Molly, 13 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo - Molly has passed

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Tipper said the food trail went cold so she decided to come home. She wants to know if you deliver?? Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Did Molly enjoy some pulled pork?? :) I think my husband would enjoy a pot of that waiting in the kitchen with toasted buns and slaw! :p
Across the street from me is a gourmet grocery where I get Trixie her "pulled" turkey. They cook and sell whole fresh turkey breast at the deli...no seasoning or brine. After they carve it for the deli they pull all the extra white meat off the bones and pack it into containers and sell them for less than the slicing prices. That's what Trixie gets along with her wet dog food. She always, without fail eats the turkey off the plate first before the dog food. ;) No surprise there!!
These gourmet dogs are probably watching the Food Network too much! :D
Barbara

[molly muffin]

LOL Barbara I knew I shouldn't have left the remote for her. She is suppose to be watching Discovery and National Geographic! The Food Network, no wonder she gets all happy when I head for the kitchen! LOL Gourmet dogs!! ROFL

Well gang, it's that time again. Molly won't be happy with me in the morning when she doesn't get breakfast but it's time to redo blood work and see where her liver values are now. She's been on the Hepato Support for quite a while and there was a tiny bit of movement on the last blood test, but not much. We'll see if it has gone down any further.

She still isn't over drinking and has no problem walking away from her kibbles if she decides she isn't interested in them. She might return later in the day or late evening to finish them off. She might not. Usually she does, so she is at about a cup to a cup and half of SO food a day. She gets her glucosomine and liver support daily, but nothing else. Some treats during the day and I've found some good ones without extra crap in them that are made local.

She is still running around most days like a crazy thing. Not a fan of the heat, but that isn't anything new, she has never liked it, but will lay in the sun for awhile when she feels like it (obviously not the same as taking a walk in the heat). Her leg gets stiff on her, but usually loosens up as the day goes on. You can always tell when she first gets up, she's a bit stiff, but doesn't seem to stop her from running around. If she doesn't feel like jumping, she'll make noise till you go pick her up. An hour later she might be jumping on and off the couch like nothing was bothering her.

I know my vet still thinks cushings but can't explain why no symptoms and nothing positive on 3 LDDS tests over the last 2 years. (her first was in 2011) I feel like they are just waiting for the shoe to drop and her to be full blown or something.

She hasn't gained any weight in the last couple years, staying around 19.3 - 19.6lbs. She drops to 18.6 if we go on vacation, so she's pretty reliable weight wise. The belly goes away and I'm sure it's because she doesn't get the treats she gets at home and refuses to eat much at all when she is being boarded. Not a likely scenerio I'd think for cushings.

I've ruled out thyroid with a thyroid panel, all negative, everything in perfect range. Same with glucose, so not diabetes. Asked the vet about liver disease, and was told she has none of the other values that would lead them to think liver disease. Kidney's is probably my biggest concern at this point, due to the crystals, numerous infections, etc. (but no pacreatis so far, that is good, her lipase has never been elevated).

Oh well, I'm rambling on. Hopefully the numbers will come back at least status quo if not improved.

Till later gang,
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Simba's Mom]

Hey Sharlene, Simba loves the Animal planet channel, especially when animal cops are on, he would like you to tell Molly to check it out :) He loves it when the bad people ( who are mean to animals ) get caught!!!!
Anyways, praying little Molly gets some good test results on her liver, and hope her appetite gets better too....take care and hide the remote!!!

[Budsters Mom]

Hi Sharlene,
Give Molly a belly rub for me and tell her that I completely understand her frustration with no breakfast and what's up with that!:D just because mommy wants another blood test!:D Seriously, I hope everything checks out okay.;) We worry so about our babies.

Hugs,
Kathy

[Trixie]

Wishing that the time at the vets goes super quick for Molly so she can get home and have her breakfast! ;)
Hope those liver numbers go down!!
Barbara

[Trish]

Awww poor Molly, they seem to know something is up when we bundle them in the car with no brekky!! Smart wee things :)

Hoping for good results for Miss Molly especially in the liver department and that nothing else has cropped up!

She sounds good Sharlene, you are such a good Mom with your eagle eye and take everything in your stride.. you are an excellent example to all of us and a big shining star of hope to this group!! If anyone deserves good results it is you!!! Tuck a wee treat in your bag to give her once she is released!! A VERY tasty one as I am sure she is going to be a good wee girl for the vet :D xxxxx

[molly muffin]

Well, molly wasn't thrilled with the ride to the vets. (she hates car rides) but was fine when we got there. Funny, she goes in the door and walks over to the scale, sits down and waits for you to say, okay got it.
18.8 lbs today, so a bit of a drop, but it seriously might have been that really big, well formed poop she took right before we left to go there. I'm sure that sucker was a few ounces. (sorry to be graphic :) )

So, next we have S-Adenosyl the generic Denoysl, which is sam-e, milk thistle, other things available now in canada for the last 6 months or so. If these numbers aren't down enough, then when I retest in August, I'll move to that instead of the Hepato Support supplement. http://www.amazon.com/Adenosyl-SAMe-Small-Dogs-Cats/dp/B000O5K7IQ

Also, discovered, the Farley Foundation in Ontario, created by Ontario Veterinary Medical Association in 2002, to help out people whose pets need testing, vaccinations , etc and need help to do so financially. So I like that. http://www.farleyfoundation.org/

Found out that Molly has her own case file number with the medical specialist at medi-cal for her food and supplements. Interesting. Like Dechra in that respect and it is for her urinary crystals, etc.

So, the vet will call me when the test results come in and go over any abnormals, change of plan, etc. Then I'll swing by and pick up a copy of the results probably later this week, or maybe have them faxed to my office, whichever. I'll get my grubby little paws on them, that's what counts, so they can go into my trusty file folder on little miss whipper snapper molly.

She turned her nose up completely at some new teeth cleaning treats we tried while there. Well, not literally up, literally was to put it in her mouth, move it around a bit and then spit it back out on the floor and look at it with disdain, hmmmphhh. I'm like, well that didn't get much of a chance to clean anything did it and we all laughed. We all moved on to discussions of shopping and wedding attire. A very productive morning was had.

So, this weeks New recipe was Chicken Caprese Pasta. Molly was especially fond of the smells and didn't seem to mind that her chicken was plain. (nice of her to be so accommodating about that).

Have a good weekend everyone. :)
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

Molly sure has some work to do to get her people straightened out!:)
No breakfast, then a teeth cleaning treat! I would've spit that sucker out too!LOL:D
Sharene, You either have to quit talking about food or start an international delivery service! :DMolly's plain chicken sounds better than what I end up eating half the time!:rolleyes:;)

Hugs,
Kathy

[Trish]

I often think that when weights fluctuate a little. Flynny's does that too - ranges up and down 500g. I agree it is probably how well they emptied their bladder or bowel prior to the appointment so I don't tend to worry about little changes like those but look at the bigger trends.

How do you manage cleaning her teeth Sharlene, I tend to only brush Flynn's teeth with his special toothbrush and chicken flavoured toothpaste when I shower him. He hates it. He does not get bones, I tried giving him those chicken necks but he would give them one crunch and down they went :eek::eek: I could just imagine that bony little neck making it;s way down his gut :eek: Other bones tend to make him constipated and as we know he is not that great with biscuits. Just wondering how others manage this.

Have a good day, what's for dinner?? :D:D:D

[molly muffin]

I agree Trish, I am not fixated on Molly's weight, unless it goes up enough to cause her problems with mobility, etc. Then she'll be getting some longer walks! LOL

I think I take spells, where I try to do something different sometimes on the weekend, food wise. Probably because I don't do much during the week. Get up work, and then too tired to go all in the kitchen. Today is leftovers. We'll see what tomorrow brings. I had a wonderful soup at a restaurant that I want to find a recipe for. They no longer serve it so I'm going to have to be creative if I ever want it again.

Molly likes the effort though. hahahahaha Teeth, ugh! She hates to have anyone messing around in her mouth and I'm the only one that can go in there without too much risk of a nip. So I have a brush that fits over the finger. Throw some doggie toothpaste on it and go to town till she has had enough.
Molly is No Buddy who will let you do anything grooming wise to him. (didn't Buddy sleep through his last hair cut?!) Me I have to bribe the little miss to get her in for a comb and trim and then she tries to hide her face in my stomach so I can't trim around her nose and eyes.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trish]

Hmmm I like the sound of that finger brush thingy, will have to have a look in the pet shop for one of those. They do go into cuddle mode to try and distract us don't they... bit hard to try and do the business at hand when they smooching in!! I look in his mouth and he tries to kiss me which makes it hard to see! I think the trick is to make it part of their usual routine right from when they are wee pups, if I ever get another I shall do that!

[Trixie]

Heehee...Molly, you crack me up. Love a dog with personality plus! So funny that her review on the teeth cleaning treats was a "No thanks!". Sharlene do you know what those treats were called?...we could use some more teeth cleaning options.
Trixie is impossible as far as me trying to clean her teeth. I have the little finger brush and she's just "oh no you don't!".
Anyway I hope Molly's numbers are good when you get the results! :)
Barbara

[molly muffin]

ack, I don't remember what it was called, or if they just said it was a new tooth cleaning treat they got in.
When I stop in to get results I'll ask them what it is called.

Hope you are having a fine day. We're getting ready to leave to see if we can go find a wine my husband wants, that supposedly they just got in. I guess it got rave reviews or something. You can always tell when it's a saturday. LOL This would never come up during the work week. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[SoggyDoggy]

Have you ever tried the Greenies treats? toothbrush shaped chewables? My boys now are getting one each at night, have to say their breath is considerably better! I tried the toothbrush and paste years ago, don't know who was more traumatised by the experience, me or the boys, so it didn't last long :D

[goldengirl88]

Hi:
Just a caution with the greenies. They were on the news as the dogs were chewing pieces off and they had a blockage in the intestines, which required emergency surgery. Tipper loved them, but I quit giving them to her when I saw this. They do sell them ground up though. Just wanted to let you know so your babies aren't having any other problems- lord knows we don't need other problems since we are already dealing with Cushings! Blessings
Patti

[Peety's Fur-mom]

yes be careful with those. Kinda like the pigs ears. Many years ago my dogs loved them, but I was told they could get lodged in the intestines, Yikes. You know how it goes anything we or they LOVE, has gotta be bad in some way. Actually they probably would be okay, but my dogs almost inhaled them, so there was the problem. :eek::eek:

Hope Molly is doing okay and you get a good report. Happy weekend (and wine hunting):):)

Pat and Peety

[lisamak]

Just some info on the teeth brushing "stuff" (with 3 pugs I know bad breath issues):

1) Greenies used to be non-digestible, which is when the blockages occurred...they changed the formula years ago and are now completely digestible so no worries like with rawhide and the like (though they are high in calories so look to Zuke's Z-bones for a healthier, similar option)

2) Ark Naturals makes healthy, yummy treats called "Brushless Toothpaste"...you can get them in little bits or bigger chew treats. Yummy outer core of cleaning/breath freshening stuff and an inner circle of actual dehydrated enzymatic toothpaste

3) There's a number of "gel" products you just put in their mouth at night and it works enzymatically to eat off the old plaque. I use the PetzLife product but there's lots of other (TropiClean, Vet's Best, other). These actually work really well (I've been using the PetzLife for about 5 years as I won't put the pugs under for a dental) and keep the mouth fresh-smelling and clear of infection (mouth most common place for infection in cats/dogs).

I was reading your posts as I was getting ready for some brushing (I use the Petrodex toothbrush gloves and the TropiClean gel as the "paste") on my old man so figured I'd share the "love" :)

~~Lisa and Vince

[molly muffin]

I have in the past used the greenies, but then I switch to small size dentastix. Same idea.

I like the idea of the of the gel you put it in at night. I might give that a try. Thanks for the tip. Hopefully they have it here in Canada too.

hugs all, thanks for the tips,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[molly muffin]

Our Molly really has it in her head that she rules this house. LOL When she is Not happy, she is quite vocal in letting us All know.

So last night we had some friends over, rather late, I admit and Molly is a creature of habit for sure. Anyway, we were all outside under the pavilion, talking and having fun. Molly was out with us till about 10:30, when she wanted to go inside. (not inside the downstairs door at pool level, only upstairs at the main floor level) so I let her into the house. 15 minutes later, she shows up downstairs barking at the slider door, so I open it but she wouldn't come outside. So, smart gal that I am (or think I am) I leave the door open so she can come in and out if she wants.
No go. Fail. go back to start. She sat at the door and barked at us. Then when that didn't work, she turned her back and laid down with her butt facing us, in a huff. Then when that didn't work either, she went back up to the main level and commenced to barking for all she was worth at the upstairs slider to get us to come back up there.
Let me tell you, that dog has some powerful lungs and is stubborn as they come. She was having none of it. We, being just as stubborn, stayed outside and finally she went to sleep. See, normally somewhere between 9:30 - 10:30, she'd get her last walk in and then go to bed. Not that she had to pee last night, she'd already done that outside when she was with us, but she is just habitual creature.
Finally around 1:30am our guests left and I took molly for a short walk that was basically down the driveway, up the street about 2 houses, and she turned around and was ready to go home and to bed. Nothing was happening though in her world, until she had gone out, checked the trees for mail and left her signature that she had made the nightly check on you know her favorite tree in front of our house.
She rules!

Now she is going to be unhappy again tonight, if I can convince hubby that we absolutely MUST go downtown and see the last show of a 5 day Canadian premier with John Malkovitch as Casanova. I love live theater, but not sure if I can convince hubs that this is a must do item on a Sunday night. LOL When he has been out with his buddies all morning playing racquetball and hanging at the local pub afterwards. (his sunday tradition). I'm going to try and I'll just have a ticked molly getting another late night walk if it happens.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[molly muffin]

Molly might win tonight. Hubs is not displaying nearly the level of enthusiasm desired at this point.
gggrrrrrr

[Budsters Mom]

Yes, They are such creatures of habit! Buddy will not go to bed at night until I come into the bedroom to stay. He will lie on the floor in front of the door to the bedroom and pout until I'm ready to come to bed. I hope you make it to the theater. You deserve a break from all you do. Tell the hubby I said so. I pull a lot of weight, you know! LOL:D:D
Hugs,
Kathy

[molly muffin]

Yea that didn't work out very well. He came home from his morning out with a black and blue finger and needing an ice pack. He doesn't feel like going out anywhere today. Oh well, great ideas and all, defeated by a racquetball racquet.

[Budsters Mom]

There is nothing you can do about the boys with their toys!:D Sorry about the theater Sharlene. Send the jet and I'll go with you!LOL:D

[molly muffin]

drat! Foiled again! I can't find the blasted jet keys!

[Mel-Tia]

Doesn't the maid know where they are? Better sack her!

Wouldn't that be awesome to have that much to do stuff like that. Our pooches would be even more pampered!

Molly's antics last night made me smile, she knows how to get what she wants :)

[molly muffin]

I think that little Miss is spoiled enough. hahaha :) Can you imagine any more?!!

eh, we love them. :) sharlene and Molly muffin

[Peety's Fur-mom]

So funny about the teeth cleaning. I have the same problem with Peety, don't touch the face and especially the mouth. I like the idea of the gel to put in and clean overnight and the stuff for their water bowl. I ordered both for my lil guy. He loves giving kisses, but they should be sweet smelling. :D:D Thanks for the tips.

[molly muffin]

I'm with you Pat. I just ordered some too. :) I'm trying the gel and spray Petzlife.

You find out the best stuff on this forum. Really!

Hey, who turned on the water tap here! Molly just came under my desk like a bat outta h***. Rain just started pouring down. Bah HUMBUG

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Fellasmom]

Hi Sharlene
Molly's antics always make me laugh!What personalities they all have-never a dull moment.Its pouring here as well-of course,Grace could care less and Romeo doesn't seem to mind either.Lazy day was had by all-playing,eating and snoozing-ah,the life of a dog!:).Hope the weather calms down for poor Molly.
Patty

[molly muffin]

Hi Patty, so good to hear from you! Awww, a lazy day sound perfect to me. Molly and me neither want to get up in the mornings when its raining or when it's dark out. (winters are tough ones let me tell you, I have to yell upstairs to her "molly, get up, walkies, Now, wake up) and sometimes I still have to go get her up, which doesn't make her very happy at all.

I tried to come home a couple times today from the office early. It wasn't in the cards though, but I sure did try. I'd even say, look I'll be back online in an hour, can you guys wait that long and no go. Everything was a "now" emergency it seems.

Well, we're home now, she is hiding behind the couch (my desk didn't do it. I might have toe tapper her once or twice) LOL

Romeo loves those lazy days too. That's awesome, can just see him and Gracie lazing around with you.
How much longer are you off work? That is going to be rough getting back in the grind again. I feel for ya, I really do. It's always hard on me after having a vacation.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Fellasmom]

Hi Sharlene
Love Molly's personality!Think I prob mentioned before that Grace is the same way.Fella was my man-it was his "job" to wake up the moment I opened my eyes,whether it was 4am or 10am,he would get right up with me and sit beside me as I had my coffee.Not Gracie!!:D.The minute Fella and I would hit the first floor step,I could hear her getting out of her bed and jumping into mine!:).And like Molly,I'd be calling her and calling her AND CALLING HER!:D.It reminded me of my poor mother trying to get my brother and I out of bed in the morning for school!:D.

Romeo and Gracie went to the vet today.Romeo got a clean bill of health and if you remember,Grace had multiple cyst like lumps all along her midline that I just couldn't handle getting checked a few wks back.I finally had them checked today and she aspirated them all and they all came back just debris,thank GOD!!I'm to report any changes but for now-good news.Of course,my googling had her diagnosed with lymphoma:eek:-sometimes the internet is NOT such a good idea!I did think of Leslie and had a good laugh because I said"see,I think I'm feeling lumps right here,I think they are her inguinal lymph nodes".The vet felt and said"I think you're feeling her nipples":eek::D:D.

Romeo is a love!!He has finally given up(for the most part for NOW)on Buster and is now playing with Grace-she is so happy to have a playmate!My dogwalkers came over today to meet him and get the lowdown on whats what.I go back to work on Wed.My dogwalkers are wonderful,in their 40's,responsible and live around the corner.The husband does the night walks.I assumed that he used to just come by around 10pm for a quick walk but his wife told me that he was quite devastated when Fella died-he used to come early most nights and stay for an hour or two,playing with them and Fella would cuddle with him on the couch!He even told me that for the last few visits he had,before Fella's surgery,he would massage him and perform reiki-made me feel really good to know Fella was so cared for and loved!:).

Anyhow,nice talking with you and hope the weather calms down so Molly can have a more peaceful night.
Patty

[molly muffin]

Gosh I love your dog walkers patty
Still raining here but Molly decided she wanted her walkies anyway
No thunder or lightening so she must have decided she doesn't care and is lying beside mr cleaning her toes.
Molly cannot go to bed without cleaning her feet every night for the last 9 years. Vet said its just her thing and not allergies.
Oh that is funny about the boobies. Hahaha. Leslie would definitely have a giggle.
Hugs
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Trish]

HI Sharlene and Patty

They are very committed dog walkers Patty! Aww that warmed my heart how he would cuddle and massage Fella, what a lovely guy you are lucky you have them! ohhh thats going to be a shock to the system heading back to work this week. Hope it is not too traumatic and Romeo does not get into much mischief while you are gone :D

Popping in to see if we had any results yet Sharlene, hope you hear soon!! I'm with Miss Molly, not a morning person and stay in bed until the last possible minute!! She is a sweetie :D:D xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Budsters Mom]

Hi Sharlene,
Patty's mistake was completely understandable! I often mistake my nipples for inguinal lymph nodes. ROFL :D. Any results from the testing gods yet? :confused:

Hugs,
Kathy

[molly muffin]

Spew alert!!! Kathy I just about had ice tea all over the keyboard!!

Thanks for reminding me. I just checked my cell and had missed a call from her vet. So I called her back. I still have to go in and pick up a copy, but the changes are not much.

ALKP is down about 300 units to 918 and it was in the 1200's.

ALT is up by 7 units, she said, it isn't worrisome and that isn't much of an increase.

I think she said the Albumin was now normal and the sodium might have been a bit low but that everything else looks good.

Sodium could be low, because I've had a dickens of a time lately, getting her to drink enough water. She is Not a big water drinker which is a huge problem for us, but that can account for that being low. I'll see how low it is when I go and pick up the results, but the vet didn't mention it on the call, only when I pressed her if anything else was abnormal and she didn't have the file in front of her at the time even.

I think it is pretty good results actually. I'll go get the lab results probably tomorrow. So I can do my own comparison.

I know the ALT didn't go up by much, but I'd still like to get that number down into normal range. I asked her what she thought about that and she said, based on how molly is doing, and the other numbers, that she doesn't know, but thinks the supplements have helped her. We still don't know what caused that ALT to go up last year when Molly was a very sick little doggie. Whatever it was though, it affected her a lot.

So, over all I am pleased and I'll be more pleased when I have the results in front of me and can verify everything myself. You know how it is. :)

hugs all,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

Whew Sharlene!! ;) I guess the testing gods are looking out for little Miss Molly this time!:). The results are good! I'd be happy with those!:) ALKP went down almost 300 units, that's great!:o Celebrate with a yummy snack for Molly, not those crappy teeth cleaning things from the vet! She's never going to let you live that one down!:D

Hugs,
Kathy

[Roxee's Dad]

Great news Sharlene.. :D

I have to admit.... I quickly passed over the nipple remark LOL :o:o:o

[molly muffin]

hahahaha John. Ignorance is bliss! ROFL

Leslie would have particularly enjoyed it, in light of Her experience. :D

[Fellasmom]

Sharlene,
Sounds like overall,you got a great report-300 pt decrease is pretty impressive!Good job Molly and mommy of course!:).That Molly has such a funny little personality!I cracked up reading about how she cleans her toes every night!:D.I wish"roll in the mud,the dirtier the better" Grace would catch on to some of Molly's grooming habits!

Yes,I am very lucky to have the dogwalkers,they are awesome!They are straight out busy all week long and they also do boarding.I forgot about that and one wknd night I called her and thought she would be relaxing and she said "are you kidding,we have 9 pups tonight-we're having a pajama party watching Animal Planet and having some home made treats!:D.And it was touching to know that they were so good and kind to my dear Fella.

Well,hope your weather has improved and Molly is settled down.It's still gloomy and rainy here.Cleaning the feet-I'm still smiling at that!:):).What a character she is!

[Simba's Mom]

Sounds like a good report, that's such great news, happy for you and Miss Molly.......:)

[molly muffin]

Thanks Letti and Patty and Barbara, I'm pretty happy. I'm never truly happy though till I can do a full comparison on the lab results with the previous ones. OCD maybe. :) I guess when it comes down to it, I may not be a number chaser, but definitely am a numbers person.

You're right Barbara, I'll never live down giving her that horrid tooth treat. If you could have seen her expression of disdain when she just spit it out and looked at it and then at me like, "really mom, this is what you give me after no breakfast and them taking my blood, really?" LOL

Now little miss has the dirtiest face in Canada. I don't know what she does, puts her whole face in the food bowl and then in the water bowl I think. Ugh. I usually just clean with water, but this needs soap I think, and I don't want to get any in her eyes. Well, guess we all know what I'll be doing later on tonight.
Maybe I just need to bring her in and get her groomed.

Hubby and I are getting ready to take her out for an early evening walk. That should get her settled down for the evening.

Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Trish]

Hi Sharlene

Yay all considered that is a great report.. YAY!! Just thought I would mention about fluid intake and sodium, usually if they have real low sodium we RESTRICT fluids, as sometimes excess water makes it go even lower because when all the water is moving through the body (tissues/blood) it can wash out even more salt and make the problem worse. There are lots of causes for low sodium though and I think if it is only marginally down then it could just be a normal fluctuation and nothing too much to worry about!

So pleased to read the improvement in ALP, thats a win! :D xxx

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Glad to hear your Molly got a good report! Just keep em coming the same way! Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Trish, once I have a copy of the results, I'll know how low it is. So not dehydration. I was thinking that could throw the electrolytes off, but I hadn't googled or looked it up. Of course, now I have and yikes. I hope it isn't off too much. I think I will ask for the last urinalysis copy too. Might be worth having the kidneys looked at if it is too much out of normal range. I want to look over everything on that report.

This mornings walk she wasn't very energetic at all but she did have that long walk last night and might not have been all that interested in walking very far this morning.

Thanks Patti, we'll try to keep things moving along in a positive manner. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[SoggyDoggy]

Great news Sharlene! Sodium aside, it sounds very positive indeed, especially the ALKP! Great progress.

I have to wonder about this place sometimes though, we seem obsessed momentarily with hair growth, nipples and bowel movements. No wonder the muggles think we are weird :D

[Peety's Fur-mom]

Maybe last night's walk was enuff for lil Miss Molly. I know sometimes I try to read something into Peety's change in routine, when really it's nothing more than "I don't wanna, so there". She is such a cute lil cuddle bug. When Peety and I walk, I try to do a brain dump before leaving so that nothing interferes with his time. And "no rushing", please. I have to remind myself that he is in the house all day and he needs to reconnect with all the new smells and identify who has been out there that he missed. And even if he goes poop in the first block, we still have to walk the whole route, because he has to be the last one to leave the "mark". Then he can go home and think about all his lil buds that will be coming by. Such is a dogs life.
Glad Molly is better. Give her a big tummy rub from me. Hugs from me and Peety.

[Trixie]

Yay for the very positive test results! That alp is down to a nice 3 digit number and that must feel good!! Anything special you were giving or feeding to get a drop of 300?
Hope Molly continues to drop those liver values!!
Rain moving this way tomorrow so here we go again with the torrential downpours. Trixie will be hiding out...it's either under the kitchen table or my daughter's bathroom. :D
Hope Molly's got her energy back up now! Trixie was like that yesterday, a bit tired and less energetic. I probably wouldn't fret over a less than peppy day if it weren't for this stinking disease! Now I question every little thing. :confused:
Happy to hear about the good numbers!! :D
Barbara

[molly muffin]

Yep, Molly has her energy back this evenings walk. She was either just stiff or not ready for much of a walk this morning. Either way, I'll take it.
I'm just giving the hepato support supplement and her glucosomine. She has been on the hepato since 08/20/2012. So it's taking a while to get to this point. So, here are the numbers, now that I am back from picking up the lab results. I'll copy in the old labs too because really who wants to go back looking for them.

Ultrasound July 2012:

Liver: mildly enlarged, diffusely hyperechoic and margins rounded
gall bladder: moderate amount of echogenic debris present
stomach: moderate gas
left kidney: hyperechoic speckling in the cortex and mild derease in corticomedullary definition
left adrenal gland: mildly enlarged with caudal pole larger than the cranial pole
Urinary bladder wall: mildly thickened at the apex, although lumen is not fully distended.
Mucosa: mildly hyperchoic and irregular and two small calculi present
right kidney: similar in apperearance to the left kidney - small non obstructive calculi present
right adrenal gland: upper reference of size to mildly enlarged
lymph nodes: mildly enlarged

Test Histories:


ALT - 54 (10 - 118) May 2010
ALP - 518 (20 - 150) May 2010


Albumin 46.7 (26 - 44) April 2011
Protein 78 (51 - 72) April 2011
ALT - 110 (6 - 118) April 2011
ALP - 764 (5 - 141) April 2011



DEXA (LDDS) May 2011
Cortisol (Base) 82.2 (20 - 300)nmol 2.97ug
Cortisol (DEXA) - 4 hours 28.7nmol 1.04ug
Cortisol (DEXA) - 8 hours 35.1 nmol 1.27ug



Albumin 44.1 (26 - 44) (barely out of range) March 2012
Protein 76 (51 - 72) March 2012
ALT - 139 (6 - 118) March 2012
ALP - 1121 (5 - 141)


ALT - 152 (6 - 118) June 2012
ALP - 1003 (5 - 141) June 2012


ACTH (2 draws - this is due to the agent used by the vet) June 2012
Cor1 - Cortisol (base) 172 (30 - 300) 6.23 ug
Cor 21 - Cortisol (ACTH) - 1 hour 924 33.49 ug
Cor 22 - Cortisol (ACTH) - 2 hour 1014 36.75 ug

Lab states, that in a normal animal Cortisol will increase above 250 but not above 600.
The results are consistent with Cushings Disease; Pituitary-Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism

Albumin 46.8 (26 - 44) August 2012

Protein 74 (51 - 72)
ALT - 144 (6 - 118) August 2012
ALP - 1054 (5 - 141) August 2012


LDDS - August 2012
Cor1 - Cortisol (base) 30 - 300 range nmol/L 2.86 ug
Cor34 - Cortisol - 4hrs < 27.59 nmol < 1 ug
Cor38 - Cortisol - 8hrs <27.59 nmol < 1ug

and finally Urine gravity 1.038 August 2012


LDDS - December 2012
Cortisol Base 87.2 nmol (30 - 300) 3.16 ug
Cortisol 4 hr <27.59 < 1 ug
Cortisol 8 hr <27.59 < 1 ug

not cushings

Throid Mini Profile - all within normal ranges December 2012

Albumin 47.3 (26 - 44) - December 2012
Protein 73 (51 - 72) - December 2012
ALT 125 (6 - 118) - December 2012
ALP 1229 (5 - 141) - December 2012
Cholesterol 10.39 (2.50 - 9.90) - December 2012 (I was told to ignore this due to possible sm amount food in the AM)

Urinalysis all normal, no crystals
gravity - 1.035 (clear, dark yellow, concentrated) - December 2012


ALT 132 (6 - 118) - June 2013
ALP 918 (5 - 141) - June 2013
Sodium 143 (144 - 162)- June 2013

Urinalys specific gravity in May was 1.020 which is more dilute than it was.
Hazy, Leukocytes Ca 70 leu/ul, WBC 3 - 5/hpf (1+), Bacteria 2 - 5/hpf (1+) cocci

So, probably not a clean sample, she did have some blood in her urine, but we cultured and nothing grew.
That was from when she had her accident in the house and I thought it smelt strong. She had some very small bladder stones that the IMS thought she would pass eventually and wasn't large enough to block anything. I am thinking now that she might have passed one of those to cause the blood in her urine. Nothing since then as far as accidents in the house or strong odor either.

Her albumin, protein and cholesterol are all back in normal range. I looked carefully and nothing is close to too high or too low on any other result, other than the sodium this time and since it's just a point low, I'm not super concerned, unless it shows that it is trending downward when we test again in August. Her Potassium is fine as is her Na/K ratio, so nothing worrisome there.

Her ALP is remarkably down, her ALT is up but it seems to be bouncing around for whatever reason. It is not alarmingly high either, so so vet said not to worry about it at this point. It goes up, it comes down, goes up, seems to just bounce.

Rechecked previous tests and sodium has never been out of normal range before.

I'm happy. :) I will say that I think the hepato support is working better now, that I've figured out how to get her to take the whole pill instead of sprinkling on her food, like I was before. It just feels to me like it is working better anyway.

So now that I've written another whole chapter in the book. :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin (onward to august!)

[Budsters Mom]

Hi Sharlene,
I'm glad that the queen bee was ready for her walk this evening!:D You can breathe a sigh of relief now that you've compared the test results.;) It looks like little Miss muffin is in pretty good shape thanks to her mama!:D Give her Majesty a belly rub for me!

Hugs,
Kathy

[molly muffin]

LOL Kathy, it's true, I feel better once I saw the numbers. :) Little miss queen bee is bouncy as can be this evening and I gave her belly rubs (I call them rubber bellys) and she wagged her tail like mad. She also goes nuts if you blow raspberries on her belly or give her belly kisses. Just loves them!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Simba's Mom]

So happy to hear you are enjoying a good nite with Molly, sending hugs and prayers!

[Peety's Fur-mom]

Yay, Miss Molly, that deserves x-tra belly rubs. Good job...

[Trish]

Hi Sharlene
They look good!! Sodium only just low, so that is good... agree with you not to panic and just monitor and I bet it is normal next time.

I bet the couple of stones she has rattling around in her bladder what is causing those few red blood cells so I would not worry about those either :D

I like good news and she is up for a nice walk tonight so it's all doubly good for Miss Molly.. YAY!! :)

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Only true dogs lovers would blow raspberries on their babies stomachs!! I have done this with Tipper for years and she loves it. You can tell the dog lovers from the others when they learn about this activity as most want to barf. The idea of a person touching a dog with their mouth is so repulsive to them, it secretly makes me gleeful that they cannot handle it!!! The noisier the better for Tipper. God bless the ones that experience this deep of a love for their babies, it is truly a wonderful blessing. God Bless you and Molly.
Patti

[Budsters Mom]

I thought we all blew raspberries on our babe's tummies. There's not much more fun than that! ;) Hope Miss Molly is out and able to guard her tree today. Have to pounce on those suckers walking by!;)

Hugs,
Kathy

[Roxee's Dad]

Rasberries !!! ... LOL My Roxee hated them, when my daughter in law would come over which was about twice a year because of the distance, she would blow rasberries on Roxee's belly... then when she would come to visit, maybe months later, Roxee would see her turn and run and jump in my arms with that look on her face... there's that crazy lady again, hide me... hide me... :eek::eek::eek: LOL.

Rozee on the other hand used to love em :)

[mcdavis]

Yay for Molly - good to see she's doing well.

I remember giving Hamish the Hepato Support - trying to remember if it was those or the SAMe's that I had to hide in spoonfuls of wet dog food ;)

[Trish]

Now Flynn is not a nippy dog at all but I am pretty sure if I blew a raspberry on his belly he would give me a good kick to try and get away :D. That would freak him out :eek::eek:

Hope Molly Muffin is having a good week and yours is going well at work! Do you have a summer holiday coming up?? xxxx

[Fellasmom]

Sharlene,
Just checking in to say hi and enjoying reading the "blowing raspberries" and all the responses!:D.Molly is one lucky girl and glad the report you recieved was overall good news!

Grace is IN LOVE with Romeo and Buster is,well Buster is PISSED OFF!Even when Romeo needs a break and is conked out on the couch,Grace is throwing toys at him like "come on,lets play!":D.

Hope you and Molly have a great day!Nice to hear good news for a change.
Patty

[molly muffin]

Nope, no vacation for us right now. :)

Molly is not happy with me at the moment. I had to take her to boarding at the vets today.

We're heading out of town for my aunts funeral and will be back in a few days.

She is getting groomed and they all love her there. If she throws a big enough fit, then they keep her up at the front desk with them, with her own bed and she gets to hang out and see everyone. She does this quite often, I think, because she knows they'll cave and let her hang with them. When she was smaller, about a year old, she use to sleep in the vets office under her desk by her feet when she stayed overnight.

I on the other hand, hate it when I am home and she is not. Just like everyone else here. We don't like being without our babies around.

Hugs everyone, see you when I get back.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trixie]

Have a safe trip Sharlene. Sorry about the loss of your Aunt.
There is a dog like Molly that our vets. I guess this dog is also a favorite..they have her behind the desk when she's boarding there and she pops up to greet everyone. She hangs with the staff all day!
I would be so happy about that if I were you...hate to think of them cooped up someplace. It's so hard to leave them, but sounds like Molly will be getting plenty of attention! :)

Barbara

[molly muffin]

Barbara. It is one reason we go there. They have known her for 9 1/2 years. I took the day after we got her for a full checkup. So yes they spoil her a bit and I wouldn't have it any other way. Molly even likes the vet cats. Lol
Hugs Sharlene

[Budsters Mom]

Hi Sharlene,
Sorry to hear about your aunt.:( As long as Miss Molly's able to set those vet tech's right, I'm sure she'll be just fine. ;) Sometimes the people need a little refresher course from someone as knowledgeable as Molly!:D I have no doubt that she can handle them, so don't worry your pretty little head about it.;) So, go with a clear mind and don't worry. She's got it covered!;)
Hugs,
Kathy

[Peety's Fur-mom]

Sharlene, so sorry about your Aunt. Sounds like Molly will be well taken care of while you are away. If you have to leave them, it's great to have a place where they feel like home. One less thing for you to worry about. Just miss her like crazy. Be safe.
Pat and Peety

[Simba's Mom]

Sorry to hear about you Aunt, sounds like Miss Molly will be fine :) safe travels.....

[Trish]

So sorry to hear about your Aunt's passing Sharlene, my condolences to your family. Such a sad time for you all.

Molly sounds like she is well looked after thought!! Least you can rest easy she has them all wrapped around her little paw and is getting the best of care... my thoughts are with you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Trish]

Is Molly out of jail yet? She will give you the stink eye :eek::rolleyes: Hope she has enjoyed her spoiling and I bet will be super happy to have her pack home with her!! xxx

[molly muffin]

Molly's home and full of herself! I think she has ran through every room, covered every inch of the back yard and said hello to every tree and bush in the neighborhood. Probably just wanted to leave notes that she was back and for any other dog not to get any bright ideas that they could take over the trees and bushes that she considers hers. (how do they keep that much pee inside and then manage to space it all to cover everything along the way, sheeezz)

She got groomed while there and they cut her short (left her tail alone though, I was very specific about that, she needs cushion if she chews and she will for sure if it's too short) Course now her tail tickles her bum and she isn't happy about that. She keeps leaping around to try and stop it.

With her hair this short, her belly is awfully big and worrying. Scares the tar out of me. :( She still feels good though, so I don't know. Maybe it's just me being paranoid since her hair is short and I can really see the belly now.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Boriss McCall]

Glad sassy pants is back home. Maybe she just ate a little more than normal & her belly is big. ;) I know it makes us worry when we see any of the signs. :(

So happy they listened & did not butcher her tail this time.

[Roxee's Dad]

Sounds like a very happy girl :D:D:D

As far as having enough pee.... it's a little known secret that dogs are great mathematicians... they can calculate to the drop how much pee they have and where to leave it :p;):)

[Budsters Mom]

The Diva has returned! :D All is well in her world and her mama's too.;) Yes, they NEVER run out of pee! She did have a lot of mail to send after all!:D Get some rest tonight Sharlene:)
Hugs,
Kathy

[mcdavis]

Very sorry to hear about your Aunt - condolences to your family.

Pleased to hear that Molly is home and it sounds like she had a good time. I remember Hamish used to return from kennels and sleep for a week!!

Do you keep a track of Molly's weight - we use the WiiFit to track all of our weights and it can be really helpful to see how / if things are changing, especially with long fur (wish I had that to help me ;) )

[Budsters Mom]

Oops, I forgot about the tummy thing. ;) Shaving them down is good and bad. It's good because it's summer and it's hot. It's bad because we can see every little flaw on those little bodies. Round tummies, fatty tumors, EVERYTHING! We examine our babies very closely. If somebody looked at my body that close, they go screaming in terror! LOL:D
Hugs,
Kathy

[doxiesrock912]

Kathy, the visual made me laugh :) Hands up in the air, running in terror, screaming....sounds like a B movie :)

[infoviewer]

So sorry for the death of your aunt Sharlene. Glad you are back home and I know Molly is happy she is back in her domain and letting everyone know to stay away from her trees. She is so precious. Take care. Love, JoAnne

[addy]

So sorry to hear of your aunt. Condolences to you and your family.
Glad to hear Molly returned home and all is well. Hopefully you can all lounge around the pool and relax for the weekend.

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Sorry about your Aunt, glad your Molly is home and guarding her trees and bushes. Blessings
Patti

[Mel-Tia]

Sorry to hear about your Aunt, my condolences to you and your family.

Bless little muffin marking her terrotory then running around like a loon, she was obviously chuffed to be home.

Big hug, kisses to Molly

Mel
Xxxxx

[molly muffin]

hehehehe, chuffed!!! I love it!!!
Mel!! so good to see you. We miss you when you are in the work zone of crazy.

Yea, little miss is sure having a time of it now she is back home.

Kathy, I slept like a rock last night and so did Molly. At one point she was upside down, belly up on her bed, snoring away.

Yes, molly is still around the same weight. She's lost a bit over the past year, but it's in ounces, so not something really concerning. This just looks more like the weight is redistributed to her abdomen. Not as noticeable when she isn't shaved so low, which Only happens in the summer. Otherwise, when she is clipped, it isn't with the same blade ,so not as close to the skin as this is.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trixie]

How nice Molly has returned and your home is back to doggie central! I like how she gave the house the once over to make sure no one unsavory was lurking!!
Today Trixie's belly is big, hard and bloated too and I feel just like you. It really has me worried. :eek: Hope Molly is doing fine and out showing off her new summer cut! :D
Barbara

[Tina]

Sharlene,
Belated condolences on the loss of your Aunt. Glad to read that you are home and Miss Molly did well while you were away. Sounds like she is quite happy to be home! I hope you all have a relaxing weekend.

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper

[Simba's Mom]

So glad Molly is back home and things are getting back to the norm....sounds like she has quite the new dew for summer, cuteness for sure, take care and sending hugs for all the help you give me and everyone else here on this site, your an angel for sure!

[molly muffin]

Thanks all, yes it is good to have Molly here with us. It's just too weird without her presence. She might be small but she is a force of her own. LOL

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Peety's Fur-mom]

Sharlene, I remember many a time having to leave one and I worried so. I was constantly thinking there was something I needed to do. It's a weird feeling. And no matter how pampered they are, nothing can ever take the place of home and family. I wonder who was happier to be home you or Molly. No doubt both equally so. Glad you're back.

[milosmom]

glad to see you girls are home ...enjoy !!! patty (milo)meka xoxox

[Trixie]

Did Molly have to contend with any bad weather today/tonight?? I sure hope not.
Now we've got the next dog freak out time coming up-JULY 4th. :mad:Fireworks, firecrackers...ugh...it's almost worse than the T-storms because there's no break, at least the storms blow over after a bit. Not looking forward to it. I may have to come up to Canada!! :D
Barbara

[Trish]

HI Sharlene

Happy Canada Day!! Hope you have a nice weekend and get an extra day off!! I had a friend that went to Canada a few months back and she brought us all back a little bottle of maple syrup in the shape of a glass maple leaf... I will put it on my window sill in your honour of my Canadian friend for the weekend :D:D (its empty cos I ate it on pancakes mmmmm but kept the bottle, I will pop a red flower in it :D) Sounds like Miss Molly is doing well and is her cute self!! :D:D xxxxxx

[molly muffin]

Thanks Trish. Yep, we get Monday off. Whoo hoooo! tomorrow we are having a bbq and swim party here at the house.

That is so cool about the maple syrup. How sweet of you! A red flower in a maple bottle is exactly right for Canada Day. :)

Yep, molly is fine. She was just laying on the stairs, crying poor pitiful her. She wanted to play. I've been gone most of the day and molly is demanding attention. (you wouldn't know we just came back from a walk LOL)

Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[molly muffin]

My little miss molly was full of herself this afternoon. Hubs and I were both out and about today running errands. I don't think she liked it much. When I got home if I was outside at all, she would whine at the window. So I took her for a walk. Then 15 minutes later, she wanted to play so more, so took her in the backyard and chased her around a bit till she wanted back in. Then when I came to the computer, went to lay on the stairs and started doing the crying, whining thing again. I thought she had hurt herself it sounded so bad, nope, she wanted to play with her toy, so we played keep away with her little stuffed animal. 15 minutes later, she was back to running all over the house and wanting more attention, so I took her on a nice long walk.
Of course a nice long walk then led to diarhea, which was liquid by the time we got home. So, a messy bum was cleaned up and you'd think she would be exhausted but nope. No time later, she was back at my feet doing the whining thing. I was like, you need a nap and if you don't, I do!
She is now finally napping. I'll take her out for one more walk before bed but goodness, it's like someone gave her a shot of energy today and she is wearing Me out. LOL I'm like, who is this dog. Surely not my easy going, have a walk, have a play, take a nap, molly.
I love it though and I'm hoping that poop problem today was just her loosen everything up on the walk and all will be fine tomorrow. I'm sure it probably will be. She certainly doesn't feel bad. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trixie]

Awww, Molly...she want to play so badly she whimpers for you. So cute! What is it with the bad poops today! I hope she's back to normal tomorrow. Happy Canada Day on Monday! Hope you have a totally fun party! :D

[Budsters Mom]

Sharlene,
As long as she's being a pest and wants to play, she's doing okay!:D
It sure sounds like the diarrhea things going around internationally!;)
I hope Molly's tummy settles and she's great tomorrow. Happy Canada Day! Enjoy your day off!
Big hugs,
Kathy

[Trish]

Awww Miss Molly has had a shot of something too... nice when they are full of beans!! Yep this poopy butt is catching lately, few of them have those problems and it is such a pain when it becomes chronic. Hopefully just a one off for Molly due to the walking, can't be too much wrong if she is pestering to play non stop :D:D

[Peety's Fur-mom]

Poor Molly :(:( I hate runny poop. When Peety's hair was long even though he had a poop shute, sometimes it got on him and he would be so embarrassed. Hope it's nothing more than something disagreed with her tummy. Otherwise she is spry and happy so hopefully she was just off a bit and today will be better. Happy Canada Day. Hope it's a sun shiny day great for a BBQ. :)

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I hope Molly is feeling better today. It would seem that all the doggies on the forum have the poops going around. Maybe it's national poo week and they are all joining in?? It isn't fun when it's your baby that has it, so hopefully this shall pass too. Couldn't resist that little pun there. Blessings
Patti

[Budsters Mom]

Good golly, Miss Molly! How's it going on the poop front? I hope Molly's tummy has settled nicely. It's hard to jump out at the neighbors from behind that tree if you're having that problem. We all know that the cute factor is just a disguise! :DEnjoy your holiday Sharlene. Big hugs,
Kathy

[molly muffin]

Hey All. Yesterday was a a pretty good poop and this morning was a tad small and runny, red color. :)

No telling What the kids might have sneaked to her yesterday though during the bbq. I know she got a bite of cheese cake that hit the deck (she was there waiting) and a cheetos, so I figure today is just a wash of trying to figure it out. I'll give her a teeny bit of pumpkin and go from there.

She was so exhausted from all the running around and trying to keep up with what 2 year old was doing and playing in and out of the house that she slept through the whole firecracker thing last night with no shaking. Well, at least as far as I know she didn't, we were konked out on the couch too.
I took her out while it was still light, then about 9:30 we all snuggled in on the couch for a nap and when I woke up at around 12:30, she was upside down on the couch, sound asleep between us.

Now I just need to figure out how to make her tired enough that tonights fireworks don't bother her too. :) Maybe I can borrow the 2 year old little girl!!!!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

Hi Sharlene,
I think you should bottle that two-year-old energy and send us all a case:D. I hope Molly's diarrhea is just is a result of snatching those tasty morsels quickly! Sounds like your barbecue was loads of fun! Let's hope that Molly is so exhausted she doesn't even hear the fireworks! Big hugs,
Kathy

[Trixie]

Happy Canada Day Sharlene!! :D
Wow...Molly slept thru the firecrackers...good work. Hoping she does that again tonight!
It's those darn dietary indiscretions that get them every time! Sometimes all it takes is a small bite of something rich or greasy to churn up their gastro systems and cause havoc!
I hope Molly's poops have settled down to normal. It's always such a relief when it clears up!
Things I used to love--fireworks, thunder storms...now I wish them away because of Trixie's reaction to them, but what's better than a fireworks show!? The huge one here in the city is just about impossible to see unless you want to sit outside pretty much the entire day until they start at 9:30pm. We've done it in the past, but I don't have the stamina for that anymore especially when the forecast is for 90degrees on the 4th. Anyway we can't see it from our window but unfortunately we can hear and feel the BOOMS! Poor Trixie!! We'll be at my mothers most of July4th and the kids in that neighborhood tend to set of firecrackers all day...then once we get home it will be right in time for the start of the big Macy's show. Ugh. :(
Hope you have a great holiday today! :)
Barbara

[infoviewer]

I hope Molly is better today Sharlene. Too much fun and maybe sneaking food from the BBQ. Take care. Love, JoAnne

[Mel-Tia]

Thanks Sharlene for your post on Tias memory thread

I have been working my exit out for weeks. Everything should be covered. Phone will be off from Saturday.

Hope Miss Mollie is doing ok tonight with those blinking fireworks. Happy Canada day

Big hugs and kisses to mollie
Mel
Xxxxxx

[Boriss McCall]

sorry I am late to this.. but... Happy Canada Day!!
Sounds like Molly had an awesome day. Every dogs dream would be to follow a 2 year old around all day. :D

[molly muffin]

Isn't that the truth! She was definitely worn out at the end of the day though. LOL

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trish]

Sharlene, has Molly's tummy settled down? Hope she is feeling fine and fighting fit! xxxxx have a good weekend!

[molly muffin]

Hey Trish, yesterday was good, today started okay with the first poop, followed up by liquid. Uck. However, I am thinking it was just nerves today from all the rain and thunder we'd had overnight. She came home and went into big time play mode, running around with toy in her mouth.
I swear, if you didn't look at her belly and know she had an enlarged liver that was making it look more poofy than it should, you wouldn't know there was a thing wrong with her. I like that she is still so playful and happy. Don't we all though. If our furbabies are happy then we are happier too.
Course then we got another thunderstorm during the day and she was shaking herself silly, so I turned on a loud war movie so she couldn't hear the thunder practically over the booms on the tv. (luckily I was working from home today) You could see her perk her ears up and try to distinguish between the two sounds. My goal was to make her not be able to do that and she finally gave up and went to sleep. She always sleeps really sound after being scared.
Course I had to put myself to not available for any phone calls as I couldn't hear a thing over the tv either. That is so not my home work pattern. I don't usually have any tv on or particular distractions going on as work takes my full attention when I'm in that zone. LOL
I feel for Mel who had a site go down right before vacation. That really is harsh timing.
Hope you are enjoying your weekend. Laundry eh, I'll be doing that this weekend too.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

Hi Sharlene,
I hope the storms blow through as fast as they blew in so Molly's tummy can finally start to settle. It is awesome that through it all she still wants to play!:D Big hugs to you both! XXXXXXXX

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
So sorry to hear Molly is getting the same environmental stress as Tipper. This is a record where we live for like 3 weeks of rain and storms every day. This is definitely not doggie friendly weather. Blessings
Patti

[Simba's Mom]

Sending hugs and prayers for Molly's tummy, that can be the hardest part...and thanking you so much for all the help you give others and myself...

[Fellasmom]

Hi Sharlene
Just wanted to check in and say hello and thank you for changing the wording on my thread(think it was you).Hope Molly is feeling better and that the thunderstorms have passed.Love that she runs around and acts like a pup!:).Have a great weekend!!
Love,
Patty

[molly muffin]

Hi Patty, it wasn't me. :) Someone changed it, but I checked to make sure it had been changed as soon as I saw your request. It is totally understandable.
Hugs,
Sharlene

[molly muffin]

So I used the PetzLife peppermint spray on molly's teeth tonight. I am going to give the gel a try in the morning. I'm amazed the little miss let me spray her teeth but she did, then she ran around snorting for a bit. Didn't seem to really mind it all too much and did some lip smacking .
The first time is always the easiest. The next time they're ready for you. LOL
She knows that I tend to go poking around in her mouth though taking a look at her teeth. She doesn't particularly Like it, but I guess she just thinks it's one of those weird things that mom's like to do. hehehe
Stay tuned, this is bound to be interesting. :)

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

Yes please keep us informed on the latest developments!:D LOL

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I must have missed something here. Is there a specific reason beyond bad breath that Molly is getting the peppermint spray? I was surprised when Tipper left me spray in her nose that time when the vet suggested that nose spray. I think at times they do realize we are struggling to help them! Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Hi Patti,

It's a reduce tarter spray that Lisa says she has been using for years with her dogs and that it works, so I'm trying it.
I bought the peppermint but it comes in other "flavors"

Sharlene

[Trixie]

I think I may have to try some of that spray Sharlene. Im going to look into it. Trixie is a total pain and doesn't let me get in to those teeth with anything lately. :D I feel like I might be able to hold her mouth open long enough to give a quick spray...until she's figured it all out..like you said! ;)
Did Molly's tummy calm down? Everything back to normal??

Barbara

[molly muffin]

Molly's tummy Was normal again yesterday morning. :)
However, then we got the HUGEST thunderstorms ever, flooding, power outages.

It is a mess here still and Molly was terrified and I couldn't calm her down. I tried bathroom, etc, then our basement started leaking in one area and molly followed me downstairs. I couldn't keep her upstairs, so I was trying to take care of that and hold her in one arm. Fun times.

Finally hubs got home and she was much better with him. I think my nerves were shot too, so it was making her worse

Of course then we had the runs this morning. Hopefully today will be better. We at least have power back at our house now.

Hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trixie]

Oh Sharlene! I saw the weather reports from Toronto on the news first thing this morning. Hope all is getting better today. Those floods looked terrible!! Poor Molly....the weather has such an impact on the pups.
Glad you are back on the grid...hope things are settling down with Molly.

Barbara

[Boriss McCall]

man.. you need to send some of those storms to Texas. We are dry as a bone over here. Poor Molly & her thunderstorm stress. Tell her to bark it over my way.
.

[Simba's Mom]

Hey Sharlene, best of luck with the teeth stuff, sounds interesting, and also glad that Molly's tummy has calmed down, now if we could just get the weather to be nice, hugs!!

[Trish]

Crikey, you sent the weather to me Sharlene!! It is bucketing down here, I will not be surprised if we have flooded areas tomorrow as well. How scary for you though with the power going out. Flynn is like Ho Hum... can't do much about this and has taken himself to his bed and off he goes to sleep! But we had quite a sharp earthquake a couple of days back, I did not feel it as I happened to be driving at the time, but everyone said it was a nasty one. Not stuff falling over nasty but quite a jolt nonetheless. In the past earthquakes have not bothered him, but Dad said this one made him leap up and run towards the door so it must have given him bit of a fright :eek::eek: But apparently a pat of reassurance from Dad was all he needed and he was right as rain!

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Sorry Molly is experiencing the same horror as Tipper with these storms. Tipper pants so bad, that I get scared because of her heart murmur. I hate to think of it since we just had another storm this morning, but it might come your way. I have long searched for something to sound proof a box or something that Tipper could go into when it storms, but you would need ventilation for it too, and that is beyond my scope of knowledge. I have even looked for sound proofing material for my closet to put on the walls. Hope Molly ahs a good day today. These poor babies have enough going on, without storms making it worse! Blessings
Patti

[Boriss McCall]

I sure wish the rain would even out between our countries & states. You could probably set my yard on fire with a magnifying glass it is so dry.
I hope all the pups get a break from the nerve racking weather soon.

[addy]

Hope the rain stopped as well as the runs:eek::eek:

[Trixie]

Sharlene--I'm wondering where that cool Canadian air is!? When I hear the weatherman say that we've got cool air coming in from the North then I know relief is in sight. But he has not said that yet...not for a few weeks! Send it down already will you!!?? ;)

Barbara

[molly muffin]

Well drat, I don't know where it is. It looks like it might not get a good change to the north till after midnight tonight, then the temp will drop a bit.

Can you believe we are under another Severe Thunderstorm Watch. Hoping watch is all it is. I'm Watching the skies and if it starts to darken up, then I'll head out with Molly for a walk before any rain gets here.

I posted a couple pictures of the flooding at the bottom of our street on Monday. Just wild to see that here.

You know I was trying to blow that stuff all down to Arizona where they need it. Seems like I might have missed and hit New Zealand. Not sure how, as they aren't anywhere near each other or even the same directions, but it's K9cushings! Anything can happen, any time.
ROFL

hugs all,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[molly muffin]

Skies are getting dark, so I ran to the store for some tea (got to be able to brew some jugs of tea) and then took molly for a walk. Some of the areas in southern Ontario have now been upgraded to a warning instead of a watch. I'm going to get hold of a friend down there and see how bad it is.
I think we got off lucky with our basement. We had water in laundry room and one bit of a storage room is all. He saw me walking Molly and stopped his car, said they had gotten 100% flooded out in the basement, and have to replace carpeting, mattress a whole bunch of things. So, I count us as lucky.

Sharlene and molly muffin

[Roxee's Dad]

Yes please blow it down here and the cool weather too.... over 90 days without measurable rainfall. :)

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
No more tornado warnings, it is thundering the rolling kind and it will not stop. Tipper has about had it. She has panted a huge wet spot on my closet floor. This just has to go away, I am afraid of her heart being so stressed. Blessings
Patti

[Budsters Mom]

I hope you and Molly are managing to stay dry. I bet you're having a hard time getting the princess out to go potty. Royalty just doesn't go out in that stuff!:D I hope those nasty thunderstorms haven't totally freaked out poor little Molly or her mom. Big hugs,

We are still looking for that rain in Southern California! Please route it directly to us next time.;)xxxxx

[molly muffin]

Yay, the storms split us! So, both sides got us, within a few miles, but not our house. :) Molly had a nice walk actually, when went out at around 10pm, the wind has switched to the north and it was cooler. So that was nice. Hopefully some of the others will benefit from it too.

You bet the queen bee was happy about it. LOL

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trish]

Crikey, that's a lot of water on the roads in your photos... glad it missed you this time. Ours stopped about lunchtime, I had to dodge some pretty big puddles on the way to work but nothing like that!!! Glad you escaped with only a little damage xx

[infoviewer]

Sharlene: So glad the storm missed you. It did hit us in Nashville, TN. Probably not the same storm. We lost half of a Bradford Pear tree and all the technology stuff went off and the telephones, but we can live with that. Everything is back on now except my security camera and I cannot get it back for some reason, but that is a small thing compared to others in the area. Stay dry. Love, JoAnne

[Simba's Mom]

So glad that you and Molly are getting some walks in, stay dry!!

[Bailey's Mom]

Hi Sharlene and Molly-We had over 2" of rain yesterday and I haven't been able to get outside to check the rain gauge today but I'm guessing it was 4" or better. It poured all day long. Fortunately the Town came through at the beginning of summer with Rotor Rooter and blew out all the drain pipes and it has made quite a difference in how water is drained away in our neighborhood. There are still areas with major problems and we still had flooding, but nothing like last years' flooding. By this evening most of it had drained back down. We had water running down the street at a rate like I've never seen before. That's a good thing. It had to be going somewhere.

Sharlene-I probably asked this before, but what breed of dog is Molly? She is so very cute!! And how old is she? How did you get her? I could probably find that if I read back far enough in your thread.....but I figured I'd ask, first. :)

Hugs!
-Susan

[molly muffin]

Hi Susan :)

We had the extreme rain on Monday. Not fun for a lot of people. Yep, they had the canoes out there. One of the GO trains was flooded and the people had to be rescued by boat. It took hours and hours. Two people I know were on that train and removed by boat.
I'm really glad to hear that things went better this year with the flooding situation where you are at.
Molly is we think a cross of shih tzu and llahso. She was a rescue from Quebec. She was 11 months old, terrified little girl when we got her, over 9 years ago. Now she is a fiesty little thing that loves to be home best of all and with us, her pack. She's very much our baby. :)

Stay dry!!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Canoes? Oh my goodness, what an ordeal those people went thru. Hope your weather is going to get better. All this extreme weather all over the globe makes you wonder why they made fun of Al Gore with his global warming. Have a good weekend with Miss Molly. Blessings
Patti

[Trish]

Hi Sharlene
Hope your weather has turned a little more summery but without the horrible high temps I have been reading about! Hope your having a nice weekend and Molly is continuing to get her way!! She has such a talent for getting her thoughts across to you :) xxx

[Budsters Mom]

Hi Sharlene,
Just dropping in to check on the princess and her mom. I hope all is well. Have you dried out from all the rain? You probably should get get busy building that ark, so it'll be ready the next time. I'm sure that your husband would like to organize a weekend project!:eek: Big hugs,

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I have all the animals if you have the wood! We better get busy.
Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

We had some thunderstorms roll through on Friday, but it hit cottage country the hardest this time. Hubby said that there were a lot of branches down on his way home from work. The good thing is that it came in, rolled through and left our area. Not sure if he wants to take on an Ark project, pretty sure he doesn't, but if this is the weather pattern going forward, then might need to. :eek:

It is going to take a long time for some people to get cleaned up from the flooding mess. Several basements were completely ruined in the city, especially on our end of town. You can see tons and tons of furniture and carpet, drywall have been pulled out of homes and now everywhere you look it seems that renovation and carpentry crew trucks are pulled up and hard at work. Two in friends homes within sight of our house, so I consider us to have been very lucky. :(

Now we have lovely sunshine and some north winds so low humidity. Just perfect. Till Monday, then we get more humid for a couple days. I hope that made it down to Ohio and New York and you guys cooled off a bit. :cool:

Since it was such great weather yesterday we have been outside. Molly is good with this kind of weather, without the humidity, and loves to sun herself on the patio, so I'll be giving her plenty of outdoor time yesterday and today. :p

Molly has become pretty demanding lately and I think it's because the humidity has kept her cooped up in the house too much. She doesn't want me outside at all without her, so even if I am doing something in the front yard, I have to put her on the leash and bring her with me or she cries the entire time I'm outside and runs back and forth scratching at the door. I don't let her off leash out the front at all. She is not trustworthy and I won't take chances with her. The back yard is good, she can run and carry on all she wants, but again, there is an in ground pool so she isn't allowed to be out there without someone with her. Then if she gets tired of being outside and wants in, she thinks that I need to come in too. We are having a battle of the wills here I think.

Thanks for checking in on us :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

If it's a battle of wills, Mollie will win every time!:D She will wear you down. You don't stand a chance! LOL :D xxxxx

[Simba's Mom]

Oh Molly, you have your Mom right where you want her, good job! Keep those stories coming Sharlene!!!!

[mcdavis]

Pleased to hear you weren't too badly affected by the storms, but sorry to hear about others who have been.
I love the stories of Molly and how she keeps her family on their toes.

[Trixie]

This heat definitely gives these pups cabin fever!! A little better here too but hardly cool outside.
Molly is too funny. She's a demanding little girl who knows what she wants and I can recognize that because I have one who acts exactly the same! :D
Once we get outside Trixie has definite ideas which way she wants to walk, which park she wants to go to..etc.
They don't speak English but these dogs have no problem getting their messages across do they?
Barbara:p

[molly muffin]

Oh you guys! I can see that Molly has a whole gang on her side in this battle. ROFL!
Never fear, I don't give in that easily. Even my husband has noticed how much more demanding she has become the last couple weeks though. I thought I might have been losing my mind or something, but nope, a couple nights ago, he said, she sure is acting weird lately, like she doesn't want you out of her sight.
We've got cool weather!!!! No storms here either for now. We're all loving it. Hope it last.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

Yay for the cooler weather!!:) Do you think Molly might be feeling insecure about something. You mentioned that she didn't want you out of her sight. Did this start after your last trip, when you boarded her at the vet? Just a thought....

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Wonder what's up with Miss Molly acting that way? Any how I just wanted to say Yahooooooooooooo No storms and it is actually cool today. Tipper is going to go for a second walk soon. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Yay for cooler weather :) I actually needed a light jacket last night for our late night walk. I know it won't last, but it's definitely worth enjoying for a bit.

No I don't think it has anything to do with boarding her. This just started in the last few weeks.
And of course, today she was her total normal self. She didn't get antsy at all when I was outside without her. Lately even if my husband is inside with her she'll scratch at the door if I am outside.
Who knows and it may be over with now even. She's doesn't throw a fit if I am going to the office without her either.
Thinking back, I think I really noticed it after we took her with us to a friends house, some place she normally loves to go and she visits her little friend Maise, a cockapoo. This time there were some people she didn't know and she stayed near me pretty much the entire night.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Cool again today, with no storms until Saturday. Tipper is going out on the porch with me and enjoy the morning. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Molly is adapting to having a year and a half year old rambunctious baby in the house this weekend. She is doing pretty good but not particularly eating as I think she is a bunch of nerves. Crying worries her, running worries her, then she can't get settled till she thinks we have things under some kind of control. Who knew that little miss princess was such a worry wart.
Back hopefully sometime mon or tues assuming that Molly and us all survive and don't become neurotic. Lol

Hugs
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Simba's Mom]

Molly is so smart, sounds like she needs everything under control too, and we think we are the pack leaders lol.....have a great weekend....

[Trixie]

awww..Molly. Hard for many dogs to take a disruption in their routine. We can't blame her for being thrown by a baby. Babies have a way of doing that to everyone don't they!!? :p

Barbara

[Trish]

:DYIKES Babies in the house :eek: :eek:, poor Molly sounds like she is on high alert! Stressful!!! Hope you all have fun together and Molly does not get her tail pulled :D

[kaibosmom]

Ack! A baby! Poor Molly girl. If she is anything like my Molly she will high tail it out of there and hide in the closet! Have a good weekend!

[Budsters Mom]

Ahhhh Sharlene,
A toddler. Fun for you, but not so fun for Molly girl.:o You better watch it or she'll be kicking that baby to the curb! Not really, She's probably a mother hen like the rest of us. It's going to take weeks for Molly to get over that invasion!:D;) xxxxx

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
How is Molly doing now that the little one went home? She probably feel like her territory was invaded by a little person. How is she feeling these days? How is your weather? Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Hi all, :) Baby has gone home. :) Molly is happier. LOL

She was a bundle of nerves while the grandson was here, but never acted out, so that was good. What was bad, is the practically quite eating all together, except for what I could coax into her. She'd nibble but she wasn't even eating 1/2 a bowl of her food a day. So of course, she wasn't able to have any regular poops, just little bits. That is still not normal as she isn't fully back into her eating yet. She has a long walk on sunday morning to the park and then was acting "off" for the rest of the day. Tail down and just not cheerful self. Maybe the walk was too long for her or something, I'm not sure. She hasn't been into having long walks for a few years now, since her last bout of problems with her back leg. She doesn't limp or anything but when she goes too much, it can bother her. The vet had told us back about 5 or 6 years ago, that she'd have arthritis in that leg and it would bother her sometimes, but other than going in and cutting a groove for the joint to ride better in, which could be more risky at her age, there isn't anything to be done about it, it's a malformation. Anyway, I hope that is what is bothering her and that things straighten out over the course of the week, once she realizes that things are back to normal for her and will stay that way for awhile.

I'm trying to catch up on the forum, you guys have been busy as all get out. :)

It's going to be a long month with a lot going on, work and away for a wedding and just Stuff. You know how that is, so I'll be around as much as possible, just some days may be a bit slower than others. :)

I worry when I can't get on the computer about how you are all doing.

The weather has been cooler here this weekend, so that has been nice. No sweltering heatwaves!!

hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trixie]

Hi Sharlene,
Oh dear, poor little Molly, what a time she had! She really got stressed out didn't she? Shows how much dogs like everything to stay the same all the time! ;) I hope she's quickly back to her perky self now that things are back to normal for her. :p

Cooler here too and we're loving it!!

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I noticed ever since Tipper started with the Cushings she has been a bundle of nerves too. It seems like tiny little things that would never upset her before, now seem major to her. The least little thing out of her ordinary routine sets her nerves off. I am walking her in a different place because of the poison spraying here, and as soon as we get out of the car she starts huffing and puffing and looking around like she needs to get stirred up about something. At first I thought it was her heart, now I think it is because she is nervous in new surroundings. I can definitely see how Molly could get uptight about a toddler in the house. She will calm down to herself in a few days I am sure. Glad we have cool weather today, but the heat and humidity are coming back soon. Where is fall???? Blessings
Patti

[Bailey's Mom]

Hi Sharlene-

In another week most of the college kids will have gone back to school and in another two weeks all the regular kids will be back at school and "we" will get our beach back.:D THAT is what we look forward to. That is our return to normal. That is when we become cranky much less often.:) Poor Molly. :( She had her home turf invaded, her personal space violated. I think she did pretty well, all things considered.:cool: At least maybe we're through with the blistering heat for this summer. I hope so.

Don't beat yourself up for "slow response" time. You are one of the most active moderators I've ever known and I don't know how you get it all done, but I sure do appreciate it. You're upbeat and always have cheerful, positive thoughts to offer. You are such an asset to the forum. Thank you for all you do.

BIG HUG.
Susan

[molly muffin]

Hot diggity dog! That would be Molly. LOLOLOL It took one day of napping, a day of hubs and me being at the office and molly having her own chill time and wala, she ate her food just like normal. A bit in the morning, finished up when I came home from work and then had a bit more for dinner. Total about 1 1/4 cup just like normal. I'd say she is back to herself :) and I'm happy of course, and what does my husband say, I never thought there was anything wrong with her. I'm like are you crazy, she didn't eat more than an 1/8 a cup of food for 2 days!! sheeezzzzz
She just likes what she likes and doesn't really adapt to change all that well I guess. Nerves I suppose.
Awww, thanks Susan. I try, I don't always accomplish but this forum is pretty important to me, the people and their furbabies, you just want them to all be the very best they can be, however that is. We have a really awesome team of moderators and administrators here. I think some of the best on the internet. :) (disclaimer, totally biased opinion). ROFL!

hugs, all
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I could not agree more, this team on here is totally AWESOME! Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

So, Molly has an appointment at the vet. She has a rather large lump under or near the right rib cage/belly area, if you are looking at her. I'd say inch or more. I can feel it, it is mailable. So, I want her regular vet to check it out and if any question as to what it is, then I'll be asking for another ultrasound. It could be the liver has also enlarged more, or lymph nodes, which were also enlarged. I don't think you can feel the adrenals. It could be a simple lipoma too, but it doesn't actually feel like one, so I don't know. I've read many vets diagnose something similiar in written description as a fat tumor, but I would need to be convinced as I've read that is an initial diagnosis that can be a mistake.

She seems to feel fine, so we'll see. I'm taking her in Friday afternoon to have it looked at.

hugs gang,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

Oh Sharlene,
Please keep us posted, will ya? Hopefully it's nothing, but always better to check it out. That's for sure! Our babies can be so worrisome at times.:o Good golly, Miss Molly, what are you scaring your mom for? Are you getting back at her for allowing that rugrat into YOUR house? None of that will be allowed Missy!
Big hugs,

[doxiesrock912]

Hopefully it's just a fat deposit Sharlene.
Crossing my fingers!

[Simba's Mom]

Hope Mollys appt goes well, oh for normal days...hugs

[Trixie]

Hi Sharlene,
Glad Molly is back to her usual self! She's like Trixie-happiest when the her world is unchanged! :p

Trixie has one of those fatty lumps too. It has not changed at all since I first felt it in May. We go to the vet the week after next for the complete blood work and check up. He will look at it then but of course it worries me!
The lump seems to not bother Trixie at all. I can push it and kind of move it a bit and she doesn't even blink. Hope that's a good sign.
Always seems there's something to worry about.
Hoping Molly's is nothing but a lipoma!!

Barbara

[spdd]

Hi Sharlene. I hope those lumps are just fat deposits. Keesh actually has 3 almost the size of half my fist, but I'm told they are nothing to worry about.
Glad to hear Molly is feeling good.
Good luck on Friday and I'm thinking about you.

[Boriss McCall]

Sharlene,
Now you have me worried about Boriss as well. I wonder if I should push more?!?
I hope Molly's lump is just fat like I think Boriss's are. I am pretty sure Boriss has one close to the rib/belly area as well.
These lumps scare me cause I don't want to dismiss them as nothing & then the next thing you know the vet made a mistake. I am going to have my IMS take a peek at Boriss next time he has a stim test which should be next month.
Good luck today & keep us posted.

[apollo6]

Sharlene and Molly Muffin
will be praying for you.
Hugs Sonja and Angel Apollo

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Even though Tipper has had many, many fatty cysts removed from her, I get a lump in my throat every time I feel a new one. I know how you feel. It would seem a lot of the Cush dogs have had fatty lumps on here? Tipper had them way before Cushings, so I am wondering what the connection could be?? We are praying for Molly that it is just a fatty cyst. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Hi, we're back from the vet. She thinks that the lumps (there are two, one on each side) are lipoma, with one of them being between two strands of muscle. However, we did do a fine needle aspiration, and the cells look like fatty cells but just to err on the side of caution, she sent them out for a cytology. Which I agree would be a good idea just to be sure. We'll keep an eye on them and make sure that at no point do they grow and start to cause discomfort, if so then we'll remove if needed.

She also confirmed that some areas on the skin were warts and not calcium deposit which was reassuring. She said all of these things are seen in many dogs as they get older. That lipomas can cause problems with smaller dogs if they grow to big. (I'm trying to remember everything we talked about and considering we talked for a VERY long time, like almost an hour, is a lot)

We talked about cushings in general as I was reading on the forum a bit when she came into the exam room. :)

So, we discussed vetoryl and lysodren. She said she has lost one dog with cushings. It was on lysodren and the owner did not bring the dog in for the retesting of the ACTH test, kept giving the medicine even when the signs were there that the dog had gone too low and the person was told to stop and come right in. There was no chance to start prednisone therapy because the owner didn't bring the dog in. She said it was a very sad and a loss that should not have happened and could be prevented.

She did agree that vetroyl could cause a dog to go towards Addisons, but that with vetroyl she felt that there was a very good chance that eventually the glands would again start to produce cortisol, where as with lysodren, addison is usually permanent.

She mentioned that the biggest problem she encounters is people not following protocols to have the follow up ACTH test done, that they can become complacent and just skip them and then they get in trouble. She was actually saying how she should refer people to come to our forum so that we'll at least tell them that they need get in to a vet for a test, especially when symptoms change and they keep on medicating.

I felt pretty good about the discussion and that we are on the same wave length. We're still unknown about what is going on with Molly (which is what led to the conversation). That we are basically keeping an eye for any change (there haven't been any) and keep retesting blood in case something shows up. She agrees that if there is any question, we'll do another ultrasound.

I also gave her the link to the hair cortisol testing press release from the University of Vet medicine, Vienna. Who knows, maybe it is something that can be looked into. Also I mentioned the current study in California to reduce the size of pituitary tumors that is going on.

I was thinking about all this today and I think that both my vet and myself have come a long way since this began. I was a bundle of nerves and tears.

Oh dang, got to run, have to go find costume for 70-80 rock party tomorrow night.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[scoora]

Sharlene, I hope the results from Molly's needle aspirations come back with good results. Sounds like you had a good visit with the vet.

Would you please tell me about the link to the hair cortisol testing press release from the University of Vet Medicine, Vienna? I was wondering what that is all about.
Thanks

[molly muffin]

Hi Valerie,

http://www.vetmeduni.ac.at/en/infoservice/presseinformation/press-releases-2013/press-release-07-19-2013-the-hair-of-the-dog/

About the cortisol hair testing.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[molly muffin]

Hi Amy, I wouldn't be overly worried, if the vet thinks it is fat deposits (lipomas). As you can sort of grab hold of them, move them around and they don't cause the dogs pain, unless they grow in such a fashion as to press on nerves, etc. You can do a fine needle aspiration if you have any question, fears though.
We went with the aspiration, due to one of the lumps, not moving. We Think it is in between the muscle strands, which happens sometimes, but we are like I said, erring on the side of caution.
I wouldn't overly worried and you can read about lipomas here:

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_multi_lipoma#.UgV4BW22WSo

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trixie]

hi Sharlene,
I'm so glad that it seems these lumps on Molly are harmless lipomas! I'm hoping that's whats on Trixie too. I can kind of grab on it, move it and press it...doesn't bother her at all when I do. I worry about it though, every time I pick her up I feel it. Luckily it has not changed at since I first felt it in May...I hope that's a good sign.
How did Molly do through all the poking and prodding??
How lucky you were to have so much time with the vet to discuss things. My vet has been very good so far treating Cushings but I never feel like there's any time to really talk for more than a few minutes. When he called with recent test results he was definitely sounding rushed...guess he was making all his calls and had to keep moving along.

Seems like we have a bunch of dogs with lipomas on the board...guess it's common in both older dogs and Cushings dogs too.
So many worries all the time with our pups!!

Barbara

[scoora]

Sharlene, Thanks for the link.

[molly muffin]

Hi Barbara, yea, lipomas, are age related rather than cushing related and what you describe is exactly how a lipoma would feel. I knew that about one of them on molly, but not the other, as they actually run in my husbands family, it's actually a genetic related issue with them, his mom and grandfather had them as does my husband. So, either genetic or age related, seems to be the consensus.

I made an appointment for later in the day and well, we've known each other for years, she's treated molly since she was a baby. In fact, when Molly was about a year old, and she would board at the vets, she use to stay in my vets office, by her feet, under her desk, most of the day, so I guess you would say they have history together.

I remember feeling like I had to fight the whole cushing diagnosis with her to begin with as I wasn't convinced (none of us here were) and she really was, based upon very logical findings. Yet, here we are today, on the same page, worried about the same things, not just for molly but for all cushings dogs, which is what sort of led to our discussion, that and talking about the forum and what we see here, some of which just really threw her. Vets that don't do follow up testing, or do it correctly. Talking about Dechra in Canada compared to the US. I really do like her, but you know, I'll go to bat for Molly any time of the day. I know you are the same, as we are all are. :)

I have to say, I feel like I'm at a cross roads where I don't really know what is going on with Molly. It is either a matter that she does have cushings, and is in the very few 5% who test negative on an LDDS while positive on an ACTH, or she doesn't have cushings, and something else is causing the cortisol to rise, and that is causing the side effects of liver/adrenal gland enlargement. Which as of just last year, were only barely outside normal range. I don't know what to think some days. Molly doesn't seem to fit in with all the things that I have learned over the last 2 years about cushings, yet some things are fairly highly consistent with high cortisol readings. I was reminded today that this actually began for us in 2011, and the first LDDS testing. *sigh* I wish I had a magic wand.

Okay, that was my frank worry of the day. I'll go back to my normal, molly is a happy, healthy, slightly older furbaby life. :) (If I didn't stay in that place in my head, I'd be crying all the time I'm pretty sure)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I know what you mean about staying in that place in head in order not to cry. I came out of my little delusional bubble for a while yesterday and cried and cried. If I had only one wish that would come true it would be that there was a cure for this disease. I would not even ask for a Lupus cure. I would only want Cushings gone from the face of the earth. It has hurt so many good people and taken so many wonderful companions. Blessings
Patti

[infoviewer]

Hey Sharlene: So glad Molly is still doing okay and you have such a good vet. Glad the growths were just benign lipomas. Hope everything keeps coming up roses. Dance the night away. Love, JoAnne

[addy]

Just stopping by to give you hugs.

(((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))))

[Trish]

Hi Sharlene
Very pleased to read Molly's lump is lipoma, Flynny has tons of them as well. Only one I am a little concerned about is over his front shoulder, but at this stage it does not impede his walking so I shall leave it be. He had them all aspirated at the pet hospital and same as yours they just showed fat cells under the microscope. I have had them removed twice, painful for him with so many little incisions and now I would not do it again unless they were causing him further problems. At the time a friend nicknamed him the "patchwork puppy" because he had so many little areas shaved. His nickname has stuck :D

Molly is a mystery, but she is a mystery that continues to do well so we have to keep the faith that will continue for her a long long time. I think dogs as they age are going to have blips in their blood test results, but we have to pick our battles and focus on keeping them happy which she most certainly is... as long as no there are no babies are in the house, she can get outside when her Mom is out there, has her tasty snacks etc etc :D:D She is a delight! xx

[Budsters Mom]

Sharlene,
So this is the vet you had so much trouble with when Molly started her journey. You have certainly brought her along quite well!:o I am relieved to hear her lumps are probably lipomas and nothing to worry about.

The Cushings thought is scary. I don't know what to tell you other than you know Molly better than anyone. Go with your gut my dear. You are certainly on top of it.

Big hugs and prayers coming your way.

[molly muffin]

:) Thanks gang. I know that we are one of the lucky ones :) We'll get the cytology report back sometime this week and I'm glad that they showed fatty cells. We'll have to watch the one that appears to be between muscle strands so that it doesn't bother her. Those are the ones that usually can cause mobility problems. Otherwise I am not going to have them removed. For one thing, because we talked about the risk of a general anthesia due to her liver issues and we'd have to go with a very low level of general and then gas if she has to have any kind of surgery. Generals are processed by the liver and we want the least amount of that as is possible of course.
Molly is just a strange case so far, but as long as she can get around and appears happy, I can live with that. :)
Yea, same vet. :) Interesting how we have come together more as the journey has progressed. I don't think it is just molly though, I think that some other cushing cases has also been an influence.

This is going to be a very long busy week and next weekend, with work stuff and a test to get ready for. I think I just want the whole month to be over! What a hectic time it has been.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[spdd]

Hijacking your thread to tell you I think you are wonderful. Glad Molly is doing well. I should be ashamed of myself for not mentioning her when we were on the phone. I need a (slap).:eek:

I'll be keeping a closer eye on your thread to see how she's doing.

Thankyou so much again.

[molly muffin]

awww, thanks. No worries. :) Our conversation was about Keesh, he's the one we have to get sorted out.

Molly just sort of trudges along, amusing me greatly with a few bumps in the road here and there.
Speaking of bumps, the cytologist couldn't get a diagnosis on the cells sent to them. My vet is calling the lab about the new slides they used this time to see if it might have affected the sample.
We still think lipomas though and will keep a close eye on the one that isn't near the skin but appears to be under muscle.

I'll try to get a picture of Molly this weekend sometime. :)

You're doing great Judi, just hang in there!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[infoviewer]

Glad Molly is doing so well. Lipomas are no worry iif they don't cause her any problems. She is a lucky girl to have you to look after her. Love, JoAnne

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
My vet had a dermatologist come to his practice last year. She wanted a few dogs to examine, one of which was my Tipper. She said her bumps were nothing to worry about, but when we sent a sample out to the lab we got the same result as you. Seems to be something to this??? Hope Molly is fine and you have no more worries for now. Let us know what they find out I will be curious. Blessings
Patti

[mcdavis]

Very pleased to hear that the vet has confirmed that Molly's lumps are lipomas and nothing to worry about.

Hamish had two large lipomas from the age of around 8/9, which were in a very personal area, but because they never bothered him we just left them - it was his excuse when the vet said he was slightly overweight :D.

I'm obviously no expert, but a couple of things I did notice was that they seemed to almost appear overnight, they didn't appear to grow over time (the larger of the two was around the size of a baseball), and that the area was always cold to the touch.

Looking forward to pics of Molly ;)

[doxiesrock912]

Sharlene,

thank God for "nothing to worry about"s. We already have enough worries with our furlets.

[molly muffin]

Yes Valerie, I am very grateful that Molly is doing well. I know that we are one of the lucky ones. Lucky also, that we found this site and that she wasn't started on vetoryl at the time. Don't start unless you know for sure what is going on, is a great lesson learned and Molly is a prime example of that.

Oh gads, I certainly hope Molly's lipomas don't get that big, she wouldn't be able to walk as both sides are near the front legs and one is under muscle, so if it grows too much, then it will have to be removed.

Working on getting the pictures, hopefully will have something posted on Sunday.

hugs all
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Tipper had many of her lumps removed probably as many as 20 when she was well. She has 2 more now. The one actually burst open and drained. Let's just pray that Molly's don't get any larger. Other wise she seems to be doing well, so if it comes down to it and they must be taken off I am confident she would be in good enough health from what you have told us to have them removed. Hopefully it does not get to that point. I know I read somewhere that even people with Cushings disease are prone to the lipomas. Blessings
Patti

[spdd]

I'll let you fondle Keesh's bumps when we meet. They are huge, but not a worry so far.

Glad everyone here knows what we are talking about !!

[Budsters Mom]

Hi Sharlene,
Molly's not going to let any lumps and bumps slow her down!:D She has to be able to guard her tree, so she can jump out at intruders! Hey girls got to do what a girls got to do!:D xxxx

[apollo6]

Dear Sharlene
will hope all is well for our Molley Girl.
Hugs Sonja and Angel Apollo

[molly muffin]

Okay, I kept my promise and have uploaded a couple pictures of molly. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

Loved the photos!:D So worth the wait!;) Thanks for sharing Sharlene.

[Trish]

Pic's are A D O R A B L E!! So lovely to see you both, her fur is nice and long!! Beautiful xxx

[mcdavis]

Yay - Thank you for the pictures!!

[Simba's Mom]

Molly looks so dang cute and healthy too, happy for you!!!

[Trixie]

clicking right now to see Molly's pics! :p

[spdd]

Hi Sharlene, I wrote back on my thread. Hope Molly and you are doing well. Looking forward to meeting you on Wednesday. Have a great weekend.

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I thank you, and I am among the many other members when I say you are great for helping Judi and Keesh when they so needed it. God Bless you and Molly
Patti

[molly muffin]

We're home now. Very tired. Molly has the boarding runs. :(:( Hoping that clears up by tomorrow. Poor thing, we've had to do the poopy butt cleaning today. :o

We've eliminated giving her treats or anything extra when she is boarding because she gets such an upset tummy over the whole thing. :( She seems okay now, a bit tired is all and she is running in and out to go to the bathroom all the time it seems. That is likely from her walking schedule being out of sorts when she is not at home. :(

Molly was having a real attitude from what I understood, as our daughter said she had to go down to the kennel to get Molly when she picked her up this morning because the girls were scared of her!!! :D Text from daughter said "molly is a diva" Well, yea, we Knew that!! I think they have some new girls on weekend and evenings or something. I don't think Molly has scared anyone there in quite a while. *sigh*

I am going to go take a nap, or I will really not be ready to go to work tomorrow!

hugs all,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Simba's Mom]

Molly's stories make me smile, thanku!!

[Budsters Mom]

Too funny Sharlene,
Our little Diva terrifying the caretakers. LOL;):D Well, they can't complain that she's dull, can they? Got to love Molly!:D xxxxx

[doxiesrock912]

Someone has to keep them in line :)

[Trixie]

Awwww poor Molly!! A hard time away from the family and a butt cleaning too boot!! :(
Guess the runs come from the anxiety of being at the kennel?? I'm sure she's settling in now that she's back home and things are normal for her.
We haven't needed to leave Trixie since the Cushing's diagnosis. Well I guess we actually have but worked it out that one of my girls would be here with her. Our usual dog sitter is good but getting older and I'm not sure what she will feel about giving meds etc...well no vacation on the horizon anyway but if I have a urgent need to leave her I will probably have a breakdown. Probably should work on finding a solution to that now.
I hope Molly is better already and getting over her bout of tummy trouble. :p

Barbara

[spdd]

So.... littlel Molly is scaring people.. too cute. Hope her runs have cleared up. With a face like hers, how could she possibly scare anybody!!:rolleyes:

Hope you got enough rest for work today.. I'll call you tomorrow.

Give Molly a belly rub and kiss from Keesh & I.

[Trish]

Hi Sharlene, glad you had fun at the wedding!! I love weddings, such fun! :)

What a naughty little princess Molly was at her hotel!! Doesn't she realise she is getting the royal treatment and it does not pay to snap at the staff!! Oh dearie, she does manage to get her feelings across doesn't she, I love that girl :D Glad you are all reunited and hope she is over her snit! I wonder if she gets a touch of stress colitis when out of her environment and normal routine like how you said it tummy can get upset even with something simple like not exercising the same as usual. I think that girl deserves a ton of Mom spoiling which I am sure she is getting in spades!! xx

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Hope Molly gets rid of the runs soon. I think she must just get them from stress coming on at the change of her normal routine. She is quite the character that little Miss is. Things will soon be back to normal once she is home for a while. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

I think stress colitis is exactly what it is. It doesn't happen every time, but often enough if she is boarded. Her morning poops have been perfectly firm, a bit of the runs yesterday afternoon, but she also Ate yesterday, which she doesn't do very well when she is not at home. (unless it's a doggie friends bowl, then she is right in there, but at the vets, nope, not interested).

Molly just sort of lives by her own rules of engagement shall we say. :) She was happily running up the stairs to bed last night, and immediately rolled over on her back with her head hanging off her bed, snoring in no time. How the heck anything can sleep upside down like that is beyond me, but dogs seem to manage it fine.

Plain and simple the little diva does not like to be away from her home turf where she rules and is basically spoiled rotten. She is fine also boarding at the vets if it is Her gang that is taking care of her. Like the office manager there can basically do anything with her, but that is because same person and they've known each other for years. She is on Molly's, okay, your my friend list obviously. Molly is one of those who thinks she has her friends and isn't all that interested in making new ones. I should tell them that treats is the shortcut way to get on that list. LOLOL chicken will move you right up to the top of the list and keep you there too.

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[infoviewer]

Hey Sharlene: Molly loves her home since she is so adored and so adorable. They are so cute when they sleep with their head hanging off their bed, I am always afraid all the blood will pool in CoCo's. head. I know her poops will be fine now that she is home. Take care. Love, JoAnne

[Budsters Mom]

Send that little diva right over and I'll break out the chicken! LOL:D

[Boriss McCall]

Ha ha.. Glad Molly is still ruling. :D
Also I haven't had a chance to come on since you got the diagnose for Molly's lumps. So glad they are lipomas and nothing to worry about. I still get stressed a little when I feel them on Boriss. I just have to remind myself they are just fat lumps & not to borrow trouble. So hard to do..
Hope you are having a great week.
Amy

[spdd]

Hope you got home safe... spend much shopping? - LOL:p

You forgot to feel "mah boys" lumps - just some humour ;)

Thank you so much for today. You are a doll !! Words don't adequately ( at least typed ones anyway) express how grateful I was to you for taking the time to come with me today.

You're a sweetheart and under different circumstances, Keesh would have been far more responsive, to the point he'd bug you.

[molly muffin]

Keesh is a love, truly a beautiful boy. His personality is so sweet, even with all the stress he was feeling today. He did come right over after he finished his testing, so I took that as an Okay sign from him. :)
No problem, it was my pleasure to be a part of trying to get this all figured out and Keesh on a good path.
Hopefully tomorrows test results will bring us some answers, but I am betting the answer is going to be to not do any more cushing treatments for the time being.
I did try to feel the lump under his leg area, but all that fur, just couldn't feel it. :) (that was after the testing)

Amy, lumps and bumps. We have to keep an eye on one of them, since it's under the muscle and any growth could cause Molly a few issues, but in general, nothing that needs to be a cause for concern. At least they didn't just say, she's getting old and fat. ROFL (it could be true though)

Kathy, you know she'd be in your pocket and never come out if you presented chicken as an option. The runt loves that stuff.
She is currently gnawing away on a dental bone and seems happy as a clam. I really have to trim the hair out of her eyes, she looks like a minature sheep dog at the moment and I don't know how she can see to walk across the room, never mind running without bumping into everything.
Yep, JoAnne, poops are all good. :) Very happy about that. Bum cleaning is not her favorite thing to hear. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[mcdavis]

Pleased to hear that Miss Molly is doing well now that her staff are home to wait on her every whim ;)
Did she get lots of nice presents from your trip?

[Simba's Mom]

That Molly is something else, I love all the stories, thanks for sharing, and hope her poos get better.....

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
It was so wonderful that you got to meet Judi and Keesh. I am so glad they will finally get some answers. I wish all the members on here could meet sometime, it would be so great to see everyone in person. I just want to say you are so appreciated for all you do on this forum, and for what you did for Judi and Keesh. Kudos to you Sharlene, you are the best. Blessings to you and Molly.
Patti

[molly muffin]

Patti, I just hope that this specialist Can provide some answers. In our area, it is the best place I know of to go to. I have Never heard a harsh word to any staff member or patient in the years we've been going there. Everyone down to the janitors are animal lovers. It is just the feel you get when you walk in that door and gosh, I've been there at midnight and 1am and I've been there in the middle of the day, it's always the same care. So, I am really hoping that they can figure Keesh out. Otherwise I'm at a loss of what to do going forward.

So just as I think Molly's poops have firmed up and are normal again, we're back to the runs on this morning's walk. I feel so bad for her, and know it makes her feel bad to have a poopy bum.
Her ear seems to be bothering her a bit yesterday too. I washed the flap and hoping there isn't anything starting up there again.

We'll just see how it goes. She will be staying over night at the vets next weekend, just one night, but I'm dreading it already. I wish I could find a good pet sitter, but I just don't trust them after having a bad experience with one where molly got kennel cough and almost died, and developed a real fear aggression to other dogs that she didn't use to have nearly bad as she has now. That experience made me real nervous about having other people keep her. Gosh and that was many years ago.

Well, onward and upward as the saying goes. :)

hugs all
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trixie]

Oh no...what's this Molly's back to a bit of the runs, and a bothersome ear too. I'm sorry..ugh...it just never ends with our pups not to mention the worry it causes us.
The pet sitting can be such an issue can't it!? I have a woman who takes Trixie in her apt. but it's been awhile since Trixie has stayed with her and now if she goes there it will involve medication. All a control freaks nightmare!! The control freak would be me!
Well at least Molly's stay next weekend is just one overnight and she's used to it there.
Can she eat sticky white rice...that works great for Trixie..I add more water than called for so it's sticky enough to make little rice balls. Binds things up really well.
Hope Molly is feeling better quickly...both bum and ear!! :p

Barbara

[molly muffin]

I might do something different for her dinner tonight. She isn't particularly interested in her regular food right now anyhow. So maybe some rice with some chicken breast or something, have to see what is at the store (if they have the stuff without the sodium to plump it up)

Her ear looked a bit better today after I cleaned it out last night. If it starts to look red, I have some medicine that she can have for it. Maybe can catch it early this time if it does become an infection.

So you'll be at your moms sunday and monday this week. Have a great time tonight and tomorrow. :)

I'm in planning mode here for a party next weekend, so things are a bit hectic running around here and there. Have a contractor out tomorrow morning to do some measuring. Molly is not a fan of strange workers being around.

Yea, having that many people in the house would drive molly nuts, so she'll stay at the vet over night and I'll be there to pick her up as soon as they open.

have a good weekend!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trish]

Hi Sharlene

Yay long weekend for you!! Sounds like you have had a busy week so hopefully you now get some time to relax for a couple of days! :)

Gosh it can take a while for that stress colitis to fully settle, I think if were not all crazy poop patrollers we probably would not notice it! I still check every one so we get pretty in tune with our doggies tummy issues :eek::D Hopefully its another one-off and she continues marching on!!

Fed-ex her down to NZ, I am pretty sure Flynny and me would take excellent care of her while you are away :D:D xxxx

[spdd]

Hi Sharlene... here you are helping me and now Molly is having some issues.

Let me know how her ears and poop are today. I noticed lately I can't give Keesh any treats that are yellow/orange in colour, he has orange coloured loose poo every time. Got to stick with beggin strips or something of that nature.

You didn't mention just exactly what that party next weekend is for on the forum, and I won't say anything, but it's a big deal.

You should have a blast, I know I did.

[molly muffin]

Ahh, the party. :) Yes, well, turns out I am turning 50. Which I find a bit unbelievable, since I'm sure that I'm 34, but there you have it. My sister thought it was a real laugh to have a big party to celebrate that!

We had more bum cleaning here this morning. :( Her ear seems to be looking better though, but I'll keep an eye on it, just in case. A bit worried about her not drinking enough water (isn't that a crazy thing to hear on a cushing forum LOL) but her water intake has been down, so her pee stops aren't as many, and since she isn't a big water drinker... I'm going to have to keep an eye on her for stone development.

Oh well, it's a lovely day now that the clouds have gone away. Might get rain later, but I'm going to be busy inside clearing stuff out so we'll be able to stuff all the people in if it ends up raining next weekend. :) Hopefully it won't! Also I might be a bit sparse in my posting until this is over, lots going on this week and next weekend. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[spdd]

Think I'll move to your area. No sun here and doesn't look like there will be for quite awhile.

Sorry about her bum.. poor wee thing. Sure hope she starts drinking a little more. Geez, one thing then another eh?

[Trixie]

:D So you're joining the ranks of us 50 somethings....woohoo. I know what you mean...my clock stopped somewhere around 35-36 too! How could I possibly be older than that!?? :confused:
Good for your sister to make a party of it. You'll have a blast...it will be all about you!!
I hope Molly's gastro disturbance clears up soon. The ear looking better is good news though! Not enough drinking...hmmmm...I cannot remember what that's like! :rolleyes: I hope Molly will stay hydrated today...not sure how to force liquid...ice cube licking maybe?
Enjoy your sunny day. We're overcast, humid, chance of storms--same for the next few days. I'm ready for Fall.
Have fun prepping for the party...if we don't hear from you too much we'll know you're getting ready for the party of the year! :D :D

Barbara

[molly muffin]

What a difference a few miles make eh Judi.

No really Barbara, my sister, thought that it was a joke to celebrate turning 50, she's 67.

My husband is the one who is doing the party for me. Once I agreed to it, he has gone all out. Today he is making music lists and setting it up on the ipod that will be connected to some stereo thing that he has and that will go outside by the pool/deck area. He's quite the little party planner, dealing with catering and the whole works, since he said he doesn't want me to do anything but have fun for one night. (talk about giving over control, it's semi freaking me out, but on the other hand I sort of love it too).

Amazon.ca finally has potassium citrate. When Glynda and Lori, first mentioned using the powder in the food, I tried to find it in powder form and couldn't and Amazon.ca didn't carry it. Amazon.com carried it, but wouldn't ship it to Canada. Frustrating! Now that I see amazon.ca had it, I'm going to order and see what I can do about diet for molly. I've been supplementing the SO food because it doesn't have enough protein in it, so now I want to look at a complete diet change.

fun times!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[spdd]

Keesh is threatening to crash it....

[Simba's Mom]

Sending hugs and prayers that Little Molly feels better soon, and welcome to the 50's!!!

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Hope you have a wonderful birthday, and that Molly is soon feeling better. Don't worry about the fifties, they are a breeze, compared to the 60's. Blessings
Patti

[addy]

Heck I'll crash the party too:p:p:p Sounds like a great time.

I hope you had a blast and Molly feels better soon. Must be the time of year for bad poos. Whenever I give Koko his heartwrom medicine he does not feel good for a few days then his poos are off for a week or so. Nothing bad, just off and his usually are not.

Happy Birthday

[molly muffin]

Good morning,

So question for those of you who have dealt with colitis. Molly has had the runs except for 2 morning poops on Monday and Tuesday, the rest has all been runny or not firmed. So, rather than just do a switch diet, I changed her treats back to what they should be (we had run out and I had given her a natural local made treat, with cinnamon in it) she had a walk at 9:45pm last night, then she had poop and pee accident in the house last night. Hubby found and cleaned up and said it was at least semi firm. I took her out for a walk around 9am, and she acts like she feels fine, but she had a bit of dirrhea and I noticed at the end, two drops of blood dripped afterwards.
I am wondering if the colitis would have caused enough irritation to bowel/rectum to have caused that. Hubby said there was no blood in the poop this morning, which was at the stairs, she obviously tried to make it down to the door and didn't, nor did she appear to have had time to wake us up. Poor thing. :(
For breakfast I just gave her a bit of the canned SO food and her liver supplement, as I didn't want to overdo her digestive system.

Like I said she doesn't act like she feels bad, having a good walk this morning (she doesn't go far, just a short jaunt) but she did express interest in everything around her, barked at someone on a morning run, and bounced in the front door and headed for kitchen. I'm thinking maybe this is an irritation from the diarrhea.

Hugs, Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHARLENE!:):p:D Leave it to Molly to have these bouts right it's your birthday! Kids will do it to you every time.;)

Regarding the colitis, anything can set up it off, particularly if she's had it before. The colon becomes hyper sensitive and even something as small as changing a treat can set off a round of colitis.:o At least she seems to be feeling well through it all. Maybe she just wanted to leave your hubby a present this morning.:eek: They are so thoughtful that way.;):D

[Squirt's Mom]

Happy Birthday, Sharlene!

When Trink was at her worst, the Baytril and SEB worked best for her. Stress sets hers off as do changes in her diet at times - but not always. She does seem to have an allergy to turkey because the least little bit of that and she flares pretty badly. She hasn't had to have anything other than the SEB for some time now, tho. Anytime I see a tail or a shine on her poop, she gets a little dose and she's fine. At her worst, I would withhold food for a while, giving dark Karo syrup in the SEB to help keep her blood sugars up.

I hope this is just a reaction to being boarded and away from her mom, and that she will settle down very soon.

[molly muffin]

I am more worried about the drops of blood. As I think I can get the colitis bout (which is what I hope it is, as that is better than a bacterial infection) under control. Can the diarrhea cause some blood to show up? It wasn't in the accident in the house, but that was definitely blood drops at the end of the diarrhea outside later.

Of course I worry more as next saturday she will be in the kennel at the vets over night as we'll have too many people in the house for the party and she wouldn't be comfortable with that at all. It's a bad choice either way. :(

I am going to see if I can find some slipper elm bark powder while I am out shopping today. If so I will make some tea for her.

I think I might also order some fortiflora to have here at the house for these things too.

Thanks for the suggtions.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Squirt's Mom]

The presence of blood is one of the signs of Colitis, according to Doc. That was when I panicked with Trink a few years ago - she had had diarrhea then suddenly was shooting pure, bright red blood instead of feces. :eek::eek::eek: The odor was distinctive as well - the blood gives it almost a decomp smell that is unmistakeable to me even when I cannot see the blood with my naked eye.

I think I would have the vet check her out to be sure this isn't something else just to be sure, but blood is part and parcel of Colitis to my understanding.

[molly muffin]

Okay, that is what I was thinking too Leslie. The vet isn't open till Tuesday due to the long weekend. Of course. Holidays seem to when thing pop up for some reason. I'm going to keep an eye on it. Hubby was definite there was none in the accident over night. I'm going to try to find some SEB today. Cross fingers I'll be able to.

Thanks so much!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

Thread hijack:D.....

Leslie - How much does Trinket weigh and how much SEB do you give her? Also how often? Do you use the long brew method to make the tea? Do you syringe it in with the Karo syrup, or does she lap it up? I am trying to figure out the dosage for Rosie. She weighs 5.3 pounds. Thanks!

Sorry Birthday girl!;):D

[molly muffin]

So I found SEB powder and bought 50 grams. The lady said to mix 1 teaspoon in a cup of water. How much of that would I give Molly mixed in with some wet food for dinner? Molly weighs 18.6 lbs.

Sharlene

[molly muffin]

No problem Kathy. I am trying to figure out the same thing. LOL
Sharlene

[Harley PoMMom]

Happy Birthday, Sharlene!!

So sorry to hear that our sweet Molly is having issues and I do hope she will be much better soon.

SEB info:
To give internally, mix about 1/4 teaspoon of Slippery Elm bark powder with cold water for every 10 pounds of body weight. For very small dogs, it is fine to use the same 1/4 teaspoon dose. Link: http://www.littlebigcat.com/health/slippery-elm/

Love and hugs, Lori

[Squirt's Mom]

I can tell you how I do it for Trink -

I don't usually boil water, I use hot tap water - about 1/2 cup water to 1/8 - 1/4 tsp of powder unless her diarrhea is bad. The worse the stool, the thicker the end result. When she was so bad at the beginning, I would make it very thick, like a gummy paste and she would usually eat it off her plate. As she improved, I thinned the mix til it was just basically colored water. She hasn't needed the thick paste since those first few months and typically a thin gruel will work in one or two doses. It's thin enough to easily syringe.

If you prefer a more "scientific" approach, here are the links I used when I first started making this for her -

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?

http://www.holvet.net/slippery_soup.html

Remember to give this 2 hours either side of all other meds, herbs, etc. as it can interfere with absorption. Some sources say 1 hour separating it but I am more comfortable with 2 hours if at all possible.

Also, watch for worsening of the diarrhea as SEB can work as a laxative.

[LtlBtyRam]

Happy Birthday, Sharlene!!

I second this!

[molly muffin]

okay gave her the SEB She ate it with some chicken. At first I tried it very liquid and she wouldnt touch it. Then made about 3/4 cup very jelly like put the chicken in it and a bit by itself on the side. She ate every bit then went and finished her kibbles from morning. Her apetite is fine and I hope this does the trick with the runs.
Cross fingers for an accident free night and solid poop in morning

Thanks for the help everyone.
hugs
sharlene and molly muffin

[spdd]

Hi Sharlene. Hoping to hear that Molly's poops are back to normal this morning. Fingers crossed for you.

[molly muffin]

Last night was a bit more of a mess, with diarrhea, bit of blood (try seeing that at midnight under a street light!) around midnight. I took her out late, hoping it would help her make it through the night. (it did) and then this morning when we went for a morning walk, the stool was soft but had a form, so that is good and No blood. I also didn't give her a glucosamine prior to her going to bed like normally I would either.

I gave her more SEB with some wet food and less than a hand full of kibbles mixed in and she ate it up.
I forgot about the not being able to give medicine with it though and had given her liver supplement prior to the SEB. It's been 3 hours and she is back at her bowl looking for something to eat. I didn't give her anything though, I am doing small meals through out the day, so as not to mess with her digestive system too much. We'll see how the poops today go for her.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Roxee's Dad]

Hoping she is feeling better today... and wishing you a belated ....


:):):)Happy Birthday :):):)

[spdd]

What were you doing up at midnight??? Pray tell !! Nighthawk eh?

Maybe it's a sign that things will settle down, and good idea about small meals.

I'll be waiting to see how today goes.