Squirt - my Queen has crossed The Bridge

Jane, Squirt says to tell Franklin,

"It is really hard to keep my ears dry with Mom splashing away trying to keep up with me! It's bad enough my beard gets wet every time but I will not get my whole head wet!

This is supposed to be good for me, Mom says it is and so do my docs, but I really don't like it at all even tho I can tell it is making me stronger.

Franklin, my friend, if you ever see your mom putting on a swimsuit, getting two towels and looking at you like something "fun" is about to happen....RUN! HIDE! Ears will be the least of your concerns!"

Licks and sniffs,
Squirt

Hi Leslie,

Franklin said 'thanks for the heads up, Squirt', but I have tricked him in the past... Got to the river, put on his life jacket (leash attached) and he was wading along the bank, up to his armpits. He took another step, and I hear "PLOP!" :eek: He swam about 6', then seemed to realise he was pointing in the wrong direction, circled back and made it up onto the bank again, turned around and gave the river a 'how dare you' look :rolleyes:. All in all, I think he did enjoy it, but we'll find out for sure this summer. Assuming there's no blue/green algae to stop us :(
Hugs to you and the Queen,
Jane, Franklin and Bailey xxx

Hi Leslie,

does Squirt have a favorite (floating) toy? You could use the toy to make it more fun for her :D I know Sogno didn't care much about swimming but whenever his favorite toy came along, he was happy and loving every minute in the water ;)

Sas and Yunah :)

:D Man you just brought back memories... I lived in FL for 6 yrs and had a pool built in back yard. Annie and Haley were constantly chasing the little lizards and they would run on the edge of the pool to get anywhere in that area.

While getting ready for work I saw Haley get pushed into the pool by an aggressive Annie as they chased a critter. Haley was in the deep end trying to pull herself out of the pool and she'd crash back into the water going deep.

Scared the bejesus out of me. So every weekend for the next month or so we had doggie swimming lessons. They both hated it but we taught them to swim along the edge to the steps. I put a ceramic angel by them so they knew where to go.

Oh I miss those days....

Hi ya'll,

Time to update on my Sweet Bebe!

Her leg is doing very well! :D When she walks, her back legs are spread to a more normal width instead of being held close together. She can support her full weight on that leg and has been standing up on both back legs in the past few days. She has a very slight limp now and I hope since the right leg is gaining strength, the ligament in the left will be given a chance to rest a bit and not require surgery. We haven't been able to swim lately because the water isn't heated and the nites have cooled a bit, making the water too cold for her. So we do more walking instead.

We will be going back to see Dr. Dew probably next week for the final X-ray and hopefully to be released to resume normal activities! :) Squirt has been sleeping with me for a bit now....the pitiful, sorrowful sounds coming from the floor finally wore me down. She had been demanding from the floor...growls, grunts, snarls, barks...and that was easier to say "no" to, but then she started sounding sad....that was just too much; I didn't make it through the first round! :o:D It is just beyond comfort to have her back in the bed again! Since Ap., that has been a really rare occurrence for us and we are both glad that is over!

Squirt has been acting years younger, too! :D She has been digging in the yard, engaging with the other pups... until they get too rough and Mom makes her come in! :p ...she has been greeting me with her old crouch-n-bounce, carrying sticks around outside, cheering Moe on when he digs up moles, trailing trails her nose finds that promise interesting things at the end, and she's been playing Piggies and Cover Monsters just about every day! I bought her a new toy even!! The first in ages! It's furry and she doesn't seem to like the feel in her mouth, BUT we have made a new game with it....I will put a dental chew or some such down for her and then hold the toy and act like it is gonna get her treat! Her tail will start wagging, her ears prick up, and she starts acting vicious! She'll grab the goodie and move it, then wait for the Towee (toy) to go for it again! After a time or two, she will either eat the goodie or let the Towee have it. :p I'll leave it to your imagination which she does most! LOL I'm gonna take her to PetCo and find another toy for her that isn't fuzzy. She loves to go there 'cause everyone always wants to pet her! :D

She had the UTK panel done this Mon. Her first appt. was rescheduled because there was a mix up in getting the gel. Dr. B did a good job so far and was so proud of himself! :p He felt bad because he had to go in the neck, but that is not unusual for Squirt. Her leg veins are no fun. It was funny...he told me he was learning a lot from my dog! ;):D Makes me proud! Dr B also says just about every time he sees her, "Nothing wrong with that dog except she's cost $1,000,000..." and just grins! :p:p Dr B and the staff commented on what a good patient she is.

Hopefully, the results will be in the next week or two and I will have an answer on the PDH. If the cortisol is elevated, it's back to punt time. The first step would probably be another ultrasound. But, cross that bridge when/if it's time.

For today, I am so happy to see more of my old Squirty. She still spends most of her day laying around snoozing, but she is so much more with it now. :D

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt - da $1,000,000 dog!

Hi Leslie,
So good to hear the great news on Squirt, glad she is healing nicely. It's a good feeling when you can see the difference in how they were acting or playing compared to before the surgery. :D

Just a thought on Squirt being in bed with you. I once made bed guards out of heavy cardboard so Roxee could not jump or fall out of bed after her knee surgery. I tucked part of them between the mattress and box spring, bent them into a L shape and used duct tape around the corners for support. (You should have some duct tape left over:p ) Left an opening so I could get in and out. Just a thought.

Keeping fingers and paws crossed on the UTK panel.

Quote:

---

(you should have some duct tape left over :p)

---

:d:d:d roflmao!!!!! :d:d:d

"For today, I am so happy to see more of my old Squirty. She still spends most of her day laying around snoozing, but she is so much more with it now. "


That post is so great to read, Leslie. I can just see her in the crouch-and-bounce mode. It brings a smile to my heart. I am very happy with you. Enjoy!!!!

And, thank you for that post, John. I have been very reticent to put Lacey back up on the bed. I can't sleep for worrying about her falling. I am going to follow your blue print and make her guards!!!:)

That is a great idea, John, and I'm glad you posted it!

Hi Leslie,

So happy for you and Squirt!! :D:D What a great update :) Wishing you a great result on the UTK panel and Dr Dew's next appt.
Piggies and cover monsters back on the agenda? WOO HOO!! I loved reading that. And a new game with a new toy, wonderful, Leslie. I'm so happy you have your old(new) Squirty back again :D
Much love and ear scritchies
Jane, Franklin and Bailey xxx

Hi Leslie,

It is good to hear that Squirt is feeling better. Its always nice when what is old is new again:D

Scott

What a great update on Squirt....glad to know she will be feeling so feisty when her new roommate comes home!!
(((HUGS)))
Jo-Ann :)

I loved every single mental image of you and Squirt!! :) :)

Leslie, thanks so much for this update. And I'm keeping all fingers and toes crossed that Squirty just keeps right on healing.

Marianne

I'm so glad to hear that Squirt is doing so good, Leslie.

She's a little sweetie. Give her a big hug from me.

Leslie -- so great to read Squirt's positive update! Another suggestion re the bed -- after Maggie fell off her side of the bed a couple of times (and came very close to hitting the nightstand), I got a baby guard (don't think that is the name of it but am having brain fog at the moment). Part of it slides under mattress and the rest comes up the side. The one I got had a mesh middle part -- it held Maggie's weight if she fell into it. Found the best buy at a "big box" store. I placed it up against the headboard and it reached half-way down the side of the bed so protected Maggie fully. (Note -- this only works if just one person shares the bed with your pup! :D)

Hi ya'll,

Squirt and I just got back from the vet. This weekend I discovered a fluid-filled pocket the size of a nickle on the side of her mouth. :eek: It wasn't there - then it was! It is right where the mole is on that side and, of course, my twitcher kicked in full steam ahead and I diagnosed melanoma. :rolleyes::o It's a cyst! :rolleyes::rolleyes: Dr. B pulled the fluid off and said to keep an eye on it but it is just a cyst. ~~whew~~ I was so scared calling for an appt., I could barely breath. :o And so relieved leaving it was like I'd lost 10 lbs! :o

Now to get her groomed and she'll be ready to travel! :D

Hugs,
Leslie and the Queen

Phew, a cyst! :) Never thought I'd be so happy to hear one of our babies has a cyst. Wow, Leslie, I can only imagine the sheer terror you were feeling :( Just breathe, my dear.
Much love,
Jane, Franklin and Bailey xxx

Hi ya'll,

Yesterday I bought us a new bed! Squirt has been having problems moving on the air mattress, sliding in the divots and such plus it was hard for her move around on. Last week, I jumped out of bed to check on some noises outside, and she was too close to the edge so when I got up she slid off! The bed is high, too! :eek: I grabbed her by her hair and drug her back on the bed before she hit the floor. Since then she hasn't been to keen on sleeping there. So I decided we needed a different bed.

I know Trinket will need to adjust to her new surroundings and that things will need to stay pretty much the same for her be really comfortable. So I went ahead and got one before she gets home so that will be one less thing she has to adapt to and it won't change any time soon.

Squirt got on the bed last nite and I swear she scratched and tested that mattress from end to end, corner to corner. Then she curled up and was snoring in no time! :p

Her face is still normal tho she is sick and tired of me checking it! :rolleyes: No word on the UTK panel yet but I didn't expect to just yet. Those results will come in while we are on the road, naturally! She goes to the beauty parlor tomorrow so she is ready to meet her new sister and Glynda. She will be gorgeous and I will be my same old frumpy self! :D

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirty

I hope you will take pictures while on your road trip and of Trinket's homecoming:D

I am sooooooo very happy for Squirt, Trinket and most of all for you.:)

Hugs,
Addy

Don't know how I missed this update :confused: but glad to hear it was just a cyst! And a new bed is always a good thing for all involved!
I'm looking forward to pictures of all of you together in Arizona!! :)

Me, too......hoping for pictures, that is. I'm sure Squirt will look ultra-spiffy for the big day. And I say, you go ahead and look however you wanna look, 'cause Trinket will love you no matter what!;) Sue

Leslie,
How awesome to learn you will have a new addition and a playmate
For Squirt. BTW, ahhhhhhhhhhh!--Thank God just a dang cyst. Early congrats to the three of you. Tight hugs. Jeanette
Ps: say hi to Glynda

Hi Leslie,

Like the others I am so relieved that it was a cyst and nothing more. Please give sweet Squirt some gentle hugs from Harley and me.

I, too, am looking forward to pictures of all you in Arizona.

Love and hugs,
Lori

Great news Leslie and have fun on your road trip!!:D:D

Love and hugs,

Leslie, travel safely and we can't wait to hear about all your adventures!!!!!! :p :) :D

Marianne

Hi ya'll,

Just a brief note until I talk with Dr. B here in a bit but had to pass on these results from her latest UTK panel...

drum roll please....

post cortisol = 170.6 (65.0-174.6)

STILL in normal range after 2 years!!!!!

I haven't look back at her last test to see if this has come up any or not and don't want to right now! :p For now, I am reveling in this cortisol result! She has remained in the "black" so to speak since that tumor was removed in Sept. '08 and it seems that her values have been in the 17-18 range since so I am happy with this result! :D That may change a bit once I see the full report, but the cortisol is what I was looking forward to seeing...and I like what I see!

I'll post the full results later once I have them and share what Dr. B and Dr. O have to say.

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirty

:):D:):D:):D:):D:):D

;)
Love ya!

Good results, Leslie. I think this is great news.:)

Ok...here are the results from the UTK done in June '09 (didn't realize it had been that long ago!):

Results from 6-18-09

Baseline and normal ranges:

Cortisol ng/ml 78.6* 2.1-58.8
Androstenedione ng/ml 1.5* 0.05-0.57
Estradiol pg/ml 84.0* 30.8-69.9
Progesterone ng/ml 0.83* 0.03-0.49
17 OH Progesterone ng/ml 0.57 0.08-0.77
Aldosterone pg/ml*** QNS 11-139.9

Post ACTH:

Cortisol ng/ml 121.6 65.0-174.6
Androstenedione ng/ml 2.16 0.27-3.97
Estradiol pg/ml 78.1* 27.9-69.2
Progesterone ng/ml 1.95* 0.10-1.50
17 OH Progesterone ng/ml 2.66* 0.40-1.62
Aldosterone pg/ml*** QNS 72.9-398.5

Here are her results from 9/24/10:

Baseline and normal ranges -

Cortisol ng/ml 89.9* (2.1-58.8)
Androstenedione ng/ml 6.09* (0.05-0.57)
Estradiol pg/ml 69.6 (30.8-69.9)
Progesterone ng/ml 0.78* 0.03-0.49)
17 OH Progesterone ng/ml 0.95* (0.08-0.77)
Aldosterone pg/ml146.0* (11-139.9)

Post ACTH -

Cortisol ng/ml 170.6 (65.0-174.6)
Androstenedione ng/ml 7.57* (0.27-3.97)
Estradiol pg/ml 66.3 (27.9-69.2)
Progesterone ng/ml 2.04* (0.10-1.50)
17 oh Progesterone ng/ml 4.66* (0.40-1.62)
Aldosterone pg/ml 399.0* (72.9-398.5)

Dr. O recommends considering treatment options 1-5.

As Squirt is already on the melatonin and lignans, and the fact that she is not presenting with any signs at the present, Dr. B and I decided to leave her treatment as is for now.

Her cortisol has come up but it is still within normal range. Her androstenedione and 17 OH progesterone are really climbing up there! :eek: Not sure what, if any, ramifications those might have so I need to do some research there. Any input on her results or continuing the current treatment...please pass them on!

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt

Good to hear some good news.:D
Hugs Sonja and Apollo

Good news Leslie - love to you and the girls!!

Yahhhh, Leslie! So glad for your good news. Having a bad day here but, believe it or not, tour good news cheered me up. Here's to good news from now on!!!!!:D
Love,
Carrol

Woo Hoo Leslie,
Great news on Squirt's cortisol!! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
Jane, Franklin and Bailey xxx

Great news Leslie....hugs for all three of you!! :D :D :D

Hi ya'll,

Well, we are off to the vets this morning. Squirt woke me up puking bile this morning. :confused::eek::( She just hasn't seemed right to me lately.

Since her last UTK panel, I have been trying to walk the line between "looking for problems" and "turning a blind eye". After this morning, I choose to look for problems. ;)

So, she and Trinket both go in this morning. I will let ya'll know what we learn.

Hugs,
a worried me and my Sweet Bebe

I'm keeping you, Squirt, and Trinket in my thoughts and prayers. I hope everything will be okay with both of your precious little girls.

I'm wishing tons of good luck too, Leslie, I hope Squirt and Trinket are okay.

Let us know right away. Well, of course you will!

Lots of love and hugs and hope and prayers,

Addy, Zoe and Koko

Prayers for all of you from my home too! oxoxo Kim

Dearest Leslie,
hoping for some positive news on both babies and praying Squirts little vomiting episode was just a tummy upset, and nothing more. princess has always had a tendency of puking bile if she doesn't eat when she is suppose to. it's like clockwork so I feed her at 7 am and 4 pm religiously every day. I guess it's like us when we skip a meal, not that this person here is doing that--lol. Hope she's back to normal by now. luv ya and keep us posted. Xo Jeanette