Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

Patti, did you rinse Tipper's bum with warm (as warm as she can take) water!? No better medicine than toasty warm water soaking (rinse) when my kids had diaper rashes. I can only imagine how Tiper's bum must feel after all night of diarrhea. Burning, raw and sore I'm just guessing.:(:( I sometimes do this for Ginger.
Just stand her in the tub and run hot(not too hot) water the best you can holding her tail up with your one hand only for a few minutes.
It will give her a lot of relief for her burning and soreness. Just a thought. What we wouldn't do for our babies.;)

Song:
Thank you for that help. Yesterday when I went to wipe her butt she really cringed so I know it hurt her. She is so much better right now, but I am nervous waiting for the first time she has to go. Blessings
Patti

I imagine it was the buckwheat groats that did it. I am shocked a nutritionist would recommend a grain like that for a homecooked diet!! Sounds like she is basing her diets on Dr Pitcairn's diets. While I enjoyed his book, and it has a lot of useful information in it, I believe his diets are outdated and I would not use them. I have to wonder about the supplements too, and if she had those off as well.

Please don't beat yourself up so much. You were trying to help, and following the advice of a nutritionist who was supposed to help make things better, not worse. I have been though this myself with past fosters.

The problem with beef & chicken is that it can make a lot of dogs sick because of over exposure (they consume these two proteins more than any other). My pug is doing really well on ground beef... but, that doesn't work for everyone. Red meat is richer in fat (not a bad thing), than poultry, so a sensitive stomach will react to it.

Pepcid AC and pepto are safe for dogs, but you'll want to check they don't react with any of her other medications.

My understanding is you want Pepcid AC not regular Pepcid. Learned it years ago on this board but don't ask me why because I have long forgot that. :o:) Kim

Quote:

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Originally Posted by frijole

My understanding is you want Pepcid AC not regular Pepcid. Learned it years ago on this board but don't ask me why because I have long forgot that. :o:) Kim

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Right you are Kim! :) I'll edit my post to say Pepcid AC, in case someone else reads it.

Hi Everyone:
It is 4:30 pm here and Tipper has eaten twice today but is looking for her kibble. She has not pooped yet, I am nervous when she does that it will diarrhea, but I think if it was she would have done that by now. She took nap and I lay down beside her. Looking at her skeletal boney head, and all the places she has lost muscle and fat make me cry. She has this big tummy as fat as a barrel at her ribs and nothing anywhere else. I pray to God every nite that someone some where will find a cure for this disease. Everyone on here has had to suffer thru this terrible journey, and it should not be this way. These dogs are so loyal to a fault, and they only bring us enjoyment and love, how can this happen to such wonderful creatures???
We have about 8 inches of snow and no sign of it letting up. The trees and evergreens are beautiful tipped in white. I took Tipper around the yard a few times, but she wants to roll in the snow and play, and that will have to wait for another day. I just realized how fragile and vulnerable she was last nite, it's pathetic to watch this. Toby has been napping off and on as he is tired also. The cats are going to have to forego playtime tonite as I am beat. I barely made it thru the day. Blessings
Patti

Oh Patti poor Tipper, don,t beat yourself up you were only going on the best advice given. I hope she is much better this evening. I,ll give you another tip on sore butts as you know woody,s had one for 9 weeks now. The hospital told me to use a cold ice pack, like a frozen bag of peas wrapped in a towel or something like that and just hold it at his butt for as long as he can stand it, it will take any swelling down inside and out and will also reduce any swelling and heat involved. Also if cleaning dirty butts never wipe as this could spread fecal matter causing infection inside you should use boiled water cooled and dab the butt, sorry that,s like teaching you to suck eggs isn,t it, Woody hates having his cleaned but does love when the ice pack comes out the freezer he will stand and push his little bum into it and you can see the relief on his face.

from the other side of the world i wish you and tipper a good night sleep. it sounds well that she wanted to play in the snow again. my experience is that it can take a day or 2 to see poop again, since she emptied her complete bowl. we use something called finidiar from the vet.

Patti,

It may be a day or two before Tipper has a bowel movement. This happens to Daisy after she has a bought of diarrhea.

Take it slow, Patti. Do not rush with food yet. Her stomach is still sensitive. A little at a time.
Just try to focus on how much she is being loved by you and know that that's all she wants from you and you are doing your best to help her in every possible way, above and beyond. She only wants you and your love. Aww, may be she might want some foods also these days from what I read.:p You are an awesome mom.;) Song

Patti,
I am so sorry to hear what happened with Tipper! A few years ago we had a terrible nightime bout just like that I know how horrible and distressing it is for both dog and mom!
Tipper may not poop again for a day or two while her system is recovering, that's really normal after such a bad gastro flare up.
At least you know this was a dietary issue and not an internal problem. I would stay with the bland rice/chicken and bring back her usual foods slowly and gradually, you probably know that already.
Hoping you and all your babies are having a restful sleep tonight!

Barbara

Hi Everyone:
I am posting late today as I am so fatigued. Tipper got up at 12 and 3am. She had to go, it was slightly formed the first time and then watery the second. I am so lucky she wakes me and I don't know how she holds it for me to get up and put a coat on, but she does. I gave her slippery elm yesterday and today and if it is not better tomorrow to the vet she goes. We will get this stopped. Just plain rice and chicken for her, she is getting frustrated with it she wants her kibble. I feel terrible like a train wreck. I am taking her in the bathroom with me and taking a shower. I was afraid to do it before as she would have to go out. Lots of dog would just go on the floor, but Tipper will not do that, she has not peed on the floor during this cushings either she waits to go out. She is my wonderful girl and I am so thankful to have her with me. I knew yesterday was not the end of the runs as she had a really bad bout with this. It messed her system up really bad. We have about 9 inches of snow and it is still snowing, it snowed all nite long. Today is lake effect snow. It is absolutely beautiful out. I had hope of putting on the dogs snow suits and taking pictures, but I think it is too cold for Tipper. I may put them on in the house and take some if Tipper lets me!. Thank you all for caring about my girl, this has really shaken me seeing her so distressed. Blessings
Patti

Oh Patti, I agree with Tina, a twelve hour fast and then small amounts of the chicken and/or rice food, inching your way up each day. Her system needs to rest after all of that. I have always done that with Zoe and it works best for her so hopefully will work for Tipper too. She may need some days of metronidazole as well, it can help with inflamation.

My heart goes out to you, I know how hard that is.

Hi Everyone:
Well Tipper has had a small amount of rice and chicken. She was crying for her food so much I had to give her some. She is starved and I bet she lost a lb. I know the fast is good but she is starving. If she is not better in the morning we will be seeing the vet, as she has suffered enough already. She was really bored today and started throwing toys up in the air, and beating them up really bad while looking to see if I was watching. She has made her point that she is hungry and bored. The wind is really strong here now and it is dropping the temperature. I hope if Tipper goes tonite she does not have the runs. I took care of her butt today as I know it was sore. Keep your fingers crossed that we have seen the last of the diarrhea. Blessings
Patti

Aw poor Tipper I hope she feels better soon. They certainly have a way of guilty tripping us when they are bored and hungry, Woody does the same.

I hope the temperature rises its been rainy and windy here all day, but Woody still went out but not for long :)

Patti, it hope she feels better soon.

bored and hungry sounds good in tippers case. looks to me as if she is feeling better. sleep well!!

She is so expressive of herself and smart, isn't she? That is cute.
Ginger never does that, never. She is so submissive with me and even a pushover at times with my other dogs. She is just so sweet, not an ounce of meanness in her. Never demands anything unlike Stella who is crazy wild and so demanding and loud.:o we still don't know what breed she is.:eek:
Regarding her butt, just keep washing there until it gets better as the trace of diarrhea is what's causing the soreness I believe. Maybe a few times a day. I think she will get better by tomorrow if there's no more diarrhea tonight and I really hope it's behind her now. She has suffered too much already. Kisses.

Checking in on your and Tipper the Ripper. :) I know her tummy is feeling icky, but she herself seems to be feeling pretty good. That is good so hopefully this diarrhea will be a thing of the past. I know how frustrating and scary it can be when they have that.

We have a lot of snow here too. :( We'll be going to get molly tomorrow morning and then I'll work frome home the rest of the day. I always try to work from home the first day that molly comes home from boarding as she can get a real attitude on that first day, but if I am here with her she seems to do much better and settle back in fine.

hugs,

Sharlene and molly muffin

Glad to hear that Tipper is at least showing boredom. That's a good sign. Hope the diarrhea is gone today. Another trip to the vet today should not be happening. You need a break from all of this.

Freezing here, lots of snow but I think Sharlene got hit harder then us and we are about an hour away from each other. It's about time Toronto got hit harder then us up here in the snow belt. :D

Hi Everyone:
Thanks for checking in on my girl I appreciate it. Early this morning she got up with a tummy ache. I hurried and put on my coat and took her out, I was waiting for diarrhea, but she was just wanting grass to eat, and it is deep with snow. After several attempts of her sticking her head thru it to get grass she peed. No poop thank God. So I brought her in and gave her some chicken. When her stomach gets sick like this she must have food or it will not stop. She was ok in about 20 minutes. This morning I gave her 1/2 of the rantadine for acid that the IMS told me to use. She is bored and laying at my feet snoring. Last nite she had a really congested sound- remember she has had no Vetoryl for a few days and the cortisol is creeping up I guess. Like I said when uncontrolled she really makes this noise. I also noticed mucus in the corners of both of her eyes this morning. I will give her an antihistamine later as she has just had her Ursodiol now. I am not wanting to stress her out at the vets. He is in until Wednesday so I may wait it out until tomorrow to see if she goes potty ok. I have not heard from the nutritionist yet so I am waiting to hear from her. It is about 7 degrees here this morning, and no walking for Tipper and Toby again. I have to take Toby Thursday for a hair trim before they get so busy for Christmas. I have been keeping his hair shorter than I used to because it is easier to keep up with. If Tipper is in a good mood I may try her snowsuit on her and take her picture. She may think she is going to walk then so that will not be good. Blessings
Patti

Glad Tipper is feeling a little better. Woody is the same if he goes to long without food he eats grass and once fed he is fine. My vet called it reflux, where the acid in the tummy comes back up and eating grass soothes it for them. I always feed woody a little something at bedtime to see him through the night as this is usually when it happens to him and fingers crossed it has worked for many years for him. Maybe you could try that with Tipper.

Would love to see Tipper in her snow suit :D

Tracy:
I do have to give Tipper something every nite at bedtime too. That is funny that they both have that issue. I am calling the vet and making an appointment to get her electrolytes checked after this two day stuff with the diarrhea I don't need something happening to her from me not wanting to take her, but she gets so stressed and I was trying to avoid that. Blessings
Patti

If Squirt's breakfast is late, she is apt to vomit a bit of bile. I often give her a treat when we first wake up to help prevent this. I think it's just from her tummy being empty as she has done this all her life.

Hi Everyone:
I got on here to tell all of you I am taking Tipper to the vets at 3:40. I have gotten her this far and I am not letting something happen to her now over a vet fee. I will just not pay a bill too bad!. She just had a solid poop I am so happy. With the Cushings and her heart especially, even though I have checked her and hydrated her I need to know in black and white that her electrolytes are not out of balance before starting the Vetoryl tomorrow. I will talk to him about her breath too and the dental cleaning. I have a few more lumps to show him also, might as well get it done while I am paying a fee. I am just sick at my stomach learning Woody collapsed again. God help them I am praying for them both. Poor Tracy she has had enough. Blessings
Patti

Yay Tipper... solid poops are good :)- I'm thinking about about Tracy and Woody too... such a scare!!

how did tipper do at the vet? everything ok i hope.

Hi Everyone:
I can hardly even think today I am so worried for Woody. This ss awful Tipper has not been to the vet yet we don't go for 2 more hours. I will let you all know what he says. Pray for Woody and Tracy everyone.
Blessings
Patti

Hello you

Hoping it will be ok for Tracy, we get so attached to these little fur babies, hate to read something has happened.

Good news re Tippers poop :D. Hope all her tests come back ok later

Sending you a tight hug
Mel
Xxxx

Thank you Mel I am always grateful to hear from you. Hope you and Boyce are doing well. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
I got an email from the nutritionist and she is going to formulate a better healthier diet using the chicken I give Tipper and her dog food and some herbs and supplements. That is so much better for me as I am never wanting to see my Tipper go thru what she did ever again. She really suffered. I have her all cleaned up and teeth brushed for her vet appointment and got her pretty silver coat with the sparkles on and fur hood for her to wear. I am hoping the blood comes back good, and I am having everything checked at once I might as well instead of her suffering thru this again. I am also having the Reticulocytes checked. I will have pieces of mind knowing if her electrolytes are all ok as this was an extreme bout of diarrhea. I am on pins and needles waiting to hear something on Woody. Blessings
Patti

Me and Boyce are ok thanks for asking.

Glad she will formulate a new diet, I figured she would be good as Leslie recommended her but pleased this is the case as I know you only ever try your best for your girl and that diarrhoea must have been tough on both of you, last thing you needed was another bill to rework the diet!

Hope Tracy gets back with some news soon, it's 7pm here now

Mel
Xxxx

Yes me too, I am so fond of Woody and Tracy has had it really rough the last few weeks. Stay safe and warm Mel BIG HUGS.

Hi Patti- Bless you for thinking and praying for me and Woody. I have updated his thread. It has been a horrible day, I really did think I was going to lose him today, but he fights on.

How did Tipper get on at the vets? Again thank you for your prayers

Tracy & Woody

Hi Everyone:
Well we are back from the vets and Tipper is larger than a barrel. They gave her Sub Q Fluids as he said she had 5% dehydration. Charged me 75.00 for something that costs a few dollars to buy. I have done it before to one of my cats years ago, and could have done this if I had the bag etc. We discussed the teeth and he said he would have to use something special that is fast acting and fast awakening on Tipper and said she does need her teeth done. I will have to wait until the tumor and her heart are checked out before I can even begin to consider this. More to think about. The nutritionist told me I am way underfeeding Tipper and she should never be gaining weight on what she eats a day. She told me I need a complete thyroid panel done and have it sent to Jean Dodds. Is anyone familiar with this? She said the vets miss things a lot of times on their tests. All we need is more problems right? No wonder Tipper is starving all the time, she really is! I guess I will get into all of that with the vet tomorrow. Lots of unanswered questions. Blessings
Patti

Dr. Jean Dodds is a renown expert in animal thyroid issues, here is her link: http://www.hemopet.org/

Hugs, Lori

Lori:
Thank you for the help. I had heard her name and wasn't sure of her specialty. I appreciate the help so I can get this done right.

Hi Everyone:
Well we were up again last nite. The vet gave Tipper so much fluid she gained 2lbs. She had to go pee all nite long. While I was up I was researching the information Song found out from the neurologist about Ginger. The focal seizures just made we research them. I mentioned to the vet and the IMS about this stuff Tipper does at nite while sleeping and asked if it could be seizures. I was shocked to see her behavior repeated by these dogs with focal seizures. Everything I have been telling on the forum was in front of me. The eye twitching, the facial twitches, the legs going etc. Tipper does most of the behavior I witnessed. So now I am wondering if the term labeled tremors as a side effect by Dechra is in reality focal seizures. If anyone would know I am sure it would be a neurologist which is where Song went. They can be caused by brain tumors, brain lesions, and medications. So by controlling the cortisol could the Vetoryl cause brain lesions? By controlling the cortisol does Vetoryl have some residual effect on the brain? These are in other words messed up electrical impulses from the brain. Remember when I said when I held Tipper's legs I could feel something like an electrical current running thru them? A DR. said this can start in one place and go to others. That is how it did with Tipper. She never had this until taking Vetoryl. It started in her legs, then her side would ripple, then her eye twitched badly, then her face, then her stomach contracting in and out. I am asking my vet to consult someone on this. I am 99% sure this is what she has causing all this. That is why when I wake her, it stops as her brain is awake. Also the nutritionist informed me that Tipper is not getting her nutritional requirements with the amount she is being fed. She said with what I feed her she is only getting 360 calories and should be losing weight. She said she should be getting around 500 to maintain her weight. So there is some metabolic problem here thyroid or other. I am going to have to get a sample to Jean Dodds and see what is going on here. I am concerned about these two issues affecting her current state if health so I need to get on this asap. I have already sent my vet a fax. I need to get someone in his office to establish an account with her to get his samples sent out. I feel like a zombie from no sleep, but I need to push on for my girl. Blessings
Patti

Glad Tipper had a solid poop and seems to be over the worst of her bad tummy trouble. What did the nutritionist say about what happened to Tipper? Did she know what would have caused such a violent attack...was it the very quick diet change, the buckwheat groats, all of the above? Not sure I would do too much more than chicken/rice for a bit longer.
Trixie has had the sub-q fluids a few times...the weight gain from fluids will go away as soon as she absorbs and pees out all the liquid.
Did Tipper start having the tremors/seizures very soon after starting Vetoryl or did it come on after awhile. I have not seen this with Trixie. Once and awhile when she is sleeping on the couch she has some leg twitching...more like a doggie dream, like she's running...I put my hand on her and it seems to stop right away.
We are using Vetoryl for about 9-10 months now, but the first few months were very low dose. How long has Tipper been taking it now? How has she been without it these last few days? Do you notice the tremors stop while she's not taking it?

I am so glad Tipper is better from her bout with her tummy problem. I hope you find the cause of the twitching or seizures. You are such a good mom! You will get o the bottom of all this soon, it sounds like. My prayers and thoughts are with you and Tipper. HUGS