Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

Patti, I would opt for the soft muzzle since Tipper doesn't want to be touched. Warn the vet ahead of time so that no one gets bitten.

Surgery is recommended but that depends on how bad the tear is.

Valerie:
The only problem with the soft muzzle is that Tipper cannot have anything around her neck because of her trachea, and you have to attach them to a collar. I will figure something out. I am hoping you were not too cold last nite and that you and Chris enjoyed yourselves. Hope Daisy and your dad are well. Happy New Year Friend. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
Hope you all had a great New Year. I was up with Tipper a lot last nite. She goes to laser therapy today. I need to somehow keep her from biting so she can have her leg worked on. A muzzle is not a possibility since she cannot wear a collar. I think I am going to put my arm and body around her waist and let them do the laser, if she gets someone it will only be me. I have to do so that's all there is to it. I will keep her tethered until the 7th when I see my vet and see what he says we can do. I know it has to be painful, and Jack Russells can endure a tremendous amount of pain. She attempted to run this morning, but could not because of the tether. I am just sick over this. Not too many seizures last nite, some small ones was all, I did get a tiny bit more video. It is 0 here right now, and we are to get bombed with snow tonite and tomorrow. My poor old neighbor lady called me crying, she is afraid her cancer is back. I hope this will be a better year for all of us. Blessings
Patti

Patti how about a soft bandage round the snout I've used this with Woody the tie a soft bandage round the sharpe end save any biting it's not sore on the dog but if only for a short time works well. Tipper would still be able to breath etc just not bite

Tracy:
Maybe we will try that. I will let you know how it works when I get home from there. I still have about 1 1/2 hours till we leave. I just got my shower and had her locked in the bathroom with me the whole time I got ready. I had to catch myself last nite as I was starting to yell at her to lay down. She is so hard to keep down, if you put her in her cage she will bark and dig and bite the cage which could be more damaging than letting her with me. I have to get a grip on this somehow. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
I just looked at my appointment book and Tipper's therapy is the 7th not today. I think I am losing it from all this stress!!. So she goes to my vet the same day for blood for the thyroid issue. I am going to have to change it maybe. I will see how she does. God Help Us!
Patti

Happy New Year Patti, Tipper and Gang

A lot of stuff going on, a lot of worries and appointments. It's hard to keep it all straight. :) Those calendars can be a life saver. :)

I hope this year will be a better one for you and Tipper. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

I am so sorry that Tipper is having all these issues. Lola has ruptured her ACL too 10 days ago, and it's hard to keep her from running and playing. I am trying conservative management and I'm hoping that would work because I can't put her through the stress of a surgery with everything that is going on.
I hope Tipper gets better soon.

Nadia

Hi Everyone:
I have Tipper in her crate and she is having a fit. I am afraid she may hurt herself more in there. I just needed a break, and she wants me right by her at all times. She really does understand there is something terribly wrong, she is a smart dog and figures things out quickly. I am going to try some more video tonite. You just cannot keep a Jack Russell down, they won't put up with it. I am doing the best I can here without losing my mind in the process. We are to get over a foot of snow in the next 2 days, so we are dug in here. It is only 14 and going to be 0 Tuesday. Blessings
Patti

Patti I feel your pain as owning a feisty Jack myself. I can tell you how I used to keep Woody calm when he needed to be crated/rested up they may work or not work for you.

I used to Crate Woody leave the door open so he could come out but I always had a "House Line" on him and attatched to my wrist, so I knew when he moved. I used frozen Kongs I know Tipper is on a diet but you could put some veg in it then freeze, I used to put his food in his crate but hide it around so he had to work for his food although still resting at the same time. I used to give him frequent breaks of a walk up and down the living room (a few mins) then I would sit with him on the floor turn all the lights, tv etc off and just talk to him, I even sang to him to keep him calm. I gave up trying to do anything for myself when Woody needed to rest especially after his surgery and had to just focus on him. I know you can,t do that.
I,m sorry that Tipper is having these issues, especially with your weather, but maybe get her to use that good brain of hers to tire herself out instead of exercise. They are little fighters these dogs just look at Woody but sometimes we just have to remind them they need to stay quiet in order to get better ;)

Oh thought of something else, if Tipper is going nuts in the crate then you don,t want her to resent the crate so can you make some sort of temporary "playpen" for her in the same room as you, using maybe cushions, or furniture this may give her a bigger space to rest in and you will still be close by to her

i read that the weather is still not improving at your village. overhere the weather is not normal too, but just the other way around; spring temperatures. last year we had almost 3 months of snow and ice.
when i had a litter of pups at home, i used a puppypen. it was made of several loose parts so i was able to make it the seize i wanted.
maybe tipper accepts that. the fences are very lightweight and easy to put together. maybe a big bone to chew on or like woodydog suggests a frozen kong, hide her kibble under her blanket , or in a box with torn newspapers. there are also balls with holes in it for sale, you can put her kibble in it so she has to work for her food. hope this will work for tipper.

http://www.chewy.com/dog/four-paws-q...uzzle/dp/50268

I use this muzzle on Zoe after researching muzzles. It would not hurt Tipper's trachea, she can pant, drink water, have a treat with it on. I made a game of it with Zoe and she allows it to be put on just fine. It keeps her safe.



Just a thought sweetie. I know you have a lot on your mind.

Hi Patti,
I don't envy you trying to keep a feisty jack russell from moving about, that is not easy! I'm sorry Tipper had that big seizure, it must have been very scary I'm sure.
Guess we're all going to get blasted with snow and super bitter cold..looks like a few inside days coming up for Trixie. You probably already have snow on the ground but ours melted before Christmas.
Hope Tipper's leg is not badly injured! Stay warm!

Barbara

Hi Everyone:
Thank you all for your suggestions and help. This is very difficult, and it is really my fault. Since I brought Tipper home as a puppy she stayed with me where ever I went even in the bathroom. She has done this for 12 years. She does not put up with being away from me. When you cage her in a playpen she will try to jump and get out, knocking the whole deal over and that is dangerous, plus I don't want her doing Jack Russell springy jumps on those hind legs. I am going to attempt to give her a line attached to her harness and leave her crate door open. I still think she will jump as she knows I will come running to stop her. She is one tough cookie. I have done nothing but pay attention to her. This is hard too as I must keep her and Toby separate, and pay attention to him too. Addy I have the muzzle you sent me the link for, Tipper is able to get that one off of her, so I have tried that already.Yesterday Elvis was a bit fed up and nipped me as he is not getting the attention he wants. Last nite Tipper slept pretty good, not too many seizures. No video last nite so I will just wait it out. I am anticipating an email from my IMS today so we will see what she says. I did not even tell her about Tippers leg as that was after I sent the fax. Tipper is currently resting in my office right now. There is nothing she can jump up on in here and so she is safe and that is where she spend most of her day, even though she lets me know she does not like it. I just realized I must go to Pgh to my Dr. on the 14th and Tipper goes to the hospital the 15th. So that will be 2 trips to Pgh. in two days and that will kill me. It has to be done so what can I say. I also have the urologist appt. the 13th so that is a busy week for sure, and I pray the weather is good for us. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
Since many of our dogs suffer from arthritis I am going to start a discussion on Green Lipped Muscle Extract. I have been reading on it for days. Have found many good things about it in trials. It is said to reduce inflammation in dogs instead of using nsaids. Does anyone use this??? The only caution I saw was that it occasionally can cause stomach upset, but not often. The other was that you need to use caution with dogs having hepatic issues. So would that then mean all our dogs as Cushings does affect the liver?? I am curious to see what we can all come up with, as if this is safe it may help our babies. Please come forth with any and all info as it is appreciated. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
We have blizzard conditions right now. We got about 10 inches today alone. I just took Tipper out and she was like a kid in a candy store. She wanted to run and jump in the snow, but I could not let her. She was very disappointed and when we got inside she just pouted. She is so bored, it is like keeping a fish
from swimming. The Dr. from Pittsburgh called me. He wants to wait 45 days with Tipper, and wants her doing rehab. He is emailing me the exercises. He said laser therapy is very good for this. I will have lost my mind after 45 days of this.If she is no better than he would operate using the fishing line for the ligament. She would have to be out for an hour, so I have to think this all out as I am not liking that part..We have had a trying day of keeping the bucking bronco laying down resting. She wants no part of it, and is ready to go. He said after a week the pain subsides. We are to get more snow tonite so I hope the dogs can get out to go potty in the morning. Blessings
Patti

Oh wow, hope they can get out. Snow Molly is fine with, it's when there is ice that things get tricky, or when it is as cold as it is now. Even in her coat tonight she was shivering and we didn't stay out long.

45 days to see if it heals on it's own or then do surgery?

You have your work cut out for you. If anyone can do it though, it will be you. :)
hugs
Sharlene and molly Muffin

I predict a loooooong 45 days. Tough keeping a terrier down.

Can you try some of the interactive puzzle toys to at least give her something to do?

Is water therapy allowed? It seems so low impact, maybe that would be good for her.

Patti, I know someone who has used the cold laser therapy on their dog and it has helped to avoid surgery. I'll bet that Tipper is bored and driving you nuts. You'll both make it through this.

We're also getting snowed in but the worst is to come tomorrow. Could be as much as 11 inches.

Stay safe and warm!

45 days is a loooooong time to keep any pooch still and quiet. :eek: You do want to avoid surgery if possible. I hope resting it helps. Xxxx

keeping her down for 45 days? it will make her insane i quess. can it really heal by itself? if so, can she run and jump again or will you always have to be cautious with her?
wouldn't it be an idea to buy a doggy ride? i sometimes see people walk their injured dogs like that. they get several times during the walk the chance to step out for a short walk and then back in.
tipper will need her musclepower to support that ligament won't she? so i quess she needs a certain amount of excersice?
no time to relax with our cushing doggies!

Hi Everyone:
I got the range of motion things to do with Tipper in the email. The very first instruction is to muzzle the dog- oh here we go! Tipper slept ok last nite and I was able to add to the footage on her video of the seizure activity. I have to hold up a small lite and the IPhone at the same time so it is quite the task. Now I will have to see if I can edit the useless part out somehow, I think maybe Valerie may know how to do that. Also I got an answer for the IMS about Tipper. She thinks these certainly could be siezures, and had made an appointment with the Neurologist at her hospital for the day Tipper has her tumor check. I like how she spends my money I do not have. I am going to have to see if the hospital will let me carry a balance for some of this. She said she reviewed Tipper's whole case with him, and that Tipper's scan was reviewed again by them both and you can clearly see the pituitary tumor and it is within normal range. She said there could be a possibility that it has grown since then???? She also suggested the Dr. may want an MRI and spinal fluid. I do not think I would allow the spinal fluid as I have read that there are problems associated with this. I doubt that it can be because the tumor is larger as she has this when she started taking the Vetoryl. I digress and go back to the Vetoryl, it has to be the cause. The tumor may have increased and it is making it worse, but it did not stem from that if they say it was in normal parameters. Last nites were not too bad, so I have not caught one of the really bad ones since the one about a week ago that scared me to death. They will have to go with the video I am able to get. I am sure I got enough to see what is happening. When I get it all sorted out I will post it so it may help others if there dog is having so called tremors. I have to call the hospital and see if I can make arrangements to pay on this stuff somehow and what the neurologist will cost me. I am also nervous about a lot of different people handling her in the hospital with her leg being bad and I will have to instruct everyone on how to sit her down and hold her etc. I have been keeping here in my office as that is a safe place where she can walk without anything to get up on and I can leave her a few minutes if I have to do something. My house will be a mess after 45 days of this, but she is more important than anything to me so , too bad. I am going to call the hospital now, so I will post later what is going on. Blessings
Patti

I edit videos all the time, and have the software to do it. If you want you can send me the files.

Vicki:
That would be great. I will have to wait until I get all the footage in the upcoming week right? How long does it take to do it? My appointment is the 15th and I would like to try and get some more video of it before then. You are surely an angel for this help. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
I just spoke to the IMS assistant. She told me 230.00 so I am going to have to do it somehow. I have to get this seizure thing resolved, before something happens. I will probably be there all morning now with the tumor Ultra Sound, the Cardiology Echocardiogram, and the now the Neurologist. I would not even do al this for myself, but I love Tipper so I just have to do this. I am praying right now that the pituitary tumor has not grown now. This has been a bumpy ride lately but I am trying to hang on. I am just so nervous for my girl. Blessings
Patti

Depending, it can take me an hour more or less.

I have never used this but my vet offers it and many other vets, it is called care credit

http://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/

Vicki:
Then it is ok to be able to video thru next week as I am trying to get the best footage? Thank You in advance you have been wonderful. Hope you and Snugs are warm it is really frigid here and Tipper is making all kinds of noises to let me know how dissatisfied she is at this confinement she is under! Blessings
Patti

You're very welcome, yes we are staying in today we got hit with a bad winter storm here but it has stopped now. We have minus temps and 35 mph winds.

This is off the care credit faqs

How is CareCredit different from my other bank cards?


Unlike your Visa or MasterCard, the CareCredit healthcare credit card offers special financing options. With shorter term financing options that range from 6 to 24 months, no interest will be charged on purchases of $200 or more if you make your minimum monthly payments and pay the full amount due by the end of the promotional period. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional balance, including optional charges, is not paid in full within 6, 12, 18 or 24 months. Minimum monthly payments are required.

If you need more time to pay for your procedure, we also offer longer programs with a reduced, fixed interest rate. The fixed monthly payment amount is based on repayment over a 24, 36, 48 or 60-month period. Purchases of $1,000 or more are eligible for a 24, 36 or 48-month offer and purchases of $2,500 or more are eligible for a 60-month offer. Not all practices offer all CareCredit financing options, so check with your provider. For complete details, please read the Credit Card Account Agreement within the application.

Hello there

Just popping in to check how you are, caught up and can see you have had a few things to contend with again, I wish you and Tipper could catch a break!

Must be tough keeping that stubborn miss from doing anything, I wish they could understand it has to be done for their own good!

At least the IMS got back to you quickly this time so you can get yourself prepared for the next visit, I have everything crossed for you.

Sending you a hug and kisses to Tipper the Ripper

Mel
Xxxxxx

Thanks Mel I appreciate your support. This has been tough going with my girl lately. She has had a really bad month. God willing I can keep her with me for much longer. I miss talking with you and hope you and Boyce are doing well. Blessings
Patti

Patti, do apply for the Care Credit. They often offer promotions where if you pay off the whole thing within 12 - 18 months there is no interest charged.

Doing this would spread the cost out so that it is more bearable. I know how stressful upcoming vet bills can be and spreading it out would be one less worry.

I'm glad that you finally got the video! You might have trouble sending it via email though as most email providers only allow a certain size. If this doesn't work, you can upload it to youtube and then copy and send that link to Vicki. She'll be able to save. edit, and upload it back onto youtube where you can get it from.

I'm glad that Tipper had a better night and now that you have gotten the video, please get some rest! It's not like we can do anything in this blasted weather anyway :)
We also had the ice under snow which is scary. Someone was doing "donuts" in their car in the crowded parking lot when I went to the pet store yesterday. How stupid can people be!

Poor Daisy, I carry her out and back to her "pottie spot" so that her paws and belly don't have much contact with the ground as it has been below zero! I can't remember the last time that we saw temperatures this low.

Good luck with the upcoming appointments Patti. HUGS

On a lighter note, Gracie the "water loving" cat finally overstepped her abilities in navigating the bathtub enclosure while I'm bathing. She fell in!
She was so fast that only her back paws and tail got wet. :)

Hi Everyone:
Tipper did not have a good nite last nite. Lots of noise breathing and because she is so restricted and not even able to do her walking she is not even tired and doesn't want to sleep. She did finally go to sleep either out of boredom or because she knew she was supposed to. I lay there listening to her last nite, and knowing what is ahead for her next week and part of me just tells me to stop all this and let her out of this misery. The other part tells me she has good quality if life in the day. I don't think I can mentally withstand her getting worse. I had a friend call me yesterday that I had not heard form in 2 years. She was so taken back by what is going on with Tipper that she could not believe it. She said Tipper was one of the healthiest, well taken care of dogs she had ever been around, and would never have guessed this happening to her. On top of all this now the leg problem. I feel so bad foe her it is hard for me to look at her and not cry. Part of me just does not want to put her thru next week. When I see her looking so frightened it kills me. I wish I could take all this away form her I would very gladly bear it myself. Blessings
Patti

Patti,
See what they say next week and go from there. I know how scary it is but I know that you need answers and as you say, Tipper has a good quality of life during the day.

This whole process is emotionally and physically draining.

We'll keep you both in our prayers!

Thanks Valerie I will just wait till next week. I have to get ready here soon and go out in this sub zero weather as my old neighbor lady is going to the hospital tomorrow she is having bleeding problems. She had cancer 3 years ago and the Dr. told her after he removed a grapefruit sized tumor out of her that she would have to have chemo or it would come back. Her son talked her out of having it and I hate to say it but I think it is back. I want to see her and wish her well, you never know what might happen. I will have to take care of her cat, it will have to stay in her house though. I cannot get Tipper upset with a cat yet. I am going to cook her supper today and take it to her, that should cheer her up as she has been crying non stop, I think she knows too. I will have to cage Tipper and run up there real quick. I hope all turns out well for her tomorrow. Blessings
Patti

Suppose to be a big snow storm coming in and then really cold temperatures after that so stay safe out on those roads Patti.

Oh good lord, your poor neighbor, she must be terrified :( I'm so sorry to hear this. :( You are a good neighbor Patti to go make her dinner and give her some company. I know she'll really appreciate it.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Patti you need to clear your inbox :)

Patti, that is so sweet of you to take care of your neighbor. I can't believe that her son talked her out of chemo. That is so wrong.

Eeek, haven't heard from you and wonder if this big dump of snow has come your way.

Take care!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

i think it will comfort your neighbour that her cat is well taken care of. moving the cat to your home with tipper would mean to much stress for all of the animals i quess. cats are better off in their own surroundings.
hope the snowfall will end soon, and that you will still be able to walk and drive around.
off to walk the dogs for the last time today. still spring temp. here. [weird!]