Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

Hi Everyone:
I am trying to keep Tipper from a lot of activity and she is not having it. She wants to run thru the house doing 90 miles and hour, and I have to keep her from getting on the sofa etc. It is a hard job keeping a Jack Russell down. Last nite Tipper slept again thank God. The weather is holding out so she should be able to walk today. I am going to play catch with her in the house in an attempt to make her not want to run and jump on things. I am hoping for an easy day today, which never turns out that way! Blessings
Patti

I hope the little power house can chill a bit for her leg but it is so good to read about her running through the house:D:D

She's clearly feeling better :-)

Hi Everyone:
I just added some pictures to a new album! New Kitty room pictures also!

Wonderful pictures Patti! Thanks for posting. That cat room is awesome and Tipper and Toby are just adorable.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Loved the photos - amazing job you have done of decorating too! I think Tipper looks great. To be honest - no cush tummy and ready for a walk - that is fantastic!!! You obviously do a great job. Know that and be proud :) Kim

She does look good - be proud! You can see the mischief in her eyes, too! :p I love Terrier eyes and faces - they are so expressive. Squirt can speak volumes without making a sound. :rolleyes::D

I agree with Kim on your home, too - you've done a great job! If I have the appropriate trails, I'm satisfied most of the time. :D;) And my "style" is definitely "eclectic"....or maybe post-modern confused. :p

Tipper is just so cute!! Those JRT's! We have a jack russell pup in rescue right now, and he is just a pistol! lol.

Ok everyone, I realized not all the cat room pictures uploaded so they are now all on there so you can take another look at what they do all day long!!

WOW! That is cat heaven! What a great room!

That is a wonderful room for the kitties!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

tipper looks good indeed, no cushing belly, just great. and still so active at her age, great!! my cat can go outdoors , so he has a playground for free.[it is safe outside] is tipper no catlover?

Tipper looks wonderful and so cute! and great! kittie room :)

Tipper was raised with the one cat I have, but the rescue she was not raised with and she hates him. She would like to rip him apart as soon as look at him. He knows he is smart and stays away from her. They have has to meetings in the last 5 years and lets say the cat was so petrified that he did not even try to swipe Tipper he was just looking for a way out of the situation. The fur ,put it that way, and it wasn't Tipper's. I got the cat out of the situation and got them away from each other before anyone go hurt. Lucky stays clear of Tipper. All Tipper has to do is make a look at him and he beats it to the kitty room pronto. It is very damp out now and we are supposed to have rain all day tomorrow so Tipper will not walk if that happens. Toby is being a needy child today and whining a lot. When he does not get his own way he whines. So I just chased him around the kitchen island and played ball with him and he is conked out currently. I am getting nervous as the time gets closer for Tipper's tumor check. I just want to get it over with already. I hope the weather is not bad when we have to go. Tipper really does not appear sick to other people, so my neighbors probably think I am just babying her. When you first look at her you can't tell about the wasting from the Cushings, but when you examine her closely you can. Oh well I don't care what they think as long as I am paying the bills here! Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
Tipper slept all nite again like she used to . She is having really a lot of tracheal issues this morning. She has not had an Adequan shot for 4 weeks now and I can tell the difference. She usually gets them every 3 weeks but due to Christmas the vet put her off for another week. She has had 6 episodes this morning of the gagging, and honking and once it was like she could not get her breath. I am taking her tomorrow to get it, and it won't be any too soon for me. I need him to look at this leg too, she is walking and not limping, but holding it in a strange way where she walks on her toes and does not put her foot down flat. Have to get it checked out. She gets her laser therapy this week so I will make sure they do her whole leg real good too. It is very mild with rain on the way this evening so Tipper will get to walk after all. I am making a turkey today, the one the neighbor brought over. I will send him back most of it so he has something to eat as he does not cook. Blessings
Patti

Hey Patti, glad she slept through the night again!

And turkey.... YUM! I love turkey.

tipper; you are a nice dog to let your mom sleep through the night!!
hopefully the shot will help her breath easier.
hope she did not tore or rupture her knee ligaments, bur since she wants to go for a walk and still runs through the house in don't think so.
what can this laser therapy do for tippers leg. i have to google it.

She may have done something to her ligaments. There is going to be no more jumping up on the bed for her, even though she thinks she still can do it. Jack Russells are very head strong, and intend on getting their own way no matter what. The cold laser therapy get is great for arthritis and joint problems. It reactivates the cells and they start working again, and the dog gets a lot of pain relief. Tipper has been going for many months. I believe that is part of the reason she has stayed so mobile, and that she is still able to walk good and run, even though the muscle in her rear legs wasted a way a lot. This helps them significantly. As they say there it can make an old dog run like a puppy again. They get musculoskeletal issues too from the weight of their abdomen pulling on their back as there is little support from muscle wasting. So she gets her legs and shoulders done, and her back. You have to have about 5-8 sessions in the beginning to build up to going once a month or once every three weeks like we go. It has made a difference in her back and her legs. I am up for whatever will make her more comfortable as this is hard enough on them. I am trying to keep her as pain free as possible so she does not need even more meds. Blessings
Patti

Patti - Sorry that Tipper may have done something to her ligaments. Do you use Ttouch on Tipper, I used it on both my JRT and they loved it especially Woody. It meant I could do it at home daily if I wanted, I used it for all sorts of things, I would do it to keep Bruno my old dog calm and help with his IBD and for Woody I done it for pain when he done his back in I also used it for stress and its really good during thunder storms. Maybe something you could look into if you don,t already use it, it doesn,t cost anything and I loved doing it to Woody as usually he would end up snoring his little head of during it. :)

Oh Patti,
I don't think you're going to like me anymore. My San Diego Chargers pushed your Steelers out of the playoffs after playing like crap for the first three quarters. They didn't deserve to win, but I'll take it! Sorry it had to be your Steelers. Xxxxx

All 4 of my future inlaws like the Steelers too. I think I'll stay away from their Facebook pages for awhile :-)

I know how you feel about the rechecks Patti. You dread them but want them over with too.
Daisy's ACTH is now scheduled for Jan. 9th. Hoping for good weather that day!

Hi Everyone:
No replay on that mess up in the Kansas City San Diego game last nite ???? Are they all crazy or what ? My Steelers would be in the playoffs had that happened. I have to say though, the Steelers shot themselves in the foot this season. We have never been out of the playoffs since the 70's. They let to many of out veteran lineman go at the same time. Stupid move. Now moving on to Tipper. Last night she had the worst of the seizures yet. Yes that is exactly what it is. This time her whole body shook violently she scared me to death, and when I shook her she stopped but got up dazed and confused. This is apparently getting worse and I will go over it with the vet this morning when Tipper gets her shot. My God it was bad, and I am worried as it is getting worse. I could not get my phone going in time and I was more concerned with stopping it. I just have to some how get this videoed and that would have been the one to catch on video. I sit there every nite ready to video this and nothing happens until I get tired and out the phone down. Some how I have to stick it out, it has been hard as I am exhausted lately form her not sleeping before. This definitely takes a toll on you. I just need to get some video of this asap. I am going to make this a priority this week!! We have new snow on the ground and it is 26 out this morning. What a difference a day makes. Blessings
Patti

So sorry to hear about Tipper's bad seizure. They are the MOST frightening thing to watch. Our first Boston, Tyson had a brain tumor, and his first 3 were awful. Then he got on Phenobarbital and they stopped for 6 months, and slowly came back with a vengance. His last 3-4 were EXTREMELY violent.

And, ugh about the Steelers. blah.

Wishing you luck today!

Patti, I've been thinking that maybe somehow you can get or rent a night vision video camera or something like that through out the night where Tipper sleeps so you don't have to be up all night tho it's questionable how clearly you can see through that green light.
Tipper not being able to sleep with any light on makes your job almost impossible to achieve and you just can't do that night after night. I'm praying you resolve this quest sooner rather than later.
I know you will do it. Take care.

Patti, I was going to suggest that as well, I have an ip camera, wireless (surveillance camera) set up and I watch my boys all the time when I'm up here in my office, it has night vision as well and yes you can see clearly when night vision kicks in, it isn't green on my camera it is more black and white, and can detect motion and it will record when motion occurs if you set it up that way. Try a rent a center or some type of renting company and see if it is affordable for you. You can sleep and catch sweet Tipper on video when she has these seizures. God Bless her.

Hi Everyone:
I just came form the vets office. He thinks Tipper is definitely having seizures, and is very concerned about the one last nite. He is looking into some things and will get back with me. Also it is highly possible she has a cruciate tear from jumping on the bed. I cried all the way home and got it out. Tipper just laid on her pillow licking my hand like it's ok mom. W e may be trying out a low dose of Zonisamide dependent on what my vet talks to the neurologist friend of his about. He is weighing Tipper having the stress of undergoing yet another exam from a neurologist. I am also back t the macro tumor thing as a lot of these are caused by tumors in the brain. Did the vet hospital in Pgh. give me the right information??? I may need an MRI after all and that is just not possible right now. I know how everyone feels when you cannot get a solid answer, it is enough to make you crazy. After all that was a scan they did on her and maybe it was not visible on that??? I am so worn out from all these ifs. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
I just faxed the IMS a letter asking if there is neurologist at her hospital, and told her what is going on. I asked her advise on this matter. She may not be in until Wednesday, so I may have to wait for an answer. In the mean time I have my vet supposedly checking into it also. I just wish people would move with some urgency on things that are of importance. Blessings
Patti

Patti clear your messages please and don't use that email address I misspelled it

Oh Patti,

How scary! I would've cried too.

Renting the night vision camera is a great idea. This way, you can both get some sleep.

i just lost my flynn today, so i know how you must feel, being frightened that something major bad would happen.
@!@##%^disease it is!!

oh Patti, you are running on adrenalin my friend. I know you hate the day time naps, but I think you are going to need some at this rate. I could call and sing you a lullaby? (not a very good singer and not sure I know any lullabys, but that is what google is for (the lullabeys, not the voice, that you'd have to suffer through)
I don't think they would have given you any awful information about the tumor size at the hospital, they Knew how important that was to you and were happy to be able to give you the good news. However, that doesn't mean that something else isn't causing it. The vetroyl itself (ohhh, call Dechra and get the latest info on vetroyl and tremors?), or the mass on her adrenal gland? would that cause tremors for any reason?
Those would be my first and I agree with the rest of the gang, night vision camera, motion detection might work for you. You'd only need it for one night, then download it to your computer.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

So sorry that Tipper continues to have these problems. Unfortunately, the causes are often hard to figure out. :o Please step back and breathe. I know it's hard, but do it for your babies. They need you. Xxxx

Kathy:
The constant worrying and figuring out of all this just wears you down as you well know. This dog is my life and I am trying to do this day by day, and do the best job for Tipper that I can. I just feel like I could just shatter in a million pieces at times. I will go on for her sake, and I will fight this fight with my every breath. Blessings
Patti

I know Patti. Been there and would do it again if I could. :o We do worry about you though.:p xxxxx

Hi Everyone:
Well Tipper was all over the bed last nite moving around. I so not know if it is from her leg or we have cortisol issues. I gave her a gentle massage yesterday. When I went near her leg, she snapped and tired to bite me. She has laser therapy tomorrow and I do not know how we are going to handle this as I don't want her biting anyone, but want her leg worked on. I put her on my bed early last nite and she wanted to go to sleep. I put the heating blanket on in hopes she would lay on that side and it would soothe her leg. She would not lay on that side. I looked up some dogs with cruciate injuries and she is holding her leg the same way as they do, at an angle and walking on her toes. It said they can do an xray to determine the extent of the injury- is this true?? Some opinions were it can heal itself, and others were the dog will go lame. So does anyone have experience to speak to this issue? I forgot to mention yesterday that Tipper is now almost a pound and a half over her weight. She gets the thyroid test on the 7th I believe. This has to stop especially because of this leg. I am back to cutting her down again on food that is already not enough for her, but what can I do?? She had some seizure activity as she started sleeping and I did catch a few seconds of it on tape, but is was not really all that much to see at that point. So maybe I can add to the footage every day. I just cannot spend any more money right now as she may need a neurologist and we know that won't be cheap. The hospital called me yesterday and told me that they got my fax to the IMS and she will not be in until Thursday. So I can expect some answers after she is caught up. I found out they do have a neurologist at that hospital so I need to research about them in case I need one. It is freezing out about 16 degrees and we have about 5 inches of new snow and it is still coming. I am keeping Tipper laying down even though she does not like it, as I want her to rest that leg. It seems a tad better today after her being off it all nite.I just want to say to all of you on this forum you have been a God Send to my Tipper and I and I am so thankful for finding this safe haven to help my girl. I wish you all a Happy New Year and I hope all of you have good things coming in the New Year. God Bless You All.
Patti

Hi Patti,
SO sorry you are under such stress and worry.
Snuggles tore his ACL over a year ago, and my vet said he needs the surgery because if you do not, more complications happen to the leg as time goes on.
Snuggles was 13 at the time and we had the surgery done on a year ago July 3rd 2012. My vet brought in a surgeon who had extensive experience with this type of surgery. I think I took videos and pictures of Snuggles after surgery to show the vet how he was walking when I was concerned of his progress. It took many months before Snuggles would put his foot totally down on the ground/floor. But eventually he did.
I will see if I can find the videos and post them on my thread for you.

Hi Patti,
Have you considered confining Tipper to a crate or very small room, such as a bathroom? That is generally recommended following surgery or for recovering from an illness. They won't stay put on their own, so we have to make it impossible for them to move about. Tipper is warning you not to touch it. I wouldn't push her on that issue. She has bitten before and you're likely to get hurt. I would have it looked at as soon as possible. They might have to mildly sedate her to examine it thoroughly and possibly use a soft muzzle for their own protection. When we are in pain, we don't want others fooling with us either. Hang in there. I know it's hard! Xxxxxx

Kathy:
I have Tipper confined into rooms where there is nothing for her to jump up on during the day. I have known of a Dr. in Pittsburgh that does this ACL operation with minimal invasiveness. He uses fishing line to correct the problem and the dogs walk out of the office and have very little healing to do. I will be in contact with him once we xray to see how much damage is done. She does have a cranial drawer so I know there is some damage. Thank God Adequan shots help with this and she just had one Monday. I am also looking into Dr. Spatts Woundwear braces. That have a lot of good reviews, and that would mean no operation, but some say they are a pain to use. I want to help her and have her pain free, but I am not willing to chance her survival under anesthesia, so I am looking at helping her in less invasive ways. I will be discussing this with my vet on the 7th as Tipper get her blood taken for the thyroid testing, and an early detection panel. For now the Dr. told me if I have to keep her tethered to me. She is smart and knows she really did it this time jumping on the bed and hitting her leg. She knows she has trouble, and is not acting like she usually does all crazy and running. I need some seeds to plant a money tree does anyone have any? Blessings
Patti

Patti I have to agree with Kathy on this one, when woody hurt his back he compressed 3 discs L4,5,6 he was not allowed to walk. I confined him to his crate for 6 weeks, as you know he was a bouncy Jack Russell so hard to keep them still. What I did was spend time with him out of the crate in the living room, but on a lead so he couldn,t run, jump etc and whilst in his crate I gave him frozen kong,s to chew on usually filled with something yummy, I also gave him puzzle toys the Nina ones where he could lye in his crate but still amuse his brain. He slept in his crate at nights, so I had to "lock him in it" which I hated but it was need in the long run. Is this the same leg as Tippers patella? Hang in there your doing well

Patti,
I'm so sorry for all the things Tipper is going through.
I hope the new year brings good things for you and Tipper.
Love and hugs to you and Tipper.