Molly, 13 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo - Molly has passed

Back from the vet and we'll have to wait of course for the results of the ACTH but should have them back in a day or two.

I am pleased as punch to say that molly's BP for there stay there was consistently 150/160 range. Whew, best its been since early last year and this mess started!!!!! No change in medication dosage for either BP or protein in urine since it 1.0 I couldn't be happier with that.

We had a bit of a panic as when we first got there, she was obviously stressed, tried to bite the vet tech (visions of Zoe for a moment there) and just was NOT happy. Her BP was 230 twice, so we thought oh no this is not good. However, as the day went on and she was comfortable it went down and stayed down. By the time I picked her up, she wanted to hang out with Chris, the vet tech, she had tried to bite and normally likes and wasn't interested in me at all! Traitor. LOL Actually I'm very happy that she likes Chris as he is usually who does her testing.

I mentioned the shivers as being the only change she has had, so we are now waiting to see what the cortisol level is like. She had diarrhea today when we got to the specialist office, took about 15 minutes outside in the snow with her having a bad time of it to get it settled down. I Think it was because she didn't have her morning poop (sometimes she doesn't) but then had a car ride during which she was nervous (she hates car rides and shakes the whole time, unless we are leaving somewhere and going home, then she is fine) or if she is having some tummy troubles.

I'm considering not giving her the trilostane till I hear back on results, not because I think she is low, I don't think so, she had plenty of room on the post to come down and we didn't change dosage, but just if she has an upset tummy, then better to hold off and a day or so should see her settled back down. Since she has had the tummy upset with diarrhea before, we know it doesn't take much to set us off on a bout of gastro upset and best not to rock that apple cart too hard.

My only qualm with not giving her trilostane is that dang BP/protein, is finally in a good place and I don't want to risk that going up if the cortisol coming down has been a contributor to that being good, which is rather has to have had an effect since it all seems to work together hand in hand.

Argggh, so frustrating sometimes.

hugs all

Choices, I feel your pain, Sharlene. Do you think skipping one day will affect her blood pressure?

Sorry to hear her tummy is upset, poor girl.

I admit to laughing out loud that Molly took something out of Zoe's playbook! Bite the vet tech, such a Zoe move! Glad they made up, she must have really been stressed.

I'm so glad the blood pressure is controlled.

Sharlene--sounds like a stressful visit for Mom, too! I am glad to read that Molly's BP is finally in a good range. Hoping that ACTH results are great!

Hope the tummy trouble is over quickly. Will be keeping my fingers crossed for a good ACTH report.

I will see if she has a normal poop in the morning and see how that goes and then decide about the trilostane. One or two doses missed probably won't be a problem. It has just taken so long to get the bp and UPC better I hate to do anything to put that at risk.

I don't know if I am looking for a perfect ACTH test for her as in post to 250 so much as I am curious to see if it has moved at all since we didn't raise her dosage over the holidays. Now with us going away I am loath to raise it with me not here with her too. We will just take it one step at a time.

Hi Sharlene,

I know how frustrating this all is and how easy it is to feel helpless at times.:o At least it was for me. If I was having the challenges that Molly is facing right now, I would want you on my team. That way I would be guaranteed of getting the best possible care and the most amount of love.

Molly has everything she wants right now. That's you and her daddy spoiling and loving her. She's happy Sharlene. I am sure of it!

Big, loving, hugs

yay Molly! I'm so glad the protein and the BP are in a good range. That's progress!! Now if those stim tests are good then you can take a big deep breath and relax a bit and enjoy your trip!

Glad to hear about all the good results. Sure hoping this last test comes back good as well. Regarding the poop problem... do you think she knew where she was going and that started it? Keesh knew and he'd start up at the end of the road prior to even pulling into the parking lot. It got so bad, I'd take him a few times to the vet just to have a good experience, like walk in the door, get a treat, get weighed and then back outside and home. It worked cause the next few vets I took him to there was no problem.

Yay glad to hear the tests results and Bp are heading in the right direction.

Sorry had to laugh when I read she tried to bite the vet tech, Woody was the same, he almost got Craig my vet a few times but as soon as his exam was over he was up on Craigs knee for kisses, gotta love them feisty ones. :D

IMS just called with the ACTH results:

Pre - 89
1 hr post - 378
2 hr post - 499

so has gone up a bit.

Once I am back from holidays we will up her trilstane to 11mg from 8mg and see how that works. it is a 38% increase.

She seems fine today but didn't poop at all this morning (maybe just empty from yesterday) but was playing this morning so I gave her the trilstane.

Yes definitely could have been jitters from not having a morning poop and then a car ride she hates. So, I'll just keep an eye on that. Over all I think she is doing good with everything going on. We'll recheck BP in a month, same with UPC and of course start back on the ACTH testing.

You bet we love those fiesty ones! They keep things interesting! :)

hugs all!

Oh I forgot to say that her ionized calicum level is back in the normal range. The IMS doesn't think molly has a malignant cancer as she said we would be seeing some weight loss and her not feeling well by this time.

Molly is currently having the ACTH bounce and I do mean bounce! she is bouncing all over the house, eating anything in her bowl and begging for treats. I know i've said it before, but boy am I glad she never displayed these symptoms normally, only for 48 hours after an ACTH test.

For those who have followed my BIL's journey. He is currently able to sit in a wheel chair, which is progress. He can't stand or get into it on his own, but he can sit and have lunch and wheel himself out to the patio, etc. It's going to be a long recovery, but at least we are hopefully looking at recovery now.

hugs all

Progress is progress and we'll take it!!! It looks like your BIL is finally heading in a more positive direction. Yay!:)

Doc thinks Molly is cancer free! How could you forget to tell us that little tidbit?;) Awesome news! :D:D:D xxxooo

Just wanted to pop in real quick and say I'll see everyone in a couple weeks (Feb) as this is crazy week at work and then off to sunshine and warmth.

No worries all and everyone stay healthy and safe!

Big hugs!

Have a wonderful, well deserved vacation Sharlene.:p You will be greatly missed. xxxxoooo

Sharlene!!! Are you coming to visit me?? It's nicely warm here. :D
I've just caught up on Miss Molly and am very glad to hear things have settled down some. Bailey has that snap trick in her repertoire also, although it's usually being protective of me.
We went to an art show over the weekend. Here in FL everyone seems to take their doggies EVERYwhere. Even to grocery stores. At the art show, folks had all their little doggies (and some big ones!) on leashes strolling with them. Bob commented on how everyone's dog was walking along so calmly...not even bothered by other dogs. I think I only heard a growl once. Had we taken Bailey it would have been a totally different story!! Although she is usually intimated with other dogs, at first.
Wherever you are going, I hope the weather cooperates for you. I hope you have a wonderful time and I look forward to your return. :)

Hugs,
Susan

Have fun, Sharlene! I am so happy to read about BIL! He must feel as if he has the world by the tail being able to sit up some now. Good for him! Ya'll be careful, forget all that has been going on lately, and just enjoy!

Relaxation is what we are looking for. And warmth. Lol. Barbados Susan. Everyone says it is lovely. I've never been but looking forward to it. And we are going with friends who have been and loved it so that is a plus.
Yes BIL is happy to have a bit more movement. Loving to get out and about in the wheelchair. Today is his birthday. He's come a long ways from where he was. Very happy about that.

Hugs

Sharlene--have a wonderful, relaxing vacation! Just close your eyes, wiggle your toes in the soft sand and soak up the Caribbean sun. :D

Good news all around.
Now you can enjoy that vacation!

Sharlene, I hope your week goes by quickly so you can get outa town and enjoy vacation!

Hugs!!

Have a wonderful vacation, Sharlene. You deserve it since the last few months have been so stressful. It's so good to hear Molly and the BIL are doing well. We'll miss you!

Fly away into the sun, girl, and have the best time ever, you and hubby deserve it.:):):):):)

Enjoy your trip. Relax. Slushy drinks. Sun. Sounds perfect. Thanks for all of your support!

Oooooooooooooooooo.......Barbados! We honeymooned there and have been back several times. You will absolutely love it.
IF you get a chance....there is this really cool restaurant. It's called The Cliff Restaurant. Here's a link.
http://www.thecliffbarbados.com/CR/P...er=/RESTAURANT

It is indeed on a cliff and is absolutely gorgeous. You will need to make reservations if you go. It's a tad on the pricey side, but worth every penny. The food is out of this world. The location is wonderful.....really on a cliff. The staff is so very professional. You can see fish swimming in the waters while you dine. (They have spotlights on, which attract the fish.)
Have a WONDERFUL time. You will LOVE it!! :D
Hugs!:)
Susan

http://www.boredpanda.com/new-canadi...ign=Newsletter

i found this about your canadian passports, very funny.
i hope you will have a very relaxed trip to barbados.

Oh that Is cool Iris. I never knew that about the canadian passports.

So before I leave I am off. I will leave you of a little video of molly spontaneously playing with her toy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce2oDzNE9cI

Enjoy, hugs all, behave yourselves while I'm away.

Finally had a second to sign on and check in...that video is too cute!! Molly totally being a puppy!! Trixie plays much the same..which makes me happy. I haven't even caught up with any posts yet but had to wish you a wonderful vacation Sharlene!! Hope you have a fantastic time and enjoy much needed relaxation and rest!! :p:p:p:p:p:p:p

Barbara:)

OMG Molly is too cute for words! whatta doll face and so cute! How she was playing. She looks wonderful!

Have a wonderful vacation! HUGS!!!

Bon Voyage, Sharlene!!!! Have a wonderful trip!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :)

Molly is such a cutie pie!!!! Have yourself a fabulous time!!! We will miss you!

Sharlene, Molly is sooooooo cute!!
Enjoy your vacation and try not to miss your Muffin too much.:)

I miss you already Sharlene!! ;) Have loads of fun in the sun. You and hubby deserve it! Next time, TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!! :D:D:D

Thanks for posting the video of our little muffin playing. That's what it's all about.

Big hugs,

If your going up for drinks soon.. Mojita please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! With an umbrella and lots of lime! Party on Sharlene and don't forget to slip slop and slap!!! xxxx

Adorable video :-)
Enjoy your much needed vacation!!!

Hope you are having a fab holiday I,m sure Molly is having fun on her vacation as well :D

Trish I love that saying slip slap slop made me smile

Love the video.... her ears get me... so cute.

Hope you are having a great time. You are going to miss the snow heading for Toronto tomorrow.

Enjoy, relax and just soak up the warmth.

Looks like you may be home? Hope you all had a wonderful vacation. We're all waiting to hear all about it.
How's things with Miss Molly? Hope all went well in kennels and that she was pleased to see you.

Yes, we're home and just in time for a snow storm! Of course. LOL Wouldn't be Toronto without snow in the winter. I miss the sun and ocean already.

The trip was good, except that hubby was sick so we had to cancel a few activities we had planned. We didn't cancel the snorkeling with the turtles and snorkling a man made reef at a sunk barge, and sailing on the catamarran.

Now we are home though and hubby is still sick but back to work and now I'm sick. Arggghhh! I really thought I was going to miss the winter sick part this year. Best laid plans eh. No energy really at all, coughing and aching joints seems to be the main symptoms.

Molly is adorable. She came flying down the hall at the vets office as soon as she heard my voice and pranced and jumped and carried on like I'd been gone months! She really is so cute. She had a bath and good grooming while there so is looking pretty spry and cute right now. Tons of energy she has.
Not a fan of the snow storm though. She does Not want to go outside and only begrudgingly will because I make her. But no walks, no siree. Do her business and head to the door. Can't say I blame her, it is pretty cold and who wants blowing snow in your face.

hugs all
Sharlene and molly muffin

Welcome home! Getting sick on vacation is always a bummer--glad your hubby could do a few fun things. Take care of yourself & a big hug for Molly!

Thrilled you are home! Sorry hubby got sick and shared that with you. What a guy.;) I hope you had a pretty good time anyway.

I really don't know what to say about the snow. It is hard to relate when you never get any. It was in the low 80s here today. That's 26.7 degrees celsius. I would never know that without asking Siri. LOL :D;) Rosie has never seen snow and Buddy never did either.

I know it's hard to take care of yourself when you have so much to do and so many responsibilities. Please try. Our little muffin need you and so do we. xxxxoooo