Zoe By My Side- Our Journey with Cushings

Hi Addy,

So glad there is improvement. I remember with Maddie the energy didn't seem to improve all that much, but the shaking, and going up stairs (this could be the drunken sailor area) or balance got better.

It seems like it was always a work in progress; so you will always be adjusting something. Of course we don't have anything else to do--do we????:p

I am not sure how you give worm medicine to a tortoise, but it might be sprinkling the packet of medicine like I have for Ella on the food. The vet said it didn't come from the tortoises so I lucked out there. She had 2 parasites (common for puppies). So have a packet and pills. It is only money.....money I could be using to send Ella to The Netherlands to get trained...:D

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Hi Marie,

That is exactly right, her balance is better. You described it perfectly:D

Gave her a pepped this morning and she is chewing on her Kong like there is no tomorrow, so that shoots that theory. Still walked slowly outside this morning, but not seeing as many lip licks and yawns so:confused::confused::confused::confused:

I am trying to make up my mind if I should just go to the 15 mgs in two weeks or try 12 mgs first. I really hate the thought of taking her to IMS for ACTH every two weeks. Last night we were going to take her for a ride and she walked out the door saw the car and ran back to the house. I think she thought she was going to the vet as that was the last time she was in the car, Monday. She is so frightened now about the vet. It is not good.

We will take her in the car more often this weekend and let her know it does not always mean going to the vet now. I felt terrible as she always loved her rides.


Last night, driving home from work, a brown terrier was hanging out a car window and he had red goggles on, his face in the wind. It was such a funny sight with these red goggles:D:D:D He looked like he was in a sidecar of a motorcycle.:p:p:p

I laughed so hard and then pictured Miss Ella sitting on a seat on an air plane with a pretty hat on flying to Sas and laughed even harder.

Have a good weekend too!!!!!!

Love,
Addy

Hi, Addy.

Small steps are good! Sounds like you are having little bits of progress! :D

I know EXACTLY what you mean about the fear of the car. When Alivia got out of the hospital this last time, we were out front and I wanted her to come around back with me. Normally she loves following me, but my car happened to be parked in the driveway and I couldn't even coax her to walk past it! She ran back to the house and wanted inside and would not come back out. Like Zoe, Alivia ALWAYS lovee a "road trip" anywhere. It was yet another heartbreak to see her terrified of something she used to enjoy so much. I often wonder what they must think of us taking them places to have them poked and prodded and hurt. :(:( I've been making a point to take her with me in the car whenever I can and she seems to be getting over the fear. I guess it will take a bit of time.

Have a good weekend.

Well you can guess that Miss Ella's googles would be bright pink!!!:p

I feel so bad that Zoe was afraid of the car and Alivia too. Maddie still wanted to go in the car even if she went to the vet. She loved it that much!:D

Keep Enjoying the Weekend!!!!:):)

Hi Addy
You can use 1 or 2 tea bags for just the feet & just steep & let cool then soak. I would start out with 2 for the feet, if you want to do a whole body rinse then use about 4 or 5 tea bags & pour into a clean gallon milk jug & fill the rest of the way with warm water. Bathe as usual & rinse well then pour the rinse over the whole dog & don't worry about getting into the eyes, ears or mouth as it's good for allergy eyes & they can drink it for a tummy ache.Oh, and you don't need to rinse it off, just dry as usual.
Debbie & LillyMae Weiner:)

Sorry for the double post but forgot to add on how to deworm a tortoise. It involves 4 fingers 1 knee & 1 syrenge;) & the med is usually liquid. If you need someone to talk you through, I can PM you my phone #
Debbie & LillyMae Weiner

Great, Thank you Debbie, I will try soaking her feet.:):):):)

Marie- yup, bright pink for Miss Ella for sure!!!!!!!! I can picture it so clearly:D:D:D:D:D:D

Mary Beth,
We will try more fun car rides too as you are doing for Ali. It is so sad isn't it? She likes to go to the grocery store and watch all the people. We will take her today. I used to throw Zoe and Koko in the car after work and just go for a short ride with them. I will try that this week as well.

I am getting a bit concerned about her rabies shot. If she is this fearful I am afraid she may fear bite at the vets. I told them to muzzel her last Monday. I sure don't want to give her a rabies shot right now but I may not have a choice if this continues.

Love ya,
Addy

Hi Addy,

Until Zoe's cushing's and colitis is controlled, I personally think it is a really bad idea to give her a rabies vaccine. The labels on all vaccines state that they should not be given to a sick dog and an uncontrolled cushdog and a dog with active colitis should be considered a sick dog.

My dogs will never have another rabies vaccine and I was elated when my IMS told me "no more vaccines". If necessary, he will give me a waiver for the city. My dogs are couch potatoes so they aren't out chasing squirrels or any other critter that could expose them to rabies. Plus, the risk factor in my area is slim to nil. If the rabies risk is high in your area and the regulatory agency in your area will not accept a titer in lieu of a vaccine, then please, please wait until you and your vet are 100% sure Zoe's cushing's is under control. Quite frankly, your vet should know better.

Hi my dear friend,

I'm glad you are seeing some improvement in Zoe.

I agree with Glynda. Sick dogs should not be given rabies shots. Corky is not getting his. He actually is not getting any more vaccines.

I hope Zoe continues to improve.

Alivia has not been permitted to have rabies or any vaccines of any type since she had IMHA about 7 years ago. She had had vaccines about a month prior to getting sick and they could never rule out that as the cause of the IMHA. The only issue I've had is the big chain pet stores will not groom her even with a letter from her IMS. The ONLY thing I do give her is heartworm preventative. As frequently as our dogs are at the vet they are probably the least likely to ever have rabies!

Addy, my two both like to go anywhere in the car. They enjoy people watching, too. I sometimes feel bad when I take them somewhere and they don't even get to get out of the car, but they still seem to enjoy it! I am trying to make it a point to take Alivia more frequently. Our poor babies have been through so much.

Addy/Debbie, what is the tea rinse for? :confused: