Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

So sorry about your baby. This is all new to me also. Sassy has always snored some, but more so over the last few months. She has gained weight and her stomach is swollen, so I assumed that was the cause of the more frequent and louder snoring. Now that she is blind all she wants to do is sleep. It breaks my heart. I know that when I gain weight I have a harder time breathing. She also yelps in her sleep a lot like she is chasing rabbits or something. I am just starting this journey of atypical cushings and really can't be a lot of help as far as advice. What I can be is an understander for the love for your dog. My husband died unexpected with a massive heart attack at 46 and Sassy was the only normal in my life. The kids all live out of state and she was the one I came home to. She needed me and I needed her and because of that she got me through one of the hardest times of my life. Prayers going up for you and Tipper.

Hi Everyone:
Nothing from Dr. Bruyette yet, but he is looking at a lot of blood work so it may take him a few days. I have a lot of faith in him, he has been an ardent supporter of Tipper and I and I know he will come thru with a well thought out answer for me. I am noticing Tipper sleeping better and not moving around the bed as much. I don't want to jinx it, but could it be the new nite dose of 7mg instead of 5. It's funny that 2mg could make that much difference. She has not appeared to be as hungry at 6pm either. I am hoping and praying this does the trick for her. Yesterday her holy water came from Lourdes. I am putting some on her every day, as we can use all the divine intervention we can get. She played ball yesterday for a while and seemed to have some xtra energy, which is a good thing. My neighbor is all better so I don't have to hurry and run over there with food for him every nite. Poor thing is 78 and has diabetes etc. so I needed to help him out while he was sick. I know what it is like to have no one to help you. I am so thankful for the cold weather. At least Tipper is not in the closet worrying about a storm and driving her RBC's even higher. I am glad for this break from bad storms too. I have to take Tipper in the car today over to see the llamas because I have a kid coming to blow all my leaves out of the gutters and the noise and walking on the roof would send her into another bad episode with spleen reactions of RBC's. I will take both dogs in the car for an hour or so, it will be good for them both. The phone company called me and they found out it is the phone system at the Veterinary Hospital that is having problems taking my calls. They talked to the IT people there yesterday and are trying to get this straightened out for me. After all this now they find out it is the animal hospital. The hospital said they are having trouble getting calls from a few different states. I think they better get on it then! I am hoping to hear some news about Tipper soon the waiting is what gets to you. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
Just wanted to say that I miss Mel, I drew a lot of strength form her. I know she is busy working and probably reading the posts, but too busy to reply. I am hoping Judi has a wonderful cruise, and gets some much needed R&R. I miss them both. Hope Judi stays safe on her vacation.
Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
I just heard from Dr. Bruyette. He ahs gone all over Tipper's blood work. He said the red blood cell count is quite abnormal and recommends the following
Blood Gas analysis to make sure oxygen levels are normal,
An Echocardiogram to rule out a right to left shunt
If those are normal- Bone marrow exam to make sure this is not a cancer affecting the red blood cells.
This was enough to make me cry right off the bat, but I read most of this when researching her condition and knew these were possibilities outlined under the Absolute and secondary Enthrocytosis I spoke of. I knew she had this problem, now it is just a matter of identifying which, and I pray it is not the latter. It's one thing to read it and know you are right about what your dog has, and another for a well respected vet to confirm it. I am really wearing down with all this, but will continue on for my baby. Blessings
Patti

I am sorry Patti, YOU KNOW I UNDERSTAND so many of these are similar to what Teddy has faced, he has two heart issues, and possible bone marrow cancer. We decided not to do the bone marrow biopsy, although his specialist didn't want us to do it yet, he wanted another biopsy of the spleen nodule.

I know how tired and worn down you are, I was very very ill with it all a few weeks ago, but you find the strength somewhere, I will be thinking of you all the time & of course Miss Tipper !

Much love Diana & Teddy x

Patti, I am so sorry Dr. Bruyette thinks Tipper's levels are high enough to be a concern. But at least now you have a plan of action to get to the bottom of this. I know that is little consolation right now. But it still may turn out to be a problem that is treatable, and that would be huge relief to you for so many reasons. I do believe it will be better to know than to be tortured with the worry of the unknown. So the sooner the better, and we'll all be here right beside you two girls.

Sending big hugs,
Marianne

Marianne is absolutely right. Dr. B delivered the news that I hoped I would never get with Buddy, but am very grateful for. It helped me plan a course of action that was all about Buddy's needs and not mine. The only way that can be done is by knowing the facts, good and bad. I was given the gift of giving Buddy mobility a little longer and keeping him comfortable, knowing that he would decline at a faster rate. It was the right decision for Buddy, which I wouldn't have been able to make without Dr. B's information. I used his expertise to educate my vet and to get neurosurgeon support for a course of treatment.

We don't always get good news. What matters the most is being able to put whatever news we are given to work toward a plan of action. You are great at that Patti. Continue to gather as much information as you can. You will do the right thing for your sweet girl. I am sure of it. xxxx

He Everyone:
You are all my wonderful angels coming to the rescue. Dr. Bruyette has been with me throughout this and I could never thank him enough. He has never ever once asked me for a dime. I am so grateful to him I can't even express it. So the little voice inside me that said keep going Patti don't listen to the other vets was right. I have already started a plan of action. First off Tipper did have an echocardiogram, I called the hospital and they told me a shunt would have shown up on that, so we can cross that off the list. So there are 2 left, lack of oxygen, which could be a high possibility since she has tracheal issues and wheezes at nite or when laying down. I have gotten in touch with someone at the hospital at Pittsburgh as my vet does not have a machine to calibrate blood gases. I asked that she give all this info to my IMS and that I need an appointment asap for blood gases to be checked. The third of cancer I don't want to go there yet until the blood gases are checked. If she needs oxygen therapy I will need either an incubator or have to have someone help me make one. I am already planning things and my IMS better get in touch with me tomorrow or I will have my vet call to get me an appointment to get this done. I hate like heck to take her back to that hospital because of the stress, but I must eliminate these possibilities. Dr. Bruyette said I was right about the Reticulocytes so I guess my vet is wrong again. but I don't care about that I need to get into action now and help my girl, I love her more than anything, and I will get her help no matter what. I am going to email Dr. Bruyette back again. Maybe someday I would get to meet him and thank him for all he has helped me with. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
I just wrote Dr. B an email and Kathy I told him about you going to him with Buddy. I am sure he will write back and tell me he remembers it all, he is brilliant. Some day I will come back out to California and I will definitely stop and meet Dr. B. in person. Maybe swing by and see Miss Kathy & Rosie too. Thank you all for understanding this dilemma, it is very stressful, but I am still upright and functioning. Kathy I am sorry your year at school is so challenging this year. I hope for your sake it gets easier soon. Blessings to you all.
Patti

Hello there

I have indeed been reading along, I thought I should post today though after reading the update from Dr B. Your instincts were obviously spot on again Patti, it's a good job you never take your blinking vets word for anything

I do hope you get a plan sorted out soon, in the meantime sending you lots of love and strength. I asked Tia to look out for her when she went for her last scan and was elated for you that the tumour hadn't grown, I will ask my little girl to watch over yours again tonight

Big hugs to you and kisses to Tipper the Ripper

Love
Mel
Xxxxxx

Patti, your perseverance has once again paid off in Tippers favor. Whatever is going on, as Kathy said, now you can make an action plan and move forward. Imagine if you had done nothing and just relied on the vets all along, why, it is unspeakable.

Mel, so glad to see you. Hope works slows down some for you soon. I hate that being run ragged feeling and no real time to yourself to just wind down.

hugs patti! You're on the right track
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Patti, Prayers and hugs to you and Tipper.

Patti,

as frightening as the possibilities are, you know that you're helpless to form a real course of action without them. I'll be praying that it is not cancer and that something can be done to help Tipper.

HUGS

Hi Everyone:
I am still crying from my vet visit this morning. When I took Tipper in for her blood pressure the techs all came out together and clapped for me. I was so taken back and did not know what hey were doing. They said that they just wanted to support me with my constant never give up attitude. They said I am the only person who never accepts no and that keeps on going under the most adverse conditions, so they think I deserve a standing ovation. The vet came in early today during this, and said I am the most educated pet owner he has ever had and said I deserve for my dog to live more than anyone else he knows. I am still crying as I type this as I am just an ordinary person who love of their dog has no bounds, I am nothing special that needs people clapping for me, but being recognized for the love of my dog is good enough for me.
That being said Tipper's blood pressure was good, but she gained 5 ounces!!! I am really struggling with this, but I will conquer this problem. Last nit Tipper was very noisy. It is connected to her swallowing so much and sticking her tongue out I know it is. I talked to my vet at length as her had no patients this morning. He said I made the right call on the reticulocytes and he would definitely go along with Dr. B.'s opinion. The IMS has yet to get in touch with me. I told my vet I feel even though Tipper had no apparent clinical signs of low oxygen that last nite she struggled and wheezed, and I am putting a stop to her having to struggle. I told him I am making her crate into an oxygen tent . I asked if I am going to need and RX for the oxygen or not, he offered to check and see if they have an extra portable oxygen generator I could use. It will have to have really long tubing, as she will not be able to tolerate any amount of loud noise coming from the machine, so I could put it in my bathroom, shut the door and run the tubing under the door to alleviate the noise. I am going to go to Home Depot and get some plexi glass and get it attached on all parts of her cage. She will get oxygen, but this some cracks will allow her carbon dioxide output to escape. If I have to I will hold a mask on her for periods of time during the day. I could make one out of a plastic throw away cup. I am not going out to get the supplies today as I am waiting on the IMS and I need to get Tipper an appointment for her blood gases. At least I have that much thought out. She walked once when we came home. I am wondering if she has low oxygen if this is the reason she is not wanting to exercise much?? Makes sense to me. I hope to have the oxygen and the crate done by in the next couple days. If I can get the oxygen here before the crate is done I will use a mask temporarily. Time is of the essence with this project. Blessings
Patti

Patti, that is awesome that they all applauded you. It doesn't hurt to have some recognition sometimes of all you are going through.

Now, about this pexiglass If for any reason the oxygen doesn't work right or doesn't completely go in, you want to make sure that she does have some way to get air. I guess the slits for carbon escaping would work, but that would be my worry probably. Are you planning on just giving her treatments and you would be there with her the entire time or what?

I want to make sure that I understand what the plan is. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Sharlene:
I have a huge King Size bed with one of those mattresses made of foam that do not transfer motion. So my plan is to put her crate on the bed bedside me so I can see her, and hear her during the nite. There will be slits where the plexi glass cannot meet so her carbon dioxide will go out there, and if something happened she would have an air source. I would never put her in it if I was not right there I am so paranoid with her. The slits mean she just won't get 100% of the oxygen, maybe 80-90%. I will have all the bugs worked out of this before she steps her little paws into it. To buy one is ridiculously expensive and I cannot afford it, so I know I can make her one. I am waiting for the vet to call and tell me if he can get me the generator. If not I will have to rent one. Blessings
Patti

Well, if anyone deserves applause you certainly do for your perseverance in following through with this. I'm very glad the vet recognized it, too.

Best of luck with the O2 chamber! I hope it works great and provides her some relief!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Oh my gosh, you make us so proud of you. I join the rest in giving you a standing ovation. When we say you are your dogs only voice and advocate.... you are a shining example !!!

That's awesome Patti!!!!!

What about plexi glass only on 2/3 of the crate? I also worry if something goes wrong during the night.

Oh, Patti,
You made me cry again (happy cry) and I also join the rest for a standing ovation. I don't doubt one bit when the Dr. said what he said. You put me to shame. I really hope it will work and give Tipper much deserved relief. That poor baby can use a break. Song. :)

Tippers Mom,

I'm new at this too. I took the day off work today just to stay home with my precious Tootsie because I'm so worried about her. She has also been snoring since she has been taking Veroryl. Another concern is her heavy breathing. Looks like we're in this together.

Patti, That's wonderful that the techs and the vet recognize how hard you are working at helping your Tipper. You deserve it. You are amazing.
I hope the oxygen chamber works out for Tipper.

Hi Patti
I just wanted to say that my beautiful cavalier had major heart problems and in order for him to come home from the hospital he needed oxygen. Had no clue what we were going to do. My husband spoke to the doctors and he made an oxygen cage just like you're doing. We rented the portable floor concentrator from the medical supply store. My husband just took Saran Wrap and wrapped the cage then duct taped it to make sure there were no holes. We had one of those kennel cages. We would put him in it ( he knew it as his bed because he slept in it from puppyhood) shut the front door. The flexible tubing ran from a small opening in the front gate to the concentrator then you turn on the oxygen. We would keep it on all night and only used it during the day when he needed it. It worked out wonderful. I have to say though it was expensive to rent. I think I have pictures of the cage I can post. We had to make something quick because we had no idea when we picked him up from the hospital he would need oxygen. This was the best we came up with. The doctors were so impressed as no one had ever made one as far as they knew. This was the cardiology dept. I just wanted you to know you are not alone in this. If I can find my pics I'll send them. Oh before I forget for the mask oxygen. We took one of those cones the dogs hate wrapped opening with Saran Wrap stuck the flexible tubing somewhere in the collar and it worked. As long as they get oxygen. That's the main thing. You don't have to be too picky about 100%. We didn't need to use this often only in emergency.
It sounds like you're building a great looking oxygen tent for Tipper. You are a wonderful mom. Hugs. T

Hi Patti,
Wow..how amazing and wonderful that you got such a reaction at the vets office!! It must have made you feel so good that they recognized all you do for Tipper and your other pets.
It sounds like the new dose is helping so far, it is pretty interesting that just 2 mg more can make a difference but I too have seen that happen.
So, the oxygen tenting is a great idea. It will be so interesting to hear if you see some changes right away. She might have more energy once she's getting more oxygen.
The colder weather is such a welcome change...we have thunder storms in the forecast for Friday though...and temps close to 70. yuck. That sounds too warm for Trixie but hopefully it's just for a day.
I hope you get the oxygen crate all figured out so that you can Tipper going on that. Can't wait to hear how it works out.

Barbara

Seems like you have had a breakthrough at that vets office, this should make both your lives easier. You should be proud of yourself.

Loving that you are tackling the Chamber for her, maybe Leslie has some tips as she is our resident handy woman :)

Sending you a bug hug and kisses for sweet Tipper

Mel
Xxxx

Hi Everyone:
Tipper had a pretty good nite. It started to rain here last nite and we are in for more, possibly storms and wind. I am praying because of her condition that there is n thunder. Last nite Tipper slept so close to me , like she used to. Made me feel great, but she only gives me a few inches to sleep on. I did not dare move even though I was really cramped because I just wanted her to rest peacefully. I got a crazy email last nite with a file attached that I could not open. I called the vet hospital to see if it was the secretary or Tipper's Dr. The secretary said no, but that she had spoken to Tipper's IMS and that she is having a meeting with Tipper's eye Dr. in light of the information I found and sent to her on these Reticulocytes. It sounds to me like she does believe me, or she would not be consulting with the eye Dr. My vet told me yesterday he talks to another vet who had to take blood out of a dog for this problem on a regular basis and that the dog was so scarred from it that they could not find a place to get more out. I pray that is not going to be the case for Tipper. I am really scared as to what all this will bring, but I know I must face it. My vet's girl who orders all the meds is currently tracking down a portable Oxygen generator for Tipper I should know if they can get one today or tomorrow. I am working at the enclosure so it is ready to go. I love the cone idea, but Tipper cannot have anything around her neck because of her trachea or that would be great for her. If anyone else thinks of anything let me know please. I also thought about the idea of a plexi glass box with no bottom that I could sit right over top of her on the bed. I could have some holes in it, and something underneath the bottom edges so some air can flow under, maybe prop it up with a towel? Tipper is most used to sleeping in my bed and will be less apprehensive in this thing if it is more of what she normally does. How about some opinions on the box before I go thru with the final plans?? I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you everyone for your help as I sure need it. Blessings
Patti

Personally, Squirt would find this so stressful that I would not want her to learn to associate the stress of the box with the bed where she usually feels the most safe and secure. I would instead fix a crate on the floor for the O2 treatment and let that be it's only purpose....unless she chose to go in there on her own, and I would leave the door open so she could. I would want her to have at least one spot, the bed, where she knew she could simply be Squirt and not have to worry about some weird thing trapping her there.

It seems to me if the box is sealed well enough the mask might not be necessary but I'm not sure. If I could bypass that stressor, I certainly would. I would put the crate where she could see the activity in the house if she wished while taking the treatment and do my best to carry on with things, not paying much attention to her at all. Speak on occasion, give her a treat from time to time, but not sit with her, stare at her, fret over her, etc. while she was in the crate. I would not want her to associate the treatment with increased stress from me, either, but would do my best to make this seem as nothing more than how things work now - no big deal for her or for me. If she's not used to being crated, she's gonna be stressed for a few days but should settle down in time. ALWAYS give her a treat when she goes in for any reason, even if it's just to explore at first. Try to get her to associate the crate with things she likes, not an event that causes stress for anyone.

That doesn't sound good to me that scar tissue from the blood drains reach the point they can no longer do the drains! :eek::eek::eek: What has happened to the blood flow in those areas? Is that pup really in trouble now from veins that are clogged with scar tissue? Dose that increase the risk that some of that will break off and act like a clot? Does that increase the stress on the heart? How much quality time did all those drains give that pup - note the quality time - between hospital stays, vet visits, stabs and jabs, ect.? Man, I would really, really, really have to weigh the pros and cons of this procedure very carefully. The more I hear about it, the more convinced I am that my first reaction for Squirt is correct - no way I would put her through this. I would rather see her dancing down the halls for a short while longer than see her stressed to no end for a longer time. But Squirt is a few years older than Tipper so your perspective is a bit different than mine. I fought as hard as I could for many years...til it came time to let her be a dog as much as possible for as long as possible. ;)

Leslie:
I so agree with all you have said, and I am leaning towards closing in the crate as she goes in it at times during the nite anyway. She is not stressed from being in it. I think I will leave it on the floor after reading your post, as always you came through with the wisdom. She does not need the mask on in the cage, just if she would need some oxygen in the day I could hold a cup and let her breathe it in. She would just be in the crate at nite sleeping with the oxygen on. the last two nite I noticed her doing that swallowing thing all the time and it is connected to this somehow but I cannot connect the dots yet. She is therefore noisier and struggling to breathe more the last 2 nites. I will have to put the machine in my bathroom and close the door and run the tubing under the door as she is so scared of noise and there is noise that comes off of the concentrator. I called a rental place they are going to get back to me about costs to rent one, if my vets office doesn't come thru with one. I know it is expensive so I hope the vet comes thru, as I cannot afford all I am doing now. I will go without something else if I have to in order to get it for her. They put a pulse ox at my request on her Wed. at the vets and it was 100%. I am hoping there is a difference between a pulse ox and and blood gases. If not that would point to maybe a cancer. I am scared to death, but I am still trying my best to help her any way possible. I did not ask the vet particulars on that other dog, but it made me sick to think of it. What I had read was they remove blood initially and then put them on meds so it does not happen again, but they have to have blood tests while on the meds. that sounds bad , but not as bad as the other dogs dilemma of constant removal of blood in order to live. I would definitely say no to that. Thank You for you help, I can always count on you. Blessings
Patti

Patti

I know this is all a dilemma for you and I know how scared you are about the possibility of cancer, as you know I am with Teddy, he could easily have it. I know it hurts like crazy.

But whatever the future holds, whatever the diagnosis is you are doing all you can for Tipper and couldn't do more, and you should be proud of yourself for that, I for one applaud you.

Much Love

Diana & Teddy x

Hi Everyone:
Wow I just got rocked! I am waiting for the vets to see if they can come up with the oxygen concentrator, so I though I better check a rental place in case the vets can't find one. They want 169.00 a month to rent one.That blew my socks off. I can buy a new one for around 300.00. I don't have this money to spend. So if the vets office cannot get me one to use, then some of the bills are not getting paid. That is the only way I can do it. I took Tipper into Home Depot with me and got the stuff for to convert her crate into an oxygen tent. All the girls wanted to per her, she had her Lady Bug Halloween outfit one. I also took her to the laser therapy today, and they were taking pictures of her with her outfit on. They made a big fuss over her and she got fed up and showed her teeth. It was too funny cause she sort of scrunches her nose when she does it and it is too cute. I am going to try the vets again. I will let you know my progress. I have to go and give Elvis a liquid antibiotic the vet called in for him. We went tot eh Giant Eagle drive thru and you have to talk to the them on through a window and shout, she kept asking who the RX was for and I kept shouting Elvis until everyone turned around and stared at me. She laughed and so did I. He will probably try to spit it everywhere if I know him. Blessings
Patti

Now that's funny! :p I can just hear it - "Who's this for?"

"Elvis!"

"Who?!"

"ELVIS!"

:p:D:p

Hi Everyone:
I just heard back from the IMS and she sent me a very lengthy report on Tipper after consulting with her eye Dr. I am going to narrow it down to the main points of concern.
1.) There is absolutely no evidence of as shunt in her heart. With the exception of tiny leakage her heart is strong and functioning well.
2.) Bone marrow cancer is most unlikely because in this type of cancer multiple cell lines are affected and hers are not. There has never been found any circulating cancer cells in any of her blood work.
3.) Causes of high hematocrit can be from a cancer process in the kidneys. There was nothing found on her kidneys during the ultra sound to suggest this. This hematocrit is a concern if it reaches 65-75% as it will sludge the blood, then phlebotomy and meds are used. This process does have inherent risks as when you remove red blood cells the cardiovascular system is compromised.
4.) She has a number of patients that have high hematocrit and reticulocytes. They are healthy and no underlying cause has been found.
She said we can check her blood gases, as the pulse ox is not the same as the blood gases which shows more of the oxygenation. They can also do an aspirate of her bone marrow while she is there and the eye Dr. can check her at the same time plus the cardiologist.
I am wanting some opinions on all of this. Tipper has had it with these vet visits. When we went for laser therapy she was really annoyed to the point of getting nasty.
If in fact all the things Dr. Bruyette said he would check, check out according to her my first instinct is to not trust anyone. My second is to get the oxygen, so a blood test after using it for a month and see if that has made a difference in her numbers. If she is not in immediate danger this would be the least stressful to her. I am not totally agreeing with the IMS opinion either. I heard the aspirate for bone marrow is painful and I cannot think of her in that hospital all day long, she would be out of her mind with stress. If it would come back positive, I would more than likely not treat her anyway. The thing with the kidneys does worry me cause I read in depth about this days ago. So my plan is to take her to the eye Dr. for her check up and the cardiologist sees her at the same time. If the IMS wants to pop in and see her fine. No all day marathon, and no bone marrow aspirate or blood gases. If I find on her next blood panel elevations again, I will then opt for blood gases. So for right now I am hunting down oxygen concentrators and plan to give her oxygen at nite, and sometime in the day. I will schedule a blood panel in 30 days after starting the oxygen. I believe the 7mg has done the trick for Tipper at nite, so I am glad I stuck to my decision on the total of 27 instead of the 30 that put her too low the last time. Also I have to say this IMS did not ask for a dime from me, and I know how much time this took for her to compile a 2 page in depth document. I applaud her for that, and am very grateful for the help. Tipper really wheezed last nite and it started pouring very hard with lots of wind. She started around 4 o'clock with gastro symptoms. I had to take her out and give her some food. It finally stopped about a half and hour later. I need to call that gal at the vets office , the one looking for the oxygen concentrator for me. I need to talk to her in person as I think my vet is up to his old tricks again to gouge me. The one tech called me last nite and said they found a few machines but they are so expensive. I said " He told me he had he thought two of these in another office and he would loan me one." She said oh he never told us that. They were wanting to sell me a cage and machine- so he could make more money. I am calling her and tell he exactly what he said to me. I will bite the bullet and buy one if they have no loaners. After all this he is still trying to stiff me. So I will post later when I get all this straightened out. Blessings
Patti

Patti, for what it's worth, I don't think it's a good idea to move forward with the oxygen therapy unless you first have Tipper's blood gases checked to see whether her own level is low. We usually think of oxygen as something benign, but apparently too much oxygen is not necessarily a good thing. I just now quickly found this article and it relates to humans, but I'm guessing the same issues apply for animals as well:

http://www.ems1.com/columnists/mike-...n-oxygen-hurt/

It does seem to me as though your IMS's comments are reasonable. It doesn't sound as though she disagrees with Dr. Bruyette's suggestons -- it's just that she has some additional info re: Tipper's previous testing to which he was not privy.

I understand why you don't want to do a bone marrow on Tipper. I wouldn't, either. But if you are serious about the supplemental oxygen, I really think you should go forward with the blood gas testing beforehand in order to make sure Tipper really needs it. You don't want to risk harming her by raising the oxygen level too high.

Marianne

Marianne:
I am glad you emailed me this information about the oxygen. I asked my vet about that and he said it could do no harm! Well I have learned never to trust him long before this. Do you think there is that much difference between a pulse ox measurement and blood gases? If not I am not going to subject her to it. The pulse ox said her O2 was good. I am so glad I come on here all the time before doing anything. Hope this is a lesson to everyone. Blessings
Patti

1) There is absolutely no evidence of as shunt in her heart. With the exception of tiny leakage her heart is strong and functioning well.

Teddy has also a leak, in his Mitral heart valve, also he does have irregular arrhythmia's and a loud vagal heart tone.

2.) Bone marrow cancer is most unlikely because in this type of cancer multiple cell lines are affected and hers are not. There has never been found any circulating cancer cells in any of her blood work.

This is what I have learnt, Usually the white cells are down, then the platelets, then other reds, Teddy's white were down for three months PLUS and his reds are too high like Tipper, although his platelets were low end of normal.

3.) Causes of high hematocrit can be from a cancer process in the kidneys. There was nothing found on her kidneys during the ultra sound to suggest this. This hematocrit is a concern if it reaches 65-75% as it will sludge the blood, then phlebotomy and meds are used. This process does have inherent risks as when you remove red blood cells the cardiovascular system is compromised.

I guess if you have blood removed you are altering the volume and you don't want to leave less blood that is more sludgy as I guess * and it is a guess * it could increase risk of clotting.

I HAVE BLOOD CLOTTING PROBLEMS and do understand a tiny bit, but not as much as your experts where it is in an animal.


high hematocrit and a cancer in kidneys, Like Tipper they did not tell me they saw anything in Teddy's kidneys, only that they are the SMALL SIZE of normal the kidneys themselves.

He does have a small amount of creatinine in his urine and higher urea in his blood, but not a lot of either, but I have been told he may have the START of some kidney failure.

He is not drinking enough still, and has had TWO ACCIDENTS in the house, in the past 10 days which he NEVER does?


BLOOD GASES and OXY meter I agree there, as I have had my blood gases done TWICE they take the blood out of an artery in a human, I don't know about a dog?

A bone marrow aspirate would show one way or the other, as you know we reached this with Teddy shall we or not, we choice not to, as he has had enough. But that is NOT TO SAY you shouldn't have one done on Tipper, it is down to how you feel.

We were tempted, but after the way he came home from one night away and a sedation, we said NO to another ultrasound and NO to bone marrow biopsy.

But you may feel totally differently to us Patti.

But you do say the same as us if something was found in the marrow you wouldn't treat it anyway, and nor would we. So you have to ask if it is worth it, it does hurt them, I am told.

Also we were told Teddy would need a GA to have it done too. He is too ill to risk a GA for his teeth to be cleaned, so why would we risk it for a bone marrow biopsy that we wouldn't treat if it were cancer, as it buys a short time, and what do they go through to get a bit more time with us?


I know that blood gases and Oxy meter will be different they are with me, but in my layman's in-experienced humble opinion, I wonder this, if Tippers oxygen was very bad would the OXY test been totally normal? Just a thought, as I don't know.

But all I do know is you and I are in a similar place with what to do next, we both have babies who have had enough of the vets, yet we love them SO MUCH we want to help them. X

Patti you mention: hematocrit is a concern if it reaches 65-75%

Teddy hematocrit (HCT) is 66.9% and with his low platlets, where platelets aid clotting and 66.9% HCT that may make it sludgy I am hoping the low platest will help it not to be so likely to clot.

It is a worry X

This is the FreshPet I've given Squirt -

http://freshpet.com/product/delifreshchickenformula/

Patti, I'm afraid I don't know how the two different kinds of oxygen testing compare. You can always ask the IMS if she thinks it's safe to go ahead with oxygen without doing the blood testing first. But even if not harmful, I hate to see you go to the effort and expense of the oxygen if it is not warranted for Tipper. Plus, no matter how you set it up, I'm thinking it would still be at least somewhat stressful for Tipper.

Marianne

Hi Everyone:
I am still looking into Tipper's oxygen issues to see if I want to do the blood gases. She has just had so much it is hard to ask any more from her. I feel I do not have the right. I am thinking this all over in my mind and still knowing Dr. Bruyette has tons of experience and said I was right about the cause of the reticulocytes so I need to weigh all this. Knowing Tipper has a heart murmur and added stress on her heart from wheezing at nite, I could not let them take some of her blood she could have a heart attack, although I have heard many vets say dogs do not have heart attacks, I don't believe it. I trust no one at this point and need to make a good judgment call here. I need to think this over for a day or two. Maybe just give Tipper some oxygen here and there??? just so not know yet. I never let go of anything so I will get to the bottom of all this. Blessings
patti

Hi Patti I know you are still undecided about the oxygen so when I saw this on a website I wanted to pass it along.
It talks about just renting the tank and buying a special oxygen mask for dogs. This is what one person said on the website about her experience with oxygen needed for her dog.
My personal experience with Hudson:
Hudson just got his own personal oxygen tank. I didn’t make this decision lightly; at $75-a-month rental, plus special dog oxygen masks at around $20, it's a money crunch. But Hudson is 13 in January, too old (in my opinion) for potentially dangerous surgery.
The oxygen is helping. When Hudson's breathing is labored or his tongue looks bluish, I put the mask on his grizzled muzzle (he doesn’t really mind it), turn it on, and hold it there for a few seconds. It's very simple and, thus far, not needed often.
Keeping an oxygen tank for my dog may be hard to explain to non-dog friends, but if it makes life a bit easier for Hudson and a bit less worrisome for me, it’s worth it. This is the site I got it from.
http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog...thing-problems
In my opinion I don't think they can get too much oxygen from this type of cage. The vet tells you how much to give. Also every time the door is opened the oxygen concentrations drop to room air level so it's always fluctuating. My dog did very well in the cage. You could really tell a difference after he slept in it all night. But this was prescribed for him when he got out of the hospital due to his congestive heart failure. We rented the oxygen concentrator for $200/month but it was cheaper than getting the tanks by the hours. We started buying 40 hour tanks at $46 then found out that we could rent the oxygen concentrator monthly we were thrilled. During the day I was home and he slept a lot so I just put the cage in the room I was in and just watched him. He was fine with it. After awhile he didn't need it as often then he didn't need it at all. If we had to do it again we would. Actually we never took the cage apart and he passed away in 2009. I'm sure whatever you decide will be the right one for you and Tipper. Good luck. T