Jasper (12 yr old Mini Schnauzer) is now at peace

I would increase the ace too. Molly is on benzapril 10mg, 5mg am and pm.

Something to discuss with vet at least.

huggers

http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com...ric-drugs-dogs

Hi Tina
Here is the rest of the article to go with that algorithm

Think I have probably posted it before, but worth another look with our boys deciding to go up this time! Wish they would go back to when they were twinnies at 0.6! x

I remember, I did mention to the vet the possibility about increasing the Enalapril, and I can't remember exactly what she said other than it is something that we will consider, both for his proteinuria and his heart. But I guess I didn't ask anything further about it at the time. I think I was trying to get a grasp on all of the information regarding the heart measurements so I didn't think to ask further. I will need to discuss with her for sure. Sharlene, Molly started off on a lower dose of Benazepril at first, didn't she?

Thanks so much Trish for the links to that that algorithm and the article. Just glancing, I don't think I've seen that article before! I will have to read it when I have more time later today. Gosh yes, I wish they both would go back to the 0.6!

xo

Hey Tina MERRY CHRISTMAS hope Jasper and Shelby can have a few treats and new toys to play with!!! Finger's and paws crossed all going good with you guys, catch up soon... I am off till 5th January whoop whoop!! Just got to get of this god awful cold I have battled with the last week or so... still have got the Christmas Spirit finally and hope it has found its way to you as well. xxxxxxx

Merry Christmas Tina, Jasper and Shelby!!!

I hope you are having a wonderful, RELAXING, christmas and holiday season. Don't work too much and take time for yourself!!

love and hugs!

TINA!!! I see you online!! Not often both of us on together, how are the holidays going for you!! Hope you and the Jasper and Shelby are getting lots of rest and relaxation! x

Hey Trish!! Trying to get caught up on everyone. Yes, been getting some rest finally, nice quiet Christmas here. Just the way I like it! Thank you for the Christmas wishes, sounds like all was good at your house. Are you feeling any better? Hope so. Watching some football here, and wishing I was off till January 5th too! That is awesome! :) xo

pretty pleased I am off to the 5th too, not going anywhere. Maybe a little trip at the end of January up to a beach up north hopefully. This blardy cold is sure lingering, keep thinking I am getting better then the next day throat is sore, ears blocked coughing like I smoke 100 cigs a day! Blech, living on flu meds lol. But a nice quiet day today as all the family that came to town for Christmas have left so a chance to finally rest up and relax! Awww I miss our rugby, but none on over summer, have to wait to February till it starts up again. Dad gave me a season pass for my Christmas present to next years games!! YAY!!

A season pass is awesome! Good job Dad! Yep, this is the last college football game of the year for my team. And tomorrow is the last NFL regular-season game also, which is where it ends for my team. They won't be going on to any playoffs this year, LOL. So then no more football until August here other than the playoffs and Superbowl, of course. :( But at least there will be hockey!

Boy, that cold sure is hanging on! You don't think you need an antibiotic do you, with that cough? For me, if my ears start getting messed up I usually need an antibiotic to kick it.

Last weekend ears felt like getting poked with knitting needle, pain is gone now but one just blocked and feels like under water lol... hopefully will come right soon. Most of these things usually viral, going to give it another couple of days then if no improvement see GP

Stink your team not going through to the finals, darn August seems a long way off, they have a good break!

Oh, unfortunately I know that ear pain well. I know you will monitor things and see your doc if you need to. Those viruses can hang on for a long time. :(

Yes, August is a long way off. After the Superbowl it always feels so bleak at the prospect of no football for that long.

I am quite the wuss when I get sick, Flynn is made of much tougher stuff! I am pretty sure it is man flu though :D:D

He has had a little treat this afternoon, we had a hogget roast for Christmas and the little foot bone was left in the fridge and not cooked. So he is on lamb.. this is sheep so close enough and he spent a good hour out on the lawn gnawing it!! I don't give him bones often, but he sure enjoyed this one!

Everyone that I know that has been sick this year the cough especially just seems to hang on and on. Mollys IMS had a dry cough for months. :(.

I wish I was off till the 5th! But alas back t work Monday and back to vet regime on Monday too. Bp check. Still 4 days off was and is a nice break. Jasper and Shelby doing okay over the holidays?

I'm a wuss when I'm sick too. :o

Happy to hear Flynn got a bone to chew on. Lucky boy! Nothing special for anyone here other than a few extra treats here and there. Jasper can't really have anything other than the food and treats that he normally gets. I'm really too afraid to give him anything else. It seems everything has a lot of fat, and since he's on a prescription low-fat diet, I worry about pancreatitis or colitis. Not to mention his triglycerides. He's been doing so well with all that lately, I sure don't want to rock the boat.

And poor Shelby has to suffer because of it. I can't very well give her something and not let him have some of it. But she doesn't really know any different, so that's a good thing. The sad thing is her birthday was yesterday, and no special treats for that even, because her brother can't have anything. :(

They are both doing okay Sharlene, got some nice new toys for Christmas, and Santa brought another dog bed that they are both enjoying laying on! :) But mostly they have just been so happy that I've been able to be home with them. And I've been happy too!

Yep Molly is happiest when I am here with her. Well probably really happiest if both hubby and I are at home. They just want their pack all together.

Awwww happy late birthday Shelby!!!!

Hugs

Ahhhh well what they don't know they won't miss!!! Feeling good is much better for them anyway!! I have stopped walking Flynn up the beach last couple of months. AFter that last time when he got that old fish, it set off his IBD for about 6 weeks :eek: he does go up there with Dad on his leash during week days when they walk. I have been walking him in the school next door as it is holidays and no kids about, but that is not without its troubles too.. the other night he took off in a hurry and I nearly had heart failure thinking he was chasing the headmasters cat@!! Took me a wee bit to catch up with him but no harm done. I really like to let him off leash to have a good run, he so enjoys it and it does my heart good too! Might take him to the dog park this week, but it is too hot most of the day and I am not an early riser on holidays!! Will have to see what time they are open too!

Hi Tina,

Stopping by to wish you a happy new year. I hope you nana is doing well.

Koko was so happy to have me home as well, too bad their bubbles will burst after next week, though I only have Thursday off, I hope you have Wednesday off too.

Happy New Year!

Hi Everyone,
I have posted a few quick notes this afternoon, unfortunately I haven't been able to be on the forum very much lately. Lots of overtime at work due to end of the year. Then on Thursday my Nana fell again at her assisted living facility. She has injured her right shoulder. Her arm is immobilized, and she is getting medication for pain. She has been on hospice, but now seems to be going downhill quickly since the fall. I have needed to be out there in the evenings after work, and spent most of the day there yesterday. My mom will be coming from Texas in the next couple of days. She had been doing pretty well prior to this, and was able to enjoy Christmas, so I am thankful for that.

So I may not be able to be around very much due to that right now, but I just want everyone to know that I am reading along when I can and I'm thinking about all of you guys. Addy, thanks so much for the New Year wish, unfortunately I also had to work Wednesday, and just had the actual holiday off. But I was grateful for that.

Jasper, thank goodness, is hanging in there for the time being, and I am praying that it continues. I don't think I have known a sweeter natured or more affectionate dog. He has been so good about me being gone so much. Such a Mama's boy he is, just sweet to the core. I love him so much.

So I may be scarce, but I will be reading and will pop in when I can. Please keep my Nana in your thoughts.

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper xo

Oh no Tina! Poor Nana. Sending well wishes her way!

Glad to hear that Jasper is doing well and maintaining. Hope that continues.

I do hope at some point you won't be working so much over time and get some serious Tina time. :)

Thanks for popping into Molly's thread. She's hanging in there. I am going to make an appt for this week to get an ACTH follow up test.

Sending big hugs your way and come on Nana!!

Hi Tina,

Sending healing energy to your Nana and and tons of strength to you my dear. :p

So glad to hear that Jasper has been hanging in there pretty well. Yes he is a sweetheart.:p

(((((((((Hugs)))))))

Your dear Nana is in my thoughts and prayers, sending loving hugs to you all.

Awww poor Nana, that's not fair getting an injury like that. I sure hope they are keeping her comfortable, nice your Mom is coming Tina. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and sending big hugs to you all (especially to sweetie boy Jasper!) I also agree with Sharlene, you must be well overdue a holiday!! xxxx

I'm so sorry about your Nana. Hope that all of you improve quickly.
Ear pain is the worst!

I have some weird throat thing going on. It was scratchy, dry and so sore but only at the back. Then my sinuses started. Needless to say, that's how I spent the holidays.

Keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your Nana is comfortable and that you find the time shared with her now brings peace to you both.

Oh Tina, I am so sorry to hear about your Nana. It can be a roller coaster with our elderly relatives. So many ups and downs, it is so hard.

Give Jasper and Shelby belly rubs from me. Sorry to hear you are working so many hours but glad to hear the pups are troopers about it.

Hi Tina

Popping in to see how things are going, I have not managed to be here much lately but looks like you haven't too. Hope all going well with your Nana and Jasper and Shelby are continuing to do OK... thinking of you and hope your doing OK :) xx

Thank you so much everyone.

I am sad to say that my Nana passed away on Friday 1/16. The funeral was last Wednesday 1/21. She had a very long and happy life, and other than a few setbacks in later years, was blessed with good health all of her life until the last few weeks. I will miss her.

While both of my brothers and my Mom were in town, in addition to making all of the funeral arrangments, we worked night and day to get her apartment packed up and cleaned out, and boxes and furniture shipped. :eek: It was very difficult but I am so thankful that we got it done while there was some help. I have been beyond exhausted, but it is done.

My little Prince Jasper was just a gem through everything. ;) :) Lots of stress, chaos and different routines, various family members coming and going at my house, long hours home alone, etc. I gave him extra Dex on several days to help with the additional stress that I figured he would be experiencing, and we managed without any Addison's issues! I was very concerned because this was all WAY out of his normal routine, and he hasn't been tested like this since he became Addisonian. But my little darling was a trooper once again.

I am sorry I wasn't able to check in sooner, it is end of month at my work, so lots of overtime again. And with being out most of last week, I am behind the eight ball to get everything done in time. I have been reading threads here and there as I can once I get home, but haven't had time to do any posting yet. I plan to do major catch up on the weekend. Know that I am thinking about all of you and your precious pups. xoxo

Big hugs,
Tina and Jasper xo

AWWWW Tina, I am so sorry to hear that your Nana has passed on. My heartfelt condolences surround you and your entire family. So glad she had a long, happy and loving life.

So happy to read that our boy Jasper continues to do well. What a trooper! So proud of our little man for going with flow. You go Jasper!:p

Wth much love and many tight hugs xxxxoooo

Aw Tina I,m am so sorry to hear about your Nana but glad she had a good life.

Well little Jasper was just a star, taking everything in his stride I am so pleased he did well. You sound completely run off your feet, but please remember to take time out for yourself :)

Tina, I am so sorry to hear about your Nana. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Jasper is such a trooper and such a good boy. He knew how to help you. They always know what we need somehow.

Please take care of yourself.

Awwww Tina, so sorry to read about your Nana. Doesn't matter how old they are still leaves such a hole in your days. Especially as you were the one taking care of the day to day issues that cropped up. Big hugs for you my friend. Gotta dash and get going for the appointment, knew I could count on you for the telepathic good wishes over the oceans! Lots of love xxxxxx

Sorry about your Nana, Tina. It sounds like she had a long wonderful life. Can you imagine all the things she saw come to pass in her lifetime?! What a fascinating age to live thru.

I am glad Jasper handled all the excitement good and know he brings you comfort especially now.

Tina. Big hugs. Iam so sorry you have lost your nana thT is always so hrs. My condolences.

What a trooper jasper was. So proud of him.

Hugs

Hi Tina

Just checking in to see how you and Jasper and Shelby are doing this week, end of the month so no doubt you are busy. Hope things are settling down for you, must feel strange not to be heading off to see your Nan all the time. Big hugs for you xxxx

Hi Tina,
I haven't been on her regularly for awhile..but checking in now and sorry to read about your Nana..it's hard losing family isn't it? Glad that you were able to get everything taken care of with her apt. and furniture...it's a big job, and hard to do emotionally...but getting it done right away is the best idea.
Glad to read Jasper did so well with all the activity...hope both he and Shelby are being their adorable schnazuer selves!! :D

Barbara

:eek::eek: Had a typo on Schanuzer!! Can't let they go uncorrected! :D

HI Tina, checking in to see how you and J and S are going this week. Hopefully things have settled down a little and your getting some time to recoup your energy and life. Big hugs for you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hey Tina, checking in on you and Jasper and Shelby.

I hope things are going well for you all.

hugs

Hi Everyone,

Thank you all for your kind words and condolences on the loss of my Nana. Yes, it has seemed strange to not have to go and take care of things for her, or have her around to visit. Somehow I was thinking I would have a lot more free time, but it doesn't really feel like that just yet. It is an ongoing adjustment.

I haven't been on the forum very much lately so am trying to do some catchup. And I have a long overdue update on my Little Man.

On 3/7 we had his 3 month follow up check since the last chest xray and UPC. The last chem profile was done 10/4/14, so it was time for that also. There is some very good news, and some not so good. Here are the abnormal lab values:

ALT 194 (<100 IU/L) H (Last 222)
ALP 3884 (<95 IU/L) H (Last 3783) :eek:
CHOL 416 (125-260 mg/dL) H (Last 449)
TRIG 262 (41-115 mg/dL) H (Last 177)

BUN, Creat, Phos, and electrolytes all WNL. A big yay here! :) My vet said she is not concerned with any of the above values.

The chest x-ray measurement of his heart was 12, which is the same as 3 months ago. No additional enlargement of his heart. My vet said that the xray looks almost exactly the same as the last one and that she could almost lay one right on top of the other they were so close. This a HUGE YAY, I was so worried about this. On exam she said his heart rate was nice and slow and lungs were clear, and the murmur sounded the same. All great news regarding his heart. Not great that it has shown enlargement already, but great that it has not progressed further since the last xray. :) I hope this trend continues for a long time!

Now the not so good news:

UPC 2.95 (<0.5) H (Last 2.48)

So it has increased by about the same amt as the last few times. :( :mad:

His previous UPC's and dates:

10/22/12 1.27
01/14/13 3.57
05/06/13 1.49
08/31/13 0.6
12/23/13 1.63
03/20/14 1.81
08/02/14 2.14
12/09/14 2.48

Since his kidney values and electrolytes were all ok, we have increased the Enalapril to 2.5 mg every AM and 5 mg every PM beginning 3/10. He was previously taking 2.5 mg BID. Since Enalapril can cause elevation in BUN and creatinine, and also potassium, we decided to increase it by 50% rather than doubling the dose. I know we still have some wiggle room with the dose, but we have to be extra cautious due to the Addison's and also Jasper has proven time and time again to be very sensitive to medication.

He seems to be tolerating the increase ok, however I have noticed that he has had decreased appetite since about the third day of the increase. I don't know if that is coincidence or not, but he had been eating really well for quite a while until now. He ate better today, but there have been times over the past few days where he has not wanted to eat, doing that walking away from the bowl and laying down in another room, and I have struggled to get him to finish some meals. I did read that loss of appetite can be a side effect of Enalapril, but he has been taking it for a long time and doing fine. Maybe if it is related to the increased dose, it is something that he will adjust to.

I took him in yesterday to have blood drawn for a renal panel to check to make sure that the increase dose is not affecting his kidney values. Should have the results some time tomorrow, so I will ask my vet about the appetite issue then.

I am unhappy with the UPC continuing to go up of course. :( My vet has emphasized numerous times that the PLN is progressive and that this is to be expected, and that the goal is to slow the progression, which she feels we are doing. She said that Jasper has responded better to the Enalapril than a lot of dogs she has treated. Maybe I am being unrealistic to hope that the UPC will decrease now that we have increased the Enalapril, or that it will ever decrease again. But that is what I am hoping.

So that is where we are at. He seems to be feeling pretty good for the most part. He had a brief episode of colitis and bad poos for a couple of days beginning early morning on 3/9. I wonder if it was due to the stress of the vet visit on 3/7. I started metronidazole right away and got it under control pretty quickly. Other than that and now his decreased appetite, he seems happy. He continues to have lots of accidents in the house when I am at work. I put tons of pooch pads down - he obviously can't hold it all day while I am at work - but he manages to still pee on the carpet somewhere a few times a week. :( :rolleyes: My vet is not sure why this is happening, but we both think there is a behavioral component to it now. He does not do this while I am home. I still get up with him at least once during the night to go out, that has not changed. The chronic sleep deprivation continues. :rolleyes:

I will post the results from the renal panel when I get them tomorrow. Not really expecting any problems there but it will be good to see it on paper. I will post our plan tomorrow also.

Hugs from me and Jasper xo

Hi Tina. Great to hear from you.
I certainly do sympathize with you on the UPC. Molly's is increased the same amount as jasper but in 2 weeks! Eeeeeek.
I hope the renal panel comes back okay. We are doing those also.
Glad to hear that Jasper's heart hasn't increased any further. Good news there. Yay. We will take it. Has your vet mentioned adding in an ARB with the enaparil? My vet is talking about it.

Hugs. Give jasper and Shelby a belly rub from me and Molly.