Skippy has passed; 12 y/o Yorkie with likely pituitary tumor (Trilostane)

I, too, am so glad he is home and who knows....home may be just the medicine he has been needing most of all. Let us know how things are going as you can but spend as much time with your precious boy as you need and want!

Hugs,
Leslie

Kathy, Lori, and Leslie, Thanks for your support. I feel like Skippy is alive day by day right now. IMS called this am, but I missed the call. Tried to call back but only the emergency service is reachable. So I called his local vet and will take him in for labs this pm; I'm afraid to wait until Monday. They didn't give me subQ as the IMS didn't think it would help much. They prescribed Purina EN, gastrointestinal and he is now refusing it altogether, but he will eat a few bites of chicken breast and I managed to get all meds down except the Clavamox so far this morning. I tried heating the food, nope. Leslie, I will try baking it maybe mixed with chicken breast (That they don't want him to have.) Lori, Ursodiol for pancreatitis is new; this IMS went to a conference a couple of weeks ago and learned that it's now being used with dogs successfully. Two weeks in a cage and Skippy now wants to sleep on every soft thing here; he's now asleep on the sofa with my friend. They are most concerned about the pancreas flaring again; do you all know if there is anything else I could put on his food that's reasonably safe to try to get him to eat it? I will research as well. Thanks...

Carole

I wonder why the chicken breast is a no- no, I thought that was considered a food mainstay with pancreatitis. How about white fish? Tuna in water has a low fat content so maybe this could be used as a food topper. Baby foods could work too as long as no onions or onion powder are in the ingredients.

Is he getting any pain medication? I realize that adding another med to his list sure doesn't sound good but if he is having some discomfort this could dampen the appetite.

Tons of huge loving hugs being sent to you both, Lori

Hi Lori, took Skippy to local vet this afternoon; they did labs (results tomorrow), immediately tried to get Skippy to eat their low fat canned stew. (Nah) and then the vet offered him a low fat treat that he gobbled down. They taught me how to give him sub Q and sent me home with the remainder and directions. They gave him an injection of Cerenia and a few pills of Mirtazapine to try. They tried to pill him with the Clavamox, the so called chew-able. Three techs and the vet tried six times with pill injector, the hand method and low fat treats - finally, finally, he swallowed it. By then he was exhausted from the World Wide Wrestling match. Tonight after cooking bacon for the smell as an inducement and another wrestling match over the Mirtazapine, he finally took the evening meds and ate a little of the low fat food and a few bites of boiled chicken. IMS also called and said he didn't want me to offer Skip anything but the low fat Purina food as he is worried that it will further inflame the pancreas. Skippy is hungry for anything but...IMS doesn't like sub Q as he believes it is hard on the kidneys. (I think there is major disagreement on this topic.) I do wonder about taking him to local vet for daily IV fluids for a bit. Final thing, although it is certainly rare, today the local vet volunteered and the other Purdue IMS last week said the same, the Vetoryl caused this entire system failure/episode. #Givemestrength. I know it will all be better tomorrow...:o

Carole

That is very interesting indeed. Did they say it was because it was dosed post radiation (due to the macro)? Or, possibly because it was given when Skippy was already in a weakened state. I just wondered if they said any more?

Kathy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Carole Alexander

Final thing, although it is certainly rare, today the local vet volunteered and the other Purdue IMS last week said the same, the Vetoryl caused this entire system failure/episode.

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With Sampson, his sub-q's had to be stored in the frig and then heated up, I used a heating pad for this, before I gave them to him. Oh Carole, I so wish I could reach through my computer screen and give you a huge hug.

Kathy, they didn't say. I had the impression that they were talking about the period subsequent to radiation but I will probably never be sure...

It's been a hellish week for Skippy and me; he stopped eating upon discharge last Wednesday from Purdue; he ate nothing until Monday. His labs on Friday had doubled, sky high for Creatitine and BUN/Phos. He has acute/chronic pancreatitis and has an infection, maybe urinary tract. Purdue and local vet walked away over holiday leaving me with meds and SubQ fluids. Purdue has jumped back in saying PTS; even if I can heal pancreas and UTI, Cushing's will kill his kidneys. IMS tonight thinks that If I don't stop the meds and he doesn't eat, he will starve to death. If I do stop the meds likely no healing of pancreas and UTI driving the kidney failure. I've stopped the meds to try to slow the nausea and am now trying anything, along with fluids, to try to get him to eat. Tonight he ate a small portion of chicken drumstick and rice. (I'm well beyond low, low fat only as I cooked him turkey breast this morning that he sniffed and walked away.) Oh, and they think Lysodren will kill him and he can't tolerate Vetoryl. I am pulling day and night shifts watching him so I'm not totally rational. No need to write kind comments as I knew this was inevitable. Just didn't know that it would go this way. I will post more when I can or I've decided what to do next.

I sure do sympathize with you on the struggle in getting them to eat. Slippery elm bark is one herb that you can mix with water and administer either with a syringe or eye dropper. Here's an excerpt about slippery elm bark:

Quote:

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Slippery Elm is said to relieve inflammation of virtually any mucus membrane, and has been used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the lungs (bronchitis, asthma), kidneys, bladder (cystitis, FLUTD symptoms), throat (tonsillitis), and joints (arthritis).

Slippery Elm contains many nutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, calcium, and several trace minerals) that can be beneficial for recuperating pets, and it may stay down when other foods are not tolerated. It is known as a “survival” food; George Washington and his troops survived for days during the bitter winter at Valley Forge eating nothing but gruel made from Slippery Elm bark. However, Slippery Elm may interfere with the absorption of certain minerals and pharmaceuticals, so is best given separately from any concurrent drug therapy.

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I'm including the link to the article where that quote came from: http://www.littlebigcat.com/health/slippery-elm/

(((Sending hugs)))

I wish so much that we could physically be there with you right now. Be kind to yourself, and give your little one a scratch behind the ears from me.

Slippery Elm gruel was the ONLY thing that helped settle Buddy's stomach toward the end.

hugs,
Kathy

Yesterday, I had the second round of blood work completed; Skippy's kidney values had nearly doubled yet again in only one week. There was no possibility that he could recover. Skippy ended his life journey this morning at Purdue where he spent so much of this past year. They will perform a necropsy and I will post when I am able to.

Carole

Dear Carole,

I can barely see the keys thru the tears to type. Skippy's journey has been one so many of us have walked with you as best we could and my heart is broken with yours. I know, to great depth, what you are feeling now. So much has changed in the blink of an eye and the one you would reach out to for comfort is no longer there. The questions racing thru your mind too fast to capture or put in words. All those emotions so raw and cutting deeper than you ever dreamed possible. Take whatever time you need to gather your thoughts as well as you can...we will be here for you any time you are ready to talk. Please know we love Skippy and you dearly. You and he have taught us so much and given so many badly needed inspiration. Know in your heart you did all you possibly could to make each day a great one for your precious baby boy...and I know he is grateful for your love and TLC.

My deepest sympathies,
Leslie

My favorite poem and the one that brings me the most comfort...

Beannacht
by John O'Donohue

On the day when
The weight deadens
On your shoulders
And you stumble,
May the clay dance
To balance you.

And when your eyes
Freeze behind
The grey window
And the ghost of loss
Gets into you,
May a flock of colours,
Indigo, red, green
And azure blue,
Come to awaken in you
A meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays
In the currach of thought
And a stain of ocean
Blackens beneath you,
May there come across the waters
A path of yellow moonlight
To bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
May the clarity of light be yours,
May the fluency of the ocean be yours,
May the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow
Wind work these words
Of love around you,
An invisible cloak
To mind your life.

(From "To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings")

Oh Carole, I am so very sorry. You both fought a very long, tough battle. True warriors indeed.

Athough Skippy's pain and struggle are now over, yours is just beginning. Please return to chat with us whenever you feel up to it. Cry, scream, rant, whatever you need to do. There is strength in numbers. Many of us already have Cushings Angels at the rainbow fields, so we understand the depth of your pain.

Fly Free Sweet Boy, Fly free!!!
hugs,
Kathy

I ... I just don't know what to say that doesn't sound hollow. Much love across the miles.

Run free on the wings of love, Skippy!

I will reply to your very kind and supportive comments as soon as I am able. Tried to think of something this afternoon to quiet the bizarre,confusing, disquieting and perhaps just plain crazy stuff that happened to Skippy in the past month. This afternoon I thought more about what he meant to me. This is goofy but my small first effort in a crazed mind.


A Decade -
You were my every day and all ways partnership
The walks, the talks, the barks, the farts
The growls, the howls, the baths and the laughs
The balls in streams and your wild dreams
You licked me, bit me, snuggled and kicked me
When you were hurt you would hide
I would coax you back by my side
When Cushing’s hit you with a jolt
It hit me like a lightning bolt
These past years
So often full of tears
You fought off the perils, brain tumor, radiation, and pancreatitis -
You said bring on your slings and arrows
Last month your kidneys failed
My heart was impaled
I cursed you and nursed you
I kissed you and hissed at you
I held you and huddled by you
I researched and read
Your diseases fill my head
I shopped and I cooked a potpourri of tasty treats
None of which you would eat
When they said you were dying
I said no, you are lying
I was wrong
You were strong
So I’ll follow your lead
My Skippy, Godspeed

Dear Carole,

Your words are so moving and your journey alongside Skippy has been nothing short of amazing. Ever since reading about Skippy’s labs on Thursday, I’ve struggled to find words of my own to add here. I remain at a loss, but I just don’t want to wait any longer to at least tell you that even though I am deeply sorry about the story’s ending, I remain so grateful that you have shared Skippy with us. What an incredibly brave and resilient spirit has been housed in that tiny body, and now, to have been released. We will always honor him here, and we’ll always remain a suppprt alongside you.

Sending my warmest thoughts and biggest hugs flying along to you in the absence of your beloved little partner.
Marianne

Beautiful words from a loving mom describing her amazing boy. Thank you for sharing Skippy's journey with all of us. Several of my fur babies are off happily frolicking in the rainbow fields. Or, at least, I need to believe they are. Skippy wil never be alone.

Kathy

Your poem is beautiful, Carole, and so heartfelt. I know Skippy hears your words and rejoices in the life and love he shared with you.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))) )))))))))))))))

Dear Carole, I don't know what to say except how sorry I am that Skippy has passed. I have been following along and hoped I would not see this, even though I knew in my heart that it was coming. He put up a good fight, the darling boy. I am sure he did not want to leave you, a mom who would not give up on him.

Rest in peace, little boy. Take care of yourself, Carole...

Dearest Carole,

I'm at a loss for words, I just don't know what to say, as there are no words that can help ease the pain you are feeling. You both are truly an inspiration and I am in awe of the courage that you and Skippy displayed through it all. We are here, Carole, with our arms outstretched to wrap you with our love and support. Come back to us at any time and we are ready to talk with you, grieve with you or just sit quietly and hold your hand, we love you, dear Carole.

I am so, so sorry.

With Heartfelt Sympathy, Lori

Dear Carole,
I have no words except I'm sorry- and I offer you my love, comfort, condolences and understanding. Skippy was so lucky to have you as his Mom, and you were lucky to have him as your boy.
Annie

Oh Carole :( I am so very very sorry to read of Skippys passing. Your poem is beautiful. You two had such a journey and it was so inspirational. We will always thank you for the knowledge that you and Skippy shared with all of us here at k9cushings. You are a wonderful researcher and did so much to help Skippy and to allow him that extra time with you.

It is never easy to say goodbye to our best friends and I don't have any words to ease that journey. It is long and painful and yet it is what it is because we loved them so much. :(

Sending you big hugs