Java Bean

[Simba's Mom]

Glad to hear that Java is gaining, sorry to hear about Alex, goodness girl you need bunk beds for those two. Take care of you too!

[kelly143]

Hi Letti and all,
thanks!
We all are settling in with the situation at hand. I have figured out that if I wrap a towel under Alex I can lift his hind legs up to take him outside to do his biz. I am proud to say that I have figured a way to direct the flow with the towel away from his feet so he doesn't get them wet! Ahh, life's little triumphs!
The Bean seems to be drinking a little less water today, so I will take that as another little triumph to celebrate.

Thanks again for being there.

kelly143

[molly muffin]

Hey Kelly, how is Alex and Java doing? I do hope that Alex starts to show improvement soon. Maybe a pinched nerve?
Java is acting himself?

You're doing an amazing job!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[kelly143]

Sharlene and all,
Thanks for your support....Today, Java did not finish her breakfast for the first time in history! Soooooooooo the call was made for the ACTH test. Maybe tomorrow?? I am waiting to hear back from the vet. Java is still moving with some difficulty, but I am hoping to see her get stronger as the meds keep doing their job.

Alex is showing no improvement as of yet. He is very angry about this whole thing. I have been instructed to 1/2 his muscle relaxer, but I am going to see if we can continue his whole dose to keep him a little calmer.

kelly143

[molly muffin]

Hey Kelly,

How did Java do for the rest of the day? Any interest in food? It's been 7 days I think. Started on the 13th?
Make sure no diarrhea. If so, schedule sooner rather than later.

Darn, how long did it take Jave to show improvements when this happened to him? I do hope Alex starts to show some improvement soon.

Hope you aren't too exhausted yourself from all of this

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[kelly143]

Hi Sharlene,
Java was pretty slow for the entire day. She didn't finish dinner either, and water consumption is back to normal. We are going in tomorrow for the ATCH, as anticipated. Vet told me to discontinue meds until the test tomorrow. Looks like we will b moving to the next phase and just giving meds in smaller doses 1 to 2 days a week. I am looking forward to her getting stronger again.

Alex is still paralyzed, but he did wag his tail a little today, so that is good I guess. He is eating so that is good too. I hope he gets his legs back. I don't remember how long it took Java to get her leg back (she only had one bum leg)....time will tell.

BTW - tired is for whimps!!!

Kelly143

[doxiesrock912]

Kelly,

I had a friend whose dog went lame. They looped pantyhose around his midsection and took him for walks that way. It helped him recover faster. Might be worth asking the vet about:-)

Good luck sweetie.

[molly muffin]

Oops, sorry, Java is a her and I called her a him. I hope she gets her strength back soon too.
Poor Alex, hope he starts to show some movement in the legs soon. Everything always seems to happen at the same time. sheezz

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Kelley,

You won't give any more Lyso until the results of the ACTH come in. It is normal to have a waiting period between the load and starting maintenance so you and Java will have a little break from the meds. Then when you do start the maintenance, it will be spread out over 2-4 days a week - usually the same dose but that dose a week VS daily like in the load.

Keep an eye on Java - the Lysodren will keep on working after the last dose reaching its peak at 48 hours. Let us know how she is doing and what the ACTH shows. You're doing a great job, Mom! Keep up the good work!

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[kelly143]

Hi All,
Thank you yet again for all of your helpful and loving input. Here's the latest in the "Life of Al and The Bean":

Al: Today was a turning point in my life over the past week. He hobbled outside by himself and did #1 AND #2 without rolling or falling in it and getting it all over himself. He is so stubborn and won't let me help. It is so nice not to have to wrap a towel around his head and carry him out biting and growling, then having to put him in the tub after every call of nature! He looks like a cross between an newborn fawn and a drunken sailor when he tries to walk, but he is getting around the yard a bit.

The Bean: Her test came back in the "low part of the acceptable range" whatever that means. I will get a copy when I go in next time. I started 1/4 tab 2 days on 2 days off last night. She seems ok one minute and weak the next. She is licking her paws a lot. She seems restless - she gets up and moves then lays back down frequently. Today I noticed her squatting and dribbling outside (tinkling)a lot and panting more than usual. I suspect she may have a bladder infection. What next.......errrrrrr. She has been much more cuddly in the past few days, which is nice but strange. She usually likes to stay at the foot of the bed rather than right up beside me with her head on me. If she keeps the squatting thing up til tomorrow, I will get some anitibiotics.

That's all folks!!

Kelly143