14 year-old Shih Tzu With Recent Cushing's Diagnosis

Oh Julie,

I am so happy to read your post and know that Hannah wasn't hurt any more than she is. What a relief!

Her muscles could be very sore from simply tensing when the attack happened so you may be seeing some stiffness from that as well as the pain from the back injury. I know I would have tensed up if some big ole hairy thing yanked me up and started shaking me! :eek: Then I would have passed out. :p Some gentle massage might help her feel better and it would be a great bonding experience, perhaps relieving some stress for you both.

I hope the acupuncture does the trick in no time and she is back to herself soon.

So grateful it wasn't any worse!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Hi Everyone-

Thanks again for your thoughts and well-wishes for Hannah. We are on day 3 now post-incident and she does seem a little better, but still hurts. I obviously don't want her to be in a lot of pain, but I am also unable to compare this to her last back problem, which probably came on gradually over time and was a chronic pain issue, as opposed to this acute pain from a traumatic event. She is walking better than she was on Wed. and much better than she was before the last acupuncture, but she is groaning more and showing pain, which she didn't at all the last time. She seems to be able to lay down a little easier, and she eats with her normal vigor, is able to go potty and poop, wags her tail at me sometimes, chewed on a bone on Thurs., and is trying to dig her little nest in her bed. She is also beginning to itch (from her allergies), which I'm sure is tough to do when you are so sore. She seems the most uncomfortable when I have to pick her up (we have steps off of our deck so I have to pick her up to get her outside).

Sometimes I wonder if the moaning and groaning is because she is itchy too. We are still doing Hydroxyzine for itching and Metacam for pain until Tues. The itching did seem to improve when we had a 4-5 day bitterly cold stretch, so it must all be allergy related.

I talked to the vet who did the acupuncture last night because I wanted to know if it was normal for Hannah to still be painful. I know it had only been two days, but needed some reassurance. She said that ideally she would be feeling better, but that it wasn't worrisome to her at this point. She did say we should definitely get in for another acupuncture treatment, which I had already scheduled for next Wed. before we even left.

I asked if she felt that Hannah would be able to recover (her best guess) and she said that since she responded so well to acupuncture the last time with great success, she felt pretty confident that she would improve.

I know it will take some time and it was a gradual process the last time as well, but I didn't have to see and hear the pain I can now. The one thing that seems better is that she isn't wincing/twitching as much. The Metacam is only once a day (at night), so maybe she is just a little worse then because it is wearing off. And, like I said, maybe the itching is causing some noises too. When I rub her ears or sides (her itchy spots), she groans, which maybe means it feels good. Her little voice/groans sound a little weaker and more raspy too, so it is hard to figure out.

I wish I could look into a crystal ball and just know that eventually she would be okay. That would provide so much relief. I know I can't do that though, so I will try to take it day by day and hope the vet is right that the acupuncture will help. I just don't want her to be suffering...but at this point she seems happy enough with her food and treats and her "mommy" that I need to push forward and try.

The owner of the dog who shook Hannah did come over yesterday and write me a $100 check for the initial vet visit. She said she and her husband don't have a lot of money, but that she wanted to do what was right and at least give me money for that. We agreed to keep in touch regarding how many treatments ($80 each) Hannah needs to feel better.

Please keep Hannah in your thoughts...I'm really hoping I see some good improvement soon.

Thanks,

Julie & Hannah

Thanks for the update. I know acupuncture is what has kept Annie going and it is amazing the difference after a visit. I know what you mean about the crystal ball but with your love she will thrive. :D Keep the faith and know we send our love and prayers. Kim

Poor Hannah pain and itching:(:(:(:(

As Kim said, keep the faith, she is going to be all right. We have quite a few prayers going up to heaven so if you hear some thunder, it might just be all of us praying very loudly at the same time;);)

I can't imagine how worried you are, that merry go round just keeps on spinning. I hope this weekend you and Hannah get a chance to cuddle and rest.

love,
addy

well at least she did that. i would have told her if she cant continue to help with expense that i am sure she has jewlery, tv, ipod, computer, that you would take instead and sell them. LOL (sorry i am a bit of a smarta@# I am VERY protective of family friends and animals) i hope she continues to do well. I was thinking about the two day thing....you know on us, the 2nd is usually the worst, even if we miss sleep, the 2nd day is more difficult than the first. AND i dont know about you all....but as i continue to age things are more difficult to bounce back from...takes me while. so maybe with all that into consideration, progress will be made but slower. giving gentle hug to her, and shysie says grrrrArfArf (she is playing big dog body guard, lol)

Hello again,

I am so happy to report that my little girl finally seems to be showing some improvement (that even I can see). At about 7:00 last night I commented to my husband that she seemed to be walking around more, following us, not groaning, etc.

Today she also seems better. She is even trotting around a little. (Her walking was not as affected this time though). And she isn't groaning as much when I pick her up.

I am feeling really encouraged about this after having a really rough few days. I wasn't eating much or sleeping well. My biggest worry today was whether or not I should give her the Metacam tonight. The vet was hoping to only use it for a few days, but told me on Friday I could do it for a week if needed. Today was day 5. After agonizing a little, I decided to give it (but didn't give the full dose) and to call tomorrow to see if I should stop.

Hannah has also been itching her ears like crazy and I am fearing she might have an ear infection. It is hard to know though, as she itches them with her allergies. Hopefully it can wait until Wed. when we see the vet again.

It seems like we have turned a corner and I actually believe she will be able to get better.

Thanks again for all of your thoughts and comments. It is so nice to know there are people thinking of us.

Julie & Hannah

Great news! I know you are relieved. Do you think the ear itching could be caused by the Metacam? I know some meds make me itch and tingle.. just throwing it out there.

Give Hannah a treat for me and get a good night's rest. You have earned it! Kim

Turning the corner is great news.:):):):)

We are to have warm weather again today but then to get colder. I am hoping you get the cold weather first. Like you, I am sneeizng like crazy:(

I will be sending continued healing thoughts and prayers your way. Thanks for the advice you took the time to give me while you are going through your own problems.

Hugs and love,
addy

Hi Julie,

So glad that Hannah seems to be responding to the meds. I hope she is back in full swing very soon. I can just imagine how worried you have been.

It was really nice of the other dog's woman to offer the help she has - many wouldn't have done that much. I hope they can see their way to helping you with the expenses resulting from this attack a little more...but even if they can't, they have acted with an honor seldom seem these days.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Julie: I've been gone and missed this. Poor Hannah. I'm so glad she is doing better. I will give the woman credit for bringing you a check. So many people are worried about lawsuits I've seen people not do anything.

hugs to all of you, Judi