Trixie - Schnauzer being treated with Vetoryl - Trixie has crossed The Bridge

[molly muffin]

yay So glad to hear that she is doing better. I guess her tummy doesnt feel so good so food is just uninteresting at the moment. It still is freaky enough when they normally love food to scare the bejeebes out of us.

I don't know if I would be able to go visit if it was allowed or not either. Whatever I might tink goes right out the window when it is actually yourself in the situation.

My husband has that same reaction when molly isn't here.

Hang in there
hugs
sharlene and molly muffin

[Trixie]

Sharlene--your post was number 1000 on my thread!! :D :D

[doxiesrock912]

Good to hear that Trixie is on the mend.

Oh I laughed about hubby thinking that you joined a cult Addy.

[goldengirl88]

Hi Barbara:
I am hoping Trixie is better today and that you get to either bring her home or visit her. Praying that this goes away form her and never comes back again. I bet the house seems weird without her there. Blessings
Patti

[addy]

Hope you baby comes home today:):)

[Trixie]

vet called a few hours ago...thinks it's fine for Trixie to come home. yay!! She ate some low fat CAT FOOD there this morning so it looks like she's getting her appetite back. I can assure you it's her first taste of cat food. I have white rice and boiled chicken cutlet for her tonight. I hope she bounces back in a couple days...or less. I'll let you know how she's doing once I get her settled.
My husband is leaving work early to meet me for her discharge...awwww..he misses her so much!! :p

Barbara

[molly muffin]

Awww, that is so sweet of your husband to be there for the discharge too.
You can also try ground chicken, sometimes they like that consistency.
I use that with molly and mix it in with the plain rice. She thinks she is in doggie heaven with that mixture.
So glad she is better and can come home!! Yay Trixie!!

hugs Barbara,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I can see Miss Trixie had your hubby wrapped around her paw! That is so sweet for him to go too. Tipper likes the ground chicken too and I bet Gracie would devour it at her size. Hoping you are all home safe and warm soon with your baby girl. Blessings Oh and double yuck on the cat food!!!
Patti

[molly muffin]

Wait! Did you say 1000 post!! Whoottt whoottt!!

time flies when we're yakking doesn't it :)

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trixie]

Just got home with Trixie. She's a bit down in the dumps. Very quiet and whimpered when she was brought out and saw us in the consult room. She looked a little like a sad sack poor thing.
They are re-running the pancreatic test...so we'll see if it stayed borderline or got any higher, as all her symptoms seem to fit, the pancreas may just not have shown any damage, which of course is a good thing. Results in a day or two.
They said she ate a little bit today, and hadn't pooped so they thought her diarrhea was over. When we got her outside she walked a bit and then pooped and no, the diarrhea is definitely not over...but it was kind of "normal" diarrhea, no blood, and normal color. Not the kind of thing she did yesterday which was weirdest looking stuff I have ever seen.
Looks like it may take a bit to get her back to herself...she's very tired but does not seem distressed anymore at least. She will stay on cerenia and metronidazole. They also gave me a pain killer called Buprenorphine that is applied to her gum for absorption. I hate giving this kind of thing. She was on pain killer back when she was spayed and she acted so strangely while taking it, really strange and depressed. The vet said if I felt she needed it...so we'll see I guess.

Some good news-- I have some of her blood work results and since our last test from January 10 about a month ago her ALP came down another 500 points!! She was at 1506 last month, and today it's 1079!! We are almost down to triple digits!! The ALT came down too, it went from 185 to 160. That was a pleasant surprise in this not so pleasant event.
She did walk a little bit when we got outside...a little tentative at first but then she kind of walked along and sniffed around...not exactly normal walking, but a positive sign that she wanted to move and sniff.
I hope she'll eat some rice tonight. She's in her usual spot on the couch and looks pretty comfortable napping. Hoping she starts bounce back to her usual self over the next few days.

One more concern that we talked about and that I've thought about yesterday--is there reason to believe this was caused by cortisol going too low? The endocrinologist there thought this was not related to her Cushings meds.
She had been normal and energetic all weekend and no gastro trouble at all. She had her morning dose on Monday, and the rest of Monday was completely normal. She was energetic, hungry and had no diarrhea. She started vomiting at 10pm that night and she did not have her dose at that time. The last time she had Vetoryl was 10am Monday.
Now I'm kind of nervous to start meds again, which we are not going to do yet...not until she is back to normal eating, no diarrhea etc..BUT-- Should she be tested to see her cortisol level before we go back to having Vetoryl? If she hasn't been on meds for all this time what kind of test would we do? An acth? Is there any other test that would show that level?
Kind of forgot to ask this at the Med. Center but this would all be at my regular vet anyway, I can talk to him on Monday but wonder what you all think about this.
It's so good to have her home, but still feeling worried about her.

Barbara

[molly muffin]

When was her last ACTH test? The number weren't low then were they? I remember our main concern was the liver numbers (which great to hear Those have come down) but no concern on the cortisol levels.
I don't think I can recall hearing low cortisol causes pancreatic attacks. She doesn't sound like she had low cortisol though, just being normal Trixie till this all happened.
You wouldn't be able to rerun an ACTH test until this is completely over with (results wouldn't be very accurate) and you won't restart cushings meds yet either, but if you are concerned, you can once Trixie is well have them run an ACTH to put your mind at rest.

So glad to hear that she is home with you where she belongs. :) A little bit worse for wear maybe but still claiming her spot on the couch! Girls knows where home is for sure. ;)

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trixie]

Thanks Sharlene for the speedy answer. They didn't think it was vetoryl related, especially since she was fine all day after the morning dose and hadn't had another dose that night.

Her last ACTH was 11/6
the post number was 2.7 (normal for Trilo 1.5-9.1)

Guess just everything is running through my mind. Looks like Trixie has definitely lost a little weight..which she kinda needed to do...but wish it hadn't been this way!!
Yes...you were my 1000th post!! Cue the marching band and confetti!!! ;)

[Budsters Mom]

I'm glad she's home!:p

[addy]

I'm glad she is home too and I bet Trixie is even happier to be home.

[Elsie's Mom]

Hi Barbara, This is Torie from the K9 Cushings Facebook page! I want to thank you for all the support you gave me on FB when Elsie was having her multiple middle of the night pooping outings back in Nov/Dec. The poached chicken/white rice diet worked for her, and she has been fine since then! (Fingers, toes all crossed!)
I'm sorry to hear about all you've been through with Trixie these last couple days, but am glad to hear that Trixie is back home, and I hope she is on a speedy road to recovery!

[doxiesrock912]

I'm so glad that she's home and numbers going down! Great news!

Chris is the same way with Daisy Mae. He even holds the other end of her toys in his mouth while playing mock tog of war.
It's great to have their support, isn't it?

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
Just checking in and hoping all went well last nite. I hope Trixie is back to her normal self. It is so good to have her back home isn't it?
Blessings
Patti

[addy]

Me to, check in on you both before work.

Hope the night was restful for all, hubby too. We forgot they worry as well. It is hard on them too.:)

[Trixie]

Thanks so much everybody!!! Glad to see you on the board Torie, thanks for your message.

Good report this morning. Trixie made great progress in the last 12 hours. She ate a bit of white rice last night and started to be a bit more alert. She's moving around more and barked at the next door dog when he went out...that's the real proof she's back!
She was leaking last night...I imagine all the IV fluids she got kind of came out while she was sleeping. She never had that type of accident even during the crazy drinking Cushings days. They gave her so many IV injections, tons of fluids, meds...lots of it. It was colorless, odorless, I guess very dilute urine..I did have puppy pads under towels that I put on the pillow where she sleeps at the end of our bed but of course she moved to get closer to my husband at some point...and well, what can you do---changed and washed all the bedding, which of course I had already done for this week!

She was really hungry this morning and ate minced up chicken breast that I cooked up for her and some more rice. She was very eager to eat today which is a good sign. We're doing little meals. If she wants more soon I will give another small serving. So-all in all things are good. I'm so relieved.:rolleyes: Hope to speak to the vet later with some questions.

Barbara

[addy]

Oh goodness, thankful to read that, Barbara:):):):)

Hope she gets better every day and puts this all behind her

Tails up:):):):):)

[Budsters Mom]

Such great news! It is scary when they don't eat! Keep that chicken coming! Xxxxx

[Trixie]

Thanks Addy and Kathy,

She's still sleeping it off but she's so much better. There she was staring at me when I was having my coffee earlier. Back to begging...another good sign. Taking it super slow with the food though..little at a time.

They gave me all these syringes of pain killer which were to go on her gums to absorb-says if needed. Meanwhile I was not going to use them at all unless I noticed she was in pain which she is not. I see on the bill $70 for that! Ugh...I'm sick. It was all so costly...they were so nice but maybe they could have asked me about that..maybe two or three but I would never want to give that much pain med unless absolutely vital. She is completely comfortable..resting well and moving freely. Oh well...what can you do? Grateful she's well and got excellent care.

Barbara

[doxiesrock912]

Good news! Keep it up Trixie!

[molly muffin]

Hi Barbara, so great to hear a good report on Trixie. Begging can be wonderful can't it. :)
Well gosh yes, they filled that poor baby to the brim with IV fluids. It just flooded over. LOL
Hi Torie, welcome to the forum. :)
I bet your husband and you are both thrilled to have her back and acting like a Trixie should act. (let that dog next door know that Trixie still rules) :) haha

huggers
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Harley PoMMom]

So happy to hear that dear Trixie is feeling much better!!

[Trixie]

thanks Sharlene, Val and Lori!! ;)

The hospital just called with the results of the 2nd Cpl test.
The first test was done when we got to the emergency dept. early Tues morning- her level was 260 in gray or "elevated" zone which is 201-399.
The test they did yesterday (thurs.) morning she was at 82. Which falls into the normal range..anything below 200.
So again no definitive diagnosis for Pancreatitis, but she certainly fit the description for it. The number was elevated if she's back down to 82 yesterday. All I know is I never saw her that sick before. She's doing great tonight and pretty much back to normal. Definitely looks slimer. :p

I just wish I knew what set this whole thing off...because I never want it to happen again.
Hope everyone has a good weekend and thanks for all the support! :)

Barbara

[Harley PoMMom]

Dogs can have either acute or chronic pancreatitis, It may be that Trixie has the acute type, which means that the pancreatitis flares up every now and then. My boy, Harley, had chronic pancreatitis, I could never get his spec cPL number lower than 300. :eek:

Hopefully Trixie will never experience this again, sending hugs to you both.

[Elsie's Mom]

Barbara, I'm so glad to hear that Trixie is feeling better! And, I hope you never have to go through it again!

Thanks Sharlene for the welcome! I'm happy to have found you all!

[addy]

It is Saturday:):):)

Hope this hello finds you and Trixie well rested. I sure hope she is lookng for more chicken:D:D:D

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
Those test numbers seem to support that she did have it, but I still think it is weird how it just came on all of a sudden out of nowhere. I am hoping she continues to improve. How is she liking the chicken and rice? I bet every one feels better now that she is back in her house. Blessings
Patti

[Trish]

Hi Barbara

So pleased to get back and read Trixie has come right! Tell her from me that is quite enough scaring her Mom like that!! Poor little girl, must have felt quite funky during this little episode. Great she has turned the corner, sounds like the vet hospital while pricey really looked after her well. I had that with the pain relief in the syringes after Flynn's recent surgery, the ones you squirt in the mouth. They gave me too many as well, but I guess it is better to have too many rather than have none on hand in the middle of the night. I must ask them how long they last for. Seems a waste to throw them out. Hope your weekend is nice and quiet and Trixie keeps up with her eating. What is the plan with the Trilostane restarting? xxx

[Trixie]

Another update on Trixie...she's pretty much back to normal, except for we decided no long park walks this weekend. It's pretty cold anyway. She's doing fine. Gave her a bath this morning, she was so raggedy looking and needed a cleaning up.
It doesn't help that both front legs are shaved from the IVs. Her furry paws look like majorette pompoms at the bottom. It's not a great look for her...two skinny legs and the shaved belly...she looks like she went to a crazy groomer. I'll try and post a photo tomorrow.

Good question Trish..I don't know when to start up the Vetoryl again. Haven't noticed any Cushings symptoms at all and last Monday morning was the last time she had it--almost a week. I guess maybe I should start back on Monday? Kind of nervous about it. I'll probably chat with the vet about it before I begin again.

Patti...The vet at the hospital really thought it had to be a dietary indescreation that brought this on. Since we were home all day Monday with the snow storm I don't see how! There was nothing lying around and she can't reach the kitchen garbage. She was in the park the day before but she was never out of sight. I don't know...guess it will remain a mystery, but I wish I knew what caused it.
What a week...headed to bed. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Barbara

[Budsters Mom]

Hi Barbara,
I am so glad that Trixie is feeling better. I hope you all are able to get some well needed rest tonight. Xxxx

[goldengirl88]

Hi Barbara:
Do you think Trixie could have gotten something in the dog park and eaten it real fast? I just don't get the dietary indiscretion?? You watch her like a hawk so this may remain a mystery although I am sure you want to solve it so this never happens again. Glad she is feeling better. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Happy to hear that Trixie is doing so well in her recovery.

Dietary indiscretion seems rather weird for a dog whose diet is closely monitored and is low fat already. Really strange. I guess it could just be that some dogs, especially cushing dogs are prone to pancreatic attacks. I wonder if it makes a difference if they've had one before, if they are then more prone to them.
Strange, indeed. Is there anything other than fat content that would have an affect on the pancrease and anything that could be given to try and reduce the possibility of an attack going forward. I think that would be some of my questions for the vet.

Have a good weekend Barbara.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[doxiesrock912]

Barbara,
I would start when symptoms appear again.
Daisy ended up in the ER some time back with straight blood instead of diarrhea. She's been on a small dose of Tylan powder sprinkled on her food. It might be worth asking the vet about.

Daisy hasn't had a single incident since starting on the powder.

[Tina]

Hi Barbara,
I haven't had a chance to post recently, but have been reading your thread daily and keeping up with Trixie. I am so sorry you had to go through all of this, but am so relieved that Trixie is doing so much better. I have had a lot going on unfortunately, mainly long work hours, but I want you to know you and Trixie were in my thoughts through this whole ordeal, and I'm sorry I couldn't post my support sooner.

The main thing I want to ask is about Trixie's triglyceride level. I remember that you have posted to me in the past that she has hyperlipidemia like Jasper. My vet told me back in November when Jasper had his last episode of this kind of thing that his high triglycerides likely triggered pancreatitis. He did not have a cPL test at that time, (in hindsight I wish he would have so I would know for sure if it was elevated or not), but we treated him like it was pancreatitis and he responded well. He did not have severe abdominal pain either, and when he had the ultrasound a few days later, his pancreas did not show any abnormalities. In spite if this, my vet was certain it was pancreatitis, she said there are varying levels of severity.

It all came on very sudden with Jasper too, and I know he did not have any "dietary indiscretions". He suddenly started vomiting uncontrollably in the middle of the night, and couldn't stop. He had been absolutely fine the night before. With his Addison's, it can be even more life threatening than usual, so I was beside myself. His triglycerides were sky high at the time, this is what prompted switching to a low fat diet. I know Trixie has been on a low fat diet for quite some time. I wonder if her triglycerides are still high? If so, I would suspect that as a trigger for sure. I have read in numerous places that Miniature Schnauzers with hyperlipidemia are at higher risk for pancreatitis. And of course Cushings increases the risk also. :(

Big hugs Barbara, I could totally feel your pain and worry reading about the all vomiting and how sick she was. I got choked up reading, it was just like how Jasper was. I am so happy she is feeling better and was pleased to read about the hospital you took her to, it sounds like they were wonderful.

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper

[Trixie]

hi everyone,
Wow...Tina so glad you posted about this. I told the vet at the medical center about the high triglycerides, but she didn't pick up on it and relate it to this incident but I wondered about this.
When I last brought it up at my regular vet they said that it was high on the blood test but that the lipase on the same blood test was normal?? I have to speak to them about this. I'm pretty certain she did not eat anything that would have caused this. Trixie has been on low fat everything for a long time. The suggestion came from many about using fish oil. I have to talk to the vet and see if he has any ideas. It makes me so nervous to think this could happen again.

So-- this afternoon, and now this evening I am starting to see an increase in drinking and puddling on the puppy pad a couple times, she has big hunger and a bit of restlessness. I think I need to starting giving her Vetoryl tonight. She has been completely fine all day yesterday and all day today. Eating, poops are good, active etc. etc.
Do you think it's okay to start her med?? I'm getting the feeling she may need it.

Barbara

[Harley PoMMom]

Do you think it's okay to start her med?? I'm getting the feeling she may need it.


I believe since she is displaying Cushing's symptoms that restarting the Vetoryl would be fine. So I say, go with your gut because You know Trixie best.

Hugs, Lori

[Trixie]

Thanks Lori,
Still a bit nervous..feel like since she hasn't had meds for almost 7 days and now going to give it, like doing it for the first time again. Dose is due at 10pm. Seeing the symptoms...though it's mild. Do I wait for it to be more pronounced? Second guessing, cold feet.

Barbara

[Harley PoMMom]

If Trixie is acting/feeling normal and the symptoms of Cushing's are starting up than, if this were me, I would probably restart, HOWEVER; always listen to your own instincts, and hey, you can always wait until tomorrow to restart the Vetoryl. ;)

[Trixie]

Thanks Lori...yes..earlier my gut was saying Vetoryl at 10pm tonight. Now just feeling scared and then not as sure of my earlier gut feeling. I'll see at 10 tonight..tomorrow is another day, and I could wait until morning.
Think I'll measure what's left in the water dish since I last checked and see if I can make a decision. :confused: Oh my...it is 10pm!! Didn't even realize!

Barbara

[Elsie's Mom]

I know its well past 10 in New York, but just wanted to put my 2¢ in, and say that I would start the vetoryl in the morning when the vet's office is open, just in case! Hope you all have a good restful night!

[addy]

Hi Barbara and Trixie,

Hope everything is ok and let us know if you started up the Vetoryl this morning. Hubby told me NYC was in for a bad snow storm, I am hoping that was just a nasty rumor.

Things seem easier to start in the morning, no?:D:D:D:D:D

[goldengirl88]

Hi Barbara:
Just checking to see how Trixie is today. You are so lucky that you have a vet across the street. If I ever move I think I will try and duplicate that situation, and save myself a lot of gas money. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

hi Elsie and Addy & Patti,
Addy the storm is not a rumor...your husband heard correctly. Not due until Thursday though and right now the weather guys are not positive. If it stays cold we'll have a big snow storm...if the temps moderate it will be rain. We shall see!! :rolleyes:

Patti--Living in the city is not everyone's cup of tea but as far as the vet being right across the street...the funny thing is everything's right across the street. You don't have to go very far for anything at all.

Well I did not end up giving the Vetoryl last night or this morning. Placed a call into the vet but will probably not hear til later. Monday is always a busy day there and not a good day to reach them for phone consults. They do surgeries and testing on Mondays.
Anyway...I plan to give the Vetoryl tonight. I can see today that Trixie's appetite is really raging. I don't see any panting though, and the drinking is only a little more than usual today.

She has spent much of the day staring at me...it's the "I'm starving" face. Guess I'll see how she is the rest of the evening.

I've been reading online about reducing high triglycerides, which I have done before too. She's already on strict lowfat everything, which is the number one suggestion, already been doing that forever. The only other thing is the fish oil and maybe changing to the Royal Canin lowfat from W/D. Dr. Peterson recommends this one in particular. The drugs available are not recommended by many...and I don't really want to give more drugs.
I will start with trying their dry kibble..it's what I give Trixie when she begs during meals. We will never give her table food...(except she gets to lick my plate after breakfast which has a teeny tiny smear of low fat laughing cow on it-her favorite time of day!) Having a small dish of kibble on hand while we eat makes the whole begging issue easier to deal with.
Anyway will have to discuss the fish oil with the vet. Dr. Peterson has a blog entry that speaks directly to this whole hyperlipdemia issue...common in schnauzers. I've read it so many times...wish I could do a consult with him. Maybe someday...after the expense of the hospital it will have to wait a bit. It's something I would really like to do. His office is just across the park from me!!

Barbara

[addy]

I've read it so many times...wish I could do a consult with him. Maybe someday...after the expense of the hospital it will have to wait a bit. It's something I would really like to do. His office is just across the park from me!!


wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i would be stalking him and getting arrested:p:p

[Trixie]

haha too funny Addy!! When we first thought Trixie had Cushings I called his office right away. The receptionist was so nice but explained I could only see Dr. Peterson as specialist who would work with my vet. He would see my dog and work out a treatment plan but wouldn't be Trixie's only vet.
I was still going to have to do all the testing and get a confirmed diagnosis at my own vet's office before I could make an appt. at Dr. Peterson's office. Then he would most likely run tests again. It was just too expensive to do everything I needed to do back then...the regular vet visits, tests, the sono, .. adding the fee to see Dr. Peterson was too much. I figured if things didn't work out at my vets office I would have tried to go there. It all worked out pretty well, so I never went there.
I'd still like to consult with him...maybe someday!

Barbara

[Budsters Mom]

I don't think Addy is kidding Barbara. I think Dr. Peterson would be seeing her in his dreams!:D Whatever it takes!;) xxxxxx

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I have been giving Tipper the Kronch salmon oil Glynda recommended, but this time Tipper's tri's were higher than before. I don't know if that has anything to do with this thyroid stuff or not? So you won't be able to judge by Tipper's experience. I am hoping once the thyroid is taken care of and managed they will come down. With Tipper it has been one thing after another. That is scary all the fat going thru their systems. I did however see some herbs that were recommended to lower this and I am going to ask Leslie about them. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Started Vetoryl back last night and Trixie is doing fine.
Way too cold today (16 degrees this a.m.) to give her a good long walk! Hope we can get one in before our next weather event forecast for Thursday, but it looks like tomorrow isn't going to be much warmer.
What a winter!!
Patti...the high triglycerides are tough...not only are schnauzers prone to this, Cushing's also causes a rise in them. Other than low fat diet and maybe the fish oil there's not many solutions from everything I have read. Going to meds is not recommended much. Just petrified that this terrible gastro bout could happen again. I've always been strict with Trixie's diet. Going to buy the Royal Canin Low Fat today...Dr. Peterson's recommends on his blog. It may be a better choice than what I'm already using. Cooking chicken cutlets for her now and will continue this..so half the chicken and half the low fat food. Buying the best chicken at my butcher for her! Afraid to try the fish oil right now, too soon after this episode. Going to see what the vet says.

Barbara


Barbara

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
just one note on the Royal Canin. It had been suggested to me before and the reason I won't use it as it has been recalled several times. I am going the herb route after I talk to Leslie
Blessings
Patti

[doxiesrock912]

It was a certain ingredient in some of the Royal Canin foods.

Here is the most recent link that I could find.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ArchiveRecalls/2007/ucm112172.htm

[molly muffin]

Barbara, thank you so much for your help tonight on Facebook page for k9cushings. I was drowning. LOL 44messages in my email when I looked later! :)

How is Trixie doing after her first day back on the vetroyl? Hope she continues to do well.

hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trixie]

Hi Sharlene...No problem! :D Trixie seems just fine back on Vetoryl. She was insistent on a longer walk this afternoon and it was so cold, I thought we were just out for a 10 minute around the block, but I was wrong!! I didn't even take my wallet with me. She had wild energy and was walking so fast...really dragging me! Whenever I tried to turn around and lead her back home she pulled and pulled...it was 18 degrees out! She had nothing on...not to mention a shaved belly from her sono in the hospital. Sounds silly to say she wouldn't turn but she wouldn't...just pulled the way she wanted to go...it was either pick her up or go her way!
Good thing I had on a base layer and my warmest jacket, we ended up being out for almost an hour! I think she wanted me to understand that she has been missing her walks!! :D

Thanks Patti and Val. I will read further about the Royal Canin. They didn't have it at the Pet Smart I popped into today anyway. It's the lowfat formula I am looking for...but of course I will check out any recall info before I decide to buy any. I am going to continue cooking chicken for her. Now still using low fat w/d along with the chicken, but since Dr. Peterson recommended the Royal Canin I thought I would maybe switch. I'll have to research further.

Barbara

[doxiesrock912]

Barbara,
Daisy has been on Royal Canin dachshund formula her whole life. Every time I changed, no matter how gradually, it went wrong.

I asked her IMS about it and she said that there is no need to change.

[Squirt's Mom]

I fed Royal Canin to Brick and Trinket a few years ago and BOTH ended up with elevated glucose. When I took them off the RC, their glucose returned to normal. So RC is not a feed they can eat. Just wanted to pass on our experience with this feed.

[Tina]

Barbara,

I have just a second to post because I am at work, but wanted to let you know that the Royal Canin lowfat food that you are looking for is a prescription veterinary diet, so you won't find it in the general area at Petsmart or Petco. You need a prescription from your vet to purchase it. This is the food that my vet switched Jasper to in December after his triglycerides were so high. I am buying it from my vet for now, unless I find it somewhere with a better price.

I can't speak about "over the counter" Royal Canin foods, but the precription diets seem to be good (as good as this type of food can be, I guess). Jasper was previously on the Royan Canin Renal moderate protein restricted prescription diet for his kidney issues, and did fine on that. I did a lot of research at that time, and it seemed that at least when comparing ingredients, Royal Canin seemed superior to Science Diet.

I have some information for you about fish oil also, but will need to post more when I get home tonight. I just wanted to let you know about the food. I hope Trixie is continuing to recover and is feeling good. :)

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper

[Squirt's Mom]

...and it seemed that at least when comparing ingredients, Royal Canin seemed superior to Science Diet.

No doubt about that in my mind! :)

I fed the breed specific kind found in PetCo, not prescription. ;)

[Trixie]

Thank you Val, Tina, and Leslie for info on the Rc food.
I had a feeling it was a prescription food Tina...when I saw so many other kinds of RC at PetSmart but not the Low Fat I started to assume it was not in the commercial pet stores.

At this point do you know if it's helped lower Jasper's triglycerides yet? Trixie's been on W/D forever...it was when I found Dr. Peterson's blog entry where he specifically compared the W/D to the RC Lowfat that I decided to check it out.

Trixie has recovered fully from this awful bout of "whatever". The hospital said they suspected the pancreatitis but the borderline test and the clean pancreas made them wonder...but ultimately they "think" she probably had an attack. Now I just want to avoid this happening again...it was too scary!! I know you've gone through worse with Jasper so you know what I mean.
The other thing...there is definitely something going around with the dogs in this neighborhood! A dog was throwing up outside yesterday morning and my vet said many had been in with stomach sick dogs. In the city the buildings hose down and wash the sidewalks in front of their entrances but with the weather in the singles digits they can't clean the sidewalks properly. I clean off her feet every time we come in from outside but I'm sure germs are transmitted out there. I still wonder if Trixie got a really bad bug...the vets thought this was too bad a case to chalk it up to that.
Anyway I appreciate all your info and would love to see what you have on the fish oil. Are you using it for Jasper?
Right now Trixie gets a half plate of portion boiled chicken cutlet and half a portion of W/D. Every other morning or so I give her a spoonful of plain no fat yogurt. When she begs at the table I give her pieces of kibble..I/D Low Fat G.I. Restore. All treats are low fat...6% and under on the label. I don't know if I can go anymore lowfat than all that! I'm willing to try the RC Lowfat if it is better than W/D.

Barbara

[doxiesrock912]

Barbara,
here is a link for various reviews and information on the RC low fat food.
Be careful of the protein! Daisy can't tolerate a high protein diet. Many dogs can't. She ended up really sick and within a week, even though we changed gradually, she ended up in the ER with straight blood coming out from her rear end! It was so scary!

Before you buy it, please make sure that the protein is considerably lower than Blue Buffalo Wilderness food. That is the food that made Daisy ill and BB wouldn't acknowledge any fault.

https://www.google.com/search?q=low+fat+Royal+Canin+non+prescription+dog+ food&oq=low+fat+Royal+Canin+non+prescription+dog+food&aqs=chrome..69i57.27859j0j7&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8#q=low+fat+Royal+Canin+low+fat+dog+food

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I still think Trixie had dog flu, but I am by now means an expert just my opinion. I am glad she got out and had some fun. Tipper cannot go out when it is under 32 because of her heart. She is anxiously awaiting her walk. I think Trixie's diet right now is good, and if it were me I would not change it. Blessings
patti

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I just read so much really interesting information on the Schnauzer problem and other dogs with Trixies problem. Please go to it as it has lots of good ideas to prevent pancreatitis and I read something by Jeanne Dodds that thyroid may play a role in this. Has Trixie ever had her thyroid checked, or has it ever been low?? go tot the Whole Dog Journal on pancreatitis and read it , very interesting. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Thanks for the link Val. Trixie gets a moderate amount of protein...but not too much. The chicken I make for her and the low fat Hills W/D twice a day is her usual. I'm not doing anything until I talk to the vet about the whole issue.

Patti, I will check it out the Whole Dog Journal right now. Would love to read any ideas for avoiding pancreatic issues.
Schnauzers definitely are prone to pancreatitis and hyperlipemia, and so are Cushings dogs..so it's a bit scary. They checked her thyroid a year ago when we first tested for Cushings. It was normal.
Trixie's diet has been pretty good for her...just these occasional bouts of tummy trouble we've had and the last one before Cushings was a clostridium overgrowth...it's not like we've had them so often but this last one was terrible, much worse than anything she's ever had.
I want to test her triglycerides again. We need to be fasted for that one so I can do it first thing in the morning. The hospital may have done one too..I need to check out all the test results they sent to my vet.

Barbara

[Tina]

Hi Barbara,
Sorry I didn't get back here last night, I have way too much going on right now. I'm so happy to read that Trixie is back to her old self, that is great news. Yes, I fully understand how scary all of this has been. I fear it happening to Jasper again also.

As far as the food change, no, I don't know if the switch to RC low fat food has made a difference yet. Jasper wasn't fully transitioned to it until the beginning of January, and my vet wanted to give it a full 2 months before we re-checked the labs. So that will happen at the beginning of March. His triglycerides were the highest they have ever been last time, which was the reason for the food change. I was very concerned about the switch because he had been on the moderate protein restricted food due to kidney issues and protein in his urine. But my vet made it clear that the priority now was to treat the high triglycerides due to the risk of pancreatitis and other things.

Jasper had some problems with hyperlipidemia before he got Cushings, but the levels weren't so high. We treated him with fish oil at that time and it really helped get the triglycerides down. That was the only treatment he was on back then. After Cushings it seems like the levels got more unstable and were harder to keep under control. He had been on the fish oil also as a treatment for the proteinuria. I spite of this, his triglycerides were sky high in December, so now we have to try the low fat diet in addition. My vet said that the medication is a last resort, but that he will have to start it if this diet change in combination with the fish oil doesn't work. So I am worried about that. I have also read that the medication isn't used much, and my vet said she has only had one other dog that she has needed to use it for. :eek: :rolleyes: So I am hoping the low fat diet makes a difference.

There are tons of omega 3 fish oils out there. The one that my vet likes and uses is Welactin Natural Omega 3. It comes with a little measuring scoop and is dosed by weight. What you look for is the amt of EPA and DHA. I have read several different articles about the amt of EPA and DHA that is recommended and Welactin meets that. I know that Leslie and others recommend some other brands.

As far as Trixie, it would be important to make sure that she was fasted for the triglyceride level. Hopefully hers will be much lower since you said she had not been fasted for the last check. Unfortunately, Jasper was fasted for all of his, and the levels were way high. :( I will be interested to hear what your vet says about both the fish oil and RC low fat food. I am praying it makes a difference for Jasper. I know the fish oil was a critical part of the treatment for his proteinuria also. It is such a balancing act.

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Barbara,

I have found some good info regarding pancreatitis in this article: Diagnosing and treating pancreatitis (http://www.idexx.com/pubwebresources/pdf/en_us/smallanimal/education/diagnosing-treating-pancreatitis-roundtable.pdf)

It's a question and answer article with 5 vets, one of them is Dr. Jörg M. Steiner. Dr Steiner serves as Director of the GI Laboratory at Texas A&M University, he also helped to develop the spec PL test.

[Trixie]

Thanks Tina,
I think Trixie should definitely start on fish oil. I am going to call my vet this week and hopefully he will be able to consult with me about it. I may need to first get another blood test-fasted to check on her triglycerides number.

Lori, Thank you so much for the link. I'm half-way through reading it and it has so much good information. I really appreciate you posting it for me.

Barbara

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I noticed that Tipper has her blood work the same time as the ACTH and maybe that is why her triglycerides are higher. I need to fast her and take her separate from the ACTH testing. Hope Trixie is still doing well. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

got a few new photos of Trixie posted...she had to show off her legs!! :D :D :D

Barbara

[molly muffin]

Love the pictures Barbara. :) :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Trish]

I only have fashion comments for you today Barbara!! Flynn has Trixie's exact same sweater that she is wearing in her latest pics in the snow. I just dragged it out the cupboard and put it on him so I could take a photo, it is uploaded now, he looks none too happy about having to wear a sweater in the middle of summer even though he is inside with the air conditioning going... no comments on my lack of vacuuming, I am blaming the dog! :D:D


http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=846&pictureid=6295
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=559&pictureid=6298
There we are, they obviously have the same stylist!! :)

Hope our girl is doing ok! xxxx

[Trixie]

how funny...!!!! I posted my comments on the best photo I've ever seen!! That look that Flynn is giving you is totally priceless!!! Wait until I show my daughters, they will crack up because Trixie gives the same face when the sweater goes on!! :D Needed that chuckle after reading Addy's sad news tonight. :(
Hope you're having a good weekend!! See you on Facebook!! :)

Barbara

[Trish]

Hi Barbara, hope your weekend is going well. It was a giggle seeing that same red sweater on Miss Trixie in New York! Is she totally over her tummy upset? xx

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I am hoping that Trixie is still doing well. Have you decided on what to use for the triglycerides? I need to get Tippers down now as they went the wrong way.Grace is in her new home, and I am just really missing her. We woke up to snow! Blessings
Patti

[goldengirl88]

Hi Barbara:
Just stopping in to see how Trixie is doing? The vet said no tranquilizers for Tipper so I am going to have to do some more research and find out what will help her as spring is around the corner and she cannot handle any more storms.Have you thought of what you are going to do with Trixie? I am worried about Tipper's blood pressure causing her eyes to bleed again. I will let you know what I find out. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Hi Patti,
Trixie is doing fine, though the appetite is crazy lately. She recovered well from the very bad gastro/pancreatic attack she had 3 weeks ago. I will plan to schedule an acth for the end of March and see where we are. I wouldn't say I notice any other Cushing's symptoms. Drinking is steady...more than what she used to drink but it's pretty much the same everyday so that seems okay. No panting or restlessness but wow she wants food. She is also wanting to play all the time lately! Usually after her long walk she wants breakfast and then rests...now after she eats she is getting into mischief, taking socks or stuffed animals or anything she can find, parading by me-while I'm having my coffee- and trying to get me to chase her! She has been so puppy like lately, lots of energy. Got to think that she must feel pretty good, but I'm always worried anyway.

She also has a wart on the top of her back left paw. I didn't notice it until her feet were wet from the snow last week. When I touched it she didn't even flinch, it didn't seem to bother her in any way. Yesterday it started bleeding a tiny bit so that's when I caught her licking it. I put some polysporin on it and covered it with a small sock..she didn't care for the sock at all. Anyway, she hasn't looked at it or tried to lick it at all since I took the sock off. The vet should see it but it does look like a common dog wart. Just another thing to deal with. It will be a reason to make an appt. and then discuss the fish oil business. Just trying hard to avoid the vet since she was so stressed after the hospital and oh yeah...another vet bill right now is scary. I've also avoided the groomer...that caused the ear infection last month. It's always something isn't it?? Anyway it's too cold for her to get a clipping so she'll just be extra fuzzy for a couple more weeks.
Something strange about storms--we had thunder and lightning along with the snow during that last Nor'easter a number of days ago. Trixie did not react to it at all! I was shocked...there were two big claps of thunder and she didn't even go to the bathroom, in fact she didn't even move off the couch. Very unlike her. Maybe when her cortisol was still high last summer she reacted more to the storms? I don't know..she still goes into the bathroom when the wind howls, even if it's sunny. Can't figure it out??

Barbara

Barbara

[molly muffin]

Trixie making up for the meals she missed while sick? :) :)

I bet all that energy is from not getting her normal walks. It has to go someplace, and you are it! LOL

Molly has a couple warts on her feet. I don't think she has Really noticed them yet though, the vet said they are just warts and nothing to worry about that dogs get them just like people tend to as we age. Hoping that is all Trixies are too. Her and molly are about the same age right? Molly is 11 now.

Hmm, maybe the cortisol is just at that right spot where as long as the thunder isn't overly much and not accompanied by pounding rain, trixie is okay with it.

Ya doing good mum
hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trixie]

Sharlene...You always make me feel so much better when I'm worried! Thank you for mentioning you see some warts on Molly too. I do think it is exactly what Trixie has. It's right on top of her paw. I looked online and it matches up with what I see.... I will have the vet check it because it could be something more sinister though I don't think it is. I will have it checked out soon.
I also read warts very common with dogs of a certain age..yes, Trixie is very close in age to Molly, she'll be 10 in May.
She's definitely making up for those days of not eating. She lost about a pound or two while sick but I think some of that is back already! I am really trying to give her a little less at meals. I got her a new fleece..hoping she would tolerate it better than her coat and it's a bit tight. She's got that little belly..and in her defense she has more fur than usual right now too! :D By the way she acts neurotic with the fleece on too so no difference from the coat or the sweater but with the polar vortex back she'll be wearing it--mostly because I don't want people thinking I'm a bad mom!!! ;)

Barbara

[molly muffin]

It's so cold now I don't even see hardly anyone walking their dogs down the sidewalk. When the weather is warmer, it is a virtual highway of animals and their peoples walking them. I admit we don't go far either. :)

Yep, I had to have the vet check out molly's warts too. She has a bunch of small ones on the back of her neck and you know my first thought was, oh my god, cc!! The vet said they aren't though, so hope she is right, then I found the ones on her paw/leg and had to have it checked out to, so I totally understand the worried mom syndrome. In this case though, we've led the way for you :) So, I am betting they are the same things that molly has and nothing for you to worry about either.

Molly has a track suit that she hates much more than any coat I could put on her. LOL You know that look Flynn had in his picture with the sweater? Multiple x10 and that might be the look molly gave us when we put on that track suit. LOLOLOLOL

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
Trixie is too funny about those clothes. I just wanted to tell you the book I read, you can see in my post, says you should he giving a dog with pancreatic issues vitamin e daily 100mg. That may help her I give Tipper that every day too. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Just back from the vet with Trixie. She's fine, but I couldn't wait another day to have this growth on her paw looked at. Thought at first it was a wart, but checking it on google images it looked exactly like a Histiocytoma...which thankfully is a benign growth that tends to pop up rather quickly, and often just falls off or goes away on it's own. Of course it could be something worse and I have been worrying about it and waking up at all hours the last few nights thinking the worst. The vet had an opening today when I called so we ran over and she did a needle aspiration. Results probably back Thursday..maybe before but this vet won't be in Wed. Anyway...I am hoping it isn't anything more than what it appears to be. Trying not to obsess with worry the next few days.
Trixie lost 2 pounds the week she was sick going down to her pre-cushings weight of 14 pounds, and now the 2 pounds are back on, she weighed 16 this morning :eek:. She's not bothered by the growth and walked about a mile and a half this morning. :p

Barbara

[Budsters Mom]

Oh No Barbara, it is always something, isn't it? Let's hope it's just a little sore or scab that eventually just falls off.

It looks like our storm is headed your way wrecking havoc across the country. It brought us five days of desperately needed rain. It has flooded in many areas which is not good, but we fine here. We have excellent drainage with a storm drain out front. It is still raining now, but is supposed to stop by later this evening. I actually love the rain because it is so rare, but working when it rains sucks! Kids are stuck inside with me all day and can't get out. It is crazy! I hope you aren't pelted with too much more snow. xxxxx

[Trixie]

Thanks Kathy, yes...I saw all he terrible flooding and mud slide reports from California on the news. It's awful, the rain so badly needed but also causing so much havoc and damage! Snow here later today and tonight, may be less than first expected...we shall see!
Unfortunately Trixie definitely has this growth but most likely it is a beingn histiocytoma...but they did the needle aspiration to be sure it isn't something worse. Keeping fingers crossed for good news.

Barbara

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I am glad you got that lump looked at. You just never know with these Cush dogs. It will give you peace of mind and maybe they will remove it? They could probably do it with a local if it's small enough. Glad Trixie is walking, it is only 11 here so Tipper has to stay inside and she stuck her face all over the windows I just cleaned! She is being naughty, but that is ok it goes with her breed. We are having snow here, just lite for now. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Patti,
I'm hoping it won't have to be removed. If you google histiocytoma images, you will see what it looks like. It kind of popped up out of nowhere, which is common for these things. I know it wasn't there prior because for the weeks that we've had all the snow I wash Trixie's paws in the kitchen sink every morning after our walk...then the week before last I notice this pink bump...it's not huge, but it's not tiny. If it is this benign histiocytoma it can just go away as fast as it came out, or it can actually just fall off. We'll have to see. I'm not sure if it does need removal if it could be with only a local. There's no way I want this dog to have anesthesia. I'll know the outcome this week...just hoping it's the histio. and not anything else.

Trixie was so good at the vet...the vet stuck the needle in it twice and she barely flinched. Then we stopped at the pet supply for some things and she got a small pc. of Wellness venison chewy...when I looked at the pack it said 21% fat!!!! So I'm a little freaked by that. It was a very little piece but I hope it doesn't screw up her tummy. I am so careful about fats, I don't give anything with more than 6%. It was about 2 hours ago...she seems fine, but now I have something esle to worry about.

B.

[Harley PoMMom]

My boy, Harkey, has a very similar growth between his toes on his front leg. His IMS suggested a betadine/water soak (I think it was 1 part betadine to 10 parts warm water) then I had to dry his foot really well and put a triple antibiotic on it and cover it, this was done twice a day. Harley didn't like it too much. :(

Hoping Trixie's growth will be nothing to worry about, let us know as soon as you can and in the mean time positive energy is flying your way.

[molly muffin]

Hmmm is it red like in the pictures? Molly's is definitely more wraiths looking than that. Lori did that solution make it fall off or just shrink away?

I love that we are a fountain of information on here :)

Hang in there Barbara.
Hugs
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Trixie]

Yes Sharlene....it's pink. If you see the photo that's on the wiki page for Histiocytoma (dog) it has to be the page for the dog Histiocytoma..that is exactly what it looks like. When I first noticed it I couldn't see it all that well because of the fur on her foot...it's right on top of her foot. I clipped the fur away on Friday so I could better see it and then noticed how pink it was, that's when I didn't think it was a wart anymore.
Anyway...it has all the qualities of the Histio. and matches the description of it, so. in that case most likely a benign growth. That's what I'm going with, I have to stop worrying that it's worse than that.

Barbara

[Trixie]

Thanks Lori,
Once I know the outcome of the needle aspiration I will ask about what I can do for it, that soak sounds like a good way to keep it clean and keeping it dry is important. Hoping it will dry up and go away-as I read they often do. Just hoping I don't have to subject this dog to anymore things, like surgery!

Barbara

[Harley PoMMom]

Harley's growth did just go away, don't know if was because of the foot soak or if it just went away on its own.

[Trixie]

Lori,
I'm glad to hear that, I really hope that's what Trixie's does. The vet said these growths often just go away on their own after a few weeks or a month, though the vet did not want to commit to it actually calling it a histiocytoma until the results come back.
Everything online mentions mostly young dogs get them, but said all dogs can and dogs with immune issues commonly get them....so maybe Trixie fits into the immunity issues because of Cushings.
Just another thing to worry about.

B.

[Trish]

Hope it is nothing nasty either... Flynn had a funny spot on his paw a couple of months back, vet diagnosed it as interdigital cyst and he had antibiotics but only for a few days as they made him crook. This is what his looked like (don't worry about his nose, that had been a warty thing the vet nipped off) http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=559&pictureid=6044

But it cleared right up and can hardly see it now. Glad Trix is walking!! I notice if my boy does not get out every day for a good off leash run he gets a bit down, I think it must really affect their mood as well being cooped up, don't know how you all manage to keep their spirits up when you are stuck inside for ages with that god awful weather you have all been having. x

[goldengirl88]

Hi Barbara:
Seems the storm missed us, but it is below zero today. I think Vicki's dog Archie has some of those bumps you are talking about. Tipper has at least 7 fatty cysts on her. They used to remove them when cleaning her teeth. I am too nervous to do that now, and I don't want to start any skin issues with her. I hope you hear soon what the report says about it. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Hi Trish,
What Trixie has looks similar to Flynn's spot...hers is right on top of her paw, about a half inch from her ankle.
For the most part unless it's super cold or raining hard Trixie walks! I try and give her a really long walk every morning...if not I pay for it later. Usually we go to Central Park during the off leash hours and she does over a mile in the park. We didn't go today as it was soooo cold and she is already acting up, right now Trixie is standing here staring at the door and barking at a noise out in the hall. Probably the guys who work in the building are collecting the recycling and she is sounded off!! She doesn't get in a down mood but starts being a pest!! She really needs to burn off energy outside or else. It's going to be a long day! Maybe the temps will moderate later and we'll stay out longer..otherwise she'll go on a few extra short walks so she doesn't drive me crazy.

I hate waiting on these test results now...getting so worried and trying to keep Trixie from licking her paw. She doesn't seem bothered by it much but a few times a day she goes to lick it. I dug out some doll socks...(sometimes being a saver comes in handy!) and when she's not walking around I put one on her. Mostly she is not paying much attention to it.

Patti- I'm glad the snow missed you, it missed us as well. Just a dusting of fresh white flakes outside here on the awnings and cars...didn't stick anywhere else, but it's cold here too. Trixie has one lipoma and it actually is feels a little smaller lately unless I'm imagining that. The end of the week should not be so cold as it is now so I hope Tipper will be able to get back out for a walk then. It is so much better when these pups get some good outside time.

Barbara

[Trixie]

this link has the info and the photo of what Trixie most likely has.

http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/skin-cutaneous-histiocytoma/592

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I am hoping this growth just falls off and saves you a lot of time and trouble. That is great that Trixie is able to go to the park and run off her energy. Tipper is very naughty today from no walk. Wednesday and Thursday are to be in the 30 to 40 degree range so she can go out. Only thing is Wednesday is the dreaded ACTH. I wish there was an easier way to do this, it is so hard on these babies.I can't believe how much fat was in that treat you were talking about wow! Blessings
Patti

[doxiesrock912]

Daisy has one on her front leg. The IMS said to watch it. It's been there for months without changing. She doesn't even notice it's there.

[goldengirl88]

Hi Barbara:
Just checking in to see if you heard anything yet on Trixie's bump? It is below zero here so I know you are probably having that too. Stay warm and safe with Trixie. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Any word yet Barbara?
I do hate waiting. Gosh, how frequently we say that around here. ;) :)

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trixie]

Hi Patti and Sharlene,
The vet said she was off until Thursday and would probably have the results then. There are 3 vets there...I have seen all three over the years. The head vet is who we see mostly, he has been in charge of all the Cushings stuff. This vet has seen Trixie when I've called for quick appts...like the ear infection and this time when I wanted to come in on Sunday, she's there on the weekends.
I could probably call tomorrow and the results could be back, but she said she would call me Thursday. I suppose I should wait for her since she performed the needle aspiration. I hate waiting though. Trixie definitely has been trying to lick it. I don't think it hurts her because if I press it she doesn't react..I think it may be itchy. I have a baby sock on her foot...it works fine until she gets up and moves, then it slides off. Found some cotton dog socks online...and they'll be here Thursday. I'll do anything to avoid using the v-collars because they freak her out.
She sleeps all night though, hasn't tried to lick it over night.
It was 15 degrees this morning...she pulled me hard towards the park. I guess she was rebelling from not getting a decent walk yesterday. We did 45 minutes and then I had enough...she would have kept going. She seems to love the cold...I did make her wear the fleece though.
I'll post as soon as I have the results. When I think about "the results" I get really worried. :confused:
Thanks for checking in.
Barbara

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
Tipper loves the cold too, but since she started with this heart murmur, she cannot walk below 32 degrees. It's an shame as they are so sensitive to heat that the cold probably feels good. That is probably why she does not want to wear a coat. It seems one of us is always waiting for results for something, so I hope you get yours in the morning. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

I was just thinking, Trixie might be one of the most energetic cushing dogs we have these days on the forum. She is a little tiger for her morning walks. No meandering around for a few minutes and back inside for her. No way, she's all about getting to that park and spending the most time possible outside. I love that about her. She actually is a very inspiring little schnauzer I must say.

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trixie]

Thank you Sharlene :)...she is the energizer bunny for sure. I had an errand to do this afternoon and I didn't want to leave her here because she is licking that paw with the growth, and I don't want her messing with it, so I took her with me. She's always ready for an outing, she popped right up and was ready to go! We walked downtown almost 20 blocks and turned around for the 20 blocks back...and she was ready to keep going. The dog loves to walk. In fact it's almost time to take her out. My husband usually does this one, but I think I'll join him because I am very jumpy tonight and maybe the cold air will help.

I am so on edge about getting the results of this biopsy. Trixie was not paying much attention to her paw before Sunday when they poked it twice for the needle aspirate. I don't know...maybe it's itchy now?? It doesn't look very irritated and if I press it there's no reaction of pain, but tonight she wants at it. I have been using old doll socks to cover it and she just licks the sock until it comes off. Thankfully she's not waking up during the night because of it. All I can say is that it is driving me crazy when she goes to lick it, a constant reminder that it's there. So stressed about it, impatient for the call but also scared to get it. It's going to be a long night. :(

[molly muffin]

Deep breathes. You know what it looks like. You know this is usually benign. No borrowing trouble now. You need your rest too. Even trixie is getting sleep at night. :-). You can pick up the worry tomorrow. Tonight all is well.
Big hugs
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Tina]

Hi Barbara,
I have been reading along with the latest on Trixie, and just wanted to let you know that Jasper also has a couple of these bumps that have cropped up over the past couple of months or so. One on his back has been there for longer, maybe a few months, and it just suddenly appeared. It looks kind of like a wart, so maybe a bit different than Trixie's.

I know my vet glanced at it at one point when Jasper had something else more urgent going on, (which is usually the case). I think she said it was a papilloma (?) and didn't seem too concerned. It is more pink than red, and looks bumpy. He was groomed a couple of weeks ago, and it appears significantly larger to me now. I suppose I can see it better since his hair is shorter now. I also noticed that he now has a small one on his head too, :eek: as well as two other small bumps on his back area that look different than these but they do not seem like lipomas. I plan to take him in once my vet is back from vacation to get them all checked.

I'm sorry Trixie is licking at her foot now. I know these things are so worrisome, and I am sending the most positive thoughts that the results show that this is nothing nasty and will go away on its own. I can totally relate to all the worrying Barbara, I tend to be exactly the same way and have to work hard sometimes to reel it in. I have also sprung up in bed in a panic thinking I hear Jasper throwing up, especially over the last few months. Probably because it has happened a couple of times.

Well, it looks like Trixie and Jasper have much in common, the little Schnauzers that they are! But he is nowhere near as active as she is. That little girl really covers a lot of ground on her walks, good for her! Hang in there Barbara. I'm waiting with you for the results, and will be checking from work as I am able.

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper xo

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
Thinking of you and Trixie this morning, and hoping that you hear something early on, so you don't have to wait all day. Sending you positive thoughts and hugs to you and Trixie. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

And here I am first thing in the morning, hoping you get the results soon and was able to get some rest over night.

Let us know!

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trixie]

Sharlene, Tina and Patti---Thank you, thank you, for all that positive energy and support, I can feel it!! Was hoping to hear early on-like Sharlene mentioned- but no such luck. Just got up my nerve and called there myself. The receptionist, who now knows me and is nice to me (that took a few years) told me the vet is in surgery and I'll get a call at some point today. OH GREAT. That will probably mean waiting the majority of the day. Hoping she will get to me in between patients.
Barely slept at all...did I post that Trixie didn't bother with this thing at night??...well- I was wrong. Whenever I post something like that the next minute the opposite happens! Yeah, so she kept on trying to lick it and I kept trying to cover it up...this went on for awhile, she finally gave up and fell asleep but I was so worked up by then that sleep eluded me.
Anyway..I'll just wait and try and go on with my day. I have a loose cotton and gauze on her paw. The growth has a teeny little scab from the needle puncture and if she gets to it and licks the scab a tiny bit of blood comes and that is what I think she is constantly going after...she smells it.
Was about 15 degrees this morning but surprisingly comfortable in the sun. We walked up to the park and stayed an hour :eek:...I had on many layers thank goodness, Trixie had on her fleece. She's finally napping. Hoping to post good news later.
Thanks again for waiting it out with me!! ;)

[goldengirl88]

Wait, wait and more waiting!!!
I keep checking in to see if you posted. I prayed for Trixie to get good results so try not to worry. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

She just called. Benign Histiocytoma!! :D :D What a relief. Once I found that photo on google that's what I thought it was, but I didn't really know for sure, now I do.
She said they usually resolve on their own but the time frame for it to go away can vary...could be it's gone in a couple weeks or could be longer.
So my challenge now is to keep her from messing with it, which has proven to be very difficult. Before the needle prick the other day she paid it little attention but now she is all over it.
I have some cotton dog sox coming today...hoping I can get one on that paw and maybe it will stay on and keep her from it.
The Vet asked if I wanted a v-collar??...oh yeah..talk about stressing the dog and me too! My dog is neurotic in a coat, you should see her in a v-collar! Total freak out.
I'm so relieved right now...and also because I was sure she was going to recommend removing it, which she didn't , unless it becomes infected or ulcerated. Hoping it doesn't get to that point.
Going to take Trixie for a walk and try to lose all this nervous energy I have. Think I have to make a pitcher (a small one) of Sangria for my husband and I to have later. Don't mean to sound so dramatic about this but like many of you it seems like it's always something. Up next will be the acth..but we've got a few more weeks before that. Hopefully until then we won't have any more calamities!

[Squirt's Mom]

WOOHOO!!! :cool::cool::cool::cool:

[molly muffin]

Awesome news!!! I'm so happy the verdict is benign and letting it heal on it's own.
Sangria's all around Barbara!!! Love them!!
You'll have to share your recipe over in the human recipe thread. hehehe

hugs, enjoy your walk
Now you can really breath :)
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Harley PoMMom]

She just called. Benign Histiocytoma!! :D :D What a relief... Don't mean to sound so dramatic about this but like many of you it seems like it's always something. Up next will be the acth..but we've got a few more weeks before that. Hopefully until then we won't have any more calamities!

WooHoo!!!!!! Good news, no matter what, is always an excellent reason to celebrate!!!!!

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
We are all doing the happy dance for you and Trixie, great to hear good news!
Blessings
Patti

[doxiesrock912]

Daisy, Gracie, Annabelle Lee and I are ALL DOING THE HAPPY DANCE!
Wonderful news Barbara!!!

[Trish]

Hooray!!!! Phew!!!! Hallelujah!!!! So pleased to read this Barbara, another worry with a big fat red cross through it :D Hope it heals up quick and the wee socks keep her from worrying it, mind you I think Flynn worries things like that more when I have them covered, he would be on a mission to get that sock off :eek::D But I am sure Miss Trixie is much better behaved than him! :rolleyes:

GO Trixie! That's a good walk she did, 20 blocks there and back!! Wow she has a ton of energy that girl of yours!! xx

[Trixie]

I've been off the board a few days...my younger daughter is home for Spring Break so I've been a little busy. Today we were on a closet purge...one down and lots more to go.
Thanks for all the posts on the benign bump. It was such a relief to get good news on that.
It was so difficult keeping Trixie from licking that foot, and Trish she was not at all behaving with the sock and doing everything she could to get it off. The cotton dog socks arrived and they do not come off. Nothing she could do would dislodge that sock...so she just licked right on it!! Luckily I had 4, so when one got wet I would change it to a dry one.
Anyway...little by little she slowed up on the licking. I think it's almost disappeared now..can't tell for sure, I don't want to draw her attention to her paw by moving her fur to see how it is, but it seems the worst of the histiocytoma is over. :) When she's sleeping I'm going to try and see how it looks.
Crossing my fingers that we can avoid any vet visits until we go for the acth sometime in April. :p

Barbara

[Budsters Mom]

So glad to hear that Trixie's paw is better. :p xxxx

[Trish]

Hmmm maybe I will have to invest in some socks! Sounds like they are working well for Trixie. Gosh I thought of you when I saw on the news the buildings that exploded with gas leak in NY. Jeepers there was nothing left and I would imagine that would make all in your city a little nervous seeing something like that. The poor people caught up in it, just awful. Hope it was nowhere near you Barbara. xxx

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I cannot believe that temperature drop, we had it too. At least Trixie got to go around the block. Is she still doing well with everything? Hoping for some good weather for the doggies to walk here. How are you doing with your mom's place? Blessings
Patti

[Mel-Tia]

I thought of you too when I saw the news, so sad for the poor people involved.

Trixie is such a miss, when I read about her antics it makes me think of Tia as she would do anything to get a bandage, sock etc of when she was well. Glad to hear it's clearing up

Mel
Xxxx

[Trixie]

Patti, Mel and Trish, The gas explosion was terrible. East Harlem is not too far from me but far enough that I did not feel or hear the explosion. Of course anything involving an explosion here in NY sets off people's nerves because of 9/11.
So sad for the families of the people lost in this explosion and collapse. I'm very surprised that more people weren't killed, maybe many who lived there were already at work or on their way. The 8 people who died were all pretty young. Right now on the news they are talking to some of the families who lost someone...really heartbreaking to see their pain.

Patti, Trixie has been doing well. She got a long walk in this morning but it was still pretty cold earlier today, it's since warmed up some. Thanks for asking--I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel out at my parent's house. We've cleared out closets and cabinets, painted and cleaned up. It's looking really nice and we will list it for sale on April 1 as we have a couple more little jobs to do outdoors the next couple weeks. It's been so emotionally difficult dealing with everything, and you would think it would have gotten easier each time I was working out there but it didn't...it got harder for me. I have many things from that house here at mine now, which makes me feel good, but it all makes me miss both my parents more than ever. I have started to forget all the difficulty caring for my mother at the end..and now I really miss the time we spent together..sigh. I hope the house sells quickly...the more I'm there the sadder I feel.

Thanks for the good wishes Kathy! :D

Trish-the cotton dog socks were really amazing and they even have little rubber treads on the bottom so no slipping. I only used one on the paw with the growth. She did not like it at all but it did not come off no matter what she tried. The doll sock I was first using was a joke...she just snapped her foot back like a horse kicking and off it came. I got her a new very smart looking fleece coat. It's light but warm and I thought she wouldn't mind it so much but no, she dislikes it as much as anything I've tried. Haha...spring is almost here so I guess there won't be too many days she has to worry about wearing a coat. She still avoids coming to the door for her walk until she sees that I'm not holding a sweater or a coat! :D Time for her walk! Hope everyone has a nice weekend.

Barbara

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
You really got a lot done at your parents. I totally understand your sadness. It will be hard the day the house sells. You are a wonderful person so that is one thing from your parents that will live on thru you and your children. Tipper is so tired from walking today. What are you thinking to do about the storms this spring?? I got Tipper a day collar, we will see if it works. I tried everything else, and the vet said no tranquilizers. Hope you and Trixie had a chance to enjoy the warmer weather. Blessings
Patti

[doxiesrock912]

Barbara,

I'll be facing that day in the not too distant future and it will surely break my heart.
My niece and sister already have their hands out and I can't afford to buy out their share of the house so it will have to be sold. It's the only home I've ever known.

Flicking off the doll sock made me laugh. They're just too smart.

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I hope you and Trixie get then warm weather we are having, and Trixie gets some nice walks! Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Val, Lucky for me this is not the home I grew up in, but we have sweet memories of this house anyway because my two girls grew up going to and spending a lot of time with my parents at this house. I try to separate my parents from their things but it's very hard.. every little thing you pick up you think about. Throwing things out, donating things..it's all so hard.
I've kept so much from their house that I have to throw out stuff from my home to make room! That's okay though we need to get rid of a lot of junk from here. It's hard to face all these things, sometimes makes you want to curl up and hide under the blankets! All I can say is we have enough fine china here to have banquet and I barely entertain anymore. Guess someday I'll have to have a dinner party. :rolleyes:

Patti, It was a beautiful day and Trixie had a great time off the leash this morning. I bet Tipper was so happy to be out too! :)

Barbara

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
That is the thing I miss the most after selling my house. My whole property was fenced and Tipper would run like the wind all through it. It is cold here this morning and she ispatiently waiting to walk? That is so nice Trixie can be off leash and feel that freedom. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

I agree Patti...it is such a pleasure to watch a dog running free, across a lawn or a field...or a beach- though Trixie's never done that, all the beaches I go to around here don't allow dogs. I need to find a private beach for that, I think she would love the beach.
I took Trixie to Central Park this morning, dogs can be off leash until 9am. She doesn't get involved chasing around with other dogs like she used to and I really miss seeing her do that, but she happily runs along checking out other dogs and finds all kinds of places to sniff the news of the day. :D She has her favorite spots.
We walked to and from today too...on the weekend we take her in a cab there and walk back but today we did the full round trip, plus the walking in the park...it's about a mile and a half total..maybe a bit more. She's plenty tired tonight! It's pouring rain right now but she's not hiding under the table like she usually does...maybe she's just too tired to get up!! :p

Barbara

[Trish]

Well you should have come for a walk tonight with "Blardy Naughty Dog" aka Flynn and me up the beach. It is off leash, the little shite is feeling much better the last couple of days and off he goes bounding down to the shore. It has a large grassy area with a path that we usually walk along, well he runs and ignores me with all his sniffing about, nose constantly to the ground. We came across a small very bouncy dog on a long leash, it was so excited to see Flynn he ran around and around his owner in big circules. Every time he went around, Flynn had to jump over his leash haha. I thought Flynn took a real shine to the lady, he was boinging up and down in front of her... till it clicked in my head and I asked her if she had snacks on her. Sure enough, she had a bag full. She went to give him one but I had to stop her and tell her he has allergies LOL what a party pooper Flynn thought I was. ;) So anyway down off the grass and the path he goes, right down the beach and would he listen to me to come back, no blardy way. I had to chase the little shite down, he was stopping and biting at stuff, at least if it is fish that is his novel protein now :eek: He knows full well what "stop" and "come" means, but he gives me this devilish look and totally ignores me the little shite. But I was happy really, seeing him running and having fun with lots of energy made my day! Glad to hear Trixie enjoyed her trip out too!! xx

[goldengirl88]

Hi Barbara:
I know how scary it must be if Trixie gets any stomach issues after what you went through. I have been trying to get Tipper's triglycerides down for some time. On this blood work they came down almost in half! Now figure that one out?? I am glad, but it seems strange it would do that. We have snow this morning, hope you have better weather. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Trixie is like the energizer bunny, she just goes and goes and goes. LOL

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Tina]

Hi Barbara,
Glad to read that Trixie is feeling good and enjoying her walks and time outdoors. She is so much more active than Jasper. And yes, our babies are almost exactly the same age! I think that is cute. :) Lots of other things in common with the high triglycerides and pancreatitis too. Not wonderful I suppose, but still nice to know there are others with the same issues so we can compare notes and support each other. I have finally posted an update on Jasper, with the latest lab results. The triglycerides are still not near the normal range, but have come down significantly with the change to the low fat diet, so I am very grateful.

Thanks for your posts of support on our thread, we really appreciate it. I don't always get a chance to post as much as I would like, but I always read along on Trixie's thread.

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper

[Trixie]

She is like the energizer bunny Sharlene...too bad I don't always have the energy to keep up with her!! It's always to my benefit that she gets that big long walk in the morning, it makes my day so much easier!!

Awww Thanks Tina! Same goes to you for following our thread.
Speaking of schnauzers have you heard about the book "Following Atticus"?? It's about a guy and his schnauzer becoming mountain climbers. I haven't read the book but I'm following his Facebook page and blog. He has two schnauzers, Atticus and Will. Will was adopted at an old age and is blind. I have really enjoyed seeing his photos and FB page. His schnauzers are cute and both have gone through serious health challenges. If you google Following Atticus all the links come up for his sites, you'd probably enjoy seeing it.

Barbara

[goldengirl88]

Hi Barbara:
I was wondering if you got the snow last nite? We woke up to freezing temperatures and about two inches on the ground. It will be a brisk day if Trixie goes walking. It is too cold for Tipper to go? I am getting increasingly worried about these tremors. They have gotten so bad it involves her whole body. Well now I have another cat to find a home for!! Stay warm with Trixie. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Hi Patti,
No snow...some flurries when I looked out the window at 11pm last night. It is so cold today though because it is very windy. We left for our walk a little later this morning and Trixie pulled me towards the park. Today I just couldn't do it! I woke with a headache and even though I bundled up the wind was too much for me. Trixie, however was ready to go, the wind didn't bother her a bit! I took her on some blocks that are not our usual so she enjoyed some new scents to sniff. I could only do a half hour so when we got home I let her have a big brown paper bag...her favorite indoor activity, tearing up a bag.
She shakes it until it breaks apart then she holds the pieces with her paw and rips it to shreds!! She's pretty vicious with it and it uses up some of her excess energy. As soon as I go to the pantry where I keep bags she starts barking and getting all worked up...it's quite a show! :eek:
Sorry to hear about Tipper's tremors. I hope you can place Delora's cat with someone who needs a warm cuddly friend.

Barbara

[Trixie]

For the first time my shipment of Vetoryl from Lambert is not arriving in time. :mad: Looks like the fault lies with the post office not Lambert, USPS last scanned the package on Mar.20th so maybe they lost it, because so far I have zero answers on where it is. So maddening because the post office customer service is not the best, and that's saying it kindly. I actually held on the phone for almost an hour only to have someone just repeat the tracking info to me that I was looking at on my own computer screen-duh. They were supposed to investigate and call me back...are you surprised that they haven't called!? :mad:
It is next to impossible even getting thru the robo voice to actually speak to a person! UGH! :mad:
Lambert is investigating on their end but their computers are down. I'll be forced to buy a box from my vet today, and pay too much for it, but no choice as I only have enough to get through tomorrow. At least my vet has a box of 10mgs for me.
If only I could get up the nerve to switch to 14mg Trilostane from Diamondback, instead of the brand/compound blend I'm doing. I'm still afraid to change what's working so well but it would certainly be easier and cheaper to get one prescription from one place. :confused: Maybe the next time I have to order I will try. :confused: :confused:

Barbara

[Trish]

Blasted drug companies... that service sucks!! Shame you will have to open the wallet for the more expensive version :mad:

LOL at our little lady Trixie viciously ripping up the bags... I kind of imagine Flynny in the wild with some sort of pretty when he takes to his toys with such gusto!! Some instincts stay with them eh!

Hope your headache has gone by now and your feeling ship shape for the weekend! I am off to have one of those tasty hot jam doughnuts at the lovely café in town with a friend this morning, that should perk me up and stop me worrying about liver levels!!!! xxxx

[goldengirl88]

Hi Barbara:
I just saw the weather report saying tomorrow we will get hail, wind and heavy accumulating snow. I am wondering if you will get any? Tipper had 2 walks today, and seems more tired than usual. This disease makes you so jumpy, every time she she does something different I worry. Hope Trixie is still doing well. When is the next time she gets the triglycerides checked? I guess this will be the first storm of spring. Blessings
Patti

[doxiesrock912]

Barbara,
we've had no problem with the Trilostane from Diamonback. In fact, Daisy's IMS used them when she lived in CA.

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
Just my own opinion, but I would not change Tipper from the brand name even if it was cheaper. She is also on the combo with some from Diamondback and some Vetoryl. I would do all Vetoryl if I could. You know what you are getting with the brand name, with the compound several studies have been done on them and the do have many variances in them. I need to know as closely as possible how much of this she is getting, so I will always make the brand name the majority of what she gets, if not the whole thing. Tipper changes dosages so much right now I have to use a compound as part of her dosage. Hope Trixie gets a good walk in today as they we are in for miserable weather, but maybe you are not in that forecast?? Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Hi Barbara! Poop :mad: about the meds not coming. Hopefully they'll show up soon, even if you have to buy a supplemental box from the vet.

I too rather like the idea of going with vetroyl and diamondback/trilostane to make up the odd number difference. It seems to work out pretty well for those who do that.

I was thinking about the brown bag thing where Trixie just tears it to pieces. I wish we had brown bag's here sometimes (we only have either plastic or the recyclable carriers that you reuse). I think Molly would have a blast with a couple brown bags to tear up. She sure does go nuts with a papertowel. She'll exhaust herself tearing it to bits, then attacking and throwing the bits all over the house. Funniest thing in the world.

Hope you are having a good weekend. :cool:

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Renee]

I've run out before too, and had to pay double at the vets. :( It's so frustrating. What I don't understand is why the vets charge so much? I know they need to make money, but they lose money by charging so much in the first place and making us go elsewhere??

I have been able to stick 100% with vetoryl and I am very grateful. I know people have success with the compounded version, but I have avoided it due to the studies that show inconsistencies. I agree with Sharlene and Patti - a combination of brandname and compounded seems the best solution when you need those in between dosing amounts.

[Trixie]

Yep, Patti, Sharlene & Renee...think I'm staying with the brand name 10mg for now and my 4mgs Trilo from Diamondback. Just don't want to rock the boat and change any of our good fortune just now.
So frustrating yesterday...the US Post Office has been a pain because you cannot easily talk to a person and when you do they just look at the same tracking info that I can see myself online and then Lambert's computers were down all day yesterday so they couldn't help either..right now the case of the lost Vetoryl is not yet solved, I'll have to be back on it Monday. I have 15 days of capsules so I need to get this resolved asap.

We were able to get a really long walk in before the rain started..and then after breakfast on the spur of the moment I called the groomer and they had room to take Trixie. Poor girl...she put the brakes on when she realized where we were going! :eek: She really needed a grooming badly though! She was so overgrown...I had been putting it off because of the cold weather and also trying to let her front legs grow in from the shaving they got for her IVs in the hospital. This is the longest she's gone without a cut..can't wait to have her all cleaned up!
Hope everyone is having a nice weekend. ::)

[Trixie]

Trixie was completely stressed out going to the groomer but it was over in a couple hours and she was back home.
I posted before and after pics...but they are actually posted after and before. :)

Pouring rain here and supposed to be tomorrow too. Trixie will be tearing up some bags tomorrow as it seems like a long walk won't be happening. You're right Sharlene, it's not easy to come by old fashioned brown paper bags. All the grocery stores around here deliver to the house and when they do it's in sturdy brown bags so I get them then and my neighbors put them out in the recycle bin so I take those for Trixie too! I bet everyone wonders why they appear back in the bin all shredded up :D :D One of these days I'll get a video of Trixie as a 4 legged paper shredder!! ;)

Barbara

[doxiesrock912]

Barbara,
next time I clean out the receipts and coupons from my purse, I'll send them to Trixie :)

Daisy will shred napkins, paper towels, scrap paper...anything that you drop she'll tear it to itty bitty pieces too. When I leave the house, I make sure that the low waste baskets don't have any paper goods in them!

They all have their quirks I guess.

[Trixie]

so funny Val. Trixie too...any paper will do but she loves the big heavy bags..goes ballistic shaking them apart and shredding them up! :D

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I think we have all run out and had to pay the outrageous price for a box at the vets. I used to buy several boxes, but since Tipper is up and down all the time I don't want stuck with any more boxes that may not may not get used. It is like a veterinary pharmacy here. We have 5 inches of snow, on top off an all day rain. Did you get the snow? Hope Trixie can walk today. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

No snow Patti, just a lot of rain..I heard maybe a little bit tomorrow morning.

So out of the blue Trixie just threw up. She was out this morning for a walk, plenty of energy, hungry as usual...poops fine. Last ate at 10am and just threw up most of that breakfast and last night's Denamarin (partially digested) now at 1:30pm.
Now my stomach is in knots....I'm sitting here watching her like a hawk...I'm so worried if something starts up with her again. Her demeanor seems okay...but I'm practically shaking. Don't even know what I can do now other than no food for a number of hours to give her system a break. Just put my ear to her belly and I hear some gurgling...I've heard it worse, but this is making me nervous.
Guess I will sit here and keep my eye on her. Hoping this is not a major attack. :(

Barbara

[Budsters Mom]

Breathe Barbara. It's possible that Trixie picked up something that upset her stomach on her walk, that she thought was delicious. Let's home her vomiting is a one time thing. Poor Trixie. Xxxxx

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
So sorry to hear this . Trixie and you do not need any more problems. I know the feeling of the knot in your stomach. I am hoping this is a one time thing, and that she won't have any more issues with the vomiting. Gheez that Denamarin from last nite was not digested?? Dogs digest things quicker than people so that is perplexing. Do you think those pills sitting in her stomach all nite could be the cause? It could cause gastric upset and the gurgling you heard. Maybe she should get them earlier in the day??? Just reaching for reasons! I hate that you hate that you are so worried, I know that feeling well. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Oh dear Barbara. Like Kathy said, deep breaths. We're right here with you.
Hopefully it's a one off and withholding food and then doing some mushy rice and plain chicken will do the treat for a bit. Settle her tummy down.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trixie]

I wanted to test out how she was feeling so offered going out for a walk and she popped right off the couch and headed to the door. While out she did have some poops that were not so good, a tiny bit of watery blood...very miniscule but I noticed it, here in the city I have to pick it up, so I examined it carefully in the bag...anyway then she strained a couple times to go more but nothing came out.
I just gave her a metronidazole which always helps this type of thing. I am more and more convinced that Trixie has IBS. My husband said this morning she had a very big poop..he took her out for the long walk. Anyway...she's here staring at my daughter who is eating a snack. So she's hungry...but she's not getting anything. If she doesn't vomit again I'll give her only white rice for supper tonight. She just drank some water which maybe I should have taken away for a bit.
She seems energized and just barked for awhile at someone out in the foyer of our floor ...of course I'm looking for good signs here...at least she is not in pain or acting sick. Crossing my fingers that I got ahead of this-whatever it is.

[Harley PoMMom]

When Trixie has these tummy episodes I'm wondering if slippery elm bark would help settle her stomach. I found this written regarding SEB:
It coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. It also contains antioxidants that help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions. Slippery elm also causes reflux stimulation of nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract leading to increased mucus secretion. The increased mucus production may protect the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers and excess acidity.



Slippery elm (http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/slippery-elm/)

Sending huge loving hugs to you both, Lori

[doxiesrock912]

Barbara,

I was having similar issues with Daisy and the IMS prescribed 1/8th teaspoon of Tylosin (Tylan) powder sprinkled on her food twice a day. That stopped the loose poops and diarrhea. It might be worth asking Trixie's vet about/

[Trixie]

Thanks Lori, I do think I should have slippery elm on hand, and Val, Trixie was on Tylan a couple years ago when she had a bacterial (clostridium) overgrowth..it worked great for her.
These episodes are not constant but it seems we go for a number of weeks with perfect poops and everything good...and then we get a bout of something. Last night I did hear gurgling noises from her...before we got the Cushings diagnosis I was hearing that a lot...and it was loud. Then after being on medication her gastro system was great for so many months the most time she went without any kind of issue. Maybe a couple instances of one soft poops here and there, nothing serious until Feb. when we had the really bad attack.
Since recovering from last month she's been fine. I switched to making her chicken breast..no fat and a little bit of the w/d canned food. She also gets a small amount of i/d gastro restore kibble. I really need to have a consult with the vet about all this and how it ties together.
I don't know if she has IBS, IBD, pancreatic issues...or both or all or none...but something must cause this to happen intermittently as it does.
I'm just so glad we had no more vomiting today. My husband and I just took her out and thankfully no poops...which is good. I figured since I gave her a metronidazole she wouldn't poop. Maybe she needs to be on Tylan again...I don't know. I'm just so nervous, I don't want this to escalate into something worse. I know I'm going to be checking on her all night. She's hungry and looking for food. I guess I'll give her some white rice and hope it stays down. She's not acting sick, so I suppose that's good. It would be so nice to not feel worried all the time.

Barbara

[doxiesrock912]

Barbara,
the IMS said that Tylan can be used in small doses indefinitely.

[Trixie]

thanks Val, I'm going to ask about maybe using Tylan again.

She did not throw up again and acted normally the rest of the day. She had rice for supper and no problems. I'm going to give her another dose of metronidazole at midnight. Still wishing I knew what it was all about today. :confused:

Patti-Forgot to mention about the Denamarin. I give it at night because it's supposed to be given on an empty stomach and they suggest at night..it's a big solid pill. I think it takes a long time to break down, it's also got a turquoise shell like coating and that's what came up when she got sick, pretty much just the shell coating. The only time Trixie has a mostly empty stomach is at night so that's when she gets it, though tonight I'm going to skip it.

[Tina]

Barbara,
I'm so sorry to read that Trixie has had an upset tummy, but very glad to read that she hasn't vomited any more. It is so worrisome when they throw up like that, especially when they have had pancreatitis before. It starts the panic immediately. Jasper has done that on two occasions since his last pancreatitis/Addison's episode, thankfully he just threw up once each time. I was scared both times because he doesn't typically just throw up. And of course it seems to often happen in the middle of the night or when the vet is not open. :rolleyes:

One of those times, the shell of the Denamarin from the night before came up too, and it was the next evening. I was shocked it was still intact that much later. Just like Trixie, all that was left was the shell. That pill is so big, and that blue coating is kind of plastic like so I think it doesn't break down very easily. The milk thistle and SAMe are somewhat unstable, I think that is why the coating is the way it is. I give Jasper's late at night also, in fact since I am always up with him during the night (like now), I give it after his middle of the night potty break.

I hope Trixie has had a good night and her tummy has settled, and that you were able to get some sleep. I know the worrying takes its toll.

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper

[Trixie]

Hi Tina,
Jasper and Trixie are so much alike. Yes...I was in a total panic yesterday, it's such an awful feeling. All I could think of was how sick she was last time and thought we might be facing that again, couldn't be happier that we didn't, but something was up with her when she had the bad poops, just glad it didn't grow into something worse.
Isn't it weird about that Denamarin coating! I have to say it's crossed my mind many times that the pill is a crazy bright turquoise color..there must be a reason why it's that color..which is clearly not natural.
Over night she was fine though I was on edge and stayed up late, waiting for the other shoe to drop, but thankfully it didn't. She woke up hungry and ready to go. It was a raw rainy morning here and Trixie still tried to pull me towards the park, but forget it in this nasty weather...I have limits even though she doesn't! At least I can judge by her energy level that she's feeling okay today.
I stayed with chicken and rice this morning even though she seems fine. No poops though, which I expected. Hopefully the rest of the day will be uneventful! :rolleyes: I hope Jasper is feeling fine, and Shelby too!

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
Do you know if Medicare pays for someone to care for Delora in her home if she only has 6 months to live? That is my understanding that they will. I just got back from seeing her. This is making her decline rapidly, she is crying and wants to go home. She looks awful, and this nursing home is horrible, I wouldn't put a critter there even. Thanks
Patti

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
Thank you so much for the help. How is Trixie today? Did you end up giving her anything? Did you talk to the vet about it yet? Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

thanks for asking Patti...she's fine today. No problems. I have given her metronidazole yesterday and today...it always works. I'm still just feeding rice and chicken. I think she senses the weather got really nice and she's looking at me with that "let's go" look. So I'm running to do one errand and then I'll take her on a nice walk by the river.
Monday is a day I can not reach the vet for a phone consult...I'll try, it will probably take making an appt. Meanwhile I still never got the meds from Lambert...they are very, very nice but the shipping person has not heard from their postal contact yet...and I'm getting a bit annoyed. Sue who has been helping me thinks it never really left the warehouse properly even though there's USPS tracking number. Also they shipped First Class Mail and not Priority...which was wrong too. I hope they will deal with this the right way. They are already saying I need a new prescript...I'm not happy about it all. If they have no answers for me tomorrow I'm going to be really angry. :mad:

[molly muffin]

Happy to hear that Trixie is better. It must have been a one off, but I know how scary it is when they do that vomit thing.

That is very aggravating about the medication. Why do you need a new script? sheezzz are they going to resend out a shipment priority if you don't get it today? That just doesn't sound very good to me, if they aren't consistent. Although I know you have used them for a long time now, still.... I'd be p/o'd too.

huggers to you and belly rubs for Trixie
Sharlene and molly muffin

[goldengirl88]

Hi Barbara:
Hope all is well with you and Trixie. I don't think there is any hope for Delora. Her son will not spend any money on her and is in fact probably vacationing on her money as we speak. Tipper walked twice and we are real dreary here and ready for rain. Toby is much better this morning. I cannot wait until her gets clipped as I cannot stand a dog needing a bath, or being messy. If they are in my house I want them clean! You are probably going to get this rain too. It's a shame as it is supposed to go to 66. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Hi Patti...I'm with you on the clean and groomed dog. As cute as Trixie looked all fuzzy (like a bear cub!) it was time for a clip. She needed all that fur when it was so cold, especially as she doesn't like any of her winter outwear! :D I posted her before and after photos..she's all shaved off!
No rain here today it is beautiful, warm and sunny! We went to Central Park at 8am. She couldn't wait to get there...if I had been wearing roller skates I could've sailed right across town. She was pulling me like crazy!
There were actually crocus coming up and many daffodil leaves popping out of the soil. I wonder if winter is really over. When I had my first apt. here in the city we actually had a huge blizzard in the middle of April!! I think the snow is over for this year though...:D
Glad Toby is feeling better today..sorry you're getting some April showers. Sad about Delora, her son is a real stinker!!

Barbara

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
We are still waiting for the rain, it has not come yet and the sun is out. It keeps getting really sunny then dark so I don't think it is far off. Tipper is all cleaned up and she smells so good. One thing about her she never has doggy odor. She always has a nice sweet smell about her. Toby is all happy and back in the groove. I bet Trixie is loving this weather ! Tipper had 4 walks today, and she is passed out on my bed. I like all the seasons too, but this winter was rough. Blessings
Patti

[Trish]

Gosh I missed a little tummy flare for Trixie :eek: so pleased it did not amount to anything worse than it did. Gawd they are a worry when they start that sort of thing, so hard to know what causes them to flare occasionally, sounds like it might have been something she ate! Everytime I see Flynn grab at something I try get it but boy is he fast, if Trixie is anything like Flynn when he is off leash and tearing about he has his nose to ground, sniffing the whole time... so if he finds something then there is no catching him. He picked up an old bone on the beach the other day, I casually tried to get it off him, but as soon as I got within arms length the little bugger would jump up and run another few metres down the beach with it in his mouth then chomp chomp chomp! :eek: I'm off to see the photo's!! Hope your week is going well Barbara and Trixie is enjoying herself!! xx

[doxiesrock912]

Barbara,
Happy that Trixie's tummy has settled. I can't believe the mixup with the meds! That's ridiculous.

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I think you should not have to pay for this shipment of Vetoryl. Has it even come yet? I try to keep an extra box in the event something happens, but it is so darn expensive sometimes that is not possible. When Diamondback messed up and sent me two shipments of the same order, I talked to the pharmacist, and she did not charge me for their mistake. We are waiting for the storm with the damaging winds, and praying Tipper makes it thru ok. Hope it does not affect you as I know Trixie gets upset too. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

It did not come yet. Since it was scanned at the post office and went from one station to another Lambert will not take responsibility. It shows a scan on March 20th in Wichita,Kansas and that's the last time the package was accounted for. So frustrating. I did finally get decent help calling the USPS customer service now that I know how to circumvent the robot voice...still had to hold forever though. The woman put all kinds of notices about the lost shpmt but who knows where it is. She says it will probably be found and show up at some point, when, is anyone's guess. If it doesn't come in the next couple of weeks I will have to file a domestic claim. In the meantime I had to have the vet give me another script and hopefully tomorrow Lambert will mail out another shipment. I did hope for a little more help from Lambert than I received, though as always they have been very nice.
They don't send Priority mail anymore unless requested so there was no insurance on the lost shipment! UGH..it has me so mad and all the stupid time wasted on the phone is annoying. I have to remind myself there are worse things that can happen, so I try to be positive that it will either show up or I will get reimbursed from the USPS.
Also-I did get one box of 30 (15 day supply) from my vet and so now when my new shpmt gets here I will be all off count with the 4mgs Trilos I have from Diamondback to make up the dose. The whole thing is a mess. I wish I had a crystal ball so I could see if switching to 14mg caps of Trilo would keep everything just as is.
It's such a pain and more money ordering from 2 places. Things are going so well though..I just don't want to change it up and be sorry.
We are due for an acth in May..so after I see her numbers I'll make a decision about the medication.

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I know where you are coming from as you don't want to ruin a good thing. I will keep Tipper on the Vetoryl as I am not convinced thee trilostane will produce the same results and she does get strong symptoms and get out of whack. The storm missed us yesterday and is due this afternoon again. I have already given Tipper Melatonin and ready to put her collar on. I like the spring but because of Tipper the storms are very stressful with worry about her blood pressure. I hope your Vetoryl shows up without having to file a claim, that is a pain in the butt. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Gosh, this sure has turned into a royal pain with the medication. :( I hate the postal service sometimes in both our countries. Just drives me crazy when they lose something and then you have to spend all that time finding it etc. Last time it happened to us at Christmas and it was with FedEx of all things. Arggghh

I hope this is resolved quickly as it's just one of those aggravations no one needs in their lives.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trixie]

It was a year ago (last Saturday) that I first posted here on the forum. :p :p
I suppose it's time to change my thread title because "almost diagnosed" is pretty dated by now. Maybe it should read...schnauzer being treated with vetoryl. I don't know, is that good? Something like that maybe??

Anyway, a big thank you to everyone for getting us through this year! :p Knowing I had so many great people here helping out made a huge difference for me..so much support was available at all hours and boy, did I need it. I was so worried and nervous..all you regular posters-you know who you are ;) provided so much experience and information and that helped me understand so much more about this disease and it's treatment.

I so appreciate all who take the time to man the ship here..you make a difference for many! :)
It took awhile for Trixie to improve...and I don't want to jinx anything, but Trixie is doing so well. ;) knock wood. ;) I'm still surprised everyday when I see she drinks a normal amount of water!! She no longer needs to use the puppy pads, no more bloated belly, even her lipoma is shrinking...she's so much better and I'm so thankful.

Of course I know things can change at any time, so I'll keep measuring her water and watch her for any symptoms. We'll do an acth in a few weeks and see where she is.
Thanks again everyone!! :D :D :D :D xo

Barbara

[labblab]

Barbara, I think your new thread title suggestion sounds great, so I've gone ahead and made the change for you. ;) :)

It has been our pleasure to embrace you girls as members of our family, and we thank you so much for all the care and support that you share with us all. It is such a gift that you give in return.

Best wishes to you and your sweet girl!!
Marianne

[addy]

Happy Aniversary:D:D:D:D

As Marianne already said, we thank you for all the time you give as well.

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
Happy anniversary to you and Trixie. Time sure flies doesn't it? I am glad Trixie is doing well, and has had very little bumps in the road.I am sure you will both be on here for your second anniversary and more. We all play a part on here and you have always done your share to pay it forward. It is always great to log on and see what is going on in New York too! Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Wow, it's been a year already!!! Where does the time go????

Happy Anniversary to our little energizer Trixie and her wonderful mom! (that would be you :) )

I love the new title of the thread. I'm just going to have to get use to seeing it and immediately knowing it is you. hahahah pfft edit that remark Trixie's name is in the thread! I'll Know!!!! LOL

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Harley PoMMom]

I can't believe a year has passed either, OH MY does time fly!! Barbara, you are doing such a wonderful job with sweet Trixie, I am so very proud of you, you have been and continue to be Trixie's best advocate.

Love and hugs, Lori

[Budsters Mom]

Congratulations Barbara and happy anniversary Trixie! A year is a big deal! I hope you realize that. This is coming from someone who didn't make it a year. I am thrilled that Trixie continues to do well. She just keeps going and going and going! Love it! xxxxx

[doxiesrock912]

Congratulations Barbara and Trixie!!!

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
The sun is out and Tipper has already walked once. Hope you have this weather as it is to be in the 50s. Today is the dreaded test day! Blessings
Patti

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
The dreaded testing is over, and Tipper has already walked this morning. I am trying to get my spring cleaning started, which is usually done by now!! I just do not have the energy for some reason. Hope Trixie has a good walk in the park today as I think you are to have good weather also. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Thanks to all for the nice sentiments. I've been off the board a few days...just busy spending time outside enjoying spring with Trixie and getting my parents house ready to be listed for sale. Besides cleaning out stuff and furniture we've had some work done to spruce things up, so I've been back and forth checking on things. Meanwhile I've so many things I've taken from that house that now I need to get rid of some of my own stuff!!
Hoping it gets sold quickly, it's been emotional and sometimes hard to deal with so I'm ready to close the chapter and say goodbye to the house. I didn't grow up in that house but it still holds great memories of the last 30 years.

It's up in the 70's already...a beautiful day but hoping it can stay Spring for awhile before jumping right into the summer temps...wouldn't mind a few more weeks in the low 60's, but I won't complain until we hit 90!
:D :D :D

Barbara

[molly muffin]

It is lovely right now isn't it! I have tried to be out as much as possible. The yard is cleaned up, although I admit to not doing most of the work. LOL I still need to cut some branches off some bushes, but I saw it might get cold again this week dropping into the below freezing range, so I should wait for another weekend probably. Oh good, get some play time!! LOL

I'm sure that it is emotional clearing the house out, getting ready to list. *sigh* It's never easy and such a great relief when it is over.

I bet Trixie is enjoying the park now and the great weather too. Nothing like the park in the city.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trish]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BARBARA AND TRIXIE!!



What a fantastic achievement for you both, you are awesome and I am pretty sure new people to the forum can read threads like yours and sigh with relief that managing this condition can be done and their baby can truly live that dogworthy life!!! Well done YOU!! xxxxxx

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I hope you and Trixie are enjoying the warmer weather and sunshine. I know how emotional it will be when you list and then sell your parents home. It will put some closure to that chapter of your life as you said. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Never too long before we have a little more drama here. Trixie has been doing very well and then all of a sudden in the evening yesterday she started to limp. :eek: We could not even tell which leg was the problem. I checked out each leg, each paw, all the toes and pads. She definitely had some cracks on the pads but when I touched them she didn't seem to mind. I could not sleep all night I was so worried about her.
Anyway we did want to walk her much this morning as she was still limping when we got up, but she had to go out and do her business. Once outside she kind of perked up and walked pretty normally so we felt so much better. That is until just a little later back inside she was obviously not walking well and limped again. :confused: :confused: Still seemed okay otherwise, good appetite etc...
Off to the vet we went...and it was so great because my favorite vet was there and we hadn't see her since before Cushings. Head guy wanted to handle the Cushings, and then all other visits we just never synced with her. She did a thorough check of everything and nothing seemed amiss. No foreign objects in her feet, no swelling, no bad pain when the vet manipulated her in various ways.
She said most likely she strained, twisted it or sprained her front right leg. Maybe jumping off the couch and landing on it the wrong way? Who knows. Also we walked a long time yesterday by the river and used a stairway to get up to the esplanade and it's about 3 stories of steps...not too steep but maybe she pulled a muscle coming up the steps?? :confused:
For now she is too just rest it and we are trying to keep her from jumping, and no long walks until she seems better-she's not going to be happy about that! :(
Just now we were outside (bathrm break) and she right away started to walk better but inside she limps again...vet said that's very normal, she's distracted outside and interesting in walking. Hoping in a few days it gets better...she's seems down when she's inside.
Never a dull moment. I am so exhausted from worrying all night long...I know that feeling is not uncommon here on the forum!
My fav vet was so great...spending tons of time with us...she also had two vet students in our appt. We discussed the fish oil caps and she prescribed a bottle that she likes so I have those and she gave me a refill of metronidazole which I like to have on hand for any bad gastro episodes...it works so well for Trixie if she has a bad stomach.
Not so sure the other vets would have given me the metro..I was so thankful we got to see her today.

All in all I wish Trixie didn't have a limp...but glad we had a good appt and it looks like there's nothing seriously wrong with Trixie's leg.

I hope everyone has a nice Easter weekend. Chilly here but pretty out, I don't mind the cooler temps Trixie seems more comfortable when it's in the 50-60s. ;)

Barbara

[Trish]

Hi Barbara

Little minx worrying you like this, if she had done serious damage I would not think she would be not limping once outside, like if her knee was gone or something like that. I bet she has done exactly what you said, given it a little tweak and only thinks about it when she has nothing else to occupy her thoughts, like a run outside, trot by the river, rolling n the grass at the park!! That girl lives such a fun life, I agree bit of rest and I bet she is right as rain. Shame anti inflammatories are not that good for cush pups as that would help settle it down.

Awww your lovely vet sounds great, it is always good to stock up on those kind of things, gosh Flynn's section of the medicine cabinet is bigger than mine with all the bits and pieces I have collected over the last 2 1/3 yrs since he first got sick! Really should go through it, must be a few expired!

Chilly here too, bah humbug. I am off to a 21st today and it is BBQ outside so will have to wrap up warm! xx

[addy]

Hopefully it is just a twist and will be just fine. I remember when Zoe sprained her toe, was milping around the house, took her to the vet, she refused to limp, was fine, brought home, limped away:rolleyes:

It was a sprained toe that came and went and then got better.:)

Is there an Easter parade down Fifth? Are you going and wearing a bonnet?:D:D:D:D

[Trixie]

Hi Trish and Addy, :) Thanks for posting. :)
Glad to hear Zoe had a similar limping experience and healed up okay. Oh..I worried like crazy overnight and I was up lying next to her massaging her leg at 3am...but I thought it was the back leg which was bothering her and it turned out it was the front leg. :rolleyes: so...haha she was probably thinking it was a nice massage but in the wrong place. I wish I could control the panic I feel when this stuff happens...I try but the worries always get the better of me, especially in the wee hours...

Funny about the Easter "Parade" Addy, it is really just people in an unorganized stroll down Fifth Avenue...we have usually been someplace else on Easter Sunday...at my aunts house many years ago and then the last 10 years or so out at my mother's house so we've never been over on 5th for the promenade. It would actually be fun to check it out, if only to see everyone's costumes and hats. Years ago people would come in their actual Easter finery after church but now many people wear costumes and make crazy hats...really big and decorated...they try to out do one another so they can get on the news. Some people make pretty ones though with real flowers and ribbons and are wearing nice Easter outfits.

Trish-the vet mentioned the same as you...an anti-inflammatory would help but like you said- not for Cushings dog like Trixie, but she was pretty sure this should be better in a couple days and I hope it is~!

Barbara

[goldengirl88]

Hi Barbara:
I know how you worry about Trixie, and I am glad the vet took a look and that it is nothing serious. The first thing I thought of when you said she hurt her leg was a ligament tear. It is the front one though right? She sure knows how to keep her mom on her toes! Hoping you and your family have a blessed Easter.
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

A friend brought one of her pups by last year because she was limping weird. On the concrete or floors inside she didn't limp at all, would run and jump like normal. But put her on the ground and she pulled up lame on her right front leg. Turned out Maggie had broken a toe somehow and the uneven ground hurt!

[Trixie]

Hi Patti & Leslie,
Well, Trixie is doing fine this morning. She was such a mopey girl yesterday and was still limping when we went into bed last night. While she was laying here last night I held a warm compress on her leg and shoulder..still don't really know where the pain was coming from. After a little bit she kind of got up and moved 6 inches away from me...guess she did not really appreciate the warm compress treatment.

The good news is that this morning she was much better, the limp was barely noticeable. We had to get her to the park for some outside time but we were careful to keep the walk short. She's not limping anymore and enjoyed being outside.
It's a beautiful day and we're headed to the Botanical Garden for the Orchid Show. Wish we could bring Trixie because the grounds and gardens there are so gorgeous there but of course-no dogs allowed there which I understand. :(. Trixie will stay here and nap I guess, but we'll make it up to her tomorrow with a longer time in the park.
Hope everyone has a nice Easter weekend. :)

Barbara

[molly muffin]

Ohh, the Botanical show sounds wonderful. Glad you got into see your fav vet. That always help to alleviate some of the worry when you can have a pro tell you that it should be okay. The compresses probably helped too, even if she wasn't a huge fan of them.

I massage Molly's legs too when they bother her. It's usually her back ones, but I go through and do them all and do her back too. She seems to think this is a really good thing. LOL

The parade down 5th sounds like it would be a lot of fun to see. I love to see what people come up with for these things.

hugs, have a great Easter
Sharlene and molly muffin

[addy]

So glad Trixie is better. The Fifth Avenue party sounds so fun, and the orchid show really great. I did not know that the Easter parade had turned into that event. I just remember it from the old movies.

When we used to visit hubby's home town more often, it was funny because I saw things in such a different light than he did. After a few of our joint visits, he started to appreciate NY more. I think living there and growing up there, he took it for granted. When you post, it always sounds like you really enjoy living there. I thnk that is pretty cool.:):):)

Have a wonderful weekend and good luck with the house.:)

[Tina]

Hi Barbara,
Getting caught up on Trixie and so glad her leg is better today. That is so scary when they suddenly start limping and you don't know what happened. I know this will not surprise you, but a few weeks ago I had a scare with Jasper like that. I was in another room and actually heard him cry out, which he never does. I went running and he was holding up one of his front legs and wouldn't bear any weight. This is the first time he has ever done this, of course. I have no idea what he did but I nearly panicked. All I could think about was what now, and what if he tore something.

I checked it over real good, and it didn't seem painful to touch, and after about an hour he seemed much better and by that night pretty much normal. Still don't know what happened, but it scared the daylights out of me for sure. He and Shelby play rough quite a bit, and now since then I am so paranoid, I make them stop.

How was the orchid show? I bet it was beautiful. I hope you, Trixie and your family have a nice Easter!

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper

[Trixie]

The Orchid show at the Botanical Garden was a-mazing!! You would not believe the thousands of blossoms..it was so beautiful and I'm glad we went. The outdoor areas were also spectacular between the flowering trees and the daffodils..it was just gorgeous there.
:(
However....we came home to a huge pool of vomit and another area of vomit which I'm pretty sure she ate back up. (gross-sorry).

This is what I noticed the last two days...besides the limp-which seems to be almost gone,-- Trixie had a lot of tummy gurgling for maybe 2-3 days, but seemed hungry and otherwise was fine.
Some poop details coming now, sorry :rolleyes:-- the last few days her poops were fine, but she pooped a little less than usual..I don't mean less times but just a little less when she did go, but normal poop..not hard, not soft. I didn't think much of it but I did notice it was a bit less.
Then this morning I noticed she did a lot of poops, and they seemed kind of big sized. They were fine, no blood, no mucous, just kind of large for her. She was hungry for breakfast and ate everything as usual, and of course begged for more when we had breakfast.

When we came home today after the gardens, there was the vomit which was a lot of undigested breakfast. I don't know what time it happened but she ate at 10am, we left at 12:45pm..so between then and 5pm she got sick. After we were home a bit I discovered she had made a big poop in the house too!! She never has a poop accident in the house so she really must have needed to go, but after the big poop she had this morning it was a big surprise that she went again at all, let alone in the house. She was not acting sick either.
She seemed really hungry by supper time, I ended up giving her some white rice. I also gave her a half of a Metronidazole and later on in the evenning a half Pepcid ac.
She has been fine the rest of the night...and when she went out at 11pm my husband said she did only a little bit of normal poop.
So I don't know what to make of this.
The usual story here is vomiting and diarrhea but that isn't the case this time.
I do not think this is medication related but I did not give Vetoryl tonight--just want to give her system a rest, I gave as little food as possible. I'm so mystified and of course worried.
I have been feeding her boiled boneless chicken breast and with it she gets a bit of canned w/d. She did have some zero fat plain yogurt this week...maybe 2 tablespoons and various low-fat treats. I don't know what to think about all this. She's next to me now, sleeping fine. Tummy noises have seemed to subsided, probably thanks to the Metronidazole. Guess I'll see what happens in the morning. I wanted to begin starting her on the fish oil caps but now I better wait until she's back to normal..whatever normal is!
Sorry for all the gory details! :(

Barbara

[Trixie]

Just saw your post Tina we posted at the same time. I was thinking of you and Jasper--what is it with these schnauzers and their plumbing!?
The vet who I like and saw the other day said Trixie has real "schnauzer gut". She didn't mean it in a good way. I may have to call her this week and see what she thinks about this latest incident we had today. My nerves are shot from these gastro events Trixie has.

Can't believe Jasper hurt his front leg too...and glad it's cleared up! He and Trixie are on the same wave length I think!! They have so much in common...haha good and bad right!!??

Happy Easter to you too.

Barbara

[Trish]

Hi Barbara

Oh gosh, your poor nerves. Trixie keeps doing these worrying things!! But two things in one week is a bit much young lady!!

I cannot remember if you had the spec-Cpl test done for pancreatitis last time? I know they are usually much sicker with that but some dogs can have it low grade without being too sick. My other thought is IBD of some sort? When Flynn's is bad he vomits too and searches out grass to eat. But the normal poops do not fit in with that so much, she has been resting a bit more with her sore leg lately so I wonder if she did not clear herself out properly. I know if Flynn is indoors in bad weather he does not do a good size poop then when he does go it can be huge. she did not have any extra meds with her sore leg that would have upset her?

[Tina]

Oh gosh, we did post at the same time. Oh the show sounds like it was wonderful! I am envious. I did look at some corn fields today, lol. :D

Schnauzer gut. Hmm.. My vet hasn't ever said anything like that exactly, but she does always talk about how "sensitive" Jaspers tummy is. It is so nerve wracking, especially when they have those nasty mucus poops. I don't know what to make of her poop pattern today. All of them were normal right, just different quantity than usual and the accident in the house? And the vomiting, which is odd.
I guess what I would be worried about knowing Jasper's pattern, is that the next one is going to be a nasty poo. I have seen that happen sometimes with him if things are starting to play up where he will have a larger than usual normal poo, and then look out, the next one is icky. But you gave the metro so that should nip it in the bud hopefully.

And smart to wait on the fish oil, especially since she hasn't been taking it. When Jasper gets a bad case of colitis, I sometimes hold his fish oil for a few days. Yes, our babies have much in common, both good and bad. :rolleyes:

[Trixie]

Hi Trish,
Was just about to sign off...trying to get myself sleepy with a little Candy Crush..the dog gets me so worried that I have to try and decompress, but I need to get some sleep. :eek:
I have been on google and I also was thinking IBD but no diarrhea this time. We did have the spec-CPL she was in the "grey zone". Of course that time she had non-stop vomiting and diarrhea too, blood and all. This time is different...but I did read that intestinal irritation which is higher up in the small intestine can cause the vomiting.
When she was in the hospital they said in the ultrasound that she had a bit of thickening in one place in the small intestine.
The thing I don't get is for weeks she can be fine...perfect poops, no vomiting, no tummy noise. Then it comes, then it goes again. I suppose if I ask all this at the vet the answer is going to be- endoscopy, ultrasound, and who knows what else.
I watch this dogs diet like crazy. Maybe I should give her smaller amounts of food, maybe she gets too much at once? Anything I ask myself I think well it was the same last week and she didn't throw up then...so I don't know.
I have to go try and fall asleep. My husband went to bed 2 hours ago, he'll think I'm waiting up for the Easter Bunny! ;) I'm still here with the lap top and I have to stop looking up stuff, I get myself too worked up.
Hope Flynn is doing fine. Happy Easter to you and your family!
B.

[molly muffin]

I agree the orchid show does sound wonderful.

Trixie, trixie, trixie. Where on earth does these things come from! I can imagine you are having a bout of nerves about right now. It doesn't seem like the last episode though, that was definitely diarrhea, so this isn't. Has her walks been shorter? Not getting enough of the wiggle walk for full poop? Still that wouldn't have anything to do with the voimiting. It is just strange. So much going on with that girl's tummy. :( She is another mystery.
Hopefully tomorrow everything will be back to normal for her.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trixie]

Sharlene!! You're up late too!! :eek: Yeah...hoping tomorrow she'll be okay.
This tummy stuff going on and we also need an acth and blood work too...thank goodness that limp didn't amount to anything.
One thing after another isn't it?? I know you feel the same now too...oh these dogs... :rolleyes: what can you do??

Wish I bought some marshmallow peeps...first Easter ever that I didn't because I end up eating all of them...but I could use a sugary bite of marshmallow right now!! I'll get some tomorrow and they'll be half off!! :D
Happy Easter to you, Molly and your hubs. :)

B.

[Trish]

The orchid show does sound gorgeous, love anything flowery.. so pretty!

Flynny's ultrasound also showed some intestinal thickening in the small bowl, then they biopsied it when he had his last surgery and that confirmed the IBD. Yes, it is the higher up that usually causes the vomiting. You never know that last episode could have been associated with it. Something to think about and discuss with your vet. One thing I have learned is not to get bloods or urine esp for protein rechecked when they have been unwell... I am meaning the usual surveillance ones as opposed to the ones that are needed when acutely sick. I have been scared silly with wonky labs and I do not think I would even look at doing them a till a few weeks after an IBD episode. Maybe the chicken upsets her? I know that was the first one that upset him when his gut problems started.

Hope it is short lived Barbara and she is back to normal tomorrow, oh and I LOVE marshmallow eggs, think they are my favourites!! Have a good sleep x

[Tina]

Hey Barbara, I'm getting ready to sign off also. Not sure you saw my last post, it ended up at the end of the last page. Just wanted to make sure you saw my comments about the fish oil.

I hope Trixie is feeling better tomorrow and you all have a wonderful day!

Hugs from me and Jasper

[labblab]

Hi Barbara,

Hope you and Trixie have a better day today! I am going through a similar episode with my Peg right now, too, and I sure do understand how wearing the worry becomes. Anxiously awaiting every poop and then feeling so down-hearted when things don't look so good :(. Peg had been vomiting, and that seems to have cleared up <fingers crossed>, but now out of the blue she's having horrid poops. I get myself worked into such a tizzy trying to figure out what could have brought it on *this* time...

Anyway, we are on the metronidazole bandwagon, too, although it doesn't work as well in dogs taking phenobarb like Peg :o. I'm also giving her some tablets called "Diawin" -- it's a combo preparation of kaolin(clay) and pectin that is supposed to mechanically help firm things up.

I will definitely be checking on you guys through the day, and hoping that both our girls do better. That'll be the best Easter present of all, won't it! ;)

Marianne

[addy]

Hi Barabra- I just typed out a whole long post and hit the wrong button and lost it.:o:o:o:o

What I was mentioning, is that if everything else is normal with Trixie but she keeps having repeated vomiting and loose stools you might want to explore the possiblity of heliocobater infection. Zoe had it along with her inflammatory bowel disease. I chose not to treat it at the time as she was not symptomatic so we put it on the back burner. They found it when they scoped her.

[Tina]

Hi Barbara, just checking in real quick to see how Trixie is this morning? I hope you all had a quiet night and she is feeling better.

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper

[Trixie]

hi Addy,
Just looked up the Heliocobater. I'll mention it to the vet too, some symptoms fit although we haven't had too much in the way of loose stools since the pancreatic issue. I'm always confused by how Trixie bounces right back and we'll go for weeks at a time without any problems and then boom-something like yesterday happens. Always seems like out of the blue. Whatever makes it happen doesn't make it happen all the time..that's the confusing part.
She did have a clostridium overgrowth a couple years ago and before it was diagnosed she had on and off diarrhea and vomiting for a couple months. They would put her on the metro and she would get better and then after 2 weeks it would come back. The tests for the usual stuff-giardia, coccidia, etc.. kept coming back negative and finally the vet looked under the microscope herself and found too much clostridium, which would just grow right back after she went off the medication. Clostridium produces colitis symptoms in dogs so it was not pleasant. The vet put her on the Tylan powder which wiped it out.

Ugh...she's been doing so well with her Cushings just wish we could go for a period of time without other junk...but that's what we all wish for here. :rolleyes: So if tummy stuff wasn't enough she ends up with a limp this week? :( Just grateful that wasn't anything serious and is now gone.

Your husband still has family in the NYC area right?? you are correct when you mentioned I seem to like living here..I do. Most of the time..;) I grew up on Long Island but in a very rural part...we had corn fields and horse corrals on our street...it was really pretty but I always loved the city and hoped I would live here someday. After college I started working in the city, commuting from the island and finally got my 1st apartment...that was a little over 30 years ago!:eek::eek::eek: Can't believe it!
I put up 3 orchid photos on the "Feeling Better" album...hope Trixie doesn't mind sharing the spotlight with some flowers. ;)
So glad we got up to the Botanical Garden yesterday as today the show ends and I'm so happy I got to see it. The 5th Ave Easter Parade will have to wait until next year...Trixie's fine but I want to keep my eye on her today, you know how it is.

Barbara

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I see Miss Trixie is giving you another cliff hanger! I am so sorry. She does seem
to go ions doing great, then wham she gets a bout of something. I hope it is nothing, but I am sure it made you a nervous wreck coming home to vomit. It's funny how a little vomit or diarrhea sets us Cush moms going crazy!! With her pancreatitis issues it is down right scary. Hope you have seen the end of it. It was to be 70 here today, but it is really pretty cool out here too. Tipper was up at 5am for the day! Hope you have a blessed Easter.
Patti

[molly muffin]

I hope that Trixie was better today and nothing else to worry about. Always something eh. I guess we look forward to those days or weeks that nothing goes wrong. :)

I do hope you had a good Easter
hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trish]

Loved the orchid pics Barbara, I am sure Trixie will not mind sharing because after all she is a little flower herself!!

Had she been OK today? Hopefully the tummy settled itself back down. I am with Marianne, I get in a bit of a tizz too when something like that flares up. The hardest thing I worry about is what to feed him without it upsetting things further. Yes, it is always something!! xx

[goldengirl88]

Hi Barbara:
Just thinking of you and Trixie and wanted to check in and see how she is doing? Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Tummy thing seemed to resolve itself, she had no further problems after Saturday afternoon...with metronidazole though.
Trixie has been fine and energetic and normal...but just in the last hour today she was acting limpy again this time with the front left paw! Last week it was front right paw. There were cracks in both paw pads but meanwhile she walked totally fine this morning, came home ate fine etc. I just greased them up with Aquaphor and put the doggy socks on, if that is even what this is about which I am doubting.

I think what I really need to do is get an acth and make sure that all these odd occurrences are not signs of her level getting a little too low. Sounds weird because she is eating, has energy, good poops etc...but maybe something with this limping? It is her front legs and the back legs seem fine. I just kind of stood her up on them while I held her front paws up..there doesn't seem to be any back leg weakness. Then there was the vomit episode on Saturday?? There was no diarrhea involved and I did withold meds that evening but something is not sitting well with me and I think I will not give tonight's vetoryl dose and give the vet a call.
I'll post later...

Barbara

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
It won't be the first time someone said it on here, but a Cush mom knows when something is wrong with their baby, so listen to your intuition. I do hope it is not some new problem, as you have had enough with that last bout. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Oh no, not the other paw. I don't know what on earth is up with these front paw issues lately. I still have no idea what caused molly to go wonky with hers. It definitely hurt, but I couldn't find a problem.

Well, you know, it never hurts anything except your pocket book to get the ACTH done to check. I know it's not time for her yet but...hmmm..what a baseline cortisol? Just like a peek into her cortisol level until you get the ACTH? Maybe see if you can't get that lovely vet that you like so much to check out both Trixies front legs?

I know this is worrying. Really, I DO know. I was nervous leaving the house this morning and I think hubby practically pushed me out the door. LOL

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trixie]

Thanks Patti & Sharlene...I know you understand my nervous Nellie behavior. I wish I could take it down a level.

Sometimes I really feel like I'm losing it!! It takes an instant for me to turn into a worried mess!
So here's the upshot- Trixie is limping again and it's weird because she wasn't limping on Sunday, Monday or this morning. We did a long walk today and maybe whatever is bothering her is irritated again. Maybe it was too much too soon but she walked perfectly fine the entire time. It seems like she's bothered by her left front leg so I don't know. :confused:

Earlier I was sitting here watching her and I started to think is this limping just leg weakness :confused: and weakness can mean going too low...that's what got me started. She has no other symptoms of going low...she's hungry, and has not had any diarrhea or vomiting. (well--just the Saturday vomit) but anyway I got myself in a tizzy and I left for the vet... #1 head vet was on vacay and back tomorrow, nice vet who I like was off, and 3rd vet is all of a sudden no longer with them :eek: ..(that was a surprise) so new vet who is just an interim vet is all booked but they will fit Trixie in.

So, when we got outside my neighbor and friend who is a dog owner could tell I was stressed and asked my what was wrong. She called to Trixie so she could see the limp. Then a couple dogs came by and Trixie acted her usual perky self. Then we tested her out with some treats to see her reaction and I could see she was okay, she even went over for her toys when we came back inside.
I called the vet and said I we didn't need the emergency visit. Then I left a crazy voice message for the head vet that probably sounds like a rambling nut left it...I went on about limping and medications...ugh. I'll speak to him tomorrow and get a test on the schedule. Just so I don't completely lose my mind I will not give tonight's meds...just in case, until I speak with him. It shouldn't hurt to miss the dose.

She is due for her acth, just wished I had done it before this limping began. Thanks for listening to my craziness...I wasn't always like this...I'm blaming it on Cushings!!

B.

[molly muffin]

It's true, cushings turns us bat s&%$ crazy. :) Hugs.

I'm pretty sure my guests on Sunday have decided that I've gone off the deep end based on how I freaked over molly's leg. Hers wasn't even a limp, she wouldn't put it down to put any weight on it at all and just fell over instead if I let her go. I was hading to emergency too. So I do get it.

Maybe if there is a problem, pad or leg (muscle pull, etc) then a long walk is not such a great idea? Molly is on short walk, no jump right now. Trixie just wants to go go go, so it's hard to tell if there is a problem when she is in full speed ahead mode. Try just taking it easy for a bit with the leg. Maybe it will turn out to be something that just needs a bit of time to go away for good.

Hang in there!! Don't swat invisible flies or they'll really think you're looped. :) :)

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Harley PoMMom]

Just thinking out loud here...but I'm wondering if the salt used during our rough winter is the culprit for Trixie's sore paw, road salt or chemical salt can dry out a dog's paw pad and it also can get stuck between their toes and irritate them.

Sending healing and soothing energy your way.

Hugs, Lori

[Trixie]

Sharlene, All good advice! You're right...short walks and I'm trying to keep her from jumping off the couch. She just heard the dog next door come out of their door and she went crazy...jumped off the couch barking and howling like a maniac..she hates the dog next door the only dog she doesn't like! It was bad for the leg but at least proved to me she's not lethargic and weak. :rolleyes
Hope that's all I have to post about tonight...I'm hoping for the rest of the evening to be uneventful.
Now I'm going to your thread to read about Molly and what happened with her leg!! :eek:

Barbara

[Trixie]

Hi Lori....they don't look so bad...a couple small cracks, but the vet said it could be something that might bother her. She seemed to have no problem until this afternoon. Just don't know why it was bad then good then bad again? When ever we come in from outside I use baby wipes to clean Trixie's paws and especially in the winter..but I'm not saying no to anything...I have no idea what this is all about.
I'm just glad she's proven to me that she has energy and appetite so I don't go completely bonkers thinking she's crashing.
Maybe I really jumped the gun on the long walk....it's just that she was fine for 2 days so I figured it passed. I would feel better about the whole thing if it were the same leg that was bothering her on Thurs/Fri.
It's always a worrisome guessing game.

Barbara

[Budsters Mom]

Not Trixie too! Alright missy, that's enough! You are worrying your mom again!:o

Yes, Cushing's drives us crazy! Rosie is a year old and I'm still in Cushing's mode. I have three water bowls out in the house. One in Rosies crate, one in her penned area and one in the dining room. I have another water bowl in the back yard. I wash and change all four bowls every day. This is insane and I know it! Buddy drank so much water (due to Cushings) that I had bowls everywhere. Well Rosie now drinks a normal amount of water and obviously does not need four bowls. Yet, I continue to do it because I am stuck in Cushings mode. It makes absolutely no sense, but for now I need those bowls to stay there. :o

[Trixie]

Hi Kathy,
Isn't it the truth?....you get conditioned to be hyper vigilant with this crazy disease. I completely understand how you feel though about needing to keep those water dishes out even if Rosie doesn't over drink.. I'm always watching Trixie and even though she is drinking so normally once again...(still can't believe that) I still measure her water every time I freshen the bowl.
Funny..a year ago she was drinking 30-40 oz a day...today she drank 6oz. What a difference.
I always think of Buddy and the stories of his antics in your yard, hope Rosie has been enjoying her time back there too. :)

Barbara

[Trish]

HI Barbara

Does the limp come after she has been sitting or lying down for a while? A few weeks back, Flynn had been sleeping on the couch, did his usual jump down then limped all the way across the room, but he kinda walked it off and have not seen it again. I think it was just like a dead leg that he had slept on funny. Wonder if it is something as simple as that, would be nice if it was!! I would think if it was something more worrisome then she would be limping all the time.

Oh, I am with you on flying off the handle at little things, today is a good example of that, ring the vet down there in 30 mins, I knew when I asked them if we should see one of the other vets that Mike would see us if he could... maybe he does not want to inflict made pet owner Trish and Flynny on any of his colleagues :eek:! But it is so good you have that support too... but there is nothing like a reassuring word from a professional to back up all the kind advice we get here to put your mind at rest. So I am pleased you are going in.

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I just told Sharlene that last year Tipper kept limping off and on. I was playing ball with her and she ran to catch the ball and put her leg up and kept limping. I thought she hurt it somehow running. The vet found deep between her pads fur that had turned into a hard ball from her walking a lot. I know Trixie walks a lot too. I could not find it as she does not like her feet messed with. It made a sore between the pads of her feet and when she walked a certain way that hard ball pressed on the sore. I guess it's worth a look see to solve this mystery?? Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Ok..well the answer to this mystery will really be in the results of an acth test...but I don't think I was so crazy yesterday after all.
Trixie woke up and there is ZERO limp..on either leg. Just like yesterday morning she walked perfectly fine. Trixie gets her vetoryl at 10am and 10pm. She was her normal self after her morning dose yesterday until about 3pm. then I noticed the limping again.
Could it be possible that in the afternoon 5 hours after getting her pills that her level drops too much?
The first time we noticed the limp was Thursday late afternoon, on that day I couldn't even tell which leg it was...she was kind of limping and hobbling. She did not seem terribly lethargic but she seemed a little bewildered with her legs. This is what also happened yesterday. She was kind of lifting up her front left paw but her walking was just a little weak in general. I didn't give any medication at 10pm last night. When we went for a walk at 11:30pm she was not limping.

As I said before she has no other signs of going low. I have to think she was having leg weakness..otherwise the limp changed sides and went from bad to good and from good to bad, it's weird. When we had her checked last Friday at the vet she had no swelling, she had no pain when the vet manipulated her legs and joints. I didn't even think about this being related to a drop in cortisol at the time or I would have mentioned or asked about it.

After sleeping all night she stood up this morning and nothing was wrong she walked fine.
So-I also with held this morning's dose. But now...what do I do about an acth?? If she is off on her meds now do we test we no meds or do I wait a day, get her back on?? I'm waiting for the vet to call but I need input from all of you..I'm a bit confused how to go forward now with meds and scheduling the test. I'm guessing since her Cushings has been so well controlled now that she probably will need a decrease in her dose if I'm right about these episodes. Maybe even that surprise throw up last Saturday is related?
I wish I got that acth 2 weeks ago!! $#%@!!!
Help! :confused: :confused::confused: :confused::confused:

Barbara

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I know this much, Dechra told me this because Tipper's cortisol is at the lower end now. They said after giving the morning pill that is she was going to crash it would more than likely come in the afternoon. I was concerned about her going low at nite and they said no it would be as above. That does seem like such a coincidence it is after dosing her. Why not call Dechra and ask if going low can cause this, and if you should dose her? I am sure they can get to the bottom of this. Hope sweet Trixie can get thru this with no problems. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

update:
Just talked to the vet, he thinks based on my observations and the specific timing of the limping episodes that it could certainly be related to the levels going low..being that there are no other symptoms it's hard to be sure but he thought there was something to it.

So-yes, we need an acth test but he said we need to have her on the medication. So we are going to give her 10mg twice a day instead of the 14mg and if all is okay after 10 days we'll so the acth.

I'm leaving her off the rest of the day and will try 10mg tomorrow morning and then watch like a hawk. I'm a little nervous though.

Barbara

[Trixie]

thanks Patti..yes the vet said that 6 hours after the dose could be a time that she might go low...so that makes sense. Maybe I will call Dechra and see what they have to say.
B.

[Trixie]

I should have asked the vet and I think I'll call back...but you all will know--is there anything we can test right now to see if her cortisol level is low? She has missed two doses, last night and this morning. Is there any test that could give an idea of where she is before I give her any meds??
Is a baseline cortisol test something we could do?
B.

[labblab]

Hi Barbara, I'm surely sorry you are seeing these problems in Trixie! In answer to your question about cortisol testing, yes, I believe you could have a baseline cortisol test performed. Although it would not give you a definitive answer re: Trixie's adrenal status/reserves, I've read that as long as a baseline cortisol is higher than around 2.0, a dog is probably not at imminent risk of a crisis. However, since you are not seeing evidence of specific Addisonian issues (just the intermittent limping), I don't know that it would be worth it to you to have the baseline cortisol checked at this time.

Also, I am wondering a bit as to the timing of the limping. In most dogs, trilostane reaches its maximal concentration in the bloodstream by 1.5 hours after dosing. By six hours later, I would think the cortisol level would be starting to increase again, rather than the opposite (that's why an ACTH should be completed no later than six hours after dosing). So in my own mind, the timing of the limping doesn't really make sense vis-a-vis the trilo dosing. As Patti suggests, though, you can certainly call Dechra to see what they have to say in this regard, especially if they also warned her that the effects of low cortisol might be more apparent later during the afternoon. Based on their Vetoryl Product Insert, that just doesn't make a lot of sense to me (?).

http://www.dechra-us.com/files/dechraUSA/downloads/Product%20inserts/Vetoryl.pdf


Trilostane absorption is enhanced by administration with food. In healthy dogs, maximal plasma levels of trilostane occur within 1.5 hours, returning to baseline levels within twelve hours, although large inter-dog variation occurs.

Marianne

[addy]

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
Evaluation of a baseline cortisol concentration collected 4 to 6 hours after trilostane administration in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism provided clinically useful information about control of adrenal gland function. Many dogs receiving trilostane may be adequately monitored without the expense and inconvenience of an ACTH stimulation test.

from this quote in a paper by Dr. Audrey Cook, base line still needs the drug administered. You could have her electrolytes checked, sometimes they can go out of whack without the cortisol going too low.

It is possible when a dog is on Vetoryl for a long period of time, they will need their dose adjusted lower. Look at what happened to Zoe. I kept dropping her dose and she kept going lower.

It is also possible that perhaps her cortisol is not indeed "too low" but perhaps too low for Trixie and that is what is bothering her.

I know you are nervous and worried but I think just change the dose and watch her. She is not showing any other symptoms right now so lowering the dose and retesting seems a good plan.

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I would definitely put in a call at least you will have peace of mind. What Addy said about being on the same dose for a long period happened to Tipper that is why she got off of 30mg down to 25mg and now 27mg fingers crossed!! I am curious as to what Dechra will say. Blessings I just wanted to add that Tipper is on the lower end, not low but down there and she had a limping incident too. So the cortisol may be too low for Trixie's comfort like Addy said.
Patti

[Trixie]

Marianne and Addy..Thank you!! This is just the kind of info I was wanting to know. I've been sitting here researching and reading. I agree with exactly what you said Addy...maybe not too low for a crash...but maybe too low for Trixie.
I had a gut reaction when she was hobbling yesterday...and then she looked at me-you all know that look-I just knew something was up.
It is not easy with this dog. She is energized and always acts ready to go. Even yesterday while hobbling when I got her outside she kind of perks up and forges ahead. I have to be careful with her because she is definitely stoic.

Marianne...I was wondering about the timing of the pill and that relation to when you need to have an acth. So after those 4 hours it should begin to rise again and not drop...yesterday I think she had the pill around 10:15...I didn't notice her limping/hobbling until about 3pm but she was sleeping so maybe it started up a bit earlier..I don't know. I do know that within 2 hours of having the pill she was normal..trying to get me to play and seemingly fine.

Going to try Dechra now..(was also managing my mother-in-laws doctors appt while worrying about Trixie.)

I left a message with the vet asking if there's anything we would check before I start back up on the meds. I have been wondering since Trixie has been so well controlled...(dare I say back to normal) about lowering her dose a tad. I always feel the lowest dose that will still control will be best. The biggest regret is not having the test before all this...lesson learned. May marks the 6 months since I had the last one but with everything going so well I was just waiting until May. I only put it off because I hate taking her and leaving her there...stupid, I would have avoided all this mess if I had just done it when I thought about it 2 weeks ago. Then I would've known where she stands. Kicking myself. :mad:

Good news is that Trixie is just fine today..so there's nothing worrisome going on right now.
Her last acth from Nov. had a pre of 1.6 and a post of 2.7. Was it all too low then?? Test range shows 1.5-9.1 is normal for dogs on Vetoryl. I remember thinking it was all really good at the time, but perhaps it's lower now. I wish I knew.
Then there's the whole big hospital-pancreatic episode which the medical center vets said was not related to any Addisonian crash. She was off meds for about 10 days or so after that and once back on I haven't noticed anything until all this.

So giving 10mg tomorrow sounds like a reasonable thing to do? If we did do a baseline would it shed light on the safety of giving the Vetoryl or is that number useless in predicting that as Marianne said not really worth it being that she has no symptoms except the weakness?

Thanks for the help... Hoping the vet calls back again, I'll keep you posted. :rolleyes:
Barbara

[Trish]

It's all very well in hindsight Barbara, don't beat yourself up ok! It still a pretty unusual presentation for cortisol being off, but you never know with these pups. Sorry I cannot advise on doses but I am sure you will get some tips from the others! Trixie having a great day is good news!

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
Were you able to speak with Dechra? Hope all is still good with Trixie

[Trixie]

Hi Trish & Patti,
Got the machine at Dechra and I didn't leave a message, I'll try back tomorrow.
Comparing yesterday to today was interesting...so absolutely no more limping/hobbling today at all. I do believe she was having an episode of weakness. It's why last Thursday when this started we thought it was the back legs, then on Friday it seemed like the front right and yesterday the front left.
She's been just fine all day...very energetic, appetite and everything else is normal.
So...she has missed two doses...last night and this morning. We'll drop from 14mg to 10mg for now and see how it goes and then test in 10 days. I'm a little nervous to give her a pill... I suppose I will wait until morning. :confused:
Never a dull moment with this stuff.
Barbara

[molly muffin]

Dropping should be okay. If you drop and notice more leg weakness, call the vet and see if they want it completely withheld or dropped further.

He want want to get a test sooner if she is still having leg issues on the 10mg dose too. Just to verify if that is relevant or not.

hang in there!
hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[addy]

Stopped by to hold your hand while you give Trixie her pill:):)

It will be fine, sweetie but I do know and understand the worry. I really dont think her last acth test was anything to worry about and Trixie was feeling good at that level. So maybe if she drifted down now under post 2, she is feeling a bit more achy.

Hope you both have a good day.

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
If you leave a message at Dechra they usually call back within hours so if you get it again just leave one. Weird about this leg weakness, hope we can uncover the mystery. Did you check inside her pads just in case?? When Tipper had that ball ofmfur, it would probably just hurt when she stepped on it a certain way as she would just limp off and on. Never a dull moment on this forum with these babies!! Hope we can get oit resolved. Are you going to walk nher today?? Blessings
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

How are things this morning? Did you pass out giving the next pill? :D I can't tell you how many times I have stood with meds in my hand, looking from hand to dog and back to hand...do I or don't I? Being a cush parent is so much fun! Never a dull moment! :p

[Trixie]

Hi everyone and thanks for posting!!
Addy, I do believe that is exactly what may have happened.

haha...Leslie, you got it exactly right!! I had the pill in my hand...and well yes, got the nerve up to give it. Trixie's been 100% fine and this morning after our walk she drank a bit more water than the last few days..so I took it as a sign, maybe cortisol creeping in after missing 3 doses? Who knows, it's also very dry here so she could just be thirsty but anyway, she had the pill almost 3 hours ago--4mg less than the usual dose- she seems fine. She just jumped off the couch like wildfire to bark at the door because the neighbor dog was going out. She's been plenty hungry and alert all day so far.
I'm sitting here keeping my eye on her for another half hour or so and then going to do a few errands.

Patti...I didn't leave a message at Dechra but I will call back.
I am now convinced that what I was seeing was totally weakness due to Trixie trending too low. Looking back on each instance it comes clear. Especially on the first notice of it, last Thursday when my husband came home from work and said "Trixie's limping in the back", then we could not even tell what leg was the problem..and that's because it was kind of all her legs...she was kind of wobbly.

I won't go through the whole story day by day again, but the last instance on Tuesday when I freaked out a bit was because it was something more than just a limp...there was a look in her eye..can't explain it but I just knew it was not a hurt leg. She was a bit bewildered looking at me like "I don't know why I can't walk well". When I got her outside she did perk up but was still just not herself....she sniffed after some dogs that came by but she was just a little slower and more subdued than her usual self.

Believe me..there is absolutely nothing wrong with her paws, pads, legs,-- no cuts, burrs, glass, pebbles, nothing there, I examined so carefully with flashlight and magnifying glass!...she's been walking, jumping, playing and there is zero reaction of pain, no flinching, limping, hobbling, weakness...nothing at all.
She walked this morning without any problems, her typical raring to go and energetically pulling me down the sidewalk as usual.
So...she's on 10mg now, and 10mg tonight...I'm glued to her right now. I cannot wait to get that test and know where she is.
Sharlene, The vet said maybe we need to adjust less, or less on one dose...we'll see the numbers in 10 days, barring any bad reactions in the meantime.
I'm also wondering if the vomit episode on Saturday was also part of this? :confused: That's harder to tell since she's known for tummy trouble. Do you think weight loss could have contributed to maybe getting a bit too much med?? She's lost over a pound since the control has been good...?? Forgot to ask the vet that question.

Barbara

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
It seems she may be going the way Tipper did. After being on the same dose, now less is needed. Tipper lost weight too when starting on the thyroid meds, so her and Trixie seem to have the same trend going on. Since Trixie did lose weight, I certainly think that plays into the factor also, then when you add the vomiting all the puzzle pieces are coming together. If Tipper starts acting funny I may have to lower her to 26mg. as her pre was a tad low already. I got my vet to order me some 2 mg capsules so I can go up or down 2mgs. I have them on hand so if I get to a place where she needs a change I don't have to wait for an order. We have our own little trilostane pharmacy!! It sounds like the tweak you did helped her. I will be anxious to know her numbers, as I know you certainly are. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Hi Patti--we've actually lowered her from 28mg to 20mg....she gets 14mgs twice a day and I'm just giving her 10mg on each now. It would be great if that controls her, we'll see.
I just came back from errands and she's doing fine. Jumped all over the place and wanted a snack..the usual afternoon.

Barbara

[molly muffin]

It may be a combination of factors Barbara, loss of weight, so how much they need trilostane and how long she has been on it, if her numbers continued to drop. Right now we are speculating and will know more based on how she does on this dosage and what her numbers come back as. Vomiting certainly could have been a part of it but based on her history of tummy troubles, as is common in her breed, I wouldn't put money on it either way.

Hang in there. You're doing good!
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trish]

Glad you have a plan in place Barbara, it always helps! Fingers crossed the next 10 days have no vomiting or limping! x

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
If it does not control her maybe try the thing I do with the 2mg capsules and get some then you can just add 2mg, and you won't be giving more than needed. Hope she is ok today. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

I was thinking that Patti. Now that she seems fine I'm worrying if I cut back too much. Taking 8mg off a day is a big difference, and I hope I haven't messed things up. So far she is not having any Cushings symptoms and zero of the limping/leg weakness either.

I got so nervous when I got a feeling these episodes were a sign of trending too low, but I know I wasn't imagining what was happening-- but now on the other hand I'm nervous about screwing up her good control. :confused:
I did read on Dr Peterson's blog that many dogs can have the meds cut back after awhile, and some can stop completely.

I only have 8 more days before the acth and I'm hoping not too much Cushings damage could be done in that amount of time if her dose is indeed too low now. When I think of how long it took for the liver numbers to go down the last thing I want to happen is for them to rise again...but I would think it would take longer that 8 days and it's not like she's on no meds..she's still getting 20mg a day.
The best case scenario would be that this dose of 10mg 2x a day is a dose that gives us good numbers on the acth. I would be happy to be giving her less if it's working to control her.

Meanwhile I just got my most recent shipment of 4mg caps from Diamondback...and now I'm not using those. Well...we'll see what happens when I get the acth results, I may need them again. Just counting the days...how I wish I did it 2 weeks ago and I wouldn't have to be guessing at all this stuff! :confused:

Barbara

[molly muffin]

I don't know if it will have come back up enough for you to worry about or not. It might be that Trixie just can't go tooo low and can't go tooo high and you have to find that happy medium place for it. That might be that it isn't an even split of the medication either. Like you might need to go up in the morning or at night and then lower at the other time. You have to see what works best for her and it is always hard to tell.

I spoke to my vet today about Molly's leg and she said, that sounds like a sprain, when I explained that it was one day, then later she is fine and then it comes back. She said any wrong movement, causes it to react the same as the original sprain, then they over compensate on one leg and the other one acts up because of the over compensation. Humans do this too, especially with knees and legs. She said 3 days of solid restriction as much as possible, no running, no jumping and no long walks. Compresses can help to, just like for a people sprain.
I wonder if that could have happened to trixie also?
Just throwing things out for you to consider and maybe chat with vet about.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
She will probably be fine because it's not like she is really uncontrolled and really high cortisol. I have had this with Tipper and worried if it was causing damage. I think it would need more time for damage. You will have a mini pharmacy like us! I also think she won't go high enough that you will lose control and have to go back to a higher dose to get it back down. When Tipper went low on the pre number Dechra said not to take her off completely because of her strong symptoms it will be hard to get it controlled again. So I gave her 20mg for
about a week or more. I could tell it was not enough as she shows symptoms early. She is currently on 27. Her normal dose for many months was 30mgs. So you did good going to 20. It will be fine, but you will have to tweak with low mgs until you find her control dose after the ACTH unless she shows good numbers .
Blessings
Patti