Zoe By My Side- Our Journey with Cushings

This morning at the first crack of dawn, Koko and I set out for a walk. There, in front if us, in the dim light of morning, sat a utility truck, running, with it's light on, ladders on top, pulled, over to the side of the road. I peered at it and wondered why it was there. Koko peered at it as well, stopped dead in his tracks and started growling. I have never seen this behavior from him. I tried to reassure him but he would have no part of it. I coaxed him with chicken. He refused it, froze and started to bark loudly at the monster in the road. I picked him up in my arms, telling him he must confront his fears. We headed for the monster. We checked it out front to back while I calmly talked to him and laughed about his monster. Finally the man inside asked could he help? I told him Koko was afraid of his truck and then said to Koko "look your favorite thing is inside the monster-a human." The man rolled down the window. Koko stuck his head in to give him some happy licks. The man said "hey, buddy, its okay". We thanked the nice man; I put Koko on the ground and he looked at his monster, no longer afraid, happily walking away with me, not even one look back.

This afternoon, Zoe sat shotgun on my lap when we went for a ride. She has not done that for a year.

I missed my dogs and I need them for no matter what life throws at me, my pups bring me great joy and happiness always.

Live in the present and enjoy your dogs, no matter how small the moment may be. I cannot look at Zoe and Koko without smiling.

I am okay and my family is okay. Thank you for your prayers. God sent me a very special day that I truly needed.

Love,
Addy

Addy-what great news. Just that you finally had a kind of normal day....if there is such a thing. :)
I posted on here yesterday, but I don't see it. :( This system either posts my messages twice or not at all!!:confused:
Ryan is here for the weekend. That's always a nice thing. I made lasagna and-Bob does most of the cooking anymore.....instead of adding 2 cups of tomatoes, I added 28 oz. I was making two batches and had to repeat everything and when it came time for the tomatoes.....my mind had taken a break! So-it's a little mushy, a lot tomatoey, but it's still good. I used to make this regularly and since we moved in here 10 years ago, I don't think I've ever cooked one that turned out to my satisfaction. It's a great recipe....but a different oven and a now retired cook. But gosh darn it, I'm going to keep trying until I get it right! It's the same with fudge, I have been unable to make firm fudge here. Same recipe and no oven involved. Maybe it has to do with being at sea level. Weird.

Well-I found I have the sand (I'm cross posting here, I guess), so I'm moving forward with 3 more stepping stones. I'm gonna do that until I get it right, too!

MUCH cooler here now....but drier and that is good.:D
Take care.
Love,
Sus

Yes - thank you God!!! Addy had a kind of normal day!!!! yesssssss:):) I hope all goes up hill from here!! That would be wonderful!!!!:):D

I am very glad to hear you had a normal day. Continued good wishes for the family. And what a nice man in the monster truck!

xoox, Judi

Quote:

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Originally Posted by addy

OMG of all days for IMS to call with biopsy results she picks today:eek::eek::eek:

I have to make time for Zoe tonight

Biopsies show helicobacter bacteria in stomach, stomach is inflamed, valve from stomach to small intestine is thickened and consistent with hyperplasia, no bacteria or inflammation found in small intestine.

Wants to treat for 2 weeks with 125 mgs metronidazole BID, amoxicillin BID and 62mgs of Pepto Bismuth BID

MY PROBLEMS OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD
1- if inflammation is only in stomach how do we get inflammatory bowel disease, isn't that gastritis?
2- I know I read a study that the significance of helicobacter in a dog is unknown and when you treat it, it often comes back
3- if my dog is not showing any symptoms of distress from the bacteria like losing weight, vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence, why would I treat her?
4-if my dogs stomach lining is inflamed should I not try to find an easier digestive food and treat with zantac?or slippery elm?
5- I thought a dog could not have Pepto because it has aspirin in it
6- If my dog is not showing symptoms how would I know the treatment worked?

I can't reach IMS until Monday for all these new questions, she does not want me to start treatment until Monday.

Right now, right this minute, this makes no sense to me, can someone fill me in on what I am missing?


no new stim for 4 weeks

help me out here, I know I am stressed out and have a lot on my plate but this makes no sense to me and my head is pretty clear and calm at the moment- I do well in a crisis.

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OH MY GOD... Glynda gave me a heads up.. I have been out of town for 4 days! Just got home.

OK seriously - Zoe and Annie's stories have been pretty darn similar. Do you think by chance that she could have a pheo? Have you had a sonogram done recently? I personally feel that is what caused her gastritus.

Anyway... re the helico.. very very very common and it usually doesn't affect a dog unless something else is wrong. So there are a whole boat load of dogs that have had this and have this but don't even know it. That common.

I would try slippery elm vs the antibiotic cocktail. Here is why. There are 3 antibiotics they take for two weeks to 'kill' the bacteria. The problem is that one of them - I found out too late - can permanently affect sense of taste and can cause inappetance. :eek: Please hold off. Or at least ask the IMS which 3 he was planning on using.. its the one that is a white liquid and ends with 'myacin'

Also regarding the metradone... (can't spell it) - Annie was given that PRIOR to the helico for her inappetance and K State took her OFF of it because it would make her adrenal tumor worse. FWIW

I have to go pick up Annie from the kennel/vets... will check in more later but just had to post .. hugs, Kim

Thanks Kim,

I knew you were away. I spent most of today going over my old notes from when Vet "Columbo" thought she had helicobacter. Also did more research. Consensus is from what I found, alot of dogs have it and you have to wait to see if the colony will cause a problem. Similar to Cushings, don't treat unless symptoms need resolving AND if the biopsies are not done right and not enough taken it can be misdiagnosed.

She does not currently have any symptoms, colitis is the best it has been in a long while, have her down to 62mgs metronidazole SID and had hoped to reduce that. Why would I rock the boat?

I am more concerned about reducing the inflammation in stomach with either an acid reducer like Pepcid once a day or Slippery Elm.
I dont want to increase metronidazole, I just got done reading AGAIN it can cause nerve damage and hind leg weakness- how do I know that her hind leg weakness is from Cushings and not the Metronidazole?
She wanted to give her 125 mgs metronidazole BID, 125 mgs amoxicillen BID and 62 mgs Pepto Bismal BID.

Besides I have also read it is difficult to get rid of and I am not putting her through this without symptoms. I WONT DO IT. Period, End of story unless someone can be very persuasive and change my mind.

No she has not had a sonogram but the Trilostane is growing hair and she is happy.

Love,
addy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by addy

I dont want to increase metronidazole, I just got done reading AGAIN it can cause nerve damage and hind leg weakness- how do I know that her hind leg weakness is from Cushings and not the Metronidazole?

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If cushing's is well controlled, the catabolic effects of high cortisol are arrested and unless arthritis is unmasked, hind leg weakness should improve.

Dear Addy
Loved your story about Koko. Our little angels keep us sane in an insane world. I hope Zoe and you and your family are doing better.
will post on my thread.
Hugs Sonja and Apollo

Good morning addy - hope you have a better week!:):) a big hug and lots of prayers to start you off!!!!:d

Addy I keep meaning to ask you how is Zoes hearing doing?