Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis) - Buttercup is now in heaven

[Renee]

Thanks for the update Dawn! Sounds like things are moving right along. I am praying that the dosing for trilostane is a breeze for you and Butters.

I am going to ask my vet about those two medications you got for the CC. Tobey's is still bad, and getting worse unfortunately. I wish there was a way to stop it in its tracks when it first starts. She has multiple areas where the CC is in the beginning stage.

[molly muffin]

Hi Dawn, well drat I'd kind of hoped she wouldn't end up needing any trilostane at all, but at least starting low and going slow is on the agenda, so that is good.

Poor thing, 2 bacterias in her UT! Goodness! They really do get UTI's and infections so easily. :(

Sounds like Davis is going a good job with you and staying the course.

[Dawn Anderson]

Still waiting for a call back from Davis. While i was giving her some one on one attention today and petting her, I could feel that some of the older areas of the CC is softening up , feels.more like the skin on her belly then like a gators hide. That was a good find. Still has areas that are heavily crusted and are slowing breaking off layer by layer. Will post up dated pics tomorrow.
She really does not like the spray, but oh well she is going to get sprayed whether she likes it or not , its for her own good.

Oh on a lighter note, I deside that I was going to sleep in bed last night with daddy for the first time since Nov , so before I went to bed I gave him instructions as to where he needed to place her wee pads. When I woke up this morning and went to check on her I noticed that like a good girl she used her pads, BUT daddy laid them out upside down, we all know that plastic side up.is a bad thing the pee just rolls off it. She did hit the center of the pad but must have had a pretty full bladder because some of it ran off the pad, the pads are 30x30 which are the largest I can find at the pet supply store. So there I was at 5 am cleaning up a mess because daddy was to dinggy to tell a cotton side from a plastic side of a pad, could you imagine if he had to change a diaper . Anyways slept well and will do again tonight, but this time I'll put the pads down before I got to bed.
Was hoping that Davis would have called while I was typing this but they have not. Once again still waiting .

Dawn and Butters

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
That's a man for you, puts the good side down! I am hoping that Davis calls you soon and that there is good news. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

The story of our lives, wait, wait, wait :)
I bet your hubby felt pretty bad about putting the wrong side down, LOL. And you were pretty nice to clean it up too :)
Nice to know Butter has good aim. hehehee

hope Davis calls you soon

[doxiesrock912]

Hahahhahah Dawn!
How funny :)

Thank you for the much needed laugh!

I'm glad that Butter's CC is improving!

[flynnandian]

i hope they have called with the results yet? waiting is so nerve wrecking......hope for the 2 of you the results are possitive.......

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Thinking of you and hoping for good results. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Spoke with the IMS last night, her ATCH test is border line( will get a copy of.the numbers later) however the bacteria in her UT is a.strain that is highly resistant and that is why it took so long to hear back from her. She said that a normal healthy dogs system could fight off this type of bacteria, but since she is a cush dog she can't fight it off, she is sending a very heavy duty AB that she wants me to wear gloves when handling the pills, apparently is can cause adema in humans.

She needs to run 1 more test before we start the trilostane, but she will still send it with the AB today, once she gets the results we will see if she really needs trilostane or NOT since the radiation is doing its job. If she does need them we are going to start real low, 20mg in am and 20mg in p.m. they will be in 10mg tabs so that upping or downing the dose will be easier.

She has informed me that they have found that several compounding versions being made do not contain the amounts of active drug that they state are in them, apparently some very unethical pharmisits out there taking advantage of pet owners , when ever she has it compounded she provides the active drug and then tests the compound to make sure they did it right. Some people see our babies as cash cows and since they are only considered property by the courts they feel they can do as they will.

Still seeing improvement in the older areas of the CC and with her nuros. The rest of her CC is running its course just like everyone has said, will get worse before it gets better. The spray is really helping with the her skin and odor , so I have not had to put her through the stress of getting a shower and having the CC break open in the process, which of course we all know is very stressful for our babies. STRESS IS BAD VERY BAD. STRESS=CORTISOL , CORTISOL BAD VERY BAD:D

Dawn and Buttercup

[molly muffin]

Yikes, that is some heavy duty antibiotic from the sounds of it! holy moly. I hope it takes care of that UTI and then that's it, no more scary drugs!

Oh that would be fabulous if she doesn't actually need trilostane at all. The tumor shrinking is obviously helping too if the older cc is clearing and up and the newer stuff running it's course. No new outbreaks?

Oh yea, there are definitely some out there who take advantage of pet owners love for their furbabies. Horrid people.

Hows the bed sleeping going?

Huggers,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[doxiesrock912]

Dawn,
wow! Having to wear gloves!
So happy that the CC continues to improve.

Butter's body is working overtime.

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
That must be one powerful antibiotic. Only one caution I have. When Tipper was a puppy she had ear problems. The vet kept giving her antibiotics, but it did not make the ears infection go away. She told me she was giving her a really potent antibiotic. Well it took the infection away, but permanently screwed up he stomach. To this day she has acid reflux because of it. I know you watch her like a hawk so just know this happened to my Tipper. Sounds as if things are finally going to come together and go uphill for you both. Blessings
Patti

[Doccy]

HI Dawn,
I am so sorry to have been absent from this wonderful forum (no excuse--I suck). I've read your thread regarding Butters and I wanted to just let you know how Doc is doing. I will be updating my thread as well. I think I should be more active so that people who are pursuing the radiation can see how he is doing. He did 5 treatments of stereotactic radiation We know we shrunk the tumor 20%. That MRI was done 3 months after the treatment. They (University of FL) is thinking it may shrink another 40% but don't want to do another MRI unless he starts having symptoms again. As of Feb 4th, we will be one year post radiation. He has had skin issues over the year, mostly dandruff that I treat with a conditioner. Otherwise, he is back to his normal self. We would seem to "cycle" with cushing's symptoms but otherwise his symptoms were so mild, they did not want to treat for them. They are mild enough that they don't want to do the ACTH test either. We had a blood test 3 weeks ago and all of his numbers are in the healthy normal range. All his high liver numbers are now normal. It is as if he never had a tumor or had cushing's. All of the Cushing's symptoms are completely gone and he is normal self. He is 13 and we are dealing with arthritis, but other than that, he is fine. I know this doesn't help you now, but I wanted it to give you hope that the treatment did work for us and we are so grateful that we did it. I wish you and Buttercup all the best and I promise to do better at staying on the forum. If you have any specific questions, please let me know. I WILL do better. It is a wonderful forum full of wonderful, supportive people!!

[Dawn Anderson]

Butters is doing better each day. Today when she saw a squirle on the phone line , she got excited and and charged toward the fence, she hadn't done that in a couple of months. Left her at home for the day, I was gone for 8 hours and she held her water the whole time, wee pads were dry and there was water left in her bowl, YEAH! One more blood test on sat. Should have the results back by the end of next week and that's the 1 that will tell us how her pituitary gland is doing and whether or not she needs the trilo.

CC is still showing minor improvement around her neck, she has been so good about not scratching herself.

Started her on the new AB chloramphenicol 1250mg ever 8 hours for the next 14 days, I hide it in ice cream like I do her pain pills and she swallows it all back in one gulp, cant afford to have her spitting those out . Other wise things are getting better her head aches are fewer and farther between , which is an awesome sign.



Best always
Dawn and Butters

[molly muffin]

This is such fabulous news Dawn! Considering what you are reporting, I would be surprised if she needed trilostane at this point in time. All the "symptoms" including the cc seem to be clearing up and the tumor shrinking still. It could be that it will even continue to shrink and I think I'd really want to give her every opportunity to not need the medicine. So make sure you tell Davis how she is doing, the head aches, the holding her pee during the day, drinking less and showing excitement at the good doggy things in life. (squirrels) LOL

Just great news and I'm thrilled to hear it.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[flynnandian]

this is really good news for buttercup and you!

[Dawn Anderson]

The adventures never end, Butters miss judged her steps and hyper extended her 2 toe on her right rear paw. Ran her to the vet, xrayed the paw, no breaks or dislocation of joint, just pulled soft tissue, she's doped up and will not lay down and to top it all off ,I am now sick with a bug. Life just keeps pushing to the edge, just when I think I'm gonna get a little break, something comes along. Have to put off her blood draw till Monday, hoping we both feel a.little better by then. At this point the only good thing is the warm dry weather, know we need the rain but with Butters skin condition, dry and warm is best for her. So hopefully April showers will bring May flowers.

Dawn & hopalong Butters

[Arizona Boston]

Dawn, Hoping you are both feeling better.

I was reading (in your message for Tobey ) that you were happy with the spray… is that the Trizchlor? I've been doing the shampoos 3 x a week, but would like something to quick touch up on the days I have to work.

Shelly

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Butter's avatar is absolutely gorgeous, what a beautiful face. Sorry she hurt herself and you are not feeling well. You sound like me, can't ever catch a break! Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Both of you on the not feeling well list then. Glad that Butter didn't do any more serious damage to her paw. That has to hurt. You get better too, rest up, this is a rough flu/cold season this year.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Shelly, get the spray it is a god send. You will be able to cut back on the baths. I have learned that the dryer you can keep the skin the better, when I was bathing her , her thick scally scabby areas we crack open and bleed all the time, and would take a long time to stop bleeding and scab over again. Now that I use the spray her skin condition and odor is improving. Hope the spray works as well for you as it does for us.

Dawn &Butters

[Arizona Boston]

Sounds like a good product. I just ordered it on Amazon ($15 with shipping). Lucy will be quite pleased if we can skip some of those baths.
Thanks Dawn…I'll let you know how it works. Should get it by next weekend.
Shelly

[Dawn Anderson]

Butters has now injured her other rear paw. Something inside is telling me that her cushings is causing problems with her suspension ligaments in her rear paws. On her rt rear paw she now has 2 toes that lay flat they look like the toes of a raptor dinasore she had only injured 1 but a couple of days later the one next to it also collapsed, then last night when she was coming up the steps (3) she stretched out a toe on the left rear paw. Has anyone seen this happen before. I ckd out the internet for hours last night because I remembered seeing a cush pup that had a similar issue but could not find the page again. This morning when coming back in the house she hopped up the steps like a bunny.

Any info would helpful and will also talk to vets office about it this morning

Thanks Dawn & Butters

[lulusmom]

Hi Dawn,

While I don't recall any other member discussing this particular issue, I think your reasoning is quite sound. I did a bit of research and it sounds like a superficial digital flexor tendon injury, also known as drop toe. It could be that cushing's has put Butters at higher risk of this type of injury, much like the cruciate ligament injuries we do see here. However, it is also an injury seen in larger breeds, otherwise healthy older dogs and certain breeds of all ages.

Glynda

[Dawn Anderson]

Just got home from the vet. She will research this dropped toe condition also. Otherwise Butters is doing well. She is starting to regrow some fur on her chest and leggs the fur coming back in on the chest it very soft and wavy reminds me of angora fur. With her dropped toes and hopping up steeps like a bunny I think the radiation is slowly mutating her into a hybrid canine rabbit, LOL:D

Improving everyday Butters and mom:p

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Did you find out anything about the cold laser therapy for the CC? Hope Butters has no more problems the poor baby has had one thing after another. That would really hurt on your toes too! Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

I did ask the vet about the laser therapy and they do have the equipement there at the office, once we get her ACTH results back we will look into getting her treated with it. It is wonderful to see the fur growing back on her chest area and a really good sign that all that she has gone through is really starting to pay off. She is much more alter, head aches are virtually gone now, if she dose have 1 she's not showing any signs of being uncomfortable, but then again she is a very stoic dog and her threshhold for pain is extremly HIGH.
She is my world and all I think about from the moment I awake to the time I go to sleep, only had 1 nightmare about her in the beging of all this and none since, and that nightmare was scary. I am trying to give back to her all the unconditional love and compainionship that she has given to me, she has taught me so much through all this and I thank her everyday for that. Shes my best friend, the best that I have ever had and am going to the ends of the earth for her. I am honored to have been able to have saved her when I adopted her from the pound and to be able to rescue her again and give her every chance in the world to recover from this and have a happy life. She is my hero.

Dawn & Butters

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
That is much like how I feel about my Tipper, I go to extreme measure to make sure she is getting everything she needs. I am so happy Butters is growing her hair back and getting stronger every day. You are a good mom. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Butters ACTH results ( pasted from vets e-mail)

Endogenous
ACTH
a 44.6 pg/mL
a
In dogs diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism, measurement of endogenous
ACTH can be used to differentiate between pituitary dependent (PDH)
and adrenal dependent (AD) disease.
< 10 pg/mL Result consistent with AD
10-15 pg/mL Equivocal result
> 15 pg/mL Result consistent with PDH

[labblab]

Dawn, I don't understand why they performed an endogenous ACTH test rather than an ACTH stimulation test...:confused:

As the lab interpretation states, the endogenous ACTH is used only diagnostically to distinguish between pituitary and adrenal Cushing's for dogs when other testing isn't clearcut as to the location of the tumor. In Butters' case, we already *know* she has a pituitary tumor. I was thinking they were going to perform an ACTH stimulation test in order to make a decision as to whether or not to start trilostane treatment?

Marianne

[Dawn Anderson]

Thanks Marianne,

Still learning about this. I shot off a e-mail to the Vet and ? why this was even performed since we already know that she has PDH. The test was originally requested by the Vet at UC Davis and my Vet just followed the request from the Vet at Davis. I have now exhausted her ins. for this illness & must spend our money wisely and finding out that I just blew 233.00 for a test she did not need.

Just got of the phone with her vet & she explained the reason why Davis wanted that test performed. Apparently she had a stim test done on 1-6 and she was in the high end of normal, so this test was needed to meassure the signal that the pituitary it sending out to the adrenals & since the signal is 3 times were it should be we will be starting her on trilo after she has finished her AB. She will get 10mg in the am & 10mg at night. I will start her on them on Feb 8th which is a saturday so that I can monitor the first 48 hours. I will take her in for a stim test 10 days later.

Now that we are moving into phase 2 I'm once again in unfamilar territory. " The medication Phase"

Thanks Dawn & Butters

[Renee]

Dawn! You will do just fine with the meds. You can do this! Just keep gathering information, and be ready. Starting very low is good.

I am ordering that spray too. :)

[labblab]

Dawn, thanks so much for the explanation! I'm very sorry for worrying you unnecessarily. This is the first time I've seen the endogenous ACTH used in this way, so Butters is definitely providing an education for me, too!

Marianne

[Harley PoMMom]

I've never seen the endogenous ACTH used in this way either, so I'm getting educated too!

Dawn, we will definitely help you with the "The medication Phase." ;)

Hugs, Lori

[lulusmom]

I don't understand the rationale for doing an endogenous acth test to validate a borderline acth stim test either. Everything I've read indicates that there can be an overlap in plasma acth concentrations between healthy and dogs with cushing's, which is why an endogenous acth test cannot be used to diagnose cushing's. I can only speculate that because the acth concentrations were so high, the vet felt there must be a definite disconnect between the pituitary and the adrenals, thereby lending more diagnostic credibility to a borderline acth stim test. Unfortunately, I can't find any credible, science based resources that would support that theory. I do know from past research, prompted by my bald pomeranian with high sex hormones, that the results of one study on Pomeranians with sex hormone derangements showed that some of these dogs with high 17OHP concentrations had higher concentration of plasma acth than healthy dogs. I don't recall the magnitude of elevation and I'm not sure it would be relevant anyway. That's just my two cents worth and without further evidence to the contrary, I remain uneducated on the subject of using the endogenous acth test for diagnosing HAC. :D

[Dawn Anderson]

Ok, Lulusmom, you just hit me with a curve ball, what is HAC? Butters is a very different case as per Davis due to the size and overall location of the tumor, if the tumor was a half a cm bigger she would be dead by now. The radiation is shrinking the tumor and so far she has regained vision in her left eye, which she had lost due to pressure from the tumor, head aches I would have to say are gone, knuckling her paws over has been corrected, and since the radiation is still active , the tumor will continue to shrink. With everything that I have read about other pups being misdiag and dosing issues that so many have experienced that almost killed their babies, I want to make sure that all bases are covered, as per the multiple US that were performed to ck her adrenal glands and each showed that they were in good shape considering how hard they have been working . We are starting low 10 mg twice a day because of the borderline and just need to block enough of the ACTH message that the adrenal is receiving and sine the tumor is still shrinking, the message from the pituitary to the adrenal will continue to change at the same time, so it will be a real juggling act to keep track of the message being sent with out the test that she had. So as the tumor goes down so do the numbers and if we do not keep a.close.eye on that number while medicating her we could really screw her up and make her very sick, which would be devastating after all that she has been through. We are now 2 months post radiation(11/25,26,27) and as per the radiology dept the radiation will remain active for a other 4 months . Butters was very lucky to have been able to get the radiation treatment that saved her life and during the next several months her numbers will be constantly changing.

[lulusmom]

HAC is hyperadrenocorticism aka cushing's syndrome.

[Dawn Anderson]

Duh, I've gotten so used to PDH and ADH that I forgot the H=HAC

Thanks Dawn

[Dawn Anderson]

Butters had a nickle.size piece of CC pop of tonight and underneath it the skin is normal colored and healthy, Yeah way to go Butters, finally seeing positive changes in her skin condition.

[doxiesrock912]

Great news Dawn! Butters is on her way to recovery :)

[labblab]

Not that it has any bearing at all on Butters' situation, I just thought I'd document the fact that the endogenous ACTH does have value, too, in conjunction with Addison's diagnostics. This way, for future reference, we'll have a fairly complete discussion of the endogenous ACTH consolidated in one spot (So thank you Dawn and Buttercup for letting us hijack your thread!). Here's a link about testing in conjunction with Addison's:

http://thehormonelab.com/handbook/adrenocortical-function/canine-hypoadrenocorticism-addisons-disease


Endogenous (plasma) ACTH
ACTH concentrations can be useful in distinguishing primary from secondary hypoadrenocorticism (see differentiation in Canine hyperadrenocorticism section). Dogs with primary Addison’s have very high levels of ACTH, usually greater than 500 pg/mL. Dogs with secondary Addison’s have low or undetectable (< 5.0 pg/mL) levels of ACTH.

Marianne

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
That is great to hear that Butters is getting new skin underneath all of the CC. Hope she continues to improve as both of you have been thru enough. Blessings
Patti

[flynnandian]

that is the beginning of a new beautiful coat i hope!

[Dawn Anderson]

Just updated her cushings album, included a pic of her dropped toes. just when 1 things starts to improve another 1 rears its ugly head,, grrrrrrr.

Dawn & Butters

[molly muffin]

Wow, she is getting some good hair growth coming in. :) How does it look over all? red or pink? I think it should be pink now and on the healing side of the line where the hair is coming in. It doesn't look angry in the areas you photographed. How is it on the rest of her body.
Oh poor baby, those toes don't look comfortable at all.
You're doing great.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Some areas are still very angry and other areas are looking good, of course since she is such a large dog we still have a long road a head of us.

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
That's ok as she is a work in progress! I am glad that she is healing though as that CC has to be the worst thing about the Cushings to manage. Blessings
Patti

[doxiesrock912]

Dawn,

I'm so glad that she's improving! That CC just looks to be so miserable and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

[Doccy]

Dawn, I just looked at your album of the CC. My heart aches for poor little (big) Buttercup! I truly hope it gets better; both of you are in my thoughts. Praying for a speedy recovery and some relief for both of you!

[Dawn Anderson]

Buttercup never ceases to amaze me!!! This morning she started to act like her old self, she was pushing on me for MORE attention and actually gave me kisses freely without me having to ask for them, she was a real big wiggle worm, then she got tuckered out, but that was OK, lord knows shes got soooooooo much going on between the CC and now her toes, it just amazed me to see her acting like the happy go lucky girl I feel head over heals for. Good job Butters!!!!!!

Everyone have a wonderful weekend

Dawn & Buttercup

[My sweet Ginger]

Oh Dawn, that brought tears to my eyes and I'm so happy for you and Butters. It sure sounds like she is on her way to recovery tho it seems ever so slowly. I hope she improves every day from here on and enjoy her life to the fullest which she so deserves especially when she has a lot of making up to do. I'm just so happy for you.:)

[molly muffin]

Dawn, I am so happy to hear that Buttercup was giving you kisses on her own. What great news. :) It does the heart good when things like that happen.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Arizona Boston]

Slow and steady wins the race for Buttercup! Give her a kiss from us too!
Shelly and Lucy

PS finally got our spray from Amazon… using on the still chunky spots

[Nichole]

Your story is inspiring! We are considering radiation therapy for a macro tumor (my Ralphie also has CC - started about a month ago and quickly getting worse). I wasn't aware there was a treatment option that is only 3 days worth of radiation. What is the treatment called?

[Dawn Anderson]

Welcome to the family Nichole, and so sorry to that your baby has a macro. The treatment is sterotactic radiation therapy. I hope that you are close to a vet. Medical teaching hospital like UC Davis . She did really good with the treatment

Give Ralphie some lovin from me and Butters, we totally understand what he is going through and big hugs to you for I know first hand what you are dealing with. Stay strong and we will all be here for you.

Dawn and Butters

[Dawn Anderson]

Butter is off, not sure what's up, um left jowel is hanging lower then the right, and very thick drewal when she eats and drinks and now her lower lids are dropping again and her left eye rolls in a weird direction when she blinks. Taking her in first thing sat morning to get her ckd out , also time to reck for any signs of the UTI that she had. Otherwise she is still slowly improving, following me every where and will play a little wiggle worm with me before I go to work and then again when I get home. She is back on her pain meds twice a day to keep her comfortable.

Dawn and Butters

[doxiesrock912]

I wonder what is going on Dawn? Hoping it's not serious.

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I am so sorry something is up with Butters, but as a such mom you definitely know when your baby is off. I hope this is nothing that cannot be corrected easily. Praying for you Both.
Patti

[labblab]

Gosh Dawn, I hate to scare you unnecessarily, but I wonder if Butters has had a little stroke or has some kind of blockage (clot) that is causing these issues on the left side of her face. Have you described what is happening to the neurology folks at Davis? I would call them first thing this morning and let them know. Even if you can't take her in to them before tomorrow, they may want to have her seen by your local vet today, or start some type of medication treatment, just in case.

Marianne

[addy]

You know her best but I am worried too and think Marianne has a good idea. Maybe just a phone call or does she seem better now?
It is always hard for us to know when we are not there seeing the whole picture but you know we are a bunch fo worrry warts, sweetie.

[Dawn Anderson]

I am thinking that either she has a tooth issue since she had smacked her face a couple of times when she miss judged the steps coming back into the house , which is when she stretched out her toe ligaments and or a mini stroke. The dropping lower lids are a signal that she does not feel well, that is something that I have learned during this journey, when her meds kick in the droopy lids go back to were they belong. She is still very lovie thank god.

Will be sending a message off to Davis, I did tell the vet that I think but am not sure if she had a mini stroke since she is still well balance, no limping or stumbling, hops up on couch just fine, doing her business on her wee pads and is alert. So I'm thinking it might be a gum or tooth thing. But I will find out tomorrow morning.
Dawn & Butters

[molly muffin]

The left side is the side that she had the problem with from the tumor correct? Her left eye. I would just tell Davis this is the fact, what do they want you to do and you have concerns of a stroke or something else.

Is she eating okay? Displaying any symptoms of pain like it would be a tooth?

It is good that she is still being her lovie dovie self. She is such a sweetheart.
You both are!!! :) :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Yes the left eye was the one effected, vision getting stronger tho.
Oh my goodness she's trying to be a lap dog right now, bless her heart.
Lower lids are almost normal rt side still lower then left, and left jowel is stll lower then the right side.

E-mails, since she is well balanced and not knuckling or falling over or leggs crossing over each other when walking and acting as she is alert and loving then she will be ok and have her vet ck her teeth and gums.

Dawn and one amazing Buttercup

Oh hey what's the best way to get her to pee in a cup, have to get some for the vet and want to do it in the morning at home where she is not stressed.?

Thanks

[molly muffin]

Well, I have yet to see a dog that will just pee in a cup. LOL I tend to just stick a plastic container under mine when she goes, but one of our members swears by a ladle. :) :) :)

Awwww, a lovey lapdog. LOL My golden always thought she was a lap dog too. Quite a lap full when they get big isn't it. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

A ladle what a great idea, I will practice tonight doing that. Oh and yes a quite a lap full she is,LOL ALL 90 lbs of her:D


Dawn and butters

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I am so sorry to hear Butters has not come back from what just happened. I she able to eat and drink ok with her jaw like that? There is so much that goes on with these dogs that it is hard to find out what the problem is sometimes. I am praying this gets turned around and Butters goes back to herself. You have had a lot of issues to deal with and have handled all this well. You have taken excellent care of her and I know you will continue. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

YEAH.the ladle worked like a charm! She didn't even notice what I was doing.
She eats and drinks just fine, water intake is WAY down I would say back to normal amounts. We are finally getting some much needed rain here in the bay area so I will have daddy help load her into the back of the Edge, don't need her getting hurt trying to go up the ramp in this rain before our appointment this morning
When she's not sleeping she's wanting me to rub her and scratch her butt, poor thing the CC is hard as a rock on such a large portion of her. Right now she is cuddled up laying on my foot, she's got me pinned down, LOL.

Dawn and Butters

[Dawn Anderson]

Ok everyone keep your finger crossed , just gave Butters her first 10mg dose of trilo.

[addy]

Fingers crossed Dawn!

[Dawn Anderson]

Bells palsy, really , please excuse me but WT€ , that is what is causing the drooling and weird eye roll, she is having a hard time closing her eye lid, when doing the menace test to her eyes the third lid will roll but the lid it self won't shut all the way, she is now sleeping next to me and I can see that the left eye is still open. This came on hard and fast, I'm pissed off as hell , she's been though sooooo much and I'm working as hard as I can to get her all the care she needs, and now this. Wishing I could punch some one right in the face and beat the hell out of them till I collapse to get all this anger and hatred out of me, I know a couple of folks that could use a good beating, but I know that going to jail would not help her. I'm filling up with rage and hatred toward mother nature , how could she have done this to my girl, god why why Butters, you keep throwing 1 thing after another and another at her and I, and never letting up, just when I get our head above water you push us back down and hold us there till I'm on the verge of dieing then you let off and before I know it your back with something else to torture us with. I pretty much hate everything right now except for my precious girl Buttercup, she's trusting me with her life and just when I think I've got a good grip and am working our way up the ladder something new rears its ugly head and takes a.hammer and starts bashing my hands till I can no longer hold on and I go cascaiding back down the and fall flat on my face. I would say more but the language would not be acceptable on this forum. This red head is fired up adrenaline on over drive , god have mercy on me and any one who is unfortunate enough to cross my path, my wrath will be unspeakable. Having said all that it would be best if I just stay behind closed doors for the next 2 days and hash this out.

[Trish]

Oh gawd, I feel your pain and I too sometimes get that red rage at the unfairness of it all especially when it is one thing after another. Glad you have hear to come and let it out. I don't have any experience of Bell's Palsy in dogs but I did have it when I was a kid. Woke up with the whole droopy eye thing going on and a nasty headache too which would be something Butters does not need right now. It came right over a few weeks, just temporary paralysis of that facial nerve. I had to tape my eye when sleeping so it did not dry out when it was not closing properly. Poor Butters, I hope this is just a wee annoyance for her and will come right quickly. x

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I have read all your post and know how you have struggled to get your Butters to a better healthy state. I am so sorry this is all happening to you. I feel that way with Tipper a lot. I get one fire put out and another starts blazing from out of no where. I am hoping this is the last thing you have to deal with. This journey can be really difficult and God knows never seems easy. Just know I have been at your frustration level many times with Tipper too. I am praying for some really good things to start for you and you baby. She is so beautiful that the things this disease can do are criminal. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Dawn, sending you huge hugs. I don't blame you one bit, that is rage worthy.
Bells Palsy, so what did the vet say, will this pass in a couple weeks or so like with humans? Do you just need to keep her eye wet? I read lubricant drops every 4 - 6 hours and an eye antibiotic.

Argggh, this must be so frustrating when everything else was getting sorted out. :(

hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[addy]

Zoe's opthamologist has us using Genteal Gel for severe dry eye- must get the severe to keep her eyes lubed. we buy it at Target, it is cheapest there. Maybe you could ask if you could use that for Butters.

No, none of this is fair and I dont blame you for going into a rage, I do the same thing, blame it on our red hair, (yup, I'm a redhead) you just need to get it all out.

Dawn, you do the best you can for as long as you can. This disease is not always easy and crap comes up and it is not fair, none of it and our pups dont deserve it at all. I know you are just hanging on and you have been doing great, so great, dont let that damn Bell's Palsy take that from you. Girl, you just go beat the crap out of that Bells Palsy anyway you can.

I used to wonder why God sent me and Zoe on this journey, what was the message or lesson to be learned? I dont know I ever discovered that answer and you might not either.

Somehow, we find the strength to go on.

[flynnandian]

my flynn suffered from it too. it is rare, but secundary to cushings. he got moderin for a week. his eye was ok then, his lip never healed. he sometimes bit on it, which was sad.

[Dawn Anderson]

First 24 hours on trilo ok, her morning BM normal, she ate just fine. Just gave her meds.
Her vet said to use the gel drops if I'm not going to be around her for a few hours and at night.
Hey, was any one else instructed to wear gloves when handling Trilo , Davis sent gloves with the med and the package states WEAR GLOVES. Have not seen this on anyone elses pages that I have been reading.
After thinking long and hard on yesterdays event, I would say that the Bell's Palsy is the lesser of the 2 evils, very releived that her teeth and gums are fine nothing broken and no infection. So here we go again with her headaches, will keep her as comfortable as possible with out totally doping her up, a little drewel here and there is ok to, keeping paper towel in pocket , and an eye that dose'not blink properly is ok to. Hoping it won't take long for the inflamation to go down on that nerve and that her blinking will be restored, could be days or weeks , just have to be patient . I'm also aware that she could be like this for life and or it could happen again.

Dawn and her teacher,life coach, best friend and traveling companion on this long and winding road, Miss Buttercup.

[pansywags]

Dawn, I'm sorry to hear about Buttercup's Bell's palsy. I hope her eye gets blinky again soon. Butters is so fortunate to have you as her advocate.

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
The things you describe about Butter's just made me cry a river, was very well put together. Blessings
Patti

[labblab]

Hi Dawn, we had one other member tell us in January that she'd been warned to wear gloves, too. In all my years on the forum, these are the first I've heard about such a warning and it is not included in the official product insert for Vetoryl. The greatest caution seems to be for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Aside from that, I've only heard warnings to wash hands after handling the drug.

Is Buttercup's medication in capsule form? If so and it is 10 mg., I'm assuming it must be brandname Vetoryl since compounders cannot exactly duplicate an FDA-approved finished product. Is the written warning to wear gloves something that Davis has added to the packaging themselves?

Marianne

[doxiesrock912]

Dawn,
not to complicate things but bell's palsy often follows exposure to Lyme disease.
I had a boss who had both, the bell's did resolve after a few weeks.

Has Butter's been tested for Lyme?

[Dawn Anderson]

Davis tested her for everything, we do not live in an area that has issues with lyme disease, we are in the san francisco bay area.

[Dawn Anderson]

Yes it is 10 mg capsules and yes it is brand name, Davis added the label to wear gloves. Since I can not get pregnant does it really matter or not whether if I wear gloves?

Dawn

[doxiesrock912]

Ok, it was an idea.
Now that I think of it, I know two people who had Bell's and in both people, it resolved and you wouldn't know today.

[labblab]

Yes it is 10 mg capsules and yes it is brand name, Davis added the label to wear gloves. Since I can not get pregnant does it really matter or not whether if I wear gloves?

Dawn
Can you email Davis and ask them about the basis for their warning since it is not a warning that the manufacturer includes nor is commonly recommended by other centers or pharmacies. Maybe they think they know something that others do not. :eek:

Marianne

[lulusmom]

Marianne, the warnings may come from the Safety Data Sheet for Trilostane. A quick bit of research revealed that the GHS (Global Harmonized System) is a system of classifications and labeling of chemicals. The Safety Data Sheet does list Precaution Codes P264: Wash {hands} thoroughly after handling and P280: Wear {protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection}. They also list P362+364: Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. I don't think UC Davis instructs their clients to do this. I do know that Safety Data Sheets are routinely used by OSHA and suspect since this is for 100% concentration of the chemical, these precautions would definitely apply to anyone in working in manufacture, processing or packaging of the chemical, but not so much pet owners who are administering a finished drug.

I have an audio of Dr. Feldman that predates Vetoryl and he said that he instructs his clients to not open the capsules to split the dose but he knows that some of them do because they can't afford to waste what they have when they need to do a dosing adjustment. It could be that those warnings insure that anyone foolish enough to open a capsule will wear gloves and wash their hands.

Drs. Foster and Smith also has a similar warning on their Trilostane Page.

https://www.caymanchem.com/msdss/14164m.pdf

[labblab]

Yes, I agree with you that the Safety Data Sheets relate to production workers as opposed to pet owners. Probably the SDS for virtually any drug carries a warning, though, re: the use of gloves among workers who are handling it and that doesn't typically translate to warnings for consumers. It has not been the norm in the past for owners to be instructed to wear gloves with trilostane, so I'm wondering if Davis has determined that there is some new sensitivity to be concerned about. If not, it seems to me as though they're likely to scare the crap out of people unnecessarily and maybe make some owners shy away from even giving the drug. :o

Marianne

[Renee]

Marianne, I was thinking that too. Something as scary as being instructed to wear gloves when handling makes it sound much less safe than it is. Not that there aren't risks, but it seems a bit overkill.

[lulusmom]

It's possible that UC Davis is just taking precautions in case their clients may be pregnant or trying to conceive. Vetoryl's safety sheet filed with the FDA states that Trilostane has caused early pregnancy loss in laboratory animals. I do know that the lab animals they are referring to were monkeys. It is much more common for a vet to tell a pet owner to wear gloves when handling Lysodren for the same reason. I did find the Dechra pet owner handout on Dermcare's site. I couldn't figure out who Dermcare was until I found their name on one of Dechra's financial statements as being the company that launched Vetoryl when it was approved in Australia. Anyway, the handout says wash hands and do not handle if pregnant or trying to conceive.

http://www.dermcare.com.au/images/vetoryl/vetoryl_handout.pdf

[Dawn Anderson]

Read everything to daddy and he still want me to wear the gloves, he is certified in safety data ( he is the shop foreman at the dealership) and said that there is a reason for the label and gloves that were sent with the rx and that I am to follow the instruction, he will bring home a couple of boxes of gloves from work so that I don't have to keep reusing the set that I got with the rx. Like he says safety first.
So I will wear the gloves which I think is over kill since I CAN NOT get pregnant, to keep him happy and peace in our house.

Dawn and Miss Buttercup

[molly muffin]

He worries about you And Buttercup. I can't fault the man for that :) My husband would be the same. Is the same. :)

I don't know if it is just due to pregnancy concerns or if there is something new, and I can certainly see where Davis would want to take all precautions since they tend to know the canine patients but not necessarily the health of the humans involved.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[lulusmom]

Oh, I love your daddy. You do what he says and count your blessing that you have him with you. My daddy passed 29 years ago and not a day goes by that I don't think about him. Give your dad a big hug for me and tell him I think he's great.

Glynda

[grapey]

Oh, I know how you feel. In Elliott's last six weeks I felt like things just kept snowballing--I can't even write it all down or I'll get too upset. So many additional problems kept coming up to the point of RIDICULOUSNESS. It's not fair and not right to have so much happen to these innocents.

You are doing an amazing job.

[Dawn Anderson]

You are OH so right Jen, just 1 thing after another, our poor pups, this whole cush thing is really insane and it will drive you insane if you let it.

Thanks for the support

Dawn & Buttercup

[Dawn Anderson]

Butters is showing all the signs tonight of having a UTI, took her out when I got home, then 10 minutes later back out, then once back inside she went to her wee pads and would circle and tinkle circle and tinkle, she did that for close to 10 minutes and to top it off she had hardly drank any water all day, her bowl was way more then half full. So I'm sure her ut test will be positive for an infection AGAIN. She just finished taking those industrial strength AB a week ago Thursday.
Poor girl she just can't seem to catch a break can she.

Is there any supplement I can give her to help support her UT? Her vet kind of pooppoos on supplement so I really can't go to her, but if you guys have any suggestions I will run them by her IMS at Davis.

Thanks Dawn and Butters

[Renee]

I found that giving probiotics to support the gut really helped. All those abx can be taxing to the system. I think boosting the immune system is the best course. As for other supplements, you need to be careful not to over acidify or alkanalize the urine. I have also heard they cranberry supplements are counter productive to abx, so you might keep that in mind.

[Dawn Anderson]

Any recommendations for a particular probiotic ?

Thanks Dawn

[Harley PoMMom]

Just found this article stating that in female dogs a recessed vulva could be the cause of recurrent UTI's, the article has some pretty graphic pics: Recessed vulva: An overlooked cause of chronic UTI in dogs (http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=806956&pageID=1)

[Dawn Anderson]

Man those were graphic, thank god she doesnt have that issue. She never had UTIs till this Cushings reared its ugly little head:mad:

Thanks Dawn

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I was told to get a good quality yogurt and give them some. Tipper only had one so far thank God. Butters just can't catch a break like Tipper. Blessings
Patti

[doxiesrock912]

I've heard yogurt too. Not Greek yogurt, just plain regular yogurt.

[pansywags]

doxiesrock912, do you know why the a differentiation between greek and regular yogurt? does greek yogurt have fewer live cultures? My dog is SO astonishingly picky she differentiates between brands, and she will eat greek yogurt but not regular.

Dawn, is there any indication of what bacteria might be involved? Pansy's cultures kept growing e. coli, and I did some reading that indicated using D-Mannose in conjunction with cranberry extract might be helpful for e. coli specifically.

[Renee]

I personally do not rely on yogurt to provide enough probiotics when you are dealing with recurrent UTI's. The vets have some probiotics, fortiflora is one. I have always used the ones from B Naturals, which I order in the big 5lb size and just keep in the fridge. Not all probiotics are created equal, so definitely look for quality.

[molly muffin]

You can order fortiflora from amazon too. I use it with molly too. It's good stuff.

Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Renee]

Good call Sharlene, I didn't know it was on Amazon. I always see it at the vets office. :) I have heard good things about it too.

[molly muffin]

It is a fortune for me to buy it from my vet, but then everything here in Canada vet/animal related is a fortune and always by prescription. I check periodically and can find some things on amazon.ca and grab them when I do. LOL I can always get it from amazon.com which I use for some friends rescues. I would think the online pet pharmacies would have it too.

hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[lulusmom]

I have found so many meds cheaper at California Pet Pharmacy. They have 30 count box of Fortiflora for $20.50. I buy my Metacam there for a fraction of what other pharmacies charge. In the future, I'll be checking prices for all my canine meds. You don't have to provide an actual script for meds, just your vets name and number. They call and get confirmation from your vet. I believe they also had Vetoryl cheaper than most as well.

[Renee]

I have found so many meds cheaper at California Pet Pharmacy. They have 30 count box of Fortiflora for $20.50. I buy my Metacam there for a fraction of what other pharmacies charge. In the future, I'll be checking prices all my canine meds. You don't have to provide an actual script for meds, just your vets name and number. They call and get confirmation from your vet. I believe they also had Vetoryl cheaper than most as well.

This is where I started getting my vetoryl from, and yes, it is an excellent price. And, bonus: they have great customer service!

[goldengirl88]

I have gotten things from them too and they are a Vipps pharmacy.

[Dawn Anderson]

Yeah, lab work back , no growths, no UTI, yeah

[molly muffin]

yeah! :) Always nice to have some good news :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Renee]

Good for Butters! So glad there is no UTI going on!

[doxiesrock912]

The IMS vet did tell me the difference but I'm sorry that I have forgotten.
You can buy Fortiflora online, we have used this too. Try Drs. Foster and Smith, Amazon.com, and I've even used eBay.

[Dawn Anderson]

I have seen the foritflora at my local organic health food store.
ok let me ask ya all this, us humans need multiple types of probiotic and pre-probiotics , so what is the prebiotic for the foritflora probiotic, I want to make sure the flora has what it needs to survive the journey threw the stomach acids and can start populating both her G.I tracks, also what are the other probiotics canines need

thanks
Dawn & Butters

[doxiesrock912]

This link explains some things.
http://m.entirelypets.com/fortifloradog.html

[pansywags]

So glad to hear some good Buttercup news!

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
So glad to hear this is one less thing you and your baby have to deal with. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Ok, med faze is going well so far, day 5, no new sicknesses , keeping fingers crossed.

[doxiesrock912]

Good news so far Dawn.

[goldengirl88]

Yahooooooo Keep it up Butters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[molly muffin]

Yay, fingers are crossed. :) Good job

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Today was a a good day for Butters. It actually started last night. Cuddling under a blanket together and watching the 50 yr tribute to the Beatles and sang along and to Butters, some real quality time together. She held ALL night, took her out about 10:30 and when I got up this morning at 6:20 her wee pads were DRY.

When I got home from work she came trotting across the house looking for love, tail was gentle wagging and acting more like her old self . When I went out to the garage to get the mail she rushed past me, to get out there and find her ball, she found it and I could tell that she was so proud of herself for finding it, she carried it back in the house and to her bed and proceeded to chomp on it till her dinner was ready. Now with a full belly she is relaxing on the couch.

Praying that she has many more days like this one.

Very happy mommy and Buttercup

[molly muffin]

Oh I do love days like that :) :). They are just the best.
So happy you and Buttercup shared a good evening and day
Hugs
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[doxiesrock912]

Normal doggy day. Yippeeeeeeee! Go Butters!

[Renee]

Awww, Go Butters, Go! What a wonderful day it sounds like. I love those days, the days where I forget what cushings has done.

[Dawn Anderson]

Ah, at last woken up by kisses from Buttercup:D, somthing she has not done in months:D

[addy]

Happy Dancing on the forum today for you and Butters:D:D:D:D

[goldengirl88]

That is the only way to wake up!!!!!!!!!!!Yeahhhhhh Butters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[pansywags]

Dawn, what a beautiful Valentine's gift from Butters!

I have a question for you about using Trizchlor. The vet gave me a medicated (chlorhexadine) shampoo with directions to use it once a week for two weeks, then as needed. I suspect Pansy has calcinosis cutis, but that has not been confirmed by a vet. I have read here several mentions of keeping CC dogs dry, so I wonder if I should try using the Trizchlor spray instead of a bath. Is it just sprayed on the fur (some of pansy's scales are exposed)? Light or heavy spray? How frequently are you using it?

Edited to add that I see you answered some of this already, sorry I missed your PM. I've modified my alerts!

[molly muffin]

Great way to wake up on Valentines day.

Happy Valentines Dawn and Butter!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[molly muffin]

Vicki is going to be trying out a holistic herb mixture and she also has an appointment with a specialist for her Snuggles, to see if they can get something going to shrink his tumor, (surgery is not a good option for him either) allow him to have good quality of life going forward. (he is fine right now too) So you should check out her thread and maybe compare notes.

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5904&page=47

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Thanks for sharing,
I have read up on pine bark and decided to pass. Researches found back in 2003, that pine bark.extract can inhibit histamines release, an important regulator of allergies. For this reason, pine bark extract may be contraindicated In individuals with weakened immune systems and I may exacerbate the effect of immune suppressant drugs, and it may interfere with immune boosting agents. We all know that lots of cush pups have issues with the immune sys especially
those with CC. Lord knows Butters has been on some of the strongest AB that are available for canines these last few months.

I'm not poopooing on it I just have no examples of how well it works with dogs. Side effects of headaches, nausea/upset stomach. Since Butters has had so so many intense head aches I an avoiding anything that could give her head aches .

I will follow their thread and see how it works for them.

Dawn & having another good day Butters

[molly muffin]

uck! I actually meant to post that for Heather and her Gabby not you and Butters. My bad as it is a completely different sitution. Inoperable adrenal tumors. Sorry a out that Dawn

hugs
sharlene and molly muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Plaque is starting to really release it hold on her, so much of it came off today and the skin under it is looking pretty good. She is responding well to the medication after the first week. Personality and skin slowly improving each day.

Dawn and Butters

[doxiesrock912]

That's GREAT Dawn!
Daisy doesn't have CC and I hope that she never gets it. It sounds so difficult to manage and even looks more painful.

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
More improvement that is so wonderful, that makes your whole day when your baby is feeling good. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

So good to hear that her skin is looking better. It's all progress and that is wonderful. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Doccy]

Dawn,
I'm so happy to hear that Butters is doing well and I hope it continues. :-). I know they have some different issues, but once the tumor started shrinking, his cushing's symptoms really started to disappear. I'm wondering if the same is happening for Butters. When do you go for the follow-up MRI? I may have missed it in the post, so I apologize if I'm rehashing.

Jessica and Doccy

[Dawn Anderson]

Another great day for Buttercup, when I got home I noticed she only use 1 wee pad in a 10+ hour period, YEAH. Also she reared up on her hind legs to hug me , another big yeah, she had not done that for months and then she went into the play mode and into the downward dog position , butt in the air wagging. More fuzzy fur slowly coming in and increased vision in left eye, depression appears to be gone, energy level slowly increasing. Finally really starting to see improvements with her many issues.

Dawn and Butters

[molly muffin]

This is fantastic news!! nothing like a butt in the air and a tail wagging. whoo hooo! Go Buttercup!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[addy]

Oh Dawn,

I am so happy to read your thread today, you go Butters!!!

[Squirt's Mom]

Great news, Dawn! Way to go Butters and Mom! :cool::cool::cool:

[goldengirl88]

Dawn :
All these things Butters is doing must make you so happy. I am glad things are going uphill. You have both had quite a battle to win, and you are making real progress. Blessings
Patti

[Arizona Boston]

Go Buttercup! Lots of good news. I am picturing the two of you singing the Beatles tunes! Dogs appreciate vintage rock and roll! So glad both of you are able to just relax and have fun.
Shelly and Lucy

[Dawn Anderson]

Well well well,my Miss Buttercup just keeps surprising me. This morning not only did she bury one of her bones in the back yard which was a sight to see, she also jumped up on the couch and was a BIG ole snuggle buggle, pushing me around and stepping on me (ouch) to get me to stop typing on my tablet and love her with both my hands. She is also starting to groom herself more and also grooming the sheet and pillow on the couch like old times. Hoping one day to see her start suckling on her blankie again.
She has an appt today for her first acth test since starting her med.will post the numbers when I get them .
Also my new washing machine arrives today YEAH, killed the old.one with all the additional laundry Butters helped make these last few months.

So in a nut shell its a beautiful sunny day with clear blue sky, she is in good spirits and I get a new toy(love appliances and kitchen gadgets) !

Dawn and the amazing Miss Buttercup

[molly muffin]

That is all so great to hear Dawn. Butters Does just continue to amaze.

Buttercup and Doccy, will give a lot of hope to others out there with macro's considering radiation treatment.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Harley PoMMom]

Such great news about Buttercup! So glad to hear she is acting more like her "ole self."

[Dawn Anderson]

Will have the results Monday, the Vet on duty and staff all commented on her cognitive improvements since the last visit. The Vet on duty has been very intre ged with Butters case and has been following it since she meet Butters back when she had her first rear paw injury. She is learning a lot from Butters case.
I'm pleased to know that Butters will be able to help others in the future.

Dawn and Butters

[Renee]

Go Buttercup, Go!! :)

So many things can get so sad, it is heartwarming to read about Butters making such improvements!

And, that is good that other vets are learning from Butters case. The same thing is happening at my vet. I hope that by doing things the right way with Tobey, that any future cushings dog at my vet will benefit from it.

[molly muffin]

We definitely have teaching cases around here. I think it is wonderful that each of you are passing on with your vets, experience to treat others who come behind.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Always feels good to come on here and read good news. There is so many terrible things going on with these babies that Butter's improvements are cause for celebration. You have been a real inspiration to others with all you have been thru. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

OK, it ? time. Can someone please explain to me in laymans terms the
ACHT stim test, I'm unsure of the meaning. Just what are they stimulating??? We are keeping her at 10mg am & 10mg pm and will have her tested again in 14 days.

pre-3.7
post 8.2

Thanks Dawn & Buttercup

[Renee]

Those are pretty good numbers for her first stim, and I completely agree on staying her current dose for now!

Hopefully one of the experts will stop by and explain the ACTH better than I could.

[Dawn Anderson]

Posting actual results

Endocrinology
2/23/2014 (Order Received)
2/23/2014 @ 9:22 am (Last Updated)
Cortisol - Pre
ACTH
3.7 ug/dL
Cortisol - Post
ACTH
a 8.2 ug/dL



a
ACTH Reference Range:
Canine: Feline
2 - 6 0.5 - 5 Pre-ACTH (resting) cortisol
6 - 18 5 - 15 Post-ACTH cortisol
18 - 22 15 - 19 Equivocal post-ACTH cortisol
>22 >19 Post-ACTH cortisol consistent with
hyperadrenocorticism
<2 <0.5 Post-ACTH cortisol consistent with
hypoadrenocorticism
1 - 5 n/a Desired pre- and post-ACTH cortisol on
lysodren therapy

ACTH response test is only clearly positive (>22) in 30% of
dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC); equivocally positive in
another 30% of dogs with HAC, and normal in 40 % of dogs with HAC.*
If the ACTH response test is normal and HAC is still suspected,
proceed with a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test.

Dogs with iatrogenic Cushing's disease will have flatline response
test results in the low end or below the normal reference range.

Both HAC and hypoadrenocorticism are rare diseases in cats.

*Reference: Feldman and Nelson; Canine and Feline Endocrinology and
Reproduction. 3rd ed. W.B.Saunders Co., 2004.

[Harley PoMMom]

OK, it ? time. Can someone please explain to me in laymans terms the
ACHT stim test, I'm unsure of the meaning. Just what are they stimulating??? We are keeping her at 10mg am & 10mg pm and will have her tested again in 14 days.

pre-3.7
post 8.2

Thanks Dawn & Buttercup

An ACTH stimulation test measures how well the adrenal glands respond to the hormone ACTH. Here in the U.S. the stimulating agent usually used in the ACTH stimulation test is Cortrosyn (cosyntropin).

The test is performed by taking two blood draws; the 1st blood draw tells us what the dog's resting/baseline cortisol is, this 1st blood draw is also known as the "pre" number. After the "pre" blood draw is done the stimulating agent is injected and after 1 hour the 2nd blood draw is taken which is known as the "post" number.

Someone once described the ACTH like this - imagine a sponge full of water being squeezed to see how much water was in there. This is what the ACTH is doing with the adrenals - not squeezing them literally but causing them to empty as much cortisol as they can.

Dog's with Cushing's generally have an exaggerated response to the ACTH.

Buttercup's ACTH stimulation numbers look great!

Hope this helps.

Hugs, Lori

[molly muffin]

Lori explained it really well.
I call it the dump. The pre is what is circulating in the body and the post (the dump) is what the adrenal glands have in reserve.

sponge, dump, it's what is being produced and held in the glands.

Sharlene and molly muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Oh thank you all so much, this is bringing tears of joy, it has been such a emotional & painfull journey for both of us. I prayed so hard that I was doing right by her and would be able to save her and give her a blessed life. Looks as if I made all the right decisions at the right time, THANK YOU GOD & MOTHER NATURE, you both have blessed us, me with her & her with me, hard to express the feeling I have of being able to rescue/save her my friend my compainion my teacher my life coach oh heck my soul partner. Just knowing that we wont have to say our finale good-byes for quite some time is oh so comforting. Now we can both really start healing, her, her body & me my body & soul.

SO come on my girl, summer is not far & the beach is calling out to US.:D

Dawn & Buttercup:p

[Harley PoMMom]

Dawn, You are doing a fantastic job with Buttercup, and I am so happy that she is responding so well! YAA!!! And here's to warmer weather!!!

[Arizona Boston]

What good news! I'm so happy she is feeling better and her numbers tell the whole story.
Shelly

[Doccy]

Dawn I am so happy to hear Buttercup is doing well!! I've counted my blessings too, but you said it so eloquently! :-) Here's to Buttercup and her Mommy!!

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I am so glad you and Butter's made on the way up. It has been a long hard battle
for you both. I hope it continues to go well for you both. Blessings
Patti

[pansywags]

I'm so happy for both of you that Butters is showing such improvement!

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
It is nice to know your Butters is still going uphill with her progress. I am happy every day that I hear she is improving. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Butters goes back on sat. for her 2nd ACTH stim test. Everything is still going well for her. Of course the majority of the CC is still hard as a rock, my poo girl. Only has 1 small spot that keeps popping open, its a very small spot though. More fur trying to grow, but very sparce and slow. Her attitude and disposition continues to improve . Will post her results when I that them.

[molly muffin]

Awww so glad that Butter continues to improve over all. Hoping for a good test on Saturday. :) :) That cc will continue to get better as the cortisol goes down, so hopefully you'll see even more improvement there in no time.

She has sure come a long way since this started. I remember when Davis was saying it was the worse case of cc they had ever seen and I'm sure they were right. Look where she is now. Just amazing. I'm so proud of both of you. I feel like a proud forum mommy. ROFL

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Your to sweet Sharlene, yes you are a forum momma and that's a wonderful thing to be. So much info. on the forum but most importantly real compassion, sympathy,empathy and support. You and everyone involved in the creation , hosting and administration of the forum are a blessing and have saved sooo many lives from being snuffed out before their time. I am inspired by all that everyone doses here and will strive to give back all that I have received from you all..


Momma Dawn and baby girl Butters

[doxiesrock912]

I second that Sharlene,
I truly believe that Daisy would have died if I hadn't found this forum.

Pre-forum, I'd never heard of Cushings and I paniced when Daisy was diagnosed because everything seemed doom and gloom.

Daisy has many aunties and uncles here :)

[molly muffin]

One big family :) all across the globe

Sharlene and molly muffin

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
You bring hope and inspiration every day to this forum with all you and Butter's have been thru. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Number 2 ACTH stim test down.

PRE# is down & POST# is up

Vet want to increase dose to 30 mg a day. Would like some feed back on this upping, concerned that the pre is so low.

Thanks Dawn

3/9/2014 (Order Received) 3/9/2014 @ 11:07 am (Last Updated)
Cortisol - Pre
ACTH
1.8 ug/dL
Cortisol - Post
ACTH
a 9.7 ug/dL


2/23/14
Cortisol - Pre
ACTH
3.7 ug/dL
Cortisol - Post
ACTH
a 8.2 ug/dL

[lulusmom]

Hi Dawn.

I think you've got some wiggle room. What dose was Butters on?

[Dawn Anderson]

Butters was on 20mg per day, 10am and 10pm

Dawn

[Renee]

My personal opinion is that you could increase just a bit, to see if you can bring that number down a bit more... but, if you think symptoms are controlled, you may just ride this out another few weeks and then retest. I made that choice myself when we had similar results for Tobey.

[lulusmom]

So the new dose will be 15mg am and 15mg pm?

[Renee]

Just wanted to update, since I suggested riding it out for a bit.

We got the results for Tobey's last stim test just today, and the progress has not been quite enough. I am glad I waited though on the increase, so I could see how her numbers progressed over a longer time period, before increasing dose.

[Dawn Anderson]

Vet wants to do 20mg am & 10mg pm

Dawn

[Dawn Anderson]

Butters also weighed in at 96lbs.

[Harley PoMMom]

How are Buttercup's symptoms? Do they seem better controlled during the day and appear at night or vise versa?

I wanted to add that I think you are doing such a wonderful job with sweet Buttercup. ;)

Hugs, Lori

[Renee]

Vet wants to do 20mg am & 10mg pm

Dawn

This is Tobey's current dose too.

[Dawn Anderson]

Actually the only symptom she is displaying is the CC, which is slowly very slowly improving, ie starting to grow fur but much of it is still hard as a rock, pot belly is virtually gone now and as for her demeanor she is pretty much back to her old self, drinking and eating normal and strength in hind qrts also increasing.

Dawn and Butters

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
What a blessing you and Butter's have been given. There is nothing better than improvement after all you have dealt with. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Round 3 stim test, will post results when we get them:D

[molly muffin]

:) Crossing fingers. I'm sure they'll be fine, since she has been doing so well. :)

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[flynnandian]

i hope the results will be ok too.

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Hoping for some good numbers for Butters. How has she been doing? Hope everything is good. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

the numbers are in and we hit the Jack Pot. Her dose is perfect at this time.

pre 2.6
post 6.8

Yeah, will have her tested again in 1 month, if numbers still look great, then we can stretch the testing to 2 months.

Dr & I are impressed that in just 6 weeks we were able to get her dosed properly. Low & slow is the only way to go..

Proud mom
Dawn :D

[doxiesrock912]

Wonderful news Dawn! I hope that the trend continues.

[molly muffin]

Awesome Dawn. :-).
Wat to go Buttercup!!!

Hugs
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[pansywags]

Hooray for the Buttercup household! So glad to hear things are going well.

[Renee]

Those are great numbers! But, as I was reminded by someone else on here - if the CC is still active, you may shoot for just a touch lower. That all depends on how the CC is. I would be thrilled with those numbers too. :)

[Doccy]

So happy to hear Butters is doing well--this is great news!

[flynnandian]

how is buttercup doing today? i hope she is ok.

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I haven't seen you post in a while, and I am hoping all is well with you and Butters. Is she still improving? Blessings
Patti

[pansywags]

I thought of you and Buttercup today as I was driving by UC Davis. I hope all is well.

[Renee]

Dawn? Where are you? Hope things are okay.

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I miss seeing your updates on Butters, but figured she is doing really well and you are busy. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Hello everyone, been of the grid for a while, job stuff. Butters is doing awesome, had her ACTH tested and pre was at 2.2 and post was at 6.6, Dr says "PERFECT", skin is still a mess but it is slowly improving and she is getting more fur, not much but more none the less. When time permits I will post pick, Oh and the bells palsy is gone. No more drewualing and she is blinking again.

Thanks for all your support
Dawn & Miss Buttercup

[My sweet Ginger]

I'm so happy to read your post and even much happier to read that Buttercup is doing so good. You must have been very emotional to see those perfect numbers finally after all you two have been through. That is just sooo awesome. I hope work will slow down for you because I'd love to see Buttercup's pics. Thanks for popping in. Take care. Hugs.

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
So good to hear Butter's is well. You two have been thru a lot together. Anxious to see her pics. Blessings
Patti

[Renee]

Oh Dawn - thank you so much for checking in! I was (secretly) getting very worried.

If the post is 6.6, when do you test again? Are you going to try for any lower?

[molly muffin]

That is pretty awesome numbers and what a journey you have had and continue to have. Wow, I really am VERY happy to hear that the cc is clearing up, slowly maybe, but clearing. Butters was so bad, I know it seem to scare all of us who saw it, so that is wonderful.
Aww, sorry work has been on the busy side lately. I can certainly relate to that! Hopefully you'll be able to enjoy all the nice weather out and about with Buttercup.
I too can't wait to see the new pics when you have a minute

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Hello everyone, just got her ACTH stim test, and they are down even lower pre 0.9 post 2.2 and her weight is down from 91.2 to 89.4 since her last test on 4/27. We are reducing her dose from 20 mg in the am to just 10 mg in the am and will retest again in 30 days. The radiation treatment appears to have really kicked that tumors butt!!!! At the rate she is going she just might be able to be trilo free in a couple of months! I remember Dr Kent at Davis said that it was possible for her to not need the trilo for life since the rad treatment was so aggressive.
The sparkle in here eyes are back and she is playing with her toys again, the skin on the other hand is not healing as fast, but that is to be expected considering just how bad the CC was and how long it was before I could start her on the trilo after the rad treatment never the less it is healing now and no new out breaks and furr slowly coming back.

Will keep you posted on her progress

Dawn and miss butters

[doxiesrock912]

That is wonderful news Dawn!

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
That is such great news. Butters really had a time of it for a while with her toe and all, now it is all paying off. It sounds like you have your old dog back. I am truly happy for you, you worked so hard to get her where she is. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

That would be so awesome if she didn't need any more medicine for life for cushings!!!

Way to go. Just keep an eye on that bottom number, it's already pretty low range, so hopefully the 10mg will keep it stable.

Great to hear from you. How is her cc now?

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[pansywags]

Aw, it's great to hear such good news from you and Buttercup! Thanks for updating.

[Renee]

Hey Dawn, so happy to read all the good updates on Butters! You must be so pleased. :)

As for the CC, I am discovering that some semblance of it will remain for quite some time, even after cortisol is perfectly controlled. I do wonder, does it change the skin in some way (molecular?), and maybe even after the CC is cleared up, the skin will always be a bit different? The very largest lesion Tobey had has completely cleared up, but the skin is different. Darker, courser, and the hair has not filled it in completely. I suspect it may always be like that.

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Hope your days are much brighter now, they have to be with your special, beautiful girl doing so well. blessings
patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Hello everyone, well its now been 1 years since her treatment and she has made wonderful progress. She's on 10mg 5 days a week and keeping fingers crossed that the tumor will not come back. Her CC is slowly softening up, but still has a large amount of rock hard and discolored skin. Her hormones have been well balance for several month. Really hoping that her skin will be healed enough by summer, I miss seeing her running and having fun on the beach. She has regained much of her strength and can jump up into the back of my suv, which is awesome.


Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas
Miss Buttercup and Family :D

[My sweet Ginger]

Thank you so much for an update on Buttercup and what an awesome one is that. Hopefully her cc will catch up with her other symptoms soon. Both of you've endured too much dealing with this dreadful cc and you did an incredibly awesome job on Buttercup. I'm so, so happy for you both.
A very merry Christmas and a happy new year to you, Buttercup and your family. Hugs, Song.

[molly muffin]

So glad to hear that Buttercup is doing so well and here we are a year later!! Thanks so much for stopping by to update us. We miss you!
Wishing you and Buttercup all the best for the New Year. Merry Christmas!

hugs

[Dawn Anderson]

Hello everyone,
Its been a few month and Butters is doing so well. Will be getting her blood work done again next week and if it is still on the low side her Vet wants to reduce her dose to 5mg per day or possibly even take her off it all together for a while. Vet sent pics to Davis Derm dept and since her CC was so intense due to having not being able to start her meds sooner because of the radiation treatments, that large portions of her skin have actually become boney and the only way to correct it is to remove the masses, which of course I will not put her through that, she has been through enough and as long as she is happy and playful we will deal with the masses of boney hide. Fur is still coming back, but very slowly.

Dawn & Butters

[Dawn Anderson]

I just created another album of Buttercup, pics were just taken today

[flynnandian]

glad to hear that butters is doing fine!
isn't it possible that her body will dispose of the dead skin in time by itself?
i still see some muscle loss and weakness in her hind quarters.
i hope that will improve too.
keep on the good work!

[Dawn Anderson]

Hello everyone,

Butters is doing well and the vet has taken her off the meds. Her numbers this last test were pre 1.6 post 1.9, which is way below the norm. I take her back in 2 weeks for another test and I'm sure that the Numbers will be good.

[Harley PoMMom]

Yep, those stim numbers are trending a bit low. Glad to hear she is doing well, how is the CC?

Keep us updated, please. ;)

Hugs, Lori

[Dawn Anderson]

The cc is very slow in healing, got feed back from Davis on it and was informed that to much damage was done and that we will have to live with large patches or hardens hide and bald spots for the rest of her life , the good new is that its not painfull and as long as she is happy and lovie all is well

[molly muffin]

As long as she is comfortable and happy that is what is important. Great to hear from you again and so glad Butters is still, well, Butters :)

[Dawn Anderson]

2 years have passed since her treatment, has been off the meds for a while and her levels are still stable. The CC has scared her up badly, she has lost her sight in her left eye and the right side is starting to get a little cloudy. Even with all thatsaid she is still a love bug and SO food driven, every time she hears me in the kitchen she jumps up and follows me around, so as long as she still does that I know that things will be OK for now.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy new year

Dawn and Miss Buttercup

[labblab]

Oh Dawn, it is wonderful to hear back from you girls!! :) :)

Butters is so special to us all, and it warms my heart that she is still right there by your side. I am very sorry to hear about the visual problems, but you both have faced every challenge thus far so bravely that I have no doubt but that she will ultimately adjust to these new changes, as well.

Thanks so much for your holiday wishes, and I send the very same right back atcha! ;)

Please give Butters a big hug for me, and you take care of yourself, as well.

Marianne

[molly muffin]

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and so very good to hear from you again.

She sounds like she is doing wonderfully! I mean, yea the visual thing isn't great, but it's not life threatening. My molly too has developed visiaul impairment over the past year. It is what it is and doesn't seem to stop her from doing much. She takes her steps a bit more carefully and jumps at a leaf maybe while on a walk, but that isn't that bad.
Don't be a stranger! You're family!

[Dawn Anderson]

Our beloved Buttercup is in heaven, we had to let her go yesterday, major neurological crept up on her fast and we had to do stop her suffering. She gave us 3 holiday seasons and hung in for my 50th birthday, but the last couple of days were real bad, I know the tumor came back all the signs were there and there was nothing else that could be done for her. Our home and hearts are empty. The house is to quiet for us to sleep, there are no pee pee pads for me to clean up, feeling lost and as empty as her food bowl in the kitchen, cant stop crying, my brain knows that we did the right thing for her, I just wish my heart could understand .
Thank you for all your love and support for my Miss Buttercup. she will be missed by all who knew and loved her:(

[Joan2517]

I'm so sorry for your loss...I know how empty and quiet it feels. You spend so much time caring for them, and you are consumed with everything that has to do with them and it leaves a big hole when they leave us. It is very hard....my heart goes out to you and your family.

Joan

[judymaggie]

Dawn--my condolences to you on the loss of your precious Buttercup. Sometimes the fight is just too much and we are forced to make the toughest decision. Be gentle with yourself!

[pansywags]

Dawn, I'm so sorry for you and everyone who loved Buttercup. You two were such an inspiration to me as I went through Pansy's diagnosis two years ago.

I hope in time your memories of healthy, happy times together help you smile again.

[Squirt's Mom]

Dear Dawn,

My heart is shattered hearing this news. Our sweet Buttercup has been such an inspiration for so many here, her story bringing education and hope to others. I know she is looking over you now with the same tender devotion you always gave to her and that she will always be with you in Spirit, loving you no less as time passes. Today, thanks to your final earthly gift, Buttercup is whole again, as she was in her youth, her body and mind strong. That day is coming for us when we will get to hold our precious girls once again, covering their sweet faces with kisses long stored in our hearts.

Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Trinket, Brick, Sophie, Fox and all our Angels at The Bridge



When We Meet Again
------------------

I was laying on the couch early one day
a dog was barking; from where I couldn't say
I got up from the couch and went outside
then off I went out into the countryside

I took a path thru the bushes and trees
but the sound of that bark kept nagging at me
I followed the path till I came to a river
I reached for a branch and caught a sliver

Under an oak tree I sat down to rest
I watched all the bird's fly from their nests
After a while a group of ducks waddled by
then a fox gave chase so they decided to fly

I walked down the river past a small ridge
and down in the meadow there was a bridge
Down by the bridge thru the fog
I saw what I thought was the barking dog

Like a bolt of lightning in the dark
I knew right then that was my old friend's bark
I looked thru the fog toward the bridge again
and sure enough there was my old friend

As healthy and beautiful as the day we met
I ran down thru the meadow to greet my pet
She ran thru the meadow at such a fast pace
it was like the old days when we used to race

I hugged and kissed her as she licked my face
all her sickness was gone there wasn't a trace
We were together again after such a long time
the sun was shining and all was fine

We walked toward the bridge together again
then we crossed it together me and my friend
This is the way I know it will be
when we meet again my pet and me

John Quealy

[molly muffin]

Dawn. I am so saddened to hear that the macro came back and that Buttecup passed on
As others have said Buttercup has been an inspiration to many and a valuable member of our k9cushings family since the day you found us. Many of us are sharing your tears and heart ache today upon hearing your news.
She truly brought a light and a joy to all of us who knew of her and a hope for many who are traveling the same paths.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family and friends who will all miss her so much.

[Renee]

Oh Dawn. :( My heart just breaks for you. Beautiful Buttercup was an inspiration for me when I first joined. She gave me such hope, especially on navigating the dreaded CC. Heaven gained a very special angel for sure. My deepest condolences.

[Harley PoMMom]

Oh Dawn,

I am so terribly sorry for your loss of dear Buttercup, and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

With Heartfelt Sympathy, Lori

[lulusmom]

Dawn, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you and your family during this very difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Godspeed, sweet Buttercup.

((((Huge Consoling Hugs))))
Glynda

[Trish]

Hi Dawn
So sad to hear about Buttercup, what an inspirational dog and an inspirational Mom, you have given hope to so many and that is priceless. My sincere condolences today and some big hugs too x
Trish

[My sweet Ginger]

Oh Dawn, I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful and brave girl Buttercup. As others have mentioned you two were such an inspiration for us all with your courageous and tireless fight with the Cushings and horrible CC. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that you gave her two extra happy and healthy years.
I'm sending my most sincere condolences to you and your family.
Song

[Allison]

Hugs! I'm sorry for your loss of Buttercup. My being a newer member, I don't know all of her history but I do know the feelings of an empty house and of grief.

Three times in recent years we have lost a pet who took a lot of care in their final years. Our guinea pig developed stomach issues, our cat had kidney failure, and our adopted dog struggled with Cushings and pancreatisis. My husband and I have become well-acquainted with vet visits, pee pads, and medical treatments. Ah me.

Our brains keep us sane and let us moved forward. I'm not sure that our hearts ever really recover though and suspect we always have scars. Love is bittersweet.


Our beloved Buttercup is in heaven, we had to let her go yesterday, major neurological crept up on her fast and we had to do stop her suffering. She gave us 3 holiday seasons and hung in for my 50th birthday, but the last couple of days were real bad, I know the tumor came back all the signs were there and there was nothing else that could be done for her. Our home and hearts are empty. The house is to quiet for us to sleep, there are no pee pee pads for me to clean up, feeling lost and as empty as her food bowl in the kitchen, cant stop crying, my brain knows that we did the right thing for her, I just wish my heart could understand .
Thank you for all your love and support for my Miss Buttercup. she will be missed by all who knew and loved her:(

[hollyb]

Dear Dawn,

I am so very sorry to read about Buttercup. She was a beautiful girl. I just wanted you to know that your story has been so very helpful to us, giving us hope for success at UC-Davis with our dog Nola. I read your posts over and over. So much of what you wrote was so familiar to our situation. Nola completed her treatment on 3/2/16.

It seems that Buttercup did so well for quite some time after her radiation treatment and that has been inspiring for us. But, that doesn't erase the pain of the loss of your sweet girl. The grief we feel when they pass is one of the hardest things in life, but the love pets give us is so priceless.

Holly