you recieved this terrible news.Im sure you both did the right thing in bringing Nitro home were you can both look after her and make her comfortable in the days ahead..Deep in my thoughts. .

DonnaB said...

My heart goes out to you both...there have been some sad times for you guys recently. Keep focused on Him for He loves you both so much and He'll give you strength to endure.

Country Girl said...

Our thought are with you in this difficult time. Not long ago we laid our black lab of 15 years away.
Find peace in the wonderful life he has lived. ~Kim

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you whilst your hearts are breaking. Try to remember the good times and how so very lucky you are to have shared so much of his life with him. My love to you both. Nicole, Christopher, Isabella & Harrison Elswyk. xox

LivingTheLife said...

Thanks, William for letting us know to pray for Miss Peggy and her beloved Nitro...I know he is much more like family than he is a pet...I "so" get it...really, I do...I will keep you all near my heart and in my prayers.

Blessings...
Teresa

Mary said...

Peggy & William,

I am so sorry that Nitro was diagnosed with this aggressive cancer. I will keep you in my prayers. May his passing be gentle.

Blessings,
Mary

Marci said...

Oh Peggy, I am so sorry to hear about this. I will pray for you.

Mary said...

This is such sad news - he is a handsome billy and good friend at your homestead.
I pray he will not suffer pain and, when the time comes for him to go to goat heaven, (which must be up there close by kitty and doggie heaven), you can hold him gently and help him on his way.

Be brave and always remember that you gave him a wonderful life at Hidden Haven.

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Oh no. I'm so very sorry that Nitro has cancer. How sad for all of you.
You did the right thing, though. I would have done the same and brought him back home to live out the rest of his life, as long as he is able to stand and have some quality and not much pain.

I know he would much rather have his family of humans and goats all around him in his final days.....

Homemaker Ang said...

this is so sad! I just got your email, THANK YOU for emailing me as I am not blogging really right now. You dear thing. I am so sorry. You are doing the right thing by bringing him home to spoil him in these last days! I am not going to call you right now though as I am sure you are very deeply hurting and upset, but don't take that as I do not care.
You are in my prayers...

Homemakerang

Annie said...

Peggy, I am so sorry to hear about nitro. You are in my prayers.