My girl is sick... again.

[NikiL02]

*BIG HUGS*

Exhaustion can wreak havoc on not just your emotions but your thought process. If you're exhausted, you arent doing yourself any favours (or Miesha or your family.) Can you and your hubs switch off for a weekend so that you can get some sleep?

Is there a specialty food that will help her gain weight?

 

[Prushanks]

*BIG HUGS*

Exhaustion can wreak havoc on not just your emotions but your thought process. If you're exhausted, you arent doing yourself any favours (or Miesha or your family.) Can you and your hubs switch off for a weekend so that you can get some sleep?

I wish.. his schedule is wacky. When hes on Nights he will let her out when he gets home but that is usually after she has already come to get me. When he's on Days, he needs to sleep at night. Unfortunately he also has the typical husband "selective hearing" and i will be awake before he will. It then takes him time to rouse.. get dressed.. by that time she has burst. Then there is also the fact that im awake.. and worrying if he was thorough enough with her outside (which he usually isnt). It's just more efficient for me to do it myself.. if i try to explain her patterns/habits to him he thinks im crazy.. this is the man that thought i was crazy to be poop obsessed and was even causing her to have issues bc of my neurotic obsession! (Not "cause" like hurting her but changing foods and over thinking and researching.) Well.. it all turned out that i was right!!! HA!
Sorry.. i digress!! That is 14 months of pent up resentment at him!

As far as specialty food.. part of the treatment he recommended for IBD (if that is what it is and not lymphoma) is to switch her onto a new protein source LID that she hasnt had before which i have done (Natural Balance Potato & Duck, though the wet is still turkey based for now until). And i am wary of too many ingredients as well as richness. The other ever-looming factor is money. NB kibble is a good price though the cans to add up!

 

[NikiL02]

Im sorry. I totally understand selective hearing. I can ignore whining during the day but the slightest whine at night and im awake.

 

[bomary]

I swear I wish I was your next-door neighbor...we would do shifts. I HATE that Miesha is struggling so. I mean, I'm glad that she has the appetite and the energy to chase trucks through the fence. But...reading about her different personality just breaks my heart. I was also hopeful that she would put a pound or two on this last week+.
You really do have to figure out a way to get some rest. You will be physically ill if this keeps going on, and that'll just make it ten times harder.
I don't have a husband, but I totally understand about worrying that he's not thorough enough on making sure things get "all the way done" outside! I have a big problem trusting anybody with something "tricky" like that. Plus...it almost takes so much time to try to explain all the nuances that it's not worth bothering.
I just can't think of any helpful suggestions right now, but I will think on it today, and let you know if I come up with anything!
But...don't apologize for venting, being a "Debbie Downer," etc. That's what we are here for, and we for sure want to help (even just with support). You can't go through something like this for months and not have days where you just feel like throwing your hands in the air!!...and that's when you throw'em on the keyboard and get it out to those of us who love you and your girl!

 

[Prushanks]

Didn't hear back from specialist yesterday... but that's a good thing because today Miesha is having a really bad day so if he calls today i can report it.
I hope this isn't a relapse.

[note: i edited out the first 3 minutes of Miesha just sitting on that towel staring... she has never sat there before. And certainly would not jump through hoops for a treat. Please excuse the morning routine with crazy kiddo commentary, and my horrible PJs.]

 

[Tropicalbri's]

My heart just breaks for you and Miesha!

I do know that you have got to get st least one night of uninterrupted sleep.
When my Gracie was diagnosed with cancer the toll it took on me for those two years was almost devastating. I became a different person, shutting out friends and family because it was so consuming of emotions, of time and physical health. I found myself going downhill with her and that was not healthy. My husband was afraid to do anything with Gracie for fear of hurting her or upsetting me.

I am praying for her to improve and for you to get some much needed rest.

 

[Viemarangelrock]

Oh Wendy! I'm so sorry to see her like this, it's heartbreaking

You see her pick up a little bit and then this...it's very saddening. My thoughts and love are with you all xoxo

 

[MyBuddy]

Unfortunately he also has the typical husband "selective hearing" and i will be awake before he will. It then takes him time to rouse.. get dressed.. by that time she has burst. Then there is also the fact that im awake.. and worrying if he was thorough enough with her outside (which he usually isnt). It's just more efficient for me to do it myself.. if i try to explain her patterns/habits to him he thinks im crazy

Oh, how I understand this! It's a mom thing, I swear. We are programmed differently. We hear things that they don't and in a nano second can tell what it means! lol

I swear I wish I was your next-door neighbor...we would do shifts. I HATE that Miesha is struggling so. I mean, I'm glad that she has the appetite and the energy to chase trucks through the fence. But...reading about her different personality just breaks my heart. I was also hopeful that she would put a pound or two on this last week+.

I was thinking the same thing! I even had to check what state you were in ....but, alas, you are far. I'm crying as I type and couldn't even watch the video. I'm sure its painful to watch. I just don't understand how this can be so devastating with a dog that young! I hope the specialist calls you back soon.

Do you have ANY one that can help you out? I mean, even so you can just take a nap! I TOTALLY get sleep deprivation and if anyone has not gone through that, let me tell you, its very real!! The couple of times I went through it was with both my Mother in law and my own Mother. Both, when they were dying. So it was an emotionally draining time and also no fricking sleep. I was a MESS! A MESS! I remember (with my mom) finally falling asleep and the nurse came in and I woke with such a start that I jumped up, wide eyed and screamed, "Is she gone???!!!" The nurse was so apologetic for waking me, telling me, no, everything was fine. Ugh, I layed back down and sobbed my eyes out! I was soooo tired and soooo drained. So, I get it! You need to sleep! I wish I could take a shift for you!

And, please, vent here ALL you want! You need to do that too! Even if its just blubbering. It does the soul good sometime. I've been through a lot of what you are going through so I feel your pain. I wish there was more I could do. Prayers to you and yours. {{{{HUGS}}}}

 

[gideup]

Just came on site my clyde had similar problem. I ran a baseline blood analysis which I'm sure you ran already it pointed us to stomach lining inflammation we had to run the advanced GI blood panel to find out why he was not absorbing his food. We tested for certain levels of cobalamin folate pancreatic lipase immuno reactivaty ( I hope i spelled this right.) I fed him plain white rice and steamed chicken breast cut in small pieces. We started him on 1/8 teaspoon of tylan powder in a gel cap once a day also 1 500 mg of cipro once a day. He finally started to eat. Its taken 2 months for his stools to form. He still is on rice and chicken but he is hungry all the time now.He still is on the tylan powder. I hope this helps you.

 

[MyBuddy]

Just came on site my clyde had similar problem. I ran a baseline blood analysis which I'm sure you ran already it pointed us to stomach lining inflammation we had to run the advanced GI blood panel to find out why he was not absorbing his food. We tested for certain levels of cobalamin folate pancreatic lipase immuno reactivaty ( I hope i spelled this right.) I fed him plain white rice and steamed chicken breast cut in small pieces. We started him on 1/8 teaspoon of tylan powder in a gel cap once a day also 1 500 mg of cipro once a day. He finally started to eat. Its taken 2 months for his stools to form. He still is on rice and chicken but he is hungry all the time now.He still is on the tylan powder. I hope this helps you.

What is this tylan powder and how is it helping? How old is your dobe and how old was he when he started having these problems? So in two months all he's had is chicken and rice?

@Archer I meant to tag you in my last post. What do you think??

 

[gideup]

What is this tylan powder and how is it helping? How old is your dobe and how old was he when he started having these problems? So in two months all he's had is chicken and rice?

@Archer I meant to tag you in my last post. What do you think??

 

[gideup]

Tylan powder is a antibiotic used by old time vets and breeders its used to cure most stomach problems I've been using it for 20 years. where nothing else works tylan does. clyde is 18 months old yes he has been on chicken and rice for three months. he gets 375 grams of protein and the same amount of rice 2 times a day. I add 1/2 teaspoon of virgin coconut oil and two table spoons of chia seed. have you run the advanced gi blood panel? We also have been giving him 2 tabs of probiotics and b-12 shots once a week. What did your blood panels say do white blood cells show infection? You can call me if you like.

 

[WiglWerm]

I have Tylan in my fridge for my chickens...

 

[gideup]

Yes its used for chickens but the sharpest vets and breeders I know use it for stomach problems for there dogs google it. Have you run those advanced GI blood tests? I've had dobes for 30 years I seen it all. I'm more then happy to talk to you on phone or email.

 

[Prushanks]

Oh, how I understand this! It's a mom thing, I swear. We are programmed differently. We hear things that they don't and in a nano second can tell what it means! lol

Isn't that the truth. Moms have superman (SuperMom? ) hearing, eyes in the back of our heads and lightning reflexes.. and can do all of it on little to no sleep!!!

Do you have ANY one that can help you out? I mean, even so you can just take a nap!

I could absolutely take a nap.. but unfortunately i am one of those people who get sick (nausea etc) if i nap longer than 20-30 min... it actually incapacitates me for at least an hour. When my kiddos were infants, everyone would tell me "nap when they nap" but every time i tried i would get sick and useless for a while after. Gosh what i would give to have a good ol'nap like the boys used to!

And, please, vent here ALL you want! You need to do that too! Even if its just blubbering. It does the soul good sometime. I've been through a lot of what you are going through so I feel your pain. I wish there was more I could do. Prayers to you and yours. {{{{HUGS}}}}

Thank you so much, and im so sorry you had to go through all that with your mom and MIL. I watched my Mom go through it with my Grandma too... so heart wrenching.

Thank you all for being such an amazing support.

@gideup Thank you for your input! Bloods were done with our regular Vet and we've been to an Internal Medicine Specialist. Miesha has a two fold issue- she has a confirmed diagnosis of Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis (thought to be idiopathic, though with her GI issues could be related to the IBD or neoplasia) well as the GI issues- Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Lymphoma. Because she is on a high dose steroid regimen for the IMPA the diagnostic plan for both IBD and Lymphoma will likely be inconclusive as the steroids treat IBD and can mask lymphoma. He did not suggest running any advanced GI profiles, but i will ask him about it when he calls.
(We also had a few dogs on Tylan at the practices i worked and it is a great, if yucky tasting medicine! )

 

[NikiL02]

Oh Miesha you poor girl. I know it's really hard but it's been such a short time that you've known whats going on. Keep looking forward and try to stay positive. Often there are steps back before you can go forward.

Is there anyone else you can trust to help you with Miesha or at least with everything else at home?

 

[AresMyDobie]

Oh in that vid she looks like she's in so much pain I'm so sorry deary this is heartbreaking for all of us. She's a fighter though, don't give up.

 

[Archer]

I would never start a dog on a drug without a proper veterinary diagnosis. Doing so is playing doctor and you can cause more harm than good. I know Tylan has been around forever and does treat GI issues, but it is not a miracle drug and there are potential side effects. Plus, you bever know how a drug can affect a being or condition chemically. Blanket treating this when there are underlined conditions that are serious in nature is taking a huge gamble. Let's leave the therapy recommendations to the Veterinarian. I know some of you have dealt with GI upset and are experienced with it in this breed, but this dog's condition is beyond simple GI upset and we need to stop throwing treatment suggestions at her and be here for moral support

Have they ruled out malabsorption or SIBO? I can't remember What other meds is she on other than the Pred?

Here for you @Prushanks. Continued prayers for you and your girl

 

[bomary]

I watched this on my phone earlier, and I didn't hear your "little" say "Why is Miesha like this?" in his sweet little sad voice. Not really sure why I decided to watch it on here with more clarity and sound. I'm just in tears, and SOOO want to just "fix it." I HATE this is happening. I don't understand it, and all I can do is constantly keep sending positive thoughts, prayers, etc. I am SOOO saddened to see her like this.
You know how I feel about you guys...my mind just stays on "our" baby girl, and I very much wish there was something I could do to help.
I love y'all, and just know if you need to vent, I'm always available (you've listened to my bullshit over trivial things!!)...I have ZERO knowledge, but I sure do want the best for that baby, and if you have to be awake all night and need to talk, just ring me up!
I truly got the damn map out today and pondered a road trip to NY! (That's a lie...I didn't "get a map out."...I pulled it up on the computer!!
Mom O'Mary didn't want to watch the video...it just scares her, but she is still saying prayers daily for that baby, and is worried about you, too.

 

[MyBuddy]

I wanted to go back and see where all your woes began with Miesha and found this thread:
Adventures in Diarrhea: The Tales of Woe ;)
It just reminded me of others with tummy troubles and was it Spock?? @Marinegeekswife who if given ANYthing different in the way of food, he was 'off track' again? It jogged a memory when you said: (and this was Dec of '15! )

''So ever since i gave her that chew bone things a few weeks ago, she has had on and off diarrhea.. essentially i have gotten her beautifully solid for 24-48 hours and then she would get into something and BLAM! She jumps up and grabs a turkey sandwich when i wasn't looking... or kids waffles... or well anything those darned 2-legged puppies leave lying around!! Then... Pudding Central. ''

I can remember someone else talking about that happening with their dog. Who was it? I remembered it because Buddy pretty much has an iron stomach and I thought it was so unusual that one little deviation in food and they had the runs.

That has to be associated with something, right? Is it Addisons ?