Molly beagle 11 yrs old (Molly has crossed The Bridge)

[Weeds]

Hello my name is Elaine and my husband Paul and I are struggling with our 11 yr old beagle Molly and cushings. Molly was diagnosed Aug 09 but believe she had symptoms earlier by about six mos to a year.
ACTH 8/31/09 1pre/6post--put on lysodren 250mg every 4th day
ACTH 10/8/09 2.7pre/6.7post--still every 4th day
ACTH 3/10/10 3.8pre/11post-- with a liver enzyme off the chart. Ultrasound showed mass on liver, 3/23/10 surgery to remove mass hepatocellular carcinoma--successful surgery, no chemo, and started lysodren every 4th day after surgery.
ACTH 4/9/10 was 4.4pre/22post. Went to every third day 250mg and tested again
ACTH 5/5/10 was 5.7pre/22.3post--every third day
ACTH on 5/20/10 were 7.4pre/13.5post-now on a mini reload lysodren 250mg for 6-8 days then another ACTH--Molly is really nuts for water and food and she never did this before. Molly has started to leak pee when sleeping. Hopefully next ACTH on 5/28 or 29 will have levels lower still but don't know what vet recommend, maybe up dosage?
I'm not online all the time but will be checking this post frequently as need we some encouraging words :)
Thanks!!
Elaine, Paul and Molly

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Elaine and welcome to you, Paul and Molly! :)

We play 20 Questions with new members so hang on! :D

How much does Molly weight? What signs were you seeing before the diagnosis of Cushing's was determined? Were any other tests beside the ACTH done in the beginning? Did she go through what is called a "loading" where she took the Lyso every day for a period of time? Have you seen any improvement at all with the protocol she has been on so far?

The protocol your vet is using seems a bit odd, not in keeping with the protocol long established for Lyso but we may not have all the info so that is why I ask.

Cushing's is a difficult disease to diagnose as several other conditions present in the same way, hypothyroidism, diabetes, to name a few...as well as liver disease/issues. Have thyroid problems and diabetes been ruled out? This is usually done via a complete blood panel.

Does Molly have any other conditions beside the liver? Is she on any other meds, supplements, herbs, ect?

I know how frustrating and scary this can be but take heart! You have found the best bunch of folks around to take this journey with ya'll. From now on, you will not have to take another step alone; we will be with you all, here to help, to listen and to share our experiences with you. Oh, and this is the BEST place to find some good old fashioned hand-holding! There have been many times I could not have made it through the day without my family here and I know you will find the same to be true for you.

Keep your chin up!
Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

PS. Be sure to check out our Resouce section for lots of good info:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10


Here a link you will find there about Lysodren usage:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181

[Weeds]

Thanks for posting Leslie and the girls. Molly weighs 24 lbs, only takes a gel cap for itching no other meds. Her symptoms way back when were panting and bloating, little loss of fur and a very high alkaline phosphatase enzyme, laying on cold tile when it wasn't real hot. There have been a few complete blood panels, yearly and our vet ruled it cushings based on her history, the ACTH and other symptoms--other diseases were ruled out. We have been reading on some of the links that 500mg is given during reloading sessions but because of her weight I know that's why vet is only giving 250mg. Will update posting after we go in for ACTH. Do you or others have a feeling if the other drug trilostane would be better to treat than lysodren? After liver surgery the internist did talk about trilo but we didn't want to change then. Maybe we should think about it?? Thanks for your encouragement!
Elaine and Molly:)

[frijole]

Elaine -

First off be sure your vet knows that you cannot just switch from lysodren to tril. You have to wait a minimum of 30 days for it to leave the system.

Glad you found us. I have had 2 dogs with cushings and use lysodren. Both my dogs were difficult to load so I can understand the stress. One of them is loading now. :eek:

Your vet's way of doing things is a little different. Giving a pill every 4 days is sort of like giving 2 a week so I'm going to say you started out at 500 mgs a week. What kind of load did you do prior to that?

I ask because as you look at your numbers you started off in August 09 at a level CLOSE to being loaded (1 and 6) But you slowly crept up which is a sign that the 250 mgs every 4 days was NOT high enough to sustain your load.

So eventually it shot thru the roof which is not surprising.

Recently you did a miniload but normally a LOAD means you give the weekly total every day. So that would mean you would be giving over 500 mgs a DAY not 250 every day. Which again is probably why you aren't seeing the progress.

In other words - your vet is not following normal protocol and in my opinion he owes you at least THREE free ACTH tests because it is costing you money! :D;)

Given your dogs' weight 500 mgs daily would be where I would have started the load. That is why I asked what dosing you did to GET to that first read of 1 and 6 back in august... because you were very close to being there.

Here is a link to some info that might explain this a bit better than I did. Kim
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181

[Weeds]

Kim, thanks for this great info. We went to link and will digest it before talking to vet tomorrow. Here is addt'l info about Aug 09: Aug 23-29 loading was 250mg AM and PM--so 500 mg a day. Aug 31ACTH was .3/1. Then Molly got in trouble and we gave prednizone off and on from Sept 1-8, then another ACTH (I didn't incl in first posting) on Sept 9 with results 2.9pre/4.4post. Started 250mg every fourth day on 9/11 until 3/14/10 then ACTH with the 11.0 post number and the liver mass. You may be right about this 250mg dosage in this mini load as Molly is really in trouble with water consumption and food. Our vet is very conservative with money and doesn't want us to ACTH test unless required but we want to check the levels and keep Molly around as long as possible--I'm sure there won't be any free ACTHs but nice thought. He does consult with the internist that did liver diagnosis and we do feel confident vet is honest with us but this addtl info has informed us to ask better questions/be informed. Sorry for length of this posting but wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your post and this site !! So glad we're here
Elaine,Paul and our beloved Molly

[frijole]

Molly --- well your additional info changes my opinion.. I think... :D

Now I can see that your dog got too much lysodren the first go around and thus you went off it and let the cortisol levels rise and have been trying to get it together since.

Question is - why did she go too low the first time? Was it because the DOSAGE was too high OR was it because there were no signs or missed signs and you kept loading instead of stopping. If it is the latter then 500 mgs could be the right amount and I can certainly understand why you have so many acth tests!

Can you recall what happened during the first load? Did you see signs of vomit or diarrhea?

[lulusmom]

Hi Elaine and welcome to you and Molly.

I would tend to agree that given the consistent increases in Molly's post stimulated cortisol, adjustments to the maintenance dosing was inadequate which allowed rapid loss of control. In my experience with my own two as well as numerous cushdogs here, a post stim of 22 dictates a reload as the adrenal glands have regenerated far beyond correcting with an adjusted maintenance dose.

I think you have paid for a lot of stims which may not have been necessary had your vet followed a different protocol but that's all water under the bridge now....the main concern is to get Molly where she needs to be. Going forward you may be able to get the cost of your stim tests down, if your vet is using cortrosyn as the stimulating agent. It's really expensive which is why most folks pay so darn much for stim tests. Your vet may not be aware that he doesn't have to use the entire .25 mg vial but rather only needs 5 micrograms per kilogram. There have been more than a few studies that validate and I know that at least two reknown endocrinologists include this valuable information in their lectures. If you want to discuss this with your vet, I am including an exerpt from Dr. Wendy Blount's paper on Adrenal Function Tests below. I have included the references in case your vet would like to access the research data on this.


ACTH Stimulation Test Protocols for Dogs
1. Low Dose Cortrosyn ACTH Stimulation Test - Canine - to keep cost down and to stretch out your supply of Cortosyn, use a specific dose instead of 1 vial/dog.
a. Take pre ACTH blood sample, ideally after a 12 hour fast.
b. Administer 5 mcg/kg Cortrosyn IV.
c. Take post stimulation sample 1 hour after Cortrosyn.
Validation: A few papers have now shown that 5 mcg/kg IV is sufficient with a maximum of 250 mcg/dog (i.e., the whole vial).
Split any left over reconstituted Cortosyn into aliquots using plastic syringes. For a vial of 250 micrograms Cortosyn, split it into 5 aliquots of 50 micrograms each or 10 aliquots of 25 micrograms each, or any combination thereof. For about a 10 kg dog or so (probably average size of dog that we do many ACTH stims on), one of the 50 microgram syringes would work. For a 5 kg dog, a syringe of 25 micrograms would work. You can store the aliquots in a frost-free freezer for up to 6 months with no loss of activity as long as it is not thawed and re-frozen. Since no one knows the effect of thawing and refreezing, we don't advise using ACTH that has been thawed and refrozen.

References:

1. Aust Vet J. 1998 Apr;76(4):255-7. Plasma cortisol responses to three corticotrophic preparations in normal dogs. Watson AD, Church DB, Emslie DR, Foster SF. Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales.
2. J Small Anim Pract. 2000 Jul;41(7):308-11. Cortisol concentrations following stimulation of healthy and adrenopathic dogs with two doses of tetracosactrin. Frank LA, DeNovo RC, Kraje AC, Oliver JW. Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, USA.
3. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1999 May 15;214(10):1497-501. Evaluation of a low-dose synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test in clinically normal dogs and dogs with naturally developing hyperadrenocorticism. Kerl ME, Peterson ME, Wallace MS, Melian C, Kemppainen RJ. Department of Medicine, Animal Medical Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
4. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1998 May 15;212(10):1569-71. Comparison of serum cortisol concentrations in clinically normal dogs after administration of freshly reconstituted versus reconstituted and stored frozen cosyntropin. Frank LA, Oliver JW. Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37901-1071, USA.

With Molly weighing in at 24 lbs (10.10 kg), the amount of cortrosyn required would be about 55 micrograms. There is 250 micrograms in one .25 mg vial of cortrosyn so your vet would be able to get four stims out of one vial. Since Molly is reloading, you are probably looking at no less than two additional stims in the next 30 to 60 days and quite possibly four within the next six months. Since cortrosyn can be frozen for up to six months, it's well worth your while to talk to your vet about this.

Glynda

[katiesmom]

Hi Elaine/Paul and Molly too!

Welcome to k9 cushings! I'm sort of new here too, joined a month ago. This forum has been most helpful. I too have a beagle, Katie, she's 9 and is being treated with lysodren, she took a turn for the worst this afternoon. I'll post an update on that as soon as I finish my welcome post to you.

There are alot of new members lately, and we are all in the same boat, treating this horrible disease. I, too, was curious about other drug treatment options, not overly crazy about lysodren. I don't have the expertise to advise you like these fine folks on here do, so I'll keep a low profile and catch up on some posts, as I'm still learning.

Just wanted to welcome you, and everyone else also!

Cathy

[Weeds]

Hi all, update on Molly. ACTH 5/28/10 results were not much changed (6.1pre/14.9post) and after discussion with vet up'd lysodren dose to 375mg daily. The 250mg isn't enough and we now see this vet is very conservative and there have been many stems because of it. We are in hopes this dose will get the job done but it is a waiting game and it's tough seeing her uncomfortable. Will post when have new info. Thanks to all for your encouraging comments. I feel confident we'll get there:).
Elaine, Molly, Paul

[Nathalie]

Hello Elaine,

Sorry, I am bit confused here – perhaps it’s the heat – but are you saying you are currently doing a mini-load again? :o With a post of 14.9 a mini-load is certainly in order.

I have a Collie/Beagle mix and being ‘conservative’ at times has only lead to prolonging the cortisol to come down within the 1-5 range and resolution of symptoms, therefore prolonged suffering of the dog, unnecessary additional testing/costs and loss of control in a few occasions.

Just to give you an example … we started loading my Phillip when his post was around 12. It took 9 consecutive days of 1500 mg per day = 50 mg per kg until he was loaded.
It took us a long time to find an adequate maintenance dose and he escaped control several times. I tried gaining control a couple of times by simply conservatively increasing the weekly dose but in the end this never worked for us either. Whenever he escaped control on an inadequate maintenance dose his post came back at around 7 and to gain control we had to do a mini-load each time.

Now every dog is different.

Are you giving the Lyso with food?
Did you standardize the amount of fat you give? Fat helps with absorption of the Lysodren.

Cheers,
Nathalie

[frijole]

Nat, After I said I would go with 500 mg she posted that Molly went low on 500. What I am still trying to figure out is why Molly went low. Either the dose was too much OR she was loaded but daily dosing continued and that put her low.

For this reason I can see why they are trying 375. That is why I asked the question I did. It would be very helpful to know more about what happened the first go around. Without that info it is guesswork.

Elaine? Did you see my question? I know this is stressful... I have a 2nd dog going thru it right now and I am having another acth test done on Tuesday... it is a bit of a guessing game. Hang with us and tell us all you can and we will help all we can. Kim

[Nathalie]

Thank you Kim for catching my mistake - I did miss it (500 mg a day. Aug 31ACTH was .3/1. ) :o
I am going to edit my previous post.
Sorry for the confusion this may have caused.

Nathalie

[zoesmom]

Hi and welcome Elaine and Molly -

My post to you just vaporized so will start again. Looks like the 'lysodren people' are helping you sort things out. Sounds like a re-load was definitely in order. Once those numbers creep that high, it's usually the only way to regain control. On the dosing though, will have to leave that to the others, as we used trilostane for 4 years.

Do you or others have a feeling if the other drug trilostane would be better to treat than lysodren? After liver surgery the internist did talk about trilo but we didn't want to change then. Maybe we should think about it?? Thanks for your encouragement!
Elaine and Molly:)

Just one comment to add. Normally, I think it is best to stick with what you started with and what you know best - in Molly's case = lysodren. However, my understanding is that lsyodren is metabolized by the liver, whereas trilostane is metabolized mainly by the kidneys. I don't know enough about liver carcinomas and the ramifications of continued lysodren use in someone like Molly. But if it were me, I think I'd be quizzing the internist with more questions about that. Could be why he/she mentioned switching after the surgery.

That said, however, switching a dog from lysodren to trilostane (or vice-versa) is not something to be undertaken lightly and there are very stringent protocols to be followed - especially going from lyso to trilo. But in rare cases, a switch from one to the other may be warranted. So I'd definitely be asking more questions about Molly and the implications of sticking with the lysodren, given her recent liver diagnosis. I am not suggesting this because I think one drug is better than the other. I do have equal confidence in both drugs. But sometimes, one drug may be better suited for a particular dog than the other. Sue

[Weeds]

Hi al, well today after 7 days at 375 lyso a day we go back in for another stem :-O It is time as food/water consumption is down and as we have been down this road before we are hopeful numbers will be down. She is now leaking pee and all furniture is covered. We believe this is not cushing related but from the liver surgery and age. It is manageable and vet says he can help with this after we get the dosage of lysodren right. We are exhausted and the reason for not giving a higher dose of lyso is they don't think Molly can take it...so pray or keep us in thoughts as we go to our son's college graduation next weekend and my bro in law and wife will be looking after our dear Molly. Thanks to all for your concern and thoughts. Glad to know from Nathalie that fat affects lyso as I think our treats contain a bit of fat and we'll pay more attention to healthy treats :-)
Elaine and Molly beagle

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Elaine,

Wishing you the best of luck that Molly's stim numbers are perfect and I'll keep sending tons of positive energy you way.

Here are some posts from Sharon and Scott to another member about incontinence and the meds.


If the leaking you are referring to is age related loss of muscle tone (which is common) there are good medical treatments.

Proin is one med and DES the other. I prefer the DES as it is a synthetic form of the natural hormone which is lacking in those dogs for which the treatment is indicated.

Best wishes. Scott


Nike was fixed at 6 months and began leaking at 9. she has been on DES all her life. IMHO it has nothing to do with the cushings and everything to do with the lack of hormones. I agree that with all the water uptake she would leak more, so it would make it worse but thats it.
When I started Nike on the DES i had to kind of load her I cant remember exactly but had to give her a dose every day or every other day for a week then once a week every once in a while throughout her 13 years she would leak and I would give her an extra dose and she would be great again. She has been on 1 DES for the past 4 years or so and has not leaked at all.
Good luck, I have not used the other med so cant comment on how it works but Scott used both.
Sharon

Hope this helps.

Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Love and hugs,
Lori

[Weeds]

Lori-PoMMom--thanks for the encouragement and posts re incontinence as they sound great. Stem went well and back to .375 until we get results on Monday 6/7. This is certainly a great resource/web site and am so thankful to have found it :)
Elaine

[maggiebeagle]

Hope Molly's numbers are good and you are able to move on toward controlling the incontinence. All the meds and stims and cleaning up the pee can be a little overwhelming at times :eek:.
I'll be sending good thoughts your way. Beagles hold a special place in my heart, I miss my Maggie every day.

[Weeds]

Hello all, update--Molly's stem numbers are .7pre/2.5post--a little low but we are very happy:) Now for maintenance with lysodren
.375 every fourth day and then check in one month. I'm so thankful and she is noticably different..a little less activity but I know she will get back to being more like herself. Can go see our son graduate from college with a little more peace of mind:D
Elaine, Molly and Paul

[Weeds]

Update on Molly--after her low stim she got sick, had to give predisone and then waited for one awful day to see her recoup. She started back on lysodren .375 every 4th day and so far she is doing OK. Will acth 7/6 to check numbers and hopefully they are within acceptable range. She still has loose stool as days progress (early OK then loose each time after) and we believe that is from the lysodren. Incontinance is gone for now:D Our son's graduation was great and she was fine while her "uncle" watched over her :D Molly is truly one brave and courageous beagle:D

[Harley PoMMom]

If Molly is continually having loose stools then this might be a sign that her cortisol is too low for her. Molly might do better with her numbers in the high 3ish range or even close to 4...JMO. Is she acting lethargic?

Love and hugs,
Lori

[Weeds]

not letharic--that happened when those numbers were so low and vet said give predisone and that brought her back to her normal acting self and then we started back on 375 dose and she is doing well....except for her noisy GI track during the night and getting us up at 4AM to going outside and then eating grass...any suggestions from anyone to this behavior? Its getting old getting up and going out and we've tried to give her food before bed to help but that doesn't seem to work...anyone out there have the noisy GI problem if on lysodren??

[Harley PoMMom]

For the noisy belly, ask your vet about giving her some Pepcid.

[sunimist]

We experienced the tummy rumblings and noises at times caused from chronic gastritis. However, my little girl had other stomach issues also. Carafate, Pepcid AC and bland meals were the norm for us to help heal the stomach when this would occur.

Might or might not be what Molly's problem is, but you might ask your vet about it.

Shelba and Suni

[Weeds]

Thanks for pepcid suggestion, to vet today to check on the ear infection and wellness exam. ACTH is next week to check her levels and we're hoping for low ones. :)

[Weeds]

Molly has finally gotten a normal range ACTH and we are so happy:). Its been a long last few months and many ACTH tests and liver surgery for cancer mass. She is one courageous dog. Her ranges were 1.2 pre/4.8 post. We contiune 375 lysodren every 4th day and hopefully these levels will continue.



Moderators note: I have merged your new post into your and Molly's thread for ease of reference to Molly's history. :)

[sunimist]

Wonderful news about Molly! Way to go sweet girl!

Shelba and Suni~~

[Weeds]

Molly has started snoring when sleeping at night last few months--is this an advanced stage of cushings?? Anyone experience this with their cushings dog?? Thx

[marie adams]

Hi There,

Maddie snores when she is in a deep sleep. I notice she snores, but not all the time. It is hard to think back if she snored before, but I think she did so it might be you just notice everything about Molly now just like I check on Maddie all the time--I am a stalker:D:D:D:

Congrats on the numbers!! I should know Maddie's numbers from her first real month of maintenance--hopefully the vet will call me before I call her tomorrow.:):)

[Loladog]

Lola started snoring a lot more after Lysodren treatment. She also went through a stage of coughing. The only thing the vet could think of was that allergies were becoming apparent after taking away the excess Cortisone and maybe she was stuffed up and therefore snoring. Her eyes and nose were a little runny too so this made sense. I know that I snore when I'm having allergies.:D With uncontrolled Cushing's, the excess Cortisone keeps problems like this hidden.

[Weeds]

@marie adams--do know your numbers yet? Yes we feel like stalkers too--our eyes are always on Molly and "where is Molly" is common place around our house. She is still doing well and her snoring is sporadic. I love this site as we've learned so much about this disease. Good luck to you and Maddie :)

[Weeds]

wow, it's been soooo long since I've posted anything about our precious Molly and I feel guilty. Molly is hanging in here and will be 13 yrs old in August. Cushings has progressed but not enough to limit walks, eating and poop/pee. She now takes lysodren 500mg every third day and it was just increased to this dosage as ACTH showed increase in numbers pre 1.2 to 3.1 and post 5.1 to 9.8 (last ACTH was Oct 2010). We had to change her food to K/D because kidney function has decreased with high protein count in urine. We have bouts of loose stool and sleeping is becoming quite restless but she overall is doing well and we enjoy every bark and kiss. Molly seems to be barking louder and more often and I think this much be a sign of age. We don't board her any more (by choice) and our son will be with her soon as we are going on a much needed vacation. I'll try and be more attentive as I feel this site helped me so much when we were first struggling with Cushings diagnosis.

[lulusmom]

Thank you for the update and I'm happy to hear that Molly is doing well. Please don't be a stranger and keep us posted from time to time. You go, Molly!!!

Glynda

[Weeds]

After uping dosage of lysodren 6/25/11 to 500mg every 3rd day Molly seems to be aging before our eyes or maybe the cushings is progressing--don't know. She will poop and then continue to squat around the yard; somtimes something comes out, sometimes not. She is drinking and eating normal so she is not constipated. Anyone out there experiencing this and thinking its cushings related?? Thanks for any help. We did change her food to KD because of the high level of protein in urine but this extra squat sometimes happens right before she's due her lysodren.

[lulusmom]

Spending more time trying to poop is a sign of constiptation and I don't think that normal drinking and eating insures regularity. You may want to try adding some plain canned pumpkin to Molly's food or some metamucil to see if that helps. Did this start right after changing her diet to KD? Can you please get your hands on the most recent bloodwork and urinalysis and post the results here? I am curious as to whether Molly may have protein in her urine secondary to cushing's or if she truly is in renal failure. My dog has consistently has 2+protein but her IMS isn't worried and says it is secondary to cushing's as all of her kidney values are normal. If the proteinuria is secondary to cushing's, reducing protein isn't always a good idea. K/D is definitely low in phosphorus and protein but it is high in crappy ingredients.

Here is a link to some excellent information on kidney disease and diet.

http://www.dogaware.com/health/kidney.html

[Weeds]

@lulusmom--thanks for response. Molly has had the squatting before any changes to dosage as I think back so this must be a cyclic thing also we had been on vacation and son watching her and his schedule was not ours so stress could be a factor. Her June 2011 blood work showed the kidney blood work was OK but urine leaking protein looks like protein 3+, microalbuminuria >30 (high) reference range <2.5--making no sense to me except vet said was of concern that's why change in food as he said this looks like first step in kidney disease...also we got low protein treats. Good news is that today she seems a little better but I will post again about squat if it should worsen....did read lots of info on kidney failure after this blood work as we keep very informed when any changes occure with her
:-) Thanks for your support!

[addy]

Hi,

My Zoe had the "squating episode " last summer. The emergency room was convinced she was doing it from "diahrrea cramps" since that is her usual problem. I insisted it was consitpation, we did an xray and it was constipation. They gave her "Lactulose Soln Oral" and it helped her. She never had it again.

Hope Molly is feeling better. Oh, they also told me not to let Zoe try to squat and go for too long. If she doesn't go after a brief try, take her back in the house, I was not to let her keep squatting and trying.

Hugs,
Addy

[jmac]

She will poop and then continue to squat around the yard; somtimes something comes out, sometimes not. She is drinking and eating normal so she is not constipated. Anyone out there experiencing this and thinking its cushings related??

I would describe Hannah's pooping to be the same (at times). It's like a turd comes out here, then she walks a little, drops another, then might walk a little more (still in the squat) and pause again, sometimes something comes out, sometimes not. Sometimes it seems like she is pushing as hard as she can. (She also doesn't poop every day and never has, so sometimes I think that is the issue, but I have also seen her do this two days in a row, when she is regular, so I don't know). She is only being treated with Anipryl, so it definitely isn't a drug-related issue. I read this a couple of days ago and wanted to respond to you. Not sure if it has anything to do with Cushing's or not.

Julie & Hanah

[Weeds]

Thanks addy and jmac...Molly is better...we keep a "stalking" eye on her and if this squatting keeps up we will visit the vet even if sporadic. I'm beginning to really think it's not med related but giving pumpkin or some other fiber is not good because history of loose stool...still not believing constipation. Again thanks for all the feedback. We love our little babies so much :)

[addy]

I am not there to see your pup but Zoe has colitis and had chronic loose stools and now takes metronidazole daily for it. At first I thought the squating and trying to poo had to do with her diahrrea but since I had never seen her do anything like this squating thing I soon realized she was constipated. We even took her to emergency because she would not stop squating and trying to poo when we took her out. Emergency thought she was having diahrrea cramping but then we did xray and it showed a back up of poo. The medicine "Lactulose Soln Oral" helped right away.

I went through a mini bout of constipation a few weeks ago with Zoe. Her Vetoryl (Trilostane) had decreased her water in take) and she was a tiny bit constipated but worked her way through it.

Just a thought.

Hugs,
addy

[Weeds]

It is with heavy heart that I post Molly died this morning. She was very much in distress and we took to animal ER where they told us she had a tumor and was bleeding internally. She went to sleep in our arms and we are totally heartbroken. She had surgery 1-1/2 yrs ago for liver tumor which had not spread but doctor today did say sometimes they don't get it all. We had 1-1/2 yrs longer but another surgery was out of the question with renal disease and cushings taking its toll. We are thankful for this forum and all the joyful, loving memories from Molly to sustain us forever. May God bless all of you and get answers to help you here. So long...Elaine

[addy]

Elaine, I am so very sorry to hear about Molly. You were such a good mom to Molly. We say often that the pain is so terrible because the joy was so great. I know that does not take your pain away but I do hope some day remembering that very joy will ease your pain.

Please stop by whenever you want. We are still here for you.

Love,
Addy

[Harley PoMMom]

Oh Elaine,

I am so sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to you and your family. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Lori

[Squirt's Mom]

Dear Elaine,

There is no doubt that Molly left this old Earth knowing she was so very loved. You were a great mom and tireless advocate for her. Molly was so lucky to have you on her side through it all then held next to your heart til her final breath. I know she flew across The Bridge on wings lifted by your love. There she will while away the minutes in joyful play as she awaits the day when you can hold her once again, and for always.

Molly's name has been added to our Remembering list for 2011.

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2865

I hope you know you are more than welcome to come and share the stories of your lives together in our In Loving Memory section when you feel up to it. We would be honored to share in celebrating her memory.

Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Squirt, Trinket, Brick and our Angels, Ruby and Crystal


A Simple Message From Your Pet
by Ken D. Conover

To have loved and then said farewell is better than to have never loved at all.

For all of the times that you stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you. For the care that you gave to me
so unselfishly. For all of these things I am grateful and thankful

I ask that you grieve not for the loss but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each other's lives. My life was fuller because you were there, not as owner, but as my friend.

Today, I am as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and the sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures. I can run, jump and play and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints and no regrets and no aging.

We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know
that togetherness is forever. You live in our hearts as we do in yours.

Companions such as you are very rare and unique. Don't hold the love that you have within yourself. Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies, and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.

Your pet in heaven.

[jmac]

I'm so sorry to hear about Molly. I'm glad you were able to take the pain away and that she could go peacefully in your arms. Know you did all you could for her.

Julie & Hannah

[Cyn719]

Elaine - So sorry to hear about Molly - losing them is one of the hardest things to go through - but I hope you keep remembering what a wonderful Mom you were and remember all the good times - Love and prayers

[Roxee's Dad]

Dear Elaine, I am so very sorry for your loss.

Rest in Peace Sweet Molly, You are now our newest and brightest star in the sky.

[Jenny & Judi in MN]

big hugs. I'm glad you had 13 years with your Molly and I'm so sorry she is gone.

Judi

[mypuppy]

So very sorry for your deep loss. God Bless you, your sweet Molly and your family. As you said may the wonderful memories help you through this painful time.

Xo Jeanette and Princess

[apollo6]

Dear Elaine
Like all of us I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your angel Molly. You were a good mother and she knew it. She will be watching over you pain free. She will always have a place in your heart that no one can replace.
Sonja and Apollo

[mytil]

Elaine,

I am so very sorry to read about Molly's passing. My heart is with you these coming days.

Please do stay with us.
(((((hugs)))))
Terry

[John II]

Dear Elaine,

I am so very sorry for your loss.

But you did everything you could for dear sweet Molly,
and I hope that knowledge gives you some comfort.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. :(

[BestBuddy]

Elaine,

Molly is now at peace. I know she was much oved and will be missed. Wishing you peace. Another Angel has their wings.

Jenny

[k9diabetes]

I am very sorry to learn of Molly's passing. I'm sure it was a blessing to have that extra year and a half with her. It is never long enough... but in 13 years, that year and a half means a lot.

Natalie

[jrepac]

Very sorry to hear of Molly's passing; rest easy baby.


Jeff

[bgdavis]

I'm very sorry to read that Molly has passed. She had a great life and you provided for her needs. She will always be with you.

Bonnie and Angel Criss

[Casey's Mom]

I am so very sorry to hear of Molly's passing. She was a beloved girl and a very lucky girl to have you as a mom.

Love and many hugs.