Barney 12 Year old Border Collie PDH/Lysodren

[Barney's Mom]

I talked with Dr Rick and we both agreed that we need to get a handle on this. John and I just dropped him off at the hospital. He is in for a few days to give his pancreas a rest. His Amylase is just barely above normal, but his lipase is too high to calculate. In humans the numbers don't correlate with the severity of the pancreatitis, but I don't know if that is true in animals. I am hoping that is the case.
His liver enzymes are all normal, his electrolytes are good and he didn't mention his cholesterol or triglycerides. He is drinking and was wanting to be fed just before we took him, so I take this as a good sign.
Dr Rick also said this could be caused by a functional tumor of the pancreas.
Oh.....and he was limping today, a little. It is entirely too much of a coincidence at this point that he only limps when his stomach flares up.
The only way we knew he even had pancreatitis is because of his preop blood work at the neurologists office when he went lame. A year and a half ago remember when I couldn't get him out of the house and he was howling in pain and limping? They ran every test they could think of to try to find out what was wrong with him, and that was the first time he was diagnosed with pancreatitis.
I am completely convinced that the lameness in his leg is pain from his pancreas. It must hurt his belly when he walks.

I saw the MRI and I know that he had a bad disc, but I don't think that was what was causing him pain, it was his pancreas the entire time. I did find reference to the fact that pancreatitis can mimic disc disease.

I am really riding a fine line on whether I am helping Barney or torturing him at this point in time.

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Cheryl,

I've had no experience with pancreatitis, just wanted to send an abundance of good wishes to Barney. Hope his pancreas gets a good rest while he's in the hospital and the doctor will be able to get to the bottom of the cause. Poor Barn has had more than his share of stuff going on.

Louise

P.S. No way do I believe you are torturing the Barnster in any way, shape or form so I'm hoping you will erase-erase-erase that thought!

[Harley PoMMom]

Oh Cheryl,

I hope too, that Dr. Rick can get a handle on this also.

IMO, I really think Barney's IBD and his pancreatitis are connected, and altho finding a diet for him will be difficult, it will not be impossible. And maybe this pancreatitis flare-up has nothing to do with his IBD right now, but with his surgery he had for his back?? One can never know with the pancreas, that organ is such a bugger.:eek::)


I am really riding a fine line on whether I am helping Barney or torturing him at this point in time. Honey, in no way, shape or form are you torturing Barney...You love Barney...You are getting him the help and treatment that he needs. You are doing a wonderful job...you are the BEST mommy...don't you forget that.

Please let us know how things are going, ok.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[frijole]

Cheryl, Just wanted to say I have been reading and am sending my best to you and dear Barney. Hang in there. Big hugs, Kim

[Barney's Mom]

I honestly had a meltdown moment yesterday when he vomited and thought of having him put to sleep. He has been through so much lately. If we can't get this pancreatitis under control it still is a possibility.
But I do have hope that resting his pancreas will give us some control over this.

Lori, I have been reading more and more on IBD and I think so too. He has had this since he was a puppy, and he has been so very well controlled for many years. He was fine as long as I didn't mess with his diet. He had the occasional forbidden treats but it wasn't frequent enough to cause him any problems. He would occasionally have a flare and we would put him on Flagyl and hold his food for a day and he would respond to that. Actually if it is IBD being off his Lysodren will be helpful. :) One of the mainstays of therapy is steroids.

I think he will do much much better off the ID diet. Now onto the horrors of finding a food that will agree with him, AND that is low in fat :eek:
A lot of IBD/Pancreatitis pets have had success with Solid Gold Holistique Blendz. I checked it out and it holds promise. I will run it by the vet.

I want to go visit him, but I am refraining, for now. I think we make it worse for him when we come in, get him all excited and then leave him there again.

[Buffaloe]

Hi Cheryl,

I think the Solid Gold dog foods are very good. Shiloh has been eating their Hund-N-Flocken for her dry food for at least 7-8 years. One of my best friends who is really into healthy food and is an expert recommended it to me. My vet also thinks it's an exellent choice for Shiloh.

As I understand it, diet is extremely important for a dog with pancreatitis. All the best to you and Barney.

Ken

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Cheryl,

Bless your heart! Such heavy thoughts to be carrying around. :( I certainly hope the next few days will give you cause to lay them down. Cheryl, you have done nothing wrong, you have not been tormenting Barney nor can I ever imagine you doing so. Barney is so lucky to have you as his mom; you ARE one great mom!

On the other hand, I also know you won't let Barney suffer needlessly. That, too, is being a great mom. But try not to let yourself go there until it is time...and I don't think this is the time.

You are so right in saying that he has been through so much lately. Because of that, his system is just a bit overwhelmed at the moment. Simply having to be restricted in his activities for weeks on end could easily bring on some old problems, like the IBD. As you know, when a body has existing conditions a simple illness like a cold can cause some or all of those conditions to flare up even tho they aren't related to the cold. I think this is what is happening with Barn...he has been through so much his body is reacting to the stress causing the IBD and the pancreas to flare up.

You have done nothing to cause any of this. All you have ever done in love him and provide the best care for him you can, which is considerable. No one could ask more. So for now, lets just give Barn's system time to recoup and get back in balance as much as it can. Then you can start working on improving it and keeping it in balance. Something I know you will pursue with the same love and devotion you always have on Barney's behalf...'cause you're a GREAT mom!

I am so glad you talked with Dr. Rick and that Barney is getting some IVs for a few days. I really believe this will go a long way in helping him recover from this pancreatic attack. See what a good mom you are?

Keep your chin up!
Hugs,
Leslie and the girls

[gpgscott]

Cheryl,

I am glad he is with the Dr. and hope the rest will allow his poor system to straighten out.

I can understand the stress that comes from wondering if you are treating a losing situation. I also know that you carefully study everything and that you will find the right answer for Barney.

Hugs and prayers for you all.

Scott

[labblab]

Dear Cheryl,

I wanted to tell you that I am also thinking of you guys, and hoping so much that this hospitalization will allow Barney to stabilize so that you all can be reunited once again at home.

My heart goes out to you as you weigh Barney's treatment options and his ongoing quality of life. With our human loved ones, it is hard enough to talk about and consider. With our furbabies, we can only imagine what they are feeling. And I do understand that, as far as the big picture, these are the questions that torment us. Just because a treatment is possible does not mean that it is necessarily the route that we think is the most humane. With luck, our human loved ones can actually tell us what they want. With our furbabies, we are entrusted with making that decision on their behalf.

But just as Leslie has said, I am really hoping that this is not a decision that you will be facing with Barney right now. I have all my fingers crossed that this will prove to be a passing episode, and that he will normalize quickly. And that you will still have plenty of good days ahead of you all. But no matter what, I know that you are being led by your heart and your love for Barney. So whatever decision you make for him, now and at any time in the future, will be the right one.

Sending many healing (((hugs))) your way,
Marianne

[frijole]

Just chiming in... my 2 have been eating Solid Gold food for 10 years now and I could see a visible difference when we switched over from a Science Diet RX food. Go figure. Anyway, the Holystike (sp? ha) is low fat/low protein... I ended up added a bit of protein to their diet and I know switch between flavors for variety. They eat it all and quickly!

[Roxee's Dad]

Hi Cheryl,
Wishing Barney and his human family well. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

If you do go visit Barney, bring a shirt or sweater with your or John's scent on it. It may comfort him while he is resting.

[Barney's Mom]

The vet called yesterday and said Barney was doing well, he was "perky" and no vomiting.. We refrained from going to see him, that was tough but for the best. I just worked all night, I am going to crash!

Hugs!
Cheryl

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Cheryl,

I'm glad Barney's feeling better, that's a really good sign, and I think refraining from seeing him is better for now...less stress on him and you...which I know has to be hard to do, but you will know when the time is right to go see Barney and when you do give him some gentle hugs from his Auntie Lori.

Now off to bed with you and I hope you get some zzzzzzzzzzzzz's.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[gpgscott]

Hey Cheryl,

I know how hard it is to not see him but it may be for the best.

So glad to know that he is improving.

Scott

[Wylie's Mom]

Hi Cheryl,

I'm glad Barney's doing well. The sleeping should help you with the "missing him";).

Is it 4 more days until freedom, or has his sentence been extended?

-Susy

[forscooter]

Hey Cheryl, I am so out of the loop anymore and am so sorry Barney is going through all of this!! One thing I do know is that with you on his side, he can't go wrong! I am praying that things continue to improve and will be checking in more frequently!
Hugs, Beth

[frijole]

Cheryl, good news. Give Barney a hug for me. Kim

[Barney's Mom]

Ok.........I couldn't help myself and I went to go see him ;)
He was lying in his crate looking around calmly, he looked at me.......calmly, and then I think it dawned on him who I was.......lol! It took him about 3 seconds of looking at me and then WOOOOOF! Then he was up and barking and wanting out of the crate. I think he may have gotten some pain medication. He was in good spirits, they are giving him antibiotics and IV fluids and they are going to draw blood in the morning. I didn't stay long, it's better for him to be calm and quiet, but I just didn't want him to think we had abandoned him. John I forgot to bring something of ours with me.

I took Beth for a nice long walk today. I live really close to a golf course that has a beautiful run, we walked it and back home which is two miles. I enjoyed it :)

I stopped by a kind of holistic pet shop on the way home from seeing Barn. I really think I like the Solid Gold Holistique Blend or the California Naturals either low fat chicken and rice or the low fat lamb and rice. I will have to run it by Dr Rick to see what is the best food for him.

Susy I think at 4 days he is a free man! He has an appointment with the neurologist Tuesday. If all is well he will be free :) With all of the chaos I had completely forgotten that!

Lori, I almost called you to come with me!

Thank you all for the support. I don't do very well at ALL with sick animals or sick children. I have been a complete basket case. (Isn't ironic that I am a critical care nurse? :confused::confused::confused:)

When this whole saga is over we are really going to have to break out the blender. Scott, I am going to have to find that recipe for the chocolate silk margarita :)

Peace out!
Cheryl

[gpgscott]

Scott, I am going to have to find that recipe for the chocolate silk margarita :)

Peace out!
Cheryl

In the interest of Barn, I will be trying to perfect said drink. It would be of course cruel to abandon drinks not up to standard, so I will willingly consume these unfortunate drinks in the interest of compassion.

Wish I could post more but I have to go out now and obtain materials:D

Scott

[sunimist]

Hi Cheryl,

Just wondering how Barney Boy is today. Hope to get a very good update soon.

Shelba and Suni

[Barney's Mom]

Hey guys,
Barney is home :)
He came home around 4:30 today, happy to be there, and headed first for the food bowl (empty) and straight for the couch, lol.
He is in great spirits and barking his head off for food. John let him get nice a calm and he fed him this evening, a small amount of chicken and rice.
I have agonized over what to feed him, but I over cooked the rice till it was mush and I trimmed any visible fat from the chicken breast then I boiled it until it didn't even look like chicken anymore, and rinsed it thoroughly. I know this diet is good for his pancreatitis, I am not sure about his IBD.
He had a tremendous appetite tonight.
Sadly enough, he walked in the door, I walked out the door for work.
I am so glad he is home :D

Scott, it is so touching the sacrifices you will make for our forum members :rolleyes:

Cheryl

[labblab]

Hey guys,
Barney is home :)

Cheryl, I decided to check in on the forum for one quick minute before turning in to bed -- and what a wonderful way to close my day. Three wonderful words...Barney is home! :) :) :)

I am so happy for you all.
Marianne

[Harley PoMMom]

:D:) YAAAAAAA.....Barney is home. :D:)

I'm pretty sure this diet will be good for his IBD too. From what I've been reading one should feed this to their pup for at least 8 weeks to give the pancreas the time it needs to "rest."

You're doing such a good job, Cheryl and I know the frustration you're going thru right now trying to figure out what food is best for Barney...UGH, so I am hoping and praying this is the diet that will work.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[sunimist]

Great news Cheryl! Way to go Barney Boy!! :D

((((HUGS))))

Shelba and Suni

[Squirt's Mom]

Hey Cheryl,

So glad Barney is home and in such good spirits! That sounds wonderful to me! :D:D:D

The food is fine for the pancreas, just don't over do on removing the fats like I did. :eek: While fats can be an enemy to an upset pancreas, they need some fatty acids for their bodies to function normally...but you know this, I'm sure. If you can tell me in grams, preferably, if not then in cups, how much of the rice, and how much of the chicken, you are cooking, I can run it through a database and get a fairly close analysis for you. Or you can do it yourself...the database I use is at:
http://www.nutritiondata.com/

Another good site for searching food values is:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/site_main.htm?modecode=12-35-45-00

These are geared to humans, but the nutrient values remain the same no matter what is eating the food item.

Hang in there, sweetie, you are doing a fine job and I know you will take on his diet with all you have to get it right for him.

Hugs...(and kisses ;) ),
Leslie and the girls

[Roxee's Dad]

Hi Cheryl,
Great news, So glad Barney is home and doing well. :):):)

[gpgscott]

Hey Cheryl,

Glad Barn is home, and I am still sacrificing for the good of others:p I will let you know when I have perfected aformentioned beverage.:D (if I am still able to stand:eek:)

We are seeing a pattern with Talos with bowel issues that the Dr. thinks are small bowel. He will be fine for a while and then have an acute issue and it goes away but returns.

I have started him on a couple tablespoons of raw coconut twice daily. I heard about this on a PBS program 'The People's Pharmacy', you can hear the broadcast on Sunday morning live, I think at 7:00am edt.

I think the border collies and the smaller herding breeds in general have anxiety issues. I am hoping the coconut will help to regulate his bowel. I think you should look into it.

Scott

[Barney's Mom]

Hello! Our census dropped at work and I volunteered to be cancelled so I am home tonight with the Barnster. This morning we were trying to feed him and he got a taste of the Flagyl :eek: That was it for breakfast. I had to wait......get a new plate and start from scratch.....then he distrustfully dissected every bite dropping every morsel to further inspect for said pill :D

Barely got the pill in him, didn't get the amoxicillin in him. John bought pill pockets. Last bought of pancreatitis he tolerated them, so I am hopeful. I have him meds about a half an hour ago in the pill pocket. So far so good!

He didn't seem crazy about the rice and was a little mopey last night and this morning, so I am trying potato and chicken.
He took this mornings just fine, he liked it. Maybe a little mopey after eating, but if so it wasn't too bad.
This afternoon he ate and did very well. He is half starved and we have to be so careful, he is getting 4 tablespoons of potato and one tablespoon of chicken every 4 hours. If he does well we will slowly increase. I see my skinny hungry boy and it kills me, but we need to get this under control. He hasn't vomited since Tuesday the day he went to the vet.
After the afternoon meal he seemed fine. He even played tug with me and his favorite toy. I had to initiated it, but he was willing. He is a bit weak.

I have for the most part ended crate rest. It will be officially over this Tuesday but he is so stressed out and after three days in that crate at the vets he has wanted no part of his own crate. His favorite place to sleep is on the floor next to my side of the bed on a ton of king sized pillows. Today he was sleeping so soundly that I had to go find him, lol. I guess he has had a hard past few days. So he is every where he shouldn't be, ie......upstairs, on the couch, lol. It's not what the Dr prescribed, but it's doing wonders for his spirits. I think his back is doing excellent.

We did get his lab work from the vets. His Alk Phos was 142 at the neurologists a month ago. Now its 542. No other liver enzymes are elevated so I am assuming that it is the lack of Lysodren. That was his only enzyme elevated before we treated his cushings. The vet said we could start Lysodren on Monday if he is doing well, but I am playing that by ear.

Leslie, once we are up to a real diet I may take you up on that. Scott, keep up the good work!

I think we are all going to curl up on the couch tonight and watch a movie ;)

Cheryl

[forscooter]

Cheryl,

I hope you got to curl up and enjoy a movie and just having your boy by your side....you have more than earned a little R&R for pete's sake after all that you have been through with Barney!!!

I hope he is over the mopeys and back to being his old self!!!

Sending warm healing slobby kisses from our house to your's!!
Love ya, Beth, Bailey and always Scoobie

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Cheryl,

I hope too, that you both got a relaxing night, whether it was watching a movie or just anything, just so it was relaxing. :)

That Alk Phos number isn't so bad, heck Harleys is 1289 :eek: and the fact that Barney's other liver enzymes are within normal range, then that's a very positive sign. Barney's Alk Phos number could of come up alittle bc of his pancreas flare-up too.

So I hope that today, since we have not heard from you yet, has gone well, with Barney eating his food and not finding his pills.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[Barney's Mom]

Pill pockets are a dogs best friend ;)
Actually I just fed him and am I eating now and he is by my side mooching. Appetite is fantastic, but he isn't drinking much water, isnt that weird? Not too worried about this. I have been putting water in his meal and he always seems to drink when he is thirsty.
Before I feed him he his happy, he is happy during the meal, but then he looks for more and mopes.
He is so skinny, I can feel every rib. :( I just want to feed him and feed him, but I know I can't. I am feeding him every 4 hours, or 5 times a day. I skip the one in the middle of the night. Small frequent meals.

And the movie was nice ;) Barney was on the couch, I was in the chair, John was on the loveseat, and Beth was in the floor. Unfortunately it was Golden Girls, it's my husbands favorite :rolleyes:

[Harley PoMMom]

Cheryl,

When I boil my chicken, I save the broth, I put it in the frig overnite and usually there is no fat to skim off, but if there is, you can skim it off the next day, and heat it up and pour it over Barney's mini meals. This way he gets extra fluids, at least that's what I do with Harley...just a thought.

Golden Girls, huh...well I remember watching them a couple times myself and cracking up. :D

Love and hugs.
Lori

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Cheryl,

Glad Barney is home and doing well!

Louise

[Barney's Mom]

We went to the neurologist yesterday, and Barney is officially off crate rest!!!!!! No restrictions, he can get on the couch and up and down the steps whenever he wants! NO neuro deficits whatsoever! His anal tone has returned, my boy has a sphincter that could split rocks ;-). Way to make mom proud! (hey ya gotta take what ya can get right?)

The neuro doc got me an appointment for an IMS in Towson for Thursday. Theyll do an ultrasound that day to try to see whats going on his belly.

[Harley PoMMom]

YAAAAA Barney....it's official...you're a free pup :)


my boy has a sphincter that could split rocks ;-). Way to make mom proud! (hey ya gotta take what ya can get right?)You are so right there, Cheryl...but I had to chuckle quite a bit when I read this. :D


The neuro doc got me an appointment for an IMS in Towson for Thursday. Theyll do an ultrasound that day to try to see whats going on his belly. On pins and needles until the results are in. Best of luck to you and Barney.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[frijole]

Cheryl, great news for our boy! FREEDOM!!! Give him a hug for me. Towson? I went to college there about a billion years ago! Miss those crabs. yum. Kim

[Truffa's Mom]

YEY!!!!! VIVE LA LIBERTE!!!!!
A proud adoptive auntie!!!!
We kind of feel VERY VERY PROUD OF MOM AND DAD :D
Crossing fingers, paws, tails and lashes.... everything on Thursday

[Squirt's Mom]

Hey Cheryl,

This is wonderful news! :D:D:D I know Barney is glad that this is behind him! And you, too, for that matter. ;)

I hope he continues to improve and there are no more surgeries for him...ever.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Cheryl,

I'm so happy for Barney aka "Rock Splitter" that he is finally free from the crate and no neuro deficits. Wow, if you could only figure out a way to teach him how to polish those rocks you could make jewelry and sell it. :D

Wish you and "RS" good luck with the ultrasound tomorrow. Will be checking in then to get the latest info.

Louise

[gpgscott]

Cheryl and Barn, :D

[forscooter]

Cheryl,

So happy to hear you got a great report! Here's hoping the u/s also gives a great report and it is something easy!!! You know, you so deserve e-a-s-y right now!!!

Love and hugs, Beth, Bailey and always Scoobie

[Barney's Mom]

John picked up Barney this evening. He was very well behaved for the vet :) Actually since his back is healed, he doesn't get worked up in the vets office. (except for the part where Barney meets the rectal thermometer) I think he must have been hurting, and fearful.
Well, in talking with the vet, he felt that Barney probably has chronic pancreatitis caused by the cushings. He said when you have an acute exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis it can take a long time to heal.
The orange mucousy poop is the IBD flairing up, from the diet changes he has had recently. He put him on Hill's W/D which we are to introduce very gradually over 10 days. We are to keep him on that for 6 to 8 weeks, and then if I like I can put him on the Solid Gold Holistique Blendz. He did a lot of blood work, and took his blood pressure, but I didn't get the results of that. They are going to call me with blood work results tomorrow and I will find out more then.
He wants to resume the Lysodren now. I asked him if it was the cortisol that caused the pancreatitis in cush pups, and he said, in theory yes, but there are so many other factors that contribute to the increased incidence of pancreatitis in cush pups as well, such as increased lipids circulating in the blood stream, altered blood flow to the pancreas, (never heard this before). So I guess it is multifactoral.

Now for the not so good news.
There were two areas on his pancreas that concerned the vet. He wants to do exploratory surgery to rule out cancer. I am not having this done. If it is cancer, the prognosis is extremely poor. It is also risky to go in and manipulate an already inflamed pancreas, and this could easily make him worse. I can see no benefit for Barney in having this done. In the next breath, he told John, "but then again, it could just be the diet." :confused::confused::confused: Also, I would think that there would be evidence of cancer that ultrasound would have detected, such as ascites, lymph node enlargement/metastasis, obstruction etc.....
As well as the fact that most dogs with pancreatic cancer only live two to three months from the time of diagnosis, Barney has had this for two months that we know of.
Maybe I am in denial, but it just doesn't seem likely to me.

So I guess the plan is to slowly switch to the W/D diet, and be careful not to overfeed, which I think we may have been doing. 4 small meals a day and increase by a tablespoon of food every 2 or 3 days.
I will restart his Lysodren and continue to have lab work drawn every two weeks and we will hope for the best.

[Buffaloe]

Cheryl,

I just wanted to say that I agree with your plans on how to proceed with Barney 100%. If I were in your shoes there's no chance I'd let them do exploratory surgery on Shiloh's pancreas. No way. As my surgeon explained it to me, an old pancreas is a very delicate organ and it is very risky to "jossle it around."

Shiloh has been eating Solid Gold Hundenflocken for her kibble for 8-10 years. I think all of the Solid Gold dog foods are excellent.

All the best to you and Barney.

Ken

[Harley PoMMom]

Cheryl,

I agree with you too, no surgery.


He wants to resume the Lysodren now.What dose?


They are going to call me with blood work results tomorrow and I will find out more then.Please let us know too. :)

I don't think you are in denial, I really don't think Barney has pancreatic cancer, I believe it's just going to take some time for his pancreas to settle down and stay settled down. Finding the right food for Barney will be the ticket, once you find that your over half way there, I so hope the Solid Gold Holistique Blendz is it.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Cheryl,

I am with you 100% on the surgery...no way. Cancer or not, that could very well throw him a loop he couldn't overcome. From Squirt's case, I know handling that organ, even when healthy, can have disastrous results. With your medical training and knowledge, I think you would know if there were other indicators like you mentioned. I see that as a trained assessment, not denial. ;)

Altered blood flow...hummmm, interesting. Wonder why that happens? Did Dr Rick say that would be a result of Cushing's or unrelated? I wonder if they can have build-up in their arteries such as plaque in that area as well as the heart? Would make sense.

The diet plan sounds good...once he is off the Hills W/D. ;)

Please keep in touch and let us know how things are going.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls

[Barney's Mom]

The vet just called and it seems my dear husband left out a lot of very good information. It appears a lot got lost in translation.
The US showed signs of inflammation, was nodular and showed signs of prior episodes of prior episodes of pancreatitis. He would have liked to have a biopsy to confirm his findings but he is not recommending surgery. And the cancer was a rule out, he doesn't suspect cancer, he feels his findings are consistent with pancreatitis, but the only way to know for certain would be to obtain a biopsy. I think my husband heard the C word and overreacted.

His amylase is 1500, normal is 1400 for this lab, so not so far from normal. His lipase is 1400, normal is 750, but this is down from greater than 6000! So I would say a tremendous change for the better. Bun was 28, normal is 27 and creatinine is 1.6 upper value of normal is 1.8.


Oh, and his Systolic BP is 160. Not so shabby. He has run 180's and has been in the 220's, but he was at the vet for a bad back, he was in a lot of pain.

So...I am pleased to hear from the vet ;)

Lori, he has resume lysodren, so that to me means at the 375 a week he was on before.

Thank you guys :)

Cheryl

[Squirt's Mom]

~~~~WHEW~~~~

Ok, you can take a nap now! :D:D:D

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Cheryl,

Awww...poor John...I think I would of reacted the same way upon hearing the "C" word. Thank goodness the vet called you and talked to you. :) That is really good news, the lipase coming down to 1400 FROM greater than 6000!! And his amylase is so close to within the normal range. YAAA. :):D

This has to make mommy feel better, I know it makes Auntie Lori feel a whole bunch better. :) Ya know it's about time you got good news.

Give Barney some gentle hugs from me, and try to get some rest for yourself.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[sunimist]

Hi Cheryl,

I am quite familiar with what you are seeing in Barney. Misty had cronic pancreatitis for years and her lipase was constantly elevated after the initial acute attack. It never did return to normal. The amylase stayed relatively normal and we tested often to watch for another acute attack. She would seem to head in that direction and we would counteract with bland diet, etc., (and whatever else we thought she might benefit from ) for several days. I found it is just something you have to be keenly aware of, but can be managed if
monitired closely. Once you learn what to watch for, it just becomes a part of the routine.

Diet is extremly important. Fats are kept at a minimum and w/d is the diet Misty was on for a very long time (Ugh!) until she refused to eat it anymore.

I am so glad Barney is feeling better and the c word has been tossed.
Wonderful news!

Hugs to all of you,

Shelba and Suni

[forscooter]

Hi Cheryl,

Yes, I would imagine by now you would be seeing more symptoms if there was cancer involved given the prognosis...and you know I agree with the surgery thing. Only so much risk, and pain, etc you can put a pup through in my opinion.

I did want to comment on the multifactor thing with the Cushing's. My vet said something very similar after Scooter passed. I mentioned all the possibilities, all the terrible things Cushing's can cause, etc in a conversation with him. He made the comment that yes, and then there is so much more. I think we all really only know the tip of the iceberg...and even they do but they do know more bc that is what they do. Not all vets but the good ones.

Anyway, I guess what my point is (which I am not making very well) is that all these things we know also work in synergy with each other to an extent maybe we aren't aware of....he also made a comment about the endocrine disorders being so difficult to deal with because of it.

My doc recently said to me in relation to my diabetes, for instance, that if you are diabetic you are at increased risk for heart disease, but it is not only bc the blood sugar is high. Decrease blood sugar and the risk decreases but it is still higher than for a "normal" person. So I would think in our Cushpups, decrease cortisol and the risk of whatever decreases but not completely....so it isn't based solely on cortisol alone. There are many factors at play. And this is what my vet was trying to tell me...it gets extremely complicated.

I hope this makes sense....I am just glad that Barney is feeling better and you, I hope, can get some rest!

Love and hugs, Beth, Bailey and always Scoobie

[AlisonandMia]

You might find this interesting: http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/%3Ci%3EVeterinary+Medicine%3C/i%3E+Digital+Extras/What-are-the-risk-factors-for-pancreatitis-in-dogs/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/412092?contextCategoryId=39607

It's a video. Looks like he's saying that high cortisol (or steroid meds) might predispose to pancreatitis by increasing blood lipids which somehow may be affecting blood supply to the pancreas which sounds similar to what your vet said. As an aside I (and this is just me) would think, having seen a hyperphagic dog in action, that many Cushing's dogs' tendency to eat anything and everything and too much of it (especially eating revolting things from the bin etc) must contribute in some cases too - although this wouldn't be an issue in Barney's case.

When's the next stim due and how long was he off Lysodren?

Alison

[Barney's Mom]

You might find this interesting: http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/%3Ci%3EVeterinary+Medicine%3C/i%3E+Digital+Extras/What-are-the-risk-factors-for-pancreatitis-in-dogs/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/412092?contextCategoryId=39607

It's a video. Looks like he's saying that high cortisol (or steroid meds) might predispose to pancreatitis by increasing blood lipids which somehow may be affecting blood supply to the pancreas which sounds similar to what your vet said. As an aside I (and this is just me) would think, having seen a hyperphagic dog in action, that many Cushing's dogs' tendency to eat anything and everything and too much of it (especially eating revolting things from the bin etc) must contribute in some cases too - although this wouldn't be an issue in Barney's case.

When's the next stim due and how long was he off Lysodren?

Alison

His last stim was 10. :mad: Stim is due the end of this month. I want his pancreas healed first and I want to mini load him if he is still 10 or above. I talked with the IMS doctor about having them to oversee his reloading.

[Barney's Mom]

learn what to watch for, it just becomes a part of the routine.

Diet is extremly important. Fats are kept at a minimum and w/d is the diet Misty was on for a very long time (Ugh!) until she refused to eat it anymore.

I am so glad Barney is feeling better and the c word has been tossed.
Wonderful news!

Hugs to all of you,

Shelba and Suni

I am going to have to call the vet tommorow. He is to be gradually switched on to hills w/d starting with 1 tablespoon at every feeding. It has only been two feedings since we obtained the w/d and he hates it. We have to mix it in with his chicken and potatoes. I have a feeling he won't eat it if once we no longer have chicken and potatoes. I will try again tommorow, but if I get resistance I have to find another dog food. I just bought an entire case. :(

[Barney's Mom]

I was a work earlier and couldn't watch the video so I watched as soon as I got home. So elevated levels of lipids somehow reduce circulation to the pancreas. Wow........who woulda thought? I know that high triglycerides can cause pancreatitis, but I think this is different?

[sunimist]

Just thought of another idea. I also sliced the w/d in thin slices and baked until it was pretty crispy. It can be frozen and used as needed. That worked sometimes and also worked as a treat. You might want to give it a try if he refuses the regular canned. For a while, Misty did eat the kibble mixed really well, to get the chicken flavor absorbed into the kibble, with boiled (unseasoned and excess fat removed) chicken breast. I may have gone to extremes, but after the breast was fully cooked, I would wash it thoroughly to remove any remaining fat.

I feel for you and the challenge facing you. It ain't easy!

Shelba and Suni

[Barney's Mom]

Just thought of another idea. I also sliced the w/d in thin slices and baked until it was pretty crispy. It can be frozen and used as needed. That worked sometimes and also worked as a treat. You might want to give it a try if he refuses the regular canned. For a while, Misty did eat the kibble mixed really well, to get the chicken flavor absorbed into the kibble, with boiled (unseasoned and excess fat removed) chicken breast. I may have gone to extremes, but after the breast was fully cooked, I would wash it thoroughly to remove any remaining fat.

I feel for you and the challenge facing you. It ain't easy!

Shelba and Suni

Hi! What a great idea about baking it! Barney already started on this and I don't want to risk upsetting his stomach yet again by switching diets. If he thinks it is a treat it may go easier. I am doing the chicken breast/ and chicken broth with potatoes now and I am adding the w/d into it. I am supposed to switch completely off but I think I am going to need the chicken and broth to get him to eat that icky food :)

How long do I bake it for?

[sunimist]

I baked it until it was crispy, but it's according to what Barney likes.
He might like it a little softer. I would just try different methods and see what he prefers.

Good luck! Hope he gobbles it down!

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

I am going to have to call the vet tommorow. He is to be gradually switched on to hills w/d starting with 1 tablespoon at every feeding. It has only been two feedings since we obtained the w/d and he hates it. We have to mix it in with his chicken and potatoes. I have a feeling he won't eat it if once we no longer have chicken and potatoes. I will try again tommorow, but if I get resistance I have to find another dog food. I just bought an entire case. :(

Good thing that Hills will let you return the case to for a refund. Had a bag of w/d dried cat food a vet recommended which I had opened and the "food experience" did not work out well. Vet took it back and I got my $$$.

Maybe Barney will like the baked version. Hopefully he's like Munch with his "ice cube" treats. :D

[Barney's Mom]

Louise you read my mind! I actually just baked a batch.......he ate two pieces and liked it! It almost looks like kibble baked, or what my scrapple looks like by the time I am done with it :o Thanks Shelba!

[sunimist]

Yea Barney! Good boy!

The good thing about baking it is you can put the extra in a freezer bag and freeze it. Just zap it a few seconds when ready to serve.
Sure hope he continues to eat it. It's great for inbetween snacks too.

[Harley PoMMom]

I actually just baked a batch.......he ate two pieces and liked it! Atta boy, Barney...the things we do for our pups! :)

And Thank the Lord for this forum with these knowledgeable people where we can share ideas. Never woulda thought of baking that stuff and a pup would eat it! :D

[Barney's Mom]

He absolutely loves this food baked. Who would have thought? I cut the food in to round thin slices and then quartered them. Baked them at 350 for 25 minutes. They look like bagel chips :p I had no problem getting his ration of this food into him tonight. He has been mooching for more.

I can bake 1 can per baking sheet. Between boiling the chicken and peeling and cooking the potatoes, and now baking the canned dog food, I am going to be spending a LOT of time in the kitchen.

He's totally worth the effort ;)

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Between boiling the chicken and peeling and cooking the potatoes, and now baking the canned dog food, I am going to be spending a LOT of time in the kitchen.

He's totally worth the effort ;)

Welcome to the home cooking party. :D I've been on kp duty peeling potatoes (and cooking fish) for over a year now. I love my Munch and he's definitely worth it too.....but boy am I ever sick of peeling those potoes!

I'm happy for you that Barn is partaking of and enjoying the tasty dog food crispy treat/meal. :D

Louise

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Cheryl,

I thought of something else....don't know what the weather is like where you live but it's hotter than heck here right now. Turning on the oven to cook just makes life miserable. I was putting the fish on a cookie sheet and cooking it out on the gas grill, the kind with a lid but it's hot outside too. I know....I'm a wimp! :D

Anyway, I bought one of those small George Forman grills on sale and dedicated it for fish only. Cooks fast and it doesn't heat up the house. Don't know how it would work with dog food but just thought I'd pass the info along.

Louise

[forscooter]

Hey Cheryl,

Oh did this bring back memories and I had a good chuckle....I used to bake the food for Scoobie too when he was on the special diet...both boys looooooooved it!! However, my son and I would have to open all the windows, walk around gagging, and hold our noses bc they certainly don't smell like chocolate chip cookies baking! LOL! But to the furry boys they did!

Burned through three blenders in the process to trying to soak the dry kibble and make dough until I switched to canned....so we had the smoke from the blender and the aroma of the treats wafting through the air!

I am very glad Barney is enjoying them so much...the baking must release something that they like so much.

Did you try one????:p

Love and hugs, Beth, Bailey and always Scoobie

[Barney's Mom]

Never woulda thought of baking that stuff and a pup would eat it! :D It certainly wouldn't have occurred to me! Like Beth said, baking must bring out a flavor that they love. Also, he has always eaten kibble until he got sick. His teeth have been beautiful. Weeks on the canned food (i/d before this) and he already has tartar build up.


Welcome to the home cooking party. :D I've been on kp duty peeling potatoes (and cooking fish) for over a year now. I love my Munch and he's definitely worth it too.....but boy am I ever sick of peeling those potoes!
:D

Louise

I rarely cook for me! Good idea about the grill. Especially the George Foreman grill, unfortunately I have to boil every thing. Luckily summer never happened here in PA. We had a few hot days, for about three weeks, and it appears that Fall has arrived.


Hey Cheryl,

Oh did this bring back memories and I had a good chuckle....I used to bake the food for Scoobie too when he was on the special diet...both boys looooooooved it!! However, my son and I would have to open all the windows, walk around gagging, and hold our noses bc they certainly don't smell like chocolate chip cookies baking! LOL! But to the furry boys they did!

Did you try one????:p

Love and hugs, Beth, Bailey and always Scoobie
LOL! Beth NO I didn't try them :p. These don't smell to awfully bad, although I do have an aversion to touching that canned food.

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

I rarely cook for me! Good idea about the grill. Especially the George Foreman grill, unfortunately I have to boil every thing.

I was thinking of the Grill more for cooking the canned dog food instead of using the oven but if the weather is good it's not an issue. :D


Weeks on the canned food (i/d before this) and he already has tartar build up.

Munch's diet is soft also and it does make a difference. After going through the whole dental specialist experience and expense it was a real eye opener for me. The specialist told me to brush Munch's teeth a minimum of 3x a week for healthy teeth and gums. Anything less than that is not effective. Big sighhhhhhhh......so now in the evening Munch gets his teeth brushed first, me second - and no, we don't share the toothbrush!! :D

Louise

[Barney's Mom]

Big sighhhhhhhh......so now in the evening Munch gets his teeth brushed first, me second - and no, we don't share the toothbrush!! :D

Louise

ROFL. Poor Louise! Poor Munch! So I am cooking a fresh batch of food for Barn when the smell wafted to where John was playing guitar. In the kitchen he comes wanting to know "whatcha cooking good?" I almost told him "mexican tortilla chips, try one." :p
A few minutes later the smell of something good cooking turned to pure stench to him, he thinks it smells like poo. Barney would beg to differ! Luckily it doesn't smell too badly to me, but I guess I am not going to get much help in the kitchen from John.

[forscooter]

I vote with John!!!:D That's exactly what my kitchen smelled like....or rather, the whole house...

P -U!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love ya! Beth, Bailey and always Scoobie

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

So I am cooking a fresh batch of food for Barn when the smell wafted to where John was playing guitar. In the kitchen he comes wanting to know "whatcha cooking good?" I almost told him "mexican tortilla chips, try one."

I'll bring over the salsa. :D :D :D

Louise

[Barney's Mom]

Well it appears that Barney is not going to let me get away with not cooking his food ;)
He seems good, we restarted his Lysodren on Saturday, bumping the dose up a wee bit, he was on 125mg 3 times a week, and now if we continue every other day dosing he will be on almost 500mg a week. (468mg a week on average) It's an 18.6 increase over his prior dose and all I really feel comfortable with without a stim. He's due for a stim at the end of this month. I will do that as soon as his pancreatic values are down to normal, which hopefully will be by the end of this month.

I hate to say anything good, it seems like I come back the next day with bad news. Today was brown poo ;)

[Harley PoMMom]

Barney loves his "mexican tortilla chips" baked with his mommy's hands with so much love. :)

:D:D Brown Poo :D:D :D:D YAAA!!! No more orangy tingy poo. YAAA!!!

I am hoping and praying with you that Barney's pancreas values are within the normal ranges at the end of the month or even sooner, too.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[Harley PoMMom]

Cheryl,

Dr Owings told me that the "The Medicine Shoppe" located on South Queen street here in York will compound meds. I got Harley's Lysodren at Rite Aid, she told me to call the The Medicine Shoppe and ask them if they would compound it for me.

[Barney's Mom]

I'll bring over the salsa. :D :D :D

Louise
:D Barney would like it if you also brought some grilled salmon and potatoes. I think the Munch eats better than I do.


Barney loves his "mexican tortilla chips" baked with his mommy's hands with so much love. :)

:D:D Brown Poo :D:D :D:D YAAA!!! No more orangy tingy poo. YAAA!!!

I am hoping and praying with you that Barney's pancreas values are within the normal ranges at the end of the month or even sooner, too.
Love and hugs.
Lori

I wonder what the neighbors must think as I walk behind my dog in the yard on poo inspection. They probably call me the crazy lady who recently moved in :p. My poo obsession for the most part ends at a visual inspection, and with what I can see at night with the flood lights on. Some of our comrads here are out in their yards with flashlights and sticks, although I will admit I have been tempted sometimes to maybe find a large branch, to be sure of the consistency. ;)

Cheryl

[BestBuddy]

Cheryl,
Go on, use the stick, you know you want to. You know it is just as important to have good texture as well as color and form.:p
Jenny

[forscooter]

The stick is where it's at!!!:D:D:D

[gpgscott]

Cheryl,

I know you know the routine around here but I must warn you to be very suspicious of presenstations from Louise that do not contain indiviudually identifiable ingredients. :eek:


I'll bring over the salsa. :D :D :D
Louise

Salsa is a little too close to a blended drink to fully trust Louise with it:D

Scott

[Barney's Mom]

Cheryl,
Go on, use the stick, you know you want to. You know it is just as important to have good texture as well as color and form.:p
Jenny
It is suprising we don't have a 10 point scale for poo, ya know? Color, form, consistency, presentation........and don't forget the dismount! :p


The stick is where it's at!!!:D:D:D
:eek: Beth! YOU? A closet stick person????? Who woulda thunk?


Cheryl,

I know you know the routine around here but I must warn you to be very suspicious of presenstations from Louise that do not contain indiviudually identifiable ingredients. :eek:



Salsa is a little too close to a blended drink to fully trust Louise with it:D

Scott

:p I guess those little pieces of olive and pimento would be a dead give away! Not to mention the appetizers served on swizzle sticks!

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Sticks rule!!! :D :D Firm twigs come in second. :D :D :D Go ahead, Cheryl....

Don't know if there's a 10 point scale out there or not but Alison and Jenny did introduce me to the Bristol Chart which lists 7 types with some interesting graphics and descriptions. Just google it. :D


Originally Posted by gpgscott View Post
Cheryl,

I know you know the routine around here but I must warn you to be very suspicious of presenstations from Louise that do not contain indiviudually identifiable ingredients.



Salsa is a little too close to a blended drink to fully trust Louise with it

Scott

What a coincidence - the salsa does require my blender. :D Never thought of adding anything that swims and lives in the ocean, a lake or a pond into my homemade salsa....however, Cheryl's "very special" tortilla chips do require a "very special" salsa for the Fiesta Party. If it smells a little fishy....could be because there's a little fishy in it...bwahahahaha!

Louise

P.S. Munchie would be glad to share one of his fish & potato smoothies with Barney!

[Roxee's Dad]

Is it time for Jenny's Bristol Stool (poop) chart??? :o:):p:D


posted the same time as Louise but here's the very important link.

http://www.continence.org.au/client_images/601755.pdf

[Barney's Mom]

Is it time for Jenny's Bristol Stool (poop) chart??? :o:):p:D


posted the same time as Louise but here's the very important link.

http://www.continence.org.au/client_images/601755.pdf

I have seen the infamous Bristol Stool Scale. The hospital's ostomy nurse whipped it out during an inservice and had about 20 nurses snickering like 5th graders. Steve, one of the nurses was so impressed with this he actually bought (and who knows where!) a T-Shirt with the bristol stool scale in its full glory.

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Steve, one of the nurses was so impressed with this he actually bought (and who knows where!) a T-Shirt with the bristol stool scale in its full glory.

Can you believe.....a coffee cup with the chart printed on it is also out there for sale. Yikes! :eek:

Louise

[Barney's Mom]

So, after agonizing for weeks, I finally settled on a dog food for Barney to try. We are going with California Natural low fat chicken and brown rice. He has been doing well on the W/D, but it isn't very good food and the calorie content is so low and the dog absolutely hates it. He can't afford to lose any more weight. Not to mention the fact I am tired of baking that disgusting stuff. :eek:
I picked this food for a couple of reasons. The fat content is low enough for a dog with pancreatitis, and the chicken is already and ingredient in the food he is eating now, so I think there is much less a chance of his IBD flaring, the ingredients are simple, and it's nutritionally sound.

We are starting sloooooooowly. He had his first portion tonight at dinner. I fed him his portion of w/d then gave him his portion of the new food. He took a couple of bites, and then actually sat down at the bowl to get comfortable and enjoy his meal. He always did this before he got sick. Too bad he got all comfortable for 1/4 cup of food. He LOVED it. I wanted cry with joy as we watched my boy happily chomp away on his beloved kibble. It was total bliss. :p

Please keep your paws crossed that this is a success.

Barney and Cheryl

[Harley PoMMom]

Great job Cheryl...it is so hard to find something that is good for them and that they will actually eat.

Keeping all fingers, toes, tails, paws and eyes :eek: crossed for you and Barney.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[SaxLady]

Cheryl,
That's great that Barney likes the new food! I smiled when you expressed your joy! We will do anything for our beloved furbabies, won't we? I am happy for both of you. Keep up the good work.
Hugs,
Candy, always Katrina, Joe, Heidi and NixieStar

[gpgscott]

I'm glad he likes it Cheryl, now I am just hoping it likes him:D

Scott

[Carol G]

Cheryl,

I've been feeding my cat Atty who has small cell lymphoma (in the small intestine) the California Natural canned food and it has been working well. It seems to be a fairly bland food and has limited ingredients but she likes the taste/texture of it and will eat it.

I so happy Barney is liking it. I understand very well what a wonderful feeling that is for you.

Carol & Atty Cat and always Winnie & McGill

[Wylie's Mom]

He took a couple of bites, and then actually sat down at the bowl to get comfortable and enjoy his meal.

I just love the way you described the event... big smile on my face:D:p:D!

-Susy

[Barney's Mom]

We are 3 days into Barney's new food and all seems to be well. I started at first with a 1/4 cup of the new food, and his belly was growling later that night, so I backed down the next morning and am adding tablespoons a day. That could have been sheer paranoia on my part, and to be honest, I couldn't tell if it was his belly or mine, but I figured why take a chance. Things are looking really really good. No more orange poop in a good while, and no signs at all of his IBD flairing.

At this point he is about at 1/3 of the new food and 2/3 of the old stuff. Now that he is getting something tasty, I really have a hard time getting the old stuff in him. I have to put it on a plate, take Beth outside so she doesn't steal his food, and either go outside or upstairs so that he doesn't hold out hope that I will give him something good. :p

My baking days are almost OVER!

Cheryl

[Harley PoMMom]

...I started at first with a 1/4 cup of the new food, and his belly was growling later that night, so I backed down the next morning and am adding tablespoons a day. That could have been sheer paranoia on my part, and to be honest, I couldn't tell if it was his belly or mine, but I figured why take a chance.

I think you're doing a fantastic job...you're absolutely correct, why take a chance.

Things are looking really really good. No more orange poop in a good while, and no signs at all of his IBD flairing.

No more orange poop...YAAA!!!

At this point he is about at 1/3 of the new food and 2/3 of the old stuff. Now that he is getting something tasty, I really have a hard time getting the old stuff in him. I have to put it on a plate, take Beth outside so she doesn't steal his food, and either go outside or upstairs so that he doesn't hold out hope that I will give him something good. :p

Oh Cheryl :( They know if they stare at us long enough with those "puppy-dog eyes" that they can get their way, I have to do that with Harley too, he only gets a certain amount of food 4 X a day, when he is done eating he'll come over and look at me as if saying "I want some more!!"

My baking days are almost OVER! YAAA!!!

Cheryl

I thought California Natural sounded familiar, it's what I buy for my cat, Alex...California Natural Herring & Sweet Potato, "Just For Pets" carries it, that's a local shop in Dover.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Cheryl,

Hey, that's great that the new food is working out and no signs of IBD. Barney (and you) get to say bye-bye to the smelly baked "tortilla chips" :D :D ....I envy you, Cheryl. Seems like I'm forever cooking Munchie's fish & chips. :(


We are 3 days into Barney's new food and all seems to be well. I started at first with a 1/4 cup of the new food, and his belly was growling later that night, so I backed down the next morning and am adding tablespoons a day. That could have been sheer paranoia on my part, and to be honest, I couldn't tell if it was his belly or mineHmmmm...you've been sampling Barney's new California Natural??? :eek:

Louise

[Barney's Mom]

Lori, those puppy dog eyes kill me! Walk away and stand strong!!


Cheryl,

Hey, that's great that the new food is working out and no signs of IBD. Barney (and you) get to say bye-bye to the smelly baked "tortilla chips" :D :D ....I envy you, Cheryl. Seems like I'm forever cooking Munchie's fish & chips. :(

Well, we aren't there just yet, Louise. I am so hoping to quit the cooking club. With all that salmon you are cooking, it is a wonder the neighborhood cats haven't claimed you for their own!

[/I][/B]Hmmmm...you've been sampling Barney's new California Natural??? :eek:
Louise
I haven't yet, but I will admit that the way he devours it, I have been tempted to see what he enjoys so much! :o

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Well, we aren't there just yet, Louise. I am so hoping to quit the cooking club. With all that salmon you are cooking, it is a wonder the neighborhood cats haven't claimed you for their own!
Cheryl,

Hopefully very, very soon you will be out of the cooking club. Actually, UC Davis Vet Nutritionist informed me Salmon is a "no-no" for homemade diet, too much contamination. :eek:

You know....the neighborhood cats do tend to end up at my back door staring into the house. They recognize a pushover when they see one. Got a soft spot in my heart for those puddytats so they do get a little snack now and then...well, ok - everyday! :D

Louise

[forscooter]

LOL...didn't Glynda end up eating dog food by accident? Or was that a med???

Cheryl, Fingers, eyes, and worms crossed that this stays all good for the Barneyman...he has been through so much....never mind his mom and dad!!!!!

Love ya! Beth

[Barney's Mom]

LOL...didn't Glynda end up eating dog food by accident? Or was that a med???

Cheryl, Fingers, eyes, and worms crossed that this stays all good for the Barneyman...he has been through so much....never mind his mom and dad!!!!!

Love ya! Beth

I think it was Glynda and meds. Last year when Barney was on the Royal Canin Ultra Low Fat canned food I was fixing his food and my food at the same time. I got confused and licked HIS spoon! :eek:
It was a strong fishy taste, but I wouldn't say it tasted bad.....:o

[Barney's Mom]

I think I may have baked my last can of icky food! Barney is doing great with new diet. Tomorrow he starts entirely on the new food. He's itchy, but he was itchy before we started the new food so it more than likely food allergies to the w/d. He definitely poops less with the new food, on the w/d he was pooping 3 and 4 times a day. :eek: Nice and firm, not even a hint of orange, so I am thinking the pancreatitis is improving. I will know soon, he spend yesterday at the vets getting stimmed and amylase, lipase, and electrolytes drawn as well. Hoping for some good news :)

[Harley PoMMom]

What...no more Chef Cheryl and her famous "mexican tortilla chips"...gee whiz!! :D So happy for you...it's great that's Barney's doing so well on his new food.


He's itchy, but he was itchy before we started the new food so it more than likely food allergies to the w/d. Cyberfleas!!?? :eek::eek::D:D


Nice and firm, not even a hint of orange, so I am thinking the pancreatitis is improving.Where you out poking with a stick? Did the neighbor's see you? :p:D

Hoping and praying for very, very good test results.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Cheryl,

I'm hoping for good news regarding Barney's tests right along with you. Such a deal, no more orange poo and less of it to pick up too with the new diet (more time to visit that nice mall :D ). And no more stinky dog food cooking......sigh, I'm still envious!!

Louise

[Barney's Mom]

Cyberfleas!!?? :eek::eek::D:D

Where you out poking with a stick? Did the neighbor's see you? :p:D

Hoping and praying for very, very good test results.

Love and hugs.
Lori

Actually it was a firm twig ;) Thanks for the tip Louise!


Cheryl,

I'm hoping for good news regarding Barney's tests right along with you. Such a deal, no more orange poo and less of it to pick up too with the new diet (more time to visit that nice mall :D ). And no more stinky dog food cooking......sigh, I'm still envious!!

Louise

;) Yes, farmer John will be pleased with less to pick up. And the mall sounds lovely!
Big hugs to all of you, I think things have finally turned around!!!!!!


Cheryl

[Barney's Mom]

Dr Rick just called with Barney's lab results.
Amylase: 1484 (rr 450-1240) from 1500
Lipase: 1371 (rr 100-750) from 1400
ACTH pre: 4.9 Post 10.4
electrolytes are all good.



So while clinically he is doing well, we aren't making much headway at all in regards to his lab values. He feels that this could be more of a chronic pancreatitis, and we may never get the lab values down. He thinks we should continue status quo since Barney looks better and feels better. The IMS wants his post stim 1-5. I discussed this with Dr Rick. He definitely doesn't want to reload, and he doesn't want to go over 500mg of lysodren a week. He is afraid he will be pushed the opposite direction into addisonian crisis. He wants to leave well enough alone because clinically he looks better.
While I absolutely abhor the idea of reloading Barn, I don't know if his pancreatitis is caused from cushings, or if it is a chronic thing, or maybe it is a functional tumor, we never did completely rule that out. His labs are staying almost perfectly the same. No worse and only slightly better. But I do know that the only thing I can fix for him at this point would be lowering the cortisol. It saddens me that Dr Rick and I don't see eye to eye here. He is a good caring vet who just isn't very aggressive. I really like him.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Cheryl,

As you are well aware of, I am no expert at this Cushings disease or Lysodren, so I can't give you any solid advice there...but as your friend who loves you and Barney very much, can I offer my opinion?

You, my Dear, have been at this Cushings scene alot longer than me, and I must say are very knowledgeable about it too...Trust your gut, you know Barney better than anyone...and I mean anyone.


But I do know that the only thing I can fix for him at this point would be lowering the cortisol.This statement here made by you sounds like you want to try upping his Lysodren, did Dr Rick not agree on that? Like I said before, trust your instincts, your such a wonderful mom to Barney...you've always made the best choices for Barney and you always will.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[forscooter]

Cheryl,

I think you know Barney best...you know I think you are wonderful. And I think you have to make the decision based on what you know, what you feel, and what the docs both say.

But I did want to add one thing...my own thing. Lab values are just that. Numbers. And I know and understand there is something behind all those numbers. But I am also not a believer in chasing numbers....rather in the quality of life. I understand you are concerned about the numbers and the pancreatitis, but if you can control the pancreas with the diet, is Barney doing OK with that?

If the clinical symptoms of the Cushing's seem controlled, and he is otherwise healthy feeling, do you want to lower him more? The answer to this, of course, may be a resounding yes! And in that case, I would work with the IMS to do it. And then see and decide which way he seems better.

I think it is a delicate balance between the labs and the quality...and only you have the answer to that bc you DO know best!!!

Love ya! Beth

[Barney's Mom]

thank you all, you make me feel so good :)
Beth, that's the thing, he seems better but I can't get a handle on the pancreatitis. I have an appointment with a vet for Tuesday at 0830. Lori, its Dr Ingold. He has improved, but he's not well, and we have done everything possible to make him better except getting the cortisol down. I've decided that I do want to get him reloaded. The IMS sent me a letter/summary of our visit and ultrasound findings. We didn't biopsy his pancreas, so we never could rule out a pancreatic tumor. His labwork has stayed amazingly the same for the last two months. It does make me wonder if maybe he may have a functional tumore that is secreting enzymes.
So I guess I am really not sure what is going on with him, but I think at this point it is the only place where I can intervene and help him.

Cheryl

[Harley PoMMom]

I have an appointment with a vet for Tuesday at 0830. Lori, its Dr Ingold. Tell him "Hi" for me, and I wish you the best of luck, when I went and had my interview with him he was really nice, he asked alot of questions about Harley and was genuinely interested in what I had to say. He is Harley's back-up vet, he doesn't treat Harley, but he does have all of Harley's lab files and I give him updates. I really hope you feel more confident using Dr Ingold with Barney.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Cheryl,

Just want to add my "well wishes" for Barney's upcoming appointment. Will be thinking good thoughts for both of you next Tuesday and looking for your update.

Louise

[Barney's Mom]

Barney had his appointment with a new vet today. He thinks that it could be the cortisol causing his pancreatitis, but he doesn't think so. I took him his paper work and he is contacting Dr Oliver, as to the next step. Texas A&M also has a GI lab that can run really in depth assays into pancreatic and bowel function. He also said it could be pancreatic cancer. He put him on Metronidazole to calm his GI tract and Cerenia for nausea. I guess after he reviews everything he will tell me our next move. We got him completely over on his new food and within two days he is mopey and licking his lips like he is nauseous. His mucousy poop came back as well. He is happy when he's hungry, and as soon as I feed him within an hour he is mopey and acts depressed.
So hopefully soon we will know what the plan is.

[Harley PoMMom]

I am really anxious to hear what Dr Oliver has to say about Barney. Is Dr Ingold contacting Texas A&M too?

As far as his new food goes, what are your plans now? Maybe Barney needs smaller portions??? and spread out even more throughout the day???

Oh Cheryl, I feel for you, I just don't know what to do for you but to let you know that I'm here for you.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[forscooter]

Cheryl,

I am so sorry that Barney is back to not feeling well. :( I am keeping everything crossed that Dr. Oliver will have some answers.

I wish I had some answers for you, but like Lori can only think maybe trying 4-6 small meals throughout the day so it isn't all hitting his system at once, if you haven't tried that yet?

I will be here waiting with you for some answers....

Big huge hugs to you all! Beth, Bailey and always Scoobie

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Cheryl,

I'm sorry to read that Barney is having problems again. So although he wasn't problem free as far as the numbers go with his pancreas but did have less tummy trouble when you were cooking the special food (aka "stinky tortilla chips") with chicken/potato, is he temporarily going back on that diet again?

Call me dense but I must have missed something somewhere along the line. Why is the new vet contacting Dr. Oliver regarding Barney? Got my fingers crossed that you don't have to wait very long for the next plan of action from the new vet. I'd probably be licking my lips in unison with Barney about right now.

I hope they can determine the what and why and come up with a simple solution for Barney. In the meantime, I'll be here waiting too....

Louise

[Barney's Mom]

Hey guys :)
I did a lousy job of explaining things in my last post. I went to the vet straight after work last night, so I had been up for almost 24 hours. I should know not to go so when I am so tired. I think the reason he is contacting Dr Oliver is to see what he thinks about the cortisol and if it is related to the pancreatitis. The lab work he wants to run at Texas A&M GI lab would give us more information about the IBD and pancreatitis. They run folate and B12 levels and check for bacterial intestinal overgrowth, and an entire host of things I can't think of at the moment. He did say that the specialist Dr Jacob who did Barney's ultrasound was one of the best out there. That was reassuring.
There is something we are definitely missing here. He is up one day and down the next. Acute pancreatitis would have resolved by now, and chronic pancreatitis would be characterized by exacerbations and remissions, but I would think that they would at least be weeks in between episodes, not days. He has never fully healed. He seems to do well when he isn't fed at all or he is underfed. Then he thrives. He is perky and playful and barks at everything. So we slowly advance his food enough to sustain his weight or maybe even gain weight, he gets sick again. I am not sure if it is the food itself, or the volume of food. Is it the IBD or the pancreatitis. Is the IBD causing the pancreatitis? :confused::confused::confused::confused: I am feeding him 4 times a day now. I can feed him 6 times a day on my days off, but on work days it would be impossible. Louise I thought about putting him back on that, but I had such a hard time getting it in him. They do have a dry version, I may have to try it. He prefers kibble. I steered clear of it before because the ingredients are a bit different from the wet food, and that is what the vet put him on, but I may have to rethink this. Hoping tomorrow is an up day :)

Cheryl

[BestBuddy]

Hi Cheryl,
There are auto feeders than can hold kibble and let a certain amount out every so many hours. I have never used one but when I have seen them they looked like something to try.
Jenny

I know this is in Aust. but this is what I mean

http://www.soldsmart.com.au/l3.aspx?goods=PF0106YL&cam=26&gclid=CIe--66umJ0CFcItpAodT1m51w

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Cheryl,


...so I had been up for almost 24 hours :eek::eek: OMGosh, you poor girl, you have to be exhausted.

It does seem Dr Ingold is doing more, were these his suggestions or yours? (Dr Oliver & Texas A&M GI lab)

I would think that the 4 X a day feeding would be sufficient, that is how many times I feed Harley...but ya know that saying "every dog is different." :confused::)

I am hoping and praying that tomorrow is an "up" day for you and Barney.

Love and ((((hugs))))
Lori

[forscooter]

Jenny had a great idea and they do have them at Petsmart....I found this:

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2755220

and it has 8 settings so you could have a lot of flexibility...maybe "underfeed" him at each meal but put them throughout the day so he is satisfied but not getting full all at once?

I mentioned the up to 6 times a day feeding bc it was on my mind...some epileptic dogs have to be fed that often....and people with GI problems....look who I am talking to! LOL! The nurse! You already know that....:p

I'm just wondering if you spread it out and keep the food from hitting his gut in a lump, more of a steady stream, if that would help...

Do you have a date for the Texas work? Or is he wanting to hear from Dr. O first?

Big hugs to you all....Beth, etc...(too early here :o)

[Barney's Mom]

It does seem Dr Ingold is doing more, were these his suggestions or yours? (Dr Oliver & Texas A&M GI lab)
Lori
These were actually his ideas, and I told him I live up the street but I found him because of you, and he laughed. He knew you by name, first and last, and Harley's name. ;)




"8 settings so you could have a lot of flexibility...maybe "underfeed" him at each meal but put them throughout the day so he is satisfied but not getting full all at once?

I mentioned the up to 6 times a day feeding bc it was on my mind...some epileptic dogs have to be fed that often....and people with GI problems....look who I am talking to! LOL! The nurse! You already know that....:p

I'm just wondering if you spread it out and keep the food from hitting his gut in a lump, more of a steady stream, if that would help...

Do you have a date for the Texas work? Or is he wanting to hear from Dr. O first?

Big hugs to you all....Beth, etc...(too early here :o)

Beth this looks absolutely perfect!!!! I just have to figure out how to do this with 2 dogs. :confused::confused::confused:
Beth is an absolute chow hound, and she's fast too. Barney would never stand a chance of getting food with her around.
And Beth, I do well with my patients, but with my pets and loved ones I lose all objectivity.
No date on the lab work. I guess he is getting a consensus of what he wants to test for. I should have waited until my day off to have our appointment, but it wouldn't have been until Thursday, and I was anxious to get something started. I retained very little of our conversation :o

Hi Cheryl,
There are auto feeders than can hold kibble and let a certain amount out every so many hours. I have never used one but when I have seen them they looked like something to try.
Jenny


Jenny this is a brilliant idea! It would certainly solve my feeding problems, I just have to figure out a way to make this work with two dogs.

Today looks to be a good day for Barn. I fed him this morning, less than normal, and he's been on the metronidazole for 24 hours. He is barking now demanding food. :rolleyes:

[forscooter]

I know this is hard to do when they are used to having each other, I know what that is like, but is there any way you can separate them when you work? Just to see if it works at least? Maybe just a gate so they can see and smell each other?

Or get two and that way if Beth eats it, will Barney have a chance of getting to the other one??:confused::eek:

I'm still thinking....smell the smoke??? At work so I have to run but wanted to check in quickly...

Love ya! Me

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Cheryl,

I do so hope and pray that Dr Ingold finds some answers for you and Barney, he's been in the vet. business for a long time...I know that doesn't mean much sometimes...but I believe Dr Ingold genuinely cares about the furbabies he treats.


I retained very little of our conversation I am exactly the same way, so the last time I went the Univ. of Penn. I actually took a tape recorder with me and recorded the whole conversation, I've learned some new things from my taped conversation...Which is one thing I wanted to bring up...pancreatitis can skew ACTH stim results...Barney's last results were ACTH pre: 4.9 Post 10.4...is Barney showing any cushing symptoms with these stim numbers?

Now I'm not even trying to tell YOU what to do, ok, just lovingly reminding you what Dr Oliver and Harley's IMS told me about pancreatitis skewing the ACTH stim numbers. Like I've said before Cheryl, you've been at this alot longer than me, and above all, you know Barney best.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[Barney's Mom]

You're right Lori, I had held off for as long as I could to get the stim because of the pancreatitis, but we were overdue, and Barney started stumbling and his back legs were shaking like he was weak. Since we had slightly increased his Lysodren dose. I was worried that maybe he was too low. I thought he was asymptomatic with the pancreatitis. Actually though, when I got the results, I never even considered that.

I am hoping that Dr Oliver can shed some light on things.
Beth, I just may have to separate them.
Cheryl

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Cheryl,

I have been trying to keep up with you and Barney even tho I haven't posted. You are all in my prayers that Dr I can find a solution to help.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Cheryl,

How is Barney doing today? Hope you are having an "up" day and have been having "up" days.

Harley wanted to thank his Auntie Cheryl for starting off his birthday with that special birthday wish that you left on his mommy's page. We love you! :D

Love and hugs.
Lori

[Barney's Mom]

I came here to check in and the phone rang. It was Dr Ingold. Dr Oliver says that he doesn't think that his cortisol is the cause of the pancreatitis. So for the moment that is on the back burner. It's a GI panel that we are sending off to Texas A&M. He has been on the Flagyl since Wednesday and is responding very nicely to it. His belly is a little bloated, but he isn't mopey or nauseous so I am a happy mom. Eating, drinking, and trying to mooch food. So for now we are going to go on yet another diet, a novel protein and carbohydrate, that is low fat AND that he will eat. Wish me luck here! Dr I wants him to stay on the Flagyl for three weeks at least. Then we await our test results.
I feel good that we at least have a plan.
Leslie, I feel so guilty that you are worried about us with so much on your own plate.(((((((hugs)))))))) You are in my prayers.
Lori, thanks for hooking me up with Dr I! I am feeling good about this.

Cheryl

[forscooter]

Sounds good!!!!!!!

Love ya, Me

[Harley PoMMom]

a novel protein and carbohydrateSounds like a good plan to me too, what novel protein are you using? Remember my boyfriend has that elk meat that I am sure you can have to use.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[forscooter]

Elk meat????????:eek::eek::eek::eek:

[Harley PoMMom]

Elk meat????????:eek::eek::eek::eek:Come on Beth, you never tried elk meat? :p:)...my boyfriend, Art and his buddies go to Meeker, Colorado almost every year for elk hunting. They hunt a mountain that's up over 10,000 feet, without a guide.

I've eaten elk meat, not too bad...but I'll stay with beef.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[Barney's Mom]

Barney's food isn't that exotic. We are trying Nature's Best Venison and sweet potato. He had his first serving a few minutes ago. He likes it so far. Of course we have to start him slowly, he got 1/8 of a cup so I wonder if he could even taste it :p Lets hope it likes him back.
I will definitely remember the elk if we go back to cooking. (I say this as I polish off a TV dinner on my way to work :rolleyes:)

[Barney's Mom]

Beth VS cactus......Beth 0 - cactus 100. Prickles covering her muzzle :(
Off to the vets!

[Barney's Mom]

Vet gave Beth a hydrocortisone shot and antibiotics. She has about 10-15 short pricklies that are a little wider than your average sewing needle. She is wild and was near impossible to keep still, but the vet couldn't even pull them out with hemostats. So it's looking like we'll sedate her tomorrow and have them removed. We would have done this today but I had fed her breakfast. The vet said if the shot made her comfortable and she wasn't pawing at them we could wait and see if they would fall out on their own, but if he can't remove them I doubt this will happen.

[Squirt's Mom]

Oh no!!! Poor Beth! I know that has got to be miserable! I hope she can be comfortable enough today that she leaves them alone so they can be removed tomorrow. Poor baby! :(

Give her a gentle belly rub from,
Leslie and the girls

[Harley PoMMom]

Oh no poor Beth...OMGosh never heard of such a thing like that around York County...Oh I hope she is comfortable, poor girl, give her belly rubs from me too. Please keep us updated on Beth's needle nose. :(

Love and hugs.
Lori

[Barney's Mom]

I think it was the cactus in my flower bed in the front yard :o. There are frogs in there, and my guess is she tried to catch a frog.

[Harley PoMMom]

Beth VS cactus......Beth 0 - cactus 100. Prickles covering her muzzle :(
Off to the vets!

Cheryl...you know I feel absolutely horrible for sweet Beth...them prickles have to OUCH :eek:...but when I saw and read your post, well...the way you have with words they make me chuckle even when I shouldn't. :o:):( By the way, how are Beth and Barney doing?

Love and hugs.
Lori

[gpgscott]

I think it was the cactus in my flower bed in the front yard :o. There are frogs in there, and my guess is she tried to catch a frog.

We have prickly pears around here and they are nasty, the stickers are not long but they are hard to remove. I sure hope the Dr. gets em all Cheryl.

Hugs for Beth.

Scott

[forscooter]

YOUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hoping those things can come out today!! Poor Beth!!!!

Gentle kissies, The Other Beth

[muskyhusky]

Oh poor baby, I hope he's feeling better, ouch I can feel his pain.

[Harley PoMMom]

How is Miss Beth doing today?

[Barney's Mom]

Beth's doing well. Actually we aren't entirely sure what the heck they are, and neither does the vet! from the outside the look like cloves, only smaller. She had the hydrocortisone shot and she is on antibiotics, and they appear painless, which makes me wonder if it is a cactus prick. Can't tell if they are imbedded in her skin or if something is merely stuck on her muzzle (gotta be with epoxy ;) ) We are down to 4 or 5 to the left of her nose. No redness or irritation and she doesn't paw at them, so the vet wants to see if she won't get rid of the other few on her own. The other 10 came off or out on their own, so maybe these will as well. But I certainly can't pull them off or out. :confused::confused::confused::confused:

[Dollydog]

That is a puzzler....always something going on at your house!! Hope they all come out on their own. Poor Beth!!
Jo-Ann & my Dollydog angel

[AlisonandMia]

Maybe you could take one into the vet so they can have a look at it under a microscope. It couldn't be something from a tree stuck on with sap???

[Harley PoMMom]

I'm glad she's doing well. I wonder what the heck they are...I guess you can't take some of them into your hospital lab and have them analysed! :p:) Thank goodness she isn't pawing at them...Good Girl...poor Beth...give her some belly rubs for me.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[Barney's Mom]

Weirdest dang things. I have been trying every day to pull at them, no luck. The ones that came off, fell off or out on their own. The other few are still there. Alison I am thinking maybe it is stuck on. You would think they would bother her if a needle was down in the flesh. She eats, drinks, grabs toys, everything like normal. If she continues to be carefree I will give it through the weekend. If they look like they are beginning to get infected or like they are bothering her, John will take her in this weekend. I would hate to give her anesthesia just to find out that something is stuck to her skin.

[Roxee's Dad]

So the curiosity is getting the best of me. :o Can you take a close up picture and post it?

Glad Beth is doing well otherwise.:)

[forscooter]

I'm getting confused (what else is new, lol)....are they like goathead thingies that have little sticker things all over....or are they sticky as in tacky....or are they some kind of bug, maybe, like an alien tick of some sort?

Yes, I think we need close-up pics and we can put them with the poop pics!

Is there a bush or plant or anything of the sort with these things on them in the yard?

I better just come over and investigate....

I am glad Beth is doing OK with them...poor baby!!!!

Love ya, Beth #2 and crew

[Squirt's Mom]

goathead thingies?????? :eek::confused::eek::confused:

[forscooter]

these things, lol:

http://www.tandem-bicycle-central.com/image-files/goathead.jpg


http://www.naturesongs.com/vvplants/puncturevine.html


don't you have them by you, Leslie? They are a pain both literally and figuratively! OUCH!:eek:

[Squirt's Mom]

OUCH! No, I don't think I have ever seen those things...we have enough stickers without adding goatheads into the mix! :p

Hope Beth is doing better today, Cheryl!

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls

[Harley PoMMom]

Hey Cheryl,

How is Beth and Barney doing? How are you doing? What's going on? Haven't heard from you in a couple days...Whatz up???

Love and hugs.
Lori

[Barney's Mom]

Sorry guys, work got the best of me the last couple of days. Usually I have time to at least log in for a few, but not this week. I will get the camera out and see if I can't get John to hold her and zoom in close. I thought about doing this, but for wild thing it will definitely take two of us ;)

[Barney's Mom]

Ok I posted pics, but I did a poor job of capturing these things. I tried to get a profile shot to show how they stick out, but the pics really don't reflect that.

[Wylie's Mom]

I tried to find something on the internet... most methods were for humans and I didn't think would work for a dog (especially for the snout area). These were the ones I would give a try:

Epsom Salt:
http://www.qa-health.com/f6/how-do-you-remove-cactus-needles-embedded-skin-44683/

Idea for better visibility (wouldn't try the removal method here... Beth would probably lick the glue):
http://www.ehow.com/how_2323079_see-remove-splinters-painlessly-.html

Vasiline:
http://www.chineseop.com/health/How-can-you-remove-fine-cactus-needles-from-the-skin-.html

Baking Soda paste (probably too difficult for dog snout):
http://www.ehow.com/how_5345695_remove-also-great-bee-stings.html

-Susy

[forscooter]

Oh poor Beth!!! I have no idea now what that is.....they look like backwards thorns from a rose bush or something!:eek:

I hope something Susy suggests will help get them out!

Lots of hugs!!! Beth

[gpgscott]

Poor Beth,

They don't look like stickers of any sort to me Cheryl. I can see that the skin is inflamed and I see what appear to be pustules. I think she got into something that was either mildly poisonous or to which she had an allergic reaction and what is on the surface looks like scabs to me.

The big problem is the location being so close to the licker, otherwise I would try a benedryl ointment or a triple antiboitic ointment or both in rotation. A rubbing every so often with witch hazel might help bring them to a head and drain if they are 'pimples' :D

Hope they go away soon.

Scott

[Barney's Mom]

Actually the area on the nose does feel like a scab. If it is a scab it would explain why I am unable to pull them out. :o The pictures were immensely helpful. I could get detail that I couldn't with the naked eye, not to mention the fact that I am able to look at it for more than a microsecond at a time with out her moving.
I posted a couple more. These last pics show more the sticker "look" and actually I wasn't able to see these until the pics. What do you think?

[Harley PoMMom]

She didn't get stung by wasp or honey bees, honey bees sometimes have homes in the ground.

[gpgscott]

I posted a couple more. These last pics show more the sticker "look" and actually I wasn't able to see these until the pics. What do you think?

I think what you are seeing as a sticker is fluid which has weeped out of the inflamed pore, wicked along the whisker and then drying.

Scott

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Cheryl,

Don't know if you want to try the tumeric paste.


Hi Heidi,

Tho I heard, but not used, tumeric paste. From what I've read you use an organic turmeric powder (which is found in stores) put some of the powder in a glass dish and mix a little water in it and stir with a q-tip.

Get it to a consistancy of a very smooth kind of gel. You dont want it too thick and definitely not chunky as it will just fall off their body.

It will turn the skin a little yellow like if you were using iodine or betadine but it does wear away and the skin does go back to normal
color eventually when you stop using it. This will stain fabric tho.

Hope this helps. :)

Love and hugs.
Lori

Here are links about it.

http://www.find-health-articles.com/rec_pub_16286372-turmeric-curcuma-longa-rhizome-paste-honey-similar-wound-healing.htm

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/turmeric-000277.htm

Love and hugs.
Lori

[forscooter]

Cheryl,

I am thinking possible bee stings too. The closer I look, I see what Scott is saying...they are like pustules and maybe the "sticker" is her whisker that I am looking at. I asked my co-worker to look bc her former dog got stung by a nest of bees when she went into a bush. She said it looked like "pimples" all over and like what Beth has....I showed her the pics. She couldn't be certain bc this was some time ago but that's how she described it.

Hmmm.....poor thing....I think I would try one of the pastes and then just keep it clean with something drying on it without being too irritating for the rest of her skin. Witch hazel I would imagine may be very soothing...

Hugs to you all, Beth

[gpgscott]

Hey guys,

I bet the tumeric paste is good stuff, but I am sure it would be a severe eye irritant, I ain't so sure about using it because of that reason. Witch hazel will also draw but you can make sure it is dry before releasing Beth and so there would be little risk of eye injury.

Scott

[Barney's Mom]

I think I am going to let it ride for now. She isn't pawing at it (she was the first day only) It doesn't appear to bother her until I start poking at it. She is on antibiotics for another few days.

Thanks to all for the suggestions to take the pics. It was really helpful, as well as your suggestions.

Scott, I see what you are saying about the drainage and the hair. Lori, glad to know about the tumeric! Beth, tell your name sake to stay out of trouble.
I'll just head back over to the corner now and see if I can do the same.

[Harley PoMMom]

Honey is a natural healing ointment also.

Give poor Beth some belly rubs from me and Harley.

Love and hugs.
Lori

[forscooter]

Beth, tell your name sake to stay out of trouble.

Cheryl, I'm trying....Lord knows I am....right now my house has been taken over by a 15 pound furry beast and I have lost all control.....

I'm coming to your house and sitting in the corner with you!!!!!!:cool:

Love ya, The Other Beth

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Cheryl,

Was wondering how Barney is doing? Did you get the results of his Texas A&M GI panel? How's the venison & sweet potato diet coming along? Did Beth fully recover from those things stuck on her nose (youch)?

Questions, questions and more questions! :D Hope all is well.

Louise

[Barney's Mom]

Cheryl,

Was wondering how Barney is doing? Did you get the results of his Texas A&M GI panel? How's the venison & sweet potato diet coming along? Did Beth fully recover from those things stuck on her nose (youch)?

Questions, questions and more questions! :D Hope all is well.

Louise

Hey :-)
Barney seems to be doing well. The Texas A&M panel showed chronic pancreatitis and distal small bowel disease making his Cobalamine levels low so he is getting Vitamin B12 shots once a week. He is doing fantastic on the venison and sweet potato diet. He is gaining weight at a pretty good clip. The weight loss from this last flareup was truly profound. He was down to 43 pounds I believe, from 52 pounds a year ago. He is up to 47 pounds. Colitis is controlled as well.
Beth still has a couple of those spots that were in the pics. Improved but still there. I squeezed one on an impulse and and got pus like a pimple was popped. Maybe it's acne! :D They don't bother her and they aren't infected and are slowly but surely going away.

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Hi Cheryl,

Glad Barney's GI problems were identified through the Texas A&M panel and that he is doing so well now on his venison and sweet potato. No more cooking for Cheryl (and I'm so envious! :D )

Those dog pimples or ?? are certainly taking their time about clearing up off Beth's muzzle. Good thing they don't bother her. I know that cat acne exists but I didn't know about dog acne so I googled it. There actually is such a thing. :eek:

Give Barney and Beth some extra petting from me.

Louise

[labblab]

Hi Cheryl,

It's been ages since we've had an update -- we miss you!!! When you have a chance, here's hoping you'll check in and let us know how the new year is treating you guys!

Best wishes always,
Marianne

[lulusmom]

Hi Cheryl,

Always great to get good reports on my favorite smiling cushdog. :D Give Barn a big hug and a kiss from Auntie Glynda.

I had a friend with a Pug that got pimples on her face. She used plastic dishes for her food and water which the vet told her to change to stainless or ceramic. Within a few months of changing to stainless, Boo's face cleared up. Because of that, my dogs only eat and drink out of stainless bowls. I'm not sure that's Beth's problem but thought I'd throw it out there.

Glynda