Zoe By My Side- Our Journey with Cushings

[littleone1]

Hi Addy,

I'm so sorry that Zoe is so afraid of going to the vet's. Corky has gotten worse with every visit. He doesn't try to bite anyone, but he shakes and pants very badly. Our furbabies have definitely been poked and prodded so much and have had different machines used to check things. They have no idea what's going on.

I hope Addy will be able to settle down and not be so afraid.

Hugs,

Terri and Corky

[labblab]

I understand your explanation. I have to weigh the risks of her biting someone and being put in quarantine verses how sick will the vacine make her.

Hi again, Addie.

I just wanted to clarify that I don't think the only risk that you have to consider is whether or not Zoe will bite someone and thus be put into guarantine. But also Zoe's own risk of contracting rabies should she come into contact with an infected animal. Since you are guessing that she is only five years old, she may or may not have lifetime immunity from any previous rabies vaccination. Even though canine-specific rabies has recently been eradicated in the U.S., unvaccinated dogs can still contract rabies from other infected wildlife. So depending upon Zoe's lifestyle and the prevalence of rabies among animals in your area such as raccoons, foxes, and bats -- the possibility remains that she coud still be exposed. If she remains primarily a house dog with little risk of exposure, this may be a moot point. But if not, for her own safety, you may still want to consider revaccination at some point in the future.

Here's a quote from the Veterinary Merck Manual that underscores the continuing danger for dogs whose lifestyle and geographics put them at risk:

Where terrestrial wildlife or bat rabies is known to occur, any animal bitten or otherwise exposed by a wild, carnivorous mammal (or a bat) not available for testing should be regarded as having been exposed to rabies. The NASPHV [National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians] recommends that any unvaccinated dog, cat, or ferret exposed to rabies be euthanized immediately. If the owner is unwilling to do this, the animal should be placed in strict isolation (ie, no human or animal contact) for 6 mo and vaccinated against rabies 1 mo before release. If an exposed animal is currently vaccinated, it should be revaccinated immediately and closely observed for 45 days.

Marianne

[addy]

Zoe is mainly a house dog and is not allowed outside unless we are with her and then she is leashed. I suppose there is a remote possibility she could come in contact with a rabid aninmal, but not a great one at this time. We estimate Zoe to be eight years old at this time. We think her first owner had her for about four years and that she had all vacinations. We do not know what happened to that first owner but Zoe went to another home which is where she got in trouble and confiscated by animal control. That is if we can be sure of this story, who knows

The rabies vacaination is something I need to sort out and I am always happy to hear others opinions and suggestions, so thank you

Addy

[addy]

New problem:

Zoe is constipated. I had thought all week her poops looked smaller and dry and I thought she might have a minor impaction. They did not look right to me but then she would go and they seemed better. Last night she had a rather larger stool followed my a small one with mucus on it. I thought she may be clearing out.

Well, last night she went in the den and never woke us up this am. She did not do anything normal but begged to go outside. I would take her out and she would strain to poop to no avail. Liquid drops came out of her. After an hour of this I put her in the car and headed for the emergency room because I had no way to again take off work and did not know when I could get her in to her regular vet.

Her exam was "unremarkable" and attending vet said she thought she might be having spasms at the start of diahrrea. I kept insisting I thought she was constipated. They took an exray and sure enough, stool backed up inside. I don't remeber how far, but pretty far. I asked if there was an obstruction, she said no. I hope she is right.

I know it was those darn six hamburger buns. Everyone kept telling me no way but she is NEVER constipated. What else would it be? Unless the melatonin caused it.

So now she is home resting with a laxative medicine that will hopefully work in 24 hours they thought. Otherwise she has to go back and be put out and given an enema.

Well, our crisis for the week. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Hey we had a male tech who handled her very well and she put the muzzle on just fine and they said she was a good girl

Addy

[littleone1]

I hope the laxative helps Addy.

Terri

[marie adams]

Hi Addy,

I loved that Maddie's thread was hijacked

Maddie hasn't been constipated before --it looks like it now, but it is just the food she is getting and it makes her really work to poop. Sometimes it is drier than other times; I think it is more than she use to have and not as regular timing as in the past. I can't believe how much we talk about poop.

I hope Zoe is feeling better and you are too!!!

[apollo6]

Andy
Sorry to hear about Zoe. Wish I had some suggestions. But maybe a laxative is the best options. Never a dull moment with these guys. I am still dealing with the lump in Apollo's tail. When does it get easier, we all could use a rest. I am also concerned about giving Apollo another rabies shot, know that he has cushings. He is an indoor dog and is with me all the time. I just don't think I want to give him one.
Hope you got to enjoy your weekend some. Will be praying for you and Zoe.

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Addy,

How is Zoe this morning? The constipation any better? If not, you might try some plain pumpkin (if you can find any!). NOT the kind for pies with the spices and sugar in it, but just plain pumpkin.

I am not sure about the feed you are using, but sometimes those prepared raw diets don't have enough fiber which can result in constipation. Some other options to add a bit of fiber would be well-cooked brown rice, quinoa, butternut or acorn squash, cabbage, apple, green beans, lettuce, or even a little bit of Metamucil. The fruits and veggies should be fresh, not canned to avoid sugars, additives and to provide optimal benefit. Just use small amounts until you see results - don't overload her system or you may have the opposite situation!

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[judymaggie]

If not, you might try some plain pumpkin (if you can find any!).

Hi! Here is one option for the pumpkin -- I have never used it for my pets but know others who have used it with good results. I have seen it for sale on Amazon.

http://fruitablespetfood.com/fruitab...upplement.html

[addy]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for checking on us. I had a nice stash of cans of pumpkin in the pantry and we have been using it along with the laxative. Seems to have done the trick. Today I will cut back on the pumpkin and the laxative, weaning her off the laxative for a few days. I stopped the melatonin for a few days now.

Last night she pooped like a great dane and seemed very pleased with her self. What a relief. For a dog with chronic diahrrea, this was mind blowing She seems to feel alot better.

Her lignans came so we will restart the melatonin with the lignans as soon as we are weaned off the laxative and I guess wait to see what that brings.

I might not have to keep using the pumpkin once she has the lignans. I always kept the pumpkin around for her diahrrea. Funny to use it now for constipation!!!!!! How do you go from one extreme to the other???????????????

They sure do keep us on our toes, don't they? But it is hard on the pocket book

We see the IMS in a week.

One of Zoe's vets once said to me "Do you every have a dull moment in your life?" One of the dogs had been in to see him almost on a weekly basis for something.

"No, not really", was my answer

Addy