I was writing and preparing the post below but now have a much different report.

While the evening was one of better nights, three trips outside for business; some movement about the house and even an interest in a treat from the cookie jar...we took a severe turn for the worst when we returned from nighttime out.  Sandpiper whimpered and starting to shake, become rigid.  I quickly went for his pain medication, thinking he wasn't ready to be without.  I had trouble getting his mouth open (which is highly unusual).  He also left his bed in the living room and went into his x pen; again, which normally I have to 'force' or strongly encourage movement to the pen for bedtime.

Sand laid down and went unresponsive, his front leg was straight and rigid, his breathing was different.  I immediately called a friend for help and then began to encourage Sandpiper to hold on and begged him not to leave me.  I felt as though I didn't have time to wait, I called my neighbors to help and they immediately came over (in the pouring rain, across our muddy yards).  Matt helped me carry Sand to the Jeep and I blurted out if one of them would drive me to the Animal ER; Joy quickly and firmly said she would.

I talked to Sand the entire ride and keep his eyes open and focused on me.  I told him of all the good we had to come, his positive test results today meant we had time to open the pool and about the beach house we rented.  We had a lot of life to live together - we are going to do this together and asked him not to go see his sister Rodanthe!  It was a tough trip, distance was about thirty minutes and we have flooding from pouring rain all day today.

As most of you might know, minutes turn to hours in a hurry when you are waiting in an animal ER.  Finally, some answers started to flow...it appears Sandpiper is dehydrated and has elevated sodium levels.  Chest, abdomen x-rays are good, blood work is good.  They requested to keep him for twelve hours to provide fluids at a controlled flow as to not decrease sodium too fast and continue to pull and monitor blood work and other vitals.  I was able to sit with Sand a bit before leaving - he actually stood up and wagged a little but then, returned to his blank state.

I do a lot of big things well but feel like a terrible fool for failing to see that my boy had enough of one of life's basics - water!  I knew his intake was low but had no idea or did not realize how low and now I have another sleepless night, risk his life, missing another day of work and an ER bill...

It's tough to hear people say I go above and beyond when right now, my boy is in the ER because I failed to monitor his water intake.  

Biopsy Results & Stopping Medications
We received some good news today - we were 99% sure it was cancer so no surprise that is confirmed.  The surgeon took a lymph node as well and it showed no sign of cancer.  Also, the stage was determined very early and the prognosis was positive - much different than my original vet stating I had three months remaining with Sandpiper.

The surgeon agreed with my assessment to remove the Trazodone and Gabapentin as Sandpiper remained so sedated, he was not willing to spend time trying to do big business and honestly, moving around seemed impossible.  He was sleeping 22 hours per day.  The option to return one or both medications as needed is always available.