View Full Version : 14 year-old Shih Tzu With Recent Cushing's Diagnosis
Hi Julie,
Sorry to hear things are still a bit of a roller coaster ride. Just wondered if the dogs could have some kind of parasite like Giardia.
It does seem odd they both are having the same tummy problems. Zoe was on ID for about a year. The canned is a highly digestible food.
If the Atopia worked somewhat then perhaps the increase will help Hannah. I am sure hoping for that. I dont blame you for wanting to keep her comfortable and happy and out of the cone and we dont know if she has Cushings for sure. Her birthday is right around the corner. Time is flying by, isn't it? Seems like the year just started and here we are looking at March.
Does the Atopia bother her tummy? I wonder if the licking is from that? It is always hard to know. Sometimes I think they lick to soothe themselves and then it becomes OCD.
Have a great weekend, Julie. I hope you can take a break.
Trish
02-27-2013, 06:30 AM
HI Julie, Hannah and Izzy!
Sorry to hear the tummy and skin itchies still a bother. Really hope the food change does the trick. Gosh it seems to go round in circles and with it being both of them having problems on occasion, I do wonder if it something bacterial or environmental. Such a puzzle and I really hope it settles soon.
Sounds like if there is fluid in that gum lump it could be infected?? I bet you are hanging out for the dentist appointment, hope it is not painful for her. Looking forward to next update and hopefully read of improvement for you all
Trish xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Guys,
Just wanted to stop by to let you know I'm taking Hannah to the dental specialist on Wed. morning to have the growth in her mouth evaluated. She will decide if she thinks it can be removed. My regular vet was not sure he'd be able to close the incision. Hannah will also turn 14 on Wednesday. Some birthday present, huh?! :eek: My poor little girl has to make yet another vet trip. I'm glad the appointment is finally here, but I'm nervous at the same time. If she does think she can perform surgery, then I'll have to decide if I want to move forward (depending on the cost) and have blood work done again to see how she's doing. Please keep us in your thoughts. I'll let you know how it goes.
Julie & Hannah
molly muffin
03-04-2013, 09:45 PM
We'll be right there with you Julie. I hope it isn't anything serious. Does it seem to bother her at all?
Awww, poor Hannah, she'll need some special lovings on her birthday. Maybe the vet will give her a bunch of extra ear rubs so she'll be happier about the whole experience.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
We'll be right there with you Julie, praying for some good news for our birthday girl. Fourteen is a pretty special year for sure.:):)
((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))
Is it snowing yet at your house? I so hope the weatherman is wrong, we have no where to go with another 10 inches of snow:eek: I hope it misses you so Hannah does not have to cope with that too. We really need to go kidnap that dang groundhog and lock him up somewhere!!:p:p:p
labblab
03-05-2013, 07:39 AM
Dear Julie,
I know I have not been writing very much but I have still been following all that's going on with you and sweetie Hannah. I am so sorry for the worry over this growth and I will be hoping SOOOO hard that the consultation goes well tomorrow. I will be thinking of both you and our Birthday Girl, that's for sure!!
Sending big warm hugs from across the miles,
Marianne
Jenny & Judi in MN
03-05-2013, 05:40 PM
Thinking of you
Trish
03-06-2013, 06:34 AM
Good Luck at the dentist today Julie and Hannah, hope your better at going to the dentist than me!!!!! Take all the drugs is my advice, but I am a wuss and I am sure Hannah will be much braver than me :eek: Looking forward to hear the update later today! xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
HAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPY 14TH BIRTHDAY TO BEAUTIFUL HANNAH ..... I HOPE YOU GET CAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Squirt's Mom
03-06-2013, 09:36 AM
Happy 14th Birthday, Hannah!!
We hope you have a good day and get lots of goodies!
Hugs,
Leslie, Squirt, Trinket, Brick and Sophie
Thanks for thinking of us, everyone! And Leslie, thanks for the birthday wishes. Hannah started her 14th year at the dental specialist. She went over all of the possibilities of what the growth could be (and there are a lot of them) and then shared her thoughts. She seemed to have no concerns at all about the actual procedure (closing the wound, etc.) and basically said we need to know more before deciding what to do.
So I'm dropping Hannah off tomorrow morning at 8:00 and she is going to begin by sedating her, then doing a chest x-ray (to see if there are any tumors in her chest--if it is cancer, it could have metastasized already), then do a biopsy. If the sedation isn't enough then she would anesthetize her fully. If it seems like a cyst, then she will call me and could go ahead and remove it (it would cost about $2,000!!!), so I will have to figure out what to do. The procedure tomorrow will be about $800-$900.
I can tell my husband thinks this is crazy and thinks we should just leave it because it isn't bothering her. I don't know what I think. The procedure is scheduled, so she will get it biopsied at a minimum. I had her blood work checked at my vet today and the ALKP was 453 (very good!) and ALT was normal again. Her Hematocrit was low again at like 35.5% so she is still slightly anemic. That has been fluctuating for several months. Her BUN was also elevated, but he said that could be from dehydration. I'm hoping that is the case because she really hadn't had much water since last night. Her Creatinine was normal so he wasn't too concerned. At any rate, it was okay enough to do surgery if needed.
I'm very worried about my little sweets, but the doctor seemed so confident; she didn't mention even one concern or complication, so she must feel good about doing this procedure. I'll keep you posted and thank you for keeping is in your thoughts.
Julie & Hannah
peeking in from work, whew!!! It will be okay.:D:D
Happy Birthday Hannah!!!!!
Roxee's Dad
03-06-2013, 04:33 PM
Birthday ????? We like Birthday's :)
:D:D:D Happy Birthday Hanna :D:D:D
Harley PoMMom
03-06-2013, 04:41 PM
Happy Birthday Hanna!!
Mel-Tia
03-06-2013, 04:51 PM
Happy 14th Birthday Hannah, hope you enjoy the rest of your day now your done with the doctors
Will be thinking of you both tomorrow, try to enjoy her special day today
Xxxxx
Boriss McCall
03-06-2013, 06:33 PM
Happy Birthday Hannah!!
okay, time now, home from work.:D:D
well, so we will know what happens tomorrow and at a minimum she will have biposy. I think the chest xray for heart and lung must be standard for growth removal because they did the same thing to Zoe and her growth was the opposite direction;):D
You never know how fast they may grow and then when the growth gets bigger it may get more complicated to remove. I think you are doing the right thing.
The doggie dentist wanted over a grand I think to clean Zoe's teeth:eek::eek: So those doggie dentists have a good paying job!!! The other end is cheaper:):p
Trying to make you laugh.
I think it is great her labs are good. Great job Mom!!!!
I;ll be checking in tomorrow, we are at vets to get stiches out in the am and then I'll peek in from work. Mt boss has been great until now. I think all the work I keep missing is getting old for him. He was downright crabby about it today!!!
We;ll all hold your hand tomorrow. We are a bit hung over from going to Houston with Skye Sunday and Monday, the chcovino was flowing pretty good.
love ya and kisses to birthday pup
labblab
03-06-2013, 08:36 PM
Julie, I hope it's OK but I just took the liberty of revising your thread title to reflect today's birthday milestone. :) :D :p :p :p :p
Happy Birthday to Sweet Hannah!!!! :) :)
Marianne
Thank you all so much!
Marianne, thanks for changing her age on the thread. It is a big day! I hate the fact that she's getting older, so it's hard to think about 14. She's like my baby, since I don't have human babies yet. :D
Thanks, Addy, for telling me you think I'm doing the right thing. I agonize over decisions, and of course worry that if something goes wrong I'll just beat myself up about it. I just have to remember that I am doing whatever I can to help her.
My hubby just got home from a couple days at camp with his 5th grade students (we had a snow day yesterday, which has only happened once in the 10 years I've worked there) and he was working! Anyway, he was very supportive of my decision and told me I can't worry about "what ifs" and I shouldn't worry about the money because we've already spent so much on dogs. I know it bothers him because I sacrifice other things, but in the end, he really is good about it. That helps too.
I am such a good saver, so we do have the money to pay for a full surgery if needed, but of course that's not how I want to spend it. And it's hard to think about how much to spend on a 14 year-old dog. I think my dad thinks I'm crazy, but they just spend a few thousand on their 12 year-old Shih Tzu, who had heart problems, but unfortunately they had to put him to sleep. You just never know. Maybe she'll live another year. Then I'll know it was the right thing.
There are so many things to worry about for tomorrow. My mind is swirling and I'm exhausted. My body aches from so much shoveling yesterday. We got 10 inches of snow. I want to just go to bed, but I want to spend time cuddling my girl before tomorrow.
Thanks again for keeping us in your thoughts. I asked my vet if it would help if I took Izzy's bottle of Xanax (she takes it for thunderstorms). He got a good laugh out of that. I sort of wish I did have some. :D Hopefully I'll be able to stay calm. I'll update you tomorrow.
Julie & Hannah
molly muffin
03-06-2013, 10:01 PM
Happy Birthday Hannah!
What a good little girl you are for your momma. :) I hope you have had a lovely day and got some extra treats. Don't worry about tomorrow, you'll take a nap and not even think about anything except if their are bunnies hopping around on those clouds you are running around. Doggie dreams are the best ones you know. Then when your mom comes to pick you up after your nap, you'll be hugged and loved on and you'll know what a special little girl you are and how much everyone just wants to love on you.
Julie, I'm sure it will be okay. The vet would have mentioned if she had any concerns about doing this to Hannah.
We do spend a fortune on our babies don't we and even put off something for ourselves if it means that they can have some more precious days with us.
Will be thinking of you and Hannah tomorrow.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Trish
03-07-2013, 04:52 AM
Jeez Louise... dentists are $$$$EXPENSIVE$$$$... I hate to say this but we are all in the wrong line of work!!
Julie, I would pay it too... to get more time with my baby. You are not putting her at too much risk as they are checking her out so thoroughly beforehand. It could end up being just a cyst so that is what I will be hoping for! I think Addy is right, if it does end up getting bigger you would kick yourself for not doing it earlier. So I say, go for it too and no regrets.....you have to firmly believe you are doing it for the right reasons, if anything did go wrong it is not your fault. :D:D I guess in the long run it won't effect her quantity of life, but if it grows bigger and starts bothering her then it could effect quality and as far as I am concerned that is the most important thing.
Hope it all goes well tomorrow, keep us updated when you can as I am sure we will be waiting for the news! I bet you got loads of good cuddles tonight, just enough to last you till you get her back in your arms tomorrow night!!
Good Luck Miss Hannah xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ps I am sure Skye will send you some of her courage juice if you ask her nicely :D:D:D
pps Your hubby sounds like a keeper!! So glad you have his support in making these hard decisions :):):)
Okay, I am here with the Starbucks. I know it is a little early but I did not want to miss anything and I needed to claim the window seat.
Wake me back up when we are ready to leave:D:D
(((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))
it will all be over in a blink of an eye and she will home in your arms.
Thanks guys.
We're just getting some morning cuddle time in before we have to load up the car. My poor girl is wondering why I haven't given her her "treats" (Denamarin and Cosequin) or her breakfast. And now she's all curled up next to me dozing off. Little does she know she's about to go back to the vet, where I'm going to leave her alone. She hasn't been away from me at a vet or groomer for over a year. She's always been nervous and attached to her "mommy" so I hope she'll do okay. The vet is really sweet and wonderful so that sure makes me feel better.
I have a list of what I want to remind them of:
-her back issues (don't want to start something up again with her struggling during an x-ray, etc.)
-she needs to wear the e-collar when she's fully alert so she doesn't chew her legs
-to check to see if she can drink water with the e-collar (think I'll bring the dish we use at home)
I'm going to bring one of my t-shirts to keep with her so she can smell her mommy. And hopefully they'll give me some idea of when this procedure might take place. They are "squeezing her in" to the schedule today so I hope it doesn't mean she'll sit there until 1:00 waiting. That would drive me crazy.
Addy, I'm just about to come wake you up...I just need to take a few deep breaths so I can actually make it to the car. ;)
Julie & Hannah
Julie, I haven't posted much to you, but have been following along with your sweet Hannah. I hope she had a wonderful birthday!! (After the vet visit, of course).
I will be thinking about you guys, along with the others that have vet appts today. I hope everything goes well today for your sweet girl. Hang in there, I so understand the anxiety about leaving her there all day. That's great that you are leaving one of your t-shirts with her, I always leave something like that with Jasper for these situations also. I will be checking for an update later.
Hugs,
Tina and Jasper
Squirt's Mom
03-07-2013, 10:18 AM
Hi Julie,
Hoping all goes well today and that our sweet girl is back home soon!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang
Mel-Tia
03-07-2013, 11:08 AM
I am here with you both as well
Xxxx
So here's the update so far:
It's a tooth under her gum (her canine) that never came out of her gum when she was a puppy. She will take it out, along with the cyst. So NO CANCER!:D Her chest was totally clear. Phew.
Bad news:
1. It will be in the $2,000 range.
2. She called again to tell me there are other fractured teeth with roots exposed on her right side (which hurt). She would like to take them out too, and said it shouldn't add too much to the cost-maybe $100-$200. This is only on the right side of her mouth...she hadn't looked at the left side yet. :eek:
She said she would see how Hannah is doing under anesthesia and will take what she can. They are all in the same area, which is helpful, I guess. I'm crossing my fingers and saying lots of prayers that she will tolerate the surgery and anesthesia and will come home in one piece. I'm also hopeful there aren't tons of problems on the left side. She only has about 10 teeth in her mouth as it is!
She will call me when Hannah is awake.
Julie & Hannah
Mel-Tia
03-07-2013, 01:25 PM
That is great news re the tooth not so great re the cost but the more they can do now the less likely she is to have problems in the future
Hopefully she will call soon to say she is all done
First good news of the day, hoping that sets the tone for everyone else
Mel
Xxxx
Wow- and I was thinkiing this morning while I was waiting in the car for you ;) too bad she couldnt have a dental while she was there:) Ouch to the pocket book but Hannah is going to feel so much better I bet.
It will be fine, sweetie, I just can feel it in my bones. I know how hard it is to give up control.
Good thinking about reminding them about her back.
Let us know when she wakes up. You know the plan, wake up, walk, pee come home:):):):):)
((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))
Update #2:
Vet called and she is out of surgery and breathing on her own, and is in anesthesia recovery. She said they took a total of 5 teeth. :eek: The left side looks good though, so she doesn't anticipate any more surgery needed any time soon.
I LOVE this vet. She made every phone call along the way, always started by telling me Hannah was okay, and talked me through everything in such a caring, thoughtful way. It's like she provided therapy along the way. She said Hannah did beautifully under anesthesia, with absolutely no concerns . She made me cry this last time because she told me that I absolutely did the right thing and that even though Hannah has a lot of stitches, she'll be feeling SO much better and she said she sure hopes she's lucky enough to be like Hannah when she's 80 to have someone take care of her the same way.
I'm going to pick her up at 3:00. I'm just saying a few more prayers that she won't have injured her back. Then we'll move into phase 2: tonight, with pain management, eating/drinking, monitoring her, etc. So please stick with us just a little bit longer...:)
Julie & Hannah
Mel-Tia
03-07-2013, 03:20 PM
Woo hoo go Hannah - glad she is awake and ok
Awesome that your vet did that
Xxx
we arent going anywhere, girlfriend:)
what a wonderful vet, Julie, I LOVE her too:D:D
wake up, walk, pee, come home soon Hannah
Jenny & Judi in MN
03-07-2013, 04:30 PM
Great news and great vet!
labblab
03-07-2013, 04:55 PM
So far, so good!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)
Thanks so much for this update, Julie.
Marianne
Squirt's Mom
03-07-2013, 06:18 PM
Hope she is home soon, Julie!
ok it is 4:40 my time, guess I will check when I get home:):)
We are home! She is doing pretty well, but a little weird, of course. I think she's hungry. I'm softening some food for her now. I finally got her to lie down, but if I move she's up. I have to give Buprenorphine every 8-12 hours. I sure hope that goes okay. I know she could be sedated or act a little wacky, but they told me that's more common in cats. I've been told by several vets that it's very safe and they use it all the time. I sure hope so.
I'm going to give a little food soon and then try the med around 7:00, I think. Thanks again for sticking with us!
Julie & Hannah
Mel-Tia
03-07-2013, 06:50 PM
Glad you are both home safe and sound
Xxxx
molly muffin
03-07-2013, 06:54 PM
Hey Julie! Awesome vet! I want her too! Sounds like Hannah did wonderful throughout the whole thing too. Now if her back is okay and she heals up fine, things should be dandy for awhile. :) Crossing fingers for that.
Not going anywhere :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Squirt's Mom
03-07-2013, 06:55 PM
YAY! Our girl is back home where she belongs in Mom's loving arms!
Thank goodness, now she just needs some holding and a bit of food and a pain pill and a good night sleep.
Dont let her gulp a bunch of water. They told me Zoe should have a few sips and then take it away and offer again in 10 minutes. If they gulp water they can vomit. They get so happy they are home, the surgeon said they can gulp too much water.
Dear Hannah, I am so glad you are back home with mommy. feel better soon.
Love, Auntie Addy
Harley PoMMom
03-07-2013, 09:18 PM
So glad to hear that Hannah is home and is in your loving arms. Hoping and praying for an uneventful recovery and sending huge and loving hugs.
Good night, Julie, Hannah and Izzy, we'll check in tomorrow and I hope you all have a good night.
Trish
03-08-2013, 05:07 AM
Hoooooray!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a tooth, just a tooth...YAY YAY YAY!!! let this be a good lesson to us all not to jump to the worst case scenario (am telling this especially to myself, as I am one of the worst offenders :eek::eek:) I am so pleased to read this Julie!! I missed all the action, left my stupid phone at home today... made for quite a peaceful day though :D:D I wonder if the bad teeth have been causing some of her other problelms?? Be great if her tummy and itch settled down too :D
Such a relief, I am so pleased for you both and hope she enjoyed a little soft snack and has a sound sleep to get over the anaesthetic. Are they dissolvable stitches?? Hope she did good with the pain pill too :D:D I am smiling at this post, WE LOVE GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!!!
Loads of hugs for you lot tonight xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Guys,
I'm feeling worried, as Hannah doesn't want to eat. She ate a little right away when we got home night, about 5. Probably 1/6 c. of wet down food, and had a couple small drinks. I tried again with a little more food about 7:00, before giving the Buprenorphine, and she took a teeny tiny bit off my finger and recoiled like I'd hurt her. She then literally ran away from the food dish. I assumed it could be pain, and gave the pain med. At 2:00 a m., I heard her tummy, so I got up and got more food. She ran away again. From the canned food, softened dry food, didn't matter. I don't even know how she'll get any meds besides the pain med if she won't eat. I tried the Denamarin, which she loves, and crushed it up in her dish. She sniffed it like she was super interested, then ran away. The only thing she wanted was a tiny piece of smoked cheddar, but with the recent I'D diet, I don't want to feed her cheese. I called the vet because this clinic is linked to the ER vet and they said someone will call in the morning. They thought it could still take a little time, or her pain is not being controlled. Ugh. I'm super worried because this is very different from previous dentals. I know she's older, but still.
Julie & Hannah
Mel-Tia
03-08-2013, 05:46 AM
Bless her maybe she bit down on the food on the sore place in her mouth and that's why she is reluctant now
Could you try something gloopy like porridge so that no chewing is required?
Hope the vets get in touch soon. Big hug from me x
Trish
03-08-2013, 06:02 AM
Hi Julie
I had that drug for Flynn, I had to squirt it in his mouth. I remember the vet saying it was not quite as important as the non steroidals to give it as food. Temgesic is the other name for it. I bet she is sore and probably like Mel said went to eat, it hurt so she stopped. You could also try the real slushy rice boiled to heck so it goes all gloopy and a bit of minced up chicken in it? Kinda like what we recommend to dogs with upset tummy, don't want anything hard getting stuck in her gums or hurting her. Is it bleeding at all? Make sure she is pretty alert if you have to put it in her mouth, don't want her choking.
I think keep getting the pain relief into her (how often can she have it, as I would go for max dose) and not worry too much about food tonight, then if no better in morning ring her lovely dentist vet. She could be up and unsettled post anaesthetic too, then probably feels hungry, then eats and yeooooooooooooowy! Poor wee girl.
xxxx aww poor Hannah xxxx
When Zoe came home the surgeon said I should not be suprised if she did not want to eat, they are coming out of anesthesia and have pain. It is not unusual. So dont panic, give her some time. Hopefully she will feel a bit better this morning.
checking in on you. I hope you both got some sleep.
Mel-Tia
03-08-2013, 11:34 AM
How are you both doing? Are you and Hannah feeling a bit better now?
Jenny & Judi in MN
03-08-2013, 12:56 PM
Jenny had 9 teeth pulled at her dental and her vet warned me between that and the anesthesia that she might now want to eat for a day or so. deep breathe
Thanks for the info. and advice everyone! It means so much.
Hannah has eaten a little this morning. I've discovered that she wants nothing to do with her canned ID food. She will eat the dry ID after I soften it into big puff balls. She also isn't too interested in eating out of a dish, but will eat off the floor, a plate, or a saucer. I'm not sure what that's about. I had Matt buy some hamburger at the store and I'm going to boil that and try it with some rice later on. I'll need some way to get her other meds in her because I usually put the pills in the canned food and squirt the Atopica on the canned food and she gulps it up. I didn't give any meds yesterday or today besides the pain med. I don't think I'll give the Atopica today either. I just don't want to upset her tummy. She did get a drink a little while ago and she is still going potty, so I'm feeling better.
The vet is still beyond wonderful and has emailed me twice, once about my concern of giving Hydroxyzine with the Buprenorphine (saying it would be fine), and once about my concerns about not eating. She said we should not worry yet, and that she had major oral surgery and is still recovering. She said there is likely still some pain, even with the meds, and may just need a little more time. She said she'd call me today or tomorrow to check on us. She is so down to earth, and very kind, and still walks me through it like a therapist. :) Even her write up of the procedure is great. She wrote, "We discovered an unerupted canine tooth in the radiograph and realized it was a dentigerous cyst. Woo hoo! We all did the happy dance!" She is just amazing.
I'm feeling a little better, but still worried about my girl. It doesn't help that she is on a narcotic either, of course, but I hope it's giving her some relief. I just hope things get a little better each day, and that I can start getting some other meds in her soon. I also hope the eating stuff will resolve. At least I got something in her for now though.
Julie & Hannah
molly muffin
03-08-2013, 03:18 PM
Hi Julie,
That vet is just wonderful!!! I wish she was near here. I'd use her in a heartbeat too!
Poor little Hannah, I'm sure her tummy says she is hungry and then her mouth says Ouch! :(
Maybe the hamburger will work in small little portions. Too much could upset her tummy too and don't want her to vomit. I hope she feels better soon.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin
Harley PoMMom
03-08-2013, 03:39 PM
I wonder if Hannah would eat baby food? Sending healing and loving hugs, Lori
Some good news:
Hannah ate a little canned food off my finger (with vigor), and took a hydroxyzine in canned food. We went for a very short walk (a couple of houses) and she was eager to go and trotted. She went potty by the fire hydrant and begged for a little treat when we got home (a tiny dab of canned food). She also got another drink. I'm feeling much better.
The vet (herself!) called this afternoon to check on her. She reminded me that she probably won't poop for a couple of days, and that the side effect of the med can be constipation. That can be a problem for Hannah too, but hopefully with all the wet food it will be better.
She said there was a root tip right in the front of Hannah's mouth, so that could be why she was so hesitant to eat earlier. She also said that she should continue to improve, but there may be more setbacks, like when she gets some food right in one of the sore spots. She is so good! I told her I've been bragging about her to everyone, and that I'd recommend anyone with doggy dental issues to go see her. :D She was thrilled. She said she'd be checking on us again soon.
My mom volunteered to come over to watch my girls for a couple of hours so Matt and I can go run a few errands and grab a quick dinner. (I knew he would not be happy if I said we had to be confined to the house the whole weekend). I'm lucky my mom is so close and so helpful! She loves my little Hannah too, since I still lived there when she was adopted.
Anyway, keep your fingers crossed that the improvement continues! We are supposed to get freezing rain, rain, and snow the next 48 hours, so that stinks big time! Hannah already has trouble and now she'll be drugged and trying to deal with it. I sure hope it's not too bad.
Julie & Hannah
milosmom
03-08-2013, 06:05 PM
hi julie !!! you may want to try giving your baby hannah some canned pumpkin,this helps keep the colon moving.i have been given it to my dogs for over 20 years when they have troubles.sending healing thoughts...patty(milo)meka xoxox
molly muffin
03-08-2013, 09:05 PM
Hi Julie,
What great news about Hannah and your continued wondrous vet. :) I'm soooo jealous!!! LOL Actually I am very glad that Hannah and you had a great vet to do this kind of surgery. It's really reassuring to know that there are some pretty awesome vets out there and we just have to find them. She's pretty inspiring.
That is so good that Hannah is eating a bit and acting happy too. Love that mom of yours! Babysitting her grandpups is very cool thing. :)
Gosh I hope you don't get freezing rain. :( I'd much rather have snow than that icy stuff any time.
Enjoy your quality time with Matt. That will be a nice stress relief for you both you to have a tiny break.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
aweee that is sweet of your mom for watching after your little one. and helps ease your mind i bet tons!!!!! i can just see her being all excited and trotting off with you and going potty by hydrant, eyes probably just dancing like MOM MOM MOM did you see what i just did!!!!!
hopefully she heals up just really really fast and food is nom nom nom yum yum good. :)
Trish
03-09-2013, 04:53 AM
I think we all want Hannah's vet!!! She sounds super wonderful! I was wondering if you would be allowed to put any of that anaesthetic gel on her gums to help with pain, maybe something you could ask next time she calls. Glad she is eating a bit, they must wonder what the heck hits them eh... off she goes to sleep and wakes up with a mouthful of pain! But it is going to be sooo worth it in the long run!
I love that visual of the fire hydrant, we do not have them in my country and I remember growing up seeing American movies of dogs peeing by them or else the water spraying out and and kids playing in it on hot hot days... it just seems so ummm American I guess :D:D I just know Flynn would love a fire hydrant to pee on!
Hope you had a nice relaxing evening out, you deserve it Super Mom!
Trish xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
LOL at Trish saying Flynnie would love a fire hydrant to pee on:D
Hope you had a nice break with dinner and Hannah is feeling a bit better this morning. You are very lucky to have a great babysitter of a mom:):):):)
((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))
molly muffin
03-09-2013, 10:30 AM
My molly loves a fire hydrant too. I'm not sure that she remembers she is a girl sometimes, because that dog cannot pass a good hydrant by. :) So, what is Hannah's position on hydrants, pee worthy or pass by?
I hope she is still doing good and her gums continue to heal nicely.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Squirt's Mom
03-09-2013, 10:30 AM
How are you girls this morning? I hope Hannah's appetite is coming back and she is feeling a bit less pain today.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang
Hi Julie,
So happy to read the good news about Hannah, and about your fabulous vet! I hope she is continuing to recuperate well and her appetite is improving.
Hugs,
Tina and Jasper
Mel-Tia
03-11-2013, 08:23 AM
How are you both doing today?
Is her little mouth any better?
Mel
Xxxx
Hi Julie,
I have a minute and wanted to stop to say hi and tell you I still try to check on you and Hannah. I hope her mouth is feeling better by now and that awful ice and snow goes away soon. All of our rain is now ice too and Zoe went plop on the driveway this morning:(
Big hugs and thinking of you
Hi Guys,
Thanks for checking in. I've been trying to catch up on sleep and be a good teacher (I had a lot to catch up on because I have spent all of my time taking care of my girl), so I haven't been able to write.
Hannah seems to be doing well in terms of her teeth. She did have two bouts of diarrhea though and I'm not sure why. We were told she could be constipated. But Hannah is always the exception, right?! Just like they told me it's very rare for a dog to have a dentigerous cyst (which is what the growth was-a tooth that never came in when she was a puppy) at such an old age, as they usually show up around age 3 or 4. I like to think Hannah must just be young for her age! :D:p
Anyway, the diarrhea episode on Sun. was pretty bad, but I gave the Metronidazole and started her on hamburger and rice on Mon. She hasn't had a BM since Sun. She is acting normal now, otherwise. She is eating and is no longer on pain meds. I was worried on Mon. and Tues. because she wasn't really drinking water, but I was adding some to her food. She was still urinating, so I figured she was okay, but it still worried me. I saw her get one drink last night and my husband saw her get one drink today. Hopefully it will increase soon because I also worry about her crystals. These are the times I wonder how in the heck she could have Cushing's!
Anyway, we get a check up the week after next. She'll be on soft food until then. Please cross your fingers that things will normalize, especially the tummy issues!
Julie & Hannah
molly muffin
03-13-2013, 09:25 PM
Hi Julie,
Molly's water intake goes Way down when she isn't eating that SO food. I know how worrying it is that they get plenty of water to keep the crystals down. Do you have any of the can SO food? I got some when molly didn't want to eat any dry and was having some diarrhea issues herself. I gave her just a tiny bit to help encourage her to drink.
Hope she gets back to normal with her water and her BM's. Poor thing, probably still feels a bit out of whack.
Hang in there. (I seem to be saying that all the time these days LOL)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Post op is just so dang stressful:(
I hope our sweetie feels better soon. This to shall pass:)
Hoping for a good rest of the week for you and Hannah.
love ya
stopping by to see how things are going...........has she poohed yet? i would assume so.....hope she is getting balanced back out on that. i know it can take a few days.
hope both of you are doing okay hope to hear update soon.
Mel-Tia
03-16-2013, 05:12 AM
How are you both? On poop patrol... Things looking better?
Mel
Xxxxx
goldengirl88
03-16-2013, 12:35 PM
Julie:
Sometimes when I take Tipper in the car with me for any period of time she is reluctant to drink. I always keep a syringe handy and if I see it has been long since she drank and her mouth is dry I use the syringe to hydrate her as the Cush dogs need extra water and use it up more than a normal dog. We had a 7 hr trip in the car to the eye Dr. and she would not drink and her mouth was so dry. So I got out the syringe and gave her water. She seemed happy to get it if that makes sense, but would not drink on her own. You can get a couple and keep them around they are useful. It all takes time to get adjusted to these Cush dogs new needs. Good luck and God Bless you both.
Patti
Hello Everyone!
Thanks for checking on us and helping with poop patrol! :D Hannah finally pooped on Fri. afternoon-5 days later! I drove her to a park she likes in the summer and she finally found a good smell and did her business. She also went yesterday, so hopefully we are back on track. I was a little worried because both stools were on the softer side, but they were perfectly formed. I'm thinking that when you only eat soft food (I have to keep it soft for two weeks, until her dental recheck) maybe that is to be expected. I'm glad she didn't have to strain to get it out after so many days.
I have not put her back on Atopica (since the diarrhea episode last Sun.) because I am trying to do one thing at a time to deduce what could be going on. She is on Hydroxyzine three times per day and even though I know she is itchy, it isn't too bad. I think I'll make sure the stool stays consistent, and then we'll try the Atopica again (starting slowly with a low dose). The derm vet really didn't think that was a cause because she said they usually have diarrhea right away if they are going to have trouble, and she was fine for the first 2-3 weeks. We started really slowly and increased gradually, which is what I will do again.
Unfortunately, she is still wearing the cone. It has now been 5 months. :(:confused::eek: My poor girl. I think she's just used to it now. I do take it off when I am home and can monitor her, but I don't want her to destroy her feet or neck. She bites her front feet and scratches the heck out of her neck. I don't want her to create a wound. I did try the Hydrocortisone shampoo yesterday, but it doesn't appear there was a huge difference. I guess it will be good to see if the Atopica does anything different when I put her back on it, now that I've had over a week to watch her without it.
My husband and I hope to go up to the North Shore for a few days over our spring break (it is next week). My parents are close and will take Hannah and Izzy, but I'm like Addy--leaving Hannah causes anxiety. We went up to Duluth last Oct. and it took me a day to relax ,but it was wonderful. Assuming nothing goes wrong between now and then, we'll probably leave Saturday and come back on Tues. My parents are wonderful with them, and my mom is just as detailed as I am, so I know they are in excellent hands. I just worry that something will happen while I'm gone. With all the melting and refreezing we've had, our yards are terribly slippery, and my parents' yard is really bad. She got her monthly laser treatment yesterday and it sure seems to help keep her issue-free.
On another note, I have a dog behavior person coming over next week to help us with Izzy. My vet recommended this company when I inquired about what to do with my strange little girl. She is so hard to figure out and she bites us when she doesn't like something. We can't even pick her up. She's terrible when people come to the door and I don't trust her with kids at all. When my friends' kids come over, I have to keep her on a leash with me or lock her in another room. We are trying to have a baby, so we really need to do something.
It's not cheap of course, but I don't see any way around it. I think we owe it to Izzy too. I'm sure there are things we're doing wrong. Heck, I'm scared of her half the time! On their resources page, they recommend Jean Donaldson, whom I know Addy told me about, so I hope it will be helpful. I have a feeling there is a combo of Izzy being incredibly anxious and her realizing that her biting is getting her what she wants at home. (She doesn't bite at the vet-I think because she is still scared of them). If anyone has any other resources or tips, I'd love them.
Sending warm thoughts to all of you!
Julie & Hannah
I hope you can get away, for me just the one day was amazing so you will reap many rewards and you know your mom will be great with the pups. I know it is hard to relinquish control and the what ifs start up but Im sure it will all be just fine.
Jean Donaldson is wonderful so if the trainer is coming to teach Izzy from her perspective I think that is wonderful.Her book Culture Clash was an eye opener for me and I also have her Dogs are from Neptune and Oh Behave books as well. Pat Miller is also a good source but honestly, if they come at this with clicker training, you'll see progress. If I can get Zoe, who is sick with mulitple health issues to respond to allow me to wash her face, love her eye drops, allow me to muzzle her, let me reassure you, there is hope for Izzy and any trainer refering to Jean Donaldson and her techniques will hopefully give you good tools.
I feel for you with the loose stools and hope you find what is causing it. I did that with Zoe for so many years and every test always came back normal. Drove me nuts:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
Enjoy your Spring break, Julie!!!
Trish
03-24-2013, 03:47 AM
Hi Julie
Hope you and hubby had a lovely break away, recharge the batteries! i bet your Mom coped just fine, they usually do :D:D I have 10 days away in three weeks time, Mum and Dad will take care of Flynn for me, I am pretty sure he likes it better at their house as they are much more forthcoming with treats than I am :D
How did the trainer go with Izzy? Hopefully you got tons of helpful tips.
Hope Miss Hannahs mouth is all healed up now and she is doing good :D
Trish xx
Hi Trish,
Thanks for checking on us! We are up north now. Heading home tomorrow. I have all week off for spring break. Hannah has her mouth check on Wed. She seems fine, in terms of her teeth. We have had some tummy issues so she is taking one metronidazole per day for now. I have decided she probably has done sort of stomach or intestinal cancer, between the strange diarrhea, tummy pain, and borderline anemia she's had the past several months. It's never good when I start internet research, but I do think it's possible. So that's my new worry.
They both need their yearly checkup, so I'll ask more about it then. I also have to decide if Hannah gets her distemper/ parvo vaccine, and if I should check her titers. Both vets seem to feel okay about just not vaccinating, but I'm not sure what to do yet.
The appt. with the dog trainer for Izzy is on Wed. afternoon. I am looking forward to it. I also got some books they recommended and have started reading.
Mom and dad say everything's going okay with Hannah and Izzy so far, so that's good. It's cold and gray with flurries up here. Very pretty, but I sure am ready for spring!
Julie & Hannah
My daughter told me I had to stop looking up stuff so I will tell that to you too. :) Oh Julie, it seems not that long ago when Hannah had back problems and Zoe was going splat on her face and it was warm out and things finally settled down and worked out somewhat. Now I am worrying Zoe has kidney problems and you are worrying Hannah has cancer.:(:(
Try to enjoy what is left of your trip. I know you are worried and it is hard. At least we did not get the awful snow storm.:):)
I am here for you and Hannah always, always here for you both. You have held my hand so many times, I get teary eyed thinking about it.:o
doxiesrock912
03-24-2013, 09:27 PM
The grandparents usually are! Every time daisy stays with grandpa, I have to exercise her to get the extra weight off:)
I was thinking of you all day yesterday and wanted to come and ask how Hannah is and that I hoped you enjoyed your Spring break.
Zoe has a daily dose of metronidazole for 2 years now. I have cut the dose back usually I can get a way with a pretty small piece but I increase and decrease depending on her stool and stress. I hope it helps Hannah as it was the only thing that helped Zoe.
I am still waiting to see a robin but at least the snow has started to melt and Koko and I actually took a nice long walk this morning without my feet freezing.:):)
Let us know how Hannah is doing.
love ya
Trish
03-29-2013, 01:37 AM
Hi Julie
How did Hannah's mouth checkup go this week, all healed up? Hope the other end of her has settled down a little too :)
What about Izzy's training, that would have been interesting! Get any good tips?
Trish xxx
Simba's Mom
03-29-2013, 10:48 PM
Sending you and Hannah hugs, have a blessed Easter!
Hi Sweetie, thinking of you, Hannah and Izzy
Hi Guys,
Thanks for thinking of us! The mouth recheck went well. Everything is healing as it should. She peeked for about 1 second. The girls also had their yearly checkup last Tues. That went well too. I opted not to have Hannah vaccinated for distemper, parvo and whatever the other one is-some kind of flu??? Out of both vet offices where we go, neither thought she really needed it. We talked about titers, but the more holistic of the two vets said that unless I would need proof of vaccination she really didn't think there was a point. They both felt that since Hannah has had her vaccines for the past ten years that she should be fine. I'm hopeful that is correct.
I also talked with the vet about my fear that Hannah has some sort of stomach/abdominal cancer, based on her symptoms and my internet research. She said that if that was true Hannah would be losing weight and that a few days to a week of metronidaozle would not resolve her symptoms. She thinks it is more likely irritable bowel or something. That made me feel better for now. Of course now that I've been reading more on here, I'm worried she has a biliary mucocele, which I never knew about until about a week ago. This is why I need to limit my exposure to possible problems. It doesn't do anything good for my fears. :eek:
The training with Izzy went well. She basically confirmed what we though. Izzy is not mean; her reactions are based in fear. Since we adopted her and have no idea what her early life was, but can assume it was not good, and that she was not socialized, she just doesn't trust anyone much. We are to practice things like just calling her to us in a really cheerful voice, and then give her a treat. We also are going to make her sit, lie down or sit "pretty" before she gets treats, meals, goes outside, before we throw her stuffed toy, etc. In order to work on picking her up, we're supposed to approach her from the side and just get near her and give her a treat, then add touching her with one hand and getting a treat, then add the second hand before the treat. We've been good practicing the sit, down, pretty, but haven't done much with the picking up practice yet. Maybe I'll be better tomorrow when I get back in the routine and go back to work.
I've started adding the Atopica gradually again to see if that will help with Hannah's itching. We don't think it caused any of her stomach upset, but don't want to give it if she already has an upset stomach. I feel terrible that she still spends most of her life in a cone. Nothing has worked.
I'm thinking of putting her on a low dose of steroids to see if it helps. It's the last resort, but I don't want my poor sweetie miserable and itchy. She's been in the cone for 6 months. We've tried creams, sprays, shampoos, multiple antihistamines, Atopica....and a combo. of several...with minimal improvement.
On a side note, I saw this on pinterest last night. I REALLY want to do it, but it is pretty pricey. I thought I'd see if any of you have heard of it. You make a mold of your dog's nose or paw and make a necklace or key chain. I wonder if it would irritate their noses? I love the idea otherwise.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/59568560/dog-nose-necklace-personalized-in?ref=sr_gallery_4&ga_search_query=valentines+with+dogs&ga_search_type=handmade
Back to work tomorrow. I can't believe my spring break is over, but I am excited to see my kiddos. I have such a wonderful group of 3rd graders this year, after having four really tough years. They were just what I needed.
Now I just wish the weather would warm up so it actually feels like spring!
Julie & Hannah
Hi guys,
I'm writing to ask for positive thoughts. I found some kind of wound or infected looking area on Hannah's face. It's hard to see what exactly it is because of all of her hair, but its under her eye and above her lip. It doesn't look good. It's dark pink and irritated. I can't tell if it's a skin fold or cut. I'm sure they'll have to shave her face, and may need to sedate her to do it. I don't even know if I can be there because I found it tonight and need to make an appointment tomorrow. I'm very worried about my girl.
Please keep us in your thoughts.
Thanks,
Julie & Hannah
Harley PoMMom
04-09-2013, 12:33 AM
Oh poor Hannah :( I will be keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers, sending huge and loving hugs, Lori
Simba's Mom
04-09-2013, 12:42 AM
Sending healing hugs and prayers too!
doxiesrock912
04-09-2013, 01:28 AM
Julie,
Poor Hannah!
Hoping that they help tomorrow at the vets.
molly muffin
04-09-2013, 07:56 AM
Julie, sending prayers and positive thoughts your way for little Hannah. I do hope it is nothing too serious and that she'll be okay.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Squirt's Mom
04-09-2013, 10:06 AM
Hi Julie,
Squirt had something similar happen on her face a few years ago. I found it after it had ruptured and it scared me to pieces but her vet said it was nothing to worry about. It was a cyst that came to the surface. She told me it may happen again and it has but it has always healed back up nicely. That spot ruptured again last month. I don't notice it until that has happened; it isn't a bump or raised spot that I feel when I rub her face - but one day there will be a crusty area there and I know it has ruptured again. It acts almost like a boil - once the area has drained, it's fine.
I hope Hannah's is of no more concern than what happens with Squirt. Let us know what the vet says and know many prayers and positive thoughts are surrounding you both.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang
Hi Julie,
Checking in to see if there is any news of Hannah. I am hoping and praying it is something simple.
Hugs and prayers. Let us know when you can how things went today.
molly muffin
04-09-2013, 06:02 PM
Checking in on Hannah and you. Hope all is going well today at the vets.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Hi Everyone-
Thank you SO MUCH for thinking of us and sending lots of positive vibes. I hope it worked. The good news is the thing on her face is a little infection in a skin fold. The vet said she thinks Hannah had some moisture in there and then got a little infection. We are to start conservatively just with using the Chlorhexadine wipe in that area once a day. If it isn't looking better in a few days, then she would want me to try an oral antibiotic too. She didn't want to upset her stomach by introducing an antibiotic now, which I appreciate.
I also brought in a stool sample because I had noticed her stool was darker for the last several days-sometimes even more like two colors (one on the outside and one on the inside). The other vet told me to take pictures for a few days and see if it maintains the same color or changes. Since we went in I brought the actual sample from about an hour before, and the vet looked and said she did think there could possibly be some blood in it. She said Hannah could have some ulcer or something going on and that it wouldn't hurt to treat for it and see if things improved.
I got Sulcrafate to give twice a day (an hour before or two hours after eating) and Famotidine (generic Pepcid AC) to give once per day (30-60 min. after the Sulcrafate).
Since I have to give Denamarin on an empty stomach too, it's going to be a little tricky. I'm going to have to give Denamarin at 5 a.m., Sulcrafate at 6 a.m., then feed her and give Hydroxyzine and Atopica at 7 a.m. I'm going to do the Famotidine at night with her supper. It's going to be a fun week! I already set my alarm at night to give her Hydroxyzine between 11:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.
Because of Hannah's on and off borderline anemic blood results for the past several months, I was worried right away when I saw her stool darken. It doesn't look black, but it's dark brown with a lighter color inside. It is so well formed and a good consistency; she hasn't had any straining or diarrhea for a month, but now there's some new issue.
Of course the other vet warned me months ago that she could be anemic from some slow bleed or tumor, which is why I panicked. The vet I saw today said she would really expect Hannah to be acting sick and not eating, drinking, or acting normally if it were a tumor. She has also been holding steady at 12 lbs., and the vet said she'd be losing weight. She is acting normal too, and she got a full check up today and I know her gums are a good color.
I'm hopeful this will all work out. She's getting so many drugs for the next week that I'm going to have to write it down and check it off to be sure I do it correctly. The vet will call me next Tues. to see how things are going.
Thanks again for checking on us. It means so much to know you're all here!
Julie & Hannah
make a chart like I did for all of Zoe's eye drops. Whenever you give a drug write down the time on the chart.:):)
gotta run, having terrible storms, have to drive home to the pups. I'll check in again later.
glad to hear it is a minor issue on the face. hoping she does not have an ulcer.
love ya
((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))
Squirt's Mom
04-09-2013, 07:14 PM
I'm very glad the face was nothing worse and hope the new meds get the digestive track straightened. I have Squirt's and did have Tasha's meds all over the counter sorted into times to be given. That way I could look and see what was needed when and be sure I had given them then...most of the time. There are always those days my brain is on the fritz and anything is possible on those days! :D
molly muffin
04-09-2013, 07:15 PM
oh my you are going to be busy for awhile with Hannah's timetables.
I'm glad this wasn't anything more serious and that it is able to be treated without adding something else to her medicine wise. Although hmm, managed to do that anyway. Still, knowing Hannah, it would have resulted in another bout of the runs for her. Poor thing.
Oh hmm, we never thought of an ulcer before did we? Those are treatable and can clear up at least. It would be good if you didn't have to worry about her going anemic all the time, so really hope works out and clears it up completely.
You are awesome with Hannah, julie!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Hi Guys,
I wanted to give an update on Hannah. Her skin fold infection looks a little better from what I can tell, but it's hard to see it well, as it's covered by her fur. Her stool has resumed a normal color, so I'm encouraged by that. I'm concerned, though, that her other meds may not be getting absorbed because of the sucralfate and famotidine. With everything else she takes and the directions for those drugs, it makes it really difficult to get everything in.
She's been really itchy the past couple of days and I think it's could be because the Atopica and Hydroxyzine are too close to the Sucralfate. So I'm going to try to spread it out the last few days (we go until Tues. morning). That means I'll probably be getting up at 3:00 to give Denamarin, 4:00 to give Atopica and Hydroxyzine, and 6:00 to give Sucralfate. Then I can feed her at 7:00. Right now, she has been getting Sucralfate and then getting the Atopica and Hydroxyzine an hour later. I think it's preventing absorption.
The Denamarin has to be on an empty stomach, so that is tough too. And the Atopica is better with food, but not necessary. I feel like I can't win.
She has also been drinking/urinating a bit more the past couple of days. Hannah can easily hold her urine for 8-12 hours, and sometimes doesn't even want to go out to pee more than 3 times per day. The last couple of days she has urinated at 3:45, 6:30, and 10:00 p.m. And last night she barked at me to go out at 6:30 and 10:00, which is unusual for her. She held it from 10:00 last night to 8:00 this morning. But then went out again at 12:00.
I realize this may not be that abnormal for some dogs, but it is different for Hannah. She has had quite a few drinks today too. 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., and probably three more drinks between 9:00 and 1:00. She's also been barking at me more often after her supper, which usually means she wants more food.
I'm sure you're guessing that this has led me to wonder if Cushing's (if she has it) is getting worse. Maybe her cortisol is rising? Does that fluctuate in dogs who are not medicated for Cushing's? I've never even had Hannah's measured because no vet has thought it was worth it considering her lack of strong symptoms.
I've also wondered if something is going on with her kidneys. Her BUN was slightly elevated the last time she had blood work (early March), but my vet said it could be due to her being a little dehydrated. It was in the morning and she really hadn't had much water. The other values were normal. He seems more concerned with BUN/Creatinine ratio, and that was fine and always has been.
I'd like to get some blood work done, just for my own knowledge and peace of mind, but I don't know if this is the best time, considering all the meds she's been on. But maybe it doesn't really matter. I'm sure my vet can tell me. I'm thinking the Denamarin has probably been absorbed because it has usually been two hours before the Sucralfate.
I searched to see if Famotidine or Sucralfate could increase drinking and urinating and found nothing. Do you guys have any thoughts? It's hard for me to know what "normal" is, as Izzy doesn't drink much at all. Some days I don't even see her get a drink. I thought Hannah's drinking had decreased after going off of the Urinary SO and being on the ID. But it seems to be increasing.
We've had snow again for the last several days, and I have been able to see her urine is usually yellow, but this morning it was very pale yellow, so it was obviously more dilute. But then at noon it was more yellow, but she'd still been getting drinks.
What do you think I should do? Blood work? Urine sample? Watch and wait?
It seems like we just go from issue to issue these days, as I know many of you do too. We fix one thing, just to start worrying about another.
Julie & Hannah
That is a lot to cope with Julie, the med schedule is hard. How long does she have to take the Sulcrafate?
I wondered about the Atopica. I did a cursery look and found a study, not 100% sure of the source though. It does mention increased drinking and urinating as a side effect but since every thing a dog experiences durring a trial is reported, I am not 100% sure.
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/atopica-side-effects.html
Zoe was on a skin antibiotic 3 times, I forget the name , a senior moment:rolleyes: at any rate, all 3 times she bloated up, drank more water and peed more but it was not a known side effect:confused::confused:
Guess who is licking her paw whom has not licked her paw since last what, October?:eek::eek::eek::eek::rolleyes: And while we have not had the snow you have had, we have had cold and wet which is to continue all next week. Welcome Spring:(:(:(
I guess, Julie, we do take it one day at a time, post our one good thing a day, and we all hold on to each other really tight. Zoe and I started this journey here, 3 years ago. I am blessed to have kept her going these 3 years despite all the bumps in the road. You have kept Hannah going as well, sweetie, with all her bumps in the road, our little Hannah keeps on going.
So they will keep going on together and we both will take it one day at a time. Sending so much love Julie, to you and Hannah. And where is our bad girl Izzy?:D Just kidding, she is not a bad girl at all. I hope her training is coming along. I have total faith in you that she will be a brilliant student. I'll bet when all is said and done, she will be in possession of her Canine Good Citizen Award:):):):):):)
Today Koko had to deal with a running, snarling dog (it was attached to a leash, thank goodness). I crouched down and let Koko try to chew on a treat, I would not give it to him, just let him chew on it, try to get. He never even barked or pulled, just looked at the other mad dog and came back to chew on his treat:D:D:D
love you sweetie
Hi there,
So, I have had to take pictures of Hannah's poop each day to see if things are getting better. Talk about poop patrol!!! :eek:
Anyway, things were improving, and now today, we've taken a big step backwards. It was about 50% dark again. I'm not sure why. Yesterday morning there was a two hour break between the Sucralfate and food and the directions say "1 hour before food or 2 hours after," so I'm not sure if that did something? She did have it 1 hour before last night's and this morning's meals though.
I have a wonderful friend who has been emailing me the pics I text her because my phone is refusing to email them to me. This morning she made me a "poop collage" of sorts to keep track and to email my vet. She was laughing about it, but I thanked her profusely. I'm going to attach the picture so you can take a look. There is such a huge difference from Mon.(really dark) to Sat. (normal). Then today's looks bad again. I don't get it. :confused:
And now I start worrying again...:(
Julie & Hannah
So Thursday, she looks a bit constipated then Friday there is mucus or fat, I would venture to guess mucus in that stool and then Saturday it is dark again then Sunday it is better.
Did she have any different food at all? This might be coming from the large intestine, not sure why a stomach ulcer would cause mucus in the stool and Friday that sure looks like mucus.
Did they run a stool sample?
Hi Addy,
Thanks for looking. Friday there was a lot of snow on the ground and I had to carry the poop home in a bag before dumped it out to take the picture. So it isn't mucus; it's wet from the snow. Saturday it looked good-that's more her normal color. Sunday (today) is when it is darker again, after gradually improving all week.
She's only been eating ID food for about 8 weeks. That's what she gets for treats too. They did not run a fecal on her when I brought in her stool last week, but they have been run on both dogs within the last couple of months because of their issues. They were normal.
The vet said the only way to check for blood is to put the dogs on a totally vegetarian diet for three days before testing. She just assumed there could be blood in it and wanted to treat for a possible ulcer, considering her upset stomach issues (she thinks maybe irritable bowel).
I texted her today and she wrote back, which was nice. She didn't think the way I've given the meds would do anything. She said there could be a possible flare up in her GI tract and wants to see what it looks like tomorrow. I'm supposed to call if it's dark. She mentioned that I could start metronidazole if I needed to. I'm not sure how I'd know, as we've only used it for diarrhea. I decided to wait to see what happens tomorrow. It just makes me worried there is something worse going on...
Julie & Hannah
Okay, it sure does look like mucus:o:confused::confused:
Hard for me to have opinon about starting metronidazole since you have never seen this color stool before. With Zoe, I journaled everyday for over 2 years so I knew the pattern prior to a flare up.
Koko will get that color stool when he eats a twig or piece of mulch but I know what it is from and then it clears up.
I see that color with the office dogs stool here and there but they are always eating stuff they should not.:rolleyes::rolleyes:
Maybe give the ulcer medication a bit longer to work and wait to see what vet has to say.
molly muffin
04-14-2013, 05:30 PM
Hi Julie,
I looked, and you're right the color has gone back and forth a couple times, but I think what I would do is take one of the dark stools in and just have them check it for blood, or anything else they might find, so you'll know what you need to actually be treating for.
Could this also have anything to do with her water intake? If less water is taken in some days are they darker or lighter, that kind of thing. :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Hi Julie,
Since I have been on constant poop patrol for Jasper for months now, I thought I would take a look. :rolleyes: Jasper's poop consistency and color has varied and fluctuated also. He has had poops that look EXACTLY like all of your pics. I re-read your posts, and you said that Saturday was normal for Hannah in both color and consistency, right?
For me, I always feel that the darker poops seem like things are improving for Jasper, as when they are lighter, a lot of times the next one comes out soft, or diarrhea with mucous. Did your vet say that the darker poops were a concern for Hannah? I realize that what they eat has a lot to do with the color, but Jasper's poops vary from day to day in color also. I didn't know that this was necessarily a concern. :o
Hugs,
Tina
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ladies.
Addy, I've got about a month's worth of notes on Hannah's meds, and about three months notes on when she has had diarrhea, but not daily notes on her poop. I've been doing that for about a week.
Sharlene, I was thinking they would test her stool last week, but the vet said they need to be on a no meat diet for three days to accurately check for blood. A normal fecal doesn't do that. Maybe we'll be doing that soon, but I'm thinking the fact that the stool initially did change color might mean something. I'm also thinking the fact that it is darker again probably isn't good.
Tina, yes, Saturday is closest to Hannah's normal. I do think it depends a lot on food. But my two dogs eat the same food and their poop is still not the same color exactly. Hannah's has just been a lighter brown like that for months. And all of a sudden, like one day, it was much darker. At first, I thought maybe that was more normal, but it was sooo much darker I thought I'd mention it. Also, it was darker on the outside and lighter on the inside and I wasn't sure if that mattered. Because she has been borderline anemic and my vet mentioned there could be a slow internal bleed, it made me nervous. I'm not sure I would've worried otherwise. Also, I always thought Hannah's poops seemed a little light, so I was wondering if the darker color was more normal too. But I guess it was a little too dark.
When I brought in her poop last Tues., the vet did say she thought there could be blood in it. She said it didn't have to be tarry, which is what I wondered. I think the sudden change in color is what was a bit strange. She said it could be an ulcer because Hannah has had so many tummy issues and she did just have an oral surgery about 6 weeks ago too. She said we should just treat (with Sucralfate and Pepcid ac) to see. If it improved we would know it worked. Now I'm worried because it went back to a darker color today.
She texted me back today and said to call tomorrow if it is dark again and she may want me to start metronidazole. She's only supposed to be on Sucralfate and Pepcid through Tues. so I don't know what will happen.
I am trying so hard to spread out her meds to do what's recommended, but it's insane. This morning I was up at 4, 5, and 7 for meds and then fed her at 8:00. I can't keep that up forever-especially on weekends. I already wake up between 11:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. to give her Hydroxyzine.
Izzy decided to get up at 4:30 and go outside and want some food. She had a loose poop yesterday morning, but that was it. I found out my hubby had been giving her some turkey jerky treats occasionally, and they are both supposed to be on the strict ID diet. That could've been it. She's been pretty normal since-just only eating a little at a time.
It occurred to me today that maybe I shouldn't be giving the Atopica (which can upset their stomachs) to her now. I emailed the derm vet to get her opinion. I won't give it tomorrow a.m. if I haven't heard. In my searching it does say not to give to dogs with stomach ulcers. Of course, we don't even know what's going on, but I figure it's best to wait to hear from her.
I'll keep you posted on what happens tomorrow. If anyone were to see my phone or computer, they'd probably think I have some weird obsession with poop. But it does really help to keep track that way. I'm glad they suggested it!
Julie & Hannah (& Izzy)
What happened with the increase in peeing? Did that stop?
Always so hard to know what is really going on and then everything changes from day to day.
I can always tell when Zoe has eaten bunny poo because of the smell of her stool and if it smells that way for more than a day or two I had to up the metronidazole. But it did not get that color.
If I think back to Koko's poo and the work dogs poo when it is that color, it usually is after they ate some non food thing so it could be Hannah's gi tract is inflammed and she has an ulcer, not that she ate a non food item.
When Zoe had her endescopy they said she had helicobacter which they thought was causing the scarring on her tummy and the other issues which led to IBD diagnosis. The treatment for it was two different antibiotics, amoxicillin and metronidazole and pepto bismal.
Since Zoe was not showing any signs, vomitting, diarhea, not wanting to eat, I did not want to treat it as how would I know the treatment was successful? Plus a study I read said it just comes back for a lot of dogs.
Maybe ask your vet what she thinks about the possibility of helicobacter infection.
Just a quick update from "poop patrol" today: totally normal again. (I attached it if you care to look). ;) I didn't do anything differently, other than the fact that she got her food one hour after the sucralfate yesterday both time, as well as this morning, rather than the two hours that passed on Sat. morning. Vet didn't think that should cause it. She will be calling me tomorrow. Hannah gets the last dose of sucralfate tomorrow morning. I'm not sure what will happen then. Guess we'll find out...
Julie & Hannah
Squirt's Mom
04-16-2013, 07:58 AM
I started Squirt on CoQ10 a while back and her poop suddenly started looking like it had been rolled in flour - like Lady Finger cookies! :eek: I asked the manufacturer, the vets at Drs Foster and Smith, our doc, and our nutritional/herbal consultant if the CoQ10 could be causing that change - they all said they had never heard of it doing that. I stopped it, and her poop returned to normal. That coating told me that something in the CoQ10 either wasn't being correctly absorbed OR that it was interfering with something that been absorbing well before. This incident just proved to me once again how unique, how individual, each of our baby's systems are. ;)
Wow Leslie, you are so right, like the melatonin bothering Zoe's eyes when the "book" says it should not.
Julie, I am so glad poo patrol led to normal poos. I would imagine with all the snow, she is not eating bunny poo, right? Grasping at straws, I guess.
I am running so late this morning, I had to wake up Zoe again, almost wasnt going to give her Vetoryl.
Let us know what the vet decides to do. We have sunshine this morning. I hope the sun is shining on you as well:):):):)
THAT IS AWESOME!!!!!!!! YOU ATTACHED A POOH PICTURE!!!!!! i mean i jumped up and put both arms in the air and was hooping and hollering my husband thought i had gone crazy. LOL!!!!!! I am ALWAYS taking pooh pictures. and inspecting pooh. I loved it that you posted one!!!! hope that makes sense. i am still smiling. pooh is gold. GOLD!!!!! lol. and that pooh is quite a lovely healthy pooh!!!!! i have pictures of shysies angry pooh from the icky chicken that i also have photos of. lol
molly muffin
04-16-2013, 11:45 PM
Oh You have to go back a couple posts and look at the pooh collage, day by day poohs. If one gets you going, the first picture of about what was it 5 or 6 will just really get you jumping!
hahaha
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
doxiesrock912
04-17-2013, 12:30 AM
Only here would I find poop pictures - LOL
Hi Guys-
Hannah's poop is darker again. Tues. it looked good and yesterday got a little darker. Today it was quite a bit darker. :(
I'm having blood work done tomorrow because
A) I just like to monitor it.
B) I want to know if she is more anemic (due to what looks like blood in her poop).
C) Her BUN was elevated and I want to see if it's okay.
D) I'm curious if anything improved after the dental.
I will also talk with the vet about her poop. It sounds like she might have me start sucralfate and Pepcid again. I don't know what it means if it gets better and then gets dark again.
Hopefully I'll know more tomorrow. I dread these appointments, but yet I want to know how things look. Cross your fingers for us that it's good news.
Julie & Hannah
molly muffin
04-18-2013, 07:54 PM
Fingers crossed. Hope you can get some answers. Are you taking a poop sample from today in since it was so much darker?
That is so weird. If it's blood in the poop, why would it go dark, light, dark, light like that. Strange. Could it be the food and the way she is digesting it? hmmm. I hate having so many questions and no answers.
I know what you mean. I take Molly every so often to get blood drawn, because I want to know. It's the only way I know to see how she is and what's going on.
Hoping for a good day tomorrow.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Hi Julie,
Wondering how your appointment went and hope you are not having snow.
Waiting to see what vet has to say about the poos. My IMS wants me to take a picture of Zoe's rectum when she poos as I told her I had been seeing something I have never seen beofre since surgery, not sure if it is her anal glands.
We might have to sensor the forum for explicit weird photos, huh?
thinking of you always, with love to you and Hannah and little Izzy
doxiesrock912
04-19-2013, 03:40 PM
Yeah, or password protect them so that some freak with a fetish doesn't find us.
Hi Guys,
Waiting to hear on the blood results. They took blood and sent me home. I asked her to look at the poop quickly and she didn't think it looked like there was blood in it. It looked okay to me today too, but still a little dark. Yesterday it looked weird though. I don't get it. I'll let you know when I hear, but I just wanted to tell you I laughed out loud at your comments! I keep joking that if I lost my cell phone someone would think I had a weird fetish; it's full of pictures of dog poop! :D:eek:
Julie & Hannah
doxiesrock912
04-19-2013, 09:06 PM
OOOH BABY!
(Just kidding, I had to do that).
Before getting all of this under control with Daisy, I've seen every kind of poop that a dog can make!
well, my new iphone will be full of pictures of Zoe's rectum:eek:
IMS made a comment "if your neighbors wont think you too odd"
heck, after all of these years of poop patrol, they expect weird thing from me.
When do you know the results of the blood work, tonight or tomorrow?
Sending hugs
I finally heard from the vet. I'm left a bit confused. Here is what I know so far:
BUN-51 (normal is 7-27; a month ago it was 39)
Hematocrit is 41%, which is normal (it was low last time)
ALKP-557 (a little higher than last month)
ALT-138 (this is elevated but I can't remember the range-the last two tests it was in the 50s, I believe, after being elevated several months ago)
The vet suspects there could still be an ulcer. She said that the BUN can be elevated with an ulcer and thinks that we should continue treating with the sucralfate and pepcid for potentially a month.
I have to go pick up meds tomorrow and I plan to bring in a urine sample. She thought we could possibly do that later on, if necessary, but between the fact that Hannah's been off the SO food for a couple of months, and the fact that her BUN is elevated again, I'd like to have it checked. Her creatinine is normal, and apparently not even a high normal. I'll get copies of the blood work too.
One thing I'm wondering is if the ID food could cause the BUN to be elevated??? I don't know if Hannah had had much water before going in to the vet this afternoon either; it was right when I got home. I know they say dehydration can affect it as well.
There are sooo many things to think about. And worry about. And now we have no anemia, but possible kidney and liver issues. :confused:
I'll be on my crazy med schedule again, having to separate meds and food. Back to no sleep.
Julie & Hannah
Hi-
Just thought I'd update quickly that I took in Hannah's urine sample this morning and got a message from a vet tech that it was normal. She said the pH was normal, there were no ketones, protein, white blood cells, or crystals. The only thing I didn't hear was the specific gravity, which is probably what I want to know the most. I assume they would have mentioned it, but maybe not. I'll have to call Monday to find out.
So, I guess this means I shouldn't be too alarmed by the high BUN level. And we are starting on the sucralfate again tonight. I'm going to try to move when I give Hannah Atopica because I don't think it's fully absorbing when I give it in the morning because it's too close to the sucralfate. I'm waiting to hear from the derm vet.
Hannah is really itching her chin today. Like she was going crazy this morning. It looks a little pink. I don't know if there could be a skin fold issue, yeast, if it's pink from her rubbing it and scratching it briefly when her cone is off.....or what. I hope my groomer can trim her face soon so I can keep the hair shorter. I'm sure getting it wet every time she gets a drink can't help.
I have chlorhexidine pads to use if there is a skin fold infection and I have been using them once a day for a few days, but I know they can irritate and dry the area too, so I think I'll stop to see what happens. I also have steroid spray, but I don't know if that can create a problem if there is an infection??? I don't want her to be miserable, so I may need to use it.
She is still begging me for food and is probably drinking a little more water, but it's not a crazy amount. I don't know what's going on with her. It always seems to be a mystery, doesn't it?!
Julie & Hannah
Zoe's BUN was 15 in 2011, 24 in 2012, now 31. Her ultra sound says"There are small anechoic cyst like area in the left renal cortex".
IMS told me that indicates kidney disease and is waiting for the rest of the labs to come in. Julie, I just felt like the ultra sound will give me the most information so I went ahead with it with the understanding that since Zoe was not fasted, if they could not get good qaulity, they would not do it.
It sounds like good news for Hannah's UA and maybe it is the ulcer increasing her BUN. We could not get any urine out of Zoe Thursday so I am worried she was dehydrated and not sure how that will affect her labs.
((((((((hugs))))))))))))))
Popping in to personally thank you here for finding the info for me. I hope Hannah's chin is better. The weird thing with Zoe is she is not itchy or red. Groomer said it was yeast, I thought it was yeast and it looks like pictures I have seen of yeast but it seems Hannah itches more when she has yeast and Zoe is not scratchy or itchy. Weird.
We are to have a nice day today so I hope that means you will too. Did all your snow finally melt? Our yard is trying to dry out.
I have been meaning to ask you how the training is going with Izzy? Are you still seeing the trainer? If the trainer is using a clicker, ask her about free shaping with Izzy. You sit on the floor with a pile of treats and wait for her to throw out a behavior and when she gives you one you like, you click it. Zoe loved it and it helped her confidence. Only bad thing was she would start throwing out cute behavior when I did not want it:rolleyes::rolleyes:
Like durring dog training class and then get mad at me and bark for not rewarding her:rolleyes::rolleyes::D
Hope the vet can determine what is going on with the new spot on Hannah's neck. I know how you feel about needing to know. Zoe seems to really love her Betadine iodine warm cloth wipe downs but I have know idea if I am helping or not since I have no idea if anything is even wrong or what it is:confused::confused:
I sure hope you did not get all that thunder snow either. They said we might get snow tonight. I hope they are wrong.
I made appointment with GP to discuss his possible envolvement in overseeing what the IMS does. I need someone to work with me on all of this, I cant be the GP vet and I have tried to be the GP vet and it is now too complicated and the IMS is always "busy":mad:
give the pups hugs from me
Thanks for checking on us, Addy. Luckily, we did not get thunder with our snow last night, but it sure snowed a lot. It was a winter wonderland this morning, but I am THRILLED to say that most of it has melted and warmer temps are finally in our forecast for this weekend!!!
We went to the vet today and she didn't even check for yeast. She said she just figured there was some. She said they could look if I really wanted them to, but that most likely knowing her history, there would be at least some, possibly a lot. So, I am just going to treat it with the wipes again.
I got the copy of Hannah's blood work and we talked about her UA results. Everything was normal, including specific gravity. It was 1.032 and above 1.025 is normal. That's better than it has been the last two times it was checked. I am kind of confused now. Does this make you think even more that she doesn't have Cushing's? She is concentrating her urine fine. (It was a morning sample, but isn't that the best time to check it?) I guess it made the vet think she doesn't have a kidney problem, despite the high BUN. She still thinks that may be due to an ulcer.
We also discussed Hannah's constant itching and the inability to get it under control, no matter what we've done. I really appreciate that she is concerned about Hannah's comfort, as I feel terrible that she's lived in an e-collar for months.
So here is what we decided: we need to finish treating for what we think is an ulcer. I am also going to try to transition her to another food to see if this could all be due to a food allergy. She no longer needs the SO, considering her urine was fine after being on the ID for about 6 weeks. If her stomach can't handle the food, Izzy is still on the ID so I have it and metronidazole.
If that doesn't work, I am going to try her on a steroid. That has always been kind of my last resort. With warmer temps coming I know her seasonal allergies will get worse. I don't want her to be miserable and scratching herself raw. And I want to get her out of the e-collar. I am worried about the side effects, and the possibility that if she does indeed have Cushing's, it could make the drinking, urinating, and eating go crazy. But I feel like I need to try it to see if it brings her comfort. I hope that since we would try a low dose we could always reduce it and stop it if the side effects were bad. The derm vet did have a couple of steroids I hadn't heard of in mind because she thought those would be the most gentle on Hannah (but I can't remember why).
I have a little time to think about it while we treat the ulcer and try the food. But at some point I do need to think of her comfort and happiness, and maybe take a risk. I know I don't want her to live this way forever.
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Julie & Hannah
I know I haven't checked in for a while. Something is wrong with Hannah. I've sensed it for over a week. Her back legs aren't right. Yesterday morning she couldn't stand up from a sitting position, but it was on the wood floor, so I thought maybe it was just that her back legs were getting weaker. She went to the vet and the vet said she did have some lower back pain and this could be a disc issue again. They did a laser treatment. She could walk fine.
This morning she was worse. She couldn't even walk right after getting up. Her back legs (especially the right one) were going in all directions. I put her on thicker carpet and it was still a little weird. It seems to have gotten a tiny bit better. She can walk around some of the time and was able to go potty. But she seems to have random times when her legs don't work. I tried to check her reflexes and she refuses to let me turn her toes under. She holds her leg really stiff. I don't know if it hurts or what, so I'm not going to do it anymore.
My mom is coming over this morning and I am going in to school to get things set up for a sub for the afternoon. I don't even know what to do anymore. I just have a feeling this might be it....that eventually she will be paralyzed. She's done so well after so much back trouble, but I don't know if that will be the case this time.
Not even sure what the vet will do. Just please keep us in your prayers.
Julie & Hannah
Fellasmom
05-02-2013, 10:03 AM
Hi Julie
Just wanted to say hello and thank you for all the support and kindness after my Fella passed.I just read your latest post about your sweet Hannah and she is in my thoughts and prayers.I'm just beginning to go thru threads but wanted to say hello and that I'm thinking of you.Hugs to you and Hannah.
Love,
Patty
Squirt's Mom
05-02-2013, 10:48 AM
Aw, Julie,
That is an awful feeling to have - that "something" is wrong. :( To voice that feeling somehow makes it more real. I felt that for several months before Squirt had the seizure; I took her in several times and Doc found nothing wrong - now I wonder if some part of me knew what that Proin was doing to her.
I so hope this is just a bad patch in the road and Hannah will soon be back to her usual self. Any possibility she hurt her back somehow and she's sore from that? We've decided that's what happened to Squirt's shoulder - some injury causing her pain. She moves better when she first gets up but the more she uses the shoulder, the more pain she displays.
Prayers and healing white light flying you way, sweetie. Keep in touch and let us know how things are going. We are right by your side.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang
Thanks Leslie and Patty.
I took Hannah to the vet again today. She examined her again and said she has a hard time knowing the root cause of the issue. Part of that is because Hannah is so stoic. She said she thinks there is a disc issue, and that it's possible this is also an arthritis issue because Hannah seems so much worse in the morning. We have had really weird weather (cold, then hot, then damp, then cold and damp, etc.) and she said that makes any arthritis issues much worse. She said there also may be some pain contributing to this.
I don't know what she could have done to hurt her back, so it could just be a flare from previous issues. This weird inability to use her back legs came on very suddenly.
She got acupuncture today (and tolerated it fairly well), and I was sent home with Tramadol for pain. I've never used it before and I know many people do and all of my vets feel it's very safe, but I worry about the wacky reactions some people mention. She said she will start her at a low dose, which is 1/4 of a 50 mg. tablet, but that she can safely take up to 1/2. Hannah is 12 lbs. Does that sound good? For now, I am to give it at night, but she said I can safely give it every 6 hours. (She thought twice a day would be good if I did it more often).
The weird thing is that she still walks/trots fine, where before she would move at the pace of a 95 year-old lady. I'm not sure what's going on. But I just have this nagging gut feeling that she isn't going to bounce back this time. I don't know how to explain it. I hope I'm wrong, but this morning I thought for sure she was becoming paralyzed and that it was the end.
We are just supposed to wait and see what happens. She wants to see if they acupuncture helps at all and if she improves, continues to have some morning issues, and get better, or if things progress.
Julie & Hannah
Mel-Tia
05-02-2013, 04:53 PM
Julie
So sorry to hear this news, I hope that she bounces back with the pain medicine
Thinking of you both. Big hug, kisses to sweet Hannah
Mel
Xxxx
molly muffin
05-02-2013, 06:58 PM
Gosh it does sound like the old problems maybe coming back to haunt her. Course with those disc issues, just a wrong step can move something enough to pinch the nerve or put pressure on something. Poor little Hannah.
Hope the acupuncture helps her. Mommas always know don't they. :(
Prayers and healing thoughts
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
doxiesrock912
05-02-2013, 07:03 PM
Julie,
I have friends whose dachshund had back issues. They would take her out and loop ladies pantyhose around her so that they could support her as she walked.
This prevented her legs from going out and helped her gain some strength back. It helped immensely they said.
Worth a try in conjunction with the other things that you're doing for her.
Hi Sweetie,
I know exactly how you are feeling because we know we cant have them forever and so everytime it is something serious we wonder is this it? Hannah has pulled through so many times, she might suprise you again. Zoe stands with her back legs splayed out so far sometimes:eek::eek::eek::eek: She will walk so slowly some days, like she cant hardly move and then a few hours later is hoping and running to get chicken:confused::confused: Some days she seems to have much trouble getting up from her bed.
I did read it is better for them to have a firm foam bed then a soft bed filled with dacron or shredded poly. We just bought a memory foam tiwn size mattress pad to cut up and put in Zoe's beds for more support for her. A clerk at the department store has an eldery dog with arthritis and she suggested it to us. It was cheaper then the $190 dog bed with memory foam and dacron gel:rolleyes::rolleyes:
I had to come to check if you were okay.
Love to you and Hannah and Izzy girl
Harley PoMMom
05-02-2013, 10:20 PM
Hi Julie,
My boy, Bear, weighs around 15 lbs and when he was on the 50 mg of Tramadol he received 1/2 tablet (this was for his post-op stone removal surgery). Unlike some of the other dogs, Bear and Harley never had a bad reaction (got loopy) to the Tramadol.
Hoping sweet Hannah feels much better soon.
Love and hugs, Lori
i have heard water therapy is good, massage, and air mattress play. water therapy and air mattress is excerise that offers no impact so strength can still be built and massage helps circulation to promote healing. also combined can help them stay stretched and fluid.
IF ever needed, there is a man who builds little carts for babies to zoom zoom zoom around it. He donates them to animals who need them.
Trish
05-03-2013, 03:26 AM
Hi Julie
So sorry to read about Hannahs sore back. I posted on Addy's thread some info about the tramadol. I saw your post there before this one! Hope it helps and she is feeling perkier soon!
Trish xx
Hi Julie,
My intenet connection keeps going out I could not get on line last night to answer your question and cant answer from my phone.
Zoe is 17 pounds. When I gave her as much Tramadol as your prescription for Hannah, she was knocked out.
I can only give 1/4 tablet of a 50mg pill twice a day to Zoe maximum.
I think try that first with Hannah and see how she does.
((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))
Thanks everyone for thinking of us.
Thanks, Lori, Trish, and Addy for the info. on Tramadol. I knew you all talked about using a very low dose-and often times lower than the vet says-so I wanted to start low too.
Trish, I read the same info. on petmeds, which is why I was a little worried about even the 1/4 pill dose, because at the low end, Hannah would only get 5.4 mg. I ended up splitting one chunk of 1/4 pill in half, so she got about 1/8 of a pill last night (hard to make it exact) and she slept the entire night (unusual for her, so I'm sure the drug was the reason). So for now, I feel like the 1/8 is okay. I'm just relieved she didn't show any issues.
I'm up early waiting to see how she is. If she has her morning leg issues I would like to be here to see if it straightens out. My anxiety is high right now, but I'm focusing on staying calm for her and letting her get up slowly. I also have to decide if I give another Tramadol this morning. The vet said to maybe just start at night, but that I could certainly go to twice a day as well.
I'll let you know how she is later today.
Julie & Hannah
Trish
05-03-2013, 08:42 AM
Julie, I was talking to a friend tonight. She has been on Tramadol herself, she got it in a drops format, 5 drops = 12.5mg.
I have emailed my vet to see if I can use that, as she said I could have it as she is not using it anymore. I also called the pharmacist at the hospital as I am always a bit leery about opening capsules as that is often not safe to do. But we do not get it in pill format here. So I have to quarter the powder in a capsule which is pretty difficult to do accurately. He said it was ok to do it that way if that was all I had, safe for Flynn if he got a wee bit extra or less in a dose. So I imagine Hannah will be fine as well. But I like the drops idea as I could put it on his food. He is such a good boy with taking pills, I just wrap them in a piece of his meat, but he could taste the tramadol powder and did not seem to like it, but his love of meat made him swallow it!! I do not want to put him off taking pills though.
molly muffin
05-03-2013, 09:57 AM
Hi Julie, checking in with you to see how Hannah does this morning. I really am hoping that this is something that is going to clear up with just a bit of rest and no overuse. Back problems are so hard on dogs and humans.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
I'm still confused about what's going on with Hannah. I took a video of her walking yesterday morning and sent it to both vet offices (my primary one and the one that does the acupuncture/laser) and they both felt it was neurologic. They just don't know why she pulls out of it as the day goes on.
They don't want to start steroids at this point because of the possible ulcer and because we don't really know what's going on. As of now, if she gets worse, they may start steroids (although they both say it's controversial as to whether or not it helps). If we can get through the ulcer treatment (a couple more weeks) and she seems okay, we will probably start steroids anyway, to see if it helps with her allergies.
She is scheduled for acupuncture again next Thurs. morning. I won't be able to go, so my parents will have to. I feel bad because it isn't too fun to watch her go through the needle insertion, and I know my mom hates it, but it has helped her. She did pretty well on Thurs.
The possible good news is that this morning she didn't have any horrible issues. Just seemed a little awkward and maybe a little painful. There is uncertainty about if we rest her or keep her moving, but I'm going to try resting her for the most part, assuming it is a disc problem.
Julie & Hannah
We'll just take the possible good news and go with it:):):)
Maybe resting is better for her. I know Zoe is better since I went back to walking one day on, one day off. I think I was pushing her too fast.
One of our work dogs, the South African mastiff, has pretty bad seasonal allegories that come on fast and he rips up his face scratching in a weekend. My boss gives him a low dose of prednisone which usually takes care of it right away as long as he does not let it go too long before treating. His brother-in-law is a vet and supervises the dose, making sure it is always the lowest dose possible and it is only given for the season. I have always been concerned about it but they felt they had no other options, they tried numerous things, nothing helped him and he would really suffer, even his ears would get boiling hot.
sending you love and hugs
Simba's Mom
05-04-2013, 09:33 PM
sending hugs and prayers for Hannahs back..and for you too!!
molly muffin
05-06-2013, 07:10 PM
Hi Julie,
How is Hannah doing? Is the leg getting any better? Hope the acupuncture is helping here and that everything else is okay. Hope Izzy is doing okay too.
Just wanted to check in on you
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Trish
05-07-2013, 06:58 AM
HI Julie
Just checking in to see how Hannah is, hope that improvement you noticed the other day has continued and she is feeling better. I am sure your Mom will be fine supervising the acupuncture, so good to have their support eh! Have a good week you guys xx
Mel-Tia
05-07-2013, 03:02 PM
Me too stopping by to check in, hope you have seen more improvement
Thinking of you both with lots of positive mojo and prayers
Big hug
Mel
Xxxxxx
Hi Guys-
Hannah has maybe been slightly better. She did have some troubles Sun. morning, but only for a few minutes. I kept her a little more rested on Sun. Mon. and today she also had no problems walking in the morning. Her legs are still not quite right though. I can tell. She just lies and sits in weird positions and sometimes the stance she stands in isn't right either. I'm hopeful this means the acupuncture did its trick, and I'm eager to see how the vet thinks her back feels at her appointment on Thurs. She'll get acupuncture again then, and as of now I have laser scheduled on Sat. I'm not sure if they'll just do it on Thurs. or if we'll go back.
One really nice thing that happened-I called the derm vet to see if I should get a refill of Atopica for Hannah or not. It doesn't seem to be working wonders, but we haven't gotten to the 6 week mark yet. It's over $100 for the bottle I buy, so not knowing how she would do with her back, and if the Atopica was helping, I didn't know what to do. The woman was so helpful and said they had a bottle returned because the dispenser wasn't working. Since I had my stuff from the current bottle, they just gave me the full bottle for free! That really helps out a lot.
I'm almost scared to say that things have been pretty good because I'm worried I'll jinx it. This is such a busy time at work and I can't really afford to be out of my classroom much.
I'll keep you posted on how things go Thurs. I hate that I can't be there, but I'm glad my parents can. Thanks so much for thinking of us and checking on us; I KNOW it helps!
Julie & Hannah
We are all always thinking of you and Hannah.
It sounds like things have improved so we will take this as a good update and great score on the free meds:D:D:D:D
((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))
Fellasmom
05-07-2013, 11:07 PM
Hi
Just wanted to say hello and wish Hannah good luck on Thursday!Love that you got something FREE!! at the vet-now THAT rarely happens!:).Good for you!
stopping in to say hello and hoping all things are still looking good and improving. Even the slightess improvement is such a huge thing and the feeling that washes over you is amazing. so whootwhoot party like a rock star!
Mel-Tia
05-11-2013, 12:52 PM
Hey Julie
How you both doing? Hope her little legs are feeling a bit better....
Big hug, kisses to your cutie pie :)
Mel
xxxx
me too, I'm checking in, eveyrthing ok?
molly muffin
05-12-2013, 09:39 AM
Hi Julie,
Hope that things went well on Tuesday and Hannah is doing better.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Hi Guys,
Hannah's walking seems much better-she hasn't had any issues for several days; however, she is now not interested in eating...she acts repulsed by her food some of the time. But then around 8:00 or 9:00 at night she will bark for food and will usually eat her kibble. I don't know what's going on because she's always been a pretty good eater, and she had been loving her new food. She is supposed to be on an Rx food to do a food trial. Everything was good for a couple of weeks, so I don't know what happened. She doesn't even want canned food most of the time. She'll eat treats and I bought a new food to see if she'd eat it and I would try to gradually transition her. She does seem to like that food.
The vet gave her a B12 shot last Thurs. after acupuncture to stimulate her appetite. It didn't seem to do much. She also placed a couple of needles to try to help with digestion. My primary vet wonders if Hannah just has some digestive upset right now so her food doesn't smell good to her.
She is otherwise acting normal. She seems happy. The other thing I wonder is if there is something wrong with her teeth, but the vet tried to look in her mouth on Thurs. too. Hannah resisted a bit, but things looked okay to her. She just had a $2,000 dental surgery/cleaning 2 months ago, so I hope there isn't anything wrong, but who knows??? I'm wondering if I should have my regular vet check it out. She doesn't have many teeth to begin with, but it takes her forever to chew...
Sometimes she throws up if she doesn't eat enough (just bile) so that stinks too. I've been wondering if the sucralfate could have anything to do with it because sometimes she's eager to eat around 4:00, but I have to give the sucralfate around 4:30 (on an empty stomach) and then she has to wait an hour to eat. By the time I feed her she has ZERO interest, but an hour earlier she was barking for food. I don't get it. :confused:
Worried and frustrated,
Julie & Hannah
Squirt's Mom
05-12-2013, 01:23 PM
In looking for canine side effects with suralfate they mention constipation as about the only one for dogs - however for humans they list nausea, and other digestive upsets. The timing does seem suspect, huh?
Yes, Leslie, it is a little suspect. I've searched extensively on the side effects for dogs and found the same thing, constipation. I did not, however, think to look at side effects for humans. Thanks for thinking of that. My vet doesn't think it should cause any issues, and she's been on it for 3 weeks straight, so it definitely didn't affect anything right away, which is also weird. She took it for a week at first, then we had a three day break before going back on it (because her stool was dark again).
The vet did more research and said Hannah should take it for a full 4 weeks to get the (potential) ulcer to heal completely. We are so close to four weeks (without those three days). I'm thinking of either skipping it tonight or trying it 2 hours after her food to see if there is any difference.
It's so hard with all of her other meds to space everything out. Here's the list of her meds: Sucralfate, Pepcid, Denamarin, Cosequin, Atopica, Hydroxyzine; then she gets Tacrolimus drops and NeoPolyDex ointment put in her eyes, and then I have keto wipes and a steroid cream and spray for her skin, as needed. It's like a pharmacy over here.
I am proud of the fact that for the last three weeks I have been able to give every med at the correct time. It is so hard to space them out because some need to be on an empty stomach, they can't be too close together, etc. I set alarms for all hours to make it work. It will be wonderful if we can eliminate the sucralfate, as I'll be able to sleep again, and we won't have to be so strict with when she can eat.
Thanks for looking into it, Leslie!
Julie & Hannah
Here are links to videos of Hannah. The first one is showing her trying to walk in the morning when she was having trouble. The second one is showing her last weekend with no problems. Even in her cone, she's still a happy camper!
http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/jmcdonell1/media/VIDEO0009_zps6f6806dd.mp4.html?sort=3&o=0
http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/jmcdonell1/media/VIDEO0014_zpsaa896ff6.mp4.html?sort=3&o=1
molly muffin
05-12-2013, 06:44 PM
Oh gosh those two are so cute.
There is a marked improvement I think between video 1 and video 2. The cone might throw her balance off a bit if she is having some rear leg problems, which might make it look worse than it is without the cone on. You'd know about that. In the second video though she looks to be doing pretty good and no falling over.
Just adorable though. :) I love how she makes her bed with the blanket. Molly does that too and it always is such fun to watch.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
goldengirl88
05-13-2013, 09:31 AM
Julie:
I too have given Tipper this to Tipper, but not on an empty stomach. She has issues with acid reflux and I thought it might be helpful to her throat if she had any lesions from the acid. She is still having the throat issues and as you know going to the hosptal tomorrow for it. I didn't notice any stomach upset or anything, but her stool was harder. She didn't get constipated as I gave her pumpkin. She would fight me when I had to give it to her though, so it either bothered her stomach, or she hated the taste, because she is smart and when I give her something that helps her she is wanting it again.I have stopped giving it to her. I will try and remember to ask the Dr. at the hospital about it for you. Hope your baby is doing well. God Bless You and Hannah
Patti
Hi Julie,
How is Hannah? I was tryin to watch the videos but for some reason they were not playing on my lap top. I must have something set wrong.
How are things? Just checking in to let you know I am thinking of you.
OMG those are adorable little videos!!!!! she was "nesting" I LOVE IT when they do that. so precious. and she was just zipping right along with her little cone. lol........zip zip zip!!!!
Trish
05-21-2013, 03:55 AM
She is SO adorable... Love her, she is so gorgeous with a evil cone on and all. I am just signing up to photobucket so I can share videos of Flynn, should have done that ages ago... stay tuned :) Hope she is a having a good day Julie xx
Hi Guys,
I haven't been on too much lately-busy with Hannah, the end of the school year, and trying to get yard work done. I have my staff party at my house in a week and a half. I've kind of just needed to focus my attention on Hannah, Izzy, and my hubby during my free time lately.
I just wanted to give an update on Hannah. I think she was starting to have some back trouble again, after improving from a few weeks ago, so she got a laser treatment.
She also had a change in her appetite a few weeks ago. I thought it may have been tied to a medication but stopping it didn't really change much. She is off and on about eating, but usually wants to eat around 8:00 or 9:00 at night.
My vet also recommended doing a fecal occult blood test to see if there is blood in her stool, since after treating her for the possible stomach ulcer, her stool returned to a darker color. It isn't black, and it doesn't look like coffee grounds or anything, but it is so much darker than her stool used to be. It used to be a golden/light brownish color, and now it is a darker brown, but the inside is usually a lighter color. Of course, I have no idea what normal is, but there was just a significant change one day, and I hadn't changed her food or anything else. When she was on the sucralfate it was lighter, which worries me. So the vet wants to do the test.
I had to switch her to a vegetarian dog food for at least 3 days before the test. It took a little over a week to transition her, and she doesn't love the food either. We were in the middle of a prescription hydrolyzed protein (HP) diet to see if her itching is due to food allergies. They recommend this because the protein source has been modified so the dog's body cannot recognize it. Unfortunately she also got the weird appetite in the middle of that, so between not wanting to eat sometimes and needing to switch to the veggie food, we didn't get too far. It's frustrating because that food was not cheap, but at this point I just want her to enjoy eating, so as soon as we are off this strict diet I'll let her eat the food she likes.
I'm hopeful I can take tomorrow's stool to the vet. I transitioned her fully on Thurs., so it's been 4 days. I'm worried about what they'll find, but have no idea what we'll even do if there is blood. I'm not doing an endoscopy on her, so we really won't know if it's an ulcer. Maybe we just go back on the sucralfate, regardless. If it is some sort of tumor I won't do anything anyway, so really I'd just keep her comfortable.
If we find out there is no blood, then she can go on a steroid if needed. Since her itching has not resolved and she is still in the cone, I'd really like her to live a little more comfortably, and I'm willing to try a steroid, since we really don't even know if she has Cushing's. She sure doesn't have the appetite, and her water intake isn't crazy. The only real symptom she has is rear end weakness.
I just wanted to give you an update on us. Thanks for checking in. I'll let you know what I find out.
Thinking of all of you and wishing you and your pups the very best,
Julie & Hannah
molly muffin
05-27-2013, 10:55 PM
Hi Julie,
I think you are doing really great and giving Hannah as happy of a life as possible.
Poor thing, with all the back problems. I wonder if the different food changes she's been through has just sort of messed with her appetite? Molly gets off food when I start trying to change things around, then she gets the runs and things just are not normal for awhile. Usually until I go back to the SO, which she leaves sometimes and eats other times. Her poop changes by how much she eats too.
It's good sometimes to just take the time to spend with hubs and pups. It makes life just seem okay when you can have the time to do that.
Hope you have a wonderful staff party. End of year ones are the best!! hahaha
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Trish
05-28-2013, 06:42 AM
Hi Hannah
Glad to hear you are spending time with the babies and hubby, hope you are enjoying it and Hannah's poor back and appetite improved. I am interested to read how she is going on the vegetarian hypoallergenic diet as Flynn has been recommended the same and will be starting it soon when I have had a chance to talk to his local vet about introducing it. Is she just having the kibble version or wet food too? Another question, how do you get pills into her as I always wrap Flynny's in a bit of meat and he gobbles it down but I worry it will be much harder if he is only allowed kibble. Thanks for any tips and hoping she settles down again soon
Trish :)
Hi Julie,
I hope it is just the food for Hannah not being crazy to chow down. Maybe she just doesnt like being a vegan:):) I watched the videos of her, she and Izzy are so precious.
Maybe the steriod would help her. I know you want to try and we sure dont know if Hannah has Cushings.
It is so hard to know what is going on when we have so many issues with our pups but you continue to do a wonderful job, Julie, and Hannah is a lucky, happy little girl.
Try to enjoy your summer break. My granddaughter's graduation is in two weeks and then off to Lake Forest she goes in two months. I miss her already but I am very proud of her.
love ya
Hi Sharlene, Trish, and Addy,
Just thought I'd let you know that Hannah's fecal occult blood test was negative! I was very pleasantly surprised. I am a little concerned because from what I've read online it sounds like there can be false negatives if the blood isn't evenly dispersed in the stool, and with Hannah's there is sometimes a darker area, vs. the whole stool being dark. I want to clarify with my vet if the lab checks more than one spot in the sample. It also mentioned that you can do the test more than once to be certain.
The other good news is that her eating has picked up again. I am transitioning her back to the Royal Canin HP (hydrolyzed protein) food to do the food trial and she is eating it again. She is also eating some ID, which she was on before the HP, because I didn't want to shock her tummy by going right from the Natural Balance Veggie to the HP. She was not a fan of the veggie food at all. She wasn't too fond of either of these foods a couple of weeks ago either, so maybe she did just have an upset tummy.
The vet said we can try a steroid whenever I want now that the stool was negative for blood. I'm going to give the Atopica another week or so (so we have 6 full weeks of uninterrupted treatment) and see how she is. I've been taking the cone off more often when I'm home to see if she will eventually stop trying to bite and itch. I sometimes wonder if she just feels she has to go crazy because she figures the cone won't be off for long. I feel like if I find out they don't check more than one spot in the stool, then I may want to repeat this test before putting her on the steroid. The vet said it could be really bad to give her a steroid if there was an ulcer, so I don't want to do that.
Hannah's BUN was still elevated at 32, but it came down from 51. Her Hematocrit looked really good and was back up. She just had a UA about 6 weeks ago, which was perfectly normal, so the vet doesn't think there is a kidney issue. Not sure why the BUN is elevated, but the ALT was back to normal, so aside from the BUN, high ALKP, and high platelets, everything looked pretty good on her blood work a couple of weeks ago. I'll take it!
Julie & Hannah
Trish
05-31-2013, 06:30 AM
Hi Julie
So pleased to hear the good results today, no blood in the poop and the BUN improving like that! Way to Go Hannah!!!!!!!!!!!! :D:D
I hope the hydrolysed food helps Hannah's skin and tummy, Flynn has started transitioning tonight to it but I think it might be different version of Royal Canin hydrolysed than your one, it is called Anallergenic my vet said it is new here but we so far behind the times in NZ it has probably been available to you for ages!! I am looking forward to seeing the effect on both Hannah and Flynn so will be keeping a very close eye on your thread! xxxx
Good news Julie and I hope Hannah will continue to like her food That is always such a worry when she does not want to eat her food.
I hope you have a wonderdul weekend, not many days left of school. Maybe you will be able to try taking off the cone for longer and longer periods and she will be fine. Here's hoping to that.:)
Now if it would just stop raining!!!!
molly muffin
05-31-2013, 04:29 PM
We always love a good news day :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Hi Guys,
Just wanted to post a quick update. Hannah started on a steroid on Fri. morning. We were unable to control her itching with Hydroxyzine and Atopica, and since the fecal occult test was negative the vet and derm vet thought it was fine to move forward with a steroid. The derm vet chose it, methylprednisolone, and said she chose it because the increased eating/drinking side effect is a little lower with this one. She wanted to start with a very low dose and increase if necessary, rather than start with too much. I appreciate that. I am still nervous about putting her on it (partly still worried there could be something bleeding in there, even though the test was negative, and partly because I don't know what negative effects it could produce), but at this point I really do want her to be comfortable. She has lived her life in a cone since Sept. and despite the fact that she seems happy, I know she is itchy and it must be miserable not to do anything about it.
School is done and I'll be home more often for the next few weeks, so this seemed like the time to do it. I'm really hoping this will relieve Hannah's itching and nothing horrible will happen. I just have to keep reminding myself this is in her best interest. I want her to be comfortable and live the remainder of her life without an e-collar.
I still check in quite a bit, but I haven't posted much. I was in meetings most of last week (the first week school was out) and have just been focusing on enjoying some of my free time with Matt, Hannah, and Izzy. Hopefully I'll be around a little more often this summer.
Julie & Hannah
Trish
06-16-2013, 02:43 AM
Lucky you with holidays, sounds like you deserve them with all the time you have been putting in. Hope you are slowly getting into relax mode now you are off! Hoping the low dose steroids do the trick and settle down Hannah and she stops itching poor wee girl. Send lots of good luck your way and lots of hugs to go with it! :)
Julie, I'm glad you are giving it a try. I sure hope it helps. You have tried so hard with Hannah, maybe this will be the right avenue.
Crossing all fingers and paws.:)
molly muffin
06-16-2013, 11:54 AM
Hi Julie, I hope this helps Hannah with the itchiness.
Enjoy your summer holidays. :) Hopefully without a cone in the house this year. :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Budsters Mom
06-16-2013, 01:52 PM
Oddly enough, chamomile tea does help with itchiness. Although it only helps temporarily, it can be used repeatedly without any side effects. Buddy is a highly allergenic dog. I always keep some of it in the refrigerator, because I never know what is going to get him started itching. I brew one tea bag with about 6 ounces of water and let it cool. Then I pour it into a small spray bottle. I use it cold from the refrigerator. That helps soothe the itching even more. I also clean Buddy's eyes with it. It has Anti-inflammatory and Antibiotic properties. Each batch lasts about three or four days in the refrigerator. Just a thought....
Mel-Tia
06-30-2013, 06:03 PM
Hey Julie
I noticed we haven't heard from you in a while, hope you are all doing ok?
Big hug, kisses to the furlets
Mel
Xxxxxx
Budsters Mom
06-30-2013, 10:32 PM
How is Hanna doing on the steroid? Has her itching decreased? It's horrible to have to coned for so long! Sending tons tons of hugs and healing energy.:)
Kathy
Hi Mel and Kathy,
Thanks for checking on us. Hannah is on the steroid, and is doing fine in terms of side effects. After about a week, she actually had three or four days with no cone!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D
Unfortunately, the past couple of days she has been really itchy again--almost like she is at her worst. I'm not sure what's going on. She's been back in the cone because she is otherwise scratching her chin, licking her feet, or licking her crotch. The derm vet emailed me on Sun. and said to add in Benadryl to see if it helps. Apparently Hannah is on a "medium" dose, at 4 mg of methylprednisolone every other day. I'm thinking we might have to increase to daily again for a little while, depending on what the doctor says.
I certainly don't want to give her too much because that's when we have to worry more about side effects, but my whole goal here was to make her comfortable.
Hannah got groomed on Sun. and has no ill effects from that....so far. Last time after her groom she had her worst episode with walking/back issues, so I'm crossing my fingers that she remains okay. We were just talking with the groomer about how great her coat is. It's no longer greasy at all (she must've had a yeast issue for long time because since we figured that out her coat is sooo much better) and it is soft and full. She has no issues whatsoever with growing hair, that's for sure. She was a wooly girl before her cut.
Aside from the itching returning, and the fact that she is now waking me up a few times in the middle of the night whining (I'm not sure why--thinking maybe she's begging for food), she is doing well. I'm hopeful the derm vet will get back to me soon and let me know where we go from here if the itching doesn't resolve with the added Benadryl.
Julie & Hannah
(
she must've had a yeast issue for long time because since we figured that out her coat is sooo much better) and it is soft and full. She has no issues whatsoever with growing hair, that's for sure. She was a wooly girl before her cut.
Zoe too, which is why I am so peeved at her vet. Zoe did not have to lose all the hair she lost and I kept asking is this yeast?:ee
It sounds like you are on the right track, Julie. Maybe it is just a matter of tweaking the dose. I am so glad she came back from the groomers with no injury. That is a blessing indeed.
I have been thinking about you a lot, I know you have your hands full and I hope Izzy is behaving as well. I hope you have a trip planned for the summer.
I'm going to have to pick your brain about Zoe's leg. I know you like the lazer treatment. I need to see where I am with her cortisol and kidney issues at the end of the month first.
You have taken such good good care of Hannah, Julie. I know how hard you work at it.
molly muffin
07-02-2013, 05:22 PM
Hi Julie! Glad to hear that Hannah is doing well and her coat looks good. Really sorry that itchiness has come back though. How very aggravating that is.
I hope you are having a good start to the summer.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Julie, Mary Beth posted about Alivia.
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?p=112239&posted=1#post112239
Maybe the two of you can compare notes:):):)
Hi, Julie.
Addy told me about poor Hannah and her constant itching. Alivia was continuously licking her butt and feet. Her butt was furless, raw, red, swollen and seeping. She was miserable and I was questioning the quality of her life more so from this than her Cushing's symptoms. We tried Benydryl and every topical treatment, supplement, shampoo, antibiotic - both over the counter and prescription, with little to no improvement. I was desperate. Her vet and I agreed we had to try Prednisone and went FULL out with it - the high dose and then tapering down. Initially, the Cushing's symptoms got a little worse and I worried (a lot), but at the same time her skin was improving and so we stuck with it. It stopped her itching/licking and she is not exhibiting Cushing's symptoms anymore, either! :) Is Hannah on the full prednisone course that a dog without Cushing's would be on? I really hope she gets the same good results Ali got!
Just re-read your post..."every other day". With Ali we did the typical non-Cushing's dog dosing. I can't remember the exact dosage, but it was every day, something like 5 days at a high dose and then tapering off for another 5 days, I think. Scared me half to death. Maybe the every other day is not allowing the improvement to "hold"? Just a thought...
Hello!
Thanks for the info., Mary Beth, and thanks Addy for alerting me to her post.
Here's the update on Hannah:
I talked to the derm vet again yesterday because Hannah had not shown improvement with the added antihistamines after 5 days. The vet decided she wanted to switch Hannah to another steroid. So now we will try Triamcinolone. This is what Hannah actually took years ago in the summer to help with her allergies. I'm going to start it today.
I guess I'm not sure on what protocol we're following. I think all of Hannah's vets (gosh, it's sad how many there are!) are with me in the "maybe she has Cushing's, maybe she doesn't" boat. I know the derm vet, who prescribed the steroid, and I talked a lot about the negative side effects we could see, and what we could do about it. From what she said, I don't think she started Hannah on a different dose than what she would do for another dog.
We will start this one with the high dose (1.5 mg of Triamcinolone) for 7 days, then taper to one pill every other day. She said Hannah's body might absorb this drug better. I hate the fact that I have to start all over with this with yet another drug, but again, I have to remind myself what I want: Hannah to be comfortable. I sure hope we will continue to do okay without any horrible side effects. Cross your fingers for us.
Julie & Hannah
I know how you feel. It is scary giving something to them that will most likely increase their cortisol. Hang in there. Like I said Ali's symptoms worsened for the short term but DRAMATICALLY improved afterwards. Sounds like you are in the same boat and you have to try anything to get her comfortable. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will give Hannah relief!!!
Trish
07-06-2013, 06:36 PM
Hi Julie and Hannah
Gosh that all sounds so very positive from Mary Beth, fingers crossed Hannahs cone is sent to the bin soon!! Good luck with this new treatment for sweet Hannah :D:D xxx
Hi Julie.
Just checking in to see if Hannah's gotten any relief from the new medication? I still have my fingers crossed! ;)
Hi Mary Beth,
Thanks for checking! We are on Day 4 of Triamcinolone, and Day 5 in a row of a steroid, and she didn't wear a cone at all today! Whoopee!
Eating, drinking, and urinating are only minimally increased, but she was a bit more lethargic than usual today. I'm a little concerned about that, but emailed the vet to check on it. Part of me wonders if she is just finally comfortable!? :eek::confused:
Keep your fingers crossed!
Julie & Hannah
molly muffin
07-09-2013, 11:30 PM
Wow No cone!!! Congratulations. That is a winner day for her. :) I'm sure she loved having the cone off and I bet you did too.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Trish
07-10-2013, 06:39 AM
Awesome news!! Love to hear the cone is off :D Maybe her little body is just getting used to the meds and is taking time to adjust hence her tiredness. So pleased with this report Julie!! :) xx
goldengirl88
07-10-2013, 10:09 AM
Mary Beth:
Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Nooooooooooo Moreeeeeeeeee Coneeeeee!
Did I hear Hannah had a few cone free days???:):)
WAY TO GO!:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
Fingers crossed it continues
YAY!!!!! Great news!! Hang in there, Julie. Ali's symptoms worsened, too, but it was so worth it!!
Budsters Mom
07-10-2013, 10:41 PM
I'm glad to hear that Hannah escaped from cone prison today for a whole day. Awesome!:D
Bailey's Mom
07-12-2013, 11:56 PM
A cone free zone!! I know THAT feeling! Congrats!
-Susan
gatorgirl_bama
08-22-2013, 02:53 PM
Julie,
Hannah's was the first story I read on this site when I was started researching Cushing Disease. I just wanted to check on her and I hope things are good.
I lost my 14yo shih tzu, Tia on August 11th. It's a heartache like no other.
Sending prayers for you and Hannah.
Donna
goldengirl88
08-23-2013, 11:10 AM
Just checking in to see how Hannah has been doing, and send hugs to both of you. Blessings
Patti
molly muffin
09-12-2013, 08:26 PM
Hi Julie,
I wanted to check in on you and Hannah and see how things are going. Hope your little sweetie is doing okay.
I guess you are back into the full swing of the school year. I'm sure your class is wonderful group.
Let us know how things are when you get a chance. We miss you!
Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
gatorgirl_bama
12-20-2013, 05:30 PM
Hi Julie,
Just wanted to check on Hannah.
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