Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

Hey Patti

Let's hope Val has got you onto something so Tipper doesn't need any type of surgery, that would be good news

Hoping those storms pass you right by tonight.

Big hug for you and a kiss for Tipper

Mel
Xxxxx

Hi Mel:
You are like Tipper's sweet guardian angel always checking in on her. It's funny some of these things you pick right up on and others seem to stump you. I am hopeful it is acid reflux without too much damage. I am not sure what they do, I know there is something they can do if they catch it early, but she has had this for years. I am going to use a syringe on the night stand and give her some water if I hear her get up and her mouth is sticky and she can't swallow good. I got the yogurt, and gave her some already. I am going to try a little of her coconut oil before bedtime. It may help coat her throat during the night. God Bless You for the help and strength you give us all.

Kathy:
Glad you enjoyed the story. It is nice to know that there is help for some people who need it for their animals, and someone is there to give it when needed. Blessings
Patti

Patti, What a great story about your neighbor's vet helping her out like that so her dog can get better. I took a urine sample to the vet today to check Scoop's protein. I almost fell over when I was told it was $110.00, for a urine test!! So glad the vet helped out your neghbor.
I hope Tipper is having a good day and has a restfull night.
Hugs to you and Tipper.

Patti, if honey is safe for dogs - I know that it also coats my throat.
Has the pumpkin helped at all?

Valerie:
Manuka Honey is excellent for dogs. It has many medicinal purposes from burns to ulcers etc. She has been getting it for a few years now. I have to go out and get the pumpkin Thursday as I never leave her alone, and have to go for my drivers license renewal, and have someone to sit with her. I do everything in one trip because of the gas, and so I don't have to leave her again. I have tried the yogurt. She was ok yesterday I gave 1/4 pepcid ac and some yogurt and honey. It seems at night is the time when she gets the sticky mouth etc. This morning though after she ate and had her Vetoryl she had some reflux, but I hadn't given her any pepcid or anything. I try to wait for about an hour after the Vetoryl as I don't want to mix the two. Sometimes she scares me as it seems she cannot swallow. I will be glad to go to the IMS and get her some help next week. I am so scared to find out what this is, as she does not need any other complications. It is one of those nedd to know, but don't want any more bad news deals. I just don't think I can handle any more bad news as I am struggling to keep going now. It is thundering here now and she ran in the closet. This is not going to be a good summer for her if these storms continue. Winter is so much easier on her to handle. God Bless You All
Patti

Valerie:
Believe it or not I found a can of pumpkin in my cupboard. Yahoo!!! I am going to give her some for her supper. I will let you know if it helps. Blessings
Patti

I used to fill up ice cub trays with pumpkin, freeze them then as soon as the cubes were frozen, pop them out into freezer bags and put back in the freezer. Then when I needed one for Zoe, I just took it out of the baggie and let it defrost. It did get a bit more watery this way, but worked just fine for her.:):)

Patti,
I will be very interested in hearing what the IMS has to say about Tipper's swallowing. I wonder if it's the same thing Scoop does. I have asked about it and nobody seems to have an answer. I even showed the vet a video of Scoop doing it. I just wonder if it's the same thing.

Thinking of you and Tipper. Hope you are having a good day.
Hugs

Patti,
I put the pumpkin in her food. She gobbles it all down:)
Prayers for you both and I hope that the IMS finds the problem. I'm also wondering if allergies could be affecting her throat?

Better to know what you're dealing with so that you can treat it properly.

Hello to you and Sweet Tipper

Handy you found some pumpkin so you could start right away, hope it makes a difference for her

One of the girls can clarify this for us, but I think Pepcid works best before food. Am sure I read that somewhere, it lines their stomach I believe or our vet might have mentioned it I forget. I could be wrong though so hopefully someone who has used it can say

What is it with this weather? Is it usual for you to have storms? We tend to get them more in the autumn/fall

I am hoping and praying for your IMS visit, we will all be with you in spirit

Big hug, kiss to Tipper

Mel
Xxxxx

Mel:
Just came from the Vets office. Tipper's blood pressure was 130 so that is good and her weight is down too. I talked to the Vet about her issues this morning. These storms are so bad, and with her cortisol being on the lower end the Vet suggested maybe 20mg- I have 10 mg capsules left, one day and the next 30 mg. So she would alternate every other day between 20 and 30. I need to check with Dechra first to make sure that is ok. This would bring her cortisol up a tad which may help her deal better with the storms. She was so terrified yesterday morning I was going to put the thundershirt on her and she wouldn't let me. It has never helped her in the past, but maybe with the lower cortisol it would. Thanks for checking on us, I am a nervous wreck about her IMS next week. God Bless you and keep you safe Mel.
Patti

Hi Everyne:
This is Tipper's disertation for the morning!! Just came from the Vet and as referenced in the preceeding posting we may adjust her meds because of the storm severity here now, and her cortisol on the lower end. Wondering if anyone has any ideas on that good or bad? I had a good discussion with him about all her issues. He said if it is the acid reflux erroding her esophogus, there is medication for it, but the medication changes the absorption of other meds in the system. I guess that will have to get worked out. She is having a very hard time swallowing at night. I did give her some water with a syringe, but have to be careful as she didn't take it down well and I am afraid of her aspirating it. In a way I can't wait until the 26th to get her some help, but in another way do not want to go and hear any other devastating news. I am wondering about the pumpkin Valerie. I had heard before it was used to keep dogs regular, but have never heard of it for acid reflux. I am curious did the IMS tell you that? I gave her some yesterday, didn't really notice anything different yet.
I decided at the Vets today after talking to him and reminding him we now do not know Tipper's cortisol level after she started back on the Vetoryl, to recheck her electrolytes the Wednesday before the IMS procedure. He said if we retested her cortisol again she would need another in a month and that would be 3 ACTH'S in one month and that is way too much for her to endure. So I opted for the electrolytes. That will give some indication if she is in a safe state to proceed. All I can say is God help us, this has been extremely hard on her, and it is wearing on us both. The rest of today will be a happy day of play,and lots of attention to my girl. Blessings
Patti

Patti, How does that work with the electrolytes? If they are in a good range then the cortisol isn't too low? I keep worrying about Scoop's going too low. The vet says watch for the signs, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea. He already has those. I wondered if something else could give a heads up about it.

Hope you and Tipper have a happy, peaceful day.
Hugs

Vicki:
My Vet told me when the potassium is high and the sodium is low you are in the Cushings range, and I guess the cortisol is rising higher and not stable. If the electrolytes change a certain way I guess by going the other way it can be indicitive of Addisons. So where Tipper's were ok a week ago. I think this is how he explained it to me, my brain is fried by now so double check it. Hope you are well and Scoop is enjoying some time outside in the nice weather. Blessings to you both
Patti

Hi Patti,

I am sure the others will chime in but I will admit the dosing the vet is suggesting gives me cause for concern. Hopefully Dechra will be the source to confirm how this may work for Tipper.

Have you tried melatonin? I would have to recheck all of Tipper's medications to make sure, but it can also help with thunderstorms.

sending love and hugs

Sending hugs and prayers to you and Tipper, so many things going on, hope it settles down, take care!

Patti, the IMS didn't mention the pumpkin but I was thinking of the consistency and that maybe it would help to calm the acid. It can't hurt to try.

I hope that you get a swift response from Dechra and I would ask them about the melatonin.

Also, plain Pedialyte is good for electrolytes but I would confirm how much to use with the vet. Stay away from the flovored versions because of the sugar.
Good luck sweetie!

Valerie:
The Vet told me no Pedialite because it could skew Tipper's test results. She seems to be doing ok this time with the Pepcid AC. I have only been giving here 1/4 tablet as I think when we previously gave her 1/2 it was too much for her to handle. I am going to give her one before bedtime to see it that helps. The Vet said I could be right about the way she lays. If on her side she has problems, and that is always how she used to sleep. I thought maybe on her side acid is creeping thru her valve. He said that is highly possible. She will then lay straight out and that seems to help her, it must stop the acid leakage or something to do with it. I never gave her Pepcid before bedtime so maybe it will help stop this. Glad Daisy is doing so well. God Bless
Patti

Thinking of you guys. Hope those thunderstorms aren't around you tomorrow.

Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Thanks for the info Patti.
I hope Tipper has a good day today and it is restful for you both.
Love and hugs.

Hi Everyone:
Gave Tipper 1/4 Pepcid AC last night. She seemed to do better during the night. She slept ok, and nothing eventful happened. I gave her another 1/4 tablet this morning, so we have had no reflux episodes so far the last 2 days. I went to take her out on the front porch today which she loves, it is gated and she can run free. She was acting all kind of paranoid and did not even want to stay out for more than a minute. That is very unlike her. I noticed the pacing, paranoia, and strange behavior start again when I started her back on the Vetoryl. I hope this stops as that is where I spend time with her in the summer, and I so want her to enjoy herself. The wind is just starting up so we are in for a storm this afternoon. That will completely ruin her day. After talking to Dechra I am not going to put her on the 20 and 30 mg on alternative days until after her procedure. Dechra said if she does fine on the days with 20 and no symptoms return maybe she can go back down to 20 permanently. We'll see after the hospital stuff is over with. Hope everyone has a good day. Blessings
Patti

Patti,
Tipper might be sensing that another storm is coming. Could be why she's acting strange of late.

Happy that the Pepcid is working for her!!!

Valerie:
I think you are right. She is so worried about the weather she soes nothing but sit there and listen to the wind. I saw this paranoid behavior when she first started on the Vetoryl in August. It kind of went away for the most part. Now it is back with a vengence so I know it is realated to the meds, and the weather is just adding to it. Hope this does not ruin the whole night for her. How is Daisy doing today? Hope all is well. Blessings
Patti

Those storms need to blow away, scaring you little girl is not good

Hope you both have a better afternoon

Big hug, kiss for Tipper

Mel
Xxxxx

Hi Mel:
Well, here we go again this morning. Very gusty winds and the sky is black, so anytime now Tipper will be in the closet trembling. If it would just not thunder she would be able to handle it, but the thunder is what really pushes her over the edge. I gave her 1/4 Pepcid Ac last night and first thing this morning. She had 2 episodes of reflux this morning. I try to give her a small amount of coconut oil after it happens to sooth her throat. I will be glad to get a solution to this form IMS as I know her throat probably feels awful. Thank you for checking on my girl, I am getting more anxiety about her IMS appointment as it gets closer to the date. Blessings
Patti

I hope you and Tipper gets some rest with all the storms, when Sim is scared I sometimes put his vest on, seems to help for some reason...it's so hard to know what to do for your scared pup..take care of you too and Sim told me to tell u to tell Tipper thats its ok, God is moving the doghouses in Heaven, and thats where the noise is coming from :)

Hi,
Buddy is terrified of thunder also! I have what is called a "thunder shirt" for him. It wraps snugly around him and is soothing. They can be purchased online and are available in some pet stores. Taking him in the bathroom with the fan on, and sitting quietly until the thunderstorm ends works for Buddy. He is able to calm down within 10 or 15 minutes once he can no longer hear the thunder. :)

Kathy and Buddy:)

Moving dog houses in Heaven...that is adorable :)

Patti, this is crazy weather! Would Tipper be more comfortable in bed with you? Poor baby. I'm fortunate that not much scares Daisy.

She's still doing really well! Does the fur fall out before the newer, healthier coat comes in? She seems to be losing a little more fur, but there are no other signs of skin infection.

Thinking of you both.

Hope you got some sleep and that you managed to get her out of the closet for some of the night

How are you doing? Have your symptoms calmed down yet?

We will all be with you in spirit for the IMS visit.

Big hug to you and a kiss for your girlie

Mel
Xxxxx

Me again, I was looking at info on melatonin for Vicki and I came across this article

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the...n-for-dogs.htm

It say it can be used to help with storms. If you are going to get more maybe you could look into giving her a small dose, could ask the IMS when you go.

I have been reading and it does say you should get it prescribed to ensure dosage and timing are correct. Just wanted to add that as I know it's easily accessible over there and I didn't want to cause sweet tipper any issues

Mel
Xxxxx

Lettie, Kathy, Mel, Valerie:
I told Tipper about the dog houses being moved around in heaven, she just stared at me like what do you mean! She usually sleeps in bed with me until a storm then she runs for the walk in closet as it is dark and she can hide in the corner behind the clothes. This is the only place she feel safe. She will not let you try to move her or she snips at you from being scared. I have a thundershirt for her for several years now. It never worked on her before, I may try it again. The only problem with it is my closet is hot and stuffy, and with a thunderhirt on top of panting and shaking, I am worried about her over heating. If I put a fan in there she runs out, she does not want the fan on. I try to turn the tv in my bedroom up real loud to try and muffle some of the noise. Well this morning Tipper and I are real happy, it is snowing here so that means no noise today, yahoo!!! Tipper even wanted to go on a walk later last evening. She had walked many times after the storm passed. She is still doing excellent with her walking thank God. She at least gets enjoyment out of that. She had 2 episodes of reflux yesterday even though I gave her 2 1/4 tablet doses of pepcid. Also I noticed in the early morning hours she is starting to get real loud rumbling gut noise like gas pains or something. Just started when I got her back on the Pepcid , so there must be some connection. She has been sleeping with less difficulty on the Pepcid, it must be stopping the acid from leaking thru her valve when she lays down. I will ask the IMS all this as I have a list a mile long to ask, I plan on getting my moneys worth out of this visit! I hope everyones babies are doing well today and having a good weekend. Mel do you work on the weekends too? I know you have a different schedule since you work from home. Hope you have time to get out and go for a walk with your boy. God Bless Us All and our babies.
Patti

Snow makes me think of my Tia, maybe she decided to pay you a visit to help sweet Tipper feel better :)

No to the working weekends unless I get called out. I seem to wake up super early now for no reason

Glad the Pepcid is helping her, good idea re the list of questions, they are blinking expensive so you should get your money's worth and surely these lot like details!

So pleased its not storming, Boyce hates them too so I know how hard it can be to help them when they are like that

Big hug, kiss to sweet tipper

Mel
Xxx

Hi Patti, I have a hard time with Molly and storms too, especially if there is thunder, but even if it starts raining hard and she can hear it hit the windows she goes into panic mode.
If it's during the day, she has to be right under my feet. I do mean that literally. If it is at night, she wants On the bed with us, but can't settle usually. I think she does best under the bed. I made her a bed inside a suitcase under the bed. If we are downstairs then she does better beside us. It is hard to see so scared though because she shakes so bad. She doesn't seem to want anything on her, like the thunder shirt. Maybe she feels hotter with the panting and cortisol going crazy in her system.
I do sympathize with you and trying to figure out anything that will make Tipper less scared during the storms.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi Patti,

We lived in a camper for a few years and a few years ago it got struck by lightening while Squirt was inside alone. Ever since she has become increasing afraid of storms - even high winds and heavy rain set her off. I bought a Thundershirt for her and it helped for a bit but it makes it very difficult for her to move. A friend told me about the TTouch Body Wrap as an alternative and it works much better for Squirt than the Shirt does - and it does not interfere with her ancient body movements. ;) I use an ACE bandage that is about 3" wide and has a Velcro end. Here is how to put it on - http://www.crvetcenter.com/ttouch.php

One of the tricks to handling storm fear with either the wrap or the Shirt is to start using it when there is no need for it so the pup associates it with happy, calm times. Wrap them or put the Shirt on then go to the park, or for a walk, something they enjoy while wearing the wrap/Shirt. Once they are comfortable in the wrap/Shirt, you then make sure it is put on long before the storm actually begins - which means you have to watch the weather predictions like a hawk. If it is supposed to storm this afternoon, you wrap or put the shirt on in the morning - hours before the activity starts so they immediately associate the wearing of it with those good times they have experienced earlier while wearing it. I have a narrower ACE bandage that I use on Brick but Sophie will not tolerate either the Shirt nor the wrap. She basically attacks it until either she has ripped it off or I take it off. She has the mildest reaction to storms of the three so I let her be as the wrap/Shirt makes her more upset.

I also use the melatonin for Squirt as well as Brick and Sophie. In addition to the melatonin, I use the dried herbs Passionflower and Skullcap made into a tea. Squirt gets 2ml, Sophie gets 4ml, and Brick gets 1ml.

None of these things stops the fear completely but they do help a great deal. Brick will still come out of his box and pace a bit but he doesn't shake or whine like he used to and is able to sleep through all but the worst of them. Sophie rests until there is a boom then she charges at nothing and barks her head off. Squirt still trembles a bit and wants to be right next to me but she doesn't vibrate the bed, breath so hard she near hyperventilates, whine or cry, or try to run away from it. They are all much calmer.

All this requires me to be on my toes. I watch the weather very closely and anytime it looks like rain or they are predicting storms I put the wraps on, give melatonin, and make the tea so it can cool hours in advance so everything is ready. Tipper may need a safe place like the closet as well. I would make sure she has a place in there that she is comfortable with and might enjoy even when the weather is calm. Put things there that she loves and let something of yours be there that has your scent on it. I have a blanket on the bed that Squirt has slept on all her life and she wants on that blanket when the weather gets bad. That blanket is her safe place. ;)

It is heart wrenching to see them so scared and we feel so helpless to do anything for them. I so hope you can find something that will help sweet Tipper.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Morning Patti,
Hope Tipper is feeling good today. These spring storms don't help much. I have a bulldog that gets scared. but, luckily she is not sick with anything & she just wants me to hold her big old self during the storms. It's funny watching a 60 pound dog try to curl up into the size of a 5 pound dog in my lap. :p

Leslie:
I am going to ask the IMS about the herbs and melatonin. It sounds like it may work for her. I am all for herbs as opposed to drugs. I am going to start doing the wrap on her. My God poor Squirt being in a camper hit by lightening is horrible. I get so scared when Tipper gets worked up that she will have a heart attack. I felt her chest and her heart rate is off the scales during a storm. We just had a brief white out from snow and it started to lay on the ground!! This is some wierd weather. I am getting more anxious as the days pass about Tipper going to the hospital. I want to help her, but cannot seriously take any more bad news about her health. Hope Squirt does well off the Proin, that is a shame that happened, but again it's not your fault. We shoulder all the responsibility every time something goes wrong. God Bless
Patti

If you decide to try the herbs, here is a great source for them. They are a reputable herbal source used by many all over the world because their products are so pure and carefully harvested, dried, and stored. The name is Mountain Rose Herbs -

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

I'll be more than happy to tell you how to use the herbs in a tea - it is very simple. ;)

Thank you for the encouragement - I need it.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

How are my girls doing this morning? Did you both get a better night?

I think the herbs and melatonin are a good idea as it must be horrible for them to be so scared. Think I will also look into it for Boyce for fireworks time as we get more of those than storms!

Big big, kisses to Tipper

Mel
Xxxx

Mel;
We had a pretty calm night. Tipper slept fairly well. She is still doing all the hard swallowing though. I am sure her throat has damage from the acid reflux. I am wondering if anyone had any experience with Sucralfate?? If so has your dog had any adverse reactions to it?? I know it can make your electrolytes especially potassium out of balance. I am sure Tipper will have to get something to coat her throat and stomach, and I want to use something with the least amount of side effects. If anyone if familiar with this please respond to me. Mel Tipper walked so many times yesterday because there were no storms. I wish they would just stay away, and she would be fine. She had me worn out yesterday. For having Cushings she still continues to want to walk many many times a day. I think she is walking over a mile a day now. In the grand scheme of things that really doesn't mean much, as I know one thing can come along and wipe that out. It is like living on the edge of your seat all the time. Just a caution to everyone: DOGFOOD RECALL ON INNOVA, CALIFORNIA NATURAL,EVO, HEALTHWISE, AND KARMA. Blessings to all.
Patti