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

MBK:
Glad to hear from you. So sorry that your baby is having problems. I had to do some things with Tipper the last few months and she became very agressive to me and doing what Ali did to you. I can't remember is Ali on the Vetoryl? I have been told by many that this can produce many changes in their personalities etc. I hope you find out what is wrong, and God bless her for making it to that age, with your help I am sure she will be around a lot longer. I hope everything goes well and it was just some sort of fluke, and she didn't mean it. Blessings
Patti

I wonder if something is hurting her? Definitely worth a checkup with the vet.

Well, it's been awhile so I thought I'd check in with an update on Alivia. She saw her IMS last week for her 6 month check up - yes, she hasn't had to go in between for quite awhile!!! :D

Ali is 15 1/2 years old! The vet was amazed; said Ali looks better than dogs she sees that are much younger, including her own 12 year old! Her fur has all grown back and it is soft, shiny and thick. Most importantly, she has no symptoms of Cushing's!! Her blood work has IMPROVED overall from 6 months ago!! Her blood pressure is controlled. :D:D She walks like an old lady and she seems to be almost deaf. Just when I am sure she is totally deaf, she'll act like she heard something. :confused: The vet thinks the pain she was having is from arthritic changes in her back/neck. She wants me to give her fish oil and prescribed a pain med to keep her comfortable, as needed.

I went to a pet expo today and talked to an aromatherapist there about Ali's arthritis. I bought an essential oil mixture from her that is safe for dogs (and people). She said to massage it into her spine area - it has peppermint and several other essential oils (diluted to be safe for her size) - I'm thinking it may be like Ben-Gay for pooches! It was expensive, but worth a try, and will be worth every penny if it helps her feel better!

About the pet expo...loved seeing all the dogs but there were a lot of rescue groups and I wanted to save ALL of them. It always breaks my heart to see homeless ones - especially the seniors. They just don't deserve to be tossed away. :( I had a hard time leaving without one! Shorty (Pit Boss) was there with his dog Hercules. It was fun seeing them - he is really funny.

Well, that's my update! Give all your babies hugs from me and Ali. I am not here much anymore but I still think of you all often!!

Hi Mary Beth!

It is great to hear from you and getting a wonderful update about Ali is a bonus!!! I am so thrilled that Ali is doing so well, Kudos to you!! Sending huge and loving hugs to you both, Lori

Hi!! I'm so glad that Alivia is doing so well. Kudos to you! 15 1/2, Yay, she's Really do well. What a sweetheart.

Oh don't I know how hard it is not to take every one of those precious babies home with you. I agree it is very sad to see the elderly ones and know that someone probably gave them up. Optimally every dog will have a safe loving home to grow old in and be loved, but it just doesn't happen always :( I love the rescues that try really hard to find homes for them especially.

Hugs and don't be such a stranger! :)
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

It's right here, Addy! Well kind of...2 postings up! ;)

Here it is!!!!!! I must be having a senior moment:p:p:p

Oh Mary Beth this is such a good report. You have overcome so much with Ali and I beam with joy that she has no signs of Cushings and the chewing stopped and her little butt is no longer sore.

Zoe lost much of her hearing two years ago but she can always hear me go to the kitchen:D:D:D;) I think they have selective hearing indeed.

How is Maxwell? I'm sure he must be fine. Koko just had a dental and is milking it.:D:D

I am so happy to hear from you. Please keep coming back with updates on Alivia who has the most beautiful eyes.

Thank you, Lori and Sharlene. It is good to catch up with everyone and I should check in more often. So many people here that I don't know now, but the stories are all sadly familiar. You regulars are amazing to keep up with it all.

Addy, I will have to agree...Alivia has gorgeous, soulful eyes. And, there is absolutely nothing wrong with her eyesight. She loves to lay on the couch and watch TV. She NEVER misses spotting an animal, even if they are in the background for a second! She will bark at them. When her hearing was good, she REALLY disliked any animal that could talk like a human. There is a Beggin Strips commercial where the dog talked and that would really upset her! She just sees no need for talking animals. :p

Oh, the sore butt and severe itching to the point of being furless and having red, raw skin...you'll never guess what we finally resorted to. Prednisone! I just regret that we waited so long and she suffered so much and for so long before we tried it. I was terrified, but the outcome could not have been better! Almost immediate relief from the constant itching and it seems to have also had the side effect of alleviating her Cushing's symptoms as well.

I feel so fortunate to have Ali still. There were definitely times that I never thought she'd see life this long. She is absolutely amazing and such a little fighter. She has left multiple vets scratching their heads and wondering how she reversed something they had seen in tests. Her IMS is continually amazed with her and says that she has had several miracles. I'm okay with that and hope the miracles continue! :D

I was petting Ali last night and noticed a patch of missing fur on her neck. I started to panic thinking here we go again. Then I remembered the tech at the IMS's office told me they had to shave a spot to do her blood tests last week and that's what I was seeing! :o Her fur has grown back so thick, that you really have to search to even find the area they shaved! It already has fur growing back, too!!

Just goes to show that even when they are doing well, you never stop worrying. Thankfully, it was a false alarm! :D

Happy 4th, everyone!

ROFL! Way to freak yourself out Mary Beth. :) That sounds like something I would do. hahaha

Just really shows that Alivia is doing very well. yay for that!!!

Happy 4th!

Sharlene and Molly Muffin