Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

So sorry about your baby. This is all new to me also. Sassy has always snored some, but more so over the last few months. She has gained weight and her stomach is swollen, so I assumed that was the cause of the more frequent and louder snoring. Now that she is blind all she wants to do is sleep. It breaks my heart. I know that when I gain weight I have a harder time breathing. She also yelps in her sleep a lot like she is chasing rabbits or something. I am just starting this journey of atypical cushings and really can't be a lot of help as far as advice. What I can be is an understander for the love for your dog. My husband died unexpected with a massive heart attack at 46 and Sassy was the only normal in my life. The kids all live out of state and she was the one I came home to. She needed me and I needed her and because of that she got me through one of the hardest times of my life. Prayers going up for you and Tipper.

Hi Everyone:
Nothing from Dr. Bruyette yet, but he is looking at a lot of blood work so it may take him a few days. I have a lot of faith in him, he has been an ardent supporter of Tipper and I and I know he will come thru with a well thought out answer for me. I am noticing Tipper sleeping better and not moving around the bed as much. I don't want to jinx it, but could it be the new nite dose of 7mg instead of 5. It's funny that 2mg could make that much difference. She has not appeared to be as hungry at 6pm either. I am hoping and praying this does the trick for her. Yesterday her holy water came from Lourdes. I am putting some on her every day, as we can use all the divine intervention we can get. She played ball yesterday for a while and seemed to have some xtra energy, which is a good thing. My neighbor is all better so I don't have to hurry and run over there with food for him every nite. Poor thing is 78 and has diabetes etc. so I needed to help him out while he was sick. I know what it is like to have no one to help you. I am so thankful for the cold weather. At least Tipper is not in the closet worrying about a storm and driving her RBC's even higher. I am glad for this break from bad storms too. I have to take Tipper in the car today over to see the llamas because I have a kid coming to blow all my leaves out of the gutters and the noise and walking on the roof would send her into another bad episode with spleen reactions of RBC's. I will take both dogs in the car for an hour or so, it will be good for them both. The phone company called me and they found out it is the phone system at the Veterinary Hospital that is having problems taking my calls. They talked to the IT people there yesterday and are trying to get this straightened out for me. After all this now they find out it is the animal hospital. The hospital said they are having trouble getting calls from a few different states. I think they better get on it then! I am hoping to hear some news about Tipper soon the waiting is what gets to you. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
Just wanted to say that I miss Mel, I drew a lot of strength form her. I know she is busy working and probably reading the posts, but too busy to reply. I am hoping Judi has a wonderful cruise, and gets some much needed R&R. I miss them both. Hope Judi stays safe on her vacation.
Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
I just heard from Dr. Bruyette. He ahs gone all over Tipper's blood work. He said the red blood cell count is quite abnormal and recommends the following
Blood Gas analysis to make sure oxygen levels are normal,
An Echocardiogram to rule out a right to left shunt
If those are normal- Bone marrow exam to make sure this is not a cancer affecting the red blood cells.
This was enough to make me cry right off the bat, but I read most of this when researching her condition and knew these were possibilities outlined under the Absolute and secondary Enthrocytosis I spoke of. I knew she had this problem, now it is just a matter of identifying which, and I pray it is not the latter. It's one thing to read it and know you are right about what your dog has, and another for a well respected vet to confirm it. I am really wearing down with all this, but will continue on for my baby. Blessings
Patti

I am sorry Patti, YOU KNOW I UNDERSTAND so many of these are similar to what Teddy has faced, he has two heart issues, and possible bone marrow cancer. We decided not to do the bone marrow biopsy, although his specialist didn't want us to do it yet, he wanted another biopsy of the spleen nodule.

I know how tired and worn down you are, I was very very ill with it all a few weeks ago, but you find the strength somewhere, I will be thinking of you all the time & of course Miss Tipper !

Much love Diana & Teddy x

Patti, I am so sorry Dr. Bruyette thinks Tipper's levels are high enough to be a concern. But at least now you have a plan of action to get to the bottom of this. I know that is little consolation right now. But it still may turn out to be a problem that is treatable, and that would be huge relief to you for so many reasons. I do believe it will be better to know than to be tortured with the worry of the unknown. So the sooner the better, and we'll all be here right beside you two girls.

Sending big hugs,
Marianne

Marianne is absolutely right. Dr. B delivered the news that I hoped I would never get with Buddy, but am very grateful for. It helped me plan a course of action that was all about Buddy's needs and not mine. The only way that can be done is by knowing the facts, good and bad. I was given the gift of giving Buddy mobility a little longer and keeping him comfortable, knowing that he would decline at a faster rate. It was the right decision for Buddy, which I wouldn't have been able to make without Dr. B's information. I used his expertise to educate my vet and to get neurosurgeon support for a course of treatment.

We don't always get good news. What matters the most is being able to put whatever news we are given to work toward a plan of action. You are great at that Patti. Continue to gather as much information as you can. You will do the right thing for your sweet girl. I am sure of it. xxxx

He Everyone:
You are all my wonderful angels coming to the rescue. Dr. Bruyette has been with me throughout this and I could never thank him enough. He has never ever once asked me for a dime. I am so grateful to him I can't even express it. So the little voice inside me that said keep going Patti don't listen to the other vets was right. I have already started a plan of action. First off Tipper did have an echocardiogram, I called the hospital and they told me a shunt would have shown up on that, so we can cross that off the list. So there are 2 left, lack of oxygen, which could be a high possibility since she has tracheal issues and wheezes at nite or when laying down. I have gotten in touch with someone at the hospital at Pittsburgh as my vet does not have a machine to calibrate blood gases. I asked that she give all this info to my IMS and that I need an appointment asap for blood gases to be checked. The third of cancer I don't want to go there yet until the blood gases are checked. If she needs oxygen therapy I will need either an incubator or have to have someone help me make one. I am already planning things and my IMS better get in touch with me tomorrow or I will have my vet call to get me an appointment to get this done. I hate like heck to take her back to that hospital because of the stress, but I must eliminate these possibilities. Dr. Bruyette said I was right about the Reticulocytes so I guess my vet is wrong again. but I don't care about that I need to get into action now and help my girl, I love her more than anything, and I will get her help no matter what. I am going to email Dr. Bruyette back again. Maybe someday I would get to meet him and thank him for all he has helped me with. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
I just wrote Dr. B an email and Kathy I told him about you going to him with Buddy. I am sure he will write back and tell me he remembers it all, he is brilliant. Some day I will come back out to California and I will definitely stop and meet Dr. B. in person. Maybe swing by and see Miss Kathy & Rosie too. Thank you all for understanding this dilemma, it is very stressful, but I am still upright and functioning. Kathy I am sorry your year at school is so challenging this year. I hope for your sake it gets easier soon. Blessings to you all.
Patti

Hello there

I have indeed been reading along, I thought I should post today though after reading the update from Dr B. Your instincts were obviously spot on again Patti, it's a good job you never take your blinking vets word for anything

I do hope you get a plan sorted out soon, in the meantime sending you lots of love and strength. I asked Tia to look out for her when she went for her last scan and was elated for you that the tumour hadn't grown, I will ask my little girl to watch over yours again tonight

Big hugs to you and kisses to Tipper the Ripper

Love
Mel
Xxxxxx