Lulu 11 y.o. Pom has gone over the Rainbow Bridge to meet Jojo

Hi Glynda,

Everything crossed over this side of the pond for the desired results for the kids, and sending positive thoughts your way :)

Hugs and love,
Jane, Franklin and Bailey xxx

Hi Glynda,
I cannot image having to go thru this Cushings journey with two little ones, but like they say with having multiple kids in many activities you deal with it--work it out.:)

I am glad nothing major came back in the results. Hair/fur loss is still a mystery to me. Maddie's coat is like a bear rug--thick, long, and colors it wasn't before or coloring that stayed under her black fur.:o

I will be following your advice to go see the IM's--maybe I will see you there one day....:D

Thanks and take care!!!

Hi Marie,

I travel to OC a lot for adoption clinics so if I know you're taking Maddie to VCA on a weekend, let me know and if I'm in the area, I'll drop by and say hi. Would love to meet both of you and run my fingers through Maddie's hair. :D

Glynda

So I found a gp vet nearby who has several cushing's patients. Because I talked to him about splitting the cortrosyn and because I do rescue work, he gave me a twofer on the stims. Jojo was perfect at 3 pre and 3.5 post. Lulu was still a bit high at 5 pre and 5.7 post. I'm going to increase her maintenance by 60mg a week for a while and see if that brings her back down into the 2 to 3 range. She and Jojo have always done much better in this range.

Lulu has been acting like her normal self but she is looking worse. She has lost weight and more muscle. Her head is looking skeleton like and despite her recent dental, she is sneezing violently again. She also had a pretty bad seizure last night. I got home later than normal because my train broke down on the way home. Gil had already eaten so I picked up a burger and fries on the way home. I just sat down on the sofa to watch my soap opera and eat my dinner surrounded by all the beggers when I looked to my left and noticed Lulu was in distress. I picked her up and her left paw was rigid behind her ear and as I picked her up, her other paw went behind her other ear. Her face was scarey looking and her eyes were bulging. She was as stiff as a board for about a minute and then she started coming out of it. Within five minutes she was spinning in circles again, begging for french fries like nothing happened.

I hate seizures...they are so incredibly scarey and I'm not sure my blood pressure and heart rate have returned to normal yet. I'm glad I'm home for the next three days so I can keep a close eye on her. I have her on another bout of antibiotics and if the sneezing doesn't stop and/or she has another seizure, she's going directly to see Dr. Moore or Dr. Mourning at VCA.

On yet another crappy note, the new vet called in the refill for Lulu and Jojo's Mitotane. They had it shipped to their office and marked it up by $42. Of course I reminded the vet that all I asked them to do was call in the refill and I refused to pay any more than what I've paid for the last two years so. I told him he could keep the drugs and I'd have the IM call in another refill for me. He started stuttering and finallly agreed to give it to me for cost but said he does charge $10 to write a script. I'll be sure to remember that and use him for stims and teeth cleaning only. I was thrilled to get dentals done for $75 each. Four dentals for the price of one...you can't beat that with a stick.

Hi Glynda,

Heavens! Another seizure! :eek: Bless your heart! :( I can only imagine how scary those are but I can also imagine your loving voice and gentle touch help Lulu as much as anything when they happen. She is lucky to have you....heck, they ALL are!

You did get a good deal on the dentals and the stims for them with the new guy! That is great! I told Dr B today that I would work for him reeaalll cheap - work for vetting for my girls! He actually told me to bring in a resume' and he would think about it! That would be such a huge relief!

I can just see you "explaining" the prescription issue to them! :p

Those are pretty good numbers for your guys, tho, so I am happy to see that. I hope Lulu won't have any more seizures and that she spins her little heart out for french fries for years to come!

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Hi Glynda,
I know Its been quite a while since Ive posted, but I have been keeping an eye out and noticed your latest post. I'm so sorry to read about Lulu's seizure. Gosh that truly does sound scary. I probably would have panicked considering I have never experienced a seizure with a fur butt or human. Why does Lulu get these seizures? Is there medication that helps? Well just the same it stinks to witness an episode. On the bright side, glad her appetite was not affected by it after the episode passed, and well who can pass up begging for burger and fries anyway--lol. I wish I could be more helpful here, as you know it's always you helping me with this stuff, but I offer you my thoughts, prayers for better post nos. For the babes and a happy and very healthy 2011 for you and all our babies. Luv ya and Happy New Year. Xo Jeanette and Princess

Heh Wildwoman... glad to hear the update on your dear ones although the seizure sure sounded scary... so much for vegging n watching the soap huh? Hope things are better today. Hugs to you and all the furry ones in your life.... Kim and Annie

Thanks for checking in ladies. Lulu is doing fine today...like nothing happened and eating like the little piglet she is. I on the other hand am falling apart. Been sick for almost three weeks with sinus, bronchitis, dyshidrotic eczema on my hands and feet and today was told that I probably have an autoimmune problem that is causing the blisters and burning sensation in my mouth. Apparently hormonal imbalances can cause this so my periodontist thinks I need to see an endocrinologist. There are some people that look like their dogs on the outside and then there are people like me who have metabolic problems like their dogs. Thank goodness I'm not bald yet like Lulu. :D

Jeanette, to answer your question, the vet doesn't know why Lulu has infrequent seizures. That's not unusual as finding the root cause of seizures is not easy...usually it's a process of elimination. Unless she continues to seize, the vet will not put her on medication. She's only had four in the last couple of years and I'm hoping that they quit entirely or remain few and far between.

My mom's little dog had about 3 or 4 seizures in her lifetime, then stopped entirely. Poor you though, I know how scary it is to see them go through an episode.

Time to take care of yourself now girl!:):)

Love and hugs,

I am glad to hear that Lulu is doing great and I will be praying that her recent seizure episode is her last.

You, my dear friend, take care of yourself.

With much love and big hugs,
Lori

Hi Glynda,

Glad to hear that Lulu seems fine today :). Also glad to hear that you're not going bald and still have a lush furry tail :p

Hugs and good wishes,
Jane, Franklin and Angel Bailey xxx

Hi Glynda,

Again with this bit about Drs. charging to write a script. Glad you called him on it but sorry you had to. Fingers crossed here for a seizure free 2011.

Scott

Oh Glynda, I hate seizures...I recognized the first ones that Lady had as grand mal seizures but the next two were so strange and could only be back spasms....they happened just like the ones that Natalie described to her Chris.
Hope everything goes smoothly for you and your health issues and that there are no more seizures for Lulu!
Take care,
Jo-Ann

Zoe, Koko and I are hoping no more seizures!!!!!!! My daughter had one when she was two and it was the worst expereince. Never want to do that again.

I was just reading about stress and how it raises cortisol and affects our immune system. Some of what you have been going through physically reminds me of me!!!! Hope you are feeling better soon.:) It is no fun. We can't have our number one positive motivator under the weather.:D

Wishing you a healthier New Year and hope things calm down at your house.:)

Hugs,
Addy

Hi Glynda,

I'm just catching up. I'm glad Lulu is doing better. Corky had several seizures, but we didn't know what caused them. There was one seizure that he had, which was the last one he had almost two years ago, which was the result of his taking Clavamox twice in a very short period of time. I hope Lulu doesn't have any more.

I also hope that you're feeling better.

Take care.

I've been around longer than most and have outlived many of my furbabies. One was never easier than the other to say goodbye to. Having senior babies of my own and senior and special needs fosters, I am reminded daily of how frail they are and how quickly their health can deteriorate. Whether I shared my life with them for a day or 18 years, it was never easy to remain selfless and not let my emotions cloud my better judgment.

While I have never met her in person, I was introduced to a wonderful woman last year who left a lasting impression on me. If anybody is deserving of wings, it is Susan Marino, the founder of Angel's Gate Hospice for Animals. Susan is about as close as you can get to an expert on knowing when to say goodbye. For those of us who may need help or maybe just a refresher, she wrote the Animal Hospice Guidelines below. I think I need a refresher as I am not so certain that my Jojo has such a great quality of life any more.

Quote:

---

ANIMAL HOSPICE GUIDELINES


1. Be present and be in the moment with me. In the moment of now we will write the final chapter of my life. Your presence is everything. Listen to me with your heart.

2. I have a right to compassionate, considerate, respectful care. Choose for me a veterinarian who will honor me physically, emotionally and spiritually. One who will listen to you because you are my advocate and no one loves me as you do. Choose a veterinarian who will offer her or his wisdom so that you can make informed decisions regarding my care.

3. Keep me free from pain and symptoms so that I may enjoy my day and the precious time I have left with you. Seek to understand the different types of pain I may have. Look for enthusiasm in my eyes as a gauge. Celebrate my life with me till the very end!

4. Keep me well nourished so that my body will have the fortitude that it needs to fight disease and energy to function. Offer me my favorite foods to entice me to eat but honor my decision, should I choose not to eat.

5. Keep me well hydrated; for this will keep me in balance with the universe.

6. Keep me warm and comfortable. I will need to be bathed more frequently-maybe several times a day. My favorite bed and blanket gives me security and lets me feel safe. I want to smell fresh air and to feel the warmth of the sun on my face. I want to hear the softness of your voice reassuring me of my importance in your life.

7. Let me stay active and continue to be a part of the family I love so dearly. I want to go for rides in the car, and long walks on the beach, and snuggle with you on the couch while we watch TV. Keep fun in our day.

8. Touch me. Your loving hands have fed me, played with me, comforted me and now give me strength. Linger just a little longer as you scratch my ear. Your touch lets me know you are there and gives me assurance that you care.

9. Give me permission to leave- I need to hear those words from you- I need to know you will be OK. Let me go. Know it is my time even if it seems like it is too soon. Support me as I take my final breath.

10. If there comes a time when you know that I am suffering please euthanize me. I trust that you will always make the right decision for me for I am the blood of your heart. Be with me- I want you to be my last vision.

11. As there has been great joy in our life together now let there be joy in my passing. Cherish and be thankful for our happy moments together. Promise to keep my memory alive in all you do every day.

---

Glynda,

I'm sorry to hear that you are at a point of worrying about Jojo's quality of life...

Natalie

Oh Glynda,

I am so sorry too...sending huge hugs.

Love and more hugs,
Lori

I'm also sorry to hear this Glynda. I'm sending positve thoughts and prayers.

With a sad heart I am Sending big (((HUGS))) and a special and loving back scratchy to JoJo.

Hugs to you and Jojo

Glynda,

The "guidelines" are so moving. I am sorry you are in this place at the moment with Jojo but I know and trust your decisions. I do hope it is just a little hurdle and you will have much more time to show Jojo how loving this world can be.

Jenny

Dear Gylnda,

Today is a very sad day for all of us when we hear Jojo is not doing well and what you may decide.

My heart and prayers are with you and for you.

Love,
Addy

My heart is with you, Glynda.

(((((hugs)))))
T.

Ah dear sweet Glynda I send you my heart and every bit of strength I have. Hugs to both you and dearest Jojo. Kim

Hi Glynda: I have just read through the thread about your little ones from the day of your joining the forum. I must say that I got as far as the "angel hospice" guidelines and just lost it. Number one just started the tears flowing. I feel so much for the heart and soul of my dogs, as do you--I see this so clearly now. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your dedication not only to your own dogs but to the dogs of so many others. Because of my faith in your expertise I really duked it out with my vet yesterday about the timing of the stim test, and insisting we go 48 hours from stopping to get an accurate reading. He did agree but only because I came across with great decisiveness and a bit of humor ("You'll have someone to blame," I quipped, "if something goes wrong.") I will be posting more about our plan for toby's loading which is to start 2nd week of march based on vets I most trust at our local clinic being on-call, covering weekends, etc.. I so thank you, and all the other forum members, for the insights and love felt through the posts. I thank you all for the light. We have exhausted our local specialist possibilities and I am committed to working this through locally....I believe God has a plan for my journey with Toby, and that from start to finish (which of course I hope is far off) it is in his hands. This is how the core, the soul of me feels--the personality worries and frets constantly about somehow being an agent of anything harmful to this beautiful little dog he has allowed me to care for. Blessings to all from Linda and Toby.

Oh Glynda ... sending hugs to you and Jojo.
Angela and Flynn

:( Jo-Jo trusts you completely. Sue

Thank you everyone for your beautiful and kind words. I don't believe Jojo is in continuous pain but then, he can't tell me where it hurts. I watch him closely these days and find myself in tears a lot. In the last several months, despite having cortisol under control, his behavior has taken a turn for the worst. Gil will no longer pick him up for fear of being bitten. If I don't baby talk him and pick him up with perfect placement of my hands behind his front legs, he will bite me. He has never liked to be picked up around his abdomen but it's worse now. I've had two vets check him out for stomach, liver and any other problem that could cause him pain in this area and they were unable to find anything. He's always been a grump but he's much worse now. If any of the dogs go near him he snarls and snaps at them. He's not as tough as he thinks he is because he went after Lola and she fought back and cornered him. He was screaming like a girl. :D His gait is stiffer and he rarely holds his tail up anymore. I've asked the IMS about his head bobbing and he thinks it's because he's missing so many teeth, he's trying to keep his tongue in his mouth. He also has TMJ which is painful for him so he has to have very soft food at all times. He's been doing the head bobbing for a very long time but it is becoming more exaggerated and a constant thing. The only way to get him to quit is to pick him up and love on him. It breaks my heart to watch him. At least once a day, he'll be walking across the room and will let out a yelp and run away with his tail between his legs. I've had him checked for luxated patellas and his knees are fine. I think it's his arthritis flaring up. I have just started him back on metacam so we'll see if there is any change. He is becoming more withdrawn and rarely asks to be held anymore. Despite a great diet, good control of cushing's and omega fatty acid supplements, his coat is really brittle and very dull. His eyes are also bad again.

If he weren't so darn happy to see me fixing meals and if he didn't get so excited with momentary bursts of energy and excitement when we are going bye bye in the car, I'd not be so torn. He is due for another stim next month so I'm going to have a full senior panel and thyroid panel done to rule out any other underlying issues. If we can't find anything there, I'm going to discuss the possibility of checking just his estradiol levels. I don't believe I need a stimulated specimen so I can just have the blood draw done and sent to UTK. I think I'm going to have all of this done at my local gp vet, as the cost will be a fraction of what the IMS would charge. I will then gather all the results and make an appointment to see the IMS. I'm not ready to give up on my baby boy until I've done everything possible for him and have talked to the gp vet and his specialist about his quality of life.

Glynda

Dear Glynda!
Many hugs from us too. I know this is probably the worst place to be and my heart goes out to you. It sounds as if JoJo is still giving you moments of pleasure to you and you to him. Each one of those moments are precious and memories onto themselves. We are waiting anxiously for your test results. In the meantime, please feel the white light, energy and prayers we are sending your way.
Love,
Carrol

Dear Glynda,

Every day you have with Jojo is special, try not to let those tears start. I do understand it is a bittersweet time because those loving moments are just so special. I hope you can get some answers as to what is going on and that there are many more days to love on him.

Jenny

Hi Glynda,

I will go out on a limb here and share this with you. ;);) It may be of help with Jojo, I was not sure where his intermediate hormones stood.

After I had Zoe's UTK adrenal panel run in January I emailed Dr. Oliver. I wondered why a maintenance dose of lysodren would be a treatment option when her cortisol was higher. During the emails back and forth, I asked him, if I had to pick the worse of two evils, high cortisol or high estradiol and other intermediates, which should I control? He said according to his research "they seem to do the same thing" in his studies.

We then discussed Zoe's symptoms and her improvement in mood. He attributed that to her decrease in estradiol and the fact her other intermediates had also come down, and though three were still not normal, they were not as elevated as in May. The estradiol and some of the other intermediates, I have to refer back to his email to see which ones, can cause behavior problems, moodiness, etc.

Now I realize, all of this is theory and I do take that into account. What I know is that Zoe's mood is different now, different than even last October when her colitis was not an issue. Today, for example, we went for a brief walk. We saw strangers and strangers with dogs and we did not react. She gave me watch me without me asking, she gave me leave it without objecting and she was calm. I have not seen that behavior in quite awhile. Keep in mind, I have studied her behavior for over three years. I know all her signals, I know everything about her behavior as I have studied it every day, how she signals to play, how she warns other dogs and strangers, her calming signals. I watch and observe constantly because I had to.

For whatever reason, Zoe is not as aggressive, moody, crabby, whatever you want to call it. I see a marked change in her personality in the last month. At this point in time, I will attribute it to her reduced elevation in her hormones. I otherwise, cannot explain it. She had only been on melatonin and lignans at the right dose for barely 3 months. It can't be a coincidence. And yet her cortisol is higher. Even Shen Calmer did not give me this behavior.

My theory, sorry I wrote a book. Just want to share.:) I wondered if high estradiol and perhaps progesterone was a possibility for Jojo.

Love ya,
Addy

Addy, thanks so much for sharing that information. As you probably saw in my last post, I have thought about the possibility that estradiol could be a factor. Considering all of his issues, I really hope that's what we are dealing with. I quit giving Lulu melatonin and lignans as it did absolutely nothing for her. I checked the expiration dates and they are still good so I'm thinking about starting him on both in the morning to see if that makes a difference.

Glynda I just read through your posts about Jojo - my heart and prayers are with you.

Love and hugs,

Glynda,

Thinking of you and hoping so much that Jojo feels better soon. Sending you my thoughts, prayers and hugs.

With love and hugs,
Jane, Franklin and Angel Bailey

I'm sorry to hear that Jojo is having problems.

I'm hoping that the thyroid panel shows something - that's what I have my fingers crossed for.

Alison

It's been a while since I've posted about my own kids so thought I'd let ya'll know how things are going. Jojo and Lulu had stims three months ago that were excellent. Lulu's post was 4.6 ug/dl which was better than her 5 point something prior to that. She still looks like a hyena from time to time as the random sprigs of hair grow here and there from her little black torso. She really is the most pathetic example of a Pom you've ever seen but she still draws a crowd with that cute face of heres whenever we go out.

Lulu has always been a food hound and she goes crazy whenever I pull the treats out of the reefer. When I pulled the treats out last week and sat down on the sofa, I looked over and she was having a seizure. I think we can safely say that her excitement about food, special treats in particular, has been the trigger for her seizures. We have to be very careful in the future to make sure the suspense does not build too much for her or she will seize up. It is really scarey!

I am going to rename Jojo, Yoyo because he is all over the place. His last post stim was 3.7 ug/dl and he seemed to be feeling pretty good that day. One month prior to that, he was feeling off, had vomited and had a little soft stool. I took him in for a senior panel and by the time the results came back, he was bouncing all over the place and eating like a pig again. When I went over the results of the bloodwork with the vet, the vet was gravely concerned because Jojo's ALT was 2001! More values than not were elevated so the vet wanted to do a bunch of testing. Since Jojo was acting fine, I told him I'd bring him in should he act sick again. Jojo's quality of life is off and on. One week I am looking at saying good bye and the next week he's running around with his tail held high, jumping up on me looking for loving and always ready for the next meal. He is still a grumpy old turd and does not tolerate anybody. The groomer will no longer groom him, Gil will no longer pick him up and I'm very careful when I pick him up. If I don't put my hands directly behind his front legs and lift, he will turn around and bite the living crap out of me. He doesn't have many teeth left but the ones he has will break the skin. So, we take it one day at a time with him and figure he'll let us know when it's time to cross the bridge.

My little Maltese Jasper was coughing a lot and I thought he may have a collapsing trachea but after tests and imaging, he was diagnosed with a grade four heart murmur and a huge heart. He is now on enacard and Lasix. My other Maltese Buster has an appointment to check his heart because he is coughing now. We did his bloodwork a few months back and the specialist wasn't concerned about a few mild elevatations. I am convinced that he is either hypothyroid or has cushing's. His T4 was low normal so I think I will have a full thyroid panel done. If that comes back normal, then I'll do a UC:CR. So it looks like none of my babies are healthy and my counter is even more cluttered with drugs.

My little rescue Lola has been battling a bacterial infection for three months. After four rounds of clavamox, two rounds of cephalexen and orbax and two bottles of malesab shampoo, she is finally turning the corner. My other little senior rescue, Gracie Mae, is on three meds for the rest of her life but thankfully, I have a wonderful fostermom who takes care of her. She has just agreed to foster Lola too. Between them, they have six teeth....Gracie Mae has two teeth and Lola has four. I just had a dental done on Lola and I got a big discount. :D Every rescuer should have a foster like mine. The only thing I have to do is provide the medicine and pay any vet bills. She feeds them, takes them to the groomers and has their six teeth cleaned every month.

The kitties are all okay but our male, Mokie, managed to get out of the house and of course, got into a fight. The other cat bit the crap out of his tail and it got really infected. Gil took him to the vet and came home with three medications in addition to the antibiotic injection. After one day, the cat had our number and there was no way we were going to get the meds into him. Thank goodness for the injection because that's the only thing that healed the infection. Everything you've heard about medding a cat is true. They are freaking crazy!

So that's the latest and I'm happy to report that I still have a few hairs on my head. Oh and today is my and Gil's 4th wedding anniversary and we still like each other.

:D:D:D Happy 4th Anniversary to you and Gil!! :D:D:D

We love ya both!
Leslie, Squirt, Trinket, and Brick

PS. Trink sends a special head rub and tail wag to her Daddy Gil. ;)

Happy Anniversary!! Thanks for the update, I was wondering about all your little ones.

xoxo,
Cindy, Alex and Bear

Happy Anniversary my friend. I hope you have many years of happiness together.

You really have your hands full with your furbabies. I admire you so much for everything you do, not only for them, but for others as well.