Alivia was recently diagnosed with Cushing's - Alivia has passed

Thanks, Terri. I know the delay in treatment caused Alivia to get worse and I really believe it resulted in a longer recovery for her. I also learned that I will trust my instincts the next time (except I hope there is never a next time for this!!).

Glynda,
That truly is my hope - that the next time an animal is taken there in pain, they make certain that they do everything possible to figure out the cause. Being busy is no excuse to cut corners when it could mean life or death or even just unnecessary suffering. Quality care should always be the first priority. The thought of Alivia lying in that crate in the hospital all day, scared, in agony and suffering, while they did NOTHING, still breaks my heart.

Thanks for listening.

Love,

Mary Beth and Alivia

Happy weekend everyone!

A couple of small victories to post today.

1) Alivia went in the car last night and we took a ride. Although she was a bit nervous at first, she seemed to relax and actually enjoyed it after awhile! I am making a point to take her out for more trips that do not involve vets.
2) Alivia wanted to play ball. I just threw it a few feet so she could catch it and only a couple times because it was tiring her out. But, she WANTED to play. ;)
3) This morning I was playing tug with Maxwell and Alivia brought a toy to join in!! She still tires very quickly, so I go easy with her, but at least she seems to be getting her interest in playing back. :D

Weird thing. Alivia's belly was shaved a couple MONTHS ago for an ultrasound. The fur never grew back so they didn't even have to reshave it when she had pancreatitis. An almost perfect circle of fur has finally grown back!! It is about 2 inches in diameter. I call it her crop circle. ;) I tried to take a picture of it, but she was very suspicious and thought I was going to do something awful to her. Anyway, I posted the picture so if anyone wants they can see what a canine crop circle looks like. Oh, and if anyone can think of an explanation for this, let me know! I'd love to do it to the rest of her belly and the three legs that were shaved for IVs!!!

Mary Beth, this is good news. I am so happy Alivia wanted to play ball. I think we feel better when we see them playful, even for a few minutes. And the fact her hair is growing back in is very positive. Zoe's never grew back from her ultra sound, it has been a year.

I am so glad you got resolution from the emergency vet. I hope they think twice now and pay more attention to sick dogs coming their way. I am so proud of you.;)

Have a wonderful weekend enjoying your puppies and I hope your days are filled with many ball tosses:D:D

Love,
Addy

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Thanks, Addy.

But does a crop circle count as fur growing back? :p

Yesterday, I ordered Alivia a cooling bed. It's a mat you fill with water and it is supposed to be cool to lay on. Remember how you could never sleep on an unheated water bed? Same principle. She was panting last night in bed and I couldn't tell whether she was just hot, it was cushing's related or she was in pain from pancreatitis. :confused::( Hopefully she'll use the bed and I will be able to differentiate when she pants in the future!

I also ordered both her and Maxwell cooling bandanas, too. Pink for Ali and Blue for Max! :cool: Hopefully they help.

Hi Mary Beth,

Saw your post on Addy's thread about vaccinations and grooming salons. Try contacting a Mobile Groomer in your area and explain the situation.

I am a mobile groomer and make many exceptions. The grooming salons do have liability issues to be concerned with because of other dogs that may come into contact. As a Mobile groomer, I / we do one dog at a time, no assembly line, cages or cage drying.

Note it will probably cost more that taking Alivia to a grooming salon... But the one on one experience for your pup is worth it ;););) LOL

Mary Beth, I will vouch for John 100%, too bad he's not in your area. I switched to a mobile groomer after Harley's eye was hurt by the groomer at my vet's. She denied it, of course. By that time, Harley had become a real terror when it came to grooming as I think he was mortally afraid because he could no longer see well. I had one lady coming initially who seemed to be doing a good job, but in hindsight I really wonder. I can't remember exactly what happened but on her last visit she made the comment about Harley, "perhaps you should consider euthanasia". I was astounded, & thought, "lady, this is the last time you will be touching my dogs". I turned to John. John has loads of experience with what I like to call special needs & senior pups. If you want to try to switch to a mobile, I would explain the situation to them, & tell them you are looking for someone with plenty of experience. I basically interviewed several mobile services before I found the first lady, & when I told them that Harley was difficult, & might bite, they turned me down flat. Harley was even getting 1/2 tab of valium prior to grooming which helped slightly. When John took over, he didn't want him sedated, really didn't have a problem with him, & I threw the valium away. I offer the above so you know what to look for if you want to switch.

Debbie

Sorry, Mary Beth, didn't mean to threadjack Ali's thread.

Thanks for the info, John. What an awesome job you have! :)

Don't apologize, Debbie. I like hearing everyone's stories. Wow!!! I can't believe a groomer would say that! I'd never use her again either. Glad you found John.

Actually, since Alivia is a Jack Russell, she really doesn't require any special grooming. I used to take her once or twice during warm weather for a summer trim to a groomer who has been taking care of her and Max since they were puppies. She knows Alivia's health issues and she hasn't required me to bring a rabies certificate. She also will get her in and out so that Ali is as least stressed as possible. I only tried going to a pet store once when she wasn't available. Now, though, Alivia's fur grows so slow than I don't take her anywhere. :( I just bathe her myself.

Oh John, this is good to know. If Zoe's groomer keeps giving me grief, I could try a mobile groomer. I didn't think about that. And she would not have to be there for four hours. Her groomer works well with Zoe but the office manager of the salon is forever pestering me about her rabies shot. Koko's place never asks for anything but I don't think it is a good fit for Zoe. She has her kids there.

Sorry, Mary Beth, don't mean to barge in and take over.;);););)

How are Alivia and Maxwell today? I think of your two often. Was Ali first to come to your family? Zoe was, then came Koko. Is Ali the boss of Maxwell? Zoe bosses Koko but when they are both waiting to go out the door, he squeezes right past her and always goes first.

Hugs,
Addy

Hi, Addy ! No need to apologize! I like hearing from everyone and I have no problem sharing!!

Alivia actually has had a bit more pep in her step lately! :D I am so hoping this continues! Alivia came first and she was so perfect that I got another JRT two years later. :p (Ali is 13; Max will be 11) Ali spoiled Max rotten. She cleaned his ears everyday and always let him take things off of her when he was a baby. To see them, you would guess that Maxwell is the boss. Alivia is just very patient with him, but if he really annoys her, she'll put him in his place. Funny you mentioned KoKo being first out the door - that is ALWAYS Maxwell's goal. He pushes in front of Ali all the time! I love the differences in their personalities. Max is definitely a boy! He can be an annoying little pain in the butt and tries to act tough. But, he is actually a little sweetheart and afraid of a lot of things.