My thoughts and prayers are with you Julie. Fingers crossed for good news.
-Susan
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My thoughts and prayers are with you Julie. Fingers crossed for good news.
-Susan
Hi Julie
So sorry to read about Hannah's skin problems, I hope some of these suggestions work for her and she get's some relief.
Trish xx
Thanks for all the replies. I am feeling slightly better today. Actually, when I talked to my primary vet last night, she suggested Hannah see a derm vet, just like a few of you have suggested. She said that this woman may be able to steer us in the right direction, whether she thinks it is a thyroid test we need, if she thinks it is Cushing's related, and what she thinks we can do about the yeast if we can't use the oral medication. I have an appointment next Saturday at noon. It definitely won't be cheap, but at this point, my main concern is what symptoms are manifesting themselves, and outwardly her liver doesn't seem to be causing problems; it's the itching that makes her uncomfortable. Sharlene, I also read on that holistic site and was curious about some things. I also read somewhere about how after bathing a dog with the yeast shampoo they can seem even more itchy (which happened last weekend) and it is something about drawing the yeast out.
The one problem is that Hannah is on the Royal Canin Urinary SO food because of having struvite crystals years ago. She's been on it for about 7 years. We did do a short trial once several years ago (only about a month) to see if there was a difference in her itching, and at that point there wasn't. I don't know if the food could be it or not. And I'm not sure what we do if it is the food, since apparently she needs it. I will say, though, that since I've read posts from others who have their dogs on the same food, that now that I realize the food makes them drink and urinate more, I also wonder if that is why she drinks a little more than the average dog (but still not buckets). It's such a mystery.
I tend to do better when there's a plan, and at least now I have a plan: see the derm vet to help with her skin. The other vet (holistic-traditional) told me that if it were her dog, she'd do the ultrasound. (This was before the derm vet idea came up). I think that will be my next step, but I'm not sure when yet.
I did find out the other elevated liver enzyme was GGT. Normal is 0-6 and hers was 13. The ALT did drop from 254 to 186 and ALKP is about 900. Her cholesterol was normal, as are white blood cells, etc. Bilirubin was also normal, as well as hemoglobin and hematocrit. Platelets are still elevated, but have been for at least a few years. The primary vet said there is obviously something going on, but she is glad her bilirubin is normal and that means her liver is functioning. She said if I don't do an ultrasound, I can either retest when I feel like it, or wait to see if she becomes symptomatic. She is very good about understanding that I am not trying to "fix" something I can't fix in my 13 1/2 year-old dog, but just want to keep her comfortable and happy.
Hannah got a bath today and hopefully will get her haircut tomorrow, if the weather cooperates. We are on the edge of a winter storm warning, with possibly up to 8 inches of snow. I'm going to cross my fingers that this is one of the many times the meteorologists are wrong!
If you have any other thoughts, pass them my way. Thanks for all the ideas. I really appreciate it, and I feel even better when I have similar suggestions from here and my vet. :)
Julie & Hannah
Hi Julie,
I understand completely about the SO food as Molly is on the same thing for the same reason. I've noticed that every time I've tried to get her off of it, she goes back to drinking even less water and then of course if she doesn't drink as much as she should, the crystals form. I can tell a difference even if I take her off it for one day. That day she drinks less. Of course I have been monitoring her water intake every since we had that scare with the crystals quite a few years ago, so I that is probably why I notice. That makes it hard to get them off it. It does make them drink and pee more though, and that is what they need to do and we want them to do in our cases.
I think the derm vet is an excellent idea. I really hope that they can give you some answers. I read that too about drawing the yeast out and causing it to itch more.
I really hope you don't get the storm.
hugs,
Sharlene
Julie,
I just got caught up on your thread and am so sorry Hannah is having such trouble. As I was reading I was thinking about a derm vet, so I am glad you have something sheduled. I understand that Hannah can't take the oral medication recommended due to her liver issues, but I just keep wondering if there isn't something topical that you can apply to her skin in the meantime. And what about Benadryl to help with the itching? Is that something that might help?
I have the Vikings game on and see that it is snowing pretty hard there. Are you able to get Hannah to her grooming appt?
Hugs,
Tina and Jasper
We're under a freezing rain warning here (after the snow and before it switches to rain) looks like it's coming from a really big system, dumping snow MN, WI, Michigan, hope you guys are okay and that you got Hannah in and back home before it got to you.
If not just stay in and stay safe and dry. We even elected not to go the mall today (not that I ever really Want to go to a mall around the holidays and any excuse is a good one not to) We'll be the ones out there on Christmas eve trying to get our last minute shopping done. LOL (procrastination at it's best!)
Have a good day
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Just saw that a snow emergency has been declared for Minneapolis, the clip they showed looked pretty bad. Hope you and Hannah are warm and safe.
Tina and Jasper
Thanks for checking on us! We did not go to the groomer. It's pretty ugly here. We probably have 6 inches already and it is supposed to continue all night. The groomer even called me this morning and said it was really slippery by her house. She is going to do it Tues. night for us, which is great. Such a relief! We are expecting up to 10 or 15 inches when it is done, and then it's supposed to get cold and windy--so we'll have below zero windchills tonight and tomorrow.:eek: Ugh. I have shoveled off about a 10 X 10 foot area of my yard so Hannah can get around...luckily we know our neighbors well, and they know Hannah, so they don't think I've gone totally nuts! :D This morning before I had a chance to do that, I took them out to potty and Hannah came in with what looked like four HUGE snowballs for feet. Her hair is fairly long and the snow is really wet and heavy so it doesn't take long to stick! Now I just hope it doesn't freeze too much because then she can't seem to walk on it at all. That was horrible last winter.
Tina, to answer your questions, I do have ketoconazole wipes for Hannah's neck and the vet said I can use 1 part apple cider vinegar to 4 parts water and wipe or soak itchy areas. We do that a couple of times per day. (I get up 30 min. early to take care of her these days)! She was on Hydroxyzine for itching, but I decided to take her off yesterday, since it is so cold and since it wasn't working anyway. I don't notice any difference. Also, if the derm vet happens to want to allergy test, she has to be off of antihistamines for a week.
Thanks again for checking on us! I've got Christmas music on, banana bread in the oven, and I'm grading my students' math tests. We are warm and safe! :)
Julie & Hannah
Hi Julie,
Glad your grooming appt was rescheduled, what a relief! I didn't know that ketoconazole was available in wipes, I hope that is helping her. Poor thing, that itching can be miserable. And I know what you mean about the snowballs for feet, the same thing happens to Jasper and his sister. The snow just sticks to their fur something terrible. One time in a particularly heavy and wet snow a few years ago, Jasper came to the door and his body and head looked like 2 big snowballs, on top of 4 snowballs for legs. He was standing perfectly still, I think he was afraid to move. The only thing I could see was some movement of snow on his face when he blinked. It was pretty funny. He went directly into a tub of warm water. Not much else you can do when it is that bad. I usually shovel a patch in the yard also! :) We are lucky here, we have dodged the snow for today. Maybe you won't have school tomorrow Julie... :)
Banana bread sounds good. I am going to be baking some pumpkin bread in a bit.
I am a HUGE Vikings fan, and they managed to win the game today (Yay!), so now I better get something done around here! :rolleyes: I hope you are able to get some answers from the derm vet.
Hugs from me and Jasper
Snow rain mix here now. :( YUK. So far we're staying in and I'm accomplishing nothing. LOL Must decide, head to MN for banana bread or NB for pumpkin bread. You guys make it hard on a girl!
Yay for a groomer who will reschedule and fit Hannah into her very busy schedule.
Glad everyone is staying in tonight and being safe and cozy.
I decided to give Molly a good brushing to distract her from the sleet hitting the windows. She wasn't thrilled but she did endure. I think that had more to do with the treats on hand than my brushing techniques though.
hugs,
Sharlene and the Molly Muffin
Starting to FINALLY get a tiny bit of a chill in the air here in Texas.
After this food talk now I am hungry. I think I need to make s'mores here in Texas. yum!
and now smores! You guys are really killing me. I can't have anything until after some medical tests in the morning. :( Well, except for like 6 glasses of water an hour before the test. It just doesn't compare!
Sharlene
Hi Julie
Hope Hannah is having some relief from her skin problems, hope all good with you
Trish xx
Hi Guys-
We had the derm appointment today. The vet was definitely impressed by the amount of paper work that was faxed over for Hannah (and I think it was only the past two years!), and told me that she could tell "this dog gets some excellent care" right when we met. She looked her over (although not quite as carefully as I anticipated, although I held her for most of the visit) but seemed to suspect Sarcoptic Mange from the get-go. She did something where she scratched her ear to see if she moved her back leg. She didn't do much there, but I told her that last night when I was wiping the inside of her ear she was moving her back leg like crazy. I'm not sure if that is a definitive sign or what. She said she has seen like 8 cases in the past week and that it is endemic here. She said a couple of the dogs didn't have classic signs at all. So, they applied Revolution before we left and we came home with two more doses for Hannah and three doses for Izzy.
She also tested her skin for yeast. She used tape (no slide scraping) and did one area of her neck and two of her feet. She also swabbed her ears, which were clean, but VERY itchy. It came back that there was not yeast on her neck, which if it's true, I am thrilled about because it means the ketoconazole wipes worked. Her ears were also clean. However, her feet were "loaded" with yeast.
This is where things got a little concerning for me because her recommendation was to treat orally with ketoconazole so we can take care of any yeast on her body. I told her I was very concerned about that since my two other vets (at two different clinics) have concerns about giving her that with elevated ALKP, ALT, and GGT. She didn't seem to have those concerns at all. She said she thought it would be safe and mentioned that it is actually a treatment for Cushing's. Of course I have seen this, and told her that I really didn't think it was used much, and that no vet that I talked to mentioned it as an option if they were ever to treat her. (My dad was with me on this visit-to drive so I could hold Hannah on the trip-and seemed to think it was funny that I was challenging her. I told him I have read a TON and talked to my vets extensively so I had no problem questioning this).
She again told me that she thought it would be totally fine, but that she didn't want to force me to do something I was uncomfortable with. She said that I could continue using the wipes all over her feet and legs and wherever she is itchy. She then recommended floconazole as an alternative and said it is safer. She said it isn't supposed to be metabolized by the liver, but that she felt it still probably was somewhat. She also said it would be really cheap.
She summed it up by saying the Revolution was worth trying because of her intense itching, but that we have to take care of the yeast too, in order to stop the itching. I get that, and realize that we many not know if she does have mange because of the yeast causing itching as well. I mentioned that Izzy really is not itching and she said Hannah could just be more sensitive to it because of possible Cushing's or a diminished immune system. She wants to see her again in four weeks to see how she is doing. I can pick up fluconazole whenever I want if I choose to try it.
I remember when Glynda suggested Sarcoptic Mange months ago, and I looked back and saw that it was 12/23/11. I don't think it's possible she had it then because it would've been a year and I didn't do any treatment for it. My regular vet questioned demodectic mange last spring, but didn't think she showed typical signs.
The derm vet asked about wildlife in our area and how much Hannah is outside. I said we have seen foxes, raccoons, and coyotes in the past, but not lately, and that Hannah is outside for about 2 min. only to go to the bathroom, but she seemed to think it was still possible.
I'm sort of confused about the whole thing. I guess we'll see what happens. I read I should wash their beds/blankets etc. for mange, but she didn't tell me that. Does anyone know if that is true? And Izzy is getting groomed tomorrow so I am going to "Revolutionize" her tomorrow night.
I'd also appreciate any thoughts on the ketoconazole or fluconazole. My regular vet did think I could try the keto if we checked her liver values after a week. The more holistic vet, however, seemed pretty against it. I hate that it's such a difficult decision to make her feel better. Ugh. I'd love some advice!
Julie & Hannah
Hi Julie,
It sounds like the vet is guessing at sarcoptic mange and that's what they do most of the time as it is very difficult to get a mite on a skin scraping. The female mite burrows deep under the skin and lays eggs as she goes. This causes an inflammatory response and makes the dog itch like crazy. It is very contagious and you can get it too but it's much milder for us and usually goes away without intervention. I've had it on my stomach and it does itch.
If Hannah had scabies for a year she would probably have no hair left and would have had serious fungal infections long before now. I can tell you, however, that the ear crusties don't show up until later in the infestation. Revolution works well and I've used a ton of it. Whenever there is an infected dog who has exposed other dogs, everybody gets Revolution. The last rescue we had exposed two households, including mine. We had to treat 15 dogs and none of those we treated ever developed a problem. Early prevention is a good thing. Our vet contacted a derm vet who said to apply Revolution every two weeks for severe infestations so check with your vet about this.
Once you treat, you should launder the dogs' bedding in hot water and dry them in the dryer on hottest heat. Use a disinfecting spray in areas frequented by the dogs. I found that it's impossible to disinfect everything but I focused on certain areas where the dogs live like their sleeping area, the sofa and surrounding areas. A good commercial disinfectant spray is best.
It's completely possible that Hannah doesn't have sarcoptic mange but if she does, Revolution will will the mites and the fluconazole should clear up any fungal infection. I would prefer fluconazole over ketoconazole so I'm not sure why your vet didn't prescribe that to begin with. :confused:
Glynda
Hi Glynda,
Thanks for your thoughts! Can you give me an idea of a disinfectant you might use? Like Lysol? I am starting on the beds/blankets tonight and will finish tomorrow after Izzy is groomed and I get the Revolution on her. I talked to a vet tech tonight who also told me to vacuum everything really well.
Hannah was at my parents' house today before the visit, and spent the night there a couple of weeks ago. They have four dogs. Do you think they need to be treated (if Izzy really isn't itching)? Can they watch and wait? Hannah and Izzy have to stay there next weekend when we go see my in-laws too.
So you think the floconazole would be safe with her unknown liver issues? The ALT did drop but is still 186 so they are still concerned. I wonder why the other vets never thought of it???
Julie & Hannah
Hi Julie,
I can't remember the name of the disinfectant I used. I got it at a janitorial supply. Lysol is certainly better than nothing but I wanted to make sure I had hospital quality disinfectant. I did forget to mention to vacuum everything as any crusty flakes that fall off the dog can be full of mites waiting for the perfect host.
It's always better to treat any dog that has been exposed as soon as you have a diagnosis. If you treat right away, you can avoid a full blown infestation and making the dog suffer. Scabies is so incredibly itchy and my heart broke for the last little guy we had that was infested. That poor guy got no sleep and neither did his foster mom.
Both Ketoconazole and Fluconazole effect the liver but Ketoconazole is more likely to cause liver toxicity. I think you will be okay giving the Fluconazole to Hannah. I had a darling little foster Shih Tzu, Mabel, who had demodex with resultant yeast infection. She also had uncontrolled cushing's and was given Fluconazole. It cleared up the yeast infection with no problems.
Thanks, Glynda. Did Mabel have multiple elevated liver enzymes? Did you adopt her out within the last year? I feel like I remember you telling about her.
I'll vacuum tomorrow (I always do on Sun. anyway) and again on Mon. or Tues. The vet tech said to do it again a couple of days after treating. We'll wash the beds again too. That's a big job since there are 5 beds and three blankets! I will have to wash Hannah's t-shirt and sweater too. She needs them to keep her protected from her own scratching, but I'm guessing we want to get the mites off of those too (assuming there are any).
Thanks!
Julie & Hannah
Yes, Mabel had elevated liver enzymes as she was not yet diagnosed so her cortisol was out of control. Mabel was adopted in early 2008 by a wonderful couple who adored her. She was tragically killed December 21, 2008. She had gone out the back door with her dad and neither mom or dad knew it. When dad backed out of the garage, he ran over her. It was awful. We were all devastated but her dad was beyond devastated and ended up in counseling to help deal with his guilt and grief. Mabel had been through so much pain and suffering and I am so grateful that she spent the last year of her life being loved and adored by me, Gil, her new mom, dad and brother, also with cushing's. The anniversary of her passing is fast approaching and I can't believe it's been four years. She is forever in my heart.
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/albu...&pictureid=234
Hi Julie, hope this helps to get things cleared up on little Hannah's skin. Poor thing. It sure would be awesome for her to have some relief.
Oh gosh, that is so sad about Mabel's tragic outcome. I'm sure her new family was just devastated. :(
Good luck with Hannah,
Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin
Hi Julie,
Sorry for the news on the mange and all the work trying to get rid of it. How is our little girl doing?
Always thinking of you.
((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))
Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years!!!!!!!
May all of your Christmas wishes come true...
May we all stay away from any and all cliffs,
Peace and Joy to all!
-Susan
I truly hope you are not sick with the bugger boo flu:(:(:(
Merry Christmas Hannah and Julie. It has been a hard year, I know, but I hope you found Christmas.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))) )
:):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
Hello Julie,
I've been reading your posts, and I have a dog that has the same/similar issues as your sweet baby Hannah. He has recently been confirmed to have Cushings, but he also has issues with his hips and legs. He has a difficult time standing and tends to sway and wobble. He also has trouble walking outside to use the bathroom, and at times has pooped while lying down because he can’t get up on his own. And he gets totally mortified when he does this. I know he is so frustrated and confused about this.
When he standing or walking, his back legs are quite close together and will cross over each other causing him to stumble. His back feet also curl under causing him to stumble as well. I know, from x-rays, he has some arthritis in his hips and knees, and I know that Cushings causes muscle loss/weakness, but now I am thinking it make be in his back and possible disk/nerve related.
Last week (Wed) he went in for his first acupuncture treatment and the following day (Thursday) I started him on Vetoryl. By Friday, he couldn’t get up at all and couldn’t even stand with the support of my boyfriend and I holding him up. He is a 94 lb dog and quite heavy. I know that they said acupuncture causes some weakness for a couple of days, but this was beyond that. Due to feeling he was overmedicated, I stopped the Vetoryl yesterday (Sunday) in hopes that he would regain some strength. He has regained some and can get up and move around a little easier, but still not where he should be.
As for the Cushings meds, I have decided to stop treatment on that (for now) because of his age (turns 13 in February) and I am afraid it will cause him to have no mobility or movement at all. I would rather him live the remainder of his life able to walk and to be as pain free as possible. Right now, I have him on Tramadol, Metacam, Cosequin, Milk Thistle and Fish Oil.
Do you think the acupuncture has been effective? His second appointment is this Wednesday. I have also wondered about Gabapentin too. What has been working for Hannah?? I am willing to try anything.
Thank you, Julie
Merry Christmas Julie and Hannah!
Stay warm and have a wonderful Christmas.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Merry Christmas Julie to you and Hannah. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family.
Love and hugs,
Tina, Jasper and Shelby
Merry Christmas to Julie and Hannah, have a great day!
Trish and Flynn xx
Hi everyone-
Just a quick note to let you know we are alive and doing fairly well. I will update more later, and plan to check in on all of you as well. I have family coming over for dinner in a couple of hours and then my brother-in-law will be coming to stay with us tonight before leaving for New York tomorrow morning. When the guys are hanging out tonight, I hope to have a chance to get caught up.
Until then, Merry Christmas to all!
Julie & Hannah
Hi Julie
Hope Hannah is doing ok and her skin troubles are easing :)
Trish xx
Happy New Year to Julie and Hannah!! Hope you are enjoying the holidays and Hannah is getting some relief! Have great night xx
Happy New Year Julie and family. I hope you have a wonderful new year and Hannah does well this year.
Cheers,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Hi Everyone,
Happy New Year to all of you! I am sorry I am not able to keep up with posting on everyone's threads, but I do read and check in as often as I can. I am so busy taking care of Hannah, working hard, and trying to make time for myself, that I just can't be on here as often as I'd like.
I know I've never been good at making time to take care of me, do things for myself, etc., but I went to see a psychic over my winter break (this is the first time I've done anything like that) and she told me right away things that I already know about myself:
1.I am a perfectionist
2. I am responsible and therefore I am either asked or volunteer to take on extra duties.
3. I try incredibly hard to live up to everyone's expectations.
4. I take on the burdens and problems of those around me, including my 20 students, and feel responsible for "fixing" and solving their problems.
5. I don't make time to take care of me, or relax and enjoy my hobbies.
So, as a fresh start to the new year, I am trying to do a better job of making time for me and taking care of me, along with everyone else, of course. ;) Please know I feel guilty all the time for not doing a better job keeping up on the forum, especially because I would not have made it through the past two years with Hannah without all of you, and I hope that I will be able to post more often in the future. But also know that even though I am not always posting, I am doing my best to check in and follow along, and I think of you all daily.
Here is the update on Hannah. There was not a huge difference in her itching after the second application of Revolution for possible Sarcoptic Mange. We had a follow up appointment with the derm vet last week. She checked about 10 samples from Hannah's feet, neck, armpits, tummy, tail, etc. for yeast because that was also an issue for her. There was NO YEAST! :D:D:D:D The vet said it was almost amazing that I was able to get rid of it because there was so much on her feet. But she also said that she was not surprised that if anyone was able to do it that it would be me. ;) I was completely dedicated to using the wipes twice a day on any itchy areas and it worked!
So the good news is that we no longer have to worry about an oral medication for the yeast. The bad news is that she still doesn't know what is causing the itching. This vet is wonderful, caring, and thorough, and truly wants to do what is best for the patient in front of her, and genuinely wants me to feel happy with the plan as well.
We decided to put Hannah on Atopica to see if it helps. I had discussed this in the past with both other vets, and everyone feels confident about its safety and potential to help Hannah. We started it on Thurs. and she started with a very low dose and is having me gradually increase it to minimize any side effects (usually an upset stomach or reluctance to eat). Hannah is doing fine so far. I also have steroid drops for her ears because they are SO itchy, but clear from any infections, and betamethasone cream for her itchy spots on her feet to use as needed. We have a follow up appointment in 6 weeks, unless something comes up sooner.
As far as Hannah's liver issues, I basically have decided not to pursue further diagnostics at this point. She will be 14 in March and she isn't showing any real strong signs of Cushing's or liver problems right now. My primary vet and I talked at length about treating what is affecting Hannah now and causing her discomfort, and that is the itching.
I was open to an ultrasound if it had the potential to help us treat her. Since they all seem to agree that they really wouldn't know what was wrong without either a biopsy or fine needle aspirate, which I don't want to put Hannah through, we all are in agreement that it doesn't make much sense. If she has a tumor I wouldn't try to treat it at this point, and at her age there isn't much we could do to help with liver disease. She is already on Denamarin and she didn't respond to the antibiotics they tried her on earlier, which is one of the treatments for liver disease. The other thing they sometimes do is treat with steroids, but my vet and I agreed that if she declines and we want to try steroids at the end, we will. They also said that sometimes even after all of that testing they still don't find the origin.
I think I will probably have Hannah's blood work checked in the next few weeks, just for my own knowledge, and because she is kind of a mystery to all the vets she sees. But from this point on I am basically going to respond to her clinical signs.
I know I have given her a wonderful life. I will do whatever I can to keep her comfortable for whatever time she has left, but I am not going to go to extremes to keep her with me forever.
She still follows me around everywhere, with her little "cone" swaying from side to side when she trots (which is pretty cute, although I can't wait to get it off her permanently), making sure she never loses sight of me. She's the sweetest little dog I could ever have asked for; I have no doubt she is my doggie soul mate.
For now, aside from her itching, she is happy and doing well. I don't want her to spend the rest of her life in an e-collar unable to scratch her itches because I know that cannot be a very enjoyable life. So I will do whatever I can to relieve her itching and keep her comfortable.
I'm sorry for the long post, but I wanted to get everyone up to date. Thanks so much for checking in on us and keeping us in your thoughts. I appreciate it more than you know. This forum is filled with the most wonderful people. We are so lucky to have each other. :)
Julie & Hannah
I am glad you started the Atopica and I hope it helps little Hannah. Not sure you had many options left so I think you have thought everything through. I know it is expensive and was a hard decision to make.
Julie, dont feel badly about your time on the forum. We all do what we can when we can but if we dont take care of ourselves we are of no use to anyone:):)
You are and have been and always will be an incredible Mom to Hannah. Never doubt that.
I sure hope our little girl gets to take that cone of soon. Crossing my fingers for results.
Hang in there, you'll make it.
Hi Julie! Yay, no yeast. That is progress. Now hopefully the Atopica will help other areas too.
Never fear, we'll remind you to take some time to yourself. Maybe set aside some time during each day, and some special time at least once on the weekend too for just you. Read a book (for fun, not work) paint your nails, or do anything else that you really enjoy. At least you will feel like you are you again if you can do that.
Hannah is such a little sweetheart. She knows that you love her and she loves you. Right there by your side. We all have our happy place, I bet that is hers.
You know, you speak the truth, when you say, their time comes and while we want it so very much, there is only so much that can be done and sometimes trying to prolong past that point is not a good thing. Not for them and not for us. You are very wise to recognize that fact.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Hi Julie and Hannah
I am so happy to hear Hannah is yeast free! YAY hope that new med does the trick and gets on top of that darn annoying itch.
Go you... putting out that list and working on it. I am the same this New Year, making a bit more look after myself. My GP's nurse called me last week and I am late having my yearly checkup and I got quite cranky with her :o Said I was too busy and stressed at the moment... well HELLO isn't that time to get a checkup when you are stressed and not taking good care of yourself!! So best I go in later this week and get it taken care of - and apologise for my grump. I would not let Flynn get so overdue for a checkup. Then I told myself there is not much point getting him all fixed up and then I cark it! (Not that I am in any danger of doing that, so don't worry :D) Anyway, the point of all that was we all have to take better care of ourselves and I am glad you pointed that out as it reminded me! :o.
Take Care Julie and Hannah!
Trish and Flynn xx
Hey Girlfriend,
How is Hannah adjusting to the Atopica? I am hoping maybe we are close to getting that dang cone off.
Back to school after winter break must be hard. I hope you are not having rebound flu!!!!!
Did you have this mild weather too? Crazy winter again. Remember last year? Almost a repeat here in Milwaukee.
Miss ya
Hey Guys,
Guess who got to make TWO trips to the emergency vet this weekend??? That's right....this girl. :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:
Izzy went on Sun. night after having diarrhea and bloody mucus. She started the diarrhea on Thurs. afternoon, I think because she ate rabbit poop, which has caused this in the past. We did hamburger and rice starting that night. Sat. morning there was a soft stool so the vet had me start metronidazole. Sun. night she had diarrhea and lots of mucus, and was sitting with her butt up in the air (which I learned they call the "prayer position"), so we went in around 10:00.
The other thing I mentioned while we were there was that Izzy woke me up in the middle of the night Sat. scratching like crazy. She almost had wounds. She never itches, so I had no idea what was going on. Her skin was very pink as well. The vet thought the skin and diarrhea could be related. We added Benadryl to the mix for a few days. The vets are really wondering if there is something in my house or yard causing this itching in both dogs. Izzy seems to be doing better and her skin is looking better, so maybe the itching and diarrhea were related???
Then last night after coming in from our last trip outside to potty, Hannah was acting very strange and kept stretching with her feet out front and butt up in the air, and was pulling her neck way to one side and groaning. She was shaking too. I immediately thought of her back since there are some slippery spots outside. We got dressed and headed back to the vet.
She is always very nervous at the vet and typically very stoic, so they can't always find what hurts easily. He was concerned about the possibility of abdominal pain (and mentioned that prayer position again). She did show some pain when he felt her abdomen, and also when he felt her back, but it was very subtle and he needed me to interpret her quiet little groan to tell him that was pain for her.
The vet was shocked that we were there the night before, and also concerned that Hannah's pain could be related to Izzy's diarrhea and abdominal pain. He didn't think further tests were warranted because she wasn't showing him a lot of pain while we were there, and she was able to walk/trot in the room, which is unusual when she is having a back issue. He sent us home with some pain med (some narcotic that starts with a 'b') that I was only supposed to use if she showed pain when we got home. He was not comfortable giving metacam, even though she used it for back problems before, especially without knowing if it would develop into abdominal issues.
Hannah was pretty normal when we got home, so we did not give the pain med. I talked to the vet this morning and he thought it could have been a little pinch that she worked out. I had my parents take her for a laser treatment today just in case. I'm so lucky and thankful they are close, retired, and able and willing to help me out. Hannah seems to be doing well and acting normal.
It was a stressful weekend (I was also doing tons of grading, as we send report cards home on Fri.) and I shed many, many tears last night on the way to the vet, fearing the worst. :(
I especially hope Izzy's skin issue resolves. I just don't know how she could suddenly start itching too, but months after Hannah. The vets seemed stumped too.:confused: It's always a mystery here, that's something I can just about count on!
Anyway, I am really trying hard to focus on the positive after asking my husband "why is this happening?" through tears several times on the way to the vet last night. Most importantly, I am so glad both of my little girls are doing okay today, and I sure hope that continues. We also lucked out and paid only a little more than the minimum for the visit to the emergency clinic on each trip. My previous experiences have usually ended up being a minimum of a few hundred, and that was about our total for the two.
Needless to say, we didn't get much sleep the last couple of nights, so here's to hoping tonight will bring some much needed rest. Please keep your fingers crossed for us. I sure hope our visits to the vet are over....at least for a few days! :rolleyes:
Julie & Hannah (& Izzy too!)
Oh my gosh Julie. What an awful weekend. Isn't that weird that both Izzy and Hannah was doing the butt in the air thing. I wonder if they didn't both get into something (like the rabbit poop) in the yard that disagreed with them. Strange about the itching too. A permanent state of confusion with Hannah. LOL I can certainly relate as you said on my thread, many of the same things, but yet not quite, but All a mystery. It can be unsettling.
Cold here too. Molly is Not a fan and isn't particularly interested in hanging about outside much when it's this cold.
Hang in there! Spring break Has to be just around the corner!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Hi Julie,
I know exactly how you feel when one pup is sick and then add another within 24 hours and the anxiety is overwhelming. I'm glad that both Izzy and Hannah are doing better, which means you are too.
The pain med the er gave you was probably Butorphanol (Torbutrol). I've brought that home from the vet's office a few times for pain as well as Jasper's coughing. It can really make them dopey.
Tell those girls to quit making mom fret. We're always here if you ever need a shoulder to cry on.
Gosh, Julie, so sorry to hear this and I hope both girls are feeling better real soon.Quote:
Originally Posted by jmac
That "prayer position" is very common when a dog is experiencing a pancreatitic attack, especially along with the diarrhea, did the vet say any thing about testing for pancreatitis?