Squirt - my Queen has crossed The Bridge

Leslie, you better quit beating yourself up or I'll have to come to Arkansas and do it for you. :D Why is it that we tend to forget all we've learned when we're talking about our own dogs? How many times have you, me and others told members that if our dogs were not symptomatic, we wouldn't treat, especially with Lysodren because the appetite and water consumption are all we can rely on for signs of loading? If Squirt's post stim is too high for your comfort what options are you giving yourself.

Options...hummmm...one is to increase her maintenance dose; one is to continue as we are until her signs become stronger; one is to keep beating myself up until you get here to take over from me! :p

LOL Leslie from your last post!!!

Oh how I remember the "what do I do" when I thought Maddie's numbers were going up and how the heck would I know if I gave her the right loading amount because how would I see any signs....:eek: Of course it is a guessing game but I did see just that hint of a change.

You know in your heart what to do, but I know it isn't easy. Squirt will do just fine.

I would love to see Glynda come and beat you up for beating yourself up....:D

((((HUGS))))

Hi Ya'll,

Spent the morning in Little Rock with testing. I liked what little I got to know about Dr. Nafe and he was very good with Squirt. Of course, she could have cared less, just let her out of there! ;)

He examined her and he did hear congestion in her upper respiratory tract...but didn't hear any heart murmur during the initial exam. She has had a grade 2 for some time ??? BUT, he kept her in the back for two hours and I didn't get to talk to him when I picked her up. I am to call Fri morning for the UTK panel results and he left instructions for me to continue treating just as I have until we get them back. Maybe he will have more to tell me then. It surprised me when he said he didn't hear a murmur tho.

I did get her resting cortisol from the test at Dr. B's last week -

5.48 ug/dl Normal range 1.0 - 6.0

So it is getting on up there. I am anxious to see the results Fri. but she was really stressed in the office today and probably got more so after having to leave her - I didn't like that part much. ;)

I'll let ya'll know what I learn as I do.

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt

No heart murr murr. Cool. I don't see how they can hear anything over a dogs breathing. I bought a stethoscope to listen for Kira's heart murr murr and I couldn't even hear a heart bet! I can't find a pulse either. I think she's dead.

Have we learned anything yet?:confused:

Today we are supposed to get Squirt's test results. I have already been calling but just get the recording. Don't they know someone should be on hand 24/7 when a cush mom is expecting test results?!? :p

Off the pace the camper for a few more minutes! Be back when I have the info.

AAAAHHHHHHHGGGGG!!!!

The office is open but Dr. Nafe doesn't get in until 9am! I told the receptionist that I have been up pacing since about 6 and calling for the last 10 minutes. :D

Bless their hearts....they had no idea what kind of mom they were taking on when Squirt and I came through their door.

Back to pacing and staring at the clock....

:D:D Just talked with Dr. Nafe - all results are normal with the exception of the
Androstenedione, which is "very mildly elevated". Dr. Nafe said the melatonin and lignans would continue to work on this hormone. Cortisol is "perfect"! :D:D

When he examined her last week, he mentioned her upper respiratory - he could hear some congestion and noise there. I asked about it and he said unless she started coughing, sneezing, struggling to breath - not to worry about it. I feel so guilty because I smoke and she has lived with that for 14 years. She makes the same noises I do on exhale so I was worried she had emphysema, too - or worse. Dr. Nafe said that smoking is, of course, not good for them to be around but that dogs are not as prone to the same respiratory responses we are - they rarely get problems beyond what he hears in Squirt. Cancers, emphysema and other conditions from second hand smoke are possible but not probable in dogs like in humans. He did say that smush-faced dogs are at more risk than dogs with snouts.

In the exam he also mentioned her mammary glands but we didn't discuss them further so I ask about that, too. He said what he found were some cysts on some of the mammarys but, again, nothing to worry about. He said that these are often found on spayed females that were allowed to go through a heat or two before being fixed, AND that elevated progesterones can cause deposits in the glands resulting in these cysts.

He feels the elevated ALP is the Cushing's and to continue doing what I am to try to help that - Burdock root. I had just put her back on the Burdock not long before the labs Dr. B ran so we hope it will help with the ALP. He was very supportive of my use of nutraceuticals and just asked that I let him know when I add anything else to her mix or change her diet.

Dr. Nafe seems quite knowledgeable and was so kind to Squirt and to me. He listened to my questions and concerns without interrupting then answered in language that was clear, explaining his reasoning in depth. I am very pleased with our first encounter with Dr. Nafe. :) Anyone in the Little Rock, ARK area - I can gladly recommend Dr. Larry Nafe. ;)

This mama is very relieved after talking with him this morning. ~~deep cleansing sigh~~ They are mailing the results to me and when I get them I will post the results.

OH! An important story to share with ya'll - when we were checking out after her exam last week, I asked the receptionist to make a note in Squirt's file to mail copies of all her actual tests results to me because I keep a file at home for her. A lady standing there heard me and said that was a good idea, one she had not thought of but would do from now on. I explained about Squirt having Cushing's and that I had been taught this little trick by my Cushing's forum family. She told me that she had had a dog with Cushing's that weighed 135 lbs and we got to talking about the cost of treatment with Lyso for a dog that size VS one Squirt's size. She then told me that her baby lived seven years after diagnosis and passed from old age. So I wanted to pass this story on, especially for newcomers, so you know that it is possible for our babies to live well and long with this disease with the proper treatment. Never give up hope. ;)

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt

What a great update about sweet Squirt, we are all sighing with relief with you!!!

Wonderful story about the lady and the files...one never knows when them there angel wings of yours will reach out and touch someone.

Love and hugs,
Lori

So so happy for you leslie and little squirt! Squirt is so important to me too! You bring so much hope to this forum. And hope seems to find you. Seven years and this not so little dog still makes it to old age. Wow that is a wonderful message to pass on. Reminds me of the time a women just stepped out of her house, saw my Kira and told me her Husky lived to be 17! A message of hope.

Hi there! What is it you give for elevated ALP??? My Precia could use some help!!!
Hug your baby from me and Precia :)

Hi Squirt!.... umm that's it, just hi! :D

@@@Leena asked -

Quote:

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Hi there! What is it you give for elevated ALP??? My Precia could use some help!!!

---

I give her Burdock root to help with her liver and gall bladder (for sludge). Burdock is one of the safest herbs (it is actually a nutraceutical - food that has medicinal properties) we can use in our babies. No toxicity has been reported with its use. Here are some links that tell about Burdock root.

***EDITED TO ADD*** While there has been no toxicity reported, Dr. Susan Wynne and Barbara Fougere list an interaction with insulin, oral hypoglycemics and APAP

Budock info:

http://www.florahealth.com/herbal_en...ordPosition=27

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/burdock-000227.htm


She also gets Astragulus as an immune booster tho it does have properties that help the liver, heart, kidneys, thyroid, lungs and digestive tract. Astragulus is also considered safe but I would advise caution using it in pups with hypothyroid as it depresses thyroid function. Here are some links on Astagulus -

Astragalus info:

http://www.florahealth.com/herbal_en...26489328391708

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/astragalus/

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/a...lus-000223.htm


I will post a note on Precia's thread to let you know I have finally answered your question! :o

Got Squirt's test results typed up finally so here they are -


Squirt’s UTK panel – 2/15/12

Cortisol –
Baseline 58.8 Normal range 2.1 – 58.8 ng/ml
Post 101.3 Normal 65.0 – 174.6

Androstenedione –
Baseline 2.23* Normal 0.05 – 0.57 ng/ml
Post 5.47* Normal 0.27 – 3.97

Estradiol –
Baseline 58.6 Normal 30.8 – 69.9 pg/ml
Post 54.3 Normal 27.9 – 69.2

Progesterone –
Baseline 0.40 Normal 0.03 – 0.49 ng/ml
Post 1.36 Normal 0.10 – 1.50

17 OH Progesterone –
Baseline 0.41 Normal 0.08 – 0.77 ng/ml
Post 1.07 Normal 0.40 – 1.62

Aldosterone –
Baseline 78.2 Normal 11 – 139.9 pg/ml
Post 367.0 Normal 72.9 – 398.5

These results indicate presence of increased adrenal activity

Comments: (History – on Lysodren, doing well). Androstenedione elevation is moderate.

Signed - Dr. Hugo Eiler

Even with the elevation in the Androstenedione, I believe those UTK results are excellent! Great job, Leslie!!

Yippy!!!! 8-)

Hi Ya'll,

Yesterday my Sweet Bebe turned 14! :D:D She got her usual breakfast, then we went on a long walk to her favorite area and beyond into new territory. Around noon, I fixed her all-time favorite food, fried egg, and gave it to her. She thoroughly enjoyed it and cleaned the plate back to spotless condition. However, she had to have her face washed after because her beard was solid bright yellow from the yoke of a farm fresh egg. :D

Happy 14th Birthday, Squirt!

I love you more than words can express!

Awwwwwwwwwwwwww....:)
Happiest Birthday
sweet Squirt....:p


Glad mommy spoiled you with some nice meals on such a special day.

We are sending you lots of loving and healthy wishes always.

Aunt Jeanette and cousin Princess...:):)

Sounds like it was a fabulous day for both of you! How fun!


Happy 14th birthday, Squirt!

Julie & Hannah

OMG...how did I miss sweet Squirt's birthday! :(:mad::eek::o

Happy 14th Birthday, dear, sweet Squirt!!

We love you, your mommy, Trink and Brick!!!!

Sending huge and loving hugs,
Lori

Leslie,

Awwww you gave your little girl such a wonderful birthday! Yoke all over her beard......priceless!!

HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY SQUIRT!!!!!!!!!!

Luv and Hugs, Cindy & Penny xoxoxoxo

Dear Leslie,

Miss Ella would like you to give Squirt a big fat hug for her birthday!!! Ella is a hugger--those front legs are all over the place!:D

I am so happy for you to be able to spend so many years with Squirt!!!:)

((((HUGS))))

Happy Birthday to the best little swimmer in Arkansas!!!!!!!!!


Happy Birthday dear Squirt.

Leslie, I just got back from starting to clean out my mom's condo so when I read your birthday post, it was an instant stress reliever and smile maker:D:D:D:D:D:D


Zoe and Koko are sending woofs to you gang

love,
addy

Happy birthday, Squirt! You certainly do look mahhhhhhvelous for your age. Would love to know your secret but please don't tell me that it's your diet. :D I suspect it's all that good lovin your mom has showered on you through the years, right?

:D:D:D Happy Birthday Squirt :D:D:D

Happy Birthday Squirt - hope it was a special day.

Happy Birthday Squirt!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SQUIRT!!!

Love you love you love you

Many many more brithdays.... ;-)

I'm one day late, but hey, let's just give Squirty a whole birthday week to celebrate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEK, SQUIRT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Marianne, Peg and Luna

ugh!!!! mine is late too!!!!!!!!! we were all shuffling around and finally settled and now its late. sooooooooo............happy happy happy belated birthday!!!!!!! well this way its like your special day has gone into over time!!!!! blessings and hugs sweet squirt. sending you snuggy hugs and nose rubs.

Sorry this is late. Happy Birthday Squirt!!!

Love,
Cindy, Alex and Bear

Hi ya'll,

There have been little smears of blood on my sheets this week but Trink is in heat and I just assumed it was her. She and Squirt share on spot on the bed and they each have their own spots they do not share. The smears have been on the shared spot until this morning...they were on Squirt's spot. So we are off to the vet to see what is bleeding and why. It's not much, but there shouldn't be any without an injury and I don't find one anywhere on her.

The hairs on her peepee started turning black about 6 years ago and she has been tested for the reason and none found. She had several UAs in TN that were clean and one here that was clean but that is the only thing I can readily think of that would cause bleeding - crystals or stones - even tho she shows no signs of discomfort or blood in the urine (I've wiped her several times this week to check). Hopefully, I will have an answer for the blood at least shortly.

More when we return!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

We're back and no infection, no crystals, no stones. :cool::):cool: The black hair is from a yeast infection! All these years and that has never been mentioned!

Dr B shaved her privates real well so they could get some air and gave me a topical solution to put on it for a few days. He saw no rawness or sores that would account for blood, so it must have been Trink, tho how she managed to sleep in that spot without a fight, I'll never know. :p He told me to watch her real close for the next couple of days just in case as he will be out of town after that.

So, the panicky Mom has struck again! :p Wonder what will send me flying down the road to see Dr B next time? :D

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt

Oh Leslie,

Thank goodness no crystals or stones. That dang yeast!!!! Im always paranoid about it.

Hope Squirt feels better real soon.

love,
addy

Relief... so glad all is well! :D Scared me! :eek:

"The hairs on her peepee started turning black about 6 years ago and she has been tested for the reason and none found."

Neeka's turned black when she had her first heat. The breeder told me it happens sometimes and not to worry about it. It may go white again or stay black. It stayed black.

You have an intact female? How come?

Hi ya'll,

No, Squirt has been spayed and it didn't turn until years later. What's funny is that she wasn't bothered by that area - no licking or scooting as if it itched. However, since late yesterday afternoon, she has been miserable! :( She jumps up, looking at her back end like "WTH?", she's licking and scooting and sitting funny like she's trying to get all of that area against the floor/ground.

Dr B gave us Surolan which has Miconazole, Polymycin, and Pred in it - fungicide, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory. Didn't notice the pred part yesterday and now that I have and have seen her reaction, I'm not sure if I should keep using the Surolan. My gut says 'no' but I don't know much about yeast in dogs. I know it wasn't bothering her until it was treated yesterday. So, I think I will be looking into herbal fungicides and see what I can learn, see if there isn't a viable solution that doesn't contain pred. :) OH! wonder if the blue solution would work? hummmmm

The pred doesn't seem to have the effect I would have expected - she isn't drinking more, peeing more, nor is her appetite increased. The panting was worse last nite and she couldn't get settled, but the restlessness seemed to be connected to the discomfort she is now experiencing.

We are going to be moving very soon and I really don't want her stressed before that even starts. The move will be stressful enough without her being physically miserable. So if anyone has any ideas, pass them on! :)

Hugs,
Leslie and scootin' Squirt

I hope you start to see some improvement today. Can the pred need 1 or 2 doses before it kicks in?

Leslie, if the Surolan is an ointment or cream, then I really wouldn't expect Squirt to get a marked systemic effect from the prednisone with just short-term use over a limited area of her body.

I hate to say it, but this sounds kinda like a situation where, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" :o If Squirty has had black hairs for six years with no problem, I'd be inclined to suspend the treatment and forget about it. The poor thing may be very irritated from the shaving, or from an uncomfortable reaction (burning?) to the Surolan.

I know it's not my place to question Dr. B, but it's a shame that she's worse off now than beforehand...

Marianne

Thanks, Marianne. That's kinda my thinking, too. Maybe getting some air to that area will help as much as anything since she is really hairy and it holds the moisture. I keep her cleaned and trimmed but apparently not short enough nor often enough so I am just going to have to do better. I worry about nicking her with the scissors. :o