Lena, Teacup Poodle w/ adrenal tumor - Lena is now an angel

The deafness could be a part of it of course. Can't discount that at all.

I guess the only way you'd know is to watch her and see how she reacts at some situations and whether it is a sound/nonsound reaction or true confusion.

We all started just where you are today Joan, alone (or so we though) and scared. From there we progressed to where ever it is that we are at today in our learning/journey. :) Interaction on the threads is key, as you look up information to answer questions, say hello to new members and just want to find something out even for yourself, you learn. Learning is the entire key to cushings. I truly believe that.

I try to read them all, Sharlene...sometimes they are so sad that I just cry. I feel so bad for everyone who has lost their darlings. I feel the pain, the fear, the guilt...but, I am also learning a lot!

I'm reading, researching, checking out all the threads, the links. I've learned more from all of you than from my own vet.

Lena is beginning to follow me around again and wants me to pick her up. She doesn't stay in my arms long, I think with her big tummy that she isn't comfortable. I hope that it will get smaller in time. I've missed our closeness, but I assumed it was because I was at work all day and she just started following the rest of the pack.

Tomorrow I am bringing her to my sister's for my mom's 83rd birthday party. She'll really enjoy that, so will my mom who has Alzheimer's and doesn't really remember how many times she's seen Lena, so it's like she is meeting her again for the first time. And I don't want Lena to think that every time she gets in the car, we are going to the vet. She loves family get togethers!

You don't think it will stress her out, do you?

This is what I feed her. they have all been on this dry food for about 5 years. I have gotten her the small dog breed bag instead of big kibble now and mix it with some warm water and the tea I mentioned in an earlier post. Then I put a spoonful of the wet pate or casserole in for some extra flavor...breakfast and dinner.

Wellness Original Formula dry food
Wellness Petite Entrees for smaller dogs

I tried the Wellness Trufood: chicken, chicken liver and flaxseed recipe and at first she liked it just plain, but then turned her nose up at it. And now, of course, the rest of them like it especially our teacup chihuahua, so I'm buying that for them. I've got 3 different bags of dryfood going!

I want to make sure I'm feeding her what she needs...and as I've mentioned before, she loves fruit...she's not crazy about raw veggies. I've tried carrots, green beans...she loves avocado, but I read somewhere that it is on the top 10 "no, no" list so I stopped giving her any.

Of course, she will eat any table food!

Most dogs would eat any table food. LOL Molly goes nuts if she even smells chicken or beef cooking in the kitchen.

I have like 4 bags of food due to molly being so darned picky about what she wants. She's never been a very good eater, more of a grazer throughout the day and eating nonstop anything was never one of her cushing symptoms.

Treats she is also usually good with but has gotten a bit picky with those too. ugh!

I've fed my three pugs The Honest Kitchen for years and years. For some reason, just last year, Tobey started rejecting it for no reason. She just will not touch the stuff anymore, although my two boys act like it's the last supper. I ended up switching her to Wellness canned stews. It's not my number one choice (I would love her to get back on THK), but she likes it and eats it without a fuss.

I wouldn't worry too much about food. As long as she's on a high quality food (kibble, canned, etc), she should be getting what she needs. Too many people get wrapped up in thinking food is the answer to everything. yes, it is vitally important, but there is no science to support that it causes cushings or plays any part in reducing direct symptoms.

Thanks, I just don't want to feed her too much and I want to make sure what she's eating is good for her. Does anyone give their dogs fruit for snacks? Lee loves fruit.

Fruit is good and healthy, but high in sugar, so watch the calorie intake overall. Berries and bananas are favorites at our house.

The best way to figure if you are feeding enough is to calculate the calorie needs for Lena and then see if you are meeting or exceeding them. Tobey only needs approx. 315-345 calories per day, so I make sure her canned food is in that range and monitor the number of treats she gets.

Have you tried other veggies, like cucumbers or zucchini? My pugs will eat those right up. :)

Hi All,

I'm not sure if I am imagining this or not, but Lena's left eye looks bigger than the other one. I can't tell if it's just the way her hair is falling over the other one or not. The left eye is the one that is usually runny and sometimes the runny stuff hardens and it looks like she's got eyeliner, which might make it look bigger, but it hasn't been runny in the last couple of days. Then this morning my husband said the same thing. Maybe its always been bigger and we just never noticed before??

I'm trying not to freak out....could this be a symptom of anything??

If you think her eye is bigger then you need to take her into the vet to have it checked out.
Our ER hospital has an ophamologist for dogs, perhaps your vet would know of someone like that they could refer you to if they think there is a problem.

I'll take her before I go to work tomorrow...what do you think it is?