Mira, 7yr old Husky - Cushings ruled out; liver cancer (Mira has passed)

Mira is home with us for right now.

You must be exhausted. I hope you and the pups are able to get some rest.

Hugs,
Addy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Altira

They are suggesting surgery for Kira. Any comments on that?

Mira..... Pale gums. Might be bleeding her liver. There running tests$$$$ for what I'm not sure. May need a transfusion. Might give her another day. Another week. Another week of what? Bud said do it. Bud who hates pending money.

They are both staying here for at least eight hours. More when we get home.

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Not sure how to comment on Kira because I don't know what surgery they are suggesting?

Glad you are all home. Update us when you have the strength. We understand. Still sending warm thoughts and best wishes. Kim

Exhausted yes. I slept in the doggie pillows. Mira actully seems very good. No panting. She just had some chicken and a fist full of treats. Bud has gone off to get Kira. He wants to go atv riding with a freind. Leaving sunday and gone a couple days. I don't think he wants to be here when she goes. Great :(. I don't want her to go with a ruptured liver. They said it would be instantaneous. But might be a little bit of a struggle. Good God. Damn me to he'll if I let that happen. I was thinking maybe Monday or Tuesday I'd make an apointment for her and let her go. Shit! I pray we have a good non terrifying weekend but not too good. I have to let her go. I hope god has that much pitty on me.please stay with me.

Kira : dexamethasone suppress 1pre/2 post 1
Dexamethasone injection 2nd/ml
Urinalysis IDEXX
Urine culture and MIC (cal micro)

Whatever that means - this is what they did today.

I asked them to do whatever was the best tests and would give us the fastest results. She said one test had to go to michagin and would take a week. The other will take a couple days. I recorded our conversation. I'll listen to it soon but I'm pretty sure the opperation would be to remove the one gland over her left kidney. The right side looks fine.

A lady was putting her pet to sleep in the room next to us today. I remember when we put our Sasha to sleep a horrible sound was coming out of my mouth. I couldn't stop it. I went to see her after she was gone. Finally 14 1/2 year old Sasha was at peace. She had suffered for months. Mira just 7 years old.... Who was running as fast as she could in the house and doing her patty cake like nut just weeks ago hasn't suffered so much. I don't want to remember her dead. I want to remember her alive and hopefully living the rest of her life running free alive and happy. You know?

I'm so tired.

Are they talking about removing an adrenal gland? The moderators will be along soon to comment. I believe if it is a tumor on an adrenal gland and they are able to remove it the dog no longer has Cushings. We have members who have had that procedure.

Sometimes some cannot be present when our pups have their final day. That does not mean the person loved their dog any less.

I am sorry you only had seven years to share. I sometimes feel robbed too, I have had my Zoe 3 years, we got her from animal control. She has been sick most of that time and now diagnosed with Cushings. I wonder why alot.

Grief is a strange process, first denial, then anger then acceptance. Anticipitory grief goes through the same stages.

We are here for you. I saw you were on line and i did not want you to feel alone.

Love,
Addy

Thank you Addy

I managed to do a search here on surgery and found there has been some success with adrenal surgery. That was encouraging since I read elsewhere where it said it was the most difficult surgery they do on dogs and the survival rate wasnt so great. Lots of horrible things could happen post surgery. They did say that the other side looked ok. And the Cushings specialist seemed very confident. But I can't help feeling that they are just out for their Ginny pigs. They get to test out new things on our pets and it doesn't cost them a thing. I can't tell you how greatful I am for this forum. I hate to think how I'd be feeling right now with out you guys.

Mira laying beside me now. ( Kira unfortunately out in the rain.) I was hoping to get Mira to eat. She ate a few treats ant that's it. I've been so upset that I messed up her medications. I was trying to make an adjustment. The predasone was making her pant so much so I was trying to cut back as had been suggested anyway now. But I went too long inbetwwenn I think. Mira is starting to limp. So I quick gave her the pred and here came the heavy panting. At ACC they said that she was breathing fine so imnot so worried about the panting. But damn I didn't want to see the limp. The cancer doctor said she was doing that to compensate for the pain from thecancer. I haven't seen her walk since talking it.

The Tramadol dopes her up so much to me she looks like she's dying right in front of me.

I better let Kira in and dry her off. Miras not going to eat right now.

"Grief is a strange process, first denial, then anger then acceptance. Anticipitory grief goes through the same stages."

Yes I keep thinking this is a mistake that it is another misdiagnosis. No something is horribly wrong. Her middle has grown an inch in just a few days. Then I feel so angry I just want to brake things. Then for a moment when I see her laying there panting looking miserable I tell her it won't be long now. But you forget the biggest killer of all right now, hope. Hope for a few more good moments. Hope whenyou see her licking up the peanut butter and now she's not limping. Now I fail. I was going to call and make that appointment. Awhile ago I told myself ok Monday, now it's Tuesday. No now it's I can't even pick up the phone.

Mornin' Janis,

It sounds like tests are indicating adrenal dependent hyperadrenocortisim (ADH). In simple terms this means there is a tumor on one of Kira's adrenal glands that is causing the Cushing's. Removal of the tumor means a cure just about every time! ;):D

It is a serious surgery but one that has been performed many, many times with success. Some pups have had both glands removed and do just fine with meds. Make sure the surgeon is Board Certified and that he has done this type surgery many times before with positive results.

I am so sorry Bud is running off and leaving you to face Mira's situation alone. :(:mad::( But then, some guys just don't want anyone to know just how badly things like this affect them, so they run away from the situation and do something "manly" hoping no one can see their pain. ;) If we were closer, I would be with you in person. Just know that I, and many others here, are with you in spirit every minute.

Love your sweet Mira every way you can, make every moment one she enjoys as much as she can, talk to her about the good days before she was sick so your memories of those times will be fresh in your mind. Write them down, make them tangible, if it helps you.

You don't have to be with Mira in those final moments if it is too much for you to watch. If that is not the image you want as your last one of her, then don't put yourself through it. There is no shame if you cannot be with her; I know Mira would understand.

And, Janis, above all else, keep this one thought at the forefront of all you do and think over the next few days. This unbearable step you are called on to take, the decision that will rip your heart out and leave you devastated...this is the greatest gift you could ever give Mira. There is no greater gift of love than this.

Many hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Bud never wanted dogs. But we have had them our inter married life. I don't ask I just bring them home and he falls in love with them to. But he pretends he doesnt. These too, especaily Kira has really gotten to him. In the last few years he has alowed them to go places with us and is so very tolerant of my overly protective nature of them. No we can't stop here it's to hot to leave the dogs in the car. No we can't go there but we could go here instead where it's cooler. No I can't leave the dogs but you can go. I'm just so horrible that way. Sometimes I insist he goes with me to the vets and he does. Or like last night I asked him to go get Kira from ACC. I didn't want Mira bouncing around in the car. And there was no I would leave her... This man who never wanted dogs goes and gets our Kira. This man who knows there will always be dogs. My mom and my sister have offered to go with me but the only person I would want tobe there is bud. But i can forgive him this.

Have you ever heard of a liver rupturing and causing instant death? That's what they told me could happen. I've tried looking that up but didn't see anything to suggest instant death. I would just die if that happened.

God I can't make that call. Mira starts to pant and I jump out of my skin! I need to go give her more pills. ....

Yeah...I'm also one to drag dogs home. ;) We are a package deal...love me, love my dogs! Maybe that is why it's just me and my babies! LOL :p

My guess on the liver rupturing is that the mass will grow to the point the organ can no longer contain it. A bit like putting too much air in a balloon...at some point it will burst simply because it cannot hold any more air.

I think it would be excruciatingly painful for Mira if the organ ruptured, and I hope your vet is right in that it would be quick if that happens. The pain all those fluids, enzymes, and who-knows-what-else flooding the rest of her body cavity could cause on top of the actual rupture is beyond comprehending. She doesn't deserve that ending...and you don't want to watch that happen, I know you don't. :(

Hang in there, sweetie. Take it minute by minute and remember you are not alone.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Bud and I are watching her. We look for good signs. She stood up got a drink and shook. Not limping. Ate a fist full of treats. Following me. Gums are pinkish. Ears are pink. But her poop looks a bit yellow. All she has eaten is peanut butter. I doubt her regular vet is working today. We'll have to wait until Monday. I'm drinking some of Bud wine. I'll cry myself to sleep. Wine always makes me cry horribly. Maybe I'll get enough out to act .... I don't know. I have tobe ok with this. I got to get there. God helpme get there. My beAutiful baby girl. I'm sorry I'm so selfish. I don't want to let you go.

God this site is so forgiving. I hit the wrong buttons but my message is still there. So forgiving.

Mira was just barking in her sleep we think. I dont know it wasnt much. Sleeping that would be wonderful. God please help me.
I keep hitting the wrong button. Just like a nightmare

God I have to let her go but she's not an old girl who has lived her life. She's not suffering horrible right now. But god she could be at any moment. How do you live with that. I can't find my way.

Leslie. It's not right to loose a daughter. How could anything hurt worse then this. Trash can is filling up with klenex. She's up walking fine getting a drink. Will she let me live thru this? Will you?

ACC just called Kiras test got messed up. We need to take her back in pronto. I'm in great shape thank goodness Bud is here. One test result came thru they want to start her on something expecting that surgery will be done. The same doctor who did her two tta surgeries is being asked to do it. Im so glad. So I guess we are off to save our Kira. MirA she seems ok right now shell make the trip with us I'm sure of it. She would want this.

I am here, listening, I am here with you right now.

I watched my dad die from cancer. By the time he finally went for help, it was too late, end stage,nothing they could do. He was in hospital for a month. I tried so hard to get him home one more time. It was the hardest month of my life. I have post tramatic stress from the experience. In the end, I had to let him go.

God gives us the strength to face what we must face. We feel we can't bear the pain but we find the strength to go on. You willl find your strength. It will be there when you need it.

I wish I could help.

Love,
Addy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Altira

ACC just called Kiras test got messed up. We need to take her back in pronto. I'm in great shape thank goodness Bud is here. One test result came thru they want to start her on something expecting that surgery will be done. The same doctor who did her two tta surgeries is being asked to do it. Im so glad. So I guess we are off to save our Kira. MirA she seems ok right now shell make the trip with us I'm sure of it. She would want this.

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Pls let us know what test got messed up. The surgery you are talking about is a serious one and needs to be done by a VERY VERY experienced surgeon that has done a LOT of this type of surgery. I would not rush into it. Is there a reason they want to do this so quickly? Have they even done an ultrasound? Every adrenal case I remember they did ultrasounds to determine the location and size of the tumor - plus to confirm that it is in fact an adrenal tumor. You really do not need any additional stress right now.

Please tell us more when you can. Others that have been thru this surgery can offer you advice as well. Hugs, Kim

Addy you are helping.

Kim. We are still at ACC. But not much longer I think. Phenoxyhenzanine 10 mg they want her to take.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Altira

Kim. We are still at ACC. But not much longer I think. Phenoxyhenzanine 10 mg they want her to take.

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Looks like it is for high blood pressure as a result of an adrenal tumor? When you get home and have time please let us know what they are telling you. Also find out as much as you can about the surgeons experience, specficially how many of these exact surgeries he/she has done. Thanks!

Hey sweetie,

Just so you know I am here, too.

Give Mira and Kira a kiss right between the eyes from me, ok?

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Mornin' Janis,

How are you and the girls doing today? I hope ya'll are able to enjoy the day, maybe get out in the sunshine for while together, if nothing more than sitting around soaking up the rays.

I hope Bud enjoys his trip. It is deer and duck season in ARK right now so all the men packing up and leaving around here are going to the woods hunting. You will see trucks with four-wheelers in the bed along with all sorts of camping/hunting paraphernalia piled in around it being driven by guys with a harried look in their eyes and grinning like fools. Some of them even drool in anticipation. :rolleyes::)

Let me hear from you, ok?

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Men, I swear! Thanks, that little hunting scene made me smile. Bud is gone but our neighbors said they would come anytime if I needed them. That's the woman I told you about Leslie. The one with the past like yours.

Mira has been starting to cough again. Whined a little which could e normal. She ate quite a bit earlier but just treats right now. That is how it been for some time, off and on. We all slept a lot last night. Bud might come home tomorrow night. Awe she just went belly up. She looks comfortable.

Kira - YES how many times has this doctor done this type of surgery and what has been his success rate? It's at the top of my list. Dr Sebestyen did Kiras first TTA surgery in 2008 and did the same thing to the other knee in May of this year. Except for the expected long recovery from this, Kira breezed through the first one. The second one at age ten was a bit harder on her. But god she was a champ about it, we both already new what to expect, and she was so good about it. They have to be confind for like 8 weeks! This is why we were out walking so much. I was out PROTECTING my investment! Nearly $7,500 invested in her back legs. She would not be walking today if we hadn't. They actually saw off a piece if the bottom leg bone, tilt it outward attach a metal cage at the top and screws at the bottom. Then you wait for the bone to fill in the gap. This takes the pressure off the knee ligaments that normally are always under stress in a dog. You know their knees are always bent unlike ours.

But! For some reason the fur on Kiras back this last time did not grow back! The doctor was very concerned about it and kept asking me to let him know about that. I wasn't concerned at all for some stupid reason. I thought when she blew her coat it would come in. Well neither has happen. Seven months have past and it still looks like they just shaved her yesterday. Except the skin has turned a bit dark. ACC thinks it's from Cushings. Would you agree on that?

Dr Sebestyen is located in the same complex as Advanced Cridical Care (ACC) in Tustin California. They have their own building called Veterinary Surgical Specialists (VSS).

I will now gather up what technical details on Kira I can get. I'm glad to have something to do and not be watching Mira constantly. She is drugged up and that always freaks me out.

We tried a picnic outside Lesile. I was armed with pocket filled with treats. Mira excepted a couple then went off by herself so did Kira the other way. It was a lonely picnic. Mira used to stay right by my side even when it was 100 degrees out shed be laying on the hot cement beside me. Shed never go in the house without me. Oh well I hope it's just the meds. We'll try again later.


ADVANCED CRITICAL CARE & INTERNAL MEDICINE IDEXX LABORATORY SERVICES
TUSTIN, CA

NAME: BEGHTOL, KIRA
AGE: 10 YRS
SEX: F
SPECIES: CANINE
BREED: SIBERIAN HUSKY
COLLECTED: 11/19/2010
REPORTED: 11/20/2010

TEST PROCEDURES RESULTS REFERENCE RANGE UNITS

DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION
PRE DEXAMETHASONE 5.1 1.0-6.0 UG/DL
POST 4 HR DEX 3.4 LESS THAN 1.5 UG/DL
POST 8 HR DEX 2.7 LESS THAN 1.5 UG/DL

LOW-DOSE DEXAMETHASONE DIAGNOSTIC INTERVALS (CANINE)
4 HOURS 8 HOURS INTERPRETATION
< 1 < 1 NORMAL
1.0-1.5 1.0-1.5 INCONCLUSIVE
>1.5 AND >50% >1.5 AND >50% CONSISTENT WITH HYPERADRENOCORTICISM
OF BASELINE OF BASELINE FURTHER TESTING REQUIRED TO
DIFFERENTIATE ADRENAL TUMOR FROM
PITUITARY-DEPENDENT
HYPERADRENOCORTICISM (PDH)
< 1.5 OR < 50% > 1.5 OR > 50% CONSISTENT WITH PITUITARY-DEPENDANT
OF BASELINE OF BASELINE HYPERADRENOCORTICISM (PDH)
< 1.5 OR < 50% > 1.5 OR < 50% CONSISTENT WITH PITUITARY-DEPENDANT
OF BASELINE OF BASELINE HYPERADRENOCORTICISM (PDH)
> 1.5 OR > 50% > 1.5 OR < 50% CONSISTENT WITH PITUITARY-DEPENDANT
OF BASELINE OF BASELINE HYPERADRENOCORTICISM (PDH)


HIGH-DOSE DEXAMETHASONE DIAGNOSTIC INTERVALS (CANINE)
4 HOURS 8 HOURS INTERPRETATION
< 1.5 OR < 50% > 1.5 OR > 50% CONSISTENT WITH PITUITARY-DEPENDANT
OF BASELINE OF BASELINE HYPERADRENOCORTICISM (PDH)
> 1.5 OR > 50% < 1.5 OR < 50% CONSISTENT WITH PITUITARY-DEPENDANT
OF BASELINE OF BASELINE HYPERADRENOCORTICISM (PDH)
< 1.5 OR < 50% < 1.5 OR < 50% CONSISTENT WITH PITUITARY-DEPENDANT
OF BASELINE OF BASELINE HYPERADRENOCORTICISM (PDH)
> 1.5 OR > 50% > 1.5 OR > 50% FURTHER TESTING REQUIRED TO
OF BASELINE OF BASELINE DIFFERENTIATE PDH FROM ADRENAL TUMOR

HYPERADRENOCORTICISM IS A CLINICAL DISORDER WITH CLINICAL SIGNS. IF THE ANIMAL HAS NO CLINICAL SIGNS,
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TREATMENT. APPROXIMATELY 5% OF DOGS WITH HYPERADRENOCORTICISM WILL
HAVE NORMAL LOW DOSE DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION RESULTS. CONVERSELY, SOME ANIMALS WITH
SIGNIFICANT NONADRENAL DISEASE MAY FAIL TO ADEQUATELY SUPPRESS ON THIS TEST.

URINALYSIS
COLLECTION METHOD CYSTOCENTESIS
COLOR YELLOW
CLARITY CLEAR
SPECIFIC GRAVITY 1.022
GLUCOSE NEGATIVE NEGATIVE
BILIRUBIN NEGATIVE NEGATIVE
KETONES NEGATIVE NEGATIVE
BLOOD NEGATIVE NEGATIVE
PH 7.0
PROTEIN NEGATIVE NEGATIVE-TRACE
WBC NONE SEEN 0-5 HPF
RBC NONE SEEN 0-5 HPF
BACTERIA NONE SEEN HPF
EPT CELL 1+ (1-2) HPF
MUCUS NONE SEEN
CASTS NONE SEEN HPF
CRYSTALS NONE SEEN HPF

TEST PROCEDURES RESULTS REFERENCE RANGE UNITS
OTHER AMORPHOUS DEBRIS PRESENT
UROBILINOGEN NORMAL
Triostane 80mg is what they want to put her on right away with one blood results still pending and weither or not surgery is done. I think she said. They will send me this by mail.

Her bp was 220. I have a script for the bp meds. Should I go get that right way? She said it wasn't as important as the above. She also said to watch for dizzyness or weekness and if so to discontinue it. To me that sounds like thier not sure she needs it. What do you think should I do it or not?

She scared me just now. She was rolling around on the floor whining slightly. That damn pounding chest is so scary to watch. I went to the front door and told her I was leaving without her she better come. She didn't. I looked at her gums they are still pale but pinkish. I got the kong toy and said peanut butter? Ok now she's on her feet with interest and is currently very much enjoying that. Was the little minx just bored? She's not supost to scare me while bud is gone!!!

PETER SEBESTYEN, DMV, DIPLOMATE ACVS

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - University of Veterinary Sciences, Budapest 1989
Internship - Sonora Veterinary Surgery and Oncology, Arizona 1995
Residency - North Carolina State University 2000

Dr. Sebestyen graduated from the University of Veterinary Sciences in Budapest, Hungary in 1989. Following his graduation, he underwent two years of post-graduate training in anatomical pathology. In 1991, he moved to British Columbia and joined a general small animal practice. Early in his career as a veterinarian in clinical practice, he developed a strong interest in surgery and decided to pursue further academic training in this field.

In 1995 he joined Sonora Veterinary Surgery and Oncology in Scottsdale, Arizona and completed a rotating small animal internship. He enrolled in a 3-year residency program in small animal surgery at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing his residency, he joined the faculty of the CVM as a clinical assistant professor from 2000-2001. He also held a research position at the Department of Anesthesia at Duke University Medical Center in Durham NC and participated in microvascular surgical research. Dr. Sebestyen became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2001. Prior to his relocation to California, he has been in a small animal surgical referral practice in North Carolina.

During his residency and his academic and referral surgery positions, he completed several research projects, gave numerous seminars, and participated in advanced surgical courses. His research interests include total hip replacement, spinal biomechanics and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. Dr. Sebestyen has a wide range of clinical experience in veterinary surgery from academic and private practice settings. His clinical interests are surgical oncology, reconstructive and microvascular surgery

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Altira

Ok I got all the recent detailed results I emailed it to you but I'm not sure it's readable.

Pre Dexamethasone 5.1 1.0-6.0
Post 4 hour dex. 3.4 less then 1.5
Post 8 hour dex. 2.7 less then 1.5

There is a bunch of stuff after that too.

Collection cystocentesis
Color yellow
Clarity clear
Specific gravity 1.022
Glucose negative
Bilirbin neg
Ketones neg
Blood neg
Ph 7.0
Protein neg
WBC none
Rbc none
Bacteria none
Ept cell 1+(1-2)
mucus none
Casts none
Crystals none

Other:
Amorphous debris present
Urobiltnogen normal
(did I miss anything?)

Triostane 80mg is what they want to put her on right away with one blood results still pending and weither or not surgery is done. I think she said. They will send me this by mail.

Her bp was 220. I have a script for the bp meds. Should I go get that right way? She said it wasn't as important as the above. She also said to watch for dizzyness or weekness and if so to discontinue it. To me that sounds like thier not sure she needs it. What do you think should I do it or not?

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Thanks for these numbers on Kira. Like I said, they are probably concerned about the high blood pressure coming from an adrenal tumor. Yes that bp reading is HIGH. I wouldn't hold off on getting her the meds for that. The dizziness and weakness she described to you are POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS from the drug they are recommending. I know this because I googled it.

Couple other questions -

1. Has Kira had an ultrasound to take a look at the size and location of that adrenal tumor? IMHO this absolutely should be done prior to any surgery because it gives the surgeon a better idea of how to approach the surgery and frankly the likelihood of success. If too risky then you could opt for treating with lysodren or trilostane. I am not sure why they are recommending trilo right now unless it is to give her some relief while you decide on surgery?

What are the docs telling you? Without this info we don't have the full picture and so it is hard to help.

2. The vet seems experienced at surgery from the bio you posted. I did not see anything specific to this type of surgery and you will probably only get the answer by having discussions with him directly. It is OK to ask him - he will understand. Just like if you were having heart surgery you would want to know that your surgeon has done a lot of them successfully..

Sorry you are dealing with alot at the same time. Hugs, Kim

I see that Dr. Sebestyen did his internship at Sonora Veterinary Surgery and Oncology in Phoenix, AZ. It is now called Sonora Veterinary Specialists and there are two locations in the Phoenix area. It is a wonderful facility and has a great reputation here. The owner is a fantastic surgeon and performed my Shiloh's adrenalectomy in 2006. I have to believe that Dr. Sebestyen received some great training while at Sonora.

Ken

Hi Janis,

How is Mira this morning? How are you?

The results on Kira aren't clear to me, but that's not surprising! :rolleyes: It might help you could post all the info given with these numbers:

Quote:

---

Pre Dexamethasone 5.1 1.0-6.0
Post 4 hour dex. 3.4 less then 1.5
Post 8 hour dex. 2.7 less then 1.5

There is a bunch of stuff after that too.

---

That "other stuff" might help. ;) And, of course, I am sure others will be along who can tell you much more about what all that will mean than I. :)

Her specific gravity of 1.022 appears to be normal to me. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, 9th Edition, the normal range for canine specific gravity is 1.001-1.070. Did they do a blood panel, what is often called a CBC, on Kira? There are several values from this test that are also used as indicators for Cushing's.

I'm not sure I agree with the vet concerning which is the most important to focus on for Kira. In my simple mind, the BP needs attention now. But what do I know?! :p

The vet is right in that the Trilo can cause some of the signs mentioned to watch for, but that is just part of the treatment with either drug, Trilo or Lyso. INSIST they give you some prednisone to have on hand just in case Kira needs it. This is not an option - it is a necessity but some vets are loath to give it when pups are on Trilo because they hold to the false belief that Trilo is so much safer than Lyso that the pred isn't needed. The fact is, both drugs can have serious consequences if the diagnosis isn't right, the dose isn't right, and/or the pup isn't properly monitored. So pred is something a parent needs to have on hand with either treatment. ;)

I am curious...are they wanting to treat Kira's adrenal tumor until it is removed or are they going to try the treatment path instead of surgery?

When you talk of Mira going "belly up", that sounds so cute! The pics of her playing patty cake are too precious. I know it is so very hard, almost impossible, to look at her and accept how sick she is. My heart just aches for you, Janis. You asked if you would be allowed to live after Mira has to leave us... yes, honey, you will. Mira needs you to, Kira needs you to, Bud needs you to, I need you to, we all do, Janis. Dear god, I know it seems you won't be able to take that next breath - how could you, right? It seems impossible. But you will take that next breath, and the one after, and the one after. In time, those breaths will stop being such a struggle and you will look up to find you have breathed your way through many days. It won't be easy, sweetie, I won't lie to you about that. It will be absolute Hell at times, but you will survive in spite of all the pain. You will.

I am so glad your neighbor is willing to help you if needed. It was breaking my heart to think you would have to face these days with no one to hold your hand or wipe your tears. Give her a hug from me for helping you and from one mom to another who understands. :( We are all three moms who understand, huh?

Big hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Janis, thanks so much for posting Kira's test results here. You're right -- this way they are much easier to read than from the scanned version.

Also, I am wondering if you'd like us to start a new thread for Kira? That way, we can more easily follow all the info and discussion about each of the two girls. If you'd like, I can go back through this thread and make "copies" of all your replies that also contain important info about Kira. I can then transfer those copies to a brand new thread. And then from this point onward, all new information about Kira can be posted on that new thread. And this thread can remain reserved for Mira. Does that sound like a good idea to you? I'll be happy to take care of it for you if you'd like.

Marianne

Janis, I decided to go ahead and take the bull by the horns and I set up a new thread for Kira this afternoon. I haven't changed anything here on Mira's thread. All the replies have been left here just as they were posted. But I made copies of those replies that also talk about Kira's testing, and I placed those copies on Kira's new thread. Here it is:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2742

I hope this looks OK to you! Just let me know if it does not, and I will change it. But I'm hoping that this will make it easier for us all to follow Kira's testing and possible treatment. I figure sweet Kira deserves a thread of her own...:o

Marianne

Yes I thought starting a new thread would be good but after Mira is gone. I'm afraid no one will come back here. The story is no less complicated with Mira but it's so much harder to talk about. The best I can do is just bits and pieces right now.

Our regular vet called he suggested someone to come to the house. But I dont want her to die here. I don't want to see her die. God I'm being torn apart. She is ok right now. Drugged up but ok but her liver could rupture any time. She is only seven she has a right to every good moment left. She looks so peaceful knoding off to sleep. I offer a treat, she doesn't want it right now but Kira sure does. Kira is getting way too many treats!


The vet said that Dr Sebastian at VSS is wonderful at tumor removal. He said that he has been successful at many cases that seemed hopeless. not the adrinal type but another very touchy one. He said ten years ago this type of surgery for dogs was unheard of. He said if anyone can get Kira through it Sabastian can. And he amited that adrenal removal is the most dangerous surgery in dogs right now. His confidence in Sebastion is encouraging. And we know Sebastian. He did both of Kiras legs. He knows Kira. Her other leg was just done in May. And a big thank you to who ever noted that place where he studied (or worked?) as being a great place. That sure helps alot. Anyone know how much this might cost me? I will get you all the missing pieces I swear I will. And little by little I will read these posts better.

Ok I will get Kiras bp meds right away. Thank you for that input. But I don't want to leave Mira agian so soon. She had seperation anxiety so bad for most all her short life. I just left her an hour ago to go get things she might eat. The welcoming committee greeted me. I wish she could go with me but the ride in the car might be too ruff. I wish bud were here. Mira would eat none of the good things I bought an hour ago. There is a good chance she will later.

I try to get my mind off Mira and stop freeking out and concentrate on Kira. You know I stop in here like twenty times a day hoping to here from someone. You know she looks so peaceful right now. The prednisone makes her breath so hard and fast and she cant sleep. I think she is asleep right now. But when she hasnt taken it in awhile she starts to limp. Oh hell I should try to rest to I guess. More later

We are all here and reading and sending love... we might not post each time but please know we are here. Kim

Hi Janis,

As Kim says, we are here listening and sending all the hope, strength, and love we can to you and your girls even if we don't actually post anything. ;)

Sometimes it is hard for folks to know what to say, what not to say, so we just don't say anything for fear of making the situation worse. We ask ourselves, would she want to talk about Mira right now? Maybe they are having a good time and don't want to be reminded of things at this moment. So we wait, wanting to help and not hurt, but not really sure what to do.

Then there are folks like me who you wish would shut-the-crap-up but just keep on writing....:rolleyes:

We are here, honey, even when silent, we are here.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Janis - I lost my first dog this year, in May. She was 16 1/2. It hurt like hell. I prayed that when her time came she would die in her sleep so I didn't have to make any decisions. During her last year, in addition to cushings she was nearly blind and nearly deaf. But she managed to get around the house just fine and she still loved to eat. She was frail and had good and bad days. There were times I wondered how I would know it was time. I really struggled with whether or not I was being selfish but everything I read said "you will know when it is time".

I woke up one morning and she was walking in circles and could not stop. More than likely a stroke. I knew I had no choice. I had little time because it was a Saturday and the vet's office closed in 2 hrs. It was so tough. I was by her side to the end thanking her endlessly for the wonderful life she gave me. They gave her a shot and it was over.

I am in no way telling you what to do because only you know your dog. I am just sharing my experience if it can help you at all. You are right - it is not fair at all. Just keep loving her every day, hug her, give her treats when she'll take them. And when it is time I think you too will know. And NO ONE can take away all the wonderful memories you have of the healthy times. Bless you.

Continued best wishes. Kim

Kim - thanks for sharing that.

We have lost three dogs each one similar to what happened to you. Old age. When the first one pooped sand! I knew. He hadn't walked in days. Couldn't stand up. It was hard but i knew, i had no problem taking him. The next one was 14 1/2! Man I was so greatful for that. She suffered for months. She had a seizure. First one I had ever seen She looked at me one day and I knew. I made the apointment and I kept it. Icarried her in myself. And cried this horrible sound. I saw both of those after they were gone. It was nice to see them not suffering anymore. The third had many seizures. He spent a lot of time at ACC. We had to go away and i knew he would not make it until we got back. He was only 11. I did not go see him.

Mira will be our 4th husky to leave us and the whole picture has changed. She was to be possibly our last husky. I would be sixty then. Huskys are hard to handle. I had thought she would out live Kira by a lot, she is our baby. But no god suddenly desided to take her from us, to me she is just a child. How do i let her go? How can i take away what little is left. All the things that gave way to exceptance just don't work here. And on top of that the way she is expected to go is the worst torcher for me possible. That look that says it's time to go will never come. I'm not looking into the face of an old dog. I'm looking into the face of a still beautiful young dog who is being robbed of half her life. She hasn't suffered that much. My gosh only a month ago her life was bliss. Only a month ago I looked at Kira and Mira and thoughtlife is good. Mira can walk, she eats, she can see and hear and light up with interest. It's all changed none of the rules apply. I thought I had learned to do this pretty well. But I find myself in the most horrible situation ever. Do I put her down now? Or wait until god takes her? I know im not the first one to face this I just never expected to be torn up this way. I'm terrified of what I will feel when it's over cus all I can see is total rage !! And sadly as time goes on and I get another husky I'll look at Miras picture and not even remember her. What once was will be completely gone. How else could I servive? I hate that in me.

Understand entirely. Its like you are playing God and having to make very tough decisions without knowing what the 'rules' are. I am glad that Mira is able to walk, eating well and seems to enjoy life. Its all about quality of life. The uncertainty has got to be difficult to deal with. Perhaps you could just come out and ask your vet for advice on how to know when its time? They certainly understand you want every single possible minute of quality time. Since they are more familiar with the 'signs' they could serve as your guide? Just throwing out ideas trying to help a bit. It sounds like the vets are good ones. Plus they know you are dealing with serious issues with Kira at the same time.

Keep the faith. Kim

(((((HUGS)))))

Jane, Franklin and Bailey xxx

Im drowning here please.
Anyone...
I don't think I can..
Save myself

(how to destory angels)