14 year-old Shih Tzu With Recent Cushing's Diagnosis

did you start the herbs? how is it going? my husband's allergies have actually been a little better the past week due to the dry weather. Hope Hannah is getting some relief also

Hi Julie,

Wondering how the herbs are going too. I thought Glynda had some sound thoughts for you regarding Hannah's cortisol. What did you think?

IT RAINED!!!!! I think the storms came from your neck of the woods:D:D

My sister-in-law has never had allergies. Since this last extreme heat spell, her eyes puffed all up:eek::eek::eek::eek: You should see her. It has to be an allergic reaction.

Maybe we need to move to Alaska:):):):):)

Hi Guys-
Thanks for checking on me. Hannah is doing fine on the Si Miao San herbs, although I haven't seen a major difference in her itchiness or anything. It will be a week today. The vet called and left a message that they were checking on her yesterday. I'm going to call back and ask if/when I should notice something.

Glynda, thanks for your perspective on cortisol testing. It makes sense. I would not say Hannah is eating ravenously or drinking/peeing buckets. Her main issues really are leg weakness and occasional skin/ear issues. Her coat does seem different too, but not thinning at all. It's just kind of more dull. That is the least of my concerns.

Sometimes when she does her business I hear a sigh as she squats or a grunt/groan as she poos, but I don't know what to make of that either. Sore knees? Hips? Back? Just feels good? Who knows. I wish they could talk.

At this point I think I'll just have her regular mini blood profile run to check her main organ values. We are due in a week or so. She gets groomed on the 5th of Aug. and then I'm going to have her lasered again. She does her hips and her back now.

Addy, it is finally raining, yes! :):):) Although Izzy is terrified of thunderstorms it is really welcomed this time!

Anyway, thanks for checking on us!

Julie & Hannah

That is great that the vet called to check on Hannah. Cheers to little Hannah.
Gosh don't you just want to cuddle that little face. LOL I love her picture.

Sharlene and the molly muffin

Hey Julie, just checking in to see how you and Hannah are doing. :) Hope all is well.

Hugs,
Sharlene

Hi Guys,

I need some help. I posted a pic. on my profile of a couple of "growths" on Hannah's back. I am hoping they are just the sabaceous cysts she gets (one is bigger and one is smaller). She got groomed today (always an ordeal because she goes with another dog-either Izzy or one of my parents' so the groomer can rotate them so Hannah doesn't have to stand the that whole time with no break) and the groomer pointed out how she had a big goopy scab come off in her bath. There seems to be a little hair missing right by it. I've seen the growths for a while and they looked like the cysts, but she scratches them sometimes so they get irritated or scabbed.

Anyway, I am worried it could be calcinosis cutis. I don't even know much about it, but know Cush dogs can get it. She also had a few small patches of dry skin around them-like dandruff. One vet thought she might have seborrhea and it seems like that's what it could be. I could pull the chunks out of her hair with no problem. It didn't irritate her skin.

Can you look at the pic and let me know if I should be concerned? I do think one of my vets saw this at one point after she scratched it and didn't seem concerned, but I am a worrier.

On a different note, she is tolerating the Chinese herbs just fine, but I haven't noticed a change in her allergies at all. They wanted me to try it for a month. I think there are about 10 days left.

She seems pretty tired and maybe a little sore after her grooming. I'm going to have her lasered this week. She was having a really tough time on the wood floors--she couldn't get up from a sitting position. I'm wondering if part of it was being overdue for a groom with long hair and really long toenails. She still moves around the house with a really quick pace and trots around all the time. I have lots of rugs on the areas not carpeted so she has paths to take to avoid the slippery floors. I'll be curious to see if anything improves with the toenail trim and haircut.

Aside from this weakness and occasional skin issues, other Cushing symptoms are not stronger. Still no pot belly or panting and not excessive thirst, peeing, hunger. So there doesn't seem to be a reason to pursue anything at this time.

I talked to the vet tech and the IMS office last Friday and she said that the doctor would not recommend anything at this point, unless symptoms seem to worsen or if I feel Hannah is much worse than she was a year ago. She would then want to see her. They said the rear leg weakness could be Cushing's, but could also be other things and recommend following up with my regular vet to pursue that. She is already getting laser treatments on her back and hips, and I can try to do some leg strengthening exercises, but have to be careful she doesn't hurt her back.

So that's the update with us. She is still very happy, but I do feel that she is declining a bit. I'm hoping she maintains for awhile, or that I'll see a little improvement after the laser treatment.

Let me know what you think about the picture.

Thanks!
Julie & Hannah

Hey Julie,

I think in order to be sure, they would need to asperate them to diagnosis cal cutis. Zoe's were white and hard, you could tell they had plaque inside, not puss.

I am not an expert but I dont think it is cal cutis. Hopefully Saber's mom will stop by. She knows alot about cal cutis.

Marie is trying allergy shots on her Ella. I hope they work for her. We have not seen alot of discussions about them. I wish I knew more.

Zoe is the same way on the wood floors, having a hard time but boy, she can sure fly out the door and run and pee and run back to the house if food is waiting in the kitchen:D:D::confused::rolleyes:

Funny thing with Zoe, it seems like all her eye problems started as soon as I dropped her cortisol. Her GP thought the same thing.
I think Glynda gave you good advise. I would be concerned about what a drop in cortisol will due to Hannah's allergies. Waiting is a good plan!!!:D:D:D

Hi Julie,

Squirt has sebaceous adenomas that look a lot like that when they first appear and just after they rupture. They come up looking like a pink volcano, fill with dark crusty stuff that erupts out. Then the volcano closes and starts all over again. She has several of these spots all up and down her back, on her neck and face. Her vets in TN and those here have said we could have them removed but the odds were they would just come back. They also say it isn't anything for me to worry about. Can you imagine how well that works!? :eek::p

Can't say that IS what Hannah has but wanted to share Squirt's bumps just in case. ;)

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Thanks for the input Leslie and Addy, I really appreciate it. I think they are just the sebaceous cyst things she has in a few other places. It just kind of freaked me out with the haircut and no hair around that spot.

I'm afraid we have bigger issues though; I noticed when I was taking my girls on their 2 block walk yesterday that I still heard Hannah's toenails scraping, and after getting groomed and getting them clipped, I didn't think I should. I watched closely and I noticed she is dragging her back left paw every couple of trots. She drags the top of her foot just slightly before she puts her pads back down.

I don't think this is a good sign. I picked her up and carried her the rest of the way home when I noticed. I also called the vet who does her laser treatments and said I wanted to get in sooner than Friday. She isn't exhibiting any other signs of back issues. She isn't moving slowly or acting painful at all. She still trots around and still itches a lot, with both feet. She can stand on one back foot and itch her side with the other (and she does it with both feet).

I did notice today that it looked like at one point she had a hard time getting the back left foot up to scratch her side as high as she wanted to. She will get a laser treatment tomorrow. The vet reminded me it can be arthritis related and not just a neurological issue. She told me that a couple of months ago. I just don't know.

I also read something about some degenerative myelopathy where this happens. First they have a hard time getting up, then they drag a foot, sometimes both, then finally they become paralyzed. It sounded like it was most common in German Shepherds and larger breeds, but it could happen to any dog.

At any rate, I have been preparing myself for about a year now that Hannah doesn't have much time left. I was having such a hard time thinking about being without her for so long that I would sob thinking about it. I think I eventually forced myself to accept that it will happen at some point and that I have to remember what I wonderful life I gave her after adopting her at age 4. I know this isn't necessarily a sign of the end, but I can see her declining, and it is hard. At least I feel as at peace as I can with the fact that some day I may have to make that dreaded decision to let my little girl go. As much as I hope it isn't soon, I feel that I have to prepare for that possibility and cherish every day with her.

I hope I'll get some answers tomorrow about what this may be, but I kind of doubt anyone will have any definitive answers for me. If anyone else has experienced this with your Cush dog, or if you have any ideas of what could be going on, I'd love your input.

Thanks, guys.

Julie & Hannah

Oh Julie :( HUGS. It's so hard to watch our babies have any kind of difficulties. It just is. I too can't bear the thought of being without molly.

Has Hannah had xrays of her back legs? Molly was diagnosed at around 2 years as not having a deep enough groove for one of her back legs which makes it easy for her to strain it. Something as simple as a bad step going up or down stairs can cause her to move slowly for weeks and do a sort of limp.

My neighbor had a lhaso, 2 of them actually, and one of them probably for about 3 years or more, walked with that weird dragging step that you described. I don't know what caused it, but I know she had it for a very long time and she still did her daily walks, which were quite long for a small dog. She lived to be 16.

Hopefully the vet will be able to give you some sort of answer and hopefully it isn't anything that is life altering.

Hannah is just darling. I think that every time I see you post somewhere and that little face looks out at me from the computer screen.

Hugs again,
Sharlene and molly muffin

Hi Julie,

I know very little about this other than when Crys was young her doc was always checking for what she called "knuckling" - she would take Crys' back feet, turn the toes so they were on the floor instead of the pads, and see if and how long it took Crys to put the foot right. They did this because of all her skeletal abnormalities to keep an eye on nerve damage that might occur...at least that is what they told me when I asked why they kept doing that. Then, that summer Squirt's pin came out of her knee, she would drag that foot from time to time upside down simply because it hurt too badly to put it right but she wasn't putting much weight on it either. Brick has one foot he drags a bit - the nails never quite clear the floor so he has a distinct gait and is easy to locate when he's on a hard surface. He does this as a result of the hydrocephalus...along with other oddities, but it sure doesn't slow him down! :p I can tell the days the pressure is greater than others based on his gait as well as other indicators. So, there are three who drug or drag a foot yet had no neurological issues that have taken their time away. ;) Brick has neurological issues, but he's 13 going on 14 and just as happy as a lark, full of life and love. :)

You seem to understand what other implications this might, MIGHT, have so I won't go there. ;) Just wanted you to know there are other reasons this could be happening and they could mean nothing. ;)

I am with you in trying to prepare myself for that day - and I'm not doing a very good job of it at all. The very idea literally takes my breath and clinches my gut into knots. I draw from the courage of so many here in the hopes some of that will be accessible when needed. Also like you, I do my best to make each day one of happy memories for us both, cherishing every wag, every bark, every grin.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

oh Julie, this made me so sad. I think it would be a long shot but over on the diabetic forum some of the dogs with diabetic neuropathy got some of their back leg strength back by taking B12 vitamins.

I don't want to think of the limited time we have with our animals either. it is so hard.

lots of hugs, Judi

Julie, Zoe does the knuckle dragging with her one back leg. I can hear the toenails scrape.

The only thing that helped Zoe was excerise, walk very slowly, one day on, one day off, very slowly build distance. It took a long time to accomplish it and now that she has been so house bound, she is knuckle dragging again.

The vet used to test for neurological problems by having her stand and then bending each paw down so her knucles were on the floor and wait to see if and/or how long it took her to correct the foot position.

If Hannah has back issues maybe the knuckle dragging is not neurological.

Is Hannah happy today? Is she smiling at you? Does she want to eat or have a treat? Doe her eyes shine? If she is doing any of those things, just focus one one good thing.

One good thing a day. When my granddaughter spent time with me, my dogs were so alert and happy. I realized it was because we were happy. As hard as it was for me this morning, I told myself, smile and laugh for Zoe this morning so she smiles back. Our one good thing- no blood!!!!

Love you

Thanks for all the input, kind words, and suggestions, guys. I appreciate it very much.

Hannah got her laser treatment today. She also spent some time on a couple of hot spots she has from allergies. It went fine, but of course we don't know the cause for the occasional dragging. She does have good range of motion in both legs and also still has good muscle tone, according to the vet.

Because it is really bothering me, I decided to make an appointment at the vet that does the acupuncture. I requested the man we saw the first time, who was able to pinpoint the areas of soreness in her back. I am hoping he will be able to determine whether this is a disc issue or not. At this point I don't know whether I should be resting her due to injury or walking her to keep her muscle strength.

Before her laser treatment today I had her blood work done. Her ALKP is up a little bit since April. It was 250 today and was 186 in April, but that is still much better than the 1700 a year ago. He said it can rise a little bit with stress, pain, etc. so depending on what is going on with her it could be a factor. Neither of us are worried about that result. Her kidneys and electrolytes were fine, as was her ALT.

He said her Hematocrit is low though. It is at 37% and 37.3-55% is the normal range. He said we should not panic about this, but he does want to recheck again in 2-4 weeks because he is concerned about it continuing to drop, which would indicate she is anemic. He said I shouldn't need to worry about anything, but that I can periodically check her gum color in the meantime to be sure it is pink, although he expects it will be. He said if she becomes anemic they need to find the cause. Of course this is something new for me to worry about because I am a worrier.

I dug out the copies of her blood work over the past year and a half, and I found that her HCT level has bounced around. Back in Jan. it was only 35.3% but he said nothing about it! The month after it was 37.5%. Then in April it was 39%. Her MCV is also sometimes low, but bounces around. She has a consistently high platelet count as well, for the past two years, but he doesn't seem concerned about that.

I decided I am going to have it rechecked in two weeks and that I am also going to have a stool sample checked because it has been a long time since that has been done. I'm hoping and assuming there is no blood in her stool, but she is also biting and itching by her butt A LOT and I'm wondering if there could be a parasite or something. (She has had her anal glands expressed twice in the past 8 weeks-most recently two weeks ago, so I hope it isn't that again). I'm also going to call the vet to point out these fluctuations and see if we can make any sense of them. I tried to figure out if she was on certain meds at the times it was low, but I don't think that's the case.

There are just so many issues with my girl. The allergies may be the worst right now, followed by the toe dragging. She also feels really, really hot sometimes. Almost sweaty. Then it passes. The vet today said it may be allergy related when her skin is really irritated.

I thought again today about having to let her go when or if she is miserable and was wondering if she was close as I watched her scratch, bite, lick over and over for about 30 min. Then she seems to come out of it and acts happy and normal and wags her tail and barks at me for treats and gives me kisses. One positive is that her eyes look fabulous. They are SOOOOO much better since he has me putting the Tacrolimus in. And she still loves her mom. :)

I just have to come up with an action plan for what I'm going to do and then talk to myself about being calm and not being able to control the rest, but only to respond.

So, here's my plan:
1. Take her to the vet tomorrow for an evaluation of her back, legs, etc. to try to determine the issue with the dragging paw.
2. Have a stool sample checked to be sure things are okay.
3. Talk to my vet about the fluctuating HCT levels and the fact that it was even lower back in Jan.
4. Have blood work rechecked in two weeks.
5. Apply DermaPaw to sore spots from her itching each night before bed.
6. Love her and enjoy time with her each day.
7. Keep telling myself I can only respond to what happens and that it is not something I can control. (I'll need to practice this one a lot.) ;)

If anyone has any input, I always love to hear it. Otherwise, just please keep us in your thoughts. I'm worried about my girl.

Julie & Hannah

Wow Julie, I think you have an excellent plan of action for Hannah. See what the vet says tomorrow. Either way you are going to be feel better for just having spoken to him and you can adapt for anything that you think or he thinks might be going on with her. I hope they can give you some good feedback on the leg issue as I know that is worrying you.
As long as she comes out of everything with the happy tail wiggle and kisses, then I think you're still doing okay. Hannah is probably trying to say "don't worry mom, it'll be okay"

Hugs,
Sharlene and the molly muffin

Hi Julie,

Did you and Hannah get to see the vet today to have her checked out for her back and leg?
Hoping all is well. Thinking of you.

Hugs,
Sharlene

Hi Guys,

Sharlene, thanks again for checking on us. It's so sweet of you!

We did go go the vet today. Hannah was pretty thoroughly evaluated by "Dr. Jim." He could tell that she has some back pain. I could see her close her eyes a little when he pressed her back. That was all she did to indicate pain. He didn't feel it was as bad as it has been in the past, but that it hurts her.

He seemed uncertain as to whether it is more intervertebral disc disease or spondylosis. He didn't think he could do any sort of adjustment and didn't think acupuncture was the best choice if she didn't do well last time. He recommended Gabapentin for pain once a day and suggested we do laser treatments in conjunction with it. It is a liquid version (60 mg/ml) and she will take .25 cc. I read about it and called back to make sure it doesn't contain xylitol. They said it is a special veterinary compounded version. She will also be trying Chu Shi Wei Ling Tang, a new herb, to see if it helps her allergies.

He wants me to continue to exercise her on very short walks a few times per day and to try walking her in high grass or sand to get her to lift her legs to maintain muscle.

I talked to the vet who does laser treatment and she wants to x-ray Hannah's back tomorrow to see if she sees any evidence of spondylosis or possibly any calcified discs. She's hopeful it might give us a bit more information about what's going on with her. Then she can laser her.

I did take a fecal sample in today as well. It hadn't been checked since 2007. Whoops! That's what happens when she doesn't go often and I don't have a sample when we go in for the yearly check up. We should have results tomorrow.

I'm super worried to start on more new drugs, but am going to take the plunge on the Gabapentin tonight and the herbs tomorrow. Any experience with either of these? Anything you think I should know?

Thanks guys!
Julie & Hannah

Hi Julie,

Well, I'm basically useless when it comes to knowledge of medicines and the herbs. But I am glad that there is a plan and if it helps Hannah, then it will be worth it. He thought this new herb should be in addition to the other herbs? I wonder if her back bothering her is causing the leg thing. Maybe a pinched nerve in a disc area. I'm not sure of the physiology, but my husband had a ruptured disc that can cause pain shooting down his leg, nerve, phantom pain even. He moves gingerly when it bothers him. His he controls through exercise. It just seems that a disc problem might have the same sort of effect on animals.

Gosh, that got long, I was just checking in to see how everyone one is doing tonight. I swear!

hugs,
Sharlene

I'm up early and stopping by to give you a



BIG HUG


I think the two of us need to do Skype Doga:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Sitting here at the vet while Hannah gets back xrays. I'm a nervous wreck because I'm worried she will be hurting more from struggling. Taking deep breaths, hoping we will at least have more information...
It's our 3rd day in a row at the vet. Ugh.
Julie & Hannah

hope she isn't too stressed Julie. We need a doggy version of catnip!

and a human version but I think there is one but it is illegal:p:p

Oh Julie,

Skype Doga or our mantra

breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe ou:D:D

I know how upset you are.

((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))

Thanks, guys. We made it.

Her x-ray did not show spondylosis. It showed a bit of narrowing between some of her vertebrae. Could be like a pinched nerve. Could be intervertebral disc disease. Neither vet thinks it is incredibly neurological because she has proprioceptive reflexes. (She flips her feet right side up when you bend her toes under). I have tested this at home periodically too and she does correct it.

They think the slight dragging of her left toes from time to time could be from it being weak because it compensates for her right leg, which is weaker, but they aren't sure. It could also be from some nerve pinching or nerve damage.

I am to continue giving the Gabapentin for pain and doing laser treatments and to walk her on short walks to maintain muscle. The laser treatments are $60 each or $150 for 3, so I can't keep that up on a regular basis. She had two this week. I'm going to do another early next week. Then I'll have two left that will have to be spread out a bit. I've already spent $500 this week. Obviously I spend a lot to take care of her, but we can't keep up hundreds of dollars every month on laser treatments alone.

Anyway, she is still walking, and so am I ;). I think she'll appreciate not going to the vet tomorrow or Sun. (At least I sure hope we don't have to).

I took my little Izzy for a nice long walk when we got home since she has been feeling left out while she's left at home. She sure loved it, and it was good for me too. But when I got home I heard Hannah barking from the bedroom where she was gated. She probably barked the whole time. Poor girl. Hopefully we can both enjoy a relaxing afternoon...maybe even a nap.

Addy, what is Skype Doga?? I'm intrigued. And thanks for making me laugh with the illegal human version of catnip!

Julie & Hannah

Hi Julie,

So glad to hear that it wasn't spondylosis. Yay a break from the vets for a bit.

I know these babies of ours can sure add up the dollars. The list goes on and on of all the possibilities.

Still it does seems like Some good news today and that is always a good day.

Hugs,
Sharlene

I can tell my girl is getting worse. When she has gotten up from her last two naps on her doggy pillow, she is really wobbly. This last time she fell down to the side and on her butt three times and I had to help stabilize her so she could stand up. She then manages to walk okay, but this is a new sign. I tried to walk her a little earlier and she was pretty slow and not interested. I didn't have Izzy with us and sometimes that makes her not want to go, but even when I was bringing her back home she seemed to want to trot but couldn't. I have a gut feeling things are going to continue to decline... :(

Hi Julie,

I don't know when she had, or if she's had, the Gabapentin but it can make you feel and act drunk at first until the body adjusts to it. I hope this is what you are seeing or that it is nothing worse than this.

Keep your chin up, sweetie!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

oh I hope that is all it is, a reaction to the drug. She wasn't like that this morning was she Julie?

hugs,
Sharlene

Hi Leslie,

She took it last night at about 6:30. I did see that was a side effect, but she showed no signs of it before now. She seems to still walk okay, and just went potty, but getting up off of this pillow after being on her side seems to be pretty tough. I've noticed her back feet being closer together and a little bit of crossing them too. Not real good signs.

The worst part of this is the wondering. I just feel pretty certain that something with a nerve is going on, and since it is progressing, even with laser treatment and meds, that we might not see improvement this time. I've just been crying on and off all day. I hate the unknown. I just wish I knew if she is going to improve. I don't know what to prepare for. It doesn't help that my only other dog, Bailey, had to be put to sleep because he had complete paralysis in both back legs and never regained function. That has always been in my mind ever since she developed a back issue last Sept.

Right now I'm giving her lots of love and some treats...just trying to enjoy time with her.

Julie & Hannah

I think you are on the right track with the pinches nerve and all the handling in the last couple days might have aggravated it. It had to be done to know what was going on with her but you know how those nerves can be, tricky little buggers.
Hopefully this will not continue and a nice long relaxing weekend will see her recuperating nicely. That is what we are all going to pray for.
Having gone through the worst case scenario already with Bailey it is naturally even more scary to contemplate the same thing happening to Hannah. It isn't so though. Not yet. One day at a time remember. A wet doggie kiss can make things look a whole lot better. I bet Hannah wouldn't mind passing a few of those out right about now. :)

HUGS to you and Hannah and Izzy too

Sharlene and Molly muffin

The vet called and said I should not give Gabapentin again until Tues. He wants me to see if it is a possible reaction from the drug. I gave it at 6:30 last night and didn't see anything like this before 3:30 today, so it seems odd, but they want to rule that out as a possibility. I'm supposed to rest her for the weekend and see if she improves or if things get worse.

Julie & Hannah

Julie, is there any other supplement Hannah is taking? When did you start giving her the Chinese Herbs? Did that in any way conicide with the difference in her legs? I am just asking because ervything has side effects even herbs. I am hoping it has something to do with that. Could it be the Gabertin does not work with the chiense herbs?

I am not trying to blame that just grasping at straws for a clue.

Love you

Those are all good ideas Addy. Start trying to eliminate and see if anything makes a difference, giving her plenty of time to adjust. There was one new chinese herb too wasn't there.

Sharlene

She did get a new herb and got it once as well. I didn't give it tonight either. It's weird. It is every time she has to get up from lying down for a while (20 min. or more, I'd say) she can't get up. It takes forever for her to push herself up. Then she is really wobbly for a bit. Then she seems fairly okay a little while later (but there are still some uneasy steps). But it is EVERY time she is lying down since about 3:30. I don't know what would be causing that. It's like she is losing the ability to push herself up.

Thanks for checking on us and for your ideas. I appreciate it more than you know.

Julie & Hannah

Will Hannah let you handle her hip at all? I wonder, molly has one side of her hip/leg area that is weaker than the other, I think due to that joint, and having hurt it previously, but sometimes when she does get up, she limps on that side and if I just massage it gently, it seems to be better.

I''m still wondering though if a nerve didn't get pinched during her vet visit today. If so, think of the sciatic nerve and how it works in humans.

Does her rear feet still respond correctly if you turn them under? I see that the vet said that was working fine today when he checked, maybe make sure that is still the case.

I'm just throwing ideas out here with no real clue. :(

hugs to both you and Hannah
Sharlene

Hi Sharlene,

I just checked her reflexes again an hour ago and it still works. I got her to go potty a little while ago too. Then I put her in her little bed, cuddled with her, then bawled my eyes out for about 30 min. She doesn't seem to react when I touch her or pick her up. This sort of staggering walk, unsure of where their feet are, is indicative of a disc problem, so I am still focused on that. I left a message for the vet to call to tell me if we should use Metacam again. We did the last two times she had a back issue, just for 5 days, and it seemed to help. I just wish I knew what was wrong. I'm waiting for her to be unable to move the next time she tries to get out of that bed tomorrow morning. I am a mess.

Julie & Hannah

That is good that her foot is responding. :) NO paralysis if the foot is responding.

What I try with molly is when I see her start to get up, before she does, I go over and gently massage with my finger tips, her hip down her leg. Not her back. She will usually reflex her leg straight out behind her while I'm doing that and then when she goes to get up it is much easier for her. She also seems to like it, like it feels good to her. I think the Metacam is a good idea. If this a pain issue which could very well be. Especially if it is a disc problem as you suspect. You know her best and what she has gone through and how things affect her.

I Know this is horribly scary and unbearable to see her having any difficulties. Tomorrow is another day and we'll face it then. Together. I promise to wake up in the morning and come to the computer and check in on you and Hannah.

Try to get some sleep tonight. It is all much harder to face if you haven't had any proper rest. You and Hannah both.

HUGS,
Sharlene

Good morning sweeties,

I hope everyone slept a bit. I think trying the Metcam is a good possibility, Julie.

Sending so much love for you and Hannah. Please let us know how she is today. Zoe has eye vet check early this am but I will stop late morning to check in on you. I am sure Sharlene will be here as well:)

Dont give up the faith, Julie, there has to be an answer.

I forgot to tell you how pleased I am Hannah's eyes are better. Zoe's look so much better too.

love you bunches

Mornin' Julie,

How is Hannah doing? How was she during the night? Any word from the vet? How are you, sweetie?

Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers for some answers and relief.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

just looking in to check on you and Hannah. Hoping for a positive turn today. Judi

I'm checking in as well. Hoping that Hannah is better this morning. You know we are all thinking of you and Hannah this morning.

Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin