Buddy, The Mighty Lizard Hunter - Suspected Pituitary Macro Tumor

Hi Jessica,
Thank you for your insights. They are very helpful. Buddy can't have milk thistle because of allergies. He's allergic to daisy flowers and ragweed. It specifically says on the bottle not to use milk thistle if allergic to either one of those things. I have to be very careful giving Buddy anything, because he's highly allergic. That really limits what I'm able to do for him. It pains me that I am unable to afford an MRI and radiation treatments. I realize that Buddy's has little chance without them. However, I am thrilled to hear that Doc is doing so well.

Sending hugs and prayers to you and your little lizard chasing Buddy! One day at a time is all we can do.....

Kathy:
Have you ever thought about contacting the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America to help Buddy?? I know for a fact that sometimes they have very wealthy members who have lost these dogs and will help financially in order to keep the breed going. There are also many resources in the one section of the home page to write to or call. The Yorkie Club will definitely steer you in the right direction, and may get you a philanthropist that could save Buddy's life. Keep asking and searching online until someone says yes. Ask the hospital where they do the radiation if they have any endowments that they use for this purpose, as many people leave all their money to these places now days. A lady died and left all her money to my vets office in order to help people with pet emergencies.I know it is not easy to ask some unknown person or people for help, but to save Tipper I would do it in a heartbeat. Especially now with the car down. What a mess! My heart breaks for you as I know if it were my Tipper how I would feel. Another possibility is the Care Credit, some people have gotten upwards of 5000.00 and they can stretch the payments out so they are real low. I fell like we are all in this with you. We love hearing about Buddy's antics so much so that we just cannot bear the thought of him not being there to keep those pesky lizards in check. I will research and see if I can find any where that could help if you want me to. Would your car insurance get you a rental car?? I hope you will be able to get to work the last few days. I know what it is like to have all your resources dried up, and scared of having an emergency situation that you cannot pay for. That is the worst situation I have been in. God Bless you and have mercy on you and Buddy.
Patti

It's okay guys. Thanks for caring.:) I have transportation to work. :)I got a call with my car's estimate. It is going to be about $600. It could have been much worse. It's not the transmission. It's the gear shift assembly. The part is being special ordered from LA, so it's going to take about a week to fix. I am okay with that. Just glad it wasn't something worse.;):) The mighty lizard hunter hunts on. The adventure continues. Buddy is doing great for now. Now is all we have!:o
Hugs,
Kathy

Kathy, So glad that the car estimate is not as bad as you thought. I'm sure it could have been much worse, so thank goodness for small favors!
That happened with my fridge last month. I thought it was gone for good...and if it was unfixable it was more than buying a new one because it's all built into the kitchen wall and these NY kitchens don't have a spare inch...it would have meant a huge redo job which is basically out of the question now with college tuitions and many vet bills. I was so lucky he fixed it for $400 including his visit, the part and the labor...I got off easy and the fridge is like new! I was so happy I almost cried. It's an old fridge but a really good one. Who thought I could be so happy about spending $400 on a repair, but I was!! Felt like someone was looking out for me! :D
Glad Buddy is having another good day! :p That's all that counts...one day at a time!! Your vacation is just about here!!! :D :
Barbara

Well, yay, glad it was the gear shift and not the transmission at least. What ever is the cheaper to fix is always better.
Cars and refrigerators now too. fooey. Hopefully we are all going to have a peaceful nice summer with nothing else going wrong.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Booo to the car playing up, just what you don't need but pleased to hear it is fixable!! Boooo at the bill though :mad:

So pleased to see Buddy is full of beans :D:D That warms my heart :) Have a good weekend you guys, the holidays are nearly here :D xxxxx

Kathy:
Hope to hear some good antics that dear Buddy does this weekend. We so love hearing all the cute things he does. Hope he continues to feel good and stay symptom free. Blessings
Patti

I got my car back in time for the weekend! YAY!!!:D Buddy's tummy was a little funny this morning, but he seems to be okay now.:) He is on patrol right now. That involves checking all the lizard holes and yapping at the birds who invade his air space. He takes his job VERY seriously!;):D It is heartwarming to see this wobbly little dog going on with his business as usual.:) If Buddy makes it until tomorrow, it will be three weeks (21 days) without a head tremor or hypoglycemic attack!:D Wednesday is my last day of work for the summer! 3 work days to go! Have a great weekend angels :D:D
Hugs,
Kathy

Oh Kathy,

That is great news that the tremors have subsided and Buddy is acting like "the mighty lizard hunter." Sending loving hugs to you both, Lori

Lori,
On another thread, you mentioned using Slippery Elm bark for Harley because the pepcid seemed to make him nauseous. Would you please elaborate on that? Where do you get it?
What are the side effects?
Allergy interractions?
Dosages?
Any information would be helpful. Buddy is on so many meds right now. Trilostane, Benadryl, prednisone, and Pepcid. He weighs 16 pounds. No wonder he has a touchy stomach! Thanks,
Hugs,
Kathy

Awesome news Kathy!! So glad that Buddy is running around his feisty self. :)

Have a good weekend! Whoo hooo car back too!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Kathy, I can finallly help you! Hurrah.

I used Slippery Elm on Annie - long story she had thousands of puss filled sores lining her esophagus when we did an endoscopy. Anyway I know she had something causing these ulcer like things and it kept her from eating - or so I assume. This stuff is easy to use and very safe. I googled it and found a video of a vet that called it her secret weapon. I had kept this information on it so I could share with others. Hope it answers your questions. Kim



*Slippery Soup™ / Slippery Elm Tea. I use this herb more than any other in my practice! It provides superb relief, and has kept many patients from hospitalization. It is a soothing nutritive herb which is perfectly suited for sensitive or inflamed mucous membrane linings in the digestive system. The bark contains mucilage and tannins that act as demulcent, emollient, protectorant, and astringent. You might think of it as a soothing internal bandage coating the digestive tract for its entire length. Imagine the relief for your pet to have a jelly-like coating soothing in an eosophagus (food pipe) burned by acrid vomitus, or in an ulcerated colon. This herb makes a huge difference. It is easy to make and has a very bland taste.


ü Slippery Soup™ Preparation and Administration: You can find the herb in a dry powder form in capsules, as dried leaf in tea bags, or as loose dried leaf in the “bulk” products section of many health food stores. Any of these forms will do. Do not use the tincture (which already comes as a liquid in a dropper bottle). It may help in a few cases but it will not have all the healing physical properties of the brewed tea. The same goes for mixing the dried herb directly into the food. It will not give all the benefits of the brewed tea.

1. Simple Tea Method. You’ll prepare this medication just like a tea you might drink yourself. First, put a heaping teaspoon of dried herb in a coffee mug, and add 8-12 oz of boiling water or diluted broth. Allow to cool. If using capsules, open them up, discarding the shells, and note that it may take a bit less to get good results.

2. Long-Brew Method. To get more out of your supply or to create a thicker medicine use the same amounts of herb and water listed above and simmer for 10-20 minutes.

3. The resultant liquid, once cooled, should be somewhat thicker than water. If it is as thin as water double the dry herb amount next time, or try the long-brew method. If it is thick like jelly, that’s fine. You can use half of the dosages listed below. Do not worry about any loose herb in the liquid. It does not have to be filtered out. This infusion or decoction will keep for about 5 days in the fridge.

4. Add the liquid to the food at mealtimes, or add to the water bowl, or give as a treat. The goal is 4 times per day, but even once daily will provide some relief. I hate to force feed anything. But this is one treatment that is probably worth it if you must. If force feeding is your only choice use the stove top brewing method and aim for a thicker, jellylike consistency so you can administer less physical amount for the same beneficial effect.

5. Palatability Tricks. To give Slippery Soup™ as a treat (my preferred way!) you can do several things. You can mix the liquid 50/50 with broth, soup, a favorite canned food, milk, tuna juice, or baby food. It may not smell great to you, but these soups are highly appreciated by pets! You can also add it to yogurt or cottage cheese if dairy is not an issue.

6. Dosages.

Cats and Dogs under 25 lbs 1-2 Tablespoons

Dogs 25-50 lbs 2-4 Tablespoons

Dogs 50 lbs and up ¼ to ½ cup


ü Epilogue I. Slippery Elm is a very safe herb. It can literally be a life saver by preventing dehydration from continued vomiting or diarrhea. It is virtually impossible to overdose, and it can be used for extended periods of time. However, if you find your pet needs this treatment for several weeks and the symptoms still reappear when you attempt to wean off or discontinue, this is a sign of significant chronic disease and you should seek professional veterinary care.

ü Epilogue II. These first aid guidelines are solid recommendations for humans as well. This includes the Slippery Elm information. You can count human adults as “Dogs 50 lbs and up” for dosing.

--------------

To give internally, mix about 1/4 teaspoon of Slippery Elm bark powder with cold water for every 10 pounds of body weight. For very small dogs, it is fine to use the same 1/4 teaspoon dose. The bulk powder may be very fluffy, so pack it down as much as possible to measure it. Alternatively, use 1/2 capsule (per 10 pounds), opened and the contents mixed with water. Slippery Elm powder will absorb many times its own weight in water, so be sure to add enough to make a moderately thick gruel. This gruel can be given before meals by syringe or eyedropper, or added to baby food, canned food, or a homemade diet. It has a slightly sweet taste and is usually well-tolerated by cats and dogs when mixed with food. Give a dose 5 minutes before meals for sore throat, and before or with meals for digestive tract problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, until symptoms resolve.

------------------

Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) is an exception to the fears and cautions surrounding the use of herbs in animals. It is very safe and non-toxic. The part of the tree used is the inner bark, which is soft and stringy. Simplest to use is the powdered form, which can be purchased in bulk, or pre-packed in capsules, at most health food stores. It is readily available over the Internet from herb suppliers.

Herbalists attribute many wonderful healing properties to Slippery Elm: demulcent (soothing, mucilage-forming), emollient (soothing and protective for skin), nutritive (providing specific food nutrients), tonic (promoting healthy function of one or more body systems), and astringent (constricting, binding or drying effect). It can be used both internally and externally. Slippery Elm is one of the herbs used in the original formulation of "Essiac," an herbal brew widely promoted as a cancer-fighter.

In the gastro-intestinal tract, Slippery Elm acts directly. It can be thought of as a sort of natural "Pepto-Bismol." (Pepto-Bismol itself should not be used because it contains salicylate, a.k.a. aspirin). Its mucilage content coats, soothes, and lubricates the mucus membranes lining the digestive tract. Slippery Elm is an excellent treatment for ulcers, gastritis, colitis, and other inflammatory bowel problems. It is high in fiber, and so helps normalize intestinal action; it can be used to relieve both diarrhea and constipation. It may also help alleviate nausea and vomiting in pets suffering from non-GI illnesses, such as kidney disease. A syrup made from Slippery Elm Bark can be used to help heal mouth ulcers from all causes (see recipe below).

Slippery Elm is said to relieve inflammation of virtually any mucus membrane, and has been used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the lungs (bronchitis, asthma), kidneys, bladder (cystitis, FLUTD symptoms), throat (tonsillitis), and joints (arthritis).

Slippery Elm contains many nutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, calcium, and several trace minerals) that can be beneficial for recuperating pets, and it may stay down when other foods are not tolerated. It is known as a "survival" food; George Washington and his troops survived for days during the bitter winter at Valley Forge eating nothing but gruel made from Slippery Elm bark. However, Slippery Elm may interfere with the absorption of certain minerals and pharmaceuticals, so is best given separately from any concurrent drug therapy.

In the case of cystitis (bladder inflammation), Slippery Elm is thought to soothe the bladder lining. However, it is somewhat high in magnesium, so may be contraindicated in dogs who have an active infection with an elevated urinary pH, where struvite crystal formation may be a risk. (In cats, urinary tract infections are very rarely bacterial.) Slippery Elm bark contains natural pentosans, a class of complex sugars that contains the same compound found in the drug "Elmiron®,"the major pain-relieving treatment for interstitial cystitis (IC) in women. Pentosan has been used by the pharmaceutical industry as an anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory for more than 40 years. (Anti-coagulant effects are not seen with normal oral administration.) Since bladder disease in cats is very similar to that in women, slippery elm may be especially beneficial for our feline friends. Small, frequent dosages of pentosan has been shown in humans to be more effective than single large doses.

Externally, a soothing paste of Slippery Elm powder (mix the powder with a little cold water) can be used as a poultice for hot spots, insect burns, rashes, scratches, ulcerated areas, or other shallow wounds. Native Americans used Slippery Elm bark to stop bleeding. It forms a natural "bandage" that can be left in place for several hours, if you can convince your dog to leave it alone! Moisten with water to remove it.

To give internally, mix about 1/4 teaspoon of Slippery Elm bark powder with cold water for every 10 pounds of body weight. For very small dogs, it is fine to use the same 1/4 teaspoon dose. The bulk powder may be very fluffy, so pack it down as much as possible to measure it. Alternatively, use 1/2 capsule (per 10 pounds), opened and the contents mixed with water. Slippery Elm powder will absorb many times its own weight in water, so be sure to add enough to make a moderately thick gruel. This gruel can be given before meals by syringe or eyedropper, or added to baby food, canned food, or a homemade diet. It has a slightly sweet taste and is usually well-tolerated by cats and dogs when mixed with food. Give a dose 5 minutes before meals for sore throat, and before or with meals for digestive tract problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, until symptoms resolve.

Kim, you help me by just being there!!!:) You don't need a particular subject to address in order to pop in and chat with me. I always love to hear from you, I think of you often.:) You previously said that Buddy and I were stuck with you for eternity. So you better start popping in more then!:D

Having said that, thank you for the Slippery Elm Bark information. Lori mentioned it on another thread and I thought it might help Buddy. That's exactly the kind of information I was looking for.
Hugs,
Kathy

I see that our sweet Kim has provided the info on SEB for you. :) I just love that stuff, when Harley didn't want to eat I could get him to drink the Slippery Soup.

Pepcid AC, for reasons that I don't know, can cause nausea in a dog. My Harley definitely got an upset tummy from it but never from the SEB.

Kathy:
I think Buddy is receiving part of his miracle since he has had no head tremors. It is wonderful to hear he is back on patrol. Those pesky lizards better watch out! I use SEB on Tipper as she has acid reflux. I am glad I read that posting sent to you as I was just mixing a little of the dry powder in her food. I know now to steep it like tea, which is what it is. How could I be so dumb?? Tipper has the acid reflux, and sometimes at nite gastro noises and tummy aches, so that is what I use it for. Blessings
Patti

:) I'm always reading - just not much of a chatterer. :) Very impressed with Buddy's progress. Glad you got your car back too. Kim

It doesn't have to be a long chat Kim;) your last message was perfect! ;) Happy Weekend:D

Hugs,
Kathy

Too funny. Heads up my sis is coming to town for the next 2 1/2 weeks (she's a teacher in AZ) and next weekend we have soccer tournaments (niece and 2 nephews) FR-SUN and then the next weekend the 2 of us are taking the 3 kids on a vacation to the Black Hills so I'll be gone almost a week! Sure hope they behave! Yikes what were we thinking? They are 7, 9 and 12. OMG I'm scared. hahaha

Kim,
See, it's not that hard to chat!!!!!!!!!!;):D Have a wonderful visit with your sister. If the munchkins act up on vacation, look around like you have no idea who those unruly monsters belong to. It works! I do it on field trips all the time! LOL :D:D

I found Slippery Elm at the health food store. They only had it in capsule form. According the instructions below, capsules will work. However Magnesium Stearate is listed on the bottle as another ingredient. Is that safe for dogs?????

"Alternatively, use 1/2 capsule (per 10 pounds), opened and the contents mixed with water. Slippery Elm powder will absorb many times its own weight in water, so be sure to add enough to make a moderately thick gruel"

Thanks guys,
Kathy

The stuff I bought at a health food store was not in capsules. I do remember it talking about the gruel.. but any time I made it - it never got that thick. I followed the recipe that was cooked on stove and then cooled and kept in frig. Maybe google it and see if they all have that stuff in it? Sorry I can't answer that question... off to mow the lawn now. ;):D;)

WARNING!!!:eek::eek:

Magnesium Stearate is bad for dogs. Check your supplements!! It is often listed as an other ingredients. Article below.........

http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blog...ents-that.html

It was listed on the bottle of Slippery Elm that I purchased today. I didn't know what is was.
Hugs,
Kathy

If you order or get the powder, not in pill form, then it shouldn't have that in it. It seems to be for capsules.
I have never bought it or used it so I'm not sure.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

I found the slippery elm bark in powdered form online. This is what I ordered from Vitacost. I hope it's the right thing. If not, I'm throwing $36 down the drain.:( There were other cheaper ones available, but they were not organic.

Starwest Botanicals Slippery Elm Bark Powder Organic -- 1 lb

Good Morning Kathy! I bought that powdered SEB from a health food store, mine just in a plastic bag and labelled "Slipper Elm Powder USA" dunno if it is organic or not?? I tried it in the mixture but Flynn was pretty sick at the time it was when we were dealing with the whole swab debacle and he vomited so I did not give him anymore. But that of course was more likely to be due to him being unwell with the swab so think I might give it another try if we have a flare up of tummy issues.

Hope it helps little Buddy :) I need to get my a into g now and get this house tidied as a friend just called to say she is coming to pick me up for brunch and this place is a mess :eek::eek: It is pouring rain again, I hope it fines up so we can get out for a walk with Mr Flynn this arvo, in the meantime he is going to his Nan and G'dads for some spoiling while I go out :D:D Hope you and Buddy have a good day today! :)

Kathy, Many of us have used it and love it. I believe Leslie has. Glynda had success for sure and I think Lori used it. Kim

Thank you Kim. I just wanted to make sure that I ordered the right thing. I'm going to return the capsules. I did not open them. I'll wait for my online order to arrive, then make the "slippery soup" according to your directions. I was reading about slippery Elm Bark on a medical web-site. It's stated to give it two hours before or after other medications. Buddy has some meds with his breakfast and dinner. That means I would have to give him the slippery soup at other times during the day. The article stated that SEB puts a protective coating on the stomach. That could keep other medications from being absorbed properly. That is why it should not be given close to medication times. Does that seem right to you? Buddy is on smaller meals more often anyway due to his hypoglycemia. So that will work out okay. I am just hoping that he's not allergic to this stuff. ;) Otherwise, I am going to be left with a pound of it.:p Kathy

Yes that is right about the medications. I know it gets so complicated...I had 2 sick ones for a while and I didn't have a free minute and I had a cabinet filled with nothing but dog meds and supplements. It's hard to keep track. Fingers crossed that Buddy isn't allergic.

Kathy:
I hope the Slippery Elm Bark works for Buddy. Now that I know you are supposed to steep it, I will make that for Tipper. I get mine at Vitacost also. How many of those lizards bit the dust now that the mighty lizard hunter is back on duty? Blessings
Patti

Kathy, wait a minute, I am positive I read somewhere that you cannot take Slippery Elm if you are allergic to certain things, which is why my bottle is still sitting in the cupboard unopened and why I have not givene it to Zoe since I know she is allergic to grass and I dont know what else.


Let me go look for it.

Quote:

---

As with any drug or supplement, there is always a chance of an allergic reaction. Slippery elm should be avoided by anyone who has a known allergy to slippery elm or other plants in the Ulmaceae family. An allergic skin rash has been seen when slippery elm is used topically, but this is considered unusual.

---

http://www.britannica.com/related-to...cs-to-Ulmaceae

I know Buddy has severe allergies so it may be fine but I just wanted to make sure you knew. I have severe allergies too, the other day I tried to trim one of my flowering bushes and I had an asthma allergic attack, I never knew I was allergic to that shrub. So that is why I never took the pills I bought for me and hiesitated to give it to Zoe. Of course now I can even manage a two hour window to give it to Zoe so that is another story:rolleyes::rolleyes:.

Thank you so much Addy:) Yes, I am concerned about the allergy aspect. Buddy is allergic to many things. I don't even know what many of them are. He had an allergic reaction one time to a booster shot and almost died. Yes, he is allergic to grass. He is also allergic to ragweed and Daisy flowers. That is why he's unable to use milk thistle. He has food, environmental, medication and grass allergies, to name a few. Giving Buddy anything is definitely a risk.:o I am so sorry to hear about your asthma attack. I have a friend that had one lately and ended up in the hospital. I hope you're doing well now. I understand about Zoe not having a two hour window window right now to try it anyway. I am almost there with Buddy. Love to you and your sweet babies and congrats. On Kate's graduation. You must be very proud!
Kathy

Addy,
I checked out your link. There are literally thousands of plants in that Ulmaceae plant family. This definitely is a concern for Buddy.:( It looks like I'll be using the slippery elm myself. ;) Allergies severely limit what I'm able to do for Buddy. I hear about something that could help and then I hit the allergy wall. It is frustrating!:( This is not the first time this has happened! Thank you so much for the heads up and for watching out for us!:)
Hugs,
Kathy

Have you tried Zofran (ondansetron) for Buddy's upset tummy? Our Davis vet gave Pia a bottle of Zofran tablets for nausea, because when she was on Clavamox it upset her tummy. It really calmed down the rumblings. I used to be a peds oncology nurse, and we gave Zofran to our patients before chemotherapy, and it worked great for them, too.

Good morning angels:)
I am having one of those mornings that we suffer through. The morning starts up normally, then everything goes south very quickly.
Buddy was fine until after breakfast and meds this morning. Shortly after he ate, he went into a full-blown allergy attack wheezing and struggling to breathe and had an upset stomach. He was laying in his bed moaning/crying oh his exhales. When I went over to soothe him, he was also having a head tremor. The first one in 3 weeks. I immediately went and filled his syringe with corn syrup per doctors instructions. I gave him a little under 2 cc. The head tremor stopped about 20 seconds later. It was definitely caused by a hypoglycemic attack! The wheezing stopped shortly after. His stomach is still touchy, but he is now exhausted and resting quietly . His morning meds often screw up his stomach, but the hypoglycemia triggered everything else or at least appears that way. I was not meant to go back to bed after his breakfast this morning. It is Sunday after all!:o Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there!:) If all of our pup had dads like you, we would have very happy pups indeed!:)
Hugs,
Kathy

Thanks Bonnie, I will look into that. Pepcid doesn't always work real well and I'm a little afraid to try the slippery bark. It's his meds cocktail with breakfast that screws up his stomach and no wonder. He takes Pepcid 30 minutes before breakfast. With breakfast he takes trilostane, Benadryl, and prednisone. If I was taking all that crap, my stomach would be screwed up every morning too!;) I tried to eliminate the Benadryl, because he was taking the prednisone. I was hoping that the prednisone would keep his allergies at bay. I skipped the Benadryl yesterday and this morning he had a full-blown allergy attack. So, we're back on the Benadryl.:( There are so many challenges with our pups!

Really sorry to hear Buddy's having a bad day - hope he's improving and the day goes on.
Not sure if it's been mentioned before but have you tried a little bit of pumpkin with his meds? Hamish developed a sensitive tummy and we found just a small amount in his food helped, and I also used it to 'hide' pills.

Does he take Pepcid or Pepcid AC? I ask because AC is the one that works with dogs. Wow sounds like he had a real rough morning. That was interesting that the tremor went away so quickly after giving him the sugar. Now you know how to handle that! Good work. Kim

Kim, I meant to say Pepcid AC. Buddy takes a half a tablet 5mg. Every 12 hours. It isn't doing a whole lot of good! Not only did Buddy's tremor go away so quickly after the corn syrup, his allergy/asthma attack stopped right after that! It seems that the stress of the tremor triggered his allergy attack/wheezing. His stomach has settled and he's absolutely fine now, until he has more meds at dinner and we start all over again.:( He was just yapping at a lizard taunting him on the porch!:D. There's a window of couple hours where he actually feels good.;)
Hugs,
Kathy