We never saw this coming

In what is surely a cruel twist of fate, is seems that Riley has beaten cancer, only to have her liver fail.  We had her back at the oncologist a week and a half ago, as she was experiencing abdominal swelling.  Her harness, which was always loose in the belly strap, was suddenly snug.  Her weight had ballooned to 52 pounds.  An ultrasound showed no tumors, but lots of fluid.  Her liver was small and cirrhotic.  There is nothing that can be done to fix it.  If necessary, the fluid can be suctioned off, but will return.  Four days later, we had her at the internist, and she was a slim 44 pounds again.

Riley struggles with mobility at the best of times.  With eight extra pounds, she injured her back leg, which is separate issue.

She was back at the internist last week, and her weight had crept back to 48 pounds.  When we weighed her at home this morning, she was a whopping 56.2.  Her belly is as tight as a drum.  We are going to give it another couple of days, and see if the swelling resolves itself this time.  If not, it is time for her to leave our care.  We are heartbroken.