Flynn 11 y/o Foxie Cross - Right adrenalectomy- Good Bye Flynny We will miss you

[Trish]

Thanks Kim, I will check out that slippery elm bark. Not sure I have ever seen it here, but then I have never gone looking for it either!!

He really seems a lot happier today, isn't that typical when I convinced them he needed these extra tests Still it will be good to know the results, wonder if I will get them today as the external lab is in another city about 4hrs drive away. Time will tell I guess.

Thx
Trish xx

[Tina]

Hi Trish,
So glad to hear that Flynn is feeling better! I am also glad to see that you are having a stim test done. I was relieved to read what the surgeon wrote about not being worried about his labs. But if it were me, I would want to make sure his cortisol was ok to verify that his other adrenal gland was working normally. It is all such a tricky balance, and I would much rather be safe than sorry. Hopefully the cortisol and electrolytes will all be normal, as well as the spec PL. And I will never get sick of hearing updates on your baby!!

Hugs from me and Jasper

[Trish]

Aww thanks Tina, I am sure my posting frequency will go down next week when I have to go back to work! Not many are about when I come on at night, as with the time difference you have all gone to bed

No blood results yet, won't be through until tomorrow morning. The local vet has day off - (funnily enough he told me he is taking his own dog down to the university to see our surgeon) - so he said they should arrive on his phone while he is down there, they will discuss and then let me know.

Flynny has had his best day yet! Two decent poops, hungry, drinking, a bit tired but just what I would expect as in post op tiredness not the lethargy of the last few days! I took him for a short walk on his leash and he wanted to run, I did not let him as a bit too early for that. So I am much happier he is feeling better, I don't want to jinx us but maybe he is turning the corner!!

I need to get out and get my christmas shopping done... hopefully he is good again tomorrow so I can drop him at my parents and hit the stores... not that there is much money left in the savings after all these vet bills!!! So I will have to be inventive

[cheydogger]

So, so glad to hear he is feeling better!!! It's time for you guys to get a break. I hope his labs come back good.

[addy]

I need to get out and get my christmas shopping done... hopefully he is good again tomorrow so I can drop him at my parents and hit the stores... not that there is much money left in the savings after all these vet bills!!! So I will have to be inventive

Girlfriend, boy will I second that. Old photos and my printer have become a great present maker Tuck some in with some goodies from Trader Joes (I broke up a set of cute bath salts, tied some festive ribbon around them, added a bar of chocolate and beautiful old photos of family members and I have some cute gift bags for under six bucks!!!!!

[Trish]

ACTH stim results
Pre 71 PMOL/L
1 hr 382 PMOL/L

Comment: based on published reference levels, this result is considered a high normal response. Post ACTH-stimulation cortisol levels <470nmol/L are typically seen in normal, non-cushingoid dogs. Low numbers of dogs with pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism can have this result while up to 50% of dogs with functional adrenocortical neoplasia may have normal acth stimulation results.

Lipase 227 IU/L (22-126) high
Amylase 925 IU/L (329-1074

Comment: Lipase can be increased with pancreatitis, GI disease or decreased GFR (renal disease, dehydration), Canine specific Lipase is pending.

Grrr they have not repeated the electrolytes as I requested. I am just googling to find out about those reference ranges for the stim as they are different to the usual ones posted here, I presume the pre is not too low or they would have commented on it to rule out addisons?

xx

[Trish]

I think I have done the conversion ok divide by 27.59
Pre 2.5
Post 13.8

So normal according the reference chart on here. Phew.

[frijole]

OK, now go have some wine. Time for me to go to bed. I'll go with a smile on my face. Great news. Kim

[Trish]

Thanks Kim - I was very pleased to hear his one little adrenal gland is working and doing the job!!

When I was in town I went to the health shop and picked up some slippery elm, it comes in a powder, no instructions on how much to give so that will be my next googling quest Thanks for your advice on that!

He has had another good day, with diet and poops. Still a bit tireder than I would have thought at this stage. But today is the first day he has not had to go and see a vet! So I guess it is fair enough he feels like resting up. His stitches are due out, his normal vet has next four days off so I will take them out myself to spare him another trip to a strange vet, hope he doesn't wriggle too much as he HATES me clipping his nails and if I come at him with any sort of implement he runs and hides

[Harley PoMMom]

When I was in town I went to the health shop and picked up some slippery elm, it comes in a powder, no instructions on how much to give so that will be my next googling quest Thanks for your advice on that!

Here's a link to an article that has info on slippery elm: http://www.littlebigcat.com/health/slippery-elm/

An excerpt form that article:

To give internally, mix about 1/4 teaspoon of Slippery Elm bark powder with cold water for every 10 pounds of body weight. For very small dogs, it is fine to use the same 1/4 teaspoon dose.

Author Anitra Frazier gives the following recipe for Slippery Elm Bark syrup in her book, The New Natural Cat, which applies equally well to our canine companions when adjusted for weight: Into a small saucepan place 1/2 cup cold water and 1 teaspoon powdered slippery elm bark. Whip with a fork. Bring to simmer over low flame, stirring constantly. Simmer 1 or 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Cool and refrigerate. Keeps 7 or 8 days. Give a teaspoon of syrup (5 cc) for an average-size cat (again, about 10 pounds) 5 minutes before a meal to minimize diarrhea, or to soothe and heal mouth ulcers.

Hope the SEB helps Flynn.