Hey Vicki
Just wondering how you and the little guys are? Hoping Archie is feeling better?
Big hug
Mel
Xxxxx
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Hey Vicki
Just wondering how you and the little guys are? Hoping Archie is feeling better?
Big hug
Mel
Xxxxx
Hi Mel,Quote:
Originally Posted by Mel-Tia
Great to hear from you. Hope you are well. Thanks for checking on Archie. He has not had diarrhea(knock on wood) for weeks now. Once in a while, usually at least once a day he has some soft stools. He still itches but not to the point where he is getting hot spots(knock on wood). I asked the vet how long to keep him on Benadryl. She said as long as he is itching. She said it's good the Benadryl is helping because the next step would be steroids. It gets me that they don't want to try to find out what the problem is, just give pills. She knows how I feel about steroids. There are times, like this morning where he seems more tired. He hardly played this morning.
He is giving me such a hard time with eating. A Pug puppy should not be so picky. Gus will eat anything. I don't know what food to give Archie any more. One meal he will he a certain food, the next meal he won't eat that same food. It is so frustrating. Sometimes I think he isn't eating enough. This morning he ate some of this one food then when I tried to give him more of it he refused to eat more.
We have an appointment with the IMS on Tuesday 1/21/14.
Never would I have thought I would be going through this with a 7 month old puppy. I love him so much. It is so frustrating that this is happening.
I keep wondering if he should see a holistic vet. I don't know.
Any thoughts on Holistic vets?
Take care.
Hugs
Hi Vicki,
Since it seems as though your most serious medical worry with Archie right now relates to the abnormal blood counts, if it were me, I would stick with the regular IMS for this first consultation. That is an area that the IMS ought to be highly knowledgeable about.
Marianne
Thanks Marianne,
I will stick with the IMS. I was thinking about a holistic vet along with the IMS. I read stuff about detoxing(rabies shot) and diets and supplements and just wonder if stuff like that would help. I hope to ask the IMS about it if my mind doesn't totally forget. I have a list of things to ask.
Hey Vicki,
I'm glad Archie is doing better. Good luck on the 21st!! I will be thinking of you guys. I think the holistic vet in conjunction with the IMS would be good. While I like holistic vets, some (not all) will push lots of herbs (and they can be very expensive). Make sure you do your research on anything they suggest. I found it to be a bit overwhelming with Doc. One thing I like about them is the openness for acupuncture and massage, etc. Consequently, I have stopped giving Chinese herbs to Doc because they started giving him diarrhea. I'm sending good vibes your way!! BTW, I tried to respond to your last private message but it wouldn't send it because it said your box was at it's limit. ;)
Jessica, Thank you
Sorry about my private message box being full. I'm having a hard time getting rid of the messages because they were about Scoop.
Vicki,
You can copy the messages about Scoop and paste them someone else, like a word document or notes. That is what I have done with many of Buddy's messages. I then was able to delete those PM messages to free up space in my inbox/sent items boxes. I still have the messages, where I can go back and read them anytime. Just a thought...... Xxxx
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for the suggestion but I don't know about stuff like that. I am not good with computers. I wouldn't know where to start.
Vicki--Doc and I are thinking of you and Archie for tomorrow.
Just popping in to let you know I will be thinking of you tomorrow. I hope you get some answers and peace of mind. I don't really know anything about holistic vets so can't really comment on that
Me and Boyce are doing ok, work is tough but isn't it always.
Will be looking out for your update.
Big hug
Mel
Xxx
Crossing fingers for some answers tomorrow. :)
hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Thanks everyone. Hope the appointment doesn't get postponed. We are supposed to get snow.
Archie has me so worried. He did not eat any supper tonight. I gave him the same kind of food for supper that he ate for breakfast. I tried a different one and he wouldn't eat that either. He sniffs at it and walks away. This has me so scared. I have tried so many of the better brands of dry and canned. It's a roller coaster. I don't know what to do. It makes me so angry that this is happening to my 7 month old sweetie, Archie. He's still a baby. I love him so much this is breaking my heart.
He has changed in other ways.
Vicki, I would be scared too. I know we talked about him possibly just being stubborn and 'training you'... but, if he has other changes too, then it really may be something else. I am so sorry this is happening. :(
I hope the IMS can be helpful, and I look forward to hearing how the appointment goes.
We saw the IMS today. She is not concerned about his white blood cell count, at least not right now. She wants to see if any of his problems have anything to do with food intolerance. She wants to try a venison and potato prescription diet. I told her I don't know if he will eat it. She said then I could home cook. She stopped the Benadryl. I told her the vet said if the Benadryl wouldn't work then steroids would be next. The IMS said NO next would be to see a dermatologist. So if his itchiness comes back she said to schedule an appointment with one. She did 2 tests that the results could take a week to get back. I don't understand what they are but on the discharge paper it says Fast Panel PCR and Giardia Eliza. Has anyone heard of them? She said if the results are negative and Archie's appetite is still waning then an abdominal ultrasound is warranted. She also said if no medical abnormalities are found to consider a consult with a behaviorist for Archie and Gus. She thinks there could be a problem there.
So don't know much right now.
HI Vicki,
Sorry no quick answers! Crossing fingers on the blood tests. I don't know what either of those things are, hopefully someone on these boards has experience. Did he eat the venison and potato? I'm so sorry you are having these problems with such a young pup. But, he is lucky that he has you. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and hoping that you all are staying warm and safe.
Hugs!
http://www.antechdiagnostics.com/Mai...chNews/14.aspxQuote:
The FastPanelŪ PCR Canine GI Profile tests for nine infectious agents by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR): Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium difficile toxins A/B, Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin, Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Salmonella spp., canine enteric coronavirus and canine parvovirus. The FastPanelŪ PCR Feline GI Profile tests for Tritrichomonas foetus, Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium difficile toxins A/B, Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin, Crytoptosporidium felis, Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Salmonella spp. and feline parvovirus, also known as feline panleukopenia virus.
https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/sects/P...ts/giardia.cfmQuote:
Alexon Giardia Monoclonal Antigen Capture Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is a fecal procedure designed to detect a Giardia specific antigen. This procedure is done in parallel with a double centrifugation concentration flotation procedure for Giardia cysts and any other parasites that may be present in the fecal sample.
So those two tests are looking for parasites and infections in the digestive tract that would cause diarrhea and loss of appetite.
If you need advice on home cooking, even just for a short stint, let me know. I really hope the bloodwork comes up with something treatable so you can move forward.
A behaviorist is not a bad idea.... but, they can do damage if you get a bad one. Not sure I would rule out something medical just yet though.
Leslie, Thanks. I sent you a PM
Renee, I could use some advise on home cooking. I don't think this prescription diet is going to work with Archie. The IMS said I could home cook but she would like it to be limited like the venison and potato. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Have you had any dealings with Pug Dog Encephalitis?
The IMS has mentioned it a few times because of his seizure and his personality changes. I talked to her on the phone this morning and she asked how attached I am to Archie. She's not confident she will be able to solve his eating problem. She told me that about Scoop too. I love him so much and this is breaking my heart. I don't want to lose him. Financially I can't afford this but I don' t want to give him up. She said that maybe the pet shop would take him back or about a rescue. My heart is breaking so much right now! I know Patti wants one of these too. Anybody have a money tree or a miracle in their pocket? I looked for those things for Scoop too but never found any.
I am so sorry Vicki. :o. ((((((HUGS))))))
Sent you a PM Vicki.
Vicki, I had not heard of Pug Dog Encephalitis before. Now, upon reading about it, I am so worried for Archie and for you. I am so, so sorry to know this is possibility. Please know we are here to listen as you think things through.
Sending huge hugs,
Marianne
I heard from the IMS yesterday. All of Archie's test results were negative. We are trying a venison and potato diet. He eats some but not enough. I tried to buy venison. It is not that easy to find and is quite expensive for what I did find. He eats the cooked venison.
The next step is an ultra sound with the IMS. Not sure just when yet.
Can you try a different novel protein? Like duck? Or lamb? Or buffalo?Quote:
Originally Posted by scoora
What about Salmon or Whitefish and potatoes?
Things are not going well around here.
I am so stressed.
Just venting.
I am so sorry Vicki. xxxxx
So sorry to hear that things haven't improved :(
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Vicki:
I am so sorry. I wish I could help some how. I hope things get better. Blessings
Patti
Sending hugs and hoping Archie is doing a little better. Xxxx
Sharlene, Patti, Kathy,
Thanks so much for thinking of us.
I'm having a hard time right now. There's is just so much right now. There are times when Archie and Gus really go at each other. I mean bad. Then a few minutes later they are buddies. Then what's all going on with Archie has me stressed. Things I want to do for them but money is tight. My mind is so jumbled right now.
Hugs
No, that doesn't sound good at all. I am sorry.:o You have two intact males who's hormones are raging. You might need to keep them separated until you can get them neutered. Even then, you may need to still monitor them closely. When dogs get used to fighting and challenging each other, it can be a hard cycle to break. xxxxx
Vicki:
I was thinking of you today and wondering how things are going with Archie? I hope things are better for your sake. I am so sorry you have to be going thru illness with a dog again so soon. It just seems wrong this happened to you. These boys have the best mom so I know you will so what ever you can to help Archie, it just makes me feel bad for you to go thru this. Know that I think of you and Scoop often. Tipper is not well. Blessings
Patti
Patti, I'm sorry Tipper is not well.
Archie had his ultra sound done today. The IMS said she didn't see anything unusual on the US. She said when Archie gets neutered they could do it at the referral center and scope him to look inside but she didn't see anything on the US to make her think there is a problem.
When Archie saw the IMS in January she noticed a histiocytoma on his muzzle. He now has so many of them on both sides and one on his butt.
He will be going off his venison and potato diet. Hopefully I can find something he will eat. He didn't take a drink of water in a couple of days but I had been adding warm water to his food. After supper tonight Archie and Gus ran around and soon after that Archie went to the water dish 4 times. I was happy to see that.
He eats frozen carrots, baby carrots, and frozen blueberries so he gets moisture from them.
Hi Vicki,
How are your boys doing? Is Archir any better? Thinking of you. Xxxxxx
Hi Kathy, Thanks for asking.
No, things have not gotten any better. Archie has gotten even pickier with food, treats, doesn't drink much water.
I have a couple things I want to post and get opinions on but I have to do that later.
Hope everything is good for you.
Another thing with Archie. He keeps getting more Histiocytomas. He has so many on his face and one on his butt.
I am so very sorry to hear this news Vicki. I was hoping that things had gotten better for you and Archie. Xxxxxx
Weeks ago I talked to someone at the company that makes the rabies vaccine. She couldn't be of much help with my questions and then I asked about a fund for any compensation. She said have the emergency hospital where I took Archie when he had his seizure and his regular vet fax them info. I heard from them. They are willing to pay the cost of the emergency visit which is $362 but I have to sign off and can't make any claims in the future if something comes up. They said seizures aren't something they see as a reaction after a vaccination but because it happened the next day they would pay the bill just for customer relations. They said the itching and diarrhea were almost a month later and that wasn't from the shot.
What is your opinion about this? Would you take the money and sign off?
There was something else I wanted to get opinions on but I can't remember what it was right now.
Archie had blood work done on Thursday. I have those results but the vet hasn't called me about them yet. His white blood cell count is still in the high range but it did come down a bit. His reticulocyte count went up into the high range since his last test and his T4 went down into the low range. I will post the numbers another time.
He then had bile acid and blood ammonia tests done on Friday. I don't have those results yet.
I am not ignoring you Vicki. I just don't have the enough information to advise you. This is a legal matter that I am not equipped to answer. I am glad that you did contact the company which makes the vaccine. I was hoping you would. At least they have offered to pay something. Whether you should take it and release them from all liability, I don't know. I don't know if there's any way to really prove that rabies shot caused Archie's problems. I am so sorry that this drama continues for you and poor Archie. I wish I could be of more help. Xxxxx
Kathy,
That's alright. I don't expect anyone to decide for me. I just wondered what anyone else would do. The vet at the company says rabies vaccine doesn't cause these problems but who knows for sure. Different things that people say on the internet lead you to believe it could be but who knows? I just don't know if I want to sign off for $362. Not that I couldn't use the money. I'm just afraid to do it.
His food pickiness has gotten really bad. The IMS says she doesn't know of a reason why he's like that.
His bile acid and blood ammonia are in the normal range. I called the IMS about his blood work and one of the nurses called me back and told me that the IMS is not concerned about his levels the way they are right now. She said I should have his urine checked in 2-4 weeks. Crystals showed up in the test. She said I could have the special test done for the thyroid since his T4 was low but she's not concerned about it and I could have his reticulocytes checked again.
I have to post the numbers when I come on here when I have more time.
Vicki:
How are things on going with Archie? I am so sorry you are going thru this. Are there any healthy brogan out there? I am sure wondering. Lucky for Archie he ended up with you, as someone else may not want to deal with all this, so he is
lucky. How is Raleigh doing? Tipper has certainly presented me with many challenges? I am trying to keep on things so she continues to feel OK and have a good quality of life.. It has worn me down at times, but I love it it her more than anything so I continue on. It snowed again last nite and the sun is shining brightly. Blessings
Patti