Mel:
It was so good to hear from you. I miss you on here. How is Boyce? You must be getting hit with an awful lot of work. I am glad you look in and know what is going on, it makes me feel good that you are watching. Love to you and Boyce
Patti
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Mel:
It was so good to hear from you. I miss you on here. How is Boyce? You must be getting hit with an awful lot of work. I am glad you look in and know what is going on, it makes me feel good that you are watching. Love to you and Boyce
Patti
My dogs tend to run high hematocrit and hemoglobin normally due to their diet. Jan W.
Hi Jan W
What in their diet causes the high hematocrit and hemoglobin as Teddy has these high too (He has other issues healthwise) But I am interested in this comment.
Many thanks Diana
PS I am NOT hogging Pattis thread, You can PM me if you like.
[QUOTE=goldengirl88;126950]Patti you say " I do not want to deal with pancreatitis ever." Who has got that?
Or is it something that can be caused by one of the oils you are talking about ?
Diana x
Diana:
Yes fat in the diet, which includes oil can cause it in Cush dogs that is why they have to be on a low fat diet. Tipper has never had it, but I see others on here dealing with it, and I know it can be painful in dogs. Tipper has so many little things going on I just don't want to give her fish oil to correct her Triglycerides and have it cause her pancreatitis. I will have to give small amounts only a few days a week. I was cautious with the coconut oil too as it is essentially a fat. I give her small amounts of that also. It seems you have to watch everything you do with these babies, as one thing can lead to another. Tipper is napping right now and I have been trying unsuccessfully to wake her up. I don't want her up at 5:00am!!! The wind is still whipping her and the furnace keeps coming on as the temperature dips. We are looking for more snow tomorrow. WE live in a snow belt and get blasted sometimes. Hope you and Teddy are keeping snuggly and warm. Blessings
Patti
I just read an article about fish oil in regards to elevated triglycerides and cholesterol. According to this article - if you know anything about VLDL, LDL, HDL etc. the fish oil will lower triglycerides by breaking down VLDL into LDL which lowers the triglycerides but increases the LDL cholesterol but the LDL is a calculated measurement and by the time you mathematically figure all that out the increase really isn't what you think. I think I understood what they were saying so your cholesterol really isn't elevated much. ???!!!&&&***
I know probably most of those on this site will gasp when I tell you my dogs are on a raw diet and have been for years. Most dogs on raw diet will have some lab values a little different than non raw diets. The hematocrit and hemoglobin are usually a high end normal or elevated some. Jan W.
I got it Jan! I think so! Thanks for the help in explaining that I am glad for the help with this. I don't want to cause Tipper any more problems by trying to solve one. Thank you. Blessings
Patti
I see Patti I didn't know that, will write to you on my own post not hog yours x
Hi Everyone:
I forgot to put this in my post last week, but the Hawthorne seems to really be helping Tipper. Her blood pressure was 110 last week which is really good, as it has been 130-140. I consider that a real good thing. Tipper was restless last nite. I am not sure if it is an adjustment needed in the meds, or it is something inside her bothering her certain ways she lays. It is hard to determine which. I have been researching for weeks now, and came upon this product that may help someone on here. It is called Azodyl and is to cut down on uremic and toxic buildup in the kidneys, if anyone's baby is having kidney issues you can look into it, I did not research the product itself. I am calling the Dr. to schedule an appointment for this kidney stone. I probably have to go to his office first so he can charge me an office visit, then he will schedule it. I could feel it grinding in my back yesterday. I don't want to leave my dog to do it, but if I have an emergency with it, I will be in more trouble away from her. It is really brisk here and we are expecting snow tonite and tomorrow. Tipper has already walked. I was starting to give her hair a trim yesterday. I had to give her some soy beans to sit for me for a treat. She gets so grumpy, and impatient and wants to snip you. She never did any of this before. Now her fur on her face is crooked as she would not wait for me to straighten it. Oh well she is a work in progress again. Blessings
Patti
Sounds like a similar work in progress to Zoe - it is hard to keep their hair even when we are trimming and they dont cooperate.
Freezing weather and snow is about to arrive in good old WI:(
Patti- I do hope you get the kidney stone straightened out. I worry about you.
Hi Everyone:
I have been researching for quite a while now about Tipper's high Reticulocytes. I am just now wondering if the Trilostane could be causing her problems in her bone marrow, which is making her count high???? Does anyone have any information on this? Blessings
Patti
Hi Patti
As you know Teddy has the same high red cells as Tipper
and he has had Low Whites as you know also.
I know it was mentioned to you about a bone marrow test
as it was for Teddy, that is the only way you can tell for sure
if they have Bone Marrow issues.
BUT it is not something that we all want to put our little ones through. It needs a general anesthetic in many cases, and is painful in many cases.
I hope you can find out another way, as yet I don't know if there is one that will tell you.
If you find one, please let me know too.
Diana x
I think I would call Dechra and see if they have any input on that for you. Interesting thought....
Patti, per Dechra's Treatment Brochure, they say that trilostane can cause red blood cells to decrease, but not to fall below normal range. To my feeble brain, this would also point to low reticulocytes, too, but maybe not. Maybe there is some paradoxical effect that causes them to increase. I agree with Leslie -- this would be a good question for them.
Quote:
Complete blood counts conducted pre- and post-treatment revealed a statistically significant (p <0.005) reduction in red cell variables (HCT, HGB, and RBC), but the mean values remained within the normal range.
Marianne:
I am going to call Dechra in the morning and ask if they know anything on this. Good idea Leslie. I guess I would have thought to do that, but in a way I am asking myself if I really want to know this????? Blessings
Patti
Patti,
Hugs and love to you and Tipper.
Interesting Patti, I'm curious to hear what they think.
Hi Everyone:
Well we woke up to a beautiful 4-5 inches of snow. It is so pretty outside and the sun is shining and glistening off the snow. Tipper walked and is so happy and energized it is unreal. She just loves this stuff. I have to keep her from wanting to rub her ears in it though. Last time she did that we got an ear infection. I am waiting until someone is in at Dechra this morning before calling to get info. on the bone marrow stuff. I have an appointment to see the Urologist Monday the 18th, which would have been my brothers 65th birthday had he lived. My insurance company gave me bad information when I had to have all my testing done in Pittsburgh, because they said the hospital this Dr. goes to is not in network. So I could have gone there all along! I just received my benefits package from work. They have gone to even cheaper insurance, and dental. I need to get this stone out before the end of the year as I have all my deductible paid. When I worked my company was written up as having the best benefits in the US, now it has really gone down hill. Tomorrow Tipper gets an Adequan shot and she needs one, she has been a little noisy lately, and doing all that continual swallowing. Yesterday I gave her one of the allergy pills from the IMS, It seemed to help a little, hard to tell sometimes. I will post after talking to Dechra. Blessings
Patti
All this talk about snow! :cool::cool::):cool::cool: That is one of the things I really have been hoping Squirt gets to experience again because she so loves the snow! She will put her face down in it and plow! :p
I told one of the techs about Dr. Smith's use of Adequan and plan to talk to Doc B today and see if he has or will talk to Dr. Smith and start this for Grace. I hope we can do this for her and that it helps her. I may end up running her through the rescue I work for and using Dr. Smith but that would mean driving to LR every week but the difference in the cost of the shots may make that worthwhile - I'll have to see.
Really looking forward to hearing what Dechra has to say about the med's effect on bone marrow!
Leslie:
Tipper just went out potty and jumped in a pile of snow I had swept away so she could go. She is having a ball. I am hoping that the Vetoryl is not causing Tipper's problems, but we will soon know as I am calling now. Blessings
Patti
Hi Everyone:
I just got off the phone with Dechra. I was told that they have no evidence that Vetoryl would be the cause of Tipper's high Reticulocyte count. I got to thinking about that though when we were on the phone I was looking at my spreadsheet of Tipper's HGB and HCT and Reticulocytes. I am wondering if it could possibly be the Vetoryl and they just do not know it yet. The reason I thought this was Tipper's last blood test showed her cortisol was up a little, and her Vetoryl dose was lower at that time. I am going to go thru her dosage changes and ACTH tests and see if I can find a connection that way. I want to see if during the uncontrolled periods her readings were lower or higher on the HGB,HCT and Retics, and when her cortisol dropped real low, if these numbers were higher or lower. I could possibly find a pattern to establish what could be the root cause. I will have to study these today. One good thing I usually always have a blood panel when doing ACTH so it will be easy to compare . So I guess it still remains a mystery until I unlock the secret. Blessings
Patti
How nice that Tipper is enjoying the snow so much! You must have really loved seeing her so happy and energized!
We had snow showers all morning...nothing sticking here..the streets are too warm. Too bad it's all over already...I like it too.
Funny how Trixie doesn't love going out in the rain and this morning we had the same wet streets like a rainy day except snow flakes were falling. Well, she can tell the difference between rain and snow and she was so eager to get outside once the front door was opened.
She was happily trotting around sniffing the snowflakes and we took a long walk along the East River, she was loving it. Dogs really love snow!
I hope Tipper has a great day and some more time out in the white stuff !!
Barbara
Hi Everyone:
I have gone over Tipper's blood work and corresponding ACTH's. There is no apparent pattern. It is about split on the times she has low cortisol and low reticulocytes etc., as when the cortisol was higher and the reticulocytes etc were higher and she had higher cortisol. That has solved nothing, so I am back to square one, thinking the low oxygen at nite time. I am going to ask the vet if Tipper can come for Adequan every 3 weeks instead of 4. She isn't honking, but making that sort of snorting sound when she smells something, and I can tell it is bothering her, and she has been doing that constant swallowing. Also, is anyone aware of anything that they just came out with that would be better for her than GlycoflexIII??? Maybe even something I could use in conjunction with it??? I need to go to the source of the problem and try to work from there to help her. Blessings
Patti
Barbara:
I am glad Trixie had a good walk too. Tipper's fish oil is shipped so I should be getting it soon. I am wondering if it is good or bad to refrigerate it so it does not get rancid. She takes vitamin E everyday so I do not need to add that to her regime. My whole day is spent doling out her pills and supplements. No wonder I cannot get the weight off her as I must hide this multitude of pills and supplements in chicken to get her to take them. It is funny how these dogs get energized form the cold weather and snow. I am happy Trixie had some good numbers this time. That sounded so nice a walk along the river. Tipper much prefers this weather, she even went out last nite when it was pouring down rain and went potty with no problems. I think she realizes the thunder is gone and she is not scared now. Thank God! Blessings
Patti
Glad that you and Tipper are having a good day and she is loving the snow. Molly loves it too as long as it isn't icy and doing the melt/freeze/melt/freeze thing.
Good luck at the doctor. Both of you. :)
Is there any recommendation as to how often or for how long they can take Adequan shots?
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Hi
I give adequan every 3 weeks and was told that was the max but with my dog that passed last year who had severe arthritis his vet had him on weekly adequan shots so I would guess that it depends on the severity of the pain. We also give the injections ourselves actually my husband does the honors. Buddy is very good getting the shot. It's when they start to lose the muscle mass that makes it harder on them. I buy the 2 pack vial from Drs Foster Smith. I also want to mention that I use GlycanAid advanced formula from Handicapped pets and have been for years.
http://www.handicappedpets.com/glyca...d-formula.html
Have you tried Chamomile for your little ones breathing problems? I have been looking around for some approaches. Chamomile helps with inflammation and since tracheal collapse can involve inflammation I thought it might help some. It is also antispasmotic and calming. It is relatively harmless unless you have allergy involvement here. It doesn't look like there is much that can be done without major intervention. I noted some possible accupuncture both normal accupuncture and with some kind of injection which sounded involved.
I agree that getting a blood gas with an anxious dog would not be ideal. Since I'm not involved with vet medicine - I wonder if they don't have a pulse ox type equipment for dogs. Surely they use something in their surgeries to monitor oxygen. Even with that Tipper would probably be anxious just being in the office. Humans can take a pulse ox instrument home and measure their levels during their sleep. This would be difficult with a dog but you can ask if this is possible. Then you could also measure their oxygen level with oxygen on to see if Tipper would be getting any use of the oxygen if you do figure that all out
I watched a couple you-tube videos about tracheal collapse and see what you are dealing with. My dog so far only gags once in a while and I'm sure this is from atrophied muscles and possibly more coming our way.
I'm thinking of using chamomile if I decide to retry the trilostane. I found out that trilostane interfers with glucocorticoids (of course) which helps balance your digestive system as well as everything else in the world, so if our dogs system is used to the glucocorticoids then we go in there and upset the system - we have upsets all over and the digestive system is one.
If we can reduce a small amount of inflammation this could give Tipper a little more room to breath.
Oxygen can be drying and humidity does help but unless you are putting the oxygen tubes directly in Tipper's nose, I don't think this would be a major issue. I would think just having a vaporizor in the room would help. We do not use humidity with oxygen when humans are on lower levels anymore. Tests have been done and they came to this conclusion. But I recently had a colonoscopy and of course they put oxygen in my nose and I felt burning in the one nostril immediately then for a couple days afterward I was sneezing from the irritation.
I am also giving my dog Alpha lipoic acid once in a while as it helps with kidney and heart. Of course I give Coq10 most every day, but I read something about it that I may need to rethink my use of it but can't remember what or where I read it. CoQ10 helps with the congestive heart problems which I believe you mentioned you were already using. Not sure if increasing the dose would be of benefit and you have a small dog so would be more sensitive to increases. All of these supplements are not regulated and most contain some kind of soy in the capsules (magnesium stearate) which can cause problems if soy is a factor with allergies.
I can't remember if you mentioned Tipper's hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, I know you talked about the reticulocyte count - but if your hemoglobin levels are low you have decrease access for oxygen to be carried into the lungs which would not help Tipper, but I would think this would be more of a problem with exercise than asleep.
I am really glad you are telling us what you are going through as it helps me see where I can be headed. sorry for all the rambling but I can't sleep as usual. God be with you. Jan W.
Hey Patti.... just catching up on your thread. Poor Tipper having some problems again, but as always you are right on top of it.
You are happy about the snow??? Guess that's because Tipper likes it so much, but I detest it, and have to keep a constant eye on Keesh when he's outside as he freezes up. It's difficult to haul an 85 lb dog (he was that weight) back into the house cause his legs won't work. He's been like that since a pup.
I will be keeping an eye on your thread to see how you and Tipper make out. I'm extremely busy these days, sometimes you wonder if a holiday is a good idea cause there's twice as much to do if not more when you get back. I cannot get rid of this exhausted feeling either, I contribute that to getting so sick when I was away.
Glad to hear though things are relatively going well with Tipper. Keep up the good fight, and thinking of you.
Hugs
Hello
Work has been very intense, it's worse since the merger.
Boyce is doing great, he wasnt as scared of fireworks this year so I have no idea why but i will take it. He didn't run off and hide just barked a few times at the loud ones. He also loves the white stuff, had done since he was a pup, I love it, causes absolute chaos over here on the transport system but it looks so pretty :D
Hope Miss Tipper had a good night and that you are doing ok?
Big kisses to her from me and a tight hug for you
Mel
Xxxxx
Hi Everyone:
I am getting ready to take Tipper to the vet's for her Adequan shot and blood pressure. I can't wait to see what excuse they come up with for not calling me about the oxygen. Tipper had a good nite, but it is 18 here this morning and she cannot walk if it is under 32 because of her breathing and her heart. It is not supposed to warm up so we may have to play ball in the house as she will be thoroughly bored. I need the dog sitter for Monday morning as I have the Urologist appointment at 8:30am. The road have been really icy around here with many accidents so I hate going out early, but I have to get this done before the end of the year or I will have to pay my deductible again. I think I am going to make Tipper and the cats some salmon today instead of the usual chicken. Yesterday Tipper drank a lot of water and is starting at it again this morning. I have to keep an eye on that to see if something is up. She is so fat around the middle from this disease that it is hard for me to lift her. I bet with all the water she drank she will have gained back the 4 ounces she lost. It is a continual battle, which it never was a few months ago. I will post when we get back. Blessings
Patti
Hi Everyone:
I am back form the vets office. The vet is so impressed with Tipper's blood pressure since being on the Hawthorne. He asked me where I got it as he has an Amish neighbor with high blood pressure that will not go to the Dr. Isn't this a turn around??Now he is looking to me for answers! Anyway her blood pressure was 120. I urge anyone who has a Cush dog to with high blood pressure to get them on this Hawthorn. It will save your dogs life. High blood pressure really does a number on their kidneys, so it is best kept low. When Tipper first started with this I called a great Dr. who worked with me on her allergies years ago. She told me the single most important factor in the Cush dog is blood pressure, so I am just passing that along. I have Tipper's done faithfully every week. We also discussed the trachea issues and that Tipper has been snorting like a pig again this past week. He said on some dogs the Adequan wears off faster, so she is to get shots every three weeks now instead of every four weeks. He said these shots hurt, and she is just the most stoic dog, she never even winces when getting it. Also her anal glands were full, as I keep a record on them too. I am the record queen! So I had them clean them out. Dogs with allergic histories should have them cleaned regularly, and their ears checked. I felt a lump on Tipper's chest the other day. Even though she is prone to those fatty cysts I wanted him to feel it. Do you think any of us could find it??? Heck no. So I decided to mark it with a red magic marker the next time I find it so I can show him. It is 32 now and moving up the thermometer, so I think I will walk her when it hits 34. Blessings
Patti
Glad Hawthorne is working for Tipper - I tried it on myself some time back and it did nothing for me. Maybe I'm not giving myself enough or the right kind. What kind and dose are you giving?
We have 60 degrees here in Colorado and dry. Need some of that rain. Jan W.
Hi Jan:
I give Tipper the Glycerine form as Cush dogs are not supposed to have alcohol. They have the kind in alcohol too, they are both human grade, and come from the Poland/Hungary area. I give Tipper a dropper full which equals 1/4 teaspoon once a day. She was running 130- 150 on her blood pressure, not that it is high for a dog. The IMS said she doesn't get concerned until 200 and over! Well I don't happen to believe that so I want Tipper's down low. She went to 110 and 120 now. I would say that is great! I get it from Mountainroseherbs.com and it is certified organic. My cardiologist told me to get the best kind and organic. Hope it helps you. This brand comes from the berries and the leaves of the Hawthorn tree. Envious of your temps. right now, hope you get some rain. Blessings
Patti
Hi Everyone:
I am going to ask a stupid question here. I have been thinking and thinking about Tipper's reticulocyte count and she is making too many red blood cells. I am thinking about it when I can't sleep, and this came to me. Lentils help you build red blood cells. Paul Newman's vet told me to cut calories in Tippers food by giving her lentils to replace some of it. She eats lentils at every meal as a replacement for a portion of her dog food, could this be causing this????? OH MY GOD could this be the reason all of this is happening????? Ok I will wait to hear the answers. Thank You all Blessings
Patti
hmm, didn't think of that but yes Lentiles is suggested to increase red blood counts, kidney beans, dark green leafy vegetables, etc. You can look up a whole list of food that are good for that purpose. Maybe you should look for a different fiber that doesn't do that but is low cal and will fill her up.
New project!
Then cut those lentiles back or completely out and see what her next count is and if it starts coming down, you'll know the culprit.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Just popping in to say hi...
When I read your query yesterday, I got me to wondering about Squirt's diet. She gets 191 grams of lentils a week in around 2500 grams of feed per week. The last few labs I looked at for her last night do not indicate an elevation in reticulocytes....but her diet has been carefully and professionally balanced for her. You might want to think about adding a nutritional consultant or Veterinary Nutritionist to Tipper's team. ;) Have you been able to determine if this started rising after adding the lentils to her diet or were they rising before that addition?
Hi Patti,
Wow...you think the lentils could really be the culprit? I suppose if it is it will be an easy fix.
I hope you can figure that out...like Sharlene said I guess you can cut them back and see what happens.
Tipper is such a good girl taking her shots like a champ!! What a sweetie!! Trixie was sniffing around with a super cute Jack Russell today in the park. They are such a great breed...loaded with personality!
Hope Tipper has a great day today. I think the temps are supposed to moderate a bit in the East so maybe it will be cold but not in the teens and she'll enjoy her outdoor time. Is there still snow for her to play in?
Barbara
Hi Everyone:
I am in contact with a nutritionist for Tipper as Leslie suggested. Until something is formulated for her I am giving her some Newman's Own and her chicken. This is quite an expensive I can see, because now I have to give her more chicken in place of the lentils, as I cannot give her more dog food as that will just put weight on her, which we are trying to avoid. She has had a good day and walked three times . I think the loss of muscle and her stomach hanging down pulls on her back and her organs and that is what makes her uncomfortable. I was thinking just for walking purposes what if I would slip the top of a support stocking around her, that would help hold her up if that is a good idea. I know not to do it for any other reason as that would weaken what muscle she has left, it is hard on her walking though I can see it. Any ideas or opinions would be great. She is hungrier today and I had to leave her in my room. I knew taking the lentils away would make her hungrier as they are bulky and filled her up. I just have to suck it up and deal with it for now. I did give her some veggies with her food tonite to try and fill her up. Blessings
Patti
Hi Patti
I am really interested in what I am reading about the Lentils etc
As for Tipper tummy muscles I wonder if you could get a band made
to fit her when out walking, a bit like those ones you have in the USA when Potty training (as you call it across the pond) but obviously not to wear it in the same place, like a wide velcro fastening band.
I can see it in my head but don't think I am explaining it too well.
I really hope you get to the bottom of the red cell issue.
Love Diana x
Thanks for the info on the hawthorn - I want some for myself and give it a try again. I used the powder form before and think the organic liquid might be better effective. We'll see - Cinder's blood pressure runs about 140. Hawthorn has a lot of other helpful properties that Cinder may benefit from.
As far as the lentils - they are fiber and they have greater iron content so it may just cause some changes there in a round about way.
Jan W.