Printable View
Hi Patti,
I am so happy to hear how Tipper's leg is improving, that is wonderful! and having less seizures too! I was thinking the same as Sharlene, maybe somehow there is a connection with her having less pain and less seizures. I sure hope so.
I agree with the rest, you are a wonderful neighbor, and they are lucky to have such a caring person to be their neighbor. I will be keeping Tipper in my prayers for good results this week.
Hi Everyone:
Well the weather cleared up and Tipper may be going walking to burn energy off and keep her leg going. My neighbor should be home around 1:00 pm today so I will stop and see her for a few minutes and see how she is doing. Her cat will be so happy. I am in the middle of cutting Tipper's hair a little at a time again. I just grab what I can and chop it off, then she growls at me. WE have been doing this off and on all morning. It should be finished in about 2 weeks at this rate. Blessings
Patti
i think we all want a photograph of tippers new haircut..............hopefully you can make some more walks before the snow comes back. isn't there someone who can grab/hold tipper, so you can cut her hair or the other way around? no fun, but you don't have to bother her again.....less stress for the both of you....
She moved and has some holes cut into her back side oops. She used to be sooo good for her haircuts. Everything has changed since Cushings, even her personality. People will wonder where she got her hair cut! It gets to messy if I let it go and this is the only way so that's what I have to do. I will have to take a picture of her. Blessings
Patti
Patti- Is there any chance that Tipper has some type of muscle spasm in her leg that could trigger the seizure activity...maybe a nerve is set off by a muscle spasm?? Probably not related but just trying to figure out less seizures after the leg has a laser treatment. Just a thought..I guess the deep sleep pattern could have some effect on the condition like you mentioned.
Barbara
Patti, I'm glad to hear Tipper's leg is feeling better and she is sleeping better too.
Hugs and prayers to you and Tipper.
Hi Everyone:
We were at the vets for bp today and weight yuck! So I am late posting. Tipper has got to get this weight off and that is all there is to it. Lots of tiny seizures last nite, she was just moving all nite long. I cannot wait to discuss this with the neurologist Wednesday. Barbara I don't think it is a muscle spasm as I can feel like an electrical charge running thru her legs when this happens, I will try to find out on Wednesday though. It was just really bad last nite. I walked her on 1 walk today as the weather is better, but she wants to go again and I am taking it easy with this leg. I do not want her to over do it even though she thinks she can. I am after her all day about trying to run thru the house and jump, this is not easy and she has not intention of making it easy. My neighbor is home, with her head full of crap that her son told her. I think I am just going to help her if she calls me , and if not stay back as her son is a real piece of work lying to her about everything, it is pitiful and I cannot let it upset me any more. I have enough to deal with caring for Tipper. I will how ever take care of the cat and make sure it has a good life. I will be up and gone by 4am to the Dr. in Pittsburgh and it is supposed to rain. I have someone to sit Tipper so I will just hurry and get back asap. Blessings
Patti
i think the weight problem is a typical cushing thing. especially around the weist. i don't know if you can get some weight of a cush dog without "starving"' them.
i think when tipper can walk more after her leg has healed, she will lose some weight too on the same amount of food. feeling hungry all the time makes them cranky. but tipper has a leg problem of course, so she has to. i don't think this will be easy on the both of you..............
my dogs have to lose some weight too.
hopefully the neurologist takes time to watch tippers video and answer all your questions. does he know tipper well from previous visits?
Hi Everyone:
Tipper was always the same weight until a couple of months ago and I have to get it corrected. I truly think it is her metabolism that is all a mess from the Cushings. I will work at it as I am not a quitter at anything. I already have my clothes ready etc. to get up at 4 so I hope the weather is ok. There are a lot of deer crossing these old roads where I live, and you have to be really careful and drive slow until you get to the highway, that is why I leave early. I have to be careful as who would care for my girl, especially the way I do? The days are starting to get a little longer each day now. I am sort of dreading spring though as Tipper gets crazy with the storms. If we could just not have thunder it would be perfect. I worry about her blood pressure shooting up from the thunder. She gets so crazy I am sure it will be worse this spring. My cat is trying to attack the screen as I am typing. Maybe her is wanting to send your kitty a message! Take care of yourself and dear Ian. Blessings
Patti
Good luck tomorrow, drive safe. Be thinking of you this week and will ask my Tia to look after your girl on her appointments
Tight hugs, kisses for Tipper the Ripper
Mel
Xxx
Good luck this week for both you and Tipper! I hope that you both have good results.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Good Luck with all the appointments
Keeping Tipper in my prayers and thoughts for good test results!
Patti,
You exhaust me! I can't keep up! Sending you tons of strength and healing energy. You need it girl! Xxxxx
Good luck Patti!
Prayers for you, Tipper and your neighbor.
Patti, Thinking of you and Tipper. Praying that all the appointments go well and all results are good.
Hugs
Hi Everyone:
Just a quick post to thank you all for thinking of my Tipper. Tomorrow will be one of my hardest days yet to get thru. I am exhausted and had to rescue the most beautiful calico Main Coon cat I have ever seen. She is 17lb. I will elaborate later. Needless to say she is in a spare room until I find an excellent home for her to go to. She is calm, and sweet and a beautiful soul. She has been over fed too. I have been up since 2am and I am exhausted. I have to get up at 5am tomorrow. I got Tipper a new food. Fromm and gave her 3 nuggets today. Tomorrow some more until I get her switched over to it with no ill effects. I need to get this weight off her, it is getting hard for me to lift her. Leslie I am naming the cat Grace too as she is amazing! I will post if I am not dead when we get home tomorrow. Thank you all again for your well wishes, I have prayed my heart out on my long drive today for a miracle for Tipper. Last nite she had a full body seizure that is the 3rd one of those. It was dark, so foggy you could not see, and rainy this morning the whole drive! Blessings
oh my goodness Patti. You certainly do seem to have had a heck of a day.
Maine Coon's are Beautiful! My Tipsy was part maine coon and just gorgerous and they have the sweetest and yet funniest personalities. I always thought my Tipsy should have had a sherlock holmes hat and cloak with a pipe in one paw as he would sit on the couch and cross his paws and watch to see what was going on. I love them.
Oh no, sorry Tipper had a full body seizure last night. I am sure that you are exhausted and tomorrow another long day. I hope that somewhere in the midst of all of this, there are answers to many long asked questions, solutions to be had readily, and peace that the journey continue smoothly with no bumps, twists and turns.
Fromms every one says is an excellent food.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Pleased to read you got back safety from your appointment. Will be thinking of you both tomorrow.
Big hugs, kisses to Tipper
Mel
Xxxxx
Dear Patti,
One down, one more to go. Sending positive thoughts on your way for tomorrow.
Please, do us all a favor and don't do anything today other than have a good dinner, rest and spend happy times with your babies as you should be freshly energized and sharp to deal with many Dr.s through out tomorrow.
I really hope you and Tipper will get a decent night of sleep tonight.
I know it will be hard but try not to worry too much. Whatever the results, I know you will tackle it the way you always have and don't forget the possibility of excellent and encouraging results, too. So we are going to stay positive tonight, k?
Patti, you should seriously consider getting your own reality tv show like 'Patti and the Gang' or something like that as I really think you have more than enough materials in your everyday life more than anyone I know! It's never dull in your household! It will be a lot more fun and exciting than those of Kardashians many times over.:D:cool::) Take care Patti. Song
hi patti, i wish you and tipper lots of strenght tomorrow, good weather, a safe drive, and good results!
Patti,
Annabelle Lee is mostly Maine Coon, except for the size. She is a total sweetheart!
Hoping that you get some rest.
Just popping into say I have been thinking of you both today, hope all went ok with Tippers appointment.
Mel
Xxx
Hi Everyone:
WE just got home from 5am. Got snarled in traffic from an accident on the highway for an hour!. We are both home safe and sound. I never slept at all last nite. I am dead. Had to feed Elvis and let him out, feed Tipper and Toby, feed the kitties and the fish. I ate for the first time today and got sick right away. Tipper had an exhausting day, and I will tell you all about it tomorrow. Tipper is a real trooper, and I thank God for the blessings I got today. I have decided because this rescue cat was so abused she will live her life out here and have the best life she can. I hate when people do this to animals. I know you are all saying well she already has two cats. Well I'll be up front, I am not an animal hoarder! I do have a big heart for any abused animal. She has had enough during her lifetime so she will be the last one I can help. She is going to have to go to the Vets on Friday before she can even say hi to my cats. She has been checked for FIV and Felv and some shots. So she will get her shots and her eye fixed where the dog hurt her where she was . My vet told me under the circumstances I can pay for her later! He does have a pulse and a heart!! I am exhausted and just need to rest a while. I do have information that may help others on here so I will get it out there tomorrow morning asap. Thank you all for thinking of us you are wonderful people. Blessings
Patti
Doesn't surprise me one bit that you would keep the cat. Nice your vet has allowed you to do that for once. You do have a big heart so good he has taken a leaf out of your book
Pleased you got home ok and I will look out for your update tomorrow
Hoping you get a decent nights rest tonight.
Mel
Xxx
Oh gads Patti, I don't think you are an animal hoarder, but definitely you are a small animal rescuer. So, whether you keep her or if one day you come across a good home for her, either way, you rescue those in need. There isn't anything bad about that. It is an abundance of love and thank god that people like you exist in this world, because I for one, do not want to even imagine a world without small animal rescuers or people who will help others, not because they expect something, but because their hearts demand that the right thing to do is to feel compassion for others and act on it. Thank the lord for that.
Leslie, Glynda, and others on here and in the world are exactly the same, they see a need and they answer it.
Never apologize for being a good person and do Not think that you are judged harshly, especially on HERE of all places for being a decent human being. :)
Sending you big hugs and can't wait to hear about the blessings you received today and to hear the story of Grace, your newest family member.
huggers,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Glad you are both home safe and sound you need some rest and we will all be here waiting to hear all about it. your new cat has found its paws with you for sure !!!!! Much love Diana & Tedddy xxx
So glad you and Tipper are home safe and sound. and how wonderful for you to give the kitty a forever home! I am looking forward to seeing your post tomorrow. Rest well. {{{HUGS}}} to Tipper.
That is so sweet Patti,
I was secretly hoping that you would keep the cat since I have no doubt that it will be safe and loved with you. :-)
Get some rest. I'm anxious to hear what you've learned but we can wait.
Xoxo
Hi, Patti,
I'm glad you two made back home safely from what must have been a long and exhausting day. Will look for what you came home with.
Me? As I was reading about the cat yesterday and I was thinking that I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up keeping this cat and there you are.:D:D Grace is one lucky cat now. Sleep tight.
Hi Everyone:
I am only posting for Tipper this morning as I have an enormous amount to catch up on from being gone for 2 days. I have an appointment for Tipper with the laser therapist this afternoon and wish I didn't but she needs it. I do not want to get back in my car for a year after all this. I am going to break this down into the 3 specialists that saw Tipper.
IMS:
Tumor, spleen, gallbladder, liver check with Ultra Sound
She spent a lot of time studying her inside this time I was told.
Gallbladder she still has some gravity dependent material as she did
Liver- still coarse echotexture and some hypoechoic nodules.
Spleen normal
Kidney both normal but decreased corticomedullary definition
Right adrenal normal
left unchanged tumor
Small intestines and stomach normal
Pancreas Normal, Colon normal,
Lymph nodes normal
Compared to previous study nothing has changed.
Will need periodic ultra sounds
Cardiology:
Her heart mumur is still so slight it is not even graded as a 1
Her heart muscle function is very good
She needs to eat a good diet and get the xtra weight off and can have only low salt treats.
No hypertension, no symptoms, no structural changes whatsoever
This is a slow progressing valve disease
No walking in temperatures below 32 degrees
No heart enlargement, no arrhythmias
Recheck in 6-9 months
Continue Hawthorn as it makes high blood pressure lower and lower blood pressure higher, make sure of fatty acids being used in the salmon oil and if not sufficient use Welactin, or Dermcaps or 3Vcapsules. Check the instructions for use with her weight.
She should always be watched carefully after any anesthesia for respiratory status.
Neurologist:
This was the most concerning and interesting.
Firstly the neurologist said I am a walking Cushings Encyclopedia, and when he heard I had a video of Tipper admitted to being a little intimidated by me. He was wonderful and could not have been nicer and had a colleague along for his opinion also. Tipper was examined form stem to stern. He said she is in the best shape of any Cushings dog he has seen. He also told me her ACL is torn but not completely. He made Tipper walk as he told me he was particularly interested in her gait as Glynda had mention to me once. He said Tipper had no problems with a stiff legged wide gait and that was good. Checked her eyes and they were good. Then checked reflexes and her nerves, and just all over exam, even in her ears. He put Tipper CT scan up on the monitor which is the 1st time I got to see it. He told me and showed me how really minute her pituitary tumor is, and that she had no lesions in her brain, no tumors, her brain was absolutely normal. He let me explain all of what is going on with Tipper - he took 1 and 1/2 hours with me after the exam. He and his colleague both watched the video of Tipper. Both really studying it closely, and said they were thankful to see this as no one does videos and they are so telling. First he said there is no neurologist that can 100% diagnose a seizure without an EEG, and there are maybe a handful of the machines in the U.S. as they are not used. They go more by clinical and he said you have to know precisely what you are doing when diagnosing them. He told me he read my letter about het focal and myoclonic seizures I suspected Tipper of having and he was amazed at what I knew about them. He said he cannot 100 5 say it the focal seizures, but that I nailed it with the diagnosis of what it would be if it is a seizure. He said we do not need an MRI of Tippers brain as the CT scan showed him what he is concerned with , and does not want to cost me that money and put her thru it . He does not believe she even needs a spinal tap either. He wants to start her on a benign medication for one week ( Trazodone) at 50mg if that does suppress the activity at nite it could be a violent sleep disturbance during her REM sleep or muscle tremors. If is does nothing I got to 100mg the nest week for a week and see if it does anything. He told me this medicine has been studied more than any other medicine like it and it has been found to be really safe and little side effects if any. If this does nothing we will be leaning to the seizures, which are not totally as scary right now after he explained it to me. Because they are small and she does not wake up he does not believe she is in danger as bad as they are to watch. The fact that I can wake her and they stop he told me is very good. I f anyone want to know the difference between a seizure and a tremor this is it. A seizure only originates form the brain, a tremor only comes from the muscle. The electrical impulses that I feel going thru Tipper's legs when this happens can be muscle impulses. He told me if he were a betting man he would say the Vetoryl is the cause of all of it, which is not a totally bad thing, as we know she needs it to live. We are going to try and counter act it and see if we can be successful. Also he told me that since Tipper was doing this only after starting the Vetoryl and her Pituitary tumor was already scanned at that time he is definitely ruling that out as the cause. He was the most patient male Dr. I have ever encountered. He told me if Tipper doesn't take up smoking or drinking she could go on a long time because of her body condition, if no other problems crop up. We did have a laugh over that as I said I might be the one doing that. He asked me if he could show the video to a few other in the hospital while I was in Cardiology and I said whoever wants to see it as it may help another dog somehow. He then took Tipper out in the hallway and wanted to see her trot and walk, but Tipper met up with a boxer and anted to mix it up with him. I am to call him in two weeks and if nothing has happened I can choose to ignore her episodes, or we will go to another conservative plan. I am conservative by nature and that is great for me. He said I have done everything right with this dog, I told him you all have helped me so much with that.
The IMS and Cardiology both told me Tipper is so well behaved that she never has to be sedated for her testing as when they tell her to lie still she does not move. She was a trooper, but she was with the IMS and the Cardiologist so long I admit to going in the ladies room and having a meltdown. I was a nervous wreck wondering about her tumor and her heart. There was a girl sitting by me that her dog may have bladder cancer, she was beside herself too and hard to comfort. Upon seeing the IMS and Cardiologist and hearing about Tipper's results all I could so was cry and hug my Dr.'s and they both told me they were holding their breath while testing her as they know how much I love this dog. They were so kind to me, except for the bill, I almost fainted. It had to be done so what can I say. I will find a way around it, I always do somehow. Tipper is kind of a hospital celebrity now as everyone thinks she is still a puppy and such a cute face and they love her eyebrows. They cannot believe she will be 13. I put Tipper in the car when done and went back in and gave the girl whose dog may have bladder cancer my rosary I keep in my pocket when Tipper goes to the hospital.. She cried and thanked me for it, at first did not want to take it . I told her if it helps her dog it is worth it. I have others I can use. I cried and thanked God for all my blessings all the way home, until Tipper was ready to barf looking at me balling my eyes out. She just takes it in stride, turned her back to me and slept. We had to go to the drive thru pharmacy and I was so tired I could not believe they told me an hour wait. I called the pharmacist over and explained the situation and she made Tipper's RX right away and we were off to the house. We were gone 12 hours and it was exhausting. I have to take Tipper to laser today and tomorrow the new cat to the vet for it shots etc.
Ok here is the cat story. My Dr. moved into a big building with a big parking lot. I just got a lecture from my Dr. and came out to find some kids and their mother standing beside a car where a cat was yowling inside and just about screaming out. I said is that you car, they said yes, I said what is wrong with that cat. They said we are taking it to the pound we have a dog that it does not get along with and we don't want it anymore. I said what happened to it's eye, they said it the dog got it. They said the dog was tearing the cat up as the cat was declawed. Something I am firmly against. They said we may just let her out somewhere this is too much trouble. They said she was terrible for the car ride and need to ditch her somewhere. I asked her age etc. Then said I will take her. They looked dumb founded like no one would ever want her. They said she will probably tear up your car. I said just give her to me I will deal with that. They opened up the door and that cat could not wait to get away form them. The kids laughed and thought it was funny. After getting her in my care and locking it and starting my car I drove over by them and them and told them this was not a laughable situation and they should all be ashamed and that she will have a good life now and they all just mumbled stuff under their breath. I told them I have their license number, and they better not do this again as I was turning it in tot he Humane Society. I did not but just wanted to scare them as they could have cared less about this cat. She sat on my front seat on Tipper's pillows none the less and never moved, never cried, just rubbed my hand. She stood up at the toll booths and the attendants said what a beautiful cat, and she rides with no carrier? She is a gem and was fed up being hurt by a Burnese Mountain Dog, which are gentle giants but rough and could land on her an break her back. Of course you guessed it the dog came way after the cat was there. This cat must weigh 20 lbs. I will keep Tipper away from her like I do Lucky, they will never meet. She is grossly over fed and not cared for at all. She is a Main Coon but still way over weight so much I can hardly lift her and she can get up on nothing to look out. She is calm and sweet and after shots and sequestration period she will meet my cats slowly thru the door crack and then the gate etc. They know she is here and can smell her scent. God bless her she is Amazing Grace. So this is about the longest post in history on here. If you have any ideas or comments or questions on any of this please do as you know I always want your feed back. Now I must get caught up on some stuff and I will post later to all your threads and get caught up on them. Tipper and I have truly been blessed so I have to tell one short story about it. When my father was passing I said dad how will I know you are watching me and see how my life is going after you are gone. He said I have always been strong and competitive so I am going to be a hawk, so when you see a hawk it will be me because they see everything. The day before we left a Perrigrine Hawk came into our yard walking around looking for mice. Have never seen one the whole time I lived here, and I believe they are endangered and not too many left. After we came out of the hospital and start to get onto the interstate there was a hawk right above us on t light pole looking right at us. I know it was my dad watching over my Tipper. I ask him every nite to please keep her safe. So I know God and my dad made these blessings Tipper and I received yesterday, there is no doubt in my mind. Last nite as I prayed I told God I was not asking for anything, but wanted to thank him for our blessings. I truly hope you all receive blessings too.
Patti
HA! I knew that cat was home! :p And we AIN'T gonna talk about animal hoarding! ssshhhhhhh.....my floor space is rapidly disappearing under dog crates! :D
You're an angel to take Grace and I know she will settle in and be grateful you were the one to find her. I hope you neighbor is ok - that is just a sad situation.
I'm glad you made it through your day and back home safely. Looking forward to the info you learned, too!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang
PS - We were typing at the same time! LOL
Oh, Patti! That sounds so good! :cool::cool::cool:
I'm proud of you for telling those people how awful they are! That should be against the law if it's not already. :mad: That poor cat - just wanting away from terrible people who didn't care one little bit about her. She's hit the mother lode now, tho, and will have the life she deserves. Bless you for caring!
Dear Patti,
It took forever to read your morning post not because it was miles long:eek: but I had to stop many times needing to wipe my tears away, happy tears this time for you and our Miss Tiper, the wonder dog! I'm just ecstatic about the excellent test results and feel like you hit the jackpot with your neurologist as it is so hard to find a decent veterinary doctors these days it seems. I think I know how you felt about him as I know how I felt about our new IMS when I was talking to her the first time. You just know it. I'm just really happy for you and Tipper about the whole thing what'd happened yesterday and hope the new meds will work for her nicely because it's just a wonderful feeling watching your baby not trembling or seizureing, be able to sleep or rest peacefully again. Please, get some much needed rest and relax a bit with these happy findings and spend lots of quality time with Tipper (You both earned it!)putting all your worries away from your head and enjoy each other.:):):) Many, many hugs, from a very happy friend, Song.
Hi Everyone:
Just one little addition to my ever so long post this morning. The cat that the people were going to take and let out in the woods is declawed! She would have no protection. I also forgot to say that I told the mother she should get an award for teaching her children how to care for animals- your turn them lose in the wood and go away and not care! Crazy ______!!!!! She is sitting with me while I am typing this like she is so grateful to be away from that dog. I will take some pictures and post you will not believe her beauty. Tipper has to start all over at therapy because they got her leg hurting yesterday even though I warned them all and everyone who touched her to be careful. She is back to ground zero again and hobbling. We must go to therapy she has to have it and come home and we are going to rest. I have dinner ready to go in the oven and that is it for the day. Blessings Please excuse my typos on my long post, I neglected to use spell check as I am still dead tired.
Patti
Patti,
those are great reports for Tipper overall!!!! Thank God for this IMS and neurologist. Very sweet what you did for the girl in the waiting room <3.
I want to kill those people with the cat! How disgusting and I pray that they never have another pet! Honestly, I would report them to animal control and all vets/rescue organizations in the area.
I've always thought that there should be an animal abuse registry, just like they do for sex offenders. If I had the legal knowledge to avoid being sued - I would voluntarily build the necessary database with Chris' help since he has a masters degree in this stuff. They're considering doing this very thing in Arizona right now and it couldn't happen sooner!
I can't wait to see pictures of Grace. Annabelle Lee is at least a good part Maine Coon and they are super sweet cats.
I'm so glad that you got a good report and hopefully the meds will help and all of you can get some good sleep at night.
What really wonderful reports on Tipper from the various experts. I sure do hope this medicine will work for her. It does sound like muscle tremors the way he explained it and with the pituitary tumor being so small too.
So, vetroyl could certainly be the culprit here.
So glad you were there to save Grace. She obviously Knew she had been saved too and was perfectly content to be somewhere safe. Way to go Patti!
Yes, definitely must see the pictures.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin
i am so glad that tipper got so many good reviews from the specialists. must be a big relief for you.
hope her leg will improve again with the laser-therapy.
and for that cat-people;@%%&&*!!
hope she will be a healthy cat, otherwise you will have to plant 2 moneytrees......
take good care of yourself and have a good night sleep.
Patti,
I have tears in my eyes hearing the story of the cat....I just can't take hearing about how cruel people are!! Terrible...and teaching children that it's okay to treat a living thing this way! Ugh...it's awful.
You are an angel for giving that cat a loving home! I was so happy to hear the outcome for that cat is the best possible-with you.
Tippers appt. sounded so comprehensive! How great to find out with certainty that the pituitary tumor is tiny-minute and her brain is pristine--not to mention super smart!! :) That's such a relief. I hope the med works to control the seizures/tremors. Sounds like Tipper is in really great shape after all...hope that knee heals up quickly!
Barbara
All I can say is that your persistence certainly paid off, and I couldn't be happier to read such good news about Tipper. You must be feeling so relieved and a huge weight off your shoulders, other then the bill of course.
I know that things happen for a reason, and it was no coincidence that you were there when Grace needed to be rescued. I'm sure the bond between you two that has already formed will be so good for both of you.
I can certainly feel a bit better now knowing that you got to the bottom of Tippers issues... way to go Mom!!!