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So sorry to hear about Molly. You can get canned pumpkin in the supermarket under the cake section. Also some specialty pet shops carry pumpkin. Pray she starts feeling better. Also you can add a little baby electrolytes to her water if she gets dehydrated.
Sonja, Angel Apollo
Sorry to hear that. Is it possible that Molly has developed an allergy to something in her food?
Or maybe they've have changed the recipe? I was feeding Henry Annamaet and was about to order a new bag when I discovered they'd changed the recipe and added lamb which I think was what caused him to chew his paws when I tried the Fromm lamb food - fortunately I had enough of the old stuff to transition him to something different. Not to get off the subject but I did read that you should treat each new bag of food as if it was a totally different food in case the recipe has changed :confused:
You could ask the vet about Zantac - after the problems caused by the recalled Blue Buffalo we gave Hamish Zantac (I can't recall the dose but I did split the pills) and pure pumpkin and it really helped.
Oh poor Molly :( I believe Squash (baby food kind) can be used for diarrhea when pumpkin is not available, hmmm, I wonder if there is plain pumpkin baby food?
I found plain pumpkin finally. Not every grocery has it I guess. Or maybe they where just out. But anyway I didn't give it to her as she is back to a normal poop again.
Man this girl just likes to keep me on my toes!!!!
She acts like she feels fine. I'm also giving her probiotic again. Just in case.
Food is all the same. So maybe just a flare up of something her tummy didn't like. Hard to say. She has displayed any other allergy type symptoms. No chewing anywhere or licking. I'm keeping an eye on her. Lol. She is not to be trusted.
glad she is feeling better! I remember having a hard time finding the pumpkin too.
Barb from the diabetes forum had a dog who would run under the bird feeders and eat the dropped bird seed.
The stores should start stocking it soon (ready for Thanksgiving ;)). I remember having to search the first time I looked, then being overwhelmed with choice the second time.
I gave it to Hamish every day so it's hard to be 100% sure if it was helping or he would have been fine without it, but things were definitely better once he had that and the Zantac. It might be worth trying it for a few weeks to see how things go, especially if she likes it - Hamish loved it.
Hi Sharlene, I always get pure organic pumpkin for Kiki at a health food store.
I did find the pumpkin and she got some today. Loves it in fact.
It has not been a good day at all. :( So, molly does Not like to be carried down stairs. She will run to try and escape you and sometimes she succeeds like today. She didn't run straight down the stairs, but half, then half again, then at the last to the landing she either missed gauged where she was or her front legs didn't hold her up, but she missed and rolled onto her back, looking back up the stairs at me, like she was saying "what the hell mom" and then bounced up and ran down two more steps and into living room. I was scared to death!! She seems fine from that mishap though.
Then I go to the office but a really lousy monday at work. Sometimes Mondays are just like that. Stopped by grocery on the way home, thinking finally this day is over. Nope, it isn't.
When I got home, molly had blood on the right side of her face. That dang skin tag or mole by her eye, she had scratched or something and torn it open and it was bleeding all down her face, matted by her eye. On a white dog, red blood, well, felt like it was a horror movie set. So, into the kitchen for warm water and compresses to the area to loosen the mat and then cut the hair away and clean up her face. It took about a good 30 minutes of non stop, press, wash gently, pull away hair to get it all cleaned up and the bleeding to stop.
Then off for walkies, where she has mucusy diarrhea, which I get partly picked up in a big plastic grocery bag and then a bee decides the smell is interesting, so I am swinging this bag of poop over my head at this bee that will not go away and was way to interested trying to land on me. I was thinking if this poop goes flying I am Not going to be a happy camper. Finally the bee gave up, the poop got picked up and off we went for home.
One more time tonight, she managed to get the mole bleeding again and I cleaned her up.
It has been a Very long night and day. Molly's eyesight is so much worse.
She can't track anything close up by sight, only by smell and it is making for some challenges to get her to eat anything as it is all smell I think. She can see there is a dog across the street but not a piece of food right in front of her unless she gets her nose right on it.
She was on the couch earlier tonight and when she wanted down she whimpered to get my attention and I went and got her and put her down. She was fine with that. She is not though consistent and sometimes will try to jump down on her own.
I'm just tired tonight I think. Molly hasn't left my side since i got home today. She is currently laying at my feet and will get up and follow me to any room I go to and stay by my feet.
Sharlene--reaching out to give you a big hug! Tomorrow has to be better. :)
So glad Molly likes the pumpkin--maybe that will encourage her to eat as well as help with the diarrhea. Remember that you should increase the daily amount until you see results.
Hopefully, the bleeding site will dry up on its own. Abbie has an increasingly large lipoma behind one ear--I think the vet is going to have to aspirate it tomorrow (for the third time) when we go in for an ACTH as I have seen Abbie scratch that area and I am afraid she will open it up. Don't think I could handle the blood as well as you!
Ahhhh Sharlene, I'm joining Judy in that great big hug! Yes, some days just kick the crud out of us!
As much as you don't want to hear this, you might want to think about gating that stairwell, so Molly can't go down on her own. Yes, she hates it, but it's not safe with her vision deficits. I am concerned that she may not be able to judge them carefully when she's running down and could get seriously injured. Major worry wart here!!!!:o
Yes I kept gate up and carried her down this morning.
Wow Sharlene, when you explain Molly's vision troubles its like you are talking about Jed. Everything you say is spot on. He can track me from far away but up close, he is bumping right into me. And he too is starting to miss some stairs. He will circle the coffee table at night looking for a spot to lay down, last night he took it too close and hit the sharp corner around his ribs..he let out a cry that broke my heart. :(
Is Molly on any drops or medicine? We see the Dr today. I'm trying to prepare for the worst but praying we can do something to help him.
xoxo
Lisa and Jed
Molly is on amoldipine for the high blood pressure and benazepril for protein in her urine.
The high blood pressure causes retinal bleeds. The retinal bleeds heal and then scare over and where ever they have scarred at, the sight is lost.
The dog ophthalmologist can tell you more about what is happening to cause Jeb's problems.
Wow Sharlene! You have your hands full! Poor Molly.
Please do use the gate at all times. We went visiting for Thanksgiving one year and the family there wasn't used to having pets around. Especially ones that did not see well at all. Someone left the door to the basement open and poor little Peaches did not see that was where she was going. She rolled all the way down the stairs. Fortunately she was not injured but I felt AWFUL that it had happened. With her we got to where we had to carry her over the stairs.
Any time I approached her to pick her up to move her, I had to simultaneously tell her "It's alright. It's just me." She adapted to that pretty well. I'm sorry for your struggles.Hang in there!
love,
Sus
Pleased to hear that Molly likes the pumpkin - it's great when they like something which is good for them.
However so sorry to hear about the her sight, and the need to carry her downstairs. We've always carried the dogs downstairs as our staircase is dangerous (wood, curved, tall!), so we have a gate at the top.
I'm sending big hugs too sweetie. Sorry to hear about the troubles. I understand how it all weighs on your shoulders. When our little ones are having a bad day, we do as well.
Besides, Monday's are always kind of yucky in my opinion :)
The last time I had checked up on you and Molly, things seemed to be pretty good so I am hoping our sweet girl will be off and running and fine soon.
My love to you both
So great to see you Addy.
I'm sure Molly will adjust, now I just have to adjust with her. :)
huggers
This is ACTH test week. :)
We go on Wednesday for ACTH, UPC, urinaylsis, probably blood work too. She will also be seeing the eye doctor while she is there.
She has a few accidents in the house this past week and was drinking a lot more water, now sure if it is cortisol going up or kidneys or a UTI. So many options eh.
It's weird, as her cortisol has come down, she really looks more like a cushings dog. Begs at night for food (treats, she'll leave her kibble still), hair is thin, tail thin, pot belly has never gone away (enlarged liver).
Well, she still acts like molly though, except for the off days but we all have those as we get older, so I don't read too much into that as long as the attitude is good still.
Oh did find a nice pumpkin product, pure pumpkin puree in a little packets. Love them!
I've been sick too again. So seems like either me or molly in and out to doctors lately. Not a trend I want to continue that's for sure!
So sorry to hear that you have sick--I hope Molly gave you some good snuggles to make you feel better! Will be thinking good thoughts for Molly's round of tests.
Hey Sharlene!
I'm down in FL just checking on things and getting a break from everyday life. I was relieved to see the family of 3 Sandhill cranes walking around. There is not. Nearly as much wildlife at this time of year. Guess they all went north in
May, too!
I'm sorry you're not feeling well-but as always, you seem to be taking it all in stride.
Bailey is not along for this one week trip. I sure do miss her.
Please give
Molly a belly rub from us and feel well soon.
Love,
Sus
So sorry to hear you've been ill. I hope you're feeling better now.
Interesting about the pumpkin pouches as I've only ever seen it in tins - will have to take a look.
Fingers crossed for Molly's tests - I hope they go well. Give her big hugs from us, and look after yourself.
Well, it seems you need a belly rub too. :o You'd better talk to hubby about that one. There's only so much we can do! Lol:D Rest when you can sweetie. I know it's hard.
As for our little muffin, all in all, not a bad report. She still pretty much herself, which is a good sign. I love that you don't stress over every little thing beyond your control. I wish I could've been more like that with Buddy. Rosie is much more a free spirit. I am much more laid-back with her.
Bigs hugs,
Kathy
Well, good and not so good.
So, lets get the not so good out of the way first. :)
BP was at 200 so amoldipine has been increased to address that hopefully
BUN is above normal range - that thought can be affected by many things including diet
Creatinine is increased to high of normal range - that is a worry as is kidney specific and even a small increase is not something you want to see.
ACTH - pre 52 Post 406 - she is no longer controlled at a below 9.0ug so trilostane is increased to 19mg from 15mg daily
So for the good :)
Her cataracts are worse than a year ago but not as bad as they could be, a lot of snow in the back of the retinae, which makes it like she sees everything through fuzz, along with some new retinal bleeds from the hypertension.
Her UPC dropped from 3.1 to 2.2 back where it was prior so we are maintaining the same dose of benazepril and not moving her to the ARB at this time.
Plan is in 2 weeks after starting the 19mg of trilostane we will retest ACTH, UPC, recheck ultrasound, and run a mini renal panel
Wasn't terribly happy when the ophamologist said that I don't need to worry about her eyes as much since her health problems are more concerning and it isn't probably something (glaucoma) that I will have to deal with due to those other issues. My hubby said she is being realistic but still is hard to hear that.
My IMS is pregnant and due in November ,not sure she'll make it to her due date and will be away for 4 months, so I need to get molly sorted out before she leaves and I also let her know that November and December are out for me as far as testing goes. I'm covering a parental leave person at work plus my normal job and so not allowed to take time off till January. We need this figured out by the end of October. Lets hope that 19 will get her back down.
Now as to why it went back up. Trilostane compounded, adrenal tumor secreting could be a factor (we'll check that on the ultrasound), some dogs do need an increase after awhile, and some need a decrease. Molly could be one that only holds steady for some long and then has to be changed on dosage.
I can't believe I am up now working, but alas I am. We were out tonight, then home to walk molly and then do some work, then working again tomorrow. With low B12 and all the working, I'm exhausted all the time. Molly doesn't care about any of that though, and is still in the ACTH spaz zone, so is jumping around begging for treats. Think I'll cave in and give her some. She is good at getting what she wants. LOL
hugs
Sharlene, I truly hope you can get all sorted out in the next month and get Molly back to where she needs to be! Lots of hugs and good thoughts coming your way from me and Jen!
Thinking of you Sharlene and your precious little girl. My prayers she is feeling better soon. I love and miss you both hugely.
Tight ones
Xo Jeanette
Molly is in the best of all hands and I know you will always make things as good as you possibly can for her. Now, do the same for yourself and get well, woman!
Sharlene -- why can't we get an "all good" just once to know what it feels like! :( I sure hope the higher dose of amlodipine will get Molly's BP under control. Great news about the UPC!
I had to get B12 shots for quite a while so definitely know how draggy you can feel before your levels go back up. I wish your work wasn't so demanding.
Take care and give a big hug to Molly!
So we have the more recent ACTH history in one spot:
So, ACTH:
09/23/2015
Pre 52 = 1.88 ug
Post 406 = 14.7ug
07/16/2015
Pre 34 nmol = 1.23 ug
Post 221nmol = 8.01ug
05/21/2015
Pre 29 = 1.05 ug
post 243 = 8.8 ug
05/07/2015
Pre 44
Post 103
I don't like the jump up of 6 points since the last test. grrrrrr
I think that the cortisol increase has probably made the BP go up and that also affects eyes and kidneys. Or the kidney problem (creatinine going up has affected the cortisol, which effects the BP and and eyes also)
IMS thinks kidneys might be driving force. I don't know which it is.
I guess I had all is normal for so long back in the day, however many years ago that was, that I used up all our "normal" and now just get Ucky yucky.
Just dropped by to see how you and Molly are doing. Take care of yourself.
Sonja,Apollo, Karma and Ariel.
Thanks Sonja. :)
We are just carrying on.
The weather is cooler and molly has moments of pure energy. :) Isn't that always such fun to see.
We'll go next week for a recheck on her levels and kidneys. Yesterday we tried to do a BP check, and only got one before the cuff went kaput and they didn't have another. It was good though, although just hope it is accurate, it was 112, which is down from the 200's it was last on the 23 Sept.
Getting ready for Canadian thanksgiving here and have company arriving tomorrow. I'm just glad to get a break from work finally. hahahaha
Hope all is going well with you.
hugs
I have to ask, what foods are usually served for Canadian Thanksgiving?
It is so nice to take a break from work, what is that old saying all work and no play makes Jill something?
Give big hugs to Molly.
Hi Addy. We have the same food for thanksgiving that they do in the US. For us it is a celebration of the harvest. So turkey ham potatoes etc. Although most Italians will add in a pasta dish.
We are also having a mixed evening of tapas and some Eastern European items this week with some friends. Canada is a bit of a mish mash heritage wise so we try to do it all. Lol. It can get even crazier at Christmas where our Portuguese family will be starving cod and our Swedish friends will be having a drop in on Christmas Eve where various seafood is served everything from pickled herring ( gag) to lobster and of course a soup with mussels.
My food,experiences have expanded a great deal since I left the US and moved to canada.
I found a low,protein canned food that Molly seems to love. Even better for it perhaps than the vets medical moderate protein. It's a Halo brand chicken food. She has become very picky lately.
Wednesday we go back for ACTH to see if the increase dosage is helping lower her cortisol back down and an ultrasound to check if adrenal tumor is increased ormwhatmidmgoing on with that. Renal panel, UPC, and BP check too. I am a bit nervous. One cause we don't know why her cortisol went up on last test. I am hoping was just something involved with compounding. The other reason is her IMS is on bed rest and out till about March on maternity leave so a new IMS that I haven't seen before. Hate to see new vets when we worked so hard to get everyone on board already and tuned into miss Molly's care. I'll be a basket case I'm sure. Lol.
Molly is getting lots of attention right now. She is particularly glued to our daughter who is pregnant right now. Life is both exciting and nerve wrecking. My MIL says Molly is the queen of the house and we are her hand maidens. There to do her bidding. I'm like. Yea and?! Lol. She deserves it. She has almost made it to 13 and with the potential health issues we will take every day we get with her. I am still amazed sometimes that people see her no think she is a young dog. We just love the little munchkin.
I'll post a picture from the other night.
Hugs all.
Awww, Molly is queen for sure. Hard to say about the cortisol but I too hope it is a compounding issue. If she is feeling good, take it:)
Nice to hear about your soon to be Nana status! That is an exciting time. We were just commenting on how we wish we could "borrow" a little one for a special Christmas show our symphony is having.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I've just picked up some new samples of Honest Kitchen for Koko. They have a new fish diet without the sweet potatoes. I'll have to check out Halo too!
We will know more tomorrow when the ACTH results come back, but the adrenal nodule hasn't changed, so most likely is still not secreting that is not the problem that caused her cortisol to go. Possible it is a compounding issue. As I said we'll know more when her results come back tomorrow. IM will be speaking with the compounding pharmacist about it when they call in the prescription refill.
Her blood pressure was 136, the best it has been since we started down this road of the high blood pressure. So that is good, we had increased her amolodipine and hopefully this is the best dose for her.
We still are waiting on the renal panel results too which should be back tomorrow.
I'm thrilled about the adrenal gland, that is a huge relief. If everything is okay on tomorrows results we won't retest till January. (we didn't redo the UPC as she had just had that a couple weeks ago and it was back down to where it was prior at 2.1)
So, not a bad day, hope tomorrow is also good.
Hooray for lower BP & no growth with the adrenal nodule!! :D Will think good thoughts for the rest of the results.
Curious what Molly's amlodipine dose is ...
Judy, she gets 2 x .625mg amoldipine pills per day. I give them in the evening with dinner. We increased that from 1.5 pills per day.
Really hoping those test results tomorrow are good.... I check up on your little doll all the time.
Man, what a fantastic BP number!!!! And I am so glad to hear that the nodule hasn't grown...YAAA!!!! Crossing all fingers and toes for great renal results.
Hugs, Lori
14 Oct, 2015 on 19mg trilostane
ACTH
pre 60nmol = 2.1ug
post 270nmol = 9.7ug
So, ACTH:
09/23/2015 on 15mg trilostane
Pre 52 = 1.88 ug
Post 406 = 14.7ug
07/16/2015
Pre 34 nmol = 1.23 ug
Post 221nmol = 8.01ug
05/21/2015
Pre 29 = 1.05 ug
post 243 = 8.8 ug
05/07/2015
Pre 44
Post 103
Since we expect the post to only go down maybe up to 50 points on the last 2 weeks, we are upping her dose to 21mg in 2 weeks and then a retest at the 2 week mark after the increase. Hoping to get her post to about 150. Her pre always runs a tad lower than the post for whatever reason, probably why she is so jumpy all the time, she runs low regularly and then when it dumps it's at any stimulation or excitement she reacts like crazy. So a more steady might be helpful to her and help with the protein loss and the BP.
Kidneys are good, this result the BUN was still a bit higher but the creatinine was 14.4 with a high end range up to 30, so that is fine too. YAY!
Overall I'd say this is a good report and a good plan for going forward. We'll see how it works out. I've had to make some arrangements for having the ACTH done at the local vet, who said that yes they use the freezing method, due to not being able to get off work to go to the specialist for these test till at least January. (work issues). Of course anything worrying, you know I'll stop meds and get her in sooner. I don't take chances with my baby. :)
Hugs all, it has been a heck of a journey hasn't it :)
I agree, all in all a good report!