Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

Hi, Patti.

Haven't been here for awhile and was trying to catch up on Tipper. Saw she had some procedures in Pittsburgh - was it Pittsburgh Specialty Veterinary on Camp Horn Road? They are great. Ali's dentist and dermatologist are there. Her IMS is at another hospital because she started seeing her before that place opened. Had I have know you were in our area, I would have tried to stop by for moral support!

Tipper sounds so much like my Alivia. Vets always comment on how well behaved she is. :) Sorry she has been having breathing issues. Is it only at night? I apologize if I missed something on your thread. I am sure you already thought of this, but any chance there is something she is allergic to?

I posted an Alivia update - she is doing well! Awhile back the vet was amazed at how well she was doing and wanted to do an ultrasound to look at her tumor. I didn't want to do it because I will not risk surgery on her at her age and there was no point in me knowing the size of it. But based on her lack of symptoms, it has been extremely slow growing...if it's grown at all. So, I get that you didn't want to know, but glad you got good news on that! :)

Mary Beth:
So glad to hear from you, I missed you. I wish I could have met you at the hospital! I was so envious when I read you met Shorty at the Pet Expo. I think he is hilarious, and a good advocate for his beloved Pit Bulls. Was he alone or were the other crew members there? I just can't get this breathing issue with Tipper cleared up, and am still working on it. At the hospital everyone though Tipper was a puppy. Even with what the Cushings has done to her she still looks good for her age too. Glad Alivia is doing well, and that makes your life a lot happier I know. It is a terrible thing to have your beloved dog all of a sudden get sucked into this horrible disease. So happy to hear from you,a nd I hope Alivia continues to do so well. Blessings
Patti

Hi Everyone:
Another rough nite of breathing for Tipper. Not as bad as the nite before, but none the less troubling. I spent a good portion of the nite nudging her to make her stop. Sometimes she will take a real deep breath and then won't breathe again for what seems to be a minute, but in fact is seconds. Like sleep apnea ion people. It's so scary when she does this, I always worry she is going to stop breathing altogether. So neither one of us got much sleep. We are supposed to have rain and storms until next Friday. Oh Yeah!!! I got a post card from the eye Dr. that saw her 6 months ago. I will make an appt. for August to see if the calcium deposits have gotten worse. He is in the animal hospital in Pittsburgh where Tipper's IMS is. I am going to have him look in her ear to make sure my vet did not injure her eardrum when getting that sample of gunk out of her ear- she yelped for the first time in her life. She has an ACTH, Blood Panel, and urine coming up in August. I am suspicious of her cortisol level at times. She has been panting off and on the last week, but it could be her anxiety from the weather. You just never know, and I am so paranoid of the smallest of symptoms returning. I do not want her losing any more muscle. If she could not go for walks that would be the end of her quality of life as I see it.The Comfort Zone spray should be coming tomorrow I hope. I am hopeful it will calm her down and give her some relief in the coming week of storms. She used to go hide in the kitty litter box, which is in an enclosed cabinet, when it stormed. I think the cat pheromones comforted her as strange as it sounds. So I have to make sure the doors are closed in litter box areas. I don't want her in the litter box with those germs, and get sick from that yet. My cats have an enclosed cat room that was an enclosed porch where they are all day so they have access to their boxes in that room. Tipper cannot get in there, as she hates my rescue cat Lucky, and would like to kill him if she could get at him. It's all a system of checks and balances, in this gated animal kingdom! Blessings
Patti

More storms Patti! Poor Tipper can't catch a break!:( I'm sorry that Tipper had another difficult night and neither of you got much sleep.:o Those middle of the nights are the worst!:( I have been thinking a lot about the quality of life lately. It's about them being able to do what they've always done without pain. I hope you guys are able to get some rest today before the storms hit. big hugs,
Kathy

Hello. Just popping in as I haven't posted for a bit, sorry to hear that Miss Tipper is having some issues again. I wish those blinking vets would do what you pay them for and figure it out for you. I know it must be scary

Sending you a tight hug and some big kisses for Tipper the Ripper

Mel
Xx

Mel:
It's a shame to say, but if I would be stupid enough to put my faith in these Vets, my Tipper would not be here today. I am sick at my stomach knowing that I have to take her to these uncaring, money hungry individuals that could care less about my precious girl. Thank God I have the fortitude to get into it with them and make them do what they need to do, or it wouldn't get done. It has just worn me out mentally checking their every move, and making sure they are not doing anything wrong to my girl. I will do anything for her though, so that is what makes me get thru it. I will never ever in my life trust a vet after all this. I know how they all operate now, and unfortunately it is to the sound of a cash register, not the desperate cries of a loving and caring pet owner. Thank you for checking in on my girl, I so appreciate you and the kindness you show us. Blessings
Patti

Patti,
I hope you are able to get the video clip sent and they're able to get it posted. Fingers toes and paws crossed;) I hope Tipper had a good night and you were able to get some rest. Is it still storming there? It makes me sad to think that Tipper is so scared that she ends up hiding out in a hot closet all night.:( Sending you strength, healing energy and courage for what lies ahead. big hugs,
Kathy

Hi Everyone:
Not a bad nite for Tipper. She had some episodes, but for the most part was breathing ok. She had another small honking episode this morning. I know it is her trachea, I am positive. What to do now I am not sure. I know I could keep her with me for quite a while and manage the Cushings, if I could just solve this darn breathing problem. This is making me nuts!! I am however thankful to God that she has some good nites, as before it was bad every nite. I am hoping against all odds that on Wednesday my Vet will say he watched the DVD. I am usually excellent at problem solving, and putting out fires, but this has me stumped. It is raining ever so lightly right now, and I am hoping it does not storm. Tipper is pretty good with the light rain, it is the heavy rain and especially the thunder that get her going. I guess the stuff I ordered will be here today and I will definitely use it. Blessings
Patti

I am glad you will be seeing him Wednesday less easy to dodge you! Take your copy along, that way if he hasn't seen it you can show him in your appointment!

I will be thinking of you both

Big hug, kisses to sweet Tipper

Mel
Xxxxxx

Hi Everyone:
Tipper had an ok nite some bad some good. After reading the forum this morning about poor Scoop I am just broken from all this. So I have to stay off for a few hours and get myself together. I always said to myself that I didn't want to sit down and read Scoop had passed, that that would put me in a bad place. For some reason clinging on to hope for him, and praying for a miracle for him kept me from facing the inevitable for Tipper. That has all been dashed now, and I am devastated for dear Vicki. She gave it her all to the end, and for that she can be proud. Blessings to all. Please everyone say a prayer for Vicki and Scoop this morning.
Patti