Amanda Update Adrenalectomy 11/4/14 - Amanda is free now

[Amanda's Mom]

Amanda is scheduled for surgery of right adrenal gland tomorrow. She is a 12-1/2 yr old poodle and has a heart murmur. Her blood pressure is well controlled with benazepril. She is also blind due to PRA. We adopted her one year ago and love her dearly. A tiny nodule was discovered during ultrasound in June. It is now 1.3 cm x .9 cm. noninvasive as far as can be determined. This is not a decision I made lightly and I am still agonizing about it. Amanda feels fine. But if we continue to watch and wait the tumor may become locally invasive. It could be malignant or Amanda's heart problems might worsen making her a worse risk for surgery. So, I decided to deal with it now while it is still small and her health is as good as it will ever be. She had two extensive dental sessions right after we adopted her as her teeth were in deplorable condition and she did well with anesthesia and recovery. We are carefully monitoring her heart and hope she has a few more good years left. Surgeon is BC and has done many of these. He is extremely well regarded. Her IM will also monitor the surgery and handle post op care. All of us and her PC feel this is well thought out decision. The tumor has grown quite rapidly and if we are going to take the risk, this is the time.

Amanda is such a tiny little thing, 9# of sweetness. She is always happy and being blind doesn't phase her. She is here beside me and I am praying my gut instinct is right on this. I know that despite taking every precaution there is no guaranty here. I have asked that Amanda has her own personal care assistant at least for the night shift after surgery. I don't want the staff getting wrapped up in an emergency and not noticing immediately if Amanda has a problem.
(This practice also functions as a 24hr emergency hospital from 7pm to 7 AM. ) We have tried to minimize the risks as much as possible for her. But as you can imagine, it is agony putting my precious little one through this.

The left adrenal appears normal but the surgeon will be able to get a good look at everything once he's in. He is fast and feels he can get in and out quickly. He warned me about the possibility of pancreatitis and clots. His track record is very good and despite this being a very serious surgery even at best, at least the tumor doesn't appear to be invasive and it is still under 2 cm.

Am I trying to talk myself out of this? I don't know. I just don't want to be kicking myself six months from now for not doing the surgery while we have a best case scenario. And there is always the potential for Amanda's heart to worsen making surgery impossible. But I am also afraid I am taking my happy little girl and sending her into a terribly difficult procedure from which she might not survive.

I take encouragement from those of you who have been down thi s road with a successful outcome. In my heart I want to believe it is a blessing that we found this so early. I was trying to be proactive and catch potential issues such as kidney disease or TCC and the IM found the nodule. I am praying this is the reason why.

If anyone has any suggestions or input I would welcome it. Thank you!

[labblab]

I am so sorry that we were not able to approve your membership and see your post until this morning, so sweet little Amanda may already be on her way to surgery. But even if you do not have the chance to read this message until later, please know I will be thinking of you all throughout this day and hoping for the very best result. It sounds as though you have all the preparations as organized as anyone possibly could. So what you need today are prayers and well wishes. And I promise you that as soon as more members arrive and see your note, you will have those in abundance!!!

All best wishes from me, and please do keep us updated.
Marianne

[LauraA]

My thoughts are with you and your sweet Amanda today. Hopefully the surgery is over by now and she is resting comfortably. It's sounds like it was a well thought out decision and I hope you update us on how she is doing.

[mytil]

I too welcome you and Amanda. And am sending positive and healing thoughts to you both.

It does sound like you weighed all the options for your girl and really prepared. When you can post a little note to let us know how she is doing (and how you are doing).

Terry

[Amanda's Mom]

Thank you all so much! I have to have her at the hospital between 8 and 8:30. Just gave Amanda her morning meds and eye drops. I have her little bag packed with her meds, PJs, etc. My daughter will drive us as I feel like a basket case. I awoke around 4 and had a long conversation with God. So Amanda and her doctors will be in his hands. I had some very cold feet late last night but I do believe we must do this. I pray for a happy outcome. My sweet girl has no idea what's coming. If only I could explain it to her! I thank you all so much for your good wishes. We surely need them!

[labblab]

I'm so glad to hear from you this morning!!!

I do believe you have made the decision that gives Amanda the very best chance for a healthy life, even though I can so easily imagine your worry.

If you feel flutterings around your shoulders today, it will be all the angel wings of our sweet members. We will be with you and Amanda both, all day.

[Amanda's Mom]

Thank you so much for all the support. I just want my little one to enjoy a good quality of life and I would not forgive myself if Imhad the chance to remove this tumor and didnt and it turned out to be malignant. We just lost my little grand-dogger of 15 years on Oct 13 and my heart girl Rose in June 2013. Amanda has been such a special blessing I think my Rosie sent her to me. I am soaking up all the positive energy and will hold on tight! Bless you everyone for being here to provide this wonderful service and support!

Amanda's Mom

[Squirt's Mom]

Please let us know how things are going when you can. It is so hard to be in that place but we have to give them every chance we can...and you are doing that for your sweet baby girl. I have no doubts that she carries your love in her heart and knows you are doing everything you know to give her as many healthy years as possible.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[My sweet Ginger]

I'm crying reading your posts, feeling your incredible love for Amanda and heart wrenching anguish over your decision on her Adrenalectomy. I feel for you as it must have been such a hard decision to make because you love her too much. As others have said you've weighed and made preparations in keeping Amanda's best interests in mind all the way. Now let's pray and believe Amanda will come through this surgery. You are giving her the very best chance in both life and surgery today. She's a very lucky pup to have found her way into your life when she did not so long ago. Hang in there. Many hugs, Song.

[judymaggie]

Hugs and prayers to you as you wait for your precious Amanda! It sounds like she is in very good hands.

[Amanda's Mom]

Amanda was out of surgery in less than an hour!! NO complications at all! I am soooo relieved and can't thank you all enough for the prayers and support. It was a terribly difficult decision but I am so glad it is done! they will biopsy the tumor and also took a liver biopsy but right now it looks great. The surgeon said it was definitely the right call because the tumor was up against the vessels so tight he had to peel it off. But it had not become invasive yet nor was it near the vena cava. A little longer and the result might not have been o good. Left adrenal looks good! The IM is handling post op and I will talk to her in a bit. Surgeon said absolutely no problems with heart, BP or bleeding. I know post op still carries some risks but so far this is very uncomplicated and Amanda will have her own personal nurse tonight to do nothing but sit and watch her. Wow! I am ready to go collapse but think I will just jump up and down with joy!

[labblab]

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

We're jumpin' right alongside you!! ;) :D :D :D :D

Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

WOOHOO! Now to get thru recovery and home again soon!

[judymaggie]

Great update!! Good idea to have a personal nurse -- Amanda deserves the attention. :D

[Dixie'sMom]

Awesome news! I'm so happy for you and your baby girl. Sending prayers for a speedy and uneventful recovery.

[Amanda's Mom]

Thanks!! I have been something of a basket case. Almost changed my mind last night. We were so blessed to have found this before there were symptoms. My little bichie poo who died a year ago had transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder along with heart disease and kidney failure. I learned TCC usually isn't detected until it is pretty much inoperable so I was doing routine ultrasounds to keep watch on Amanda's bladder and kidneys and that's how the adrenal tumor was discovered! So a real blessing to be able to get the tumor out. She has cardiac work ups every 3 months as well so hopefully I can stay on top of things and give my precious girl a few more happy years. She had been an owner surrender, adopted and then returned due to some incontinence issues and blindness. She has brought us such joy and her positive spirit and happiness has been a wonderful lesson to us as well. :). She is the poster child for the joys of adopting a blind senior dog!

[My sweet Ginger]

Excellent job mom for getting through these highly emotionally charged hours today. Whew. Now you can channel all the positive energy onto Amanda's recovery and that's wonderful that you've arranged a personal nurse just to care for Amanda through the night so you can get some rest and sleep. She'd better do her job well and not doze off. ;)
I'm so relieved and happy for you and sweet Amanda. Hugs, Song.

[LauraA]

So glad to hear that the surgery went well. What a relief. She certainly went to the loving home she deserved when she was adopted by you!

[jas77450]

Hope all went well for you and Amanda, hugs and prayers, update us when you can.

[Amanda's Mom]

Update as of 11:30 PM, Amanda is doing super! She is being monitored intensively. All vitals are within normal range, incision looks great. Her nurse has been holding and cuddling her all evening and Amanda climbs up her shoulder. She had steroid injection, good pain killers and anti nausea meds. They have a catheter in her rear leg to take blood samples, administer drugs and fluids. They are all thrilled with how well she is doing. Her internist called around 6 and they will be checking blood values and hormone levels,
repeatedly. EEG, BP, TP, etc every couple hours. She was alert much of the evening and was snoozing comfortably when I called. We will visit again tomorrow. Such a relief to have this over with! I am hopeful she will be home by the end of the week. I feel so blessed to have had such a great team caring for my little girl. I thank all of you for your kindness and support to me a newcomer. It is a scary disease and situation and the service and compassion you provide is truly amazing!!

[doxiesrock912]

Wonderful news!!!

[Robert]

Great news!!!! Will pray for a continued great recovery.

[Trish]

Wow I missed this!! Hmmm not like me to miss an adrenalectomy post!! Sorry about that but so pleased to hear it went well!! My dog had an adrenalectomy nearly 2 years ago now, so I will keep an eye out now I know you are here and very happy to give any advice... good job Amanda, coming through so well :) :)

[Silliam]

Sorry I was off in a world of my own yesterday but I am so glad to hear your pup is doing well. That amazing feeling of releif when you feel like your out of any immediate danger and ofcourse since we worry so much that relief is usually followed by your body demanding sleep. Surgeries like that weather they take one day or one hour really take it out of you and you sadly hehehe don't have a personal nurse so rest now cause I have a feeling your pup will be wanting all your attention when she gets home. Big hugs and sendings lots of good energy your way.

[My sweet Ginger]

So pleased to read how well Amanda is doing climbing up on her nurse's shoulder, etc.. I will pray for a continued smooth recovery.:)

[Amanda's Mom]

We were so happy to visit this morning. Amanda wouldn't eat until we got there and fed her but she ate well for me. She looks good, her color is great. She has 18-19 staples but her incision looks good. Yes, it is a big long incision but she seems very comfortable on fentanyl. I took several pics. Amazing how good she looks after such a major procedure! Optimistic that she will come home tomorrow. Being blind Amanda tends to pop up at every strange noise so I don't think she slept too deeply last night. She was dozing off snuggled against my chest. We will go back to visit and feed her dinner. If the biopsy comes back benign I will be over the moon, but at least it is out and we got it before it became invasive. Her doctors and the staff are thrilled with her remarkable recovery !! Needless to say, I am ecstatic! How blessed we were to be the ones to adopt this bundle of sweetness!

[My sweet Ginger]

Oooh, so sweet. Can we see her?

[molly muffin]

I too missed your posts until just now. So great to hear that Amanda sailed through surgery like a champ and is doing so well with recovery too. That is just great news. :) :) :)

Can't wait to hear how she is fully recovered. :)

hugs

[Dixie'sMom]

I'm so glad she ate for you and is continuing to do well. You are both so blessed to have each other! Please upload pictures of your sweet girl so we all can see her!

[LauraA]

Extremely happy for you that she is doing so well :) It will such a relief when she can convalesce in the comfort of her own home.

[Amanda's Mom]

I am going to try to figure out how to post pictures. I'm not sure i am allowed to yet. She is doing great and ate for the hospital staff tonight. We are all ecstatic! Incision looks so sore but she was walking around with tail wagging and seemed strong and steady on her feet!

[Amanda's Mom]

Ok I uploaded some pics to an album titled Amanda. I hope that will work!

[Dixie'sMom]

It works and she's beautiful! I have bad vision but from what I can see her incision looks good. And if she is eating and up moving around, that sounds like she is on the mend and feeling pretty darn good. Great job Mom! I'll continue to send prayers your way and hopefully she will continue to do great.

[My sweet Ginger]

Thank you for uploading Amanda's pictures. She is just beautiful!

[Amanda's Mom]

Thank you all so much. Amanda is a very sweet girl. So far so good andi hope to get a report on the plan for today in a few hours. Sure hope she can come home! She will rest better where its quiet and free of strange sounds. Will keep,you posted.

[jas77450]

Hi, saw Amanda's pics, such a cutie, happy she is doing well. Hope she gets to come home soon.

[Amanda's Mom]

Amanda is home and doing great! She is very tired....I don't think she slept much in the hospital. Due to her blindness her hearing is very acute so she pops up at every strange sound. Hopefully she will sleep well tonight. So happy to have my baby back!

[molly muffin]

She is just adorable! Love the pictures.
I am sure she will sleep just fine now that she is home.

hugs,

[Amanda's Mom]

She is sound asleep right next to me. Had her ice cream and seems happy to be back in her routine. I will give her some tramadol at bedtime to keep her comfortable over night. We are over the moon to have our precious girl back!

[My sweet Ginger]

I'm so happy for you and Amanda. :)

[Budsters Mom]

So happy she's home.:p

[Dixie'sMom]

Im so happy she's home sleeping peacefuly beside of you. I know you are relieved to have this over with. She will do much better at home. Now maybe you can get some rest too. Hugs for you and Amanda!

[Silliam]

Yay I am so happy for you and Mandy

[LauraA]

She will be much happier now she is home - as will you hehe. Thank so much for sharing her journey with us all.

[doxiesrock912]

That's wonderful!
They always do better once they're home.

[Trish]

Yippeee she is home, that is fantastic news, sounds like she is doing great and will be so much better off recovering in her home environment, bet your so pleased you had it done now you are on this side of the surgery!!

I fed fairly low fat initially, with chicken and rice for a bit postop to not stir up any irritation in the pancreas as that can be a concern as it tends to get a little moved during surgery and we don't want any pancreatitis. Flynn did have a touch of that, but not too bad. Flynny was not real good at drinking initially so I put a little water in with his meals to get a bit of extra fluid into him that way. Also keep an eye on the pooping department to make sure it all gets back to normal.

Also keep the pain relief going as they prescribed to keep her as comfortable as possible. He never once bothered his wound so hopefully Amanda won't either! But boy they can get those stitches/staples out pretty quick so I did put a t-shirt on him until I was happy he was going to leave them alone. No jumping or running either, I was advised short leash walks only for 10 days and I am sure your vets will have probably given you all this advice too.

I am so pleased she has come through so well!! Good Job Amanda!! :D

[Squirt's Mom]

WOOHOO! Glad she is back where she belongs! Way to go!

[Amanda's Mom]

Amanda is doing well this morning. She seemed a bit gassy last night so I gave her famatodine around 3 and that settled down her tummy. I was pretty much awake after that worrying about pancreatitis. Surgeon didn't anticipate it as he didn't have to move it around much but I will not feel completely put of the woods for awhile. Amanda has not bothered the incision but I will cover it when she's not in my lap. The last thing I want is that incision opened when it is healing so well. She is drinking well. Fortunately we caught this so early on, Amanda was not having symptoms and did not feel sick. Her IM has boosted her daily dose of Temaril-P which she takes for allergies. We will start to decline the dose after 5 days then after another 5 go back to the regular dose if her blood work is OK and we know the left adrenal is secreting enough.

Amanda being blind doesn't run and is very quiet and laid back. She goes for short walks and rides in her pink buggy for longer walks. I also have a pack n play and another small play pen for her when we are gone or cant watch her closely. That way I know she is safe and can't get hurt.

I am so grateful for all the suggestions and good wishes. I am praying for an uneventful recovery! I am posting her picture this morning.

[judymaggie]

Great update--it sounds like you and Amanda's surgical folks make a great team!

[Trish]

Fantastic news, yeah no doubt the tummy is a little upset. Has she pooped yet? She looks great in her pics! Pink nails hahaha!! So cute :):D It really sounds like you and her surgical team are on top of everything, so reassuring having their support during this recovery time. She will be good as new in no time!! Hopefully your BP is coming into more acceptable levels too... I have found chocolate helps immensely!! :) :eek:

[Amanda's Mom]

I have not seen her poop normally yet. Stinky farts but not a good BM yet. Amanda is drinking and peeing like crazy though. I checked with her IM and they said it is not unusual. They had bumped up her Temaril-p which Amanda takes for allergies to one tablet daily for five days. I am going to try 1/2 tablet twice daily and see if that will help. The full tablet might be too much steroid at once. I had to put a diaper on her to keep her dry. Poor baby was soaking herself and me while she was sleeping on my lap. Incision doesn't seem to bother her at all and it seems to be healing very well. Am going to taper back on tramadol tomorrow. Maybe that will help get her eliminating normally.

[My sweet Ginger]

How about trying one tea spoonful of PLAIN canned pumpkin to help her with BM as you don't want Amanda get constipated if she hasn't pooped yet. Do not start any more than that as too much pumpkin will cause diarrhea instead and it works quite fast and I know that from experience with my Ginger.

[jas77450]

Sounds like things are going well, glad she's home, you both will rest better.

[Amanda's Mom]

Oh great idea. I have a can here and I will try it in the morning. I definitely don't want her to get diarrhea. Thanks so much for the suggestion!

[My sweet Ginger]

If what you have on hand is 100% pumpkin with no other spices, that's great. :)

[Squirt's Mom]

Yes, do NOT use the pumpkin pie filling - just plain pumpkin only. ;)

[Amanda's Mom]

Well she pooped this morning so I guess I don't need the pumpkin. I gave her 1/4 tramadol this morning but thinking can discontinue it. She doesn't seem at all uncomfortable. Amanda's incision looks fantastic. Her tummy isn't swollen, bruising and red blotches are gone, healing very nicely. It's truly amazing to see her after undergoing this frightfully scary procedure only a few days ago! We are so blessed! :)

[My sweet Ginger]

Yay! It's so good to hear that she pooped this morning.;) She's doing everything right. Such a good girl she is.:)

[molly muffin]

Yay for poops! That is good to hear that her bowels are getting back to normal and you didn't have to help her out with the pumpkin. Awesome that she is healing so well so quickly. What a good little girl she is.

hugs

[Squirt's Mom]

YAY for unassisted poops! :D Seriously, where else can you celebrate poop?! :p

[Amanda's Mom]

Ha Ha I am celebrating for sure. Plus having divided the Temaril-P into two doses the peeing has slowed down. She really seems pretty much her normal self which just amazes me. Even her IM says her recovery has been "amazing"!! SOOOOO happy!!

[My sweet Ginger]

Keep up the good work mom and sweet Amanda. ;):):D

[Budsters Mom]

Such awesome news! Love it!:p:)

[Trish]

Fantastic, sounds like a great day and always good to see a good poop :D:D!! You both doing a great job... Amanda at getting better and you for taking such good care of her, must do your heart good to see her improving so quickly!! :)

[Amanda's Mom]

I am on Cloud 9 believe me! The decision to do this just about tore me apart as so much of what I read was negative and frightening. Wednesday we will halve the Lasix and Temparil-p which should further reduce all the drinking and peeing. The 17th staples come out and IM will check bloodwork and do another ultrasound. Should have biopsy results by then. Last year on Thanksgiving we gave thanks that we had been blessed with this precious girl and this Thanksgiving we will give thanks for the miracle that helped us find and remove this tumor in early stages, before she felt sick or had symptoms. I am so thankful to have found this wonderful forum and such compassionate and supportive friends! I wish I had more of value to contribute.

[My sweet Ginger]

Together, you and Amanda are giving all of us hope and inspiration. What could be more valuable than those two? :)

[Spencersmom]

Trust advice from another forum member who feels like they don't have alot to contribute.....just posting your thread with everything you are experiencing is helpful to others!

Keep sharing your pups progress, because we all love hearing good news, will worry with you when something goes wrong and when that time comes to say goodbye....well....you can't find more compassion and support anywhere! These guys are here for the long haul!!

[Amanda's Mom]

Thank you all so much! I had a Cushings dog 18 years ago so my knowledge of the disease and treatment would be extremely outdated. Fortunately Amanda didn't really have any symptoms yet and her adrenal tumor was discovered early on. Like kidney disease which I have recent experience with, Cushings is insidious and heartbreaking. The empathy one finds here, the support and the wealth of knowledge and advice is such a fabulous service!

[jas77450]

You are doing great. There truly are such wonderful people here, we learn from each other.

[molly muffin]

And how is little Amanda doing today? Well I hope. :)

hugs

[Amanda's Mom]

Amanda continues to do well. She is still drinking and peeing more than she did previously but this is the last day on twice daily Lasix and Temaril-P. We go to once a day for five days as of tomorrow. She seems a bit gassy sometimes but it doesn't bother her. Her appetite is good and she seems comfortable. Incision looks very nice and is healing well. Staples and post op checkup is scheduled for Monday. I will be happy to get new bloodwork and ultrasound done just for reassurance that everything is OK. But so far Amanda has had an amazing recovery!

[molly muffin]

That is so good to hear. She certainly is a little trooper.
I'm so glad you and her found each other

Hugs

[Squirt's Mom]

This is just so great to hear! Keep up the good work!

[jas77450]

Great job both of you!!!:)

[Trish]

Love reading the continued good news on Amanda's thread! Warms my heart... keep it up girls your both doing great!! x :)

[Amanda's Mom]

Just got the results of Amanda's biopsies and I am on Cloud 9! The tumor was benign! The IM has not had a nonmalignant adrenal tumor in a long time. So she is very excited too. Also, liver biopsy showed early Cushings symptoms so the tumor was secreting. Amanda had some minor symptoms starting such as dilute urine, peeing, beginning of a pot belly and thinning fur on her trunk. So we got it out in the nick of time and hopefully the left adrenal will soon be producing adequately. We are all over the moon!

[LauraA]

Amanda's mum - that is fantastic news!!! So happy for the both of you.

[judymaggie]

What great news--we are celebrating with you! :D Give Amanda a big hug from us!

[molly muffin]

That is wonderful news!!!! And you caught it early enough that this should put to rest the cushing symptoms. Just make sure that other adrenal gland kicks in enough.

hugs

[Amanda's Mom]

Absolutely! Amanda will have blood work on Monday and an ultrasound. We will also be doing follow up bloodwork to make sure the remaining adrenal produces enough. The Temaril-P Amanda takes for allergies contains a small amount of prednisone. I know her IM will keep close tabs on this. We do cardio work up every three months and ultrasound of bladder/kidneys (that's how we caught the adrenal tumor which first appeared as a tiny nodule in June)and I'm sure she will put us on a regular schedule to monitor adrenal function. I am so happy we caught this early!

[Dixie'sMom]

WOW! WOW! WOW! That is crazy good news! I'm so happy for you and Amanda. :)

[Amanda's Mom]

We are so happy and excited! I'm sure as her symptoms worsened we would have caught it but the tumor was growing fairly fast and would have made surgery more difficult. This was a little miracle for sure! I will post results after we visit Amanda's IM Monday.

[Trish]

Woweeee that is awesome news, so pleased for you guys!! Yep going to be all good now!! What a relief for you, can feel it from here :D goes to show getting it done asap was the best option for Amanda, before anything else went wrong with it growing so fast! Yay! :D

[beaglemom3]

I am trying to catch up on threads and thrilled to read Amanda is doing so well after surgery and Thank doG! the tumor is benign..lots of gentle hugs for your sweet little girl!

[Amanda's Mom]

Excited about postoperative check up tomorrow and staple removal. Unfortunately Amanda's eye has flared up. She is blind due to PRA and has hypermature cataracts. She develops ulcers from time to time. I am treating using the usual protocol and will call first thing to have ophthalmology take a look since we will be there anyway. Was looking forward to a nice bath and getting her all cleaned up again but eye needs to heal first. Incision looks fantastic though!

[molly muffin]

Oh fooey on the eye. Did she not get the memo (you have to use the read aloud program) that only one thing at a time?!
I'm sure she will come through just fine with the post operative appointment and hopefully with the eye appointment too.

hugs

[Amanda's Mom]

Amanda's post op check up was great! Staples removed, CBC and electrolytes are all great as is ultrasound! Can't tell you how happy we are. Shendoesmhave ulcers in her eyes again but we run into this problem every few month and it usually clears up fairly fast. She is completely back to her usual self and came through this with flying colors. We love this girl so very much and feel we were blessed to have her become part of our family in these senior years of her life.

[molly muffin]

What absolutely wonderful news!!! Very excited to here she is doing so well. Whoo hooo!

hugs

[doxiesrock912]

Whoooohooooooooooo!
You go Amanda!

[Squirt's Mom]

Wonderful news! I am so glad for you all!

[My sweet Ginger]

Hi Amanda's mom,

I don't know if you still stop by here from time to time.
How's sweet, beautiful Amanda doing?
It will be very nice to hear from you and Amanda. Hugs. :)

[Amanda's Mom]

Amanda Update

Amanda had a 3 month check up (right adrenalectomy Nov. 4, 2014)

All her lab values were normal. Her heart murmur is stable, BP normal and ultrasound showed the left adrenal gland is normal size and everything else normal. (She has had mild signs of aging kidneys but stable)

So, Yipeeee!!! Everything looks great. She feels good, has plenty of energy and for an old gal about to turn 13 in March, Amanda feels fantastic!

Incredibly, there is NO sign of the surgery. I can't even find a trace of a scar! Hard to believe considering the size of the incision and all those staples. The surgery never did phase her. Amanda's doctors and family are all just amazed at how she breezed through this with flying colors and hardly missed a beat!!

I am so thankful that we took the risk especially when we did, before she developed signs of Cushings and before the growth became locally invasive. Since it was benign we are not worried about any malignant cells floating around. But I will continue her heart xrays, ultrasound and abdominal ultrasound to monitor kidneys, liver, bladder and remaining adrenal. It is non invasive and the cost is reasonable. This way I know we will catch things quickly as we did with the adrenal tumor.

Amanda had wonderful doctors who took every precaution to help her through this very serious surgery. Despite her wonderful results I wouldn't want to give the impression it is anything but a very serious surgery. But catching it early and using pre-surgical medications to help Amanda be in the best possible condition for the procedure made a real difference. :)

Sending our best wishes to you all and special thanks for all your wonderful support!!

[Squirt's Mom]

It is so good to hear from you and especially good to hear how well Amanda is doing. Does wonders for this old heart today!

[Amanda's Mom]

Thank you so much Squirt's Mom! Amanda is such a wonderful girl and a 'poster child' for the joys of adopting a senior dog. Her blindness doesn't phase her and she is always positive and happy! It was a miracle for us to have her happy life extended this way!!

[LauraA]

So glad you posted an update on Amanda and how well she is doing :)

[molly muffin]

How wonderful that Amanda continues to do so well and be such a happy little girl. She is just adorable and such a trooper.

hugs

[Amanda's Mom]

I appreciate that you all are so caring and thank you for being so supportive!

[Trish]

So awesome to read the good news about Amanda, she has done so fantastically well, is she off the prednisone? Hope her eye is all better too!! :)

[Amanda's Mom]

We continue to have problems with ulcers due to Amanda's hypermature cataracts. But since December we have only had a tiny one and it cleared up in a week. She takes a tiny dose of Temaril-P which contains a small dose of prednisolone but that's for allergies and she takes it on an "as needed" basis. She has really been feeling great since the surgery! Needless to say we are thrilled!

[Dixie'sMom]

Attagirl Amanda! I'm so happy for you both that she continues to do well.

[Amanda's Mom]

One year later Amanda (now 13-1/2) is still doing great!! The adrenalectomy was definitely the right way to go! Her heart disease continues to advance unfortunately, but she is feeling good, happy and enjoying every moment of her life!! I am currently experiencing Cushings like symptoms with my bichon boy (drinking, peeing,panting, ) but he is on steroids for treatment of immune mediated anemia secondary to a serious bacterial infection contracted during a routine dental. Hopefully when the infection is finally cured the immune mediated disease will resolve. We have tried decreasing the prednisone but he relapsed. Will try again in two weeks. At least Amanda was spared the onset of Cushings thanks to her adrenalectomy! If I had to do it over I would not change a thing! Special thanks again to everyone here for all their support during that trying time!! HUGS from both of us!!

[mytil]

This is so great to hear about Amanda!!!!!! Thanks so much for keeping us updated!!!

I am sorry to hear about your boy and hoping that once the infection is in check things will become normal for him.

Keep us posted,
Terry

[Squirt's Mom]

WOOHOO! What great news on Amanda! I know you are thrilled - and we certainly join you in that feeling. I hope that infection is soon cleared so your sweet boy can get back to a more normal like.

Stop by when you can!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Amanda's Mom]

Thank you so much! A year ago we were headed to the hospital and I was scared to death. I almost cancelled the procedure. So thankful for the wonderful outcome! Amanda dislocated her hip a week ago and that has been harder on her than the adrenalectomy. But amazing how well my sweet old girl is doing hopping about on three legs. A few more days and she gets out of the sling!!

Never dreamed a dental procedure could lead to such a horrible infection for my poor boy. But he was fine with perfect bloodwork just before and deathly sick three weeks later. Pseudomonas is one nasty infection and it has triggered immune mediated anemia. Praying he will make it through and eventually be weaned off the prednisone.

Love you guys and how supportive you are and the wealth of information you bring! Thanks for being here !!
Hugs,
Claire and Amanda

[molly muffin]

Oh poor Amanada, those dislocated hips can be so painful and hard to deal with.
She is such a little trooper though.

So sorry to hear your little boy is having some problems too and I hope they are both right as rain soon.

Hugs!

[Amanda's Mom]

Amanda will be out of the Ehmer sling tomorrow!! YAY!! She is such a trooper she just learned to walk on three legs.

My boy we are told will likely not make it. Internist is about out of options. We discovered the infection is now in both kidneys and one has a large abscess despite one of the most potent broad spectrum antibiotics. Sent out urine to be cultured again to see if any sensitivity remains. We will have to stop steroids and pray his immune system kicks in and we can still keep platelets up. It is breaking my heart. He was healthy right up until the dental procedure. I don't know where to go for help. If anyone has any suggestions I am desperate!!

[molly muffin]

oh no. Did they put him on antibiotics prior to the dental? Just curious.

Are you seeing a specialist? Do they have any teaching schools near you perhaps?

I just don't know, but I hate that this has happened. :(

How is Amanda doing out of the sling?

Big hugs,

[Amanda's Mom]

Amanda is out of the sling and other than a slight weakness from lack of use for two weeks her leg is fine. She's walking on it and doing great! VERY happy!
Peyton was given clindamycin for the dental. His teeth had been cleaned only a few months prior so they weren't bad. He had overgrowth of gum tissue and it was lasered off and a few lower incisors extracted. Everything was uneventful until on day 20 I had to take him to ER with fever and pain. She thought UTI as blood in urine. Rx Clavamox. Following day much worse and was hospitalized. Tested for pancreatitis neg. numerous ultrasounds, X-rays, and $4000 no firm diagnosis until urine culture came back from Auburn. Resistant pseudomonas infection. During all this he developed immune mediated thrombocytopenia. We think secondary to the infection. 5 mg Prednisone twice daily to suppress immune response. Tried plasma transfusion but he had reaction and had to stop. When we try to taper prednisone he spikes fever, platelets drop low. I have been giving three injections daily of super broad spectrum antibiotic meropenem.
One of few antibiotics the pseudomonas was sensitive to. Instead of better he is worse. Infection in both kidneys now and large abscess in one. Afraid bacteria may have mutated. Also suppressing immune system keeps his body from being able to fight back. Awaiting another culture and sensitivity result. LSU is here, MS State, FL, Texas A&M, Auburn all within reasonable drive. He is under care of board certified internist.
We need to get his immune system working again so he can fight this. Will have to risk low platelets and or add a rather toxic drug, amikacin which was the other the pseudomonas was sensitive to. Don't know how his body will respond after nearly 50 days on prednisone. It breaks my heart he has always been so healthy and is a very sweet boy. Will do anything to try and save him. I welcome any advice or suggestions. Even though this isn't Cushings he is having symptoms, panting, drinking, peeing, etc from prednisone. You are all so knowledgable and I am desperate!

[molly muffin]

Just have a mement but found this list if treatment medications. Went with the uti treatments as kidneys infected. Delis cuss with vet. http://www.hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2011/263768/tab2/

This type of infection is hard to get rid of and has to be hit hard with antibiotics. More than normally. If it isn't completely irradiated comes back worse and more resistant.

Glad Amanda is recovering so well. Go Amanda.

[molly muffin]

. Pneumonia due to infection with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa, sensitive only to imipenem and amikacin, was confirmed by bacteria isolation. After treatment with imipenem-cilastatin without reducing the immunosuppressant dose, clinical signs completely resolved. During the 2-year follow-up period, no recurrence was observed. . In this case they didn't reduce immuno dosage. This was in a renal transplant dog. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942980/

[Amanda's Mom]

Thank you so much for taking the time to link me to this information. It sounds similar to Peyton's infection although his is pyelonephritis. We started empirically with marbofloxacin (Zeniquin) but when he completed treatment he relapsed in 48 hours. When the culture came back positive for resistant pseudomonas it was resistant to just about everything but meropenem and amikacin. Meropenem I believe is in the carbapenem group like imipenem. They are considered 'drugs of last resort'. Because the infection has become so much worse it seems either the bacteria have mutated and are no longer sensitive to this drug OR his immune system is suppressed to the point that he can't fight this. I have given him 125 injections of Meropenem. This was to be a two month course of therapy to be sure we had it cured. It was devastating to find not only wasn't it being cured but it wasn't even being held at bay. When we get the culture back in the next day or two we should know if the bacteria is still responsive to this drug. If it is, that pretty much leaves us with the immunity issue and we will have to pull out all the stops to give him any chance at all. I really appreciate your kindness since this isn't a Cushings related problem.

[molly muffin]

That's okay that this isn't cushings. Things come up all the time that aren't always cushings related.

We just don't know as much about the other issues, as we do about cushings. :(

I don't know, once things get into the blood, what the prognosis is, guarded is about the best I could find and that doesn't help much.

Do let us know how he is doing though. You know we are all hoping for the very best outcome.

[Amanda's Mom]

Thanks. I really appreciate the support. I'm losing my mind waiting for the culture and sensitivity to come back. It's taking forever and meanwhile we haven't changed anything. I hope we can find a way to wean Peyton off the prednisone without the platelets dropping. I keep thinking maybe if his immune system kicks in he could fight back.
This forum is great and while its focus is Cushings there is a wealth of information here for everyone to utilize.

[Harley PoMMom]

I have no wisdom to share but I did want you to know that you, Amanda, and Peyton are in my thoughts and prayers, saying a special prayer for Peyton.

Hugs, Lori

[Trish]

Hi Claire

Sorry I missed Amanda's anniversary, she is amazing and has done so well even with a few little hiccups along the way, so glad she is out of the sling.

Poor Peyton though, hope you have the results by now and treating... honestly one thing after another so make sure you are taking care of YOU too! Would they consider draining it if its an abscess? Hard for them to heal a big pocket of pus, but then his condition may not make that a feasible option. Poor boy, sending lots of healing wishes his way... x

[Amanda's Mom]

Amanda is doing so well thankfully! Sadly our beautiful bichon boy passed away at 3:15 this morning. We don't know why the immune disease surged despite no changes in medication. His platelets dropped below 40. Last night he was bleeding internally and went into cardiac arrest. My heart is so broken. We fought so hard. Had it been one thing or the other maybe we could have beaten it but both immune disease and the infection were too much. So hard to believe he was healthy as could be a few weeks ago! The quiet is deafening as he was a very vocal boy.

[molly muffin]

Oh no. I am so very sorry Claire. :( My heart just breaks for you on the loss of your beautiful boy, Peyton.

[Budsters Mom]

I am so very sorry.:o

Fly free sweet boy. Soar to meet the others. They will care for you now.

Big hugs,
Kathy

[Amanda's Mom]

It's very difficult, so quiet here. Peyton was a very vocal boy and we are not used to such quiet. I don't know how things like this can happen but they do and it is heart breaking. He fought so hard my precious boy. Thank you all for your kindness.

[Budsters Mom]

My Buddy was very vocal also, so I completely understand. He would chase and yap at birds who had the nerve to invade his airspace. He was so full of life, sounds and joy, then it all got so intensely quiet.

I know that your heart is broken. I've been there and done that more than a few times and it never gets easier.

Know that you are not alone and many others do understand and will hang here with you for as long as you want or need us.

Again, I am so very sorry.:o
Kathy

[labblab]

Dear Claire,

I am so sorry about your loss of Peyton. What a tragedy! Every loss is heartbreaking, but when it comes this unexpectedly, I do believe there is a shock and a disbelief that magnifies the vacuum even more. My heart absolutely goes out to you.

I know there is little we can say or do, but your family here hopes it may give you a small measure of comfort to know that Peyton has been added to our special memorial list as an honorary Cushpup. Here he is surrounded by all our other loved ones who make passage alongside him. He will never be alone.

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6879

Sending many hugs across the miles, Claire, always in loving memory of your sweet boy,
Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

Oh I am so sorry to hear this, Claire. You and he both fought so hard. I know your heart is broken but your sweet boy will always be watching over you with all that love in his heart you gave him while in this life. Fly free, sweet Peyton, fly free.

Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Trinket, Brick, Sophie, Fox, Redd, and all our Angels

[judymaggie]

Claire -- my heart goes out to you on the loss of your Peyton. I am thankful that you have Amanda who will soak up your extra hugs during this difficult time.

[Amanda's Mom]

I thank all of you for your kindness. We are truly devastated by the loss of our darling boy. If I could go back in time and not do the dental he would still be with us. His teeth weren't bad as they had been cleaned a few months earlier. It was just an overgrowth of gum tissue that needed to be lasered off his bottom teeth. Such a simple thing and it cost our boy his life. Perhaps without the immune disease he could have survived but this too was apparently triggered by the infection as he had no history of an immune disorder and his blood work prior to the dental was terrific. Thankfully my sweet Amanda is still with us and our 14-1/2 year old rescue poodle Pork Chop both of whom will help us as we try to adjust to life without our Mr Peyton. Our family will never be the same. The pain is just unbearable.

[molly muffin]

Claire. I just saw you posted to Trishs thread that you lost your precious Amanda. I am I think in shock. She was just such a great little girl and I am so sorry.
So hard losing her and Peyton too. My sincerest condolences.

[Joan2517]

Oh, Claire...I am so sorry for the loss of Amanda. I remember your kind words to me when I lost my Lena . Amanda was such a beautiful girl. Hugs and comforting thoughts to you and your family.

[Trish]

Hi Claire

Such sad news about Amanda, so sorry to read that today. Flynny passed on the 7th too, not the 6th. So they arrived up there the same day, that gives me a smile. He was always partial to a pretty girl so I am sure they are having a romp about together exploring their new territory! They have both done so well since their adrenalectomies, so I hope any new people reading their threads get some hope if that is the treatment they choose for their dogs. Don't be a stranger and I hope your taking care of yourself, although fine one I am to talk about that right now lol... you know what I mean though. xxxxx

[Amanda's Mom]

It is so hard to adjust to not having my little girl here with me in my lap. Except for the few nights she was in the hospital, a total of 7 nights in the two years, seven months and five days since I adopted Amanda, she was always here with me, snuggled close. I still can't believe she's gone. You are so right Trish, Flynn and Amanda did so well after their adrenalectomies. Our babies had so much love and I know they were happy. I bet they are running and playing, free and healthy at last ! It's a tough time for us. They leave such big holes in our hearts. Take care Trish. Xoxox

[Amanda's Mom]

Thank you to everyone for their compassion and support over the past couple of years and especially during Amanda's adrenalectomy and Peyton's unexpected passing last November. Amanda had heart disease from the time we adopted her. Despite constant monitoring,tweeking of medications etc. her heart disease progressed. Just after Easter she developed ascites which is fluid in her belly. We had it drained several times but then pulmonary edema was also detected. We went to LSU Cardiology and they were able to control the right sided heart failure but unfortunately doing so overloaded the left side again. Try as we might, there was no balance to be found between right and left sided congestive heart failure. Amanda had always taken her Vetmedin, a chewable heart medication. Even when she wouldn't eat otherwise she would gobble her Vetmedin. Suddenly she refused it and she became very finicky about eating. We went in for Xrays and to have her belly tapped on the Tuesday, June 7th. Amanda sat on my lap and licked and licked me. She gave me so many kisses that afternoon. I took her outside and she was wobbly and nearly fell over. I understood what she was telling me, what I had spent the last three nights thinking about. We got the doctor and they quickly placed a tiny catheter and we went up to the quiet room and sat on the couch for a bit. Amanda gave me some more kisses and then she suddenly curled up on my chest, her favorite place and laid her sweet little face in my shoulder. Two seconds worth of sedative and she had slipped peacefully away in my arms. I am so grateful to my sweet girl for making it easier for me to make that final, ever so difficult decision. Amanda fought so hard and were able to give her a good quality of life until the last few days as she began to decline. She taught us so much about positive spirit and taking whatever life threw her way in stride. Such a tiny girl but so full of spirit. Nothing phased her, not her blindness, not her heart disease, not the adrenalectomy. We were so blessed to have our precious girl in the golden years of her life. I have posted two pictures in her album, the were taken on the last day of her life. She was so beautiful in her lavender dress. God gave me a special, precious gift and I will always be grateful for being the recipient of Amanda's love and trust. Thank you all for being there during the tough moments!! I love you all!!

[labblab]

Dear Claire, I want to tell you how sorry I am. My husband and I had to make the same heartbreaking decision for our beloved Peg on Monday, so the pain remains so fresh and so raw for us as well. There is solace to be taken in knowing we were able to do the right thing for our girls, but it is small compared to the heartache from missing those whom we loved so dearly.

The welcoming brigade at Rainbow Bridge have surely had their paws full this past week :o. Thank goodness for our dear family here who are holding up those of us who are left behind.

Sending you warmest thoughts and joining in your sorrow. But also joining in honoring all our precious babies who gave us such love and joy here on this earth.

Marianne

[Joan2517]

The picture of Amanda is beautiful, Claire.

[DoxieMama]

I am so sorry for your loss.
Shana

[kanga]

I am sorry for your loss :( she's in a better place now...

[Amanda's Mom]

Oh I am so sorry about your Peg. You're right, the wounds are so fresh and raw it's hard to adjust. I'm so used to Amanda'smedications schedule it seems bizarre not to have to live my life around it now. You did the right thing and sent your precious girl off to run free and healthy. It's the greatest act of love we must do and the most painful for us. I'm so thankful for the support and warm thought here that do hold us up when we are grieving. May you find peace knowing you did all you could and your sweet girl was so loved!
Claire

[judymaggie]

Claire--Amanda was truly a beautiful little girl and a strong fighter to have dealt with so much. All of our Rainbow Bridge pups will take great care of your girl.

[Trish]

I threw all his pills and stuff like that out. I have kept all his special things but I want no reminder of sickness just his happy days :) I have donated some if his old bedding to a pet rescue we support. Kittens have inherited his good bed that sits in front of the fire so they are happy, the little renegades don't seem to be missing him much at all! I'm planning on framing my fave pics for the wall, i want to be surrounded by his happy life always xxxxx

[molly muffin]

That is a wonderful idea Trish.

Amanada was just beautiful both in looks and in spirit.

[Allison]

Amanda, hugs.

I'm so sorry for your two losses this past year. How empty and lonely this must have made your home.

Amanda looks so precious in her photos and sounds like a real sweetheart from your description. My husband and I have a gray poodle who just turned twelve.

[buffysmom]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm new here so I didn't know you or your baby...just wanted to offer my prayers and hugs