Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

Everyone:
With Tipper's breathing issues still ongoing even though the IMS said her trachea etc is working properly, I am still not convinced. I read up on it and it can be really tricky to diagnose tracheal problems under anesthesia. I heard bronchodilators can help, and there are some safe for heart murmurs. I am convinced if I do not get this issue resolved she will not make it. I don't know where to go from here.I am not for wanting to give her more, and dangerous drugs, but she needs to breathe. I am not sure what to do. She is still making noise when she drinks also. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Blessings
Patti

If you are really concerned about the results of the test, then can you get her to an ER where they can hear her with fresh ears?

How long has she been on the Zantac? Has it had time to strengthen the muscles around the valve yet? To help the acid reflux damage? Is it possible that an infection has set up from the irritation and she needs an antibiotic? Could this be allergies?

(just navel gazing..... ;))

Patti,
rip up the letter and throw it away. I would do nothing more for this neighbor. Let her ask her gossiping group for help the next time that she needs it.

People like her are miserable and they're too self centered to understand why. Not your problem and it's not her business.

We get it, that's why we're all a part of this forum.

I'm so sorry that your Lupus is acting up. Honestly, don't dwell about your nosy neighbors. Understand that there are ignorant people who just don't understand and they never will. Their loss.

You have us :)

Leslie:
I didn't start the Zantac yet as there were some side effects I am concerned about- heart rate increase etc. With her heart murmur that definetly scares me. I need to talk to the Vet on Monday about all this. If I take her to the ER they will hear nothing, like everyone else. She does this only when she lays down to sleep. It must be the position of her body on her side that is causing the trachea to close. I read also while researching this that drinking water agggravates this condition.It also said the membrane part of the trachea can then develope mucus. I have been telling everyone for ions about the whistling noise Tipper makes when drinking. Now when she is in the yard smelling, she snorts like a pig instead of just smelling like she normally used to do. When she lays straight she does not seem to have as much of a problem breathing. I just took her in my room to see if I could get her to lay down, and I left the light on. She layed on her side and started the chest heaving and wheezing. I got the video camera and starting taking her and it was dark and blurry, you can hardly see it. I need a quiet night vision camera. I wonder if the ones they put outside in trees would work? I think they are under 100.00 at Walmart. They could not hear the sound though. I am really needing to capture this so they can see for themselves that she is struggling to breathe. When she is up in the day and standing there is no problem. Only when she drinks, or lays on the floor on her side. It seems to be worse at night. I am still convinced it is her trachea no matter what anyone tells me. She has all the symptoms, and I read in many places today where Cushings does cause trachea problems. Some others that have babies with breathing problems may not even realize it could be the trachea. I will figure out a way to get this on tape so the Dr. can see it first hand. Hope Squirt is still doing well and eating good. God Bless You and Squirt
Patti

Valerie:
Thanks for the insight. I am about to lose it from these nosy neighbors. I can't in my wildest dreams imagine myself getting in someone else's business. These people need to find someone else to bother. I hope Daisy is ok. She is probably so sick of the diarrehea, and you are too. You just feel helpless in some of these situations, but you always try to find a solution! Us Cush mommies never give up, we are a tenacious bunch! Do you think she ate something or it is the Trilostane? She is really having a time of it, and I hope she gets on an even keel with no more runs. Let's hope it is a one time occurance for now. God Bless you and Daisy
Patti

Hi:
Has anyone ever tried those salt lamps for thunderstorms etc. to calm your dog? I have been reading up on them and wondered if anyone had any experiences good or bad? Blessings
Patti

If you're talking about the ion salt lamps, I have two - one in the living room and one in the bedroom. They didn't help with Squirt's storm issues but I never heard of them being used for that. I use them because they are supposed to help purify the air.

Purifying the air is all I have heard of them really being used for too. My daughter has one that she uses for that purpose.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Leslie and Sharlene:
I had heard about them purifying the air too, but read in a medical journal that the take the negative ions out of the air, which is part of the reason the animals know a storm is brewing. I will let you know if I find out anything further on them.
Blessings
Patti

Patti. it is the Trilostane. I asked dad not to give it to her with dinner last night and she didn't have any accidents overnight and had an almost formed stool this morning.

Nothing from the IMS vet yet which is unusual.

Do you have a cell phone with a camera built in? Most of the time, those cameras can also make short videos. I would see if your phone has that ability and then make videos of Tipper to show the vet.

That is an interesting aspect to the salt lamps that I hadn't considered. De-ionizing the air. I'm not sure if it would be enough to cover up the strong senses that a dog has though. They practically anticipate the storms coming for a day before they get there it seems sometimes.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

Poor Tipper, hope he gets his breathing under control, all these things with our pups, this is a horrible disease..sending you a great big hug too

Valerie:
The problem with using the cell phone is it will not work in the dark. That is the only time I can capture this. Thanks for helping and glad to hear Daisy is better. The Trilostane really messes with her. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
I am going to talk to my vet today about Tipper, and email the IMS and the Cardiac Dr. I must get to the bottom of this breathing problem. It is wearing her out struggling to breathe, and wearing me out staying up watching her. There a just too many signs pointing to tracheal problems. This is going to really adversely work on her heart form the strain if I don't do something. I am going to email them now. Hope all is well with everyone. Blessings
Patti

Patti, I just read about Tipper's visit to the hospital. I am so glad to hear things went well you both of you. You are so lucky to not have to worry about Tipper's tumor. Wishing the two of you all the best and that her breathing issues get better.

Hi Patti,
Breathing issues are always scary. :eek: I'm so sorry that Tipper continues to have to struggle for every breath. Sending love, hugs, and prayers to you both. We are here for you Patti,

Always,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Hi Patti,

I've gone ahead and changed your Thread title as you wanted. ;)

I do hope that the IMS and the Cardiac Dr will be able to figure out Tipper's breathing issues.

Sending huge and loving hugs, Lori

Hello

Just wanted you to know am thinking of you both.

I really hoped that the last visit had got to the bottom of it, hoping you get a reply soon

Big hug, kisses to Tipper

Mel
Xxxxx

Hi Mel:
My IMS' assistant just called me and said in order to find out what is wrong with Tipper she needs me to video tape it so she can see it. This will be a real challenge since she only does it at night. Hopefully I can get a night camera and get her while she is sleeping. I think I will have to do audio also so she can hear how she struggles to breathe. I have to get on this before something bad happens. Hopefully this will solve the mystery for the Dr. I just can't understand why she cannot go by the clinical signs I am telling her???Hope you are having a good day. Blessings
Patti

Patti,
is there a way to light up the area where Tipper sleeps? Then you would be able to use the cell and catch the sound as well.

Good luck honey. I hope that they can figure this out soon.

Hi Patti
Just wanted to check in and hope that you are able to capture Tipper's breathing struggles on video so that the doctor can see for herself.Hugs and prayers to you and Tipper.Hope doc can get to the bottom of this
Patty

Hi Everyone:
I am taking Tipper to a laser appointment this morning. I have to get a new memory card for my video camera. I was thinking about it and the one I have in the camera has all video of Tipper the past few months and I am not lending that to anyone. So I will get a new one and attempt to take video of Tipper sleeping. I am going to try and have her go to sleep with the light on, which will be a job, as she won't lay down if the lights are on! This is the only way I can capture it besides a nite vision camera and most of them do not have sound. Last night her breathing was bad again. We are supposed to have storms coming on Wednesday, so that will throw a monkey wrench into things also. I am going to get this done, I have to her life depends on finding out what this is. God Bless Everyone and stay safe in this weather. Watch out for the babies in this humidity.
Patti

Hey

I guess because she can't see what you are describing with the information she has available. You know your girl so hopefully this will enlighten the IMS so you can get to the bottom of it once and for all

I really hope the little minx will go to sleep with the lights on for you!

Did she meet any friends at Laser? That go ok?

Big hug, kisses for Sweet Tipper

Mel
Xxxxx

Could you turn the lights back on after she's asleep? Or maybe have a light on in a nearby room or hallway, adding just enough light her to see the video tape. If you have the camera ready, that could work. Unless, she's a really light sleeper. I hope they can figure out Tipper's breathing problems really soon. That is so scary when they make those noises.

Big hugs,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Hi Everyone:
I had somewhat of a successful attempt at video taping Tipper last night. I left the light on until she couldn't take it any longer. I did get some footage, but it is really close as she would not lay down with the light on until I sat beside her. I would like some from a little further away and will attempt that tonight. I had to leave the tv on so she would not hear the sound of the camera, also her noises really weren't picked up on the audio. I will keep trying, I am determined to show this to the Dr. so they don't think I am exagerating it or anything. I just took Tipper to the vets for her blood pressure. She has not been herself the last 2 days. Her blood pressure was really up at 170. The heat and humidity are bothering her so she has to stay in, which she really gets bored with doing. She has been leaving the bed after a few hours and going in my closet every night even though there are no storms yet. I think she feels she doesn't have to worry if she just stays in there. The only problem in the closet it very hot, and she runs out if I put a fan in it. Is any of this stuff ever easy? That's what I want to know!! We let everyone know how I make out with the video. Blessings
Patti

good morning patty !!! just checking in on you two.hoping that tipper will be feeling better. patty(milo)meka xoxox

Patti, once she's asleep, shut the tv off too and continuing taping? Good luck!

Yes if you turn off the TV, you will be able to hear her breathing sounds better on the videotape. I am so sorry that Tipper is returning to the hot closet, even when there isn't a storm brewing.:( I don't know really know if it gets any easier, but we are all with you and I hope that helps.:)

Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Hey Patti, sending you prayers for you and for your precious Tipper...hopefully soon you will get him on video and the vet will be able to help you with Tipper's breathing, hang in there, here for you!!!

Hi Everyone:
Thanks for the suggestions, but if I turn the tv off Tipper immediately jumps up. I got some more on tape yesterday. I am going to take the sdhc card to Walmart and make a disc, as when I moved I misplaced my software and usb cable for my camera and therefore cannot make my own. I can only make this a few minutes long as the Dr cannot sit there for a half hour and watch this. Tipper has not been acting herself the last two days, I just can't explain it, but she is not doing so hot for some reason. That hospital trip really took its toll on her. She has been going to bed early as I guess she is tired from all this, and waking me up at 6:00 am. Oh well that's ok, as long as I see her happy face in the morning that is all that matters to me so I will just handle the early hours. It is amazing but after going thru this with her, I feel 10 years older. I think this disease is equally hard on the care givers. It can sure wear you down. The mental part of it is the worst. The best thing though is all the Cush moms just keep on going! God Bless You All and all your babies.
Patti

Just nipping into say I will be thinking of you both while I am away

Will try and check in if I can, will be back Tuesday morning your time.

Big hug, kisses to Tipper

Melxxxx

Patti, I hope that you had success capturing Tipper on video. Praying for answers for you too and that it's something easily resolved.

Hi Mel and Valerie:
I got a few more minutes on the video last night, but Tipper was real edgy as we has rain. Got up this morning to low 40's temps so this is Tipper's kind of weather. Hoping it does not rain all day so she can get out in the cool and enjoy it. Last night my battery in my smoke alarm went and it started the loud chirping sound. Tipper almost had a nervous breakdown from it. By the time I got it changed she was panting and shaking so bad she could not stop. Don't get me wrong I am thankful for the Vetoryl saving her life, but the side effects on her have been a lot to handle at times. In her good old days when she was well she would have jumped at the ceiling trying to kill the alarm, and was able to jump straight up to 6 feet. This drug has really changed her personality, and has made her frightened of every sound. I just feel bad that she has to deal with being scared out of her mind with noises that she normally wouldn't even care about. One thing everyone knows about Jack Russells is they fear nothing, so this is really hard on her. She still does her springy Jack Russell jumps at times before I can get to her to make her stop, but they are a far cry from the ones she did before. I am attempting to spring clean as I take Tipper in the room I am working on, so I can watch her. I take breaks and play ball and talk to her in between cleaning. Someone has to do it and I can ill afford to pay someone so I am elected for the job. Before she got sick I would take 1 week in March and do it all. Firstly, I am too exhausted any more to do it all in 1 week, and secondly I cannot take a week away from her. You do what you have to do in this situation. At least I am still doing it and it will eventually get done. Hope you all have a good weekend. Blessings
Patti

Patti,
I hope you both are able to have a much calmer night. Darn smoke alarm. I had that same problem a few weeks ago. One of the smoke alarms started chirping in the middle of the night and I couldn't figure out which one it was. It would stop and start again. It was maddening!:eek: I am glad that you were able to get a little bit more video. I hadn't heard of Vetoryl making dogs more scared or timid. That is so unfair that both of you have to be put through that all the time.
Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Patti,

how long has Tipper been on Vetoryl? So far, I don't see any change in Daisy's personality.

Hoping for a more peaceful night. We have had a few days of thunder storms lately.

Kathy and Valerie:
Tipper seems herself today. She got up at 5:30am rearing to go. She has been on Vetoryl since last August. My only regret is the muscle contractions she gets at night, and they are worse than they were, and the personality change. She needs this drug to live so I am thankful for that. Her initial symptoms were so bad that she could never go untreated as she would have been really miserable. This drug has allowed me to keep her going, and that is wonderful. I had to go out last night and cover all my plants that came up as we had frost. I am leaving them covered as it takes me an hour or so to do it, and it is a lot of work. We are supposed to get a frost again tonight. Tipper is loving the colder weather and wanting to walk all the time. As she lay there sleeping last night I couldn't help but cry over the condition of her body. She was so muscular and strong, and now she is so boney and losing muscle. I am not uderstanding why she continues to lose muscle, as her cortisol is controlled?? I was under the understanding that if the cortisol was controlled that would stop the muscle wasting?? Can anyone speak to that?? I walk her as much as she will go, and if I didn't her back legs muscles would probably be gone as they are getting down there. I don't know what else to do to keep her muscle that she has. Evidentally just the walking is not doing it? If anyone has any ideas please let me know. Blessings
Patti

I am so glad that Tipper had a better night and is feeling more herself today.:) I don't know much about the muscle wasting thing with Cushings. Buddy used to be very muscular, and now he isn't. He is wobbly when he runs and can't always get in the doorway by himself. We have a ramp that he used to run up and down to get to his window for guard duty. He no longer can get up and down the ramp by himself anymore, so we've had to take it down. I put the ADA ramp up when he no longer could jump up into the window. Now the only place he can see to guard is looking out the front doors, weather permitting. :( His muscles have definitely wasted away and it's very plain to see.:( His lizard hunting has not suffered. He now make short sprints. He can still catch those suckers. He just wears out sooner and has to come in to rest. I can't walk him much in the neighborhood the way that I would like because of seasonal allergies. Invariably he will start wheezing due to something or another and I'll have to carry him home. Yes Patti, It is heartbreaking seeing their muscles go and not be able to do much about it. Maybe someone will know more that can help us both.:) Our angels are Brillant, aren't they?

Love and hugs to you and Tipper,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Daisy has lost muscle mass too. I walk with her whenever she wants to and play, etc. I don't know if there is anything else that we can do. Exercise is the only way that I know of to retain muscle.

Maybe the vet can recommend a supplement?

Kathy:
I always go into Buddy's pictures and look at all his outfits, he is just too cute. My favorite in the Count Budola. The pose he made in this picture is awesome. We had the wind pick up here like 40 miles and hour and I am glad I left all the covers on my plants as it is going to frost again. I wish I could keep Tipper forever. There are certain dogs you have that you just cannot ever think of being without. Blessings
Patti