My little Boy has just been diagnosed with Cushings

[Dianaww]

Hello I would like to introduce myself to you all and my little boy. We live in the UK, and my Yorkie is 7 years old & just diagnosed with Cushings after 2 months of not knowing what was wrong. Have any of you had LOW WHITE CELLS and HIGH RED CELLS with your dogs, usually I have read, that the White cells are HIGH, with our baby they are very low, it seems it has been attacking the White Cells. We are devastated as he is only 7 and we love him to bits, so I want to say how much I feel for all of you too.

[goldengirl88]

Hello:
Welcome to the forum. Just wanted to ask a few things about you baby. Could you post all the abnormal results from the testing for all of us to see? That way we can help you better. Have you had any other diagnostic testing done to rule out other things? Cushings is very hard to diagnose so you need a vet that has worked with and treated this disease, or you will be lost. Everyone comes here scared to death for their babies. If it is in fact Cushings you will learn how to treat it and it will get easier. How much does your dog weigh? It is a good idea to keep a daily doggie diary to have to refer back to. Don't worry the people on here have extensive experience with this disease and they will help you. Remember to read up on and get all the information possible on this disease, that will help you immensely. What sort of plan has your vet decided on for your dog? Also could you please list the symptoms your dog is exhibiting? You will get thru this like all of us have, so don't worry we will help you. Blessings
Patti

[frijole]

Welcome from me as well. Please do post results of any and all tests. What symptoms of cushings does your dog have? The blood cell readings do not typically point to cushings so I just want to make sure your dog really does have cushings. Please tell us more. Thanks. Kim

[Dianaww]

Hello:
Welcome to the forum. Just wanted to ask a few things about you baby. Could you post all the abnormal results from the testing for all of us to see? That way we can help you better. Have you had any other diagnostic testing done to rule out other things? Cushings is very hard to diagnose so you need a vet that has worked with and treated this disease, or you will be lost. Everyone comes here scared to death for their babies. If it is in fact Cushings you will learn how to treat it and it will get easier. How much does your dog weigh? It is a good idea to keep a daily doggie diary to have to refer back to. Don't worry the people on here have extensive experience with this disease and they will help you. Remember to read up on and get all the information possible on this disease, that will help you immensely. What sort of plan has your vet decided on for your dog? Also could you please list the symptoms your dog is exhibiting? You will get thru this like all of us have, so don't worry we will help you. Blessings
Patti

Hi I haven't got a copy of the results of the ACTH yet but his starving normal blood was THREE times the normal range of Steroid in it, without adding the synthetic stimulant they use. Today he has the LOW DEX Test and we are waiting those results. He has the classic thirst and over wanting to eat and panting, it looks like we got it early by chance, by a routine pre-op blood test for his teeth cleaning, it couldn't be done as his white cells were so low, it seems at this stage that the Cushings has pushed his bloods way out of whack. He is 4.4kg to 4.6kg . I only found out yesterday, when I got the ACTH results over the phone, then we took him in today for the Low Dex test, I see his normal usual vet Thursday to discuss it, I will ask her for results see if she will print them off for me, it can be different in the UK as to how much they give you, some will though. He was tested for tick deases due to his low white count, and also a few other things, originally they thought he had bone marrow failure/cancer, but as we won't put him through a bone marrow biopsy being small and with a heart valve problem, we couldn't proove or disproove it, but it didn't explain the increased thirst and drinking and urniating, or the panting, or the eating craving and real changed in behaviour for food. The tiredness, leg weakness regards jumping on sofa and bed. He admittedly did not LOOK like a classic cushions dog, but the ACTH results are looking like it, I know it cannot be diagnosed with one test, so we shall see what the other results show us. Thank you for your support we sure need it and are very upset :confused:

[Dianaww]

Welcome from me as well. Please do post results of any and all tests. What symptoms of cushings does your dog have? The blood cell readings do not typically point to cushings so I just want to make sure your dog really does have cushings. Please tell us more. Thanks. Kim

Hi Kim Please see my other reply above this one, you are right Low White count is not usually consistent with cushings, but it is felt that the high amount of his natural steroid is suppressing the immune system badly. My other reply explains a bit more.

[dmariehill]

Hi Dianaww - you and I are close to the same point.

We've got one test result suggesting Cushings and the LDSS results are pending. I hope to hear back on those soon.

I'm new to this too so nothing to add except Welcome. And I know from reading other threads that the members here will share any info they have to help!

[Dianaww]

Hi Dianaww - you and I are close to the same point.

We've got one test result suggesting Cushings and the LDSS results are pending. I hope to hear back on those soon.

I'm new to this too so nothing to add except Welcome. And I know from reading other threads that the members here will share any info they have to help!


Hi Did you have the same first test as I did? The ACTH? what symptoms have you noticed in your lovely baby? I am with you in this, and I know how hard it is when you first find out. I can see that others here know a lot more than I do, and I am sure they can support us new members. I am thinking of you, and here if you need to talk x

[dmariehill]

We've had a urine/creatine ratio test so far and the LDSS results should be in any time now, maybe tomorrow.

My pug is old and having numerous recurrent infections with a little elevated liver level, increased thirst, and major urinary issues.

We haven't done the ACTH at this point. My understanding is that it has a lot of false positives. The Urine/creatine is really just a screeing test - a negative is a definite negative, a postive means do another test. The LDSS is supposed to be better at narrowing it down although I don't think any one test is 100% for diagnosis.

[frijole]

I just want to correct your comment about the ACTH and false positives - that is NOT true. Let me elaborate -

The test that is most likely to result in a false positive is the low dose dex suppression test (LDDS). When a dog has another illness it frequently comes back positive.

The ACTH test measures high cortisol and is used to both diagnose cushings as well as monitor how the drug is working (trilostane or lysodren) . There are times when it comes back with a false NEGATIVE.

To be honest this is not an exact science and if I could offer anyone any advice it would be to take the whole diagnosis very slowly and make sure to get it right. Have more than one test done, have an ultrasound done. Look at the symptoms to see if they are consistent with cushing's. Don't just take a vet's word for it. Rule out diabetes and hypothyroidism before jumping on the cushing's bandwagon.

Hope this helps. Kim

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome.

I agree that it is important to see all the test results and see if that can help to see a pattern that is normal in cushings, the blood cell count of being low white, high red, actually isn't normal.
What we normally see, is high ALKP, and maybe a bit of high ALT. Sometimes if it has been there for awhile, you'll see some high cholesterol, triglycerides. That is pretty norm, with the ALKP being a key one that goes up (normally).

However, High ATCH, or "positive", will be accurate in that, yes there is cortisol in a large amount (high pre number) , and yes, the adrenal glands dumped even more (high post number) BUT and this the big one, it's positive, but is it caused completely by cushings? Anything going on, not good in their bodies will cause the cortisol to go up. So, for myself, it is very hard to say, without a lot of classic symptoms and other things being ruled out, on just the positive ACTH that it is cushings.
Cushings is so hard to diagnose. First thing you do is rule out the other possibilities, diabetes, thyroid, liver, kidney diseases.

If possible when you have Very high out of control numbers, like an ACTH 3 times the norm, then one of the things that you can do if is is possible (it isn't for everyone due to cost, location, etc), is to get an ultrasound of adrenal glands and other internal organs. If that isn't possible, then we have to rely on blood work, symptoms, etc and see what they are telling us.

Welcome again, we'll all be anxiously awaiting the test results.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dianaww]

I am confused as there are two of us talking about our babies, My little boy has the Low White Cells and high reds and has had what looks like a positive ACTH test, we are waiting for the Low Dex test results I do understand that in most cases you see HIGH WHITES, but I have read that the high amount of natural steroid in the blood can knock the immune system out, or very low, like if we take steroids for other illnesses, Teddy has not been on any medication at all. He is showing other signs of Cushings, like the eating and drinking issues, the bruising skin, he hasn't got a pot belly and he hasn't thinning hair, but it may be that we got this early by chance. It is very complicated it seems to know if it is Cushings or not, I am very worried about him to be honest. Will post any results as soon as I have them.

[Squirt's Mom]

Sharlene is sharing information with you concerning your boy, Teddy, in an effort to help you understand the testing and our concern that the red/white cell count could indicate a problem that is completely unrelated to Cushing's. ;)

Let me share my baby's story - Like Teddy she went in for a dental and the pre-surgery blood work showed elevated cortisol. Squirt (my baby) had the LDDS, HDDS, ACTH, UTK panel and 2 abdominal ultrasounds - all positive for the pituitary form of Cushing's. HOWEVER, after the second US, I was told about a tumor on her spleen. Once the tumor was removed, her cortisol returned to normal.

Elevated cortisol is the body's natural response to stress of any kind, internal or external. Cortisol is one of the fight or flight hormones, designed to protect us. When this system is working normally, the extra cortisol is released ONLY as needed - during stressful times, as in the tumor Squirt had. In Cushing's, this system loses its "turn off" button and continues to produce and release cortisol even tho the need is not present.

The tests for Cushing's cannot tell us why the excess cortisol is present, only that it is. For this reason, doing as thorough a job as possible to rule out all other possibilities is crucial - too many other things can cause elevated cortisol yet have nothing to do with Cushing's. The tests will come back as positive simply because the cortisol is present in such high amounts but no single test can tell us why it is elevated. Diagnosis of Cushing's is a much a process of ruling things out as it is ruling them in. ;)

When something like the red and white cells seem to be the prime lab abnormality, we start to look at other possibilities because that is not typically seen as a cushing's sign. Like Sharlene said, we typically see elevations in the liver enzymes, like ALP and ALT, as well as CHOL and TRIG among others - but not imbalances in the white and red blood cells.

Hope this helps clear up your confusion.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Harley PoMMom]

Some dogs with Cushing's do have what is known as a “stress leukogram.” This attributes to a high total white blood count; with increased numbers of neutrophils and monocytes and decreased numbers of lymphocytes and eosinophils.

[Dianaww]

TEDDY'S ACTH TEST RESULTS:

Pre 306 (normal range 25-120) Post 524 (Normal Range 520)
So his Pre is way way above normal, We are waiting for Low Dex Test results to come back, I have also asked if we can do Thyroid tests and lab may still have enough blood to do that. We are SO worried about him

[Dianaww]

Yes it really does help thank you, and I totally agree, he isn't a CLASSIC case, but the vet really thinks he is Cushings, the high cortisol. l may of suppressed the immune system, we have already tested for everything else that causes low white cells, (except a bone marrow biopsy) as he is too ill to have that done. That would of dismissed any bone marrow cancers. He has been ill for almost 3 months now, and we need to find the correct diagnosis and treatment, He has a heart valve issue, so anesthetics are out, even sedation risky, so MRI etc is dangerous for him, so it makes it harder. His ACTH results are Pre: 306 Post 524 We are also have Thyroid bloods done to rule that in or out. Then we would be left with MRI and US but with his heart and risk of sedation's and him being a really stressy baby that we DON'T leave in the vets it is very difficult, his whites are so low he can catch anything too, so it is a really upsetting time for us all. Thank you for your support

[Dianaww]

That's what I thought, but Teddy's Whites are VERY VERY Low the Neutrophils and Eosinophils some of his reds are high, but it may be due to some dehydration. It is true that he is not a classic case.

[frijole]

You are so borderline on the acth test I would not rule it cushings. My Annie had a rare adrenal tumor that caused her first number to be out of range like yours is. She did not have cushings but was misdiagnosed as a result. The LDDS test which you are having done is known for false positives when other illnesses are present so I would have that ultrasound done to get a look at the organs specifically the adrenal glands.

Another simple question - is your dog's urine yellow? Kim

[Dianaww]

Hi I am not convinced he is Cushings, his urine is yellow - For an ultrasound do they sedate them? As little dogs usually have the Pituitary Tumor, and other dogs it is more common too, than the Adrenal type, would scanning adrenal glands be enough, an MRI is another option, but it is the sedation thing, he is very wriggly. Was your Annies White Cells low like my Teddy's, and what did they do about Annies rare adrenal tumor why was it said to be rare, was it not the usual one seen in Cushings ?

Also Kim What part is borderline in his test the PRE at 306 or the post at 524 thank you

[frijole]

If you look at your acth test results the first one shows up high (compared to the range of normal) and the 2nd one is just barely high. the 2nd number is the one which is used to 'diagnose' cushing's. When it's that close you want to do additional testing.

It depends on the dog but they did sedate my Annie for her ultrasound. She handled it just fine. My sharing her story was not to suggest your dog has the identical issue but rather simply an example of when something else is going on that could result in a cushings diagnosis.

When you do an abdominal ultrasound you are getting a view of all the major organs including the heart, kidneys, liver, adrenals and you can discover what is going on that could be causing the problems. A big bang for the buck in my opinion - especially if you are looking to rule cushings in or out. Kim

[Squirt's Mom]

As little dogs usually have the Pituitary Tumor, and other dogs it is more common too, than the Adrenal type...

I want to correct this misconception you stated above - the size of the dog has absolutely nothing to do with what type, adrenal or pituitary, is more apt to occur. ANY size dog can have any form of Cushing's. There are certain breeds that are more prone to certain aspects of Cushing's and to the disease itself - but size has nothing to do with it. So I didn't want you thinking just because your baby is smaller, he isn't apt to have the adrenal form of Cushing's - he most certainly can and a little reading on the forum will show you this disease is spread through all sizes in all forms. ;)

Looking at Cushing's as a whole, 85% of them will have the pituitary form (PDH) but size has nothing to do with that. The remaining 15% will have the adrenal form (ADH), but size has nothing to do with that either. Of the 85% that have the pituitary form, those dogs with head profiles like Bostons, Boxers, etc. are more prone to developing the larger pituitary tumors called macros, but again size has nothing to do with that - it is the skull shape, that smush face profile.

Please, please, please do not get tunnel vision nor let your vet get tunnel vision focused solely on Cushing's. There is enough here to make us question that diagnosis and if the focus remains on Cushing's only - something critical may be overlooked, treatment started with powerful drugs for a condition she does not have. Take your time in the diagnostic phase, do every test you can afford before settling on Cushing's and starting treatment.

BTW, my Squirt has never been sedated for ultrasounds. If the pup can lay fairly still, they don't need to sedate them. When they do, it isn't the same as when they have surgery - or not where we have gone for them. The pups are given a sedative, not anesthetic, to help them relax and lay still. Talk to the person doing the US, ask what they use and let them know your concerns.

Hang in there!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Dianaww]

Hi Yes of course I didn't think Teddy has the same as Annie, I was just interested in her situation, hence asking about the tumor, I knew that cortisol can go up for more reasons than Cushings, but it is so hard when he has a heart valve problem has been so ill for so long and is weak and a sedation could be very dangerous for him, but I think we need to see inside him to be honest.

[Dianaww]

I appreciate your comments I certainly didn't mean to make anyone think I thought only small breeds don't get adrenal tumors, but I have read and read for weeks all I can about Cushings, and it did seem that Yorkies more often than not have the PDH but of course they can have the adrenal ones as well. I certainly do not have tunnel vision, I don't actually think he has definately got Cushings. I think it may be Thyroid, as that can put the white cells down and give low platlets, amoungst many other things, Teddy has low white cells that are usually high in Cushings, and doesn't have the liver emzymes high or the other high results like in most Cushings sufferes, but we may of caught whatever he has early as it was by chance, and so he hasn't got as many symptoms of Cushings or Thyroid or any other illness that it may be doing this to him. All I know for sure is he has got high cortisol in his blood and it is wrecking his immune system, he is so wriggly I don't think they would get a good ultrasound on him, and that wouldn't check for any tumor in the head would it? If he has cushings that was not on the adrenals then it would be missed with an US surely? I just feel so upset as we need to know asap as he is very ill, and I cannot leave the high levels in his blood and awfully low white cells. I totally agree we do NOT want him on drugs that are not the right ones, as the side effects can be another thing again, and why risk those if he doesn't have it, on the other hand I can't leave the levels like this either. All his biochemistry is normal his hematology isn't, and his UREA is 10.1 and then latest was 10.3 thank you for all your help it is very supportive.

[Squirt's Mom]

In PDH, the pituitary form, both adrenal glands will be enlarged in the majority of pups. In ADH, the adrenal form, one gland will be huge and the other very small or even atrophied. So an ultrasound can go a long way toward confirming a diagnosis and which type. PLUS it will get a look at many other organs that could be causing the elevated cortisol if there is an issue with one of them, like the tumor on Squirt's spleen. ;)

It isn't necessary to quote the posts you are replying to - that takes up a lot of room in the thread. Just post your replies, using the name of the person you are speaking to if that your intent or simply talk if your post isn't directed at anyone specific. ;)

You're doing a good job of trying to learn about this condition. Keep reading and asking questions and we will do our best to help you understand.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Dianaww]

Sorry about posting the whole quotes I will remember NOT to do that, and again I do really really value your support, It is lonely when you don't know anyone else who has gone through these things. I really do value everyones comments.

[Squirt's Mom]

Oh, yeah - know that feeling well! I thought my world was ending when I first heard the word "Cushing's". I felt so helpless and lost and scared and guilty and angry....but I found this group and they saved my baby and my sanity. They understand what it means to love a furbaby to distraction, to be willing to give your all for that baby. So many times, our family here has held me together when nothing else could - when no one else even tried to help. We cover the whole scope of dog-crazy here! :p

[Dianaww]

Thank goodness I have found this forum, I love him more than I can express, I have had 7 dogs and 5 cats and other pets as well (Smaller ones) and I have loved them all, but Teddy is so special and is so precious, He has taken my whole heart, he is funny and brave and cheeky and clever, we all think our babies are don't we? I just want him to have what life he can, and for that to be QUALITY not so much QUANTITY as Quantity has to be quality or we would not be putting him first, but ourselves, my biggest fear is him being diagnosed as Cushings and Treating for it, if it is not and it is something else. I have learnt very quickly just how hard it is to be sure that something is actually Cushings.

[molly muffin]

Yep, we are all willing to go that extra mile for our furbabies. It just is what it is.

Molly has never had to be sedated for her ultrasounds. Luckily because some dogs with liver enlargement and this and that, you just don't want them to go through that. So I think if you want to pursue the ultrasound, then just say, no sedation. They do shave their bellies though :)

It is so hard to get a good, concrete diagnosis of cushings. We still haven't. I've been told it is, but then other things don't support it. We've been doing this for awhile. 2011 the first diagnosis.
You just want to rule out all possibilities and then see what is what at that point and go from there.

We'll be right here, every step, with you. We all showed up here scared to death, most in tears, but Knowledge is the key. The more you know, the better advocate you will be and that is all you can do is be the best voice ever for Teddy. I know that is what you are doing already and I think you're doing an excellent job.

Hang in there!
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[LtlBtyRam]

Welcome to the forums. As you have already found out these folks are PAWSOME!
Angela

[Dianaww]

Hi they certainly are, I am so upset and it has really helped.

[Dianaww]

I am in total bits, I was SO hoping Teddy hadn't got Cushings, now it is looking more like it.

Low Dex Test resutls:

Basel test 261 (normal range should be 25-125) then after it was suppressed 4 hours later 20.3 then after the 8 hours it had risen to 94 and I was told it should be less than 40

We are being referred for an abdominal scan, next week or week after to see if it helps any further before putting him on the Cushings Meds, I am so upset, I was hoping it was Thyroid related, His T4 was 22.4 (Normal Range 13-51) we are still waiting for the TSH result, he has no clinical signs of Cushings, and no hematology signs only these two tests results this one and the ACHT but they are suggestive. We will wait to see what US shows us.

[Squirt's Mom]

You're doing a great job in pursuing the diagnosis, Mom! I know how upsetting the thought of Cushing's can be but this is not a death sentence if it is Cushing's. In fact, if I have pups who have to get an illness I pray it is Cushing's and nothing else. It sounds so much worse than it is and once you start treatment, you will be a pro in no time, much more confident and comfortable with the whole thing. And remember, Mom - you are never alone. We are right by your side always.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[FemaleK9]

Dianaww, Teddy's LDDS certainly indicates pituitary Cushing's*, but I'm confused by some contradictions in your posts.

In your recent post (Post# 30), you say " ... he has no clinical signs of Cushings. ..."

But back in Post#4, you stated " ... it didn't explain the increased thirst and drinking and urniating, or the panting, or the eating craving and real changed in behaviour for food. The tiredness, leg weakness regards jumping on sofa and bed. ..."

These are common symptoms of Cushing's. The excessive drinking and urinating in particular are the trigger that sends many of us to the vet in the first place, as was the case with me and my Rosie.

Can you clarify for us what symptoms Teddy does have?


* The test results for my Rosie included this information:
"In animals with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (aka Cushing's), concentrations of cortisol 4 and 6 hours after the “low dose” are suppressed below the pre-dexamethasone concentration, but not to the extent seen in normal animals. The concentration often increases towards the pre-dexamethasone concentration by 8 hours. "

[frijole]

The test you had done is prone to false positives if another illness is present. Don't lose sleep over this - just wait until you do the ultrasound. I would have done it over the LDDS for this precise reason. Hang in there. Remember cushings is NOT a death sentence. Kim

[Dianaww]

Hi Lesley Thanks for that, I am scared of the meds, they seem SO Toxic and the side effects scare me, in the UK we only have one licensed to use for it which is Vetoryl (Trilostane)


I have read on the internet "Dogs treated successfully for PDH live approximately two years

Almost half of all dogs with Cushing’s disease that die do so because of problems related either to the disease itself or its treatment"

This is AWFUL if it is true.

I also heard that the drug can end a dogs life almost soon after treatment begins, has anyone heard anything like the above.

Hugs Diana & Teddy x

[Dianaww]

FemaleK9 Sorry for confusion in my two posts about clinical symptoms, We thought he was drinking more, but he isn't it was all due to us seeing him go to his water bowl more often, as we had moved it to the living room where we sit most of the time, from the kitchen, also due to his low immunity we change it very often, and he loves it when it is cold from the tap, so takes a few laps, so in retrospect he is not drinking more, we have also checked amount by his weight and he isn't. The eating and wanting more food is there, but it may be as he is very weak from his low immune system, and very tired, and maybe he feels it gives him a boost in energy, He certainly doesn't have a pot belly and we are not letting him eat more than he should, so HE MAY HAVE THE INCREASED WISH TO EAT MORE, that one he may well have. The tiredness is one of the worst things he has, he sleeps a lot of the time, and plays for a very short time, and goes to sleep again, but again his white cells are so low and his cortisol high, I know he would be tired, The leg weakness regards jumping on sofa and bed comes and goes 95% of the time he is OK, some times he has a problem, but is that cushings or just weakness from the immune problems, and cortisol. Looking back very hard in the past 3 months we have only really got the low white cells, consistently, the high cortisol level, and the wish to maybe eat a little more, The vet has said the bloods are not usual for Cushings and his bio-chemisty isn't, and his symptoms are vague, so that is why we have asked for the Ultrasound to see if anything else is inside him, or the adrenals are swollen etc. I am terrified of the drugs, but know I have to do something.

[FemaleK9]

Diana, bear in mind that most dogs diagnosed with Cushing's are fairly elderly to start with. It is my understanding that most deaths are from causes other than Cushing's related illness.

Trilostane is not toxic per se. The danger lies in overmedication, which reduces cortisol to dangerously low levels, creating an Addisonian crisis. It is a state of too little cortisol, the opposite of Cushing's, but unlike Cushing's it is life threatening. That is why we are so concerned that the diagnosis of Cushing's is correct, and afterward that the dosage is appropriate for your dog's size and current dosage recommendations.

[Dianaww]

Hi Karen

I appreciate what you are saying, My Teddy is only 7 the side effect sheet is very bad to read, I am very ill and on meds that also have as bad a side effect list, but that is me and my choice, I don't know if I can actually give Teddy this, that said, I won't need to decide until I know for sure he has CUSHINGS, he is a dear little boy only 4.4kg and so sweet and the thought of a drug like this is just so painful, I know if I don't treat Cushings it will end his life, and I know the pills could, I guess it is something ALL of you have been through, and I hold my hat off to you all, for your bravery I really honestly do. Time will tell what we decide is the best after we have had the US done.

[Squirt's Mom]

That two year crap is a myth, honey, based on misdiagnoses, inattentive parents, and uneducated vets who didn't know what they were doing. It is also based on the fact that most cush pups are not diagnosed until they are in their senior years, meaning there wasn't a lot of life left to start with. Most cush pups we have seen here do NOT pass from Cushing's but rather from something totally unrelated. So you just toss that myth in the garbage and forget about it. We've got members here today who can blow that theory out of the water with ease! ;)

[FemaleK9]

Also, remember that the scary list of side effects is only what might happen. They have to list everything that happened to the trial subjects or reported by veterinarians, some of which are probably nothing to do with the medication in the first place, and your dog may experience none of them.

My Rosie has been on Trilostane for almost two months now and the only effects I have observed have been beneficial! She did undergo a massive shedding after her cortisol had been controlled for about a month, but this is apparently not uncommon; it has now ended and she is returning to the sleek shiny coat of a healthy dog.

If your dear Teddy does turn out to have Cushing's, you may be catching it earlier than many of us. You need not fear the treatment, you are obviously aware of what's going on with you dog and we will do all we can to help you avoid allowing your vet to prescribe too large a dose. And, again, if it is Cushing's, clearing up the symptoms of that will make it more obvious if something else is going on as well. Unfortunately, like us, there is no law that our furchildren can only have one thing wrong with them.

[Dianaww]

To Squirts Mom THANK YOU for that, you have made me feel better, I know you know better as you have BEEN through this and are living with it, and know what you are talking about THANK GOODNESS for you out there.

[Dianaww]

Karen

You are so right, The vet did say to me today, she thinks that I have got this early if he does end up with it for certain, and being as he is 7 that is younger than a lot too. As you also say like us they can have more than one thing (I have 19 illnesses) it may seem like an exaggerated number but it is totally true, and life is very hard for me. Teddy has got me through SO MUCH now it is MY TURN to HELP HIM, I would notice if anything was wrong, I have already read the dosing sheet in case he has CUSHINGS and I will insist on the lowest dose for his weight ... Thank you so much again, I really have been helped so much by you all.

[frijole]

I treated my Haley for 4 1/2 yrs. She passed at the age of 16 1/2 NOT of cushings but just old age. Fear not. Kim

[molly muffin]

Another one of our members, just called DiamondBack drugs in the US and they ship to the UK if you need a dosage that is not what Dechra makes of vetroyl.
The key is to start low and work up as needed. Many opt not to start unless they see symptoms, and some start at the low end and just do enough of the drug every day to bring up energy levels and control the cortisol a bit.
So you don't need to be scared and as long as you don't over dose, which isn't usually too much of a worry with starting at the low end, then you shouldn't see any problems.
I know that every dog is different and that is excactly why starting low is best, IF this is cushings. Lets just see what that ultrasound shows and go from there.
2 years! pffffttt yea, right. I'd say those people have not been on a cushings forum where all things cushings are discussed and then discussed some more. Dogs with cushings with a vigilent owner and a good vet, and loaded with knowledge, can live our a normal life span.
:)
Hang in there,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dianaww]

Hi Sharlene Thanks for that, IF Teddy does have it we would have to consider the drugs, as the Cortisol has totally supressed his immune system, and it is so miserable for him, I agree with the VERY low dose to control it a little rather than a larger dose that is more risk and also may not be needed, I will have to wait and see what the US shows, but if he does have it, I think he would be on 10mg he is only 4.6KG (he is around that) He has been 4.4KG and 4.7KG I certainly don't want him on high doses. Also his energey level is almost Zero he sleep for about 3/4 of a 24 hr period, and has a little game with his ball (Chewing it) Not anything strenuous. The only other worry I have is his has a heart valve problem, to content with. He is NOT ON MEDS FOR HIS HEART, and it has not got any worse since it was diagnosed, in fact the vet can hardly hear it, it is so quiet, so that is not as bad as a bad heart valve issue, he did see a heart specialist when he was a year old and they did a scan and dopler test and it is definitely there it is leaking and flowing back at times, but has never got worse, Unlike my other two Yorkies they lived for 2-3 years with them and then passed away. I really hope we can help our little man.

[Dianaww]

Teddy happy we returned to our original vet practice today, we weren't happy with the new one, we would never of left our original one, had our vet that Teddy has known for 6 years not been leaving. The new one was too large for Teddy, he is used to less people, the new one was so large and had so many receptionists and nurses, and he had had an ordeal with one particular visit, that had terrified him, then there was a few things we weren't totally happy with, so he is now back where he knows, and will have to see a new vet when his one he loves leaves at the end of this month, at the same practice, we made an error leaving, but at least now we are back where he knows. His vet is going to speak to the referral hospital, so we can see if it would be good to do the ultrasound, he is having a urine test over three days, which is a good one to do, it is all helpful to us, in making as sure as we can that he does have Cushings, I am 75% - 80% sure he does have it. But I need the small % left to be smaller, before I put him on the drugs for it. He is a dear little boy and we love him to bits. Thank you all again for your support you are great !

[Dianaww]

KIM, I see you say you treated your Haley for 4 1/2 yrs which type of Cushings was it, that was excellent 4.5 years, what meds did you use to treat it?

Thank you for that it is very encouraging.


We see the specialist hospital next Wednesday, don't know if they will do the US then or another day, we are requesting it be done then, but it is an initial consultation appointment.

We are now doing a 3 days UCCR (I think it is called) Urine test. We have done all we can, so it will be over to the specialists then.

Thank you all

Diana & Teddy X

[Squirt's Mom]

Kim and I both used Lysodren in our babies.

It sounds like you are doing a very thorough job of pursuing the diagnostics and that is wonderful! Way to go, Mom! And thank you for keeping us updated on the tests so far and what the vets are saying - this helps us all make sure the diagnosis is correct. ;)

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[frijole]

:D Yes I used lysodren. Good luck! Kim

[Trixie]

Just want to tell you my dog has been on vetoryl for the last 6 months. We started very low and gradually increased the dose along the way. My dog is 9, she was about 14 pounds when we began treatment, she weighs a bit more now. We started at 6mg compounded Trilostane twice a day and are now at 14mg 2x a day, using both Vetoryl and Trilostane to make up the proper dose.
We have had NO side effects from the medication. Now after 6 months my dogs has shown marked improvement. So-yes, the drugs are scary and strong but can also make a positive difference for your dog.

Starting low is the safest way though it did take longer to see any changes in my dog's symptoms.
Her elevated liver numbers are slowly coming down and all in all she is doing really well thanks to the medication.

Barbara

[Dianaww]

Thank you all, The only drug that is licensed in the UK is Vetoryl , Barbara, I see your dog is on that, what is compounded Trilostane, I thought Trilostane is Vetoryl, with the Vetoryl Capsules I think 10mg is the smallest size in the UK, obviously will check if he does indeed have Cusings and go on them.

I have read that some dogs are on two tablets to cut the dose in half, I did see it said that one dose doesn't last the 24hrs do you give your 2 doses 12 hours apart.

I am happy that Teddy has had two good days, and isn't as tired bless him, he will be next week poor baby.

[goldengirl88]

You need to first confirm your dog has Cushings before even thinking to treat. If you dog does have Cushings start at a low dose and work up from there if needed. That way the dog can adjust to the drug. Trilostane is Vetoryl. The brand name is Vetoryl. There are pharmacies that do send out of the country and I think Diamondback does. Because Vetoryl only comes in 10mg, and the next is 30mg if you need a dose in between then you go to Diamondback and they compound the dosage you need like 5mg or 18mg etc. that Vetoryl does not make. You can give a combination of both. My dog takes 2 10mg doses of Vetoryl and 5mg trilostane from Diamondback. Just watch your dog and be vigilant if you start treating and it will work out. Also get prednisone off the vet in case you need it if your dogs cortisol drops too low. Good Luck. Blessings
Patti

[frijole]

Note I believe that vetoryl/trilostane comes in capsules and I can tell you with 100% certainty that the manufacturer's website says DO NOT SPLIT the dose. You have to have it compounded if you need less than 10 mg. I also believe that Diamondback ships overseas but others might be able to confirm that. Kim

[Trixie]

I use the brand name Vetoryl for the 10mg part of Trixie's dose. Trilostane is just the generic name for the same drug. I use 4mg of Trilostane long with the brand name 10mg Vetoryl. Didn't mean to confuse...it's all the same. Just trying to show that you can get any dose you need by using both the brand and generic together, or just generic.
10mg is the lowest made in the brand name, if you need less than 10mg then you need to get Trilostane from a compounding pharmacy...many here use Diamondback (as Sharlene said-they ship overseas), but perhaps there is one in the UK that you can use.

It's all the same thing but since the brand name Vetroyl does not come in less than 10mg strength I use the "compounded" (they make them up) capsules of Trilostane (from Diamondback) so I can get just the right dose.

I do not actually split the capsules and you can't do that. The total dose my dog gets is 28 mg. I give her 14mg in the morning and 14mg at night. That is what I meant by split dose--2x a day. Never actually split the medication and always give it with food.

Barbara

[Dianaww]

Hi Barbara

I understand, I thought that may be what you meant, I will have to see what they say next Week, they said they will try to do the Ultrasound the same day, as I explained it is a long journey, and he has been ill for some time, and that he hates going to the vets and being starved, they ask for that in case they have to take bloods that need the pet to be starved and in case they have to do any scans etc, they haven't promised they can ultrasound him the same day, but will try, due to his circumstances, and I did say we needed a diagnosis asap, as we need to help him, and that I am also very ill, and usually don't travel more than 6 miles to my city hospital, whereas Teddy's specialist is 60 miles each way, It is dangerous for me to travel so far, but I WILL DO IT for him. He needs me !

[Trixie]

Yes...I understand not wanting to have your dog fasted for the blood work and ultrasound. It's stressful enough just to go to the vet let alone have the dog in such a state. I hate even thinking about taking my dog to the vet she gets so nervous too.
Hopefully all will work out for you and Teddy. Is there someone to go with you on the long trip to the vet? I hope so.

Barbara

[Dianaww]

Hi Thanks for your understanding, Yes my husband is going with me, he is doing the driving. Teddy will be cuddled all the way there and back by me, he loves that in the car. He hates sitting in the back even if I sit next to him, so we cuddle for hours HOW EASY A JOB FOR ME .... Cuddling him is one of my favorite past times

[Dianaww]

We are taking Teddy to the specialist hospital on Wednesday, he will know as soon as he doesn't get his breakfast he always knows that means the doctors ! Poor darling, he really doesn't like it, it is a 60 mile journey, they said they may do the Ultrasound, but we know they may even suggest an MRI as he just doesn't show signs that are classic for Cushings, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have it, I know the tests can be false positives, both his two tests are positive, We are waiting for the results of the UCCR urine test. Unless we can see the tumor on the adrenals or pituitary we won't know for sure, and we won't then be given meds, we don't want this high high cortisol to wreck his organs, he has had some better days recently, but is still tired, and not playing as much, but he is very happy with us. WHO WOULD WANT TO PLAY with high high cortisol and low low white cells he must feel bad poor darling X

[molly muffin]

Awww sweet Teddy. Of course he is happy with you, you are all things to him I'm sure. :)

Too bad about the fasting though and that he gets anxious automatically because he knows. Sometimes they are just too smart.

Hope all goes well and you get some answers.

hugs,
sharlene and molly muffin

[Dianaww]

Thanks Sharlene so much, I hope we do we love him SOooo much, he is sitting behind my office chair as I am writing this post, he has just had a nap with his dad. Ah !!!!

He will have me to cuddle him all the way there in the car, and all the way back, he loves it, he didn't like it when I sat next to him in the back, and he was on his lovely quilt he has a really thick quilt like we have with a lovely printed cover on it, he loves them at home, but no he wanted a cuddle when we last when on a longish journey last week.

So I will enjoy it as much as him, cuddling for 120 miles in total what can be better, APART FROM SOME HOPE FROM THE VET HOSPITAL x

[Trixie]

I know how just how you feel about getting the dog to the vet. I don't have the long ride but the anxiety I had knowing the dog will be stressed and missing the meal...it's an awful feeling.
Just keep thinking about when it's over and you can get him out of there and give him lots of treats and hugs. Then you will have your answers about his Cushings.
Hope all goes well on Wednesday and that the appt. goes quickly!
Good Luck and enjoy the ride cuddling with Teddy!
Barbara

[Dianaww]

Hi Barbara Thank you for your support, The last time Teddy had to not eat all day, for the low dex test, he was so upset, We treated him to a freshly cooked breast of chicken. If we get home early enough to buy him one again we will. He is such a darling and so brave, we just hope we can get some answers he has been ill 3 months tomorrow, that we know about, we had a routine blood test for a teeth clean on 9th July, and that was when the vet said she couldn't do his teeth as his white cells were very very low, and it is 9th Oct tomorrow when he goes to the specialist hospital, so 3 months exactly, we don't know how long he had been ill before that as there were no signs at all, now we can see some signs that he isn't himself, he is tired, and lethargic, and wants to eat more, We thought he was drinking more, but we have measured his water in take for some days and he is actually NOT DRINKING ENOUGH so that isn't a sign of Cushings either, the vet says that the levels of his cortisol should be causing more clinical signs by now, but they aren't, only tired, and his legs have gone from beneath him a few times, where he is weaker, so we really want to help him asap. Will let you all know how we get on tomorrow. X

[Dianaww]

Teddy had to go and see a specialist vet on Wednesday, they admitted him, and he spent his first night away from us ever, in 7.5 years, we were really upset, but we had to have tests done, He has got several things wrong and may need more tests at another time, he has come home with very upset tummy, very loose stools with blood in, and is not happy about that, poor baby, we are home cooking 4 times a day to try to sort it out, it maybe stress related, from being away from us, and all the tests he had, it may be his slightly swollen pancreas they also found, or colitis, or even the change in diet he had 2 weeks ago, when one vet said he had CUSHINGS we changed to Chicken and Oats to make him feel more full, THE SPECIALIST VET SAYS HE DOES NOT HAVE CUSHINGS, so having OATS in his diet, is not good for pancreas problems, so we are now awaiting more test results Monday, then to see if his specialist wants us to slowly re-introduce his original food that he had eaten for 6 years, after being very ill when he was a year old, on every other food we tried, We now wish we had never changed it, but thought we were doing the right thing. He has a heart issue, on top of his valve problem, that may be causing him issues as he has fallen down a few times, his legs have gone from under him, he has landed on his head not his legs jumping off the sofa, and trying to jump onto the sofa he hit the cushion, and fell on his side, he also has a 1cm growth on his spleen, which they needle biopsied and said it is lymphoid reactive, with some blood in it, which may be normal for him, or may need more investigating, he has slightly enlarged lymph nodes in his abdomen too, and some other issues, His specialist wants to check whether he definitely has a white cell problems or not, as the WHITE BLOOD CELL tests they did were normal, the FIRST NORMAL in 3 months, they can go down again, but if they don't, then it won't be a marrow problem we don't think, but the spleen and lymph nodes are a concern, and maybe nothing, or maybe something more serious, time will tell. The heart may be a problem too, as he has a load VAGAL Heart sound, and irregular beats, he also has slight kidney changes, which they said may be the start of renal issues, all together I counted 7 issues, including his original heart valve problem, I have told him he doesn't need to catch his mum up as I now have 20+ illnesses. We love him So much he was so brave, especially after a resent nightmare at a vet we have now left, where he had 4 needles in his legs instead of one for the low dex test, and ended up swollen bruised and black and blue, and was so upset he wet himself, and the other waste item too, and cried, none of which he has done in a vets before, so we are now back with our original vets, although sadly his vet is leaving at the end of this month. We are going to give him QUALITY of life, rather than QUANTITY, it is not right or fair on him to let him go on longer if he has lost the QUALITY of life, at this time, despite upset tummy with blood in it, he is very happy, He is a battler that is for sure, but I can feel his heart beat is irregular, and he may need to have a 24hr heart ECG that will be fun, it is 60+ miles each way to the specialists, so I am shattered, as I cannot usually travel more than 6 miles at a time maximum, without ill effects, the two days in a row we did over 250 miles, but he is worth it. So it looks like he has several different illnesses. POOR BABY , Oh and they have tested his resting cortisol again, awaiting results of that, and urine culture, awaiting results of that, and also waiting for results of pancreas test, THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT x

[Trish]

Gosh, that was a lot to take in for you all. My head was spinning just reading it :eek: But good you are getting some answers. Sorry his tummy is upset hopefully you can put that right with getting him back on his normal food.

Do they think the swollen pancreas is pancreatitis? I see they are waiting on results and then hopefully they can get Teddy on some treatment.

It's great the WBC issues are resolved but they have found nodule on spleen and enlarged lymph nodes, is the plan to retest his blood soon or rescan to see what is happening there? Leslie here had surgery for her dog Squirt to remove her spleen, so I am sure she will be along to offer any of her thoughts on that.

What was the plan for his heart, any meds for the irregular heart beat?

I hope Teddy is feeling better soon, poor little mite and you too, sounds like it was a rough couple of days

[goldengirl88]

So sorry to hear you are dealing with so many issues at one time. It is rather daunting just hearing all that is going on, but there is always hope. I know you love your baby so pray for him, there are still miracles and I hope he gets one. Take care of yourself this is a lot to go through. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

TRISH I am sure it did make your head spin, it is a lot going on isn't it for my poor baby?

We are slowly getting his upset tummy calmer, almost no blood now Thank goodness.

The plan is to repeat the white cell count to see if it is going back up and staying there, or whether it will drop again, to rule out a white cell issue, so my own vet will take the blood test at the end of this coming week.

The heart beats, he will likely have to have a 24hr ECG Holster monitoring done.

The test for pancreatitis will be back on Monday hopefully, my first Yorkie Max had pancreatitis and Colitis, so it wouldn't surprise us, Yorkies often have an iffy digestion etc.

The nodule on the spleen was tested and is is Lymphoid reactive with some blood in it, the lymph nodes in the abdomen are only slightly enlarged, I did ask if he may have LYMPHOMA but it isn't looking that way YET, who knows he may be getting it, and we have spotted this now early, I HOPE NOT !! There can be other benign reasons.

I remember Leslie saying Squirt had a spleen issue that raised the cortisol, we don't know as yet, if this is why Teddy's cortisol is so high, it may be, or it could be the combination of all that he has going on.

The heart ECG didn't serious heart issues as yet, but the VAGAL TONE in the heart was loud, and the specialist could hear with his stethoscope, that his beat was irregular, so he has said we are likely to need a 24hr ECG a mentioned already.

It would explain the falling over 4 times, last week was twice in two days, he doesn't seem bothered by it.

But we are worried, it seems he has so much against him I just hope he can make it for a while yet. We love him so much X

[Dianaww]

PATTI thank you for your support, Teddy is a battler like I am, so we will keep fighting, he is worth it, and he loves life, although he is a little tired, and who wouldn't be with all that going on, but we will do ALL we can for him, X

[molly muffin]

Oh my gosh, just catching up on how the tests went for Teddy. That does sound daunting when you see it all put together like that. I'm sure you are right though that Teddy is a little fighter. I think that he is happy, is the most important thing of all. As long as he remains happy, and you just do what you can to keep him happy, which I know you already are doing, then together, you'll manage for as long as possible. I hope that is for many years to come too.
I'm super relieved actually to hear that he doesn't have cushings thrown into that mix. Boy, that is just one more thing you don't need to have to deal with.
What a horrid experience with 4 needles, black and blue, I cannot even imagine such a thing. What was that vet thinking!!! good lord.
Teddy is sure adorable and you are going all out to get him the best care possible to help him maintain being a happy guy. That is all you can do, and at the expense of your own health too, which you have to take care of yourself through all of this. It does Teddy no good, if you get ill too. He wouldn't like that you know. :)
Take care, much hugs! You're doing awesome.
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Dianaww]

Thanks Sharlene It is a long road ahead I think, and his poor upset tummy three days today, there are signs of improvement less blood and a bit more firmer (Sorry to be graphic) it is the worse upset bowels he has ever had, in his whole life, it is really odd it has happened now, It may of been the change in diet 2 weeks ago, and the being away from us for the 1st time, that upset his gut, being as his pancreas is swollen too, Although we have been told it isn't cushings, he still has high cortisol so that is a concern, we will see what the results of that was again, tomorrow, with other results, will keep you posted. Teddy and I can be ill together, and fight together, we actually have some similar things too, I have heart problems, and possible Lymphoma brewing, as well as many other nasty things, But I am a real fighter, and Teddy is too, so lets hope we have many happy times left together, and his dad loves him lots too x

[goldengirl88]

Your little Teddy is so cute, I can understand how much you love him. You are both together in this, and you will get strength from each other. God Bless you both.
Patti

[Dianaww]

Thank you so much for your support all of you, We will fight and fight for him. X

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Dianne,

Yes, Squirt had a tumor on her spleen that was found during our diagnostics for the Cushing's. I don't remember the specifics, probably because I was scared poopless at the time, but I should have her papers here...somewhere, heavens help me! :D I know they told me there was no choice but that she have surgery to remove it if I wanted her to live. It would rupture the spleen and she would more than likely pass before I could get her into the hospital. Her pathology report after the tumor was removed was clean.

One of our members here has a pup who's spleen did rupture due to a tumor earlier this year and she survived; her pup has Hemangiosarcoma but is doing well with treatments.

I will try to find those records of Squirt's and share more details with you if possible. Have the vets said what condition they want to address first, which, if any, is the more pressing? Boy! That was a lot to take in all in one day, honey! Take a bit of time and just breath, let things settle in your mind a bit. Not that I could do that, mind you - I'd be bonkers with wild thoughts running rampant through my mind. But is is good advise! :p

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Dianaww]

Thanks Lesley I am scared his spleen may rupture, but am told it shouldn't but not guaranteed, It is a lymphoid reactive nodule, which has some blood in it, apparently it isn't malignant. I did say I was worried about rupturing.

Having blood in loose poo is also a worry as he has not had it before, I rang the vet hospital and was told a message would be given to Teddy's
specialist, I rang again later that day, as he has passed a third lot of loose poo with blood in, and I was concerned it was pancreatitis or from the needle aspirates of the spleen. It isn't a lot of fresh blood but it is there, then when I rang the second time I was told Teddy's specialist wasn't in, I had emailed photos of the poo (VERY NICE AH) and the lady told me my own vet had rang, and she was going to ring me, so I waited and waited and never got a call, she would ALWAYS ring me, if she said she was going to, so I don't know what went wrong there, mis-communication I think. Had I known Teddys' specialist wasn't in on Friday I would of rang my own vet, so we have put him on home cooked food, the blood is lessening slowly which is good, but still upset poo, with a tiny bit of blood, I will ring my own vet tomorrow, and the vet hospital is ringing me with some other results, there was no mention of removing spleen. They want to see if he does/doesn't have a white cell problem, as we got the first normal white cell result in 3 months, if he HAS got a white cell problem, I imagine bone marrow biopsy is the only option, to see if he has the beginnings of bone cancer after all. BUT this upset tummy could be colitis or his pancreas and stress being away from us, so we may not agree to a bone marrow biopsy as to be honest treating any bone cancer in dogs isn't that sucessful and we feel Teddy isn't the kind of boy to cope with it and being away from us, he has never ever had an upset tummy and blood like this before. He is not too hot, But the dehydrating and kisneys slightly worry me, and he just won't drink more. He drinks HALF what he should we have measured it, as we thought he was over drinking, but it was only that we moved his bowl and saw him go to it more than where it was before, he is not drinking anywhere near enough, so being dehydrated is not good with an upset tummy, and that will make him MORE dehydrated. As you saw he has a lot going on. He has the heart issue on top of his heart valve issue, his kidneys maybe starting to go adrift, then the spleen nodule, then slightly enlarged abdomen lymph nodes, I did ask if he is in early signs of LYMPHOMA and was told no, but then another time I was told that they spleen and lymph nodes may be due to things he is fighting in his guts etc, or maybe something more dynamic, I still fear he may have cancer looming or starting to show itself. Tomorrow we get the urine culture results, the resting cortisol results and also the pancreas results. Then I need to know what to do about his upset tummy, he had been starved for about 36 hours before he came home so I dread starving him again, he is only on hand cooked fresh chicken and brown rice, that should help. We think it maybe the fact we changed his diet 2 weeks ago, and the oats are too much for his slightly swollen pancreas, but we didn't know he had that when we did that, so he may have to go back to his original food which suited him fine for 6 years. He has so much going on, like with my illnesses, it is hard to tell where one starts and another begins, and which is related to what, as so many of them can have the same symptoms, I don't have much hope for a long future, but QUALITY of life for him, more than QUANTITY is fairer for him, QUANTITY would only be for us, and HE comes first. X

[Squirt's Mom]

Three of my babies were on a chicken-based recipe recently and all of them got diarrhea. When I got them off the chicken, it stopped for all but Squirt - her's went on a bit longer. Not sure what brand of chicken you are buying but Foster Farms chicken has recently been proven to have quite a bit of salmonella bacteria - far beyond the acceptable limit - yet they are not pulling the meat off the grocery store shelves. So that chicken is still being sold. Just wanted to pass this on just in case.

You might try giving Teddy just the chicken broth with some well cooked rice - cooked to a sticky paste - and that might be a bit easier on his tummy/gut than the meat right now. As he settles, you can start to add a little bit of meat and see how he does.

[Dianaww]

Hi Sharlene I appreciate your advise, I am in the UK and I don't have that brand here I don't think we buy freshly cooked chicken that is cooked in the store. I will be talking to Teddys' vet and specialist tomorrow and see what they say as to where to go from here. I will keep you informed. Thank you again for your support. x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Just checking in to see how precious Teddy is this morning??. I just wanted to tell you something I told another member. Terriers are the hardiest breed of dog on the planet. They are extremely resilient, so even though Teddy has a lot of issues going on, don't count him out. These terriers will fool you and rally against the most extreme circumstances. God Bless you Both
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti thank you so much for thinking of Teddy today, he is a little better thank you, he is on prescription diet for his tummy issues, our usual vet says he has colitis, which we thought too one of our other Yorkies used to have it. The aim is to sort his colitis out, and then slowly put him back on his original diet that kept him free of his tummy problems that he had had since he was 2, so it will be a long road. Then on Thurs he has another blood test to see if his white cells are still better, we will know results on Fri or Next Monday of that, still waiting to hear about the pancreas test, the urine culture and resting cortisol tests. The main worry is his heart, and the lymph nodes and spleen, more than the gut to be honest, I know pancreatitis isn't good if he has that, but I just think he is stressed with all that he has had going on. Being away from us on Wed for the first time in his life may of bought on the colitis poor darling. Will keep you posted, Thank you again for thinking of him today x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Do you have him on any heart support/supplements? That may be something you want to look into. My Tipper is on Cardio Strength by Vetri Science, and Hawthorne the herb. They are both good support for heart problems, but check with your DR. first. You have to get an edge up on all this stuff any way you can. Belssings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Thanks for that Patti, will look into it, speak to vet and see if we do it here in the UK

[goldengirl88]

You can get them online from Amazon if they are not available there. Good Luck
Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Thanks Patti x

[Squirt's Mom]

Well, I am about sick. I have been getting rid of stuff and realized a while back I had thrown out a box of things I meant to keep and kept a box of junk....part of what got tossed was a notebook of poems written by my college roommate who is now bed-ridden with MS and I have not found Squirt's medical file so it may have been in that box, too. :( I'll keep looking and let you know if I find it.

[doxiesrock912]

Oh no!
Medical files can be replaced, but I am so sorry about the personal keepsakes.

Are you sure that you haven't just misplaced the box? (hoping).

[Dianaww]

Oh dear, how upsetting for you, I am sorry to hear that, You were being kind enough to look to tell me about Squirts spleen, so I feel bad now, you wouldn't of known you had lost/mislaid it if you weren't trying to help me and Teddy, Teddy's specialist has phoned and said his Pancreas results were a little high, and the urine culture was fine, and his cortisol is down to the low 240's so he is not too concerned about that, he says Teddy will need to go on a vet diet for Gut and Panaceas problems, EITHER: Hills ID low fat diet, or ROYAL CANIN Gastro Intestinal LOW FAT .... I have never been a lover of Vet prescription diets, and when I read the ingredients a lot of it is corn and fillers, BUT I have seen some good reports too from owners, so I have to decide which is best Hills or Royal Canin, ANY ONE KNOW PLEASE.

[Dianaww]

Teddy VERY ILL today, now vomiting since 4am, we need the vet asap, he may have to go in on a drip we are so so so scared and upset, as he HATES being at the vets, he was in a special vet hospital on Wed night last week, and came home this ill, with the stress kicking off this colitis, and now pancreatitis, we are so worried he won't make it

[Trish]

Oh no, I hope the vet is open where you are or you have an ER available to you. Poor Teddy, he will feel better with some fluids, anti nausea and also pain relief if it is pancreatitis causing this bout of illness. It can be quite painful for them and important to have the drugs to help in healing the pancreas. I hope it settles down for him soon xo

[Dianaww]

It is 9.20am here, and he has an appointment at 10.50am so not long we have got constant loose bowels and vomiting of bile now, Poor baby, will keep you posted.

[Trish]

I would just take him now, they're not going to ignore you with a vomiting/pooping dog in the waiting room. Just say its an emergency which is sounds like it is. Good Luck.

[Dianaww]

Hi we are off now, the vet knows him really well, and she said to go in at 10.50am she wouldn't if she had been seriously worried. Thank you for your support, what we we do without those who understand how much we love our fur-babies

[Squirt's Mom]

Let us know how our sweet Teddy is!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Dianaww]

Hi Lesley We have been to his usual vet and she thinks he has gastrointeririts and not pancreatits at the moment, although she says we will keep an eye on this. He has had an antibitic injection, a Zantec injection to calm down the tummy, he has other meds I syrings in every 8 hours to coat the tummy and intestines like a bandage she said, so any sore bits are coated, he can eat 1 teaspoon of food tonight if we have no more vomiting, if we have had, we can't feed him, if we have vomiting tomorrow we have to go back and he may need admitting, the thing is no one is there with them over night they are only checked on now and then, that worries me as he gets breathing problems when he is sick like this as it is so acid, we hope he won't need admitting. We have a treatment plan to get him back to where he was, and when he is stronger, we have to slowly slowly get him on the Royal Canin intestinal Low Fat diet, we hope it isn't panceatitis, he is such a battler. We are going to be up untll 1.30am in the morning with all the treatment today. I will sleep in between the things we have to do. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT where would we be if no one understood how we feel when our dear ones are so very ill.

[molly muffin]

Thinking of you!!! If no one is there to stay with him over night, just say you don't feel comfortable leaving him and can bring him back in the morning if needed.
hugs
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Dianaww]

Hi Sharlene

The problem is, if he need to be on a drip for pancreatitis, it can mean they are in for a while, and bringing him home that ill could be life threatening, so I would have no option, He is resting now, and no more vomiting as yet.

[Squirt's Mom]

Yes, it sounds like he is where he needs to be for now. Once he is stronger, he will be back in your loving arms where he belongs. ;)

[Dianaww]

He is home with us now, on a treatment plan, he is not in the vets only if he continues to vomit tomorrow. So lets hope he doesn't

[Squirt's Mom]

ahhhhh....ok. I thought they had kept him for the drip now. I'm praying with you that he doesn't need to go back and gets stronger by the day.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[spdd]

There's no place like home to re-cuperate. Hope he does well today.

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
God bless you and sweet Teddy. I am glad he is with you, and also getting the treatment he needs. Just love Teddy and don't worry about other things at home until Teddy has recuperated. Hugs and blessings to you and Teddy, we are praying for him.
Patti

[Dianaww]

Lesley, Judi & Patti thank you all so so much for your wishes and support, we will know whether he can keep the teaspoon of food down by 10.30pm tonight it is 6pm now, and he has the spoon full at 7.30pm

[goldengirl88]

Praying that baby keeps it down, let us know.

[Dianaww]

Thanks he has had 8 hours with no vomiting, and has just vomited into his mouth and it effected his breathing, he now cannot have the 1 teaspoon of food we are so scared we will loose him.

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
I feel so bad for you, there is nothing to say that will comfort you in this situation. All I can do is say a prayer for you and sweet Teddy. He is just adorable and should not have to be going thru all this. Pray and ask God for mercy for him, I prayed for my Tipper and she got a miracle today. Teddy can still get thru this so keep your spirits up and know you have many thinking of you. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti Thank you SO MUCH what happen to Tipper today? Teddy has had TWO TEASPOONS of food like vet told me to do (3 hours apart) she said if he had no vomiting after the 1st one to wait 3 hours and give him the second TEASPOON, we now have to hope he isn't sick in the night, and then tomorrow, he can have some more TEASPOONS two each time, and then he sees her again on Thursday, and we can gradually get him back on his 4 meals a day, then he has to so so slowly change from the Royal Canin Sensitive to the Intestinal Low Fat diet, then we shall see how he gets on.

We still have the other health issues besides this gut pancreas issue, but he is a real fighter, He has had THREE months of being so so ill, and is still fighting, We are exhausted, and it is taking its toll on my health, I will just rest when I can.

Teddy and I have many similar illnesses it is odd really, but at least we know how each other feels.

Please let me know how Tipper is doing X

[frijole]

Sending love and warm thoughts your way. Stay strong and know we are with you. Kim

[molly muffin]

Come on Teddy, you can do this. Keep the food down for your mum.

Crossing my fingers that he'll have no episodes during the night and tomorrow will go well. Baby steps.

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[doxiesrock912]

Praying that Teddy improves.

[Trish]

Hi
I hope you and Teddy have had a good night and his poor little tummy has settled and he has managed to keep the food down, I would think if he has not he may need IV fluids, even some during the day would be good then bring him home at night. Don't want him getting too dehydrated as that would not be good for him especially his kidneys. Hoping we get a good report in the morning :)

[Dianaww]

THANK YOU ALL so much, he ate 1tsp last night, he kept the first one down, and we had had no vomiting for 15 hours, and then the second one three hours later, he kept down for 3 hours and was sick, so watching if he keeps today's teaspoon down, if not we will have to have him admitted.


THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GOOD WISHES AND SUPPORT

[Trish]

That's good news!! Good work Teddy!! Is he managing to drink?

[Dianaww]

No drinking at all, won't even have it off a teaspoon, so he will need IV drip if he doesn't today, he was checked yesterday by vet for dehydration and he was OK them, but you can't mess about with this, we are going to ask if he can be on IV all day tomorrow and we have him home for the evening, from 7pm to 8.30am Fri morning, and take him back for IV all day Fri until 7pm as our vets isn't attended all night, A Nurse just checks on them from time to time over night I think.

He has NO DRINK yesterday but a few teaspoons, ONE drink from his own bowl on Monday so today we have tried, he had TWO laps from a glass, he usually loves drinking out of a glass like us, more than his own bowl.

I tried a pet water fountain didn't want that.... He is so lovely, and is not laying around like a dog who is dying, but we know if we don't get FLUID into him, he will go down fast. I think the two days on IV's and home at night may work X

[Trish]

I hope he starts drinking soon, when my dog would not drink the vet told me to squirt a certain amount of fluid into his mouth with a syringe, according to his weight. You might want to ask them about that, it could keep him out of hospital if he can keep it down. Sometimes they need the IV though, so pleased you are going to take him in for that. Hopefully the day see's an improvement for you all. Hope you got some sleep last night :)

[Dianaww]

We are going to syringe some water in, but don't want to make him vomit again, we won't leave this it can get serious fast.

[frijole]

Continued healing prayers sent. Kim

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
I was so happy when I logged on today to hear Teddy ate and kept it down. I use a syringe on Tipper when she won't drink, like in the car after the vets etc. I think that would work, just be careful to do it very slowly so he does not aspirate it. I hope Teddy continues to eat and improve. Tipper and I are praying for him. GOOD JOB TEDDY KEEP GOING!!!!
Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti thank you, yes I know what you mean, you don't want them to aspirate it. So far he has kept the teaspoon of food down now for 2.5 hours another 1/2 hour and we can try another teaspoon, it is the fluid that worries me, I can't believe he isn't thirsty, not drinking at all yesterday, we gave him a few teaspoons of water and then One drink from his bowl on Monday and 5ml from syringe today, I would be gasping. We have a long road ahead. But we will travel it, as we know he wants to be alive, you can tell he does. He isn't like a dog who is ready to go, We would NOT keep him hear just for us. Only if HE wants to be here.

[molly muffin]

Hi! Checking in on you and Teddy! How did today go? Did he keep his food down? no vomiting? Is he drinking okay still?
Hoping that today/tonight (I always get the time zones mixed up that I'm saying night, when it's your morning) LOL went well!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dianaww]

Hi Sharlene

He is a bit better today, he was sick a tiny bit, BUT we spoke to the vet that we will now be seeing, as our vet is leaving, and he said that it may be food intolerance as well, as Teddy had an awful time when he was 2 years old, and in the end after 10-15 diets, we found one that was fine, sadly we had changed it 14 days before going to the referral hospital, and then all the stress of being away from us for the first night in his life, etc, we think kicked off the colitis, and then he also got gastroenteritis, they do not think it is pancreatitis, as his blood test results were only marginally higher than normal, and it is was only the skin around the pancreas that was swollen in the ultrasound, He may go on to get more clinic pancreatitis in due course, if so we will think his diet again, the one that has been fine for 5 years, is not high fat, it is holistic and he loves it, I am going to speak to them today about fat content in it, so I am prepared. His fever is a little lower, and that may of been stress being at the vet, as he shook in the car he knew where we were going, and usually only shakes once we get in the vets, this was HALF WAY THERE, he knows. Poor darling, we kept saying you are going home you are not staying there, and he stopped shaking while we said it, then started again. He is getting there, small steps, then we have to deal with the other issues he has as and when. I cried when we said goodbye to his vet, she has done so much for him in the past 6 years, we will miss her SO MUCH ...... Thank you again for all your support. x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
So glad to hear Teddy is doing a little better. I am sure he is a fighter as I have a Yorkie also and they are feisty little things. Terriers are tough as nails so I am counting on Teddy to get out of this funk and feel better. I am praying for you both. He is so adorable and tiny I can't imagine him going thru all this. Only a terrier could handle this much crap, they are resilient as all get out. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Thanks Patti so much .

We have seen his vet today, probably the last time we will see her as she is leaving as I thanked her for the 6 years care she has given Teddy, I started to cry as I was talking and she cuddled me, she had tears in her eyes too, We worked out how to get him back on the food that didn't upset him for 5 years, after it taking 10-12 foods to find one that he wasn't sensitive too, we only changed it 2 weeks before he went to the Vet Hospital , due to the belief / test results suggesting he had Cushings, and the one we changed to was one to fill him up more, BUT it has 3 times the fiber content and It likely contributed to his upset tummy, although he had a fever so he must of had an infection somewhere.

His vet said today, that is he does get clinically fully blown pancreatitis, we will need to know the fat content of his original food, thankfully the Royal Canin Intestinal Low Fat one has 7% and the Burns Chicken and Brown Rice that he has, has 7.5% so it will be fine.

RC push the fact that theirs is the Lowest fat content commercial food, but Teddy's Burns is only 1/2 % more, and much better quality food all round.

He also had bloods done today for him, so we hope they are still NORMAL White count, We only had ONE normal one in 3 months, then we can stop worrying about the 3 months of dangerously low white cells, if they are low, he may still have bone cancer.

We don't want that, one for obvious reasons as in dogs the prognosis is poor, but also he doesn't want any more Vets and Hospitals for a bit, it has made him sicker with the stress in one way, but it was needed....So it is all about balance, and now only going when he has to.

We now know what is in his tummy and the other issues he has, so now they are documented any issues he has will make more sense.

His resting corisol was low 240's which is still high, but I think with the stress of vets for 3 months and tests and being away and all he has been through hasn't helped.

Before this all happened, when he went for the routine teeth clean that day, and had pre-op blood, we didn't have any idea he was ill, there were no signs at all, then after it was found by chance, it led to us doing what we could to find out what was wrong with him. At least we know more now from the stay in the specialist vet hospital.

Thank goodness for PET INSURANCE

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
My Tipper has undergone a lot of stress to form the vets and hospitals. Stress alone can be really bad for them so I try to balance it too. Tipper 13 0r 14 ACTH tests in the last year and a2 months. That is a lot of testing, many ultra sounds, you name it an she has had it. It is a lot to expect your baby to go thru, but there is no other way to keep them alive. I am glad I did not do the surgery on Tipper, I think she will live longer this way, I pray at least. Are you in the US? If so I would be careful of the Royal Canin it has a lot of recalls. I never heard of Burns I am going to look it up. You are doing a wonderful job. I know what you mean about being sick yourself as I have things similar to Tipper also and I ignore my health to take care of her sometimes. I understand about your vet leaving. It is sad to work with one that long and have to say goodbye. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Patti You and I sound very alike. Burns is an holistic food and we love it for Teddy, I am sorry Tipper has had to have so many tests, but as you say you have to do it to keep them alive, but you hurt with them don't you, Is her meds stabilized now. You have had a hard journey I can tell. Teddy is a lot happier now, he has had 3 meals out of his 4 he has (Due to his delicate digestion we have fed 4 small meals since he was 2 years old, he is now 7) I do hope you and Tipper are doing OK, I am in the UK x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Great to hear Teddy is eating his meals, the poor baby was probably so hungry, but was unable to eat. What these poor babies have to go thru is horrible. I know my Tipper understands I am helping her, but she is sick of all the poking and prodding already. I have been on this journey with her for 14 months now. It has been a long a hard fought battle at times, but I would never in my life give up on my girl, unless she indicated to me that is what she wants. I get up every day researching and hoping to find something, just anything new to help her. I have spared no expense, time or agony to get her where she is now. I love her so that the though of losing her sends a pain straight to my heart. I try hard to be vigilant and catch small things before they become big problems. I just wish the testing they have to undergo was not so hard on them, if they could find something less painful and easier it would not be so bad. I get sick to my stomach when she has to be tested as I don't want anyone hurting her. She is like a child to me, and she has helped me thru a lot so it is my turn to help her. It is a shame that there is no cure for this disease. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Patti my heart goes out to you, I know EXACTLY how you feel, I have 20 illnesses and they stop me living a normal life, and Teddy has been there for me, the last 3 years have been the worst, I tried to hide things from him, but they are so intellegent and they know don't they.

It must be awful for you getting Tipper tested, I know when Teddy had the Low Dex test and they really really hurt him, his legs were black and blue, he didnt' stay in for the day, we took him to the vets 3 times, once to have it tested and the meds put in, then back in 4 hrs, then home, then back again in another 4hrs.

The first trip they took the blood from his neck and bruised him, they tried FOUR times to put the meds in his legs and his legs swelled up and bruised so much they had to put compression bandages on him, they said he is an easy brusier, and wriggles too much.

This was a practice we went to VERY BRIEFLY as we had left our original vets as his vet is leaving, and now we are back there, and will see someone else, but this one we went to to test for Cushings was not good.

When we went back for the first 4hr test, he wet on his dads t-shirt, and then as the nurse took him, he had a poo on the way to where they do the blood test as he was SO SCARED he has NEVER done either of these things before, and then we went home, then the last test he cried as we went to the door of the vets, he has never cried.

He usually shakes. So you can imagine what it was like when we had to leave him last Wed night 60 miles away in the vet hospital, as he has never been away from us at all, I am with him 24/7

When we had to go to our usual original vets yesterday for a blood test, he started shaking in the car half way there.

We have now said, No More vets or hospitals UNLESS he really really needs it, we know what is inside his belly now and more what is wrong with him, and he needs a totally rest now. He has had THREE MONTHS of vets many times a week, many blood tests, many other tests in the vet hospital, now he needs his home and his mum and dad and peace and quiet to recover.

His vet who knows him so well (the one who is leaving) Agrees.

So Patti, I do understand, it breaks your heart, Tipper knows you are helping her, and she will love you for it, I know they are like your child, Teddy is to us. The thought of losing them really does hurt, I honestly know, It has made me ill to be honest.

I really feel for you, as we have a similar thing, although it looks as if Teddy hasn't got Cushing his cortisol is still high, and he has other health issues, that can or could be very serious and life threatening.

So I know how hard it is for you / I am here for you anytime Patti X

[molly muffin]

Have you tried taking Teddy to the vets and nothing happening, except that they pet him, love on him and give him some treats that you give them that is okay for him to have? Sometimes this works and they can get past the trauma and start to not react so badly. Just a thought.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
I try to take Tipper in the car for a ride she likes to go to a farm here and look at the llamas. I did not realize that before the only time we got in the car was to go to a vet or hospital, so she would know right away and begin to shake. I decided that she needed to know every time she got in the car it was not for something bad. She was always used to being in the car, but for good things. Poor Teddy has had enough of those places like Tipper. Tipper only has to go every Wednesday I get her blood pressure checked. Then she only had to go back every three months or so unless we have an emergency. So she will be glad to know that. They get white coat syndrome after a while. I don't blame them the stuff they do hurts. I hope teddy continues to improve, and please look up the supplements for his heart, they will support the healthy function of his heart and he needs that. God Bless you Both.
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Sharlene Its a thought but to be really honest, he has been so tramatized that I really don't think anything much will work, he needs a total break from them, UNLESS really needed, three months is a long time to be there, more than once a week. He has had enough of them to be honest, But it is a thought, for the future Thanks for that idea.

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti we thought like you do, every time he goes in the car he thinks OH NO VETS, so we also have taken him to see the Ducks in the local village and other things, so he knows not EVERY time we go in the car is the vets, sadly though of late, he has been too ill to go anywhere else, but we plan to take him other places, just so like Tipper, he knows it won't always be for the vets x

[Dianaww]

LESLIE I meant to ask you, you know SQUIRT has the growth in the spleen and they removed the spleen, did it mean she has cushings, or has the high cortisol gone now the spleen has been removed? so is she NOT being treated as a Cushings pup now?

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
No I am not certain what you are talking about. Tipper has an adrenal tumor that has not increased in size per her last Ultra sound. You have me worried, not sure what you mean. Blessings
Patti

[Harley PoMMom]

Patti I meant to ask you, you know Tipper has the growth in the spleen and they removed the spleen, did it mean she has cushings, or has the high cortisol gone now the spleen has been removed?

Leslie's (Squirt's mom) sweet girl, Squirt had some of her spleen removed, I think this may be the person you are talking about.

[Dianaww]

Patti I am SO SORRY I am mixing two people up, I have two brain problems that cause serious problems and confusing, So Tipper has Cushings, and Squirt had her spleen removed SORRY PATTI please forgive me, I didn't mean to worry you

[Dianaww]

Leslie's (Squirt's mom) sweet girl, Squirt had some of her spleen removed, I think this may be the person you are talking about.


Yes I am I got the two confused SORRY AGAIN PATTI x

[goldengirl88]

That is ok, I just got scared thinking what else is wrong I don't know about. Tipper never had any spleen issues, I think you are thinking of Leslie's Squirt that had a tumor removed from her spleen??? How is Teddy doing today? I hope he is eating, he is so darn cute. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

PATTI .... I am really cross with myself and feel SO SO BAD, the LAST thing I would ever ever want to do is worry or scare someone, we all have enough to cope with when our babies are ill.

It is SQUIRT I meant, not Tipper, PLEASE forgive me.



He is doing well, 4 meals today (He always has 4 small meals) with 10g in each yesterday was 7g in each, but he had 3 yesterday as we didn't have time for 4 after we had seen the vet.

Tomorrow, he will be on his normal 13g per 4 meals. Now to get him to drink more as his kidneys are showing early signs of real issues, he drinks HALF what he should, I have tired every single trick in the book, and pet water filters.

Although he needs another type so I have some in mind to get him.

We played with an ice cube early and he bit bits off if I held it, then he snatched it off me and ate it YIPPIE !

We used to do that with Max our first Yorkie, and with Max we would put them IN the water bowl, so he would drink to get them out.

Teddy is smaller in size, than Max was, so I don't want to cool his body temp down too much, so ONE at a time & not that often, but that is some water.

Then we wet his kibble now, Doesn't get much water but SOME if better than none.

He has just stopped wanting to drink from his bowl, On Monday.

The other day I washed my hands really well (as he was stick being sick) and we do anyway due to low white cells. But we are more OCD about it at the moment.

I cupped my hands with water, and HE DRANK FROM THEM.

Syringe it in gently and he will BITE ME REALLY HARD.

He used to love it from a freshly filled small glass, NO backs off and won't have it, and looks scared.

So it is a battle.

We are NOT pressuring him, we are doing it all SO gently and casually. But it is all a lot of hard work, but we will carry on.

He is so happy today, for the FIRST TIME IN THREE MONTHS, he really played on the bed rolling over wagging his tail, gripping my arm with all 4 legs and play biting my hand and moaning in pleasure, and I nearly cried with joy, but I didn't want him to see me cry it upsets him, and that is the LAST thing I want to do.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Diana,

We all get confused at one time or another so no worries there! ;):)

Sometimes dogs can get a phobia regarding their bowls, don't know exactly why, but it may help if you use a different bowl for his water.

Hugs, Lori

[frijole]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing - or throw some ice cubes in the water for a change of pace. Keep it fun as you mentioned you are doing. And adding water to kibble really does help. Kim

[Dianaww]

Hi all done all that, changed the bowl, ice-cubes, cupped hands, teaspoon, syringe. He is getting more water today than he has for a few days, the Vet has checked him for dehydration and he isn't so he doesn't need an IV or anything, but it is really odd, how he got ill with this gastric issue, last Friday a week today, and just decided on Monday this week, I don't want to drink now.

We will find a way for him, somehow. X

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Don't worry no harm done here. You have better things to have on your mind. I am thinking about the water bowls situation. I will have to ponder that one a while. That was wonderful to hear that Teddy is playing on the bed and wagging his little tail, he is so sweet. I think he has turned the corner and is ready to get well now. I hope he continues to improve every day. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

My Molly loves to play with ice cubes and bite on them too. I always think that is so fun to watch her to do. She'll pounce on it and then play with it before actually eating it.

Oh gosh, don't worry about getting dogs and people mixed up. We have lots of dogs and lots of people to go with me. Sometimes it's impossible to keep it all straight. :)

It does sound like Teddy is doing much better if he wanted to play today and is back to eating normal times and amounts or close to it anyhow.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dianaww]

Thanks Patti for your understanding it means alot x

[Dianaww]

Hi Sharlene Its funny watching them with ice cubes, Teddy has never had one before, at first he wasn't sure, but I made a game of it, I will see what he thinks tomorrow, He has heart shape ones, and lip shape ones. AH xxx

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
I am hoping to find Teddy better today than yesterday, and playing like he used to. Is he drinking yet? Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti he is eating well, not drinking, and a little tired today and not playing, I think he is just exhausted, he does feel a little warm, I may have to take his temperature if he still feels warm later, he isn't that hot. Maybe one point over normal, I just hope it doesn't mean his white cells are down again, as that will mean the ONE normal one may be wrong and all the others right. We just don't want him to have any more issues. He just needs to sleep and rest and have lots of love and cuddles, how are you and Tipper today x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Sorry to hear Teddy is not playing and warm, I hope too it is not the white cells. I know Tipper gets warm a lot, but for a different reason, it is from inflammation. She will get spots of heat on her back, her head etc. She had a good nite and has already walked this morning. How is your weather over there? We are having a cold rainy week, and it is getting dark so early at nite now. I am praying there are no more issues for sweet Teddy. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti

I am so pleased Tipper has had a nice time today with her walk and a good night, what breed is she? She is lovely. Teddy isn't so warm now, He has chewed two of his toys, he just doesn't have the energy to walk round the home much, and he used to run up and down in his large garden, now he stays at the bottom part, that said, we don't like him running like mad, anyway, not since he had his heart valve issue diagnosed when he was 1.5 years old.


We are going to have some fun with seeing if he will eat another ice cube in a minute.

It is colder and getting darker here earlier too, not much fun is it?

X

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Has Teddy had any issues because of the heart valve? Tipper has a leaky valve, but it was from the Cushings. The Cardiologist said she should not have any symptoms for 3-5 years. Does Teddy get winded if he runs? Tipper is a Jack Russell Terrier. She still looks like a puppy. Everyone that sees her says oh what a cute puppy. Her eyelashes etc. have started getting grey though since this disease started. What part of the UK do you live in? Are you able to stay home all day with Teddy? I am able to stay with Tipper all the time, I could never leave her I would be a basket case. I feel for the ones going thru this and working at the same time. I hope Teddy perks up and is able to get past all of this. The ice cube game is a great idea for him to get water. Did you try changing the water bowl or moving it form where it usually is? I can't imagine why he won't drink. Does he have trachea problems? This can cause hesitation to drink sometimes. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Teddy has always has a trachea problem but it he has never not drunk before, His heart valve problem has been that way since he was 1.5 years old we took him to a heart specialist, and we saw the Doppler test and you could see the blood flowing back through the valve, both our other Yorkies had the same thing, theirs just got slowly worse, but Teddy's never has got any worse it is not very loud at all, and he has had it 5.5 years, My other two lived 3 years or so with theirs as theirs got worse and worse more quickly, it all depends you can't say.

I love Jack Russels.

I am at home 99.9% of the time, We have not ever left Teddy on his own, he has never ever been anywhere on his own, Except the vet hospital last Wed.

In his 7 years there have been about 6 times when my husband and I went out in the evening, and we had someone Teddy loves sit him, and we paid them to, like you pay a child minder, But that was about 2 years ago.

He won't drink out any bowls we have changed the bowl, where it is, putting fresh water in a lot as he used to have some straight away if it was fresh (We change it 4-6 times a day)

He is getting some in his kibble as we are soaking the kibble in it, so Ice cubes for now, and I am awaiting another water fountain to be delivered.

I will try all I can.

None of these issues are due to his heart valve, the problems with his intestines was colitis, and mild pancreatitis, and he has always had intestine problems, these can cause heart rhythm problems when they are very bad, so whether the load vagal heart tone, and the irregular beats the specialist heard are linked to the gut issues we don't know as yet.

These are all separate issues he thinks.

So he has 6-7 separate things. Poor baby.

Yes, he can get out of breath when he runs. Give Tipper a kiss from me, say Auntie Diana sends a kiss, and one from Teddy too x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
I never leave Tipper either. I have a dog sitter also. I am scared to death something would happen to her, so I am always with her. When we are in the house she is in the same room with me even. Since she has gotten sick I feel the need to always be able too physically see her. I try as hard as I can to correct things when they are small problems, so they do not get out of control, and that takes a lot of time. This is a full time job with a sick dog, especially one you love so much. I am not complaining though, I would walk on hot coals for her if need be. I feel so bad about all the babies that were lost this year alone. It scares me that I too will be one of them someday, I hope way in the future. Teddy has had so many issues going on the poor baby. I hope from this day forward he improves for his sake and yours. I know it can really get you down when things aren't going so well. I wish I never heard of Cushings, it has ruined mine and Tippers life. I feel cheated as these dogs live to 17-18 years old, and she is only 12. I could have so many more years to enjoy her if not for this horrible disease. I just take one day at a time and try to deal with it the best I can, some better than others. Teddy is such a cute and tiny little boy sending him big hugs and kisses across the pond from me and Tipper the Ripper. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti I understand totally, and I am exactly the same, I always know where Teddy is and most of the time, he is where I am in the house. 99% of the time he is now, he is in my office as I am writing this to you. I understand how you feel cheated, Yorkies can live 15-16 years or more, Teddy is only 7 years old, so less than HALF. What has you vet said about how well under control Tipper is on her meds? How long has she had Cushings, You are doing so well with her, the way you care for her, I just think of what would it be if Tipper and Teddy hadn't been with us, it doesn't bare thinking about, we clearly love them so so much as a member of our family, as a child, and will do the very best for them. It is worth it isn't it, just to see them have a good day. Teddy has had more water today in with his dried kibble he has had 4 meals as he always does and more water as we have soaked it in it, and then let him eat the last kibble with the water left and he will drink the water as it tastes of the food, as all the tiny bits have come off in the water from the other food, we are feeding him one kibble at a time on a baby spoon, so he doesn't eat too fast and make his poor gut have to work harder, he loves it, as he loves being close to us anyway, so it is all more bonding, and helping his digestion, we will do it for as long as he enjoys it, even if that is always and forever. I really feel for you Patti, as I know how I feel, and I KNOW YOU LOVE TIPPER so much, I can tell.

[Trish]

Phew so pleased his tummy has settled and appetite picked up again. I was getting worried when he was not drinking, such good news!! Hopefully in a few more days he will be eating on his own and slurping out the bowl again, keep it up Teddy and Diana :)

[Dianaww]

Thanks Trish, we had a very close eye on it and so did our vets and we were all at the ready for an IV if he didn't turn around when he did, so he is getting there. Slowly, he is very happy today too. x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
I am sure you are pleased that Teddy continues to eat his meals and drink the water from it. That's one way to get it down him! My Tipper was a very active healthy dog walking several miles every day before this Cushings. Now she has trachea problems, vestibular disease, a heart murmur, and on occasion eye trouble. This never started until this terrible disease. I feel so bad for her as she is very intelligent and I am sure she is wondering why she is feeling badly. I think the moving around she does at nite is because of her muscle loss and her organs etc. shifting positions inside her. It probably bothers her when she lays a certain way. I can't believe this is my dog when I look at her at times. I am sure you feel the same way about Teddy. It is heartbreaking to watch your dog go down hill like this. I always figured she would grow old with me. Are you out in the country or in a town? I know you said Teddy used to run in the garden. Will he go out when the weather is cold? Tipper loves the snow and cold weather. Hope Teddy has a good day today. Blessings and Hug and Kisses from Tipper and I to you and Teddy.
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti Poor Tipper it sounds really awful, but they are real fighters, and it seems she is being a typical Jack Russel, and determined to cope with the changes inside her.

We live in a semi-rural area, near to amenities, but also near to the country side too.

Teddy doesn't run off a lead, He likes the snow in the garden.

He is drinking HALF his daily amount in his food now which is a great start, when you think a few days ago he was not drinking at all, now to find a way to get the other HALF .... He never did drink enough, but now he has the beginnings of what sounds like kidney issues, I want to try to get more in him, we will find a way.

He has been playing with his toys today, barking, and happily waggying his tail and rolling about and making his lovely little happy growling noises, so I know he is feeling much better than he has been.

He even looks better than he did in the past few months, We are nervous about the white cell blood results tomorrow, as you know, we have only had ONE normal result in 3 months, and only the vet hospital got the normal one the week before last.

I hope we get a second normal one tomorrow, as it could then mean whatever was causing these low white cells has corrected itself, although that is rare I think, as low whites have few causes, usually they are high when they are ill.

If he is improving in that area it would be great, the only thing is we don't know WHY he has had them for so long, and if we don't' know why we cannot see if we can try to prevent it from coming back again.

How does Tipper trachea problems effect her? I will have to look up vestibular disease, I have heard of it, but don't exactly know about it, so will look it up.

Poor baby, when did she start to get unwell, you say she is 12 now? so how old was she when it started?

Give her a kiss from me and Teddy and one for you too from us both x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Tipper was 11 when it started. She has had it for14 months now. Her trachea problems were really bad. She would have trouble breathing at nite, and making noises that would really scare me. One time I had to rush her to the hospital it was so bad. When she would drink you could hear a squeaky noise coming from there. She also had inverted sneezing, and would snort like a pig when smelling the grass. Only a few times she had the honking trademark noise of it. Leslie on here is a God send. She told me about a Dr. she knew that gave Adequan shots for this and that it helped the dogs trachea problems that he gave it to. I put my vet in touch with him and we started Tipper on a series of 8 shots, given at 2 a week. After about 2 weeks I began to notice a difference in her noise when she slept. She now gets a booster once a month, and believe me it has done wonders for her. Very little noise now when she sleeps, no snorting, and I have not heard that whistling noise when she drinks for a long time. I am so thankful I prodded my vet into doing it. I will continue doing it forever. It attaches to any cartilage in the body and makes it stronger. I also have her on many supplements especially Glycoflex II to rebuild cartilage, as that is what happens in the trachea, the cartilage goes. Every day I devote part of my time researching for things that may help her battle this disease. I think the only reason she is doing ok right now is that she was in such good physical health to begin with. She was so muscular, and it whittled away her muscles on her back legs. I also sought out and got the best specialists in Endocrinology, and Cushings and got them to help guide my vet. It cost me a lot of money, but she is worth every cent and more. I have just learned to go without some things in order to afford all this for her. She also goes to laser therapy for her legs and back. You have had a hard road with Teddy too. The poor thing has so many issues at such a young age it is pitiful. I got Tipper when I had to quit working because I have Lupus and the stress of my job was kicking the Lupus into high gear. She has been through thick and thin with me, always loyally by my side, and offering me her support. That is why to this day I have a loyalty to her that is unbreakable, and will do anything to help her no matter what. I have ignored my own not feeling well episodes to keep up with what she needs. If I had one wish that would be fulfilled, it would be to cure her, I would not even ask for myself to be cured, just for her. I love her like a baby, and I am desperately trying to maintain her at he level she is currently at without going down hill any further. I pray to God every nit for her to get a miracle and be healed. I get worn out a lot going to all her appointments, but it is something I gladly do. I hope that you are able to get Teddy on the right track and well again. I have learned many lessons from this and one of the biggest is I always look to alternative medicine before drugs, as a lot of the herbs etc. have great healing powers. The other thing I learned is I only have today with her, and I try to make every day as good as I can for her. Hugs and Kisses to you and Teddy form Tipper and I. Blessings
Patti

[spdd]

Well great news to hear that Teddy is feeling and acting better. Looking better too you say:D

I can understand your frustration not knowing what is causing the white cell abnormality... it's been 6 months and they still can't get my dog diagnosed. It's been quite a ride and actually still is.

Wishing you good luck tomorrow with Teddy's testing.

[Dianaww]

Well great news to hear that Teddy is feeling and acting better. Looking better too you say:D

I can understand your frustration not knowing what is causing the white cell abnormality... it's been 6 months and they still can't get my dog diagnosed. It's been quite a ride and actually still is.

Wishing you good luck tomorrow with Teddy's testing.


Hi has your dog had low white cells for 6 months? Is it all the 5 types of white cells that are low or just some of them, have you got any other signs of illnesses, and what tests have they done already, I am very very interested. I have NOT met anyone else with this to be honest. x

[Dianaww]

PATTI, What a long hard road you and Tipper have been on, and you and I have something else in common too, I have Lupus and also Hughes syndrome (antiphospolipid blood clotting) I have ovarian cysts, endometriosis, 4 x liver cysts, a large gallstone, asthema, panic attacks, agorophobia, arthritis, a totally bladder prolapse, White matter in my brain that will lead possibly to dimentia, and now being tested for MS and these are only HALF of my illnesses, so I understand what a comfort Tipper is to you as Teddy is to me, I also have heart problems and possible cancer that needs looking into, I cannot have my ovaries removed, or bladder prolapse repaired due to my blood illness and heart, and other issues, so life is unbearable, and Teddy make it all worthwhile, SO PATTI I UNDERSTAND I really do, I have 20 illnesses in total, and NONE are curable and I am on maximum treatments, I am also only 50 years old.

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Wow you made my head spin with all of that! I am so sorry for you that you are still young and having all these issues cannot be easy, especially with Teddy sick. I am sure Teddy is your rock, and helps you when you are feeling down. Tipper always puts a smile on my face just to see her. I am hoping today Teddy is still doing well. It was a real cold one here last nite in the 30's. I hope teddy is getting stronger every day. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti it is hard for me with my illnesses, but I am more worried about Teddy he is doing OK today, I have spoken to my vet and got the blood tests back they show his white cells are just about normal still, BUT they have gone down a little in ONE WEEK since the first normal one we had at the vet hospital. The vet hospital apparently wants to re-do a Ultrasound on his Spleen and another biopsy just to make sure it isn't changing, and definitely is benign. BUT we are not going to put him through that again, Because if it is cancer on the spleen he isn't well enough to have his spleen removed anyway, and if it Metastasis it would only give him 6 months or less to live.

He is so happy at home he has had enough in the past 3 months, we have to hope the first tests were correct and it is a benign nodule, and that it doesn't grow any larger and burst.

With any other dog who hasn't his nature, I may of had another ultraound and the spleen removed if needed, but he wouldn't survive all that.

He has been through too much and has other illnesses besides the spleen nodule.

We have decided for him, the kindest and best way forward is to keep him away from vets UNLESS HE REALLY NEEDS ONE, and let him enjoy to the fullest he can, the life he has left, whether that be a day, a week, a month, a year or more.... He will be happy, WE OWE HIM THAT, he has been through so so much with us and he needs to have peace now.

If it has been my other two Yorkies, they would of been able to manage another biopsy and an op, but not Teddy.

He has a different personality and a different medical history, just one more sedation and Ultrasound and needle aspirates could kill him, and I doubt he'd get through an op to remove his spleen.

It is awful as want him here for as long as I can have, but it ISN'T about me, it is about HIM and what HE NEEDS x

[Dianaww]

Hi Dianne,

Yes, Squirt had a tumor on her spleen that was found during our diagnostics for the Cushing's. I don't remember the specifics, probably because I was scared poopless at the time, but I should have her papers here...somewhere, heavens help me! :D I know they told me there was no choice but that she have surgery to remove it if I wanted her to live. It would rupture the spleen and she would more than likely pass before I could get her into the hospital. Her pathology report after the tumor was removed was clean.

Leslie, I know you can't find the papers but do you by any chance recall the SIZE of the tumor & if it was in the middle or at the end of the spleen? Many Thanks Diana x

[Squirt's Mom]

I don't recall the size but it seems like the tumor was located on the outer part because they only removed half her spleen when they took the tumor out. It seems logical if the tumor had been centrally located, the whole organ would have been apt to come out....but that's just an uneducated guess. :o

I'm STILL looking for that file! I just refuse to believe I threw it out even tho I did toss a very sentimentally valuable notebook. :rolleyes:

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Believe me I totally understand your dilemma. It is a little like Tipper's. I could have her adrenal tumor removed. It is a very scary operation to begin with and many complications. Tipper's age and other issues do not make her a good candidate, I am smart enough to realize that. They wanted me to make an appt. with a surgeon. For what? She would more than likely die on the table. I am not sending her to an almost certain death. She could live quite a while if her tumor does not grow. This last Ultra sound said it was exactly the same size. I simply could not ask Tipper to undergo such a huge operation and recovery if there was one. She has been through enough and like you said it is about her not me. I am doing my best with the cards we are dealt. I am praying I made the correct decision. I understand Teddy is not stable enough either. I would do the same thing you are doing. It becomes about the quality of life for your baby. I wish I had a magic wand and could make these tumors go away from out babies. I know how worried you are for Teddy. My biggest worry is Tipper having an emergency at nite and there are no emergency places anywhere near me. I could call my vets cell phone, but chances are he would not answer. That worries me at this stage. So like you I am keeping Tipper at home and keeping the stress down. I will do the best I can for her here. I am hoping this works out and Teddy's white cells are good. He has had enough going on in that little body the poor thing. Make sure to rest yourself and take care of you. I ignore myself for Tipper too. Hugs and Kisses to you and Teddy form Tipper and I. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Lesley That makes a lot of sense to me, Teddys is at end of the spleen and is 1cm How is Squirt doing?

[Dianaww]

Diana:
Believe me I totally understand your dilemma. It is a little like Tipper's. I could have her adrenal tumor removed. It is a very scary operation to begin with and many complications. Tipper's age and other issues do not make her a good candidate, I am smart enough to realize that. They wanted me to make an appt. with a surgeon. For what? She would more than likely die on the table. I am not sending her to an almost certain death. She could live quite a while if her tumor does not grow. This last Ultra sound said it was exactly the same size. I simply could not ask Tipper to undergo such a huge operation and recovery if there was one. She has been through enough and like you said it is about her not me. I am doing my best with the cards we are dealt. I am praying I made the correct decision. I understand Teddy is not stable enough either. I would do the same thing you are doing. It becomes about the quality of life for your baby. I wish I had a magic wand and could make these tumors go away from out babies. I know how worried you are for Teddy. My biggest worry is Tipper having an emergency at nite and there are no emergency places anywhere near me. I could call my vets cell phone, but chances are he would not answer. That worries me at this stage. So like you I am keeping Tipper at home and keeping the stress down. I will do the best I can for her here. I am hoping this works out and Teddy's white cells are good. He has had enough going on in that little body the poor thing. Make sure to rest yourself and take care of you. I ignore myself for Tipper too. Hugs and Kisses to you and Teddy form Tipper and I. Blessings
Patti

Teddy he is doing OK today, I have spoken to my vet and got the blood tests back they show his white cells are just about normal still, BUT they have gone down a little in ONE WEEK since the first normal one we had at the vet hospital. The vet hospital apparently wants to re-do a Ultrasound on his Spleen and another biopsy just to make sure it isn't changing, and definitely is benign. BUT we are not going to put him through that again, Because if it is cancer on the spleen he isn't well enough to have his spleen removed anyway, and if it Metastasis it would only give him 6 months or less to live.

He is so happy at home he has had enough in the past 3 months, we have to hope the first tests were correct and it is a benign nodule, and that it doesn't grow any larger and burst.

With any other dog who hasn't his nature, I may of had another ultraound and the spleen removed if needed, but he wouldn't survive all that.

He has been through too much and has other illnesses besides the spleen nodule.

We have decided for him, the kindest and best way forward is to keep him away from vets UNLESS HE REALLY NEEDS ONE, and let him enjoy to the fullest he can, the life he has left, whether that be a day, a week, a month, a year or more.... He will be happy, WE OWE HIM THAT, he has been through so so much with us and he needs to have peace now.

If it has been my other two Yorkies, they would of been able to manage another biopsy and an op, but not Teddy.

He has a different personality and a different medical history, just one more sedation and Ultrasound and needle aspirates could kill him, and I doubt he'd get through an op to remove his spleen.

It is awful as want him here for as long as I can have, but it ISN'T about me, it is about HIM and what HE NEEDS x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
I haven't seen you post today and I am hoping everything is alright with you and Teddy. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti

Thank you for asking, we are OK just been very tired and resting a lot today, Teddy has had a good day and is very happy, so that is lovely, Hope you and Tipper are OK too. Diana x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Glad to hear you are both ok I was worried. Great that Teddy had another good day. Tipper was ok yesterday, but we have some other issues notes on our post that have to be taken care of. It is making me sick, all of these things happening to her. I am trying to take it the best I can. Have a good day with Teddy. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Patti, I am so sorry to hear so much is going on with Tipper, and it is making you ill, I am here if you want to talk about it, you and Tipper are in my heart and mind. Love Diana x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
I am still going on this problem. I will not let up until I get some help for my baby. I need to get this all figured out as the Dr.'s don't really help all that much sometimes. Glad you both are ok sending hugs and kisses to you and precious Teddy. Blessings
Patti

[FemaleK9]

Just dropped by to see how little Teddy is doing, and sending good thoughts to you both.

[Dianaww]

Patti Good for you, not giving up, I know it is hard and upsetting when our babies are ill, I am thinking of you and Tipper SO MUCH X

[Dianaww]

Just dropped by to see how little Teddy is doing, and sending good thoughts to you both.


Hi Karen

THANK YOU he is doing a lot better thank you, we have decided he needs a totally break from vets etc UNLESS HE NEEDS TO BE SEEN, he has had enough, and at this time he is doing better, there is a change he has a cancer on his spleen, but if so removing it won't help as it would be coming from his bone marrow, we hope it ISN'T the case, we would only know if we take him back to the vet hosp, and have him sedated, and another scan, and it wouldn't save him, if it is malignant, all it would do is put him back, if he has got this type of cancer, he would only live 1-6 months, so we would want it to be happy with us at home, until he needs meds to help him, but if it isn't it may all be linked to his panceas and his intestinal issues, he is so happy at the moment x

[molly muffin]

I hope that it isn't cancer at all. So good to hear that Teddy is happy at home with you where he needs to be. It's all just too much sometimes, with all these vets and tests and this and that. If there is nothing to be done, then I wouldn't put him through it either.

Ready for the weekend!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dianaww]

Hi Sharlene No they cannot do anything at this time, they wanted to have him back in the vet hospital and reapeat the ultrasound and needle aspirates on the spleen nodule, BUT even if it is cancer from the bone marrow causing the certain type of cancer, removing the spleen would give him no more than 6 months. As the cancer would be coming from the marrow not the spleen, it is a very aggressive one that goes to the heart brain and liver in no time, so without the op they may live 1 month or a little more, so we felt to put him through going back in, when he was so upset and ill after the last time, just for a few more months with him wasn't best for HIM, we would get more time, but it is about HIM not us. That said it may not be that cancer, but they did say to our usual vet, we would like to repeat the ultrasound an needle aspirates to see if anything is changing and that is isn't this cancer. On top of that he has pancreatitis that shows on ultrasound, and in his blood but is at present Sub-clinical so he has no outward symptoms, so is on a low fat diet, he has always had poor intestines, his dad had it, and being a Yorkie they are really known for tummy issues, he also has his heart valve problem, that he has had for 6 years, but that has never got any worse, my other two had it and in 2 and 3 years they died from it, Teddy's has never progresses (as yet anyway) the colitis and the tummy issues we had when he came out of the vet hospital were so bad, we could of lost him. Now he is back on his original food that helped him when he was 2 years old, and we had tried 10-15 diets until we found one to stop him being sick, he is very food intolerant, and he loves that food, we have started putting water on the dry kibble, and he is now getting more water that way than when he used to drink 130ml-200ml a day of water, which is NOT enough he is 4.6kg I am now on a mission to find ways to get him to drink outside of the food which he isn't. The other thing is he couldn't have his annual booster jab as two vets said it was too risky and he cannot have his teeth cleaned, so we are concerned about that, but all the above aside, he is happier than we have seen him in over 3 months and that can't be a bad thing can it. x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Thinking of you and Teddy and sending you both big hugs and kisses from Tipper and I. Teddy's situation is so heartbreaking it is hard for me to imagine that tiny body having all these issues. God Bless you and Teddy.
Patti

[Dianaww]

Thanks Patti, we were BOTH messaging each other at the same time, what about that, I got this message from you as I posted to you.

I know it is hard for us both, but we know at least ONE thing, we love our babies SO MUCH and will do ALL we can, and what is BEST for them. As they are such loyal and loving friends and our children.

Kiss and hug to you and Tipper from Teddy and I x

[FemaleK9]

Glad to hear Teddy is feeling better; I completely understand your plan and it sounds like the best way to have as much happy time with Teddy as possible.

[Dianaww]

Hi Karen Thanks for that, I really think sometimes, no matter how hard it may be, we have to think of what is best for THEM, even if it means OUR time is shorter with them, it is about THEIR QUALITY of life, not OUR QUANTITY at the cost of their happiness and well being, and I know that isn't easy but we have to do it this way for Teddy x

[molly muffin]

You are so right. It is Always about quality of life. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dianaww]

Hi Sharlene Thanks for your support, that is not to say is is as easy as it sounds for everyone I know it isn't easy, but for us we just felt we owe it to Teddy to think about what he would want, that said if it isn't cancer he may be with us for longer than we think.

[molly muffin]

That is exactly what I hope for too. That it's not cancer and that he'll be around a good long while!

hugs,
sharlene and molly muffin

[Dianaww]

I do SO hope so, he has been through so much with his health in the past 3 months, and with us in the past 4 years with serious home renovations and building and my health worsening, and he has been so supportive and taken in his stride, even though his territory was messed up for 3 years, he now deserves some peaceful life in his finished home and his territory that he loves. He is much better than he has been, and we actually think he may be getting there, we just don't want this growth on the spleen to be cancer in the end, as it is the type that would be coming from the bone marrow and NOT curable, Lets hope he gets a break and is OK x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Just checking in on you and Teddy. Hope you both have a wonderful weekend. It is freezing here and lots of wind. Tipper likes the colder temperatures, she just does better. I am busy trying to find solutions to her problems. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti Teddy is having a good day so far thank you, Glad Tipper does better in the cooler weather I do hope you can find some solutions for her, I know you will do and try all you can. Take care Love from Teddy and I x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
From reading your post it would seem Tipper and Teddy have a few of the same issues going on. I am hoping once I hear form the vets that out of 3 there will be some plan formulated that is safe for my girl. Did they offer and suggestions about lowering Teddy's RBC's? That could be why he rests a lot. This makes them tired and sluggish. Tipper already walked today, and is already resting and snoring. This is not like her at all. Before this she would walk and then paly ball or something. Her energy is limited it seems. How is Teddy doing this weekend? It is dark and dreary here it rained all nite. Hope you two have a good weekend together. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti I have read your own post too, and hope your vet gets back to you soon, Teddys tiredness could be his RBC and also he low white cells, although the whites are better than they were now thankfully, and I hope they stay that way too.

His spleen nodule may be connected to his red cells I guess I read about
Polycythemia in Dogs

http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/Polycythemia.aspx

This is ONE of Teddy's RBC results from the chart (the normal range may be different in the UK to yours) But you will see he is higher than normal:

RBC Normal Range 5.50 - 8.50 Teddy 9.90
HCT Normal Range 37.0-55.0 Teddy 66.9%
HGB Normal Range 12.0-18.0 Teddy 21.3
RECTIC Normal Range 10-110.00 Teddy 117.4

He also has too higher Red Cell Volume (too many reds in total)

His specialist and vets have just said it may be due to his being dehydrated, but I am not sure it isn't to do with his spleen nodule dumping more red cells in his blood?

His LASTED TOTAL RED CELL COUNT WAS:

Teddy 8.27 (Range 5-8.5)

So just OK but the vet did say some individual reds were TOO HIGH still and too much volume, so that must mean some were low if he doesn't go over the 8.5 total of the range.

It is all so complex and as he has several things going on, it is so hard to tell what is what.

They actually never told me they were going to do anything about it, and they didn't seem worried, I think he has so much going on, and as we said we don't want him put through another sedation and ultrasound and spleen aspirates done, as they can't save him if it is a certain type of cancer from the marrow, that has caused the spleen lump, he will only live 1-6 months so we are not putting him through it again, even if it comes back negative again (the aspirates from the spleen nodue) How many times do we have it done and put him through it, Looking at the fact that if it is a certain cancer it is coming from the Bone marrow not the spleen, so removal of the spleen wouldn't do much at all.

TIPPER has NOT got a spleen lump as we know, so I think Teddy's RBC may be being caused by that and something else must be causing Tippers.

It is such a worry isn't it Patti.

We are said to be heading for 70-80 mile hour storms tonight WHAT FUN !!!

Much love Diana & Teddy x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
I think I had read that problems with the bone marrow can be part of the cause of Tipper's blood results also. It would seem though that a few people on here have has spleen issues when their dogs had Cushings. Leslie's Squirt had that tumor. I am wondering if these things are connected in some way? I pray and say a special prayer that sweet little Teddy does not have cancer. We had terrible gusts of wind yesterday, today is warmer and not any wind. Love and Kisses to you and Teddy.
Pattie

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti I also read within the article I read (The link I sent you) that you can have Red Cell issues with Cushings, The odd thing is they say Teddy hasn't got Cushings, yet his cortisol is high and I have been given NO REASON for that, also he has the spleen nodule, and other issues, only time will tell, I hope he hasn't got cancer too, as the type it could be has a very poor prognosis indeed, Even if he hasn't, he still has high cortisol, a heart valve problem, Pancreatitis and other intestinal issues, and the spleen nodule, he has so many things wrong, that you can't cure all of them, if any of them, that is why we have chosen QUALITY of life for him, over QUANTITY, and no more vets until he really needs one, as he gets so ill with stress after seeing them, I know some HAVE to go due to monitoring MEDS and other reasons, but at this time Teddy doesn't HAVE to go unless any of his illnesses show themselves, at this time he is the best he has been in three months, he isn't totally as he was before he got so ill, but then again, he isn't as bad as he has been, so we are thankful for that. I do hope you can find some help for dear Tipper, thinking of you both Love from Teddy and I to you two x

[molly muffin]

Hi Diana,

Teddy can have high cortisol if something else is going on in his body, which we know is happening. The spleen nodule, pancreatis, colitis, etc, can cause cortisol to go higher, because it is the bodies natural response to anything that is wrong.
That is a possibility with my molly too, her cortisol is high, but she has no cushing specific symptoms. It does happen. It's good if he doesn't have cushings, one less thing to have to worry about.

Hang in there! Hope those nasty storms don't hit too hard tonight!

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Dianaww]

Hi Sharlene Yes I thought that too, that it could be the spleen nodule, pancreatis, colitis and other things, but I wonder if the high cortisol can have the SAME Damaging effects in Teddy as in Cushings dogs, as afterall it is too high.

He is NOT on any meds at all. I hope the storms don't hit hard too.

What is Molly's actual diagnosis that you have been given? What issues does she have, what breed is she and how old is she, Isn't it awful when our babies are sick?

Take care

Diana & Teddy x

[molly muffin]

I don't have a diagnosis for Molly yet. Two years ago they told me cushings likely, tested her and she suppressed wonderfully on the LDDS. Then in 2012, they said, cushings again, and her ACTH test came back high and positive, so we went to a specialist for an ultrasound. She has enlarged adrenal glands, enlarged liver, enlarged lymph nodes, but they wanted an LDDS follow up, and again, she suppressed perfectly on it, so they said, it isn't cushings. She had crystals about 5 or 6 years or so, and that was when her ALKP started to go up. They thought that her being prone to that and then the multiple UTI's were causing her cortisol to go, but can't say for sure. Some sludge in gall bladder but not enough to need medication, small stones, not enough to cause problems, they should pass with no blockage, so they thought it's all due to that, but again, they don't know. I did another follow up LDDS and still she is suppressing at 4 hr and 8 hr fully.
They really don't know what is causing her cortisol to be so high, but yes, it can and does cause problems for the liver, so I have her on liver support supplements.
She is due for another blood test to see how that is going. Right now, that is all I can really do is monitor her blood values and I'd like a follow up ultrasound too. They didn't find anything alarming on the ultrasound that they thought needed to be checked out.
But that is what I mean that cortisol can be high if something else is going on. Or it could be so early that she isn't showing any symptoms. My only option would be to start her on a very low dose of vetroyl, like 5mg to see if it helps with the cortisol production if that continues. But if she doesn't have cushings that might not be the right thing to do, so I have held off and I'm doing supplements.
She is full of character and having some good times, with occasional bacterial infections, about 1 per year it seems like.

I'm glad to hear that Teddy is doing so well right now and I hope that continues. Especially since if it is cancer, then there isn't anything to be done for him. So, enjoy those good days. I know that he is happy to just being with you.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dianaww]

HI Sharlene how interesting, although Molly has different things going on to Teddy, is it causing high cortisol all the same, What Lymph nodes has she got enlarged, does she run low grade fevers Teddy has quite a few, but that may be his gut problems and pancreas issues. His lymph nodes are up a little in his abdomen, How Old is Molly, Teddy is 7 and far too young as a Yorkie to give up yet, UNLESS he has no choice, he does suffer from more tiredness and sleeps more than he used to, but he is happy and that is what counts. X

[goldengirl88]

Hi Dian:
I am up early and at it again trying to get help any way I can for Tipper. Now I have an added bonus! My parrot Elvis has develop diarrhea. The show must go on though. I am hoping you and Teddy had a really good weekend together. Tipper is already sleeping from her walk. This is highly unlike her. I think you are doing the smart thing limiting Teddy's stress right now and letting him recover from all this. I wish I had a magic wand to change his situation. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti Oh dear now Elvis, it doesn't rain but it pours I too wish I could do something to fix Tipper, Teddy has had a few good days, rest and love and calm peaceful home is helping, but we know it can't make what he has go away, but it can make him a lot happier, Our favorite vet leaves tomorrow, who has cared for him for 6 years, We are so upset, even though we want her to do well in her career, we will miss her like crazy, as she knows Teddy so well. Thinking of you Tipper & Elvis * what type of parrot is he? * Diana & Teddy x

[goldengirl88]

Hi Diana:
I talked to Elvis's vet while waiting on the other vets for Tipper. HE said keep feeding the potatoes to get him to stop with the runs. He said sometimes when her does their beaks their beaks become a little sensitive, and they do not eat as much. He has not been eating a lot of pellets, just the soft food I give him. He said that is ok as long as he keeps eating. I am to email him is Elvis is not better in a few days and I guess we will do antibiotics. Elvis is a Yellow Naped Parrot. He is a baby yet at 4 years old. My other one passed away from cancer, she fought a good fight though. She was 38 and it was devastating to me as she talked to me all day long, then all of sudden you hear no talking. It was very hard for me as I raised her. I had to give her 58 injections at 2 a day to try and save her. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but I sucked it up and made myself able to do it. In the end the cancer was too much, so I held her and had her put to sleep. I can remember that day as plain as anything. I think of her every day. Elvis inherited her deluxe king size cage, and fit right in. It is not so bad now as he talks to me now, and it takes the hurt of missing my SweetyBird away to an extent. Elvis can count, add, multiply simple numbers, do a Tarzan yell, and knows many nursery rhymes. He is very smart, but Sweety had 38 years to learn things so he has to catch up. I just love the new Avatar of Teddy, he is as cute as a button. Love and kisses to you and Teddy from Tipper and I.
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti I have just looked at some youtube clips of the breed of parrot you have and they are such amazing parrots, and great talkers. I am so sorry you lost your other one, how awful ! I hope Elvis will be OK soon, how often do you have to have his beak and wings clipped? I took the photo of Teddy yesterday he is looking a bit better than he has, so I thought I would put it as his new avistar.

How is Miss Tipper today

Our love to you both Teddy and Diana x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Teddy was looking rather good in that Avitar. You can see Elvis if you look in my albums, and my cats too, and my Toby he is a Yorkie too, but looks like Teddy now with his new haircut. Tipper is ok today no problems so it is a quiet day for us. I am just waiting to hear from one of the vets about her. Blessings
Patti

[FemaleK9]

That little Teddy is so cute - love the new avatar!

[Dianaww]

Hi both thank you for saying Teddy is cute we called him Teddy due to his round eyes floppy ears and button nose, we think he looks like a Teddy bear I will have to load some photos up to an album x

[Dianaww]

I have made an album of Teddy's photos. Patti I have seen all your babies, they are ALL beautiful !

[Dianaww]

That little Teddy is so cute - love the new avatar!

Karen Is Rosie a Beagle ? That is what my son and daughter-in-law want she is BEAUTIFUL has she got cushings, I do hope not x

[molly muffin]

Teddy is just cute as a button. You just want to snuggle right up to that little face. :)
You can make an album for Teddy on here too and put any pictures you want in it. We love pictures. LOL

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dianaww]

Hi Sharlene he is really cute not only to look at the things he does, when he kisses you have holds your face in his two front paws, when it is time for bed we say Time for bed, and he will pick up his teddy bear (a soft toy teddy) to take to bed, so Teddy takes his Teddy to bed, he does many other really cute things too, he is adorable X

[molly muffin]

Oh that is so very adorable!!!

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[doxiesrock912]

Isn't it amazing how smart they are?

[FemaleK9]

Karen Is Rosie a Beagle ? That is what my son and daughter-in-law want she is BEAUTIFUL has she got cushings, I do hope not x

Yup, Rosie is a beagle, and yes, she does have Cushing's, but she's doing very well, knock wood. You can see more of her in the album I made for her. I'm off to look at yours of Teddy!

[Dianaww]

Hi all thanks for comments about Teddy, and Karen of to see pics of Rosie x

[goldengirl88]

Hi Diana:
Hope you and Teddy had a good nite. I am waiting for one of the vets to get in touch with me about Tipper. The waiting is what really gets to me. We are supposed to get to 70 today, that is a shock. I much prefer the colder weather for Tipper since she does better then. She surely does not need any more storms getting her spleen going and putting out more RBC's. How has Teddy been eating? He is just so cute it is hard to imagine that little boy has had so much going on. I am hoping Teddy improves and defies the odds. I cleaned the house yesterday so today I will take it easy since I could hardly get out of bed this morning. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti

Teddy has had a good night thank you, I hope Tipper has and Toby and Elvis and the cats too, and YOU of course you need it, you will be really tired out with the housework, and all the worry and stress, and reasearch you are doing for Tipper.

It is draining isn't it. Being ill yourself, as I well understand, can make it all the harder.

Teddy is now back to eating totally normally, his usual diet, and 4 smaller meals a day as he has done for 5 years, since we first had food intolerant issues, I hope and pray that his pancreas and lymph nodes in his tummy, his high red cells, and low white cells, and spleen nodule, and high cortisol, are all in some way connected to his digestion issues, it just may be possible, as he has had problems since he was born, as his dad had an iffy tummy, we have always managed to keep any symptoms almost out of sight, he is 7 years old now, but since he was 2 years old and we found the diet he is on now, he has only had the ODD bought of being sick, and eating grass now and then, but in all honestly no signs until recently, especially as you know, after the night in the vet hospital and the change in diet 2 weeks before, it didn't agree with him, I don't think, and the stress of being away from us for the first time in his life, was too much, and kicked off his colitis, HE HAS NEVER had it before, it was awful, we know we nearly lost him.

For now he is doing better, He is not the boy he was before his white cells went low almost 4 months ago, but he is better than he was and that is all we can really hope for.

We know his heart valve issue isn't connected, but that has never got any worse in 5 years, so that is good.

I truly hope you can help Tipper, you have done so well with her and she is so blessed to have you as her mum she really is, as are all your other pets, you truly care for them, and if every mum was like you, there would be NO rescue centers and NO cruelty to animals, you are a fine example to everyone Patti. X

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Tipper used to have gastro issues for about 5 years. She would wake up around2-3 in the morning and you could hear the gurgling in her from across the room. She would go out and try to consume the whole lawn. She was miserable. Then one nite I had a thought that maybe if I gave her some food in her tummy it would stop making those awful noises. It worked within 20 minutes the noise stopped and she went to sleep. I used to complain to my vet about this all the time. Finally one day he said give her a treat before bed time and this won't happen. Well gheez why did he wait years to say it??? Tipper eats 4 small meals a day too, and for that reason. She needs some food in her tummy, and the small meals more often than 2 large ones help to keep her weight off. Since she has had Cushings it does help control her hunger by eating more often. Today I am slowing down as I have been over doing things for a week now ans it caught up to me finally. Did Teddy ever get awake at nite and have gastro problems? It is a terrible thing to wake up to. Hope you two have a good day, the sun is out here and it looks real pretty outside. Blessings, and hugs and kisses to Auntie Diana and Teddy.
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti Well Tipper and Teddy are alike in many ways aren't they, YES his tummy would wake anyone up, the noise and gurgling is/was so loud, We have found since the to do we had with the colitis and blood in his poo where he didn't eat or drink for some days, we have returned to his 4 meals, and this time he gets NO TREATS at all, he only used to have a tiny bit of carrot or apple, a very small amount from my salad, and a tiny teaspoon of bran from my breakfast, but not any more, and since he has only eaten his own 4 meals, we have had a much quieter tummy to be honest, so isn't that interesting.

Love to you all too Diana & Teddy x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
When I say I give Tipper a treat before bedtime, I mean a few nuggets of dog food. I do not give her treats. This morning I was sick when I saw she gained weight. I am restricting her food to the point where I am counting the nuggets, I do not know how this can be? Poor Teddy he is so little I can just imagine how his tummy troubles affected him. It is hard to have a dog that you love have so many issues. It is really hard watching them and not being able to help. I wanted to ask if you were named after Princess Diana? She was beautiful, and her circumstances so tragic. Wishing for another good day for you and Teddy. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

I agree Patti it is hard to have our little ones so ill, how is Elvis and his tummy, and have any of Tippers doctors been in touch with you, are you going to have the bone marrow test done?

I was not named after Princess Diana although I met her when she was pregnant with William, as she came in to a shop in Bond Street where I was working at the time.

I hope Tipper is having a good day, Teddy is today X

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
How wonderful that you met her. Is she just a beautiful in person? Elvis still has the runs. I am going to email the Dr. if he is not better by tomorrow. I am not giving him any soft food today and he will have to eat his pellets then. I want to se if that will firm him up. I have not made a decision on Tipper's bone marrow yet. I am going to try oxygen therapy on her and see how that goes, and get her blood gases checked. I f it is that driving her blood count wacky then I will stop there. If not I have to make a decision. I don't think Tipper would tolerate chem. because of her past with tummy issues and allergies to everything. I am praying I do not have to cross that bridge. I also pray that this is not the case for Teddy as he has similar thing going on like Tipper. Have a good day with your baby. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

She as more beatiful in person to be honest, in my humble opinion. I like you would not put Teddy through Chemo, they don't understand like we do, and in most cases, it will only add some time to their life, and I feel you have to ask what that quality of life is for them. For Teddy we have decided being happy for less time, is better than being miserable to be here longer. But each of us have to make our own choice, I am sorry Elvis still has the runs, what do they eat, Pellets, and fresh fruit, or do they eat anything else to, I was once tempted to have an African Grey, as they are cheaper to buy than the Amazons, I have only had standard birds, such as a canary, and a Cockatiel, not a parrot cocattoo they are lovely to look at. We have thought of a parrot when we loose Teddy, but I have no experience with exotic birds. I would want to keep it out all day and cage at night, and only tethered to post if I opened the windows, is that waht you do. What does Tipper and Toby think of Elvis and visa versa, who did you have first the birds, or dogs and cats. I think Teddy would try and kill it, he chases birds in the garden. Being a rater anything that moves, he is on it. I hope that Tipper and Teddy do NOT have cancer X

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Elvis eats pellets that are fortified to balance his diet. Seed have 0 nutritional value. Exotic birds are a lot of work. Lots of cleaning to eliminate germs on the cage etc. Elvis eats some fruits, but right now none as that would add to the dilemma. He loves sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, red peppers, green peppers, almonds, celery leaves, an occasional cracker, kiwi, papaya, blueberries, watermelon, green beans, kale, squash. I try to make sure he eats healthy. I think maybe the Dr. over did it on the beak this time and it is sensitive and he does not want to eat the hard pellets. I took everything away but he pellets so we will see by tomorrow. I had my American Short hair Chance first. Then Tipper, then Lucky my rescue kitty, then Elvis. Toby the Yorkie kisses Elvis especially when Elvis has food to feed him. The cats will go up to his face and smell him, they are never left alone with him out, as they could revert to old ways and try to make a snack out of him. He would really rip them up with his beak though. He know how powerful it is so that is why he does not fear them. Tipper hates him. She has no use for anything else that gets attention from me. She's my baby and I understand her jealousy. It was just her and Chance and I for the longest time. I am still waiting for the IMS to contact me. This is her first day back in a few days and she may be real busy. It is nice out today, but still cool and sunny. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

You are certainly dedicated to your pets, I admire you. I love Parrots but you do need to be experienced, sadly you see so many needing new homes, as they haven't been cared for correctly or are aggressive etc.

I think that is lovely how Tipper kisses Elvis AH

It is cool here today, but dry and not so miserable, Teddy is having a good day, I have a bad headache and dizziness (It's my blood clotting illness and damage it has done to my brain) So rest for me now and a sit down with a nice cup of tea. x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
A nice cup of tea sounds delightful right about now. I bet you have good teas over there. Sorry you are not well, I know the dizziness too it is certainly no fun. Love and kisses to you and Teddy.
Patti

[Dianaww]

Thanks Patti. Yes I love my earl grey tea. Love to you and Tipper and Toby Elvis & Cats X

[molly muffin]

Gosh Diana I thought I had answered this question about Molly's lymph node, but see now I didn't.

No she doesn't run a fever usually unless she has an infection. The lymph nodes that are a bit enlarged are the ones I think nearest the liver/adrenal glands as that is what they were looking at specifically, so in the abdomen.

I'm hoping to get a follow up ultrasound, one day soon, if work ever calms down a bit, so we can see if anything has changed.
Now back to work stuff!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Dianaww]

Teddy's are the same, the lymph nodes in the abdomen, we were offered another US to check the nodule on the spleen again, but he cannot cope with being pulled about any more at the moment, he has had over 3 months of it.

So he is happy at home with us with him all day X

[goldengirl88]

Hi Diana:
Today is Tipper's laser therapy, so if she will do it I am going to put her Halloween costume on her. If not that's ok too, as I have to consider if she is up to it or doesn't want to be bothered. Elvis still has the runs so I have emailed the vet. I can pick up an Rx on the way to taking Tipper they have a drive thru pharmacy. It is raining here today with possible storms, hope no thunder as Tipper has had enough. I should be hearing back from the IMS today so I am nervously waiting. How is that little cuddle bug Teddy doing? Hope you both have a good day and that you are feeling well today after that dizzy spell. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti What is the laser treatment for that Tipper is having? I have been reading your own post on the Oxygen tent, and the standing ovation you got, it is lovely, you deserve it, you are one in a billion Patti.

Poor Elvis I hope he is OK soon poor thing.

I am still dizzy with a bad headache, it is all to do with my blood levels, with my clotting illness and it is never stable, I Have a lot of brain damage due to strokes and clots, and TIA's and white matter and small vessel disease and vascular disease all in my brain.

So it happens, I will get there soon, It is all about adjusting my anti-coagulants, Teddy had a good day yesterday and seems to be OK so far today.

Take care THINKING OF YOU

Love Diana & Teddy x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Tipper gets cold laser treatments for her rear legs. They had weakened from the Cushings and she has luxating patella problems also. Her back got kind of swayed a bit from her stomach losing muscle and hanging down pulling on it, so they do her back also. It is really about pain management since Cush dogs should not have nsaids. I try to keep her feeling as good as possible, she deserves it after all she has been thru, my heart aches when I see what this ahs done to her body. She was as muscular as a tank before all this. It is pitiful and I wish I could take this all away from her, I would gladly take it on myself if she would be free of it. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

I understand Patti, I too would take all of Teddy's for him, we understand they don't and they are loyal loving children who have done no wrong, it is so sad, I really am with you Patti, and agree 100% I will think of you and Tipper today.

Much Love

Diana & Teddy x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
When you get time read my post about the cancer and what the IMS said. I am wondering your thoughts on this. Hope you and Teddy enjoy a wonderful weekend together. It is very windy here with a lot of trees blowing down. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Thanks Patti I will, I will see if I can find it now.

Diana x

[goldengirl88]

Hi Diana:
How are you and Teddy doing? It is a nice day here in the 50's. Tipper loves the cooler weather. We have to go for blood pressure tomorrow morning. Tipper had been pretty good the last few days. We are all having a real tough time with the time change adjustment. Tipper is so off schedule and waking up at 5am etc. Hope you and Teddy are doing well. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti I am glad Tipper has had some good days and like the cooler weather they take time to adjust to the clocks changing don't they.

I hope Tippers blood pressure is OK tomorrow, Teddy has had some really good days, sadly I am not so good, but that is the nature of the state of my brain damage from my TIA's and Strokes, I am giddy all the time, and it is getting worse, I am having to wait 4 months to see my specialist again, to see what the neurologist has said to her, my MRI was meant to be with my neurologist when I went to him some weeks ago, sadly it wasn't there, it has only been sent today, as I rang my local specialists secretary for something else, and while I was on the phone asked if my MRI had been sent, she said no she would do it then.

It is good we have a health service here, but sometimes it is very slow.

Take care Love Diana & Teddy x

[molly muffin]

Hi Diana, I'm sorry to hear that you have having some problems associated with your health conditions. Terrible to have to wait so long to see the specialist. Do you think it is a dosage tweak you need with your medications?

I'm glad that Teddy is having some good days. Now we just need to get you both on a good day plan.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dianaww]

Thanks Sharlene Sadly it is not that simple, I have been on warfarin and Aspirin for 18 years, and it doesn't totally stop my clots as my blood clotting illnesses never stabilizes, what they need to consider, is letting me inject heparin, when my INR goes below 3.0 while the warfarin is increased so it covers me for that window period until the added does kicks in, warfarin doesn't stabilize my illnesses, and my INR can change during the day, not just week by week, after having the illness (and many others) for so long it has done its damage, and it will lead to possible dementia and other awful issues, I am only 50 years old too. But I fight hard, as Teddy needs me. x

[molly muffin]

I'm glad you are fighting it, sometimes that is a huge part of the battle in and of itself. If you give up, then it just all seems to go down hill so much quicker. I have just turned 50 and cannot imagine how hard it must be for you. I hope that they will go forward with letting you do the injections if that is what it takes. Like a diabetic who has to monitor their own blood sugars, you have to monitor your INR.

That is right. Teddy needs you, and so do others in your life I imagine.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dianaww]

Hi Sharlene it is similar to a diabetic testing their blood, I have 20 diagnosed illnesses, and likely more, but I don't want to add any more to the list :0)

Teddy keeps me going at times, so when he got so sick 4 months ago you can imagine, my world was turned upside down. He is doing better
but we can feel his irregular heart beat, even though he doesn't seem to be troubled by it yet, with also having a heart valve problem it is a worry, that is apart from the other issues inside him.

That said he is very happy at the moment, apart from the fireworks that went off last night, he doesn't like them.

Even though he was inside with us to cuddle him.

I am off to bed now to see him, it is 1.30am in the morning here in the UK

I hope you and Molly are OK x

[molly muffin]

Molly and I are both doing okay.

Get some sleep, give Teddy a snuggle from us.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dianaww]

Hi Sharlene I got the message this morning, so I will give Teddy a snuggle from you now. Hope you and Molly are OK x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
I am hoping today you have a better day today and feel well. I am so sorry about Teddy's heart. I know what a burden of worry this has placed on you. You depend on Teddy, like I depend on Tipper to get me thru things. I am seeing so many things in Tipper now and they scare me. I say a special prayer for Teddy each nite, in hope God will heal him. I hope God is listening as I need Tipper. I don't hear too many people say they need their dog , but I do. She has been with me thru everything. I hope we a blessed and our babies live a long life. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti

Oh how well I know how you feel about needing Tipper, I NEED Teddy too, I really do

If I listed what he has been through with me, Like Tipper has with you I will imagine our lists would be very similar.

How is Tipper doing? How was her blood pressure the other day, and what have you decided about the oxygen?

What have any of your vets said about her bloods etc.

Much Love

Diana & Teddy xxx

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
We were supposed to go today for blood pressure but the vets asked us to come tomorrow. I haven't made any decisions on Tipper as far as the oxygen goes, I am still researching it. I am however looking into the Viagra for breathing problems that Sharlene told me about on UTube. Hope you two are having a good day. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi I hope that Tippers BP is OK and research is a good thing, I Have also done a real lot of that for Teddy too.

He is having a good day I am not, but I don't mind as he is OK

I am subscribed to your thread about Tipper so every time you post on it, I get an email, and read it, so I am up on what was said about Viagra.

I meant to ask before, is Elvis OK now.

Love Diana & Teddy

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Elvis is doing ok but not completely better. He is resentful of me having to wrap him in a towel and give him meds he hates. He runs to the back of a very large cage and I cannot reach him, unless I put my body part way in, so I decided the stress is outweighing the meds at this point. I will see how he is in a few days. I not better I will restart the meds, but I will call the pharmacy and ask that they be made with apple flavor as he likes that. It is very dark here and we are supposed to get heavy rain this afternoon. How are your temperatures? Have you been affected by the time change? Love and kisses to you and sweet Teddy.
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti

I understand what you are saying about Elvis, the time change has made it darker earlier and that is a little depressing isn't it.

Temperature are OK not too cold, little bit of rain, not too much, so cant't complain.

I have read all about how upset you got about that dog dying alone and so would I too, it is so sad isn't it.

I also send you and Tipper and Elvis * as long as he wouldn't peck me * and the cats kissed and love to you from Teddy and I x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
Elvis would not come out of the cage yesterday and I had to draq him out. I gave him no meds as he seems to be better. He was shaking the whole time while out of the cage as he thought at any moment he was getting wrapped in a towel and given meds. I decided against it because you cannot stress a bird out a lot or that will kill them. So for no he is ok. He seems to be eating more of his food now too, as sometimes antibiotics give tummy problems maybe he had some of that. Tipper had good blood pressure and weight this morning. It is raining and turning colder here. Hope you are feeling better, and that Teddy is still on an even keel. Are you going to do any more blood work to check the white cells? Have a good day with your baby. Love and Kisses from Tipper and I to you and sweet Teddy. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Poor Elvis, I know what you mean about Stress and Birds I have heard that before, I am so pleased Tippers blood pressure and weight is OK today.

Teddy and I are both having a better day today.

He had three months of blood tests and that included checking his white cells once / twice a week.

We are not going to do anymore tests now, UNLESS he gets any worse than he is now.

We know what he does have, and there is no one diagnosis for what he has and some of it cannot be explained, so all we can do is keep him as happy as we can at home, and when he needs to see the vet he will.

Sadly it isn't like any of his illnesses are curable, and the irregular heart beat likely wouldn't respond to medication, if it is due to his intestinal issues which it can be, as his vagal nerve is showing signs of being effected, and this can cause a lot of issues, inc the heart problems, it is not curable, we can only manage what we see.

Also as you know he has a mitral valve leak too, although this has never been any real problem to him.

The irregular beats feel awful and scary to us when we feel it.

His digestion / intestines and sub-clinical pancreatitis are all under control now he is back on the diet I found years ago, when he was so ill with food intolerance.

None of his intestinal / pancreatic issues are curable either.

The nodule on the spleen, seems likely the cause of extra red cells, as I assume it is dumping too many reds into him, the high cortisol and all the illnesses he has are likely raising the cortisol in his body.

So we know with all that we have NO CHANGE of any cures, just management.

We did think about heart drugs, even the natural ones suggested to me here, may well make his intestinal issues worse, and that would be of no benefit.

So our feelings is love him all we can, while we can, and all the time he is happy, we are happy, and when he is not, we will do right by him, even though it will smash our hearts in bits without him, we will NOT let him suffer, he has been through so so so much with us. He loves us so much as we do him, and we know sometimes love means having to let them go in the end, as much as it hurts.

But we hope it will be some time yet. We have had much longer than his cardiologist said years ago, he expected him to live to be 2 years old, if the mitral valve issue has worsened (it did in my other 2 Yorkie's) they only lived 2-3 years after diagnosis, but Teddy is now 7 years old, so already 5 years over what we were told maybe the case.

We know these other things are more serious. But when we are positive around him, he really picks up, he is so sensitive to my emotions even when I try to protect him from them, and hide how I feel, You can catch him starting into my eyes for ages, He will lay on his dad, and look at me for hours and I know he is searching my eyes to see how I REALLY am, what love is that Patti.

Our love to you and all your dear fur babies.

Diana & Teddy x

[goldengirl88]

Diana:
I think you may have put the missing piece in the puzzle about so many Cush pups having spleen issues. When you said Teddy's was caused by high RBC's a light bulb went off in my head, that this has to be the direct connection to these spleen issues. How are you and Teddy today? Poor Elvis he would not come out of his cage last nite. He is afraid he is going to get that medicine. He is eating good, and the poops are normal now so I think he will be ok. I feel bad as he has never been afraid to come out of the cage with me. I hope it goes away soon, when he realizes it was just temporary. Tipper went to bed early, she was either not feeling well or tired from walking. She wanted up at 5am and I made her satay in bed because it really makes her routine all messed up, then she is begging for food. We have the first snow on the ground this morning and the dogs love it. We got about an inch or so. Is the weather changing colder over there? Hope you and Teddy have another good day. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti

Have I ? If I have and it has helped you then I am really glad about that, Teddy's has high RBC's and I guessed it was connection to his spleen nodule, as the needle aspirates, showed blood cells in it, and he has had very high RETIC in his blood, so I just thought, from my own research that it MAYBE his spleen dumping them into his system, I have NOT been told that by any vet etc.

Teddy is doing OK today thank you, two new toys arrived in the post for him today and he always loves that, Poor Elvis please don't feel bad you were making him better, I know he doesn't know that, but you do, and that should help. I know it isn't easy, as you want them to understand you are trying to help them, not upset them.

Tipper is so lovely bless her, I know they often wake early for food, as cushings make them so hungry, Teddy got confused about the time for a bit when the clocks changed.

You have t snow WOW ! We haven't. The weather is changing a little, it is a bit colder here, but not like you have, Where are you living ?

In what State?

I hope you and Tipper and the rest of your babies have a good day too.

Much Love Teddy and Diana x

[goldengirl88]

Hi Diana:
Just checking in on you and Teddy. Tipper slept well, but went to sleep early again. I tried to keep her awake, but it did not work. She was up at 5:00am and I could only keep her in bed until 5:30 so she is off schedule again and I will pay for it. That's ok as long as I have her, she is such a blessing to me. I am going to finish cleaning the house today. I usually do it in one day but I have not been feeling that great so I split it up now. Blessings
Patti

[Dianaww]

Hi Patti

It is so hard when they get out of their routine, and cush pups can't help being hungry as it is, so when the clocks go back they then want feeding even earlier Poor Tipper.

Teddy is having a good day today thank you.

You are wise to split the housework up. I know what it is to feel ill believe me, My latest MRI scan is awful and it explains why I am declining in my vision, judgement of space and why I am so giddy and feel half awake like I am coming round from an anesthetic, they can't do anymore for me, I don't think.

I just want to be here for Teddy and my family and friends, and then I will be at peace once I know I have done all I can for them.

I want to out live Teddy basically Patti, as he would get worse if anything happens to me, I worry more about how he would cope and how my husband would cope, as we don't leave Teddy, the constant added worry of my declining health makes this all the harder and more complicated.

I know you said you have Lupus, you will likely of heard of Hughes syndrome or Sticky blood or it's medical name APS (Antiphospolipid syndrome) That is one of the blood clotting illnesses I have and it has caused a lot of brain damage, I have a lot of DEAD area's in my brain and in the past 2 years the way it is effecting me has got really bad, Today is bad.

So I am off for a rest, but you take care and lots of love to you Tipper and all you babies.

Diana & Teddy x

[My sweet Ginger]

Hi Diana, I've decided to post on your thread instead.
First of all, Teddy is just the cutest! And the things that he does, just too cute!
Well, about Ginger's mass or nodule, I don't remember where it's located but it's 2cm in diameter and the Dr. who did the ultrasound described that as 'small' :confused: (she only weighs a little over 10 lbs) and it was decided that it will be best to recheck in 3-6 months and get her cortisol under control in the meantime. No biopsy was done. This doesn't seem like much information but that's all have for now.
I hope you and your Teddy are having a good day today. Song.

[Dianaww]

Hi Song that is fine, I don't want to push in on Patti's post. She is a great lady, Teddy is very cute I agree. He does indeed do cute things.


Well, about Ginger's mass or nodule, is not that different to Teddys, as Gingers is 2cm in diameter and Teddy's is 1cm. He weighs just over 9lb

They wanted to re-check Teddy's in 2 weeks, but he is not going back to the vet hospital we went to.

For now he is having a break from vets he has had so much in the past 3 months.

He was diagnosed as Cushings with one vet, as his cortisol is double to treble the normal, but his ultrasound was not conclusive of cushings he is not drinking more than he should, he is actually drinking HALF what he should, the specialist doesn't think he has cushings, but has other things.

He has had an awful 4 months of serious illnesses, now he is still ill, but better than he was.

I hope you and Ginger are having a good day, Does Ginger have cushings?

Take care Diana x

[My sweet Ginger]

Hi Diana,
I just can't get over how cute Teddy looks in his avatar! He looks so tiny and fragile. It will crush me too if one of my babies has to go through what little Teddy has gone through. Sounds like both you and Teddy have had it really rough and I truly hope better and healthier days are ahead of you and little Teddy. Glad to hear he's doing better and happy being around you.
Yes, Ginger's just been diagnosed with Cushing's about a month ago and she is just finishing her second loading today. So far she is doing ok. Take care. Song.

[Dianaww]

Hello Song, Teddy is cute there are some other photos of him if you look in his PHOTO ALBUM that I have posted.

It is true Teddy and I have had it really rough with our health, but we are there for each other, and I have a good husband, and a wonderful son, I speak to my son almost daily as he doesn't live near us now.

I am sorry to hear Ginger's just been diagnosed with Cushing's I hope she does well on her treatment, this place is great for support and info.

Take care

Diana & Teddy x