Squirt - my Queen has crossed The Bridge

Thanks, ya'll! I increased the herbs she's taking for the arthritis, have been carrying her as much as possible, and giving Tramadol when she is really hurting - which a FIGHT, let me tell you! That stuff must taste absolutely horrid! :eek: She really has trouble when she first gets up from lying down, that leg just swinging above the floor, but as she gets going she puts a bit more weight on it and is putting more weight this morning than she has the last few days. Her overall mood is better this morning as well - the tail a bit higher, eyes a bit brighter so I hope this is mending.

Sharlene, both her back legs are pinned and screwed together. She had luxating patellas on both knees plus deformities in the right leg that required basically cutting it off and resetting it from the knee down. That leg was set something like 25 degrees off center and had to be turned. :eek: She was so cute in her bright red casts, tho! :D

Hugs,
Leslie and the Queen of Dogdom

Leslie, so glad to read that Squirt's leg seems a bit better today. That is tough with hardware in both back legs, you worry about one or the other carrying all the weight. My Angel Dakota was that way after she had the second ACL repair. I hope things continue to improve for your sweet baby.

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper

Oh I am sure she was adorable in bright red!
Hoping that the leg continues to get better and nothing to do with the pins occurred. It doesn't sound like it did if she is using it more now. That Squirt has a strong spirit. :)
Gosh Dakota had pins in both legs too! Thats tough, you have to watching out for both legs all the time I guess.

Take care, more good days ahead I hope
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Daisy had luxating patella surgery on one leg. I'll never forget it! I slept on the floor with her for days as she cried constantly if I wasn't right there.

Happy that Squirt is improving!

Glad to hear Squirt's wee leg is improving Leslie. I am not sure what strengths you get the Tramadol in over there but here we only have 50mg capsules. It was a real pain splitting them up. But I found a product that has been a huge benefit for me and I told my vet about them and he ordered it in for me. They are Tramadol drops, a human product. 5 drops = 12.5mg and it comes in a special little bottle with inbuilt dropper. I pop his drops in his dinner and he does not even know it is there! Really good for the small doses. xx

Sure hoping today Squirt's leg is even better.

Leslie: Squirt is a wonder dog. She just keeps going, what a sweet little dog. So glad she is getting some better. You are a wonderful person with all you do for these precious dogs. I know you have kept so many up and moving and I know you love them dearly. Hope Squirt keeps improving every hour of every day. Love, JoAnne

Yeah, my Sweet Bebe is one strong tough little gal! I had all but given up on her a few months ago and the whole time she was wondering what was wrong with me! :o:) She's never given up, never stopped fighting. She's amazing to me! ;)

Squirt has always loved to have her face and head rubbed really hard. This morning I woke up to vigorous rubbing on my pillow under my head. When I opened my eyes, there was Squirty eye-ball to eye-ball and she responded to the view with a loud, high YIP! Which plainly said, "Get up, Mom!" When I put her on the floor, she took off down the hall toward the front door with weight on her left back leg. :cool: Not full weight bearing by any means but weight nonetheless. She drank and ate with that leg on the floor, not swinging in the air like it has the last few days! :cool: I carried her down the ramp after eating to potty and while they were about their business I was looking around the yard. I turned around to carry her back up the ramp only to find her on the porch already! She went up by herself. Since the seizure, Squirt has gotten very good at allowing me to help her when needed - when NEEDED. She's a life-long card-carrying member of the "leave me alone, I'll do it myself" crowd. ;) The fact she went up on her own says the leg feels much better as well as seeming to be functioning better. All of which is lessening the fear of damage with the hardware in the leg. ~~whew~~ (I wish I was half as tough as Squirt.)

Trish, I've never heard of a liquid Tramadol but that would be wonderful! So much easier to get in her! We have 50mg pills which aren't hard to cut...unless you need an 1/8 or less...which is what I typically give Squirt. I had two really good pill cutters that would hold the pill in place and cut precisely but they both wore slap out and I haven't found any as good as those - they came from her surgeon in TN. Yesterday I finally remembered a baby feeder I have that is like a big syringe with a large opening for food. So I smashed some of her feed with the med in it along with some water, put it in the feeder and squirted it down her throat. I used 1/2 pill and am guessing with the amount she flung out of her mouth onto the walls, floor, herself, bystanders, and me the amount she ingested is about 1/8! :p Yeah, liquids are Blessings in this house! :D

Thanks again! Ya'll are just amazing!
Hugs,
Leslie and Squirty

I am so glad Squirt is better. Nothing brightens your day more than a happy almost back to herself dog. I can just see the tramadol and food flying. Love, JoAnne

Leslie:
Wonderful news, Tipper and I are rejoicing for Squirty, and doing the happy dance. She is tough as nails that girl. I know what you mean about the I'll do it myself club, as Tipper belongs to that also. This makes my day knowing your girl is able to walk ok. It is the small victories that can make your heart so happy. God Bless you for all you do, and for little Squirt who is quite the character. Blessings
Patti

Yay for Squirty! she definitely is one tough little cookie! I am thrilled that she's doing so well.:D I love your wake up call this morning. We live for those moments. I am so happy for both of you! Xxxx

That's so cute:-)
Best wakeup ever.

Awwww, Squirt What a hoot she is. That girl just never stops amazing me!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Squirt is sure the energizer bunny and then some!! What a fiesty girl! Sounds like she's adapted to her casts and carrying on!
If only we humans could be like that!! :rolleyes:
Hope she has a good day!

Barbara

Leslie:
Monday is coming closer and in a way I am glad. I am so anxious to see if this can help my girl. I am just nervous of her newly skinnier leg muscles being sore after these shots. I am also worried she will get crazy again when she sees the vets office like she used to. She also has an ACTH coming up on the 8th so this is going to be stressful for her. I am wondering how Squirt the wonder dog is coming along? How is the other baby that has trouble breathing doing? God Bless you for all you do for those babies and everyone on here including me. I am ever so grateful to know you. Blessings
Patti

Hey Patti,

Squirt is doing alright! :cool::):cool: She just follows me around then sleeps close by. I'm happy with that, tickled pink with that! She's eating well, sleeps well at night in the bed, enjoys her brief times outside - just too hot to be out much right now, and feels well enough to be playful at times. Still battling loose stools, which is making it very difficult to get the Lyso schedule on track, but other than that, she is good.

I so hope these shots help Tipper. It can take several weeks to see changes so be patient and believe with all your might that they will help...and I will do the same. Josie got her shots in the shoulder, not thighs, and they didn't seem to bother her at all.

Sadly, we got her and found that mass much, much too late. During the short time she was with me, it grew to the point it was suffocating her. We let her go the 23rd of June. She, like Tasha, is back in her first mom's arms once again.

YAY for Squirt!! :):pThrilled she continues to do so well. These are the moments we live for! Big hugs to you and the gang,

Leslie:
I am glad Squirt is still amazing everyone with her spunk. What a sweet baby girl, she needs many belly rubs. I did discuss the Xanax with the Vet however since it depresses your breathing and central nervous system, and Tipper has breathing issues it would not be a safe alternative for her. I am going to continue to try and see if I can find something to bring her some relief. I heard of a guy who invented a set of headphones for his dog he takes in an airplane. Tipper would never leave them on. It's funny she is scared to death of the thunder noise, but it you try to muffle it so she can't hear it , she will thwart whatever you are doing. It's like she doesn't want to hear it, but has to if that is making sense. I guess she wants to be able to hear it in case it sneaks up on her so she is prepared! She is sure keeping me hoping the last few days. I thank God every second I have her with me. God Bless
Patti

Hi ya'll,

Well, I'm about at my wits end with Squirt. I cannot get a handle on this diarrhea. It's not always watery but it is just about always mucousy and loose; she'll have a fairly normal day or two then back to a mess. I've also noticed since I'm having to clean her butt so often that her rectum has recessed some; not sure is this is just an aging thing or not. This morning I've been trying to make her an appt but not getting an answer yet at the clinic.

Her appetite is getting iffy again, too. This morning she refused her food until I put an egg in it and then she ate only a tiny bit. But I had decided she could handle a dose of Lyso this morning. She flat refuses any meds period now, regardless of how they are presented. She will not touch her food if it has anything it it - including salmon oil. Her skin has gotten dry and flaky and I'm sure it's partly due to the loss of the oils she has been getting for years.

I've been struggling with the Lysodren dosing because of the diarrhea and now because of refusing food with meds. She has only had 5 doses this month and they were spaced out weird. Every dose gives her worse diarrhea. She started refusing her food with meds this month. She's not showing any cush signs OTHER than a slight increase in water intake (which could easily be attributed to the heat and the fact that she is eating more kibble than she used to) and massive hair loss. She has always hated being groomed in any shape form or fashion but now seems to enjoy being brushed - probably because it pulls out wads, and I mean WADS, of loose hair. Most of the hair coming out is her soft undercoat.

BUT she's acting better than she has in a while. More active and interactive - she's been coming out to greet visitors which she hasn't done in ages! She is playful quite often. Instead of staying in the closet or bathroom sleeping, she's been following me around more, wanting to be where I am like she used to. She'll lay in the kitchen floor and just watch, maybe snooze a minute but for the most part alert to her surroundings instead of sound asleep. She's wanted to sit in my lap and lay by me on the bed when I rest during the day. She's still limping a little bit but her mobility is a little better - she's actually scared me standing up on her back legs asking to get in my lap! She's showing curiosity again in things around her, noticing things that are different and checking them out. It's almost like having my old girl back in some ways!

(Just made an appt for 11 tomorrow.)

So I'm kinda at a loss as to what to do. Part of me is saying forget about the Cushing's and just let her be for the rest of her time. Then I think about diabetes and organ damage and get really nervous that she's missing doses. Then the question of HOW to get the meds in her now - she's gotten very good at detecting them no matter how they are hidden. I would hate to because it would mean a fight every time, but the pill pushers are an option...so after the appt tomorrow and hopefully a solution to the digestive issues, maybe the Lyso will be easier on her physically and she won't resist eating her food so much when it's dosed. (Yes, I credit her with the ability to make that connection! ;))

Any insight, experiences, suggestions appreciated!
Hugs,
Leslie and a stinky Queen

Leslie,
Sorry to read about what's going on with Squirt. You've probably already tried this- but we always have a lot of luck with very sticky white rice. It will really bind things up if Squirt can/will eat it. Maybe if the pill was buried in a sticky ball of rice? Also a soft doughy bread ball can hold a pill pretty well...if Squirt will swallow it whole it could work...but I guess it's hard if Squirt just won't eat.

Since she is active and playful at least she is not too bothered by the diarrhea right now. Her behavior seems very perky so that's actually a good sign.
I hope the appt. tomorrow will help with a plan for Squirt!

Barbara

Hey Leslie: So sorry Squirt is having problems. She seems to be feeling okay since she is somewhat like her old self. For some reason CoCo's stool is better. Don't know if it is the weaning the thyroid mediciine or getting rid of the worm. I believe worms can do a lot of damage to our pups. I was so happy when I found it because I believed that was his weight loss problem and stooling problem, but the vets said no. Since Lysodren causes diarrhea, I am really concerned about changing to it. The lignans seemed to build up in CoCo also and cause diarrhea, don't know if Squirt has a sensitive stomach and certain things cause the diarrhea, but not eating her food is worrisome. CoCo loved the Nutrical, don't know if you have ever tried that, supposed to stimulate their appetite and has lots of vitamins. I am thinking about you and Squirt today. I know you will figure it out, you always do. Love, JoAnne

I am so sorry that our sweet Squirt is having some issues. It just might be that she is being picky about her food because medicine used to be hidden it, our furkids are so smart! ;) Hopefully her appetite will pick up real soon.

Have you thought about getting Lysodren in a liquid suspension? Might be easier to administer??

Sending healing and loving hugs to you and all the dear furbabies.

Gosh Leslie, I can imagine you feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. If her undercoat is coming out and she is more active it would seem on the surface her cortisol may be going up and I totally get how you are worried about diabetes, etc.

So what to do about the stools and appetite? I did not have the appetite issues but our vets were going to consider budesonide or increase her metronidazole or switch out to Tylan if we changed to Lysodren and her IBD flared.

But in this case, for Squirt, it seems you are thinking that Lysodren is the cause of it.

I am so sorry you are dealing with this.

Sending you much love and hugs

Leslie:
I am so sad about Squirt not doing well and having the runs. I know how you are feeling and not sure of which way to go. I understand when you say not to treat her and just let her go on. Then the diabetes risk is another issue. I feel so bad that you have to deal with all of this. I know Squirt is special to you, and I don't even know what I would do if it were Tipper. I know she cannot continue on with the runs, as that in itself brings problems. It seems nothing involving this disease is ever easy, and there are never any simple solutions. I know potato will bind you up, will she eat any cooked potato? That is just a temporary band aid on the problem though. I hope you get in touch with the clinic. I will pray for you both that Squirt the wonder dog rises above it again and gets better. Blessings
Patti

Oh Leslie,
It is possible to mash her pills and syringe them through with some watered down baby food meat? Or do they have to go down whole? Those pill shooters are tricky and most hate them. Are you giving her SEB for the diarrhea? I am so sorry. I wish I could be more help. A stinky queen is not acceptable!:D Big hugs,

I'm not sure the Lyso has caused the initial issue. She's been having issues since the seizure. She'll get leveled out, I'll give her the Lyso and she has diarrhea again. I am seldom able to get it stopped in time for the next scheduled dose so her dosing schedule is all off kilter.

The SEB helped at first but no longer seems to. Marshmallow helps some, not as much as the SEB did and she hates the taste of it. I'm hoping she's just got an infection and a round of ABs will help...or worms even, I'll take worms at this point! :D

I'll let ya'll know what Doc says tomorrow and thanks for the input as always!
Hugs,
Leslie and Squirty

This is gonna sound simplistic, but at this point in time if Squirt is behaviorally doing better when she's missed a Lyso dose -- I think I'd just stop giving it. Given her age and situation, I think improved quality of her daily life trumps the longer term potential for chronic organ damage and diabetes. If she looks happier and perkier -- and will eat better and have firmer poops -- I'd just stop the Lyso.

Remind me, but you never loaded her, did you? Just have been giving maintenance doses? So you could always start back up with that again if you decided it was the better route to go. But for right now, I think I'd go with outward appearances and try to forget about the "internals" :o. Easier said than done, I know. :o :o

Marianne

Hope Squirt has a good appointment tomorrow and things get straightened out for her.

Hi Leslie,

Just wanted to stop by and tell you I'm thinking of you and Squirt, and hoping for the best tomorrow, both in terms of a good visit and good news! :)

Julie & Hannah

Leslie, Wishing you luck tomorrow. Hugs to dear Squirt. Kim

keeping fingers and paws crossed that it's a simple and easy fix.

So sorry to hear that Squirt is not feeling well, it's so up and down, just praying for normal days, hugs!

Leslie:
Tipper and I will be praying that Squirty can get some resolve form the vets appointment today. I am hoping that whatever this is causing the runs, that you are able to pinpoint it and get it stopped. I know you will scour the earth to help Squirt ,so I am confident you will get this taken care of. How is she eating still ok? Praying for you Both
Patti

One more thought, is Squirt on a probiotic? If no and she is going on antibiotics might be a good idea to start. If yes, she may need it changed because we have to switch them around every so often. They stop working.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by labblab

This is gonna sound simplistic, but at this point in time if Squirt is behaviorally doing better when she's missed a Lyso dose -- I think I'd just stop giving it. Given her age and situation, I think improved quality of her daily life trumps the longer term potential for chronic organ damage and diabetes. If she looks happier and perkier -- and will eat better and have firmer poops -- I'd just stop the Lyso.

Remind me, but you never loaded her, did you? Just have been giving maintenance doses? So you could always start back up with that again if you decided it was the better route to go. But for right now, I think I'd go with outward appearances and try to forget about the "internals" :o. Easier said than done, I know. :o :o

Marianne

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I couldn't agree more.

Ah...forgot about Marianne's question - no, Squirt was never loaded. We went straight to maintenance.

Thanks, ya'll! I'll let you know what Doc says this morning about the diarrhea.

Hoping for a good vet visit for Squirt.

Hi ya'll,

Squirt has a bacterial infection. ~~whew~~ She got a shot of Diathol with B12, which he said should stop it immediately, and came home with Baytril and a probiotic / anti-diarrhea combo that she takes 3x a day - ProPectalin. He also gave us a prescription for Diazapam for the storm phobia to try. Doc said he wanted this under control by Mon and if not, to call and bring her back. The rectum is more than likely aging and subsequent loss of muscle mass.

She got her nails trimmed, as did Brick, and I talked to him about starting Adequan on her when I can afford it. He's willing to give it a shot so we'll start that when funds allow. Doc said he thought there was a generic that was a bit less expensive and is going to look into it.

I knew she was shedding but my word! The hair was falling out in clumps all over the exam room today. I told them if they needed to stuff a pillow just sweep that floor! No wonder I'm wearing out a new vacuum! :D

I hope this works and she's back on an even keel soon. Stopping the Lyso, to stop even trying, is making my heart rise into my throat so if she can tolerate it and maintain a decent quality of life, I'll try to get her back on it - Doc wants me to as well. If it keeps upsetting her intestinal track or if it reduces her quality of life too much, I'll hang it up then. A little voice keeps whispering in my ear that if a German Shepherd can live to be 20 so can Squirt. ;)

Hugs,
Leslie and a tired Squirty

So happy Leslie that it is something with Squirt that can be treated fairly easily with antibiotics. Maybe she will be fine in a day or two. Love, JoAnne

Okay, such a relief! Whew! That infection will clear up and our ruler will back to her queenly self. :)It won't do to continue to have a stinky queen.:D xxxxx