Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

Hi Everyone:
Tipper has a decent nite last nite. It poured here all day really heavy rain. Because there was no thunder Tipper was fine. She even went out on the front porch while it was raining and she has never done that. Not too much noise sleeping last nite, but all the skin rippling, leg jumping etc. is very much scaring me. She only does this when sleeping, never when awake. I am worried this tumor becomes active while she is sleeping and that is where all this is coming from, although I have heard others mention their babies doing this after starting Vetoryl. It is very dark and overcast here today. I just hope the cool weather keeps on coming as she can really enjoy herself when it is cool. I am going to attempt to clean 2 rooms today. I can't stand dust on furniture, and things have gotten out of hand here this week. If I can't do it I will yet I will just quit, and rest. Tipper has stayed with me 24/7 since I got sick. She is always next to me and wants to be touching me with some part of her body. It is such a cute and endearing thing that she has always done. I start waxing Tipper's paws with paw wax in October. It keeps her feet form cracking and smelling in the cold weather, it is actually called paw wax. They use it on sled dogs. It dries really quickly, and I am glad as Tipper is always licking something on her. She is so much better on the 25mg. Barbara. I noticed an immediate difference in her the first day. No more continually begging for food, and that is such a relief as we all know. I am working on getting this weight back off her she gained during the uncontrolled period. It is harder to get off this time for some reason. I am having to give her xtra chicken as I need to get 3 pills down her in the morning instead of the 1 we were used too. So that adds up too. Giving 3 pills is a pain in the you know what. Then after that she has to have her Gallbladder pill. Then her supplements, so that takes a lot of tiny pieces of cut up chicken to get all this down her. I use the real lean chicken breast, I am afraid with all she takes cheese would be too much fat, and she will not eat no fat cream cheese or anything no fat, she hates it. One smell and she walks away. Hope everyone has a good day with their babies. Blessings
Patti

Cooler weather here today and tomorrow. Hope you are getting some too. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Sending hugs and prayers

Hi Everyone:
Another decent nite for Tipper. I have noticed her seeming depressed lately, and kind of distant. She slept well for the most part last nite, I think it is the cooler weather. Got her vaporizer ready for when the heat comes on. Glad I bought extra filters last year so I was all ready with it this year. I used the Dermapaw on the spot where Tipper is chewing and licking. I put it on before bed time. That is one thing we have not had too much of an issue with is the skin. I continue to give her the vitamin e every day, so it must be helping. Her breathing at nite is soooo much better after the Adequan that I thank my luck stars that Leslie told me about it. It was a major worry every nite we went to bed. Now she can at least sleep without struggling for air. She does still make some noises, but not at all like before. My nerves are a little better knowing I don't have to lay there and worry about her not being able to breathe. All I can say is thank God for the cooler weather. It has made such a difference. I hope there are no more storms, and that way Tipper's eyes should be ok. I was glad to see fall come, so it would be easier on Tipper, but sad about it also as it means more time is flying by for my girl. Blessings
Patti

So glad to hear Tipper is doing a bit better especially with the sleeping. Bet you are sleeping better too, I hope so anyway.

Hi Patti,
So happy to read that the better nights continue for Tipper and that her breathing is so improved.
I agree this cooler weather makes all the difference for Cushings dogs. Trixie is so much better now that the heat has subsided and she can be outside more enjoying the great weather which always seems to help make for better days and nights.
It's great that you noticed some positive change right away with the new dose. Seeing some of Trixie's symptoms coming back just a little I feel like she should go from 14mg twice a day to 15mg. Which would bring her from 28 to 30mg. Of course I'll wait until we do an acth but I'm thinking she isn't as controlled as she could be, and bringing her up 2mg shouldn't cause a problem.
Well I hope another good night is in store for Tipper. I feel a very cool breeze coming in my window right now...I'll have to close it a little because it's getting cold in here!! Yay for the cold weather!

Barbara

Good news Patti! I hope that you are also getting some rest. How are you feeling?

Yes Patti,
Time does fly by with our precious babies. That is why it's important to cherish every moment. I hope you are feeling better too. :) xxxx

Hi Everyone:
Another decent nite for Tipper. I am curious if anyone else has noticed the twitching and muscle contractions in their dog?? Tipper really had a lot last nite. I usually wake her when they get bad, and it stops. She even slept under the covers last nite. I had to put her down vest on this morning as it is 34 and foggy. She has never had a lot of hair especially on her belly, and now even less. I notice she is sensitive to both hot and cold extremes. I am curious if anyone with a dog who has a heart murmur has used Hawthorne? If so please let me know how it worked out. I spoke with Tipper's cardiologist yesterday and she wants to see her in November for a chest XRay to check her heart, and if this disease progressed any. If so she may have to go on the Ace Inhibitors which Dechra says is a very touchy situation while on Vetoryl. That is why I am looking into Hawthorne. It is reputed to really help the function of a dogs heart and regulate blood pressure. I am taking the yorkie Toby for a trim this morning, before the cold weather sets in. Just to get him trimmed up a bit, and cleaned up. Yeah for the cold weather!!! Keep it coming Tipper loves it. Blessings
Patti

Hi Patti,

In reading on Hawthorn in my books, I don't find anything that cautions against use in cases of CHF. In fact, Gregory Tilford and Mary Wulff say Hawthorn is used in CHF with success. The cautions I did find are -

1) concerning cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

2) not recommended for patients with slow heart beats or hypotension, or who are sedate

3) it can effect other heart meds, making them stronger, usually resulting in lower doses needed of those meds

I have asked on the Animal Herbalist group on FB to see if anyone there has heard of it being contraindicated for CHF and will let you know if anyone responds.

4)

Leslie:
Thank you as always. I will wait and see if you find anything else. What is the Queen up to? is it real cold there this morning? Blessings
Patti

The comments so far support what I found - same info. Where did you read that it was contraindicated for CHF? Cat Lane has this to say -

"I use hawthorn all the time, preventively and with DCM, heart murmur and renal disease.! It may be contraindicated with some drugs used for CHF, it may potentiate digitalis, for example. Is this dog on enalapril, vetmedin or any of the standard drugs? Furosemide?

The cautions regarding useage with various cardiac drugs are pretty standard, but otherwise this is a very safe herb.

I use hawthorn as part of a comprehensive whole that starts with diet, fatty acids, coQ10, taurine and so on. There's a lot of other options to consider in putting together a protocol for CHF.

I put my partner's 15 1/2 year old Lab on hawthorn 6 years ago, among other things, she still has great energy, pulses, no sign of disease. Can't say it's any one thing nor does one example prove a point, but I feel very safe and positive using hawthorn as part of a geriatric health protocol."

So far, she's the only one to respond.

I don't see anything in the Cardio Strength that should be an issue with the Hawthorn, but double check with your vet first. ;)

The dosing according to Dr.s Wynne and Fougere is as follows -

Quote:

---

Dried herb - 25-300 mg/kg given TID

Infusions and decoctions - 5-30 grams per cup of water, with 1/4-1/2 per 10kg (20lbs) cup of tea given TID

Tincture - 1:2 or 1:3 ratio; 0.5-1.5ml per 10kg 20lbs) given TID and diluted or combined with other herbs. Higher doses may be appropriate if the herb is used singly and is not combined in a formula.

---

Dogs typically find glycerite tinctures more palatable than alcohol tinctures and Mountain Rose Herbs has a glycerite tincture of Hawthorn.

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/ext...php#xgly_gl_ha

Alcohol tinctures can be used and I use the boiling water to ameliorate the alcohol content a bit with the steam escaping...but you also lose part of the active oils that way.

If you prefer to use the dry herb, MRH has that as well and I trust their sources.

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/sea...thorn&x=15&y=8

You'll want the leaf and flowers.

Again - be sure to run all of this by your vet before starting her on it. ;)

Hi Patty.... about the muscle twitching. Keesh really sleeps much sounder now then when younger, plus he's a little deaf. I have noticed while sleeping he is much more active. Legs twitching, body moving but he doesn't wake up. When younger I thought it was cute and he was dreaming, I still think that but he's in a much deeper sleep. Could this be the same with Tipper?

Glad you are enjoying the cooler weather. I hate it knowing winter is on the way. I'm a warm weather person, and why I was not blessed to be born in a warm climate is beyond me.

Judi:
I would say it could be her sleep pattern, but with this adrenal tumor I am leary, and concerned it is that. She has never twitched and had skin rippling until I put her on the Vetoryl. Her one eyebrow goes crazy and her eye twitches, and I have never seen this in her before. Her breathing at the time of this also changes and gets more rapid and louder. I can only pray it is her sleep pattern, but I am scared it is something else. She is doing wonderful in the cool weather. You sound like you should live in Florida!! Canada is so beautiful though, I am sure you would miss it. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
Tipper had another good nite last nite. After talking it over with the Dr. and Leslie I am going to start Tipper on Hawthorne for her heart. We went to the vets and got her blood pressure and weight done this morning. I cannot get this weight back off her, but the blood pressure was really good. I have had 2 friends in the last two weeks call here. The one I have known for 20 some years. Neither one even asked if Tipper was still alive. Why is it that people want to think you have mental problems if you truly love your dog??? They always act like there is something wrong with me for taking the best care I can of Tipper. It really sets me off, and I forget about it until the next person does it to me. So many people in this country regard pets as disposable items and it sickens me. I wish more people in the US would start regarding pets as family like it should be. I am already depressed enough thank you about my dogs disease, I don't need so called friends trying to make me feel bad about helping my dog. I don't call anyone else trying to make them feel bad about their life. The one friend several years ago had her dog pass away, and she was a basket case. She called me immediately and I did consul her. Do people just forget these things or are they selfish? This has me on a rant now, so I need to compartmentalize it. I have been through so much with this dog that I really don't give a____ who likes it! It is very cool, and we had frost and fog this morning again. This is Tipper weather! Last nite for the second nite Tipper was a little hungrier than usual. I have to keep an eye on this, she may still need bumped up a notch or two. Blessings
Patti

Patti,
I am passing on the advice I was given when Buddy was so I'll. I was told to toughen up and not let others get to me. It is nobody's business how you choose to care for your fur babies or what you choose to spend your money on. Others do not have to understand. It is not your problem. It is theirs. You have enough on your plate to worry about such trivial matters. Big hugs,

Kathy:
Thank you, it just gets to me when people especially ones that I know well, are so rude about my Tipper. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
Another decent nite for Tipper. I am so glad those breathing struggles are behind us now. Tipper is really acting a lot better in the cooler weather. I am struggling to get this weight off her. If I could just get 8 ounces off it would put her back where she needs to be. She has no appointments until Wednesday the 3rd. What a relief for her it will be not to have to go to any vet for a few days. It is really frosty out there this morning, had to put Tipper's vest on her again. She loves smelling in the cool air, and is so much more relaxed. Blessings
Patti

Great update Patti!:) I am thrilled that Tipper is getting a little break from vet visits and I'm glad the cooler weather is helping. I hope you are feeling better also. xxxx

yes!! Yay for this Fall weather. Trixie too, is doing really well without warm temps to contend with, we're loving the morning chill.
Patti--maybe Tipper is a little more hungry because she's outside getting more walking time? Between the cool air and exercise she's got a big appetite?

I just accept that some people will not get the love that we have for our dogs. You can't count on people like that to understand the depth of your feelings because they just don't, they're the types that say "it's just a dog"....ugh, what a thing to say!
I think most people with pets do believe they are a member of the family and treat them as such...it's certainly much better for dogs now than it was many years ago when they were tied up in yards and sleeping outside. I know some people still do this but I believe they're in the minority. When you're in other countries you realize that dogs & cats here have it really good in comparison.

That's why this board is so great...we all get it!! You don't have to explain why you do what you do for your pets. We don't question the efforts made and what a priority they are in our lives. How about some people who think it's crazy to spend money on your dog's health but they spend plenty on things that aren't living and breathing...like boats and cars, things like that. It makes you scratch your head sometimes, why should anyone question how much you love your dog? I just tell people the dog means so much to our family and we'll do everything we can for her...if they don't get that then they're the one with the problem!! :D

Barbara

Patti, Glad to hear Tipper is feeling better. I hope you are too.

Good news Patti! I hope that you are catching up on some much needed sleep!

Hi Everyone;
Well another decent nite for Tipper. A little more noise than she has been making, but still a good nite. I noticed Tipper not wanting to walk as much as she did. I think she is progressing further into this disease and it scares me. She will be 12 on the 4th and I pray she is here to celebrate 13. I could not possibly be so closely tied to anyone or anything else but her. The joy that she brings me is immeasurable. She is still a little hungry at nite, I am worried that we may have to go a few notches higher on the Trilostane. It is not real bad like it was, but she will annoy you until she gets the food. I think part of Tipper not wanting to walk so much may be do to the weight gain and pressure added onto her legs and sagging body. I am desperately trying to get this weight down. Tipper went out on the front porch a couple times yesterday to lay in the sun. She has always enjoyed that, but the hot weather prohibited it all summer. Now in the cool weather she feels free to do whatever. I put away a lot of my porch furniture yesterday. I am not one for waiting until the last minute. With things on a day by day basis with Tipper, I don't want to have to worry about getting all this done. I do a little every day, and when the rainy weather of October comes I am already finished. Yes I hate to say it , but I will be glad to see snow. I think it will be so much better for Tipper that I look forward to it. Too bad we cannot stay in the fall months all year! I got some balloons for Tipper's birthday. Tipper can break 100 balloons in under a minute. She started doing it at peoples birthday parties, and it continued on. One day I filled a room with them and she went nuts. Most Jack Russells do not like round objects. There isn't a ball that Tipper hasn't destroyed, even the neighbor kids fell prey to her. She knows the sound of you blowing up balloons and goes nuts looking for them, it's like she transforms into a crazy dog like you have never seen, all she concentrates on is breaking them. I haven't given her any since she became ill, as I though it would be too much for her, so I will give her a few on her birthday. People used to blow up balloons just so they could watch her break them. She is my biggest blessing in life, I pray she stays with me. Blessings
Patti

Everyone:
I just have to start this again. WHERE IS MEL????????Has anyone heard from her?? Tipper and I miss her terribly. Blessings
Patti

Sorry, I am ok. Nothing bad has happened. I have just been very caught up with work because of the merger and changes. I have been reading just not posting.

I can just imagine her with the balloons, that will be a great treat for her birthday esp if she hasn't been able to do that for a while :D

I am hoping work will settle down soon. Sending you a big hug and Tipper the Ripper some kisses

Mel
Xxxxx

Mel:
Thanks for posting we missed you, and I am glad to know you are ok. Blessings
Patti

Ok, I require videos of the balloon busting party! :p

Leslie:
No problem I will take video and stills as I am excited she is reaching this milestone, yet sad. Blessings
Patti

That sounds like so much fun Patti! Tipper bursting balloons. I can't wait to see the video too.

Mel, glad to see you're doing okay. YUCK on the merger. I know what you mean. Our company has gone through it with acquisitions and it's just horrid amount of work for everyone. Hope things calm down soon.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

What is it with Jack Russells and balloons? I have seen that on TV. A Jack Russell holds the Guinness Record for popping a lot of balloons in record time, just like you describe with Tipper!! It was so funny and the dog was just loving it :D
Trixie loves to attack paper bags and shred them up. If its bad weather and she hasn't had long walks I let her at it with some brown paper grocery bags to use up some energy.
Since being diagnosed I don't do it as much because she gets really crazy and worked up, then she pants a lot and drinks a lot...so I don't like to add more of that to our day. She knows the bags are in the pantry so sometimes she just stands by the door and growls for a bag. So funny.
Glad Tipper has had good nights and is enjoying lounging in the sun again now that she can do it in the cool air. :)

Barbara

Barbara:
When Tipper was well she could put that dog on t.v. to shame. I have had people help me blow up balloons and let her break them so I know how many she can break. The difference is that dogs balloons were fastened to a board where Tipper's a lose and that is harder to do. I though about calling the Guiness Book and getting her verified, but never did it as she could beat that dog hands down. We even watched that dog together when it was on t.v. I wish I would had videoed her doing that when she was younger. At least I will get some video for her birthday, but I am not giving her that many as I am afraid of her getting too worked up since she has not had any balloons for a while. I don't want to have her panting and make her sick, as she gets wild when she sees them. That is funny about Trixie and the bags. I guess all these breeds have there little quirks. Tipper was hungry again last nite, and up at 5:30 this morning again. I am getting a feeling the 25mg is not working and we may have to go to 27-28. This is all so expensive, why can't they make this affordable??. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
Another good nite for Tipper, but with some throaty noises. She is actually sleeping better and not wandering around the room at nite. She was however hungry again last nite. I am not sure if it is a habit now or she is uncontrolled. The numbers on the 16th will tell the story. My neighbor said to me this morning " I was waving at you on Wednesday morning to ask you something and you just put your hand up and ignored me." I said " that is because I have to take my dog to the vet's every Wednesday morning and I was in a hurry." She said " I bet that ruins your whole day." I said " no, that makes my day knowing my dog is alright," and kept walking as I was ready to implode. People can be so rude about my dog I am really sick of it. Just stop commenting about her altogether and I will be fine with that. I am so blessed every day she is with me as I am acutely aware of others who started on this forum around the time Tipper and I did that are no longer with us, so I consider us really lucky. Tipper had some excess energy yesterday and she tore out all her toys and was shaking them and throwing them in the air. It is funny, she taught Toby how to catch a ball. HE watches everything she does with fascination. He was watching her with the toys and sure enough he started shaking his toys too, it was cute to watch him imitate her. I am looking forward to her balloon bursting as I know Toby will be watching what she does. Blessings
Patti

"Tipper The Teacher" - sooo cute. Glad things seem to be well with you and Tipper.

I can just see Tipper frantically popping balloons while Toby itches to join him. Elvis will be squawking in the background while Chance and Lucky scramble to escape. Great fun overall!:o

I'm glad that Tipper has been resting better at night. That gives you some rest too. I hope you are feeling better. Xxxx

Kathy:
Toby has never seen Tipper do this, and it is too bad they are separated, as I know Toby will cry and want to join in. Tipper would never share her balloons with Toby. She is so keyed up when she sees them I am curious if she would stop to go after him?? That is not going to happen so I will have to ponder that one. Sometimes I tease Toby and hold Elvis and give Elvis Toby's ball. Toby goes ballistic he is so stingy, and selfish!! He tries to get it off of Elvis, but the beak wins that one. If you threw a steak on the floor I don't think Tipper would go after it she gets so intense on those balloons. It's like she is on a mission to kill every last one. I am only giving her a few, as I am scared of her working herself up with this Cushings, and don't want any problems because of it . We'll see how it goes, I may keep a few xtras if she doesn't get crazy I'll let her have them. I only want her to enjoy herself, and in no way want my girl hurt over birthday balloons. Blessings
Patti

Maybe you could give Toby a few balloons in a different room so he doesn't feel left out??? Xxxx

Kathy:
That's a good idea, as long as Tipper does not get distracted, and try to tear the gate down to get at Toby's balloons. I would not put it past her.

Hi Everyone:
fairly good nite again for Tipper. Lots of snoring noises, but no struggling to breathe. Tipper has been going to sleep early. Therefore she wants to get up at 5:00 am now. This morning I had to get up at 4:45 as she started with gastro symptoms and really loud noises that I know hurt. I took her out and she went potty, and I gave her some chicken. It takes about 20 minutes after she gets food for it to stop, and she is in agony the whole time waiting for it to subside. I am going to have to make an effort to keep her awake longer at nite and feed her snack a little later. She has already walked and is resting by my feet. She is so round, I must get this weight off her somehow. I am going to take her for a car ride today. I realized the only time she gets in the car now is to go to the vets, and she used to like a car ride, so I don't want her to think that is the only time she is getting in the car is for something bad that she hates. I hope everyone has a good day with their babies. Blessings
patti

Oh a car ride sounds like a good thing to do. :) What about a stop at a park along the way or some place new for her to have a walk at. Fun things, new smells.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin