Squirt - my Queen has crossed The Bridge

[Trish]

HI Leslie - as you know I do a bit of work in the continence field... wondered why we did not use this medication in human patients so did a bit of googling, looks like it is banned here in human use because of the reasons I have copied below. Sounds like a nasty drug to me and glad you have stopped it, if it is not safe for humans not sure why they use it in our beloved pets. Best of luck sorting out Squirt's issues, if anyone can do it, you can!!
Trish xx

Background
Norephedrine is a stereoisomer of phenylpropanolamine, which is listed under the Medicines Act 198. Norephedrine/phenylpropanolamine was previously used as an
appetite suppressant and a decongestant but the risk of side effects means that it will not be used in human medicine in future. There are no human medicines containing phenylpropanolamine now available in New Zealand.
Phenylpropanolamine is used in veterinary medicine: the product Propalin® is registered under the Agricultural Compound and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 and is used for canine urinary incontinence.
Norephedrine is also a precursor substance that can be used in the manufacture of amphetamine, a Class B1 controlled drug.
The Committee’s advice regarding norephedrine
2
The Committee agreed that there is a potential risk of norephedrine being imported into New Zealand or diverted from domestic sources in order to be converted into amphetamine.
It was also agreed that in view of the current proposals to reclassify
pseudoephedrine and ephedrine (precursors to methamphetamine) as Class B2 controlled drugs, if norephedrine is classified lower than Class B2 it could provide an incentive for the importation of norephedrine and increased amphetamine manufacture.
The Committee considered that there would only be a limited effect on industry should this substance be classified; however, a Class B2 classification would require consultation with relevant stakeholders such as veterinarians. Consideration would also be required on the continued status of phenylpropanolamine as a registered animal remedy and its classification as a prescription medicine under the Medicines Act.
Finally, the Committee agreed that norephedrine would not be appropriately
scheduled as a Schedule 4, Part 2 precursor substance, as it is considered a ‘primary’ precursor (for amphetamine). The Committee also agreed there is insufficient information currently available to justify the scheduling of norephedrine

[molly muffin]

Ha!! There you go. If it's not safe for humans then it is not safe enough for Our furbabies.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Leslie:
Boy that stuff sure sounds scary. I am glad you quit giving it to Squirt. How is she feeling today. I hope it is one of those things that when it leaves the body that is all you have to worry about. How is it going with the diapers? Will Squirt leave them on without ripping at them? Hope you guys have a great day. Tipper is happy she woke up and no storms on the horizon. God Bless
Patti

[Dollydog]

Hi Leslie....just checking up on you and Squirt this morning....will be sending an email soon....hope she's feeling more like herself again this morning....
(((HUGS)))
Jo-Ann

[Squirt's Mom]

Well, Squirt started leaking, just leaking, tonite after taking the last Proin Mon. Sooooo, I put a disposable diaper on her - it was too small even though her waist size and weight are within the stated size. So I got out the washable diapers - too small also. The pads that said they go with the washable diapers are way to big to fit - they stick out the end of the diaper. So unless PetCo will take these back, I just threw $42 out the window.

It was funny and scary watching her in the diapers. Funny because all she would do is back up while giving me a go-jump-in-the-lake look. And she didn't take steps back - she wobbled stiff-legged from side to side going backwards, nothing moving but her toes. As much as she hates clothes, diapers are going to be a challenge. It was scary because she couldn't see where she was going but she was going there as fast as she could wobble and I could just see her falling.

Louise sent me a video on how to make doggy diapers out of human baby diapers and I watched it but will now study it and hope I can cut the tail hole in some proximity to her tail. I gave some thought to sticking the pad on the ACE bandage I use during storms but couldn't quite work out how to keep it straight while working around the tail. This ought to be interesting...and no, there will be no videos of my attempts!

For now, she's asleep in the bathroom and I'm sure there will be at least one more trip outside tonite. If she wants in the bed later, that's fine - I have a waterproof cover on the mattress and a good washer/dryer set.

Hugs,
Leslie and her Sweet Bebe

[Budsters Mom]

Hi Leslie,

Petco should take the diapers back. At least they take anything back in California if you have your receipt. I would try it!

Hugs to you and your sweet little Squirt

Kathy and Buddy

[Skye]

you know the little diaper cover that goes over the diaper......and then it Velcros on both sides..........i use to take a pose pad or maxi pad and cut it to fit then peel the tape off pad and stick inside the diaper cover. less bulky for them. and if you trip it up okay you dont have to worry about them chewing on the diaper part. you can also use like a tiny shirt.......put the little arms of shirt on either leg, neck opening over bottom.

[goldengirl88]

Leslie:
Sure hope you take those diapers back to Petco as that is a lot of money to have to put out. You are a great mom to Squirt and I am confident you will get this worked out. I am so sorry Squirt is having the leakage again. God Bless you both.
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

Just got a call from the vet tech and they were able to use her blood finally. So no more draws for now! Even better, the ALT has come WAY down to 119 from over 600 last time! ALP still high at 1132, glucose and T4 are low. They are mailing a copy of the results to me and when I get them I will post them here. Doc said absolutely no more NSAIDS and I passed on the info on Proin. So, for the second time in less than 24 hours, I have been given hope.

The first came from her communicator. Squirt didn't want to talk to her at first - always the regal Queen, she kept wanting to know why she should talk to the communicator and simply wanted the Reiki. But she finally consented to a chat. The bottom line is that she doesn't feel as if her time is now and doesn't understand why I have been so sad and anxious. She feels this is simply the time in her life when she will require more help. She hasn't lost hope nor the will to live. In my angst, my selfishness, I have made her feel bad and confused. Squirt recognizes that she has bad days but offered no complaints other than the pain associated with musculoskeletal issues. It also seems that the issue she has been having with her mouth is related to hypersalivating, tho I haven't seen any drooling, etc. I have noticed her smacking her mouth more especially at night but this excess salivation seems to be part of her eating issue. She told the communicator she didn't know what happened when she collapsed a few weeks ago - she has no memory other than it seemed she was looking into a "pitch black hole"- not falling into the hole, just looking into it. Squirt said she has a more "content" face the last few days, which is true, and sees that my face is happier and more hopeful.

So I have a lot of work to do on ME in order to be the best mom I can be to her. I have somehow got to get control of my emotions and find the strength she needs me to have. I have got to be fully Present in the now.

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirty

[Fellasmom]

Leslie,
I just wanted to say good luck with your baby.Selfishly,I've been so wrapped up in my own grief that I can barely absorb anyone else's.The fact that you can still be there for others while you are dealing with your own issues is really appreciated.When Kelsey was hit by a car,she suffered nerve damage and was incontinent for the remainder of her life.Thankfully,she was able to wear those diapers for 10years!I bought a few from Foster and Smiths and used to then buy XL size 5 diapers at the store.I would open one up and pin it to the undergarment with the cut out tail and then put it on her.The silly things you miss when they pass.I couldn't go down a baby aisle without getting teary!Thanks for being there for me during a difficult time in your own life as well.