Buddy, The Mighty Lizard Hunter - Suspected Pituitary Macro Tumor

I don't know what to do. If I take him off the prednisone his mobility declines. If I take him off the trilostane, his Cushing's symptoms will return and he'll be miserable. However, if I keep him on both, he has tummy issues. If I try slippery Elm, I risk an allergic reaction. I am out of ideas. This allergy thing sucks! It limits my options. :confused:
Kathy

Kathy, are you sure the crying/respiratory symptoms you saw this morning were truly an allergic attack? According to this link, they can also be symptoms of hypoglycemia in addition to the head tremors:

http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/H.../Symptoms.aspx

Marianne

No Marianne, I don't know if Buddy's respiratory distress was an allergy attack or just a symptom of hypoglycemia. He was wheezing just like he does when he has an allergy attack though. He snapped out of it really quickly after I gave him the corn syrup. First the tremor went away, then his wheezing stopped also. The crying was definitely caused by the head tremor and the head tremor was caused by hypoglycemia. That would make the crying a symptom of hypoglycemia also. The crying stopped when the head tremor stopped.
Kathy

Just thought I'd mention this since you were hoping to discontinue the benadryl. You still may be able to do so if the attack you witnessed really wasn't allergic in nature.

Marianne

We skipped the Benadryl yesterday and Buddy was fine. He was wheezing when he woke up this morning. That was long before breakfast and his hypoglycemic attack. That occurred about an hour after breakfast.

Marianne - Do you think I should try the Slippery Elm bark to help settle Buddy's stomach or not, since allergies are an issue?
Hugs,
Kathy

Oh crappy morning Kathy. :( I'm sorry Buddy had an episode after doing so good without them. Drat that he is getting such an upset tummy from everything.
Would a tad bit of pumpkin help you think?

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Aw poor Buddy, hope his tummy gets better soon, so hard to get their little tummies settled! We need him better for all those sneaky lizards :)

Kathy,
ask the vet about Tylan (Tylosin) powder. Daisy has been on it for two and a half days and it has worked wonders!

Valerie, Buddy doesn't have diarrhea. His stomach just gets gassy and uncomfortable because of all the meds. I think Tylan powder is more for diarrhea, isn't it? Buddy's stools are fine. Knock on wood;)
Hugs,
Kathy

Kathy,
I wonder if Fortiflora will help?

Kathy:
So sorry to hear Buddy had head tremors, it just makes me feel awful that this happens to him. It is good to know what is causing them though. I can tell you from Tipper's very allergic history, that I use Slippery Elm with her and she has had no problems. Also I wanted to say that the Pepcid AC does give some dogs a terrible tummy ache, and does at times do that to Tipper. Could this be the problem with Buddy's stomach? Have you tried any yogurt with Buddy? If you think it is just gas, Curtail or Beano are safe, as the Vet from Newmans Own told me. That really stinks to drop 36.00 on Slippery Elm and not be able to use it.
After all we have to have the mighty lizard hunter in prime shape, so those lizards aren't taunting him. God Bless You Both
Patti

I gave Buddy a spoon of pumpkin with his dinner last night. I was hoping that it might help his stomach settle somewhat. Buddy was up from 2:00 AM on. Not only was his tummy screwed up with rumbling and burping, he also was wheezing, sneezing and had a runny nose. His sneezing and runny nose continued this morning. I gave him another spoon of pumpkin at breakfast. Maybe I shouldn't have. Could pumpkin be another allergy? It's possible with the allergy king!!! I am at loss abut what to try. The meds upset his stomach and Pepcid AC does not help. I'm worried about possible allergy interactions with slippery Elm bark. I ordered a pound of it, but now I'm afraid to try it. It's getting to the point where I may break down try a very small dose anyway. Yes, it's risky, but I don't know what else to do! Any thoughts....
Hugs,
Kathy

Hi Kathy,

I had to laugh when I read you bought a POUND of SEB! :p That will last you a lifetime! I bought a 4 oz bottle in 2011 and still have plenty left to last a while... and I use it often! ;) If you don't want to use it with Buddy and it hasn't been opened, I would try to return it asap.

I hope you find something that will help the little guy. Bless his heart.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Kathy,
I'm just now catching up on the weekend posts and I am sorry it was a rough one for you and Buddy! :(
Darn it...after so many days of no tremors. At least you know now why he gets them and the corn syrup did the trick to make it stop.
I wish I had the answer to the tummy trouble. Trixie has terrible plumbing noises in the evening and at bedtime...very, very noisy gurgling and it scares me because it's loud and she seems uncomfortable. Luckily the PepcidAC seems to help her a little bit with that. She has that same gas and bloating issue every night along with all the noises, it hasn't made any problems with her poops or appetite however. During the day she seems so much better but once the evening sets in, it starts.
I hope Buddy is having a better day today. Really wish I could help with a constructive idea.
Barbara

Barbara,
I think Trilo is just hard on little tummies. ;) Adding prednisone to the mix has helped Buddy's mobility, but his little tummy suffers from all the meds. :( Thanks or checking in. I hope Trixie is doing well.
Hugs,
Kathy

Okay, so the pumpkin doesn't seem to really work for him if he is huffing and puffing like that. Well, did it help his stomach at all?
Anything is possible and Buddy has so many allergies, another one might not be that big of a surprise, but it sure does make things difficult.
I guess just keep trying to find that something that will work for him. Have you asked your vet about it maybe?

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Yes Sharlene, Buddy's tummy seems to be a little better today since starting the pumpkin. His allergies however, are out-of-control! Are they caused by the pumpkin? They could be. They could also be caused by a thousand other things. :confused:That's the way it is with allergies! I'm going to continue the pumpkin for the next couple of days and see if his allergies improve. If they do, his problem is not with the pumpkin. If they worsen or he starts licking at his paws or scratching, I will assume it's the pumpkin, stop giving it and add it to his allergy list. Such is the plan!;) You'd think a macro-tumor would be enough!:(
Hugs,
Kathy

Well, you know Buddy, he is an original. :) I hope it is not the pumpkin if it is helping his tummy.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Crikey Buddy, you start behaving and limit yourself to one problem a day young man (or even better, NONE), your poor Mom will be going grey!! Kathy, I was pleased to hear the tummy settled today, be hoping for another good report tomorrow from the Budster. Thanks your support on Flynny's thread, you really are a doll you know xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx :)

Kathy:
I know about part of what you are dealing with, as Tipper can be allergic to anything also. Once when she was about 2 years old, she started swelling up like a pig, she got all these raised welts like about as big as your little finger on her body, We went to the emergency . She was struggling to breath as I was driving way over the speed limit to get there. They gave her a shot of epinephrine and I had to put her in their sink, and start with cool water as she got a dangerously high fever. We got it under control, but scared the daylights out of me. I have kept an epi pen on hand in case of this. The only thing is they are so darn expensive, and go out of date rather quickly. Tipper actually gets anaphylaxis so it gets bad. It is terrible having to deal with the macro issue and all the allergy stuff also. Never found out what caused it. I always keep a bottle of liquid Benadryl in the house and in my purse as she has had other episodes of this. I hope you find out if Buddy is allergic to the pumpkin. It could be all the stuff flying around in the air too, that is one thing with these allergies you never know what can set them off. Blessings
Patti

Kathy
Just wanted to say hello and that I'm thinking of you and Buddy.So frustrating with all the allergies-poor Buddy and poor Mom!!Glad his tummy issues are resolving and hopefully he is not allergic to pumpkin.Glad to hear that you are seeing improvements with the combo drug.I've been trying to catch up with the threads here so I may have missed something but I thought I read that you have determined that Buddy's tremors are a result of a hypoglycemic episode?I was just curious as I thought the tremors are what led the docs to suspect a macro.I'm glad that the corn syrup worked so well.Buddy must be so happy that you'll have the whole summer to spend with him and it must be a huge relief to you!Hope Buddy is having a good day and that you get the meds/allergies straightened out!
Patty

Patty,
It is all a little confusing trying to pick up with my thread now. As it turns out, the tremors are caused by reactive hypoglycemia episodes. Buddy's advancing neural deficits led to his macro diagnosis. Allergies and stomach issues also add complications. You are pretty much caught up now.:)

Buddy's stomach is settling (with the pumpkin) and we both had a more rested night. His allergies (runny nose, sneezing, wheezing) are still running rapid. I'm really hoping that he's not allergic to the pumpkin! :pNo scratching or feet licking as of yet. My Summer break officially begins on Thursday:D
Hugs,
Kathy

Happy Summer Break.

Sorry if I scared you about the SEB, I just wanted you to know, maybe it will be fine. I know one of our work pups takes pred for his seasonal allergies and it helps him. I was hoping the pred would help Buddy's allergies too as a side benefit.

Maybe the grass pollen is really bad now. I get really bad when the grass pollen is in high gear, usually lasts here in WI until mid July.

No Addy, You did not scare me. Thank you for alerting me! ;):)I need all the help I can get, as Buddy is a highly allergic little man. Once I get a handle on this bout, I might try the Slippery Elm in a very small amount. I need to make sure that the pumpkin isn't causing his current allergy symptoms first. You know how important it is to test each new thing individually. I hope the pumpkin is okay, because it has helped his tummy settle with all the meds. Thanks again Addy. Always clue me in when you think there is something I should know. It is always appreciated. :D
Hugs,
Kathy

It looks like the pumpkin is a no go. I gave Buddy a little pumpkin with his dinner and he started wheezing a few minutes later.:( His allergy symptoms have gotten worse since I started the pumpkin. It is supposed to be one of the safe foods for dogs who need a hypoallergenic diet. Tell that to Buddy, would ya!:( I find something that helps to settle his stomach and he can't have it because of allergies. FRUSTRATED and CONFUSED:confused:
Kathy

Hey Kathy, what about ginger or ginger root? It is known for calming an upset tummy.

Lori,
Do you buy it in capsules or as a spice to sprinkle on food? I'll Google it and see what I can find out. Thanks,
Kathy

I am sorry to hear that the pumpkin has caused an allergic reaction. It seem so darned unfair. I'll have a chat with Buddy if you'll have one with Pia!

Gee Buddy....no pumpkin for you? Poor guy he really is having a bout with his allergies isn't he? You said his tummy has been unsettled... is it bloating and gas? He doesn't have diarrhea or vomiting does he? How has his appetite been?
It's too bad the PepcidAC doesn't help him..we have really good luck with that.
Ginger is supposed to be good for digestion and allergies but I have no idea how one might give it to a dog-or if it would be the right thing. Wish I knew what might help! :confused:

Barbara

Barbara,
His tummy gets upsets due to all of his meds. Hi tummy rumbles, he burps constantly and he's unable to settle to lie down and sleep. He is eating normally and his poops are good. It is more an indigestion thing.the pumpkin has really helped with that, but his nose runs continuously, he wheezes and struggles to breathe. I find something to help with one problem, then another develops from it. Allergies are a huge pain in the butt!
Kathy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Budster's Mom

Lori,
Do you buy it in capsules or as a spice to sprinkle on food? I'll Google it and see what I can find out. Thanks,
Kathy

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In my area, the ginger root is found in any grocery store. I believe you can make some kind of tea/broth out of the meat of the root and mix it in some wet dog food.

I think it is also sold in a capsule form, and I am not sure if the ginger spice can be feed to a dog, it might be but I'm just not sure.

AW poor Buddy, goodness he just can't catch a break...sending hugs and prayers!!

Ohh no, poor Buddy. Flynn takes Losec for his tummy, maybe that would be worth asking your vet about?? When his tummy was real upset I was giving him one capsule a day (10mg) but now it has settled I just give him one every 2-3days. Sure hope you find the magic ingredient that will settle him, hope your last few work days are whizzing by nice and fast so you can be home with him full time for the holidays xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The ginger has the potential to help. The Pepcid AC stopped helping Squirt after a while and I switched her to Tagamet (Cimetidine) when she needs some assistance. The SEB helps her more than anything. Squirt will eat some ginger cookie treats I have but will not eat the ginger itself. :rolleyes: The Queen RULES! :D

Kathy:
You can't be chasing down lizards with a tummy ache and runny nose, so we have to get Buddy fixed up! Tipper does the same thing with the tummy ache, and allergies. Did you happen to try the SEB? Maybe just a one time and see how it goes?? You could try some yogurt, that is a cheap try and if it doesn't work no money thrown away. Do you give Buddy the meds inside food or not?? That could make a difference. I put Tipper's inside of a piece of chicken or she won't take them, and will get a stomach ache also, maybe try that. How about a small amount warm rice and chicken with the meds? How about Manuka honey that has done wonders for Tipper with the acid reflux erosion they get. You give them a small amount on a piece of bread or by itself about 20minutes before meds or food. Ok that's it I'm out of ideas for now. God Bless
Patti

AH! My mind! I've been wanting to share something with you and keep forgetting! duh....

Tasha also had allergies and when we found the CHF the vet wanted to put her on Lasix - I wanted to try some natural diuretics first. I had Dandelion so I came home, made up some tea, dipped my finger in it and touched Tash's belly. Within minutes, it was red and itchy so I knew she couldn't take that and I started the Lasix. Every time there was something I wanted to use with her, I tested it that way - mixing it up as required then touching her belly with just a wet finger. Even when she didn't react on her skin, I kept Benedryl close just in case. ;) But I found that method to be quite accurate in determining if she could try something or not.

Thanks Leslie, that's a help!:) Once the pumpkin is out of Buddy's system and his allergies settle, I want to try the slippery Elm bark. I know it's a risk, but I'm at a loss for what to try. I'll make the tea and test it like you did with Tasha.
Hugs,
Kathy

Summer break starts officially now! I'm going home to take a nap with the Budster! The last week of school is exhausting! :eek:This is a huge treat, as I never get to nap during the week! I'll catch up with all of your threads later this evening.
Hugs to all!
Kathy

So happy for you that the Summer break is finally here!! Hope you have a very restful nap with sweet Buddy, sending you both huge hugs, Lori

Well, Buddy hasn't had any pumpkin since yesterday morning. Today was the first day in several, that I came home and he wasn't wheezing with a runny nose. So pumpkin is out to help ease his tummy issues. Walmart carries ginger in capsules. I know because they had a empty spot on the shelf when I was there today!;) What would you suggest I try first? The SEB or the ginger? I am thinking that the ginger might be more mild, therefore less likely to cause an allergic reaction. I wouldn't be giving him a whole capsule at once. I would probably just sprinkle a little bit on his food. Now that I know Leslie's testing method, I will definitely try that first. The SEB arrived yesterday. That is fast! I only ordered it on-line Sunday afternoon and just used standard shipping.

Okay angels, it is poll taking time. Cast your ballots on my thread. Should I try ginger first or SEB (Slippery Elm bark)? Don't delay, vote now! Thanks!;):D

Right now I am sitting pool side in my back yard. A beautiful yellow and black butterfly is flittering from flower to flower. His friend who is staying right with him is a baby blue hummingbird. It is an unlikely pair of friends, but it seems to be working for them. We can learn so much from nature!:) What an incredible gift nature gave me today!:)

I will be waiting to tally those votes!
Hugs,
Kathy