Alivia was recently diagnosed with Cushing's - Alivia has passed

Thanks for the concern, everyone.

I just got off the phone with Alivia's IMS. They increased her pain meds this morning to keep her more comfortable. Which concerns me as I can't help but think how uncomfortable was she throughout the night and up until that point??? She is going to start giving her plasma because she said that usually helps with the inflammation and will do a repeat ultrasound later. Before I had a chance to ask, she asked if I wanted to come see her later....OF COURSE I DO!!!!! I hope the fact that she asked me that was not a bad thing. :confused: After the run around Sunday, I am a bit shell shocked and skeptical....not to mention TERRIFIED. When the words "life threatening" are spoken as you are leaving your baby, well, it's a horrible thing.

Addy, I carried Ali in and out of the vet's on her bed because I found I could carry her "taco style" (as my vet's tech called it!) and she kind of partially stood in her bed, which prevented me from having to put any pressure on her belly picking her up. Transporting her like that saved her from a lot of additional pain. The hospital actually allowed her to keep her bed with her and even carried her back in it! I was surprised but happy about that. She also had a towel that her regular vet given her. Speaking of him, he was so concerned about Ali getting to the hospital and under care as soon as possible yesterday, that he told me to just go and we would worry about his bill later (it included an ultrasound so it will not be small). I told you he was the best. How many vets let you leave with your dog without paying?!

So, after work I will stop home to take care of Maxwell (my little healthy guy!) and then go out to visit my sweet Alivia Rose. I'll post another update later this evening.

As an aside, this is turning into the week from hell. Had to take off yesterday, then on my way to work today I got a flat tire and had to wait FOUR hours for a tow truck to come change it!

I do appreciate all the positive thoughts so please keep them coming!

Mary Beth, I'm sending every positive thought that my brain can muster!! I've been hoping all day for an update, but knew that you'd have your hands full. With all that you've got going on, thank you so much for taking the time to check in with us.

Please give Maxwell a big hug for us, and tell little Alivia Rose that her k9cushing's family is sending her much love and strength.

And here's a giant hug for you, too!
Marianne

Hi Mary Beth,

I'm continuing to send positive thoughts and healing prayers that Alivia will soon feel so much better and be able to go home with you.

Hi Mary Beth,

I understand what you are going through with Alivia Rose and wish I could wait with you. Pancreatitis is terrifying and you know it when you see it....hunched back...hair stands straight out...and that look in their eyes...good for you for staying on them!

Snoopie had cronic Pancreatitis too. When she had it her LIPA (Lipase) count would sometimes shoot up over 3000. Her HGB (hemoglobin) would also go up to the mid 20's. Sometimes the AMYL will go up too, but not hers.

But, when her gall bladder went bad her LIPA, AMYL and HGB were all NORMAL. Her ALKP was off the chart, RBC,WBC, NEU, GLOB, ALKP, TBIL & CHOL were all high. Her MCV, EOS and Cl were low.

Have them recheck both the MRI's and have a second look at her gall bladder...just in case. As you may know this was the root of Snoopie's last attack and hers had to be removed along with her spleen. It saved her life.

I know you said her AMYL was normal but was was her LIPA (Lipase) count?

We will get you through this.

Love,
Rene & Snoop

Even though I haven't posted to you yet since Alivia's setback, I most definitely have been following. I so sorry to hear that your little girl is so very ill, but I want to give you a huge pat on the back for for sticking to your guns with the vets that there was something very wrong. I will be looking forward to your updates.

Debbie

Tons of prayers being said and sent.

Love and hugs,
Lori

I visited with Ali tonight at the hospital and it was very upsetting. I had hoped that she would be feeling a little better, but despite them having upped her pain medication she was still in obvious pain. She also seemed to be mad at me and would not look at me. :( I am so angry that she suffered an extra 36 hours before the proper treatment was started. She is still critical.

Rene, Her IMS did say there was "clumping" in her gall bladder and she isn't sure it is just pancreatitis. I will definitely question her more about it tomorrow morning.

There are a lot of abnormalities in her blood and even a lot of changes from Sunday. I'll post the abnormal values:

Total Protein 4.7 (5.0-7.4) g/dl
Albumin 1.8 (2.7-4.4) g/dl
Albumin/Globulin Ration 0.6 (0.8-2.0) Ratio
AST (SGOT) 108 (15-66) U/L
ALK Phosphatase 628 (5-131) U/L
Calcium 7.9 (8.9-11.4) mg/dl
Cholesterol 349 (92-324) mg/dl
Amylase 1785 (290-1125) U/L
RBC 3.93 (4.8-9.3) 10^6/uL
Hemoglobin 8.9 (12.1-20.3) g/dL
Hematocrit 25.0 (36-60) %
Platelet Count 75 (170-400) 10^3/uL
(Giant platelets may indicate active thrombopoiesis)
Neutrophils 90 (60-77) %
Lymphocytes 4 (12-30) %
Eosinophils 0 (2-10) %
Absolute Lymphocytes 460 (690-4500)
* Clots are detected in the sample; CBC results may be affected.

That's a lot of abnormal values! The IMS never mentioned the clotting stuff and I just read that. Now I am really scared. They probably can't give her any blood thinners in case she has to have surgery - although they has not been suggested, yet. I am going to go now because I need to send this info to her regular vet. I want to make sure he has it and also get any thoughts he may have.

Thanks again for all the thoughts and please continue the prayers. Alivia desperately needs them!

Thank you Mary Beth for taking the time to keep us posted. We are all praying and pulling for you and your little Ali. She is not mad at you and loves you very much. She is just dealing with a lot right now, as you are. You have done the right thing all along and none of us have a crystal ball. You are a great mom and Ali is very lucky.

We all love you,
Rene & Snoopie

Quote:

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* Clots are detected in the sample; CBC results may be affected

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Mary Beth, the first thing a clotted sample or partially clotted sample will affect is the platelet count. Was a platelet estimate noted on the report? If it says normal or says anything about plt. clumping, this is nothing to become terribly alarmed about, IMO. The sample is a bad draw.

Debbie

Good morning, Debbie,

The only thing in the report about platelets is:

"Platelet Count 75 (170-400) 10^3/uL
(Giant platelets may indicate active thrombopoiesis)"

I don't know what to do right now. Leave her where she is? Take her to the other area specialty hospital for additional opinions? There are more internists there.

There just hasn't been any improvement and I am beside myself.