Squirt - my Queen has crossed The Bridge

stopping by for beddy bye hugs for you and the pups


(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))) ))))))

Oh goodness Squirt!!!
Hope she just got something in her throat that irritated her, like a hair or something. Is she still coughing today?

Molly get a hair or something and acts like she is going to hack something up till it clears. Squirt is obviously much smarter than molly though, since she went to get a drink. I have to put water on my finger and then put it to mollys mouth to lick, then she's like "oh yea, water, good idea mom". Kids!!
LOL

Crossing fingers that it was nothing.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hoping your having a good sleep little Squirt!! She must have been pooped after all that coughing poor little mite. Will be looking out for the report of her night tomorrow. :)

Trish xxxxxxxxxxxxx

That is such a horrible sound, and the physical hacking that goes with it is awful so it's no wonder your mind starts going unwelcome places. I'm hopeful though that she had an irritation in her throat and it scratched it a little which is why it went for so long. I do know the cases I have seen of coughing related heart issues are not usually that forceful hacking style cough, usually just persistent little coughs and throat clearing. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it! :o

I do hope you all managed to get some sleep after that little episode and the vet says nothing to worry about today. Meanwhile hugs to you and smoochies to squirt.:D

Hi Leslie, make sure there's room in the truck for me this morning!

I don't have any answers for you, but I'll be riding shotgun regardless (or else holding Squirty on my lap, cuz I'll bet that's her seat that I'll be hogging...:))

Marianne

Thanks so much, ya'll. You know how this old panicky mom gets! :o:p Squirt will be happy to have you hold her, Marianne!

Squirt had a better night with only a few little episodes that passed quickly. Of course, Mom was immediately wide awake every time she moved, sitting up staring at her. :rolleyes:

I'll let ya'll know what Doc has to say this morning. Should be fun - all four are going in. It's time to get nails trimmed and it saves gas to take them all at the same time but it sure gets interesting with four dogs on leads held by a truly uncoordinated old broad. We are always good for a giggle or three, tho! :p

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt

Im in for the ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D:D:D:D:D

I'll hang out with ya!

So funny Leslie, 4 dogs on a lead. I would be on the floor with the dogs on top, I do well to get my little doxie to the vet. I can't imagine trying to get four. Good Luck, hope all pups will be fine, especially Squirt. Lets hope she just irritated her throat and it will be fine soon. Love, JoAnne

I forget whether Squirt ever has problems with allergies? I just thought about that as a possibility. Last weekend, Luna had a really bad hacking episode sorta like you are describing -- was all hunched over hacking away and actually coughing up some mucous. The next morning her face and jowels were all swollen and we rushed in to the vet because by then we realized she was having a hyperacute allergic reaction to something (god knows what, since she has her face into everything everywhere in the yard and where we walk). We gave her benadryl and the vet gave her a steroid shot, and within a few hours she was fine again. But periodically she does do a hacking routine and now I wonder whether maybe that's what's been going on and typically it just doesn't end up being as severe as last weekend...

Great minds, Marianne! ;):D I had just had the same thought as we were getting ready. And Doc thinks that is what we are dealing with as well.

Heart is GOOD! :cool::cool::cool: Lungs are clear! :cool::cool::cool:

I was talking to myself all the way there - "do not lose it if he says this is her heart...do not lose it if..." And when he said her heart was good, I teared up anyway. :o:)

With the recent elevation in the eosinophils, which can indicate an allergic reaction, Doc is leaning toward allergies. Her eyes have gotten very watery over the last few months but other than that, the night time cough is the only sign I have noticed that may be allergy connected. Admittedly, I don't know a great deal about allergies so I guess we are off on another learning adventure, huh? ;)

Now to figure out why she would have this reaction only at night. A few years ago, my doc told me I had allergies and put me on Flonase. That lasted about 2 days and I threw it away. Didn't help and made my nose bleed. :eek: For as long as I can remember, my sinuses stop up at night and only at night. But I just can't accept that I have an allergy to darkness! :rolleyes: Now it appears Squirt is having the same reaction. :confused: Could an allergy to darkness be contagious?!? :p:D:p

Seriously tho, one thought did occur to me as Connie, one of the techs, and I were talking about this. During the day I smoke either in my bedroom or outside weather permitting and Squirt has the whole house to roam in. But at night she is in the bed with me and I am smoking. So there is one possibility. I am working on quitting by using an herbal smoke mix but this nite coughing started prior to the herbal smoke mix so I don't really think that is a factor. I wonder about the detergents I use and if residues from those could be causing her reaction. When she is in bed is about the only time she is in contact with fabrics that have been through the washer. So there's another thought. Diet was the first thing I thought of, naturally :D, and since she has been eating basically the same thing for nearly 4 years, it is entirely possible she has developed an allergy to one or more of those ingredients. However, why wouldn't she react after each meal instead of only at night if is connected to the feed? ahhhh...so many questions, so few answers. Somehow that seems normal, tho. ;):p

Thank you all for riding with us! Hope you enjoyed the scenery and I didn't scare you too badly when I went off the road for a second there. I did sling my arm out to catch you, Marianne. :p

Hugs,
a very relieved mom and her Queen

Dang Leslie, I peed in my pants went you went off that road with that swervy car action:rolleyes::rolleyes:;);)

I have bad sinus issues and they are always terrible at night. I take guafinisen before bed and sometimes that does not help and when the furnace runs frequently when it is cold out, I am all plugged up at night. We used to keep the vent in the bedroom closed in the winter which helped me but hubby thinks Zoe will be too cold so we have it open now and it does bother me but hey, anything for the Zoemesiter.;);):D:D

Could it be something like that for Squirt?

Dust mites. Our mattresses and pillows are full of them which is why people get stuffed up more at night and it could be why Squirt is having problems when she is in bed with you. I have always been extra fastidious with my beds and bedding for this reason. Try cleaning your bed and pillow of mites and see if that helps either one of you...or hopefully both.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5037812_clean-bed-mites.html

I had two dogs in my life who were allergy tested and both were allergic to dust mites. That sucks if you have carpeting and I never bought beds for them. I bought blankets so I could wash them frequently.

Good thought, Addy! I close my heat vents and open the window at night because Squirt and I both get hot during the night. My body does everything backwards! :rolleyes: Maybe we are both reacting to something outside at night?

ooooo...good idea, Glynda! Someone else suggested the same thing. I do wash the bedding every week and bought an allergy mattress cover by mistake when I got the bed. I'm not real good at vacuuming because it is such a strain physically so I will just have to do better in that area. ;) But haven't heard about using vinegar and will use it to see if that helps. Thanks! Off to wash and spray! :D

Hey Leslie,

Allergies is one departmet I have massice amounts of experience with. Oscar (also 1/2 Cairn terrier) is an absolute itchy scratchy dog, who seems to be allergic to most things, including grass :eek:. As Glynda said, dust mites are a leading factor (behind food allergies that is), especially if you notice it at night particularly. Don't know if the vet talked to you about antihistamines, but that has been our long standing solution on and off for 12 years. Mind you, Ozzie's allergies are of the contact sort so affect his skin and paws especially, but haven't impacted his airways. It's worth investigating an antihistamine option though to have as a back up.

As fo the smoking :eek:! Have you thought about the e-cigarettes at all? I got my sister onto those cause I couldn't stand the smell (sorry but true) and I didn't want my 4yo niece exposed to it. They work really well. You still get the nicotine hit but without the other nasty's and 2nd hand smoke. All you breathe out is vapour, so something else for you to consider too :D:D Also, the set up cost initially is a little more than regular cigs, but long term works out heaps cheaper! Good luck with the quitting though!

It's good to at least narrow down the process and a lot less scary than the heart idea!

Maybe try not smoking in bedroom and see if there is a difference?

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi Leslie,
So glad to read about Squirt's appt and that the problem is not related to her heart or lungs. What a relief for you. I just want you to know that I haven't posted for the past couple of days, but I came along to the appt also, glad you have so much room in your vehicle!! :D How is Squirt doing?

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper

Mornin'!

Squirt had a very restful nite! :cool::):cool:

Everything washable got washed in hot water and vinegar yesterday and what wasn't washable got doused in vinegar via a spray bottle. Bedroom STUNK for a bit but I have always liked the sweet after-smell of vinegar (I use it to clean with all the time.) I am going to try to develop the habit of spraying things every morning with the vinegar, too.

That was the only thing I did differently. There were several other things I thought about that could be part of the problem but just like not making changes when starting cush treatment, it didn't make sense to change a lot of things all at once. It would be too hard to determine what the irritant(s) could be. So I started with the bedding and it sure seems to have helped - at least last nite she was much better. Not a single hack! :cool::):cool:

I stripped the bed then worked my butt off trying to get the mattress cover off but it was wrapped under the mattress really far. I lifted the mattress only to find it wasn't a cover I was trying to get off but part of the mattress itself! :confused: "Oh, yeah", the old brain finally said...the mattress cover I bought earlier was for the old bed we were using when we first moved and this bed doesn't have one on it after all so I will have to look into getting a cover for this bed. It also has two egg crate pads on it which I am sure aren't good for this type situation but I have to have them to get any sleep at all even tho this is the softest mattress I could afford. I can take them out and get them in the sun from time to time tho and that I will do as well as keep them sprayed with the vinegar.

Squirt was given an antihistamine called Chlorpheniramine Malete (same as Chlor-Trimeton) and she is to take 2mg 2x/day. I haven't started that, tho. If I can find and remove, or at least minimize, the irritant so that she is comfortable, that is the approach I prefer to use for now.

Naomi, I have the ecigs and used them last year trying to quit. I have used the patches and smoked wearing them - they had no effect whatsoever on me. I was a guinea pig for a year for the VA (that's the Veteran's Administration in the US) when they did the human trials for the nicotine gum - all it did was burn my mouth and make me puke. I have been hypnotized 3 times, the first time it worked like a charm for about 6 weeks then one day, I "came to" at work with a cig burning in the ashtray sitting on my calculator just like usual and had no memory of buying the pack nor smoking half of it until that moment. The other two sessions did not work at all. I went through a behavioral aversion treatment in which they tried to gross you out - making you smoke until you vomit; showing and making you hold diseased lungs, hearts, and other organs; watching video of an autopsy on a cancerous body; other than the smoke-til-you-vomit part, I found it interesting, which was not the goal. :p Part of the VA trial was to determine not only the physical addition but the behavioral addiction facet of smoking. I always tested higher on the behavioral addition that I did on the physical - meaning the actions involved in smoking are stronger in me than the physical addition to the chemicals. None of the above mentioned approaches addressed the behavioral facet and that is why I believe they failed - that and I wasn't ready. I wanted to be, but I really wasn't. ;) I want to quit today - not for me but for my babies. They are the motivation I need. The herbal smoke mix will hopefully allow me to feed the behavioral additions while cutting the physical addition out slowly and completely. To date, I have cut down from 1 1/2 - 2 packs a day to 3 packs a week of real cigs. :cool: I smoke less than a pack (20) of the herbal cigs a day so to my simple mind, this is progress!

Thanks again for all the info and support!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Yes, well the whole ride was TERRIFYING, considering all you crazy Americans drive on the WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD :D:D:D:D My knuckles are still white :eek::eek::eek::eek:

So pleased to hear heart and lungs ok Leslie, allergies sounds a likely culprit or just something caught in her throat. Ohhh you certainly got your exercise for the day manhandling that mattress about! Thats funny... that cover was part of the bed :D:D

So pleased you had a better night!!

Trish xxxxxx

You have had a busy day! So glad this worked or seems to. A few nights of peace and maybe you'll know more. But this is a better solution than medicine I think.
Whoo hoo.
Smoking is hard to quit. My husband quite and just did it, mind over matter he said. He told himself that he had never smoked in whatever year it was and quit on new years eve. That must be about 6 or 7 years ago.
My brain isn't like that I guess. I told myself I didn't, but then I did, so .. guess what won. We don't smoke in the house though and I've cut way back. For one thing it's just too dang cold and not worth it in the winter to go outside that often. LOL <shiver>

Keep trying Leslie!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

The coughing remains MUCH improved with very few and far between hacks! :cool::cool::cool: Still haven't had to use the antihistamine, either! ;)

Now there is a new development - last week she got what I thought was a tiny wound on her back. Well, whatever it is, it ain't a wound because it is spreading. It started very tiny, like a pimple opening and now is about the size of a nickle, raw, bloody and oozy. I can't remember if there is an adenoma in that spot that may have ruptured this badly or not. :rolleyes: She has them all over, tho, so that is certainly a possibility. Nothing I have done is helping so we are off to the vet, again, at 2 this afternoon. I'll let you know what we learn.

Hugs,
Leslie and the Queen

Darn it!! I'm so sorry you've got a new worry. :(

I see you're taking Trink in, too. Good luck with both girls, and give us an update just as soon as you can.

Healing hugs,
Marianne

Thanks, Marianne.

This appears to be one of the adenomas that ruptured and got infected. So we have a round of antibiotics. I am so relieved because as usual my mind went to the worst scenario. :rolleyes::o

She is really limping today so I'm gonna start her on some pain meds, too. I have some of Tasha's Vetprophen and some of the Meta-Tinic on hand. Doc said those would be fine to use to see if they helped.

Her weight is still at 14.1 and I was glad to see she'd lost no more weight.

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirty

I hope Squirt is better tonight, Leslie.

Thinking of you both and hoping for a restful night.

love you

Thanks, Addy. Bless your heart - you've got your sweet girl just home from major surgery and here you are on our thread. (((HUGS)))

I decided it would be prudent to photograph this just in case it gets worse. I will wake up in the morning and see it twice as big as it is tonite anyway so a visual record will be beneficial for several reason. There are 2 new pics in the "gang" album of this spot. It started out no bigger than the point of a dull pencil lead (the old-timey kind you have to actually sharpen! :p). It bled quite heavily, tho, at first and has tapered to a steady tiny trickle.

She is sacked out under the pedestal sink in my bathroom at the moment, snoring away. :D I think the pain med is helping tonite for sure. ;) Looking at the sink straight on, you can't see her head - it's completely hidden behind the base. LOL I think I'll let her lay where she is until she wakes up and wants in the bed. It would be a shame to wake her. Of course, that means I will be up until she does want in the bed for fear of stepping on her during the nite. :rolleyes: :p

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt

Hi Leslie

Poor babies, good that it is draining. Be nice to get all the much out without it closing over first. Antibiotics will clobber anything left over. She will be feeling much better I bet! Have a good sleep xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Leslie-I hope Squirt heals up real soon.

Poor Squirt,

That's an owie:(:( I'm sure the ointment and antibiotics will clear it up just fine, Leslie. I sure do hate all these dang growths our pups get.:(:(:(

I do love her anxiety wrap. She looks so peaceful in it.:):) And her coat looks really good.

Yes she sure is a beautiful and photogenic Miss isn't she :):) I bet now this it is open and draining it will settle real quick. Hope all going well otherwise
Trish xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Woah! Your sink grew a body and legs? :p. hope things settle down for Squirt now with the anti-b's on board too, sounds like a nasty adenoma to rupture like that :eek:.

Just went back and read your post from last week (don't know why I missed it earlier) but saw the antihistamine listed, it is the same stuff I give Oscar for his allergies too. It's pretty good, but can take a day or two to give good results, so if she gets bad again, just be aware that a single dose may not work as you want it to.

(Also, well done on the commitment to stop smoking, sounds like you are really giving it a go with all the bits and pieces you have tried. Your brain is obviously more stubborn than your will though :p to combat the hypnosis like that :eek: keep it up, I'm more than happy to cheer you on :D)

Hi Leslie -

Just catching up on our little buddy Squirt. Never seems to be too many dull moments in your world, but your flair for telling a story like it is - the good and the bad - well usually can make me laugh out loud! O.k. it was the changing of the mattress cover that made me chuckle today. :) Poor ole' Squirt on antibiotics, pain meds, and now allergies have come into the mix. Sorry to hear she's hit another rough patch, but she probably takes most of it in stride - much better than most of us would. Give her a big hug for me!
I have dealt with Darby's allergies for most of his years. Changed his food (limited ingredients), he's gets a daily Tavist, and I have a tub of grooming wipes on the table and wipe his paws with them when he comes inside. It takes diligence to deal with them.
We're doing alright here. Still miss my Crash so very much. Christmas was hard without him. He was always the first to figure out Santa had come and left presents in the spare bedroom closet. Hard to leave them under the tree if I was to get any sleep on Christmas Eve - Santa was always so thoughtful that way. Crash, even now 4 months later, there are still tears, but too there are so many memories that can leave a big smile on my face through those tears! All in time I know.

You take care! Hugs to you and your pack! I'll check in again sometime soon.

Tammy, my little angel Crash, Darby, & Riley

My Darling Squirt,

From the moment I lay eyes on you, I have been in love with you. You came into my world in such a tiny body who could have guessed such a huge Spirit resided within? You were full of spit and fire, curiosity and intelligence, determination and courage, loyalty and joy; you have brought all of this and more into my life on a daily basis. You kept me whole, you taught me how to forgive and accept, you made me Human. You kissed my scalding tears away, you mended my shattered Soul, you gave me purpose again. You are breath-taking, incredible, extraordinary, awe-inspiring, wondrous, miraculous, stupendous – yet none of those terms is enough; you defy description.

My wishes for you in your twilight days are that you continue to find joy day to day, that you be as comfortable as possible, that your spit and fire, determination and courage bubble to the surface over and over, that the sun warm your back and the wind Sing in your ears, that your dreams are full of moles and rabbits, and that I could give you another 15 glorious years.

I love you with all my Being,
Mama

HAPPY 15th BIRTHDAY, SQUIRT!

awe.. that is so sweet.

Happy Birthday Squirt!!

Happy 15th Birthday Squirt

Hope you get lots of treats and have an awesome day

Mel and Tia xx

Happy Birthday, Squirt!

Happy Birthday, Squirt!!!! Many more special ones to come.

:):):) Happy Birthday Squirt :):):)

wishing you a very happy birthday squirt,know that you have given your mama 15 fabulous years !!! patty(milo)meka xoxox

Happy Birthday Squirt !!!

Oh my goodness! Squirt and Alivia were born on the same day! There obviously was something very special about that day!
Happy 15th Birthday to you, too, Squirt!

Wow Squirt, FIFTEEN

Happy Birthday To You

It seems like just yesterday when I was watching you swimming in the pool, such a good girl!!!!!

MUCH LOVE
addy