Don't be shy about it and don't second guess yourself because it's top notch and many of us have started threads about our talents or artwork so we'd love to have you start one. Okay I don't do artwork because I'd probably shame a stick man. LOL
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My girl is sick... again.
- Thread starter Prushanks
- Start date
bomary
Hot Topics Subscriber
Don't be shy about it and don't second guess yourself because it's top notch and many of us have started threads about our talents or artwork so we'd love to have you start one. Okay I don't do artwork because I'd probably shame a stick man. LOL
Wanted to hit like, funny, and appreciate, but appreciate won out!
bomary
Hot Topics Subscriber
@
Okay, I will...is it against any rule? (I guess not, since @JanS encouraged me to do so as well.) It just seems silly because right now, Miesha's is the only example I have! I'll get Jax's done in the next day or two. I don't have a clue about pricing, etc., so that's another reason I'm hesitant to do it...
I'll do some thinking about it tonight/tomorrow morning, and try to put something together.
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It's absolutely fine to show off your talents. If you become a business or start selling the goods we do ask people to become a sponsor to advertise it here so it's fair to the other sponsors.
Prushanks
Hot Topics Subscriber
Hey all. I delayed my update for results of yet another test.. but here we go.
Day before yesterday [1/3/17] we saw the specialist...[well actually two at the same time!] i choked when i made the appointment finding out how much just the consultation was, but man.. this Doctor was worth every penny. He was so thorough and patient and didn't make me feel like i was on a time clock. Went over everything so far beyond what my regular Vet did and validated concerns i have been having from the very freaking beginning of her life.
So- Confirmed Immune mediated polyarthritis.. being treated appropriately for that on the high dose prednisone. The interesting thing is... Given Miesha's history of GI issues, her extreme weight loss and muscle atrophy - her weight as of the appointment was a record low of 55lbs [she was 70# at her best just before she turned 1 year old]. This loss taking place before steroid regiment being quite significant, his diagnosis is that she has either Inflammatory Bowel Disease [he likened it to Crohn's] or .... Lymphoma.
The problem is that she is being treated appropriately with steroids.. which is the primary treatment for both IMPA and IBD, and will help Lymphoma [for a short term.. it requires chemotherapy] BUT the only way to confirm the latter two is with an endoscopy with intestinal biopsies.... very expensive procedure and tests. Even if we had the money to do this, the fact that she is being treated with steroids will likely make the test inconclusive because the steroids mask the symptoms. A catch 22 because she needs the steroids to treat her IMPA.. the immediate issue that can take more than 6 months to get regulated.
The steroids have been amazing for her GI system. I haven't seen her poop like this pretty much.. EVER. However, she hasn't gained any weight yet [in fact has lost since her joint tap] even though she is consuming 1900 kcal/day [3 cups food + 2 cans + lots of LID cookies] and exercising less than 10% of her healthy self.
The short term plan so far is to continue on the steroids at its current high dose and check back in 1-2 weeks with her progress, paying special attention to her movement, weight and body condition.
Here is where i get real with you all - since December 6, [less than a month!] we have spent over $2000.. [not including $1400 we spent just in her 1st year of life alone!] My husband and i cannot take food out of our children's mouths or go into debt to pay for extreme measures. So given that, our course of action is to keep her on steroids as the Doctor sees fit.... what will determine if she has lymphoma vs IBD is that the steroids will only work for so long... it generally will only manage the disease [lymphoma] for a couple months and then she will likely decline.. and then it will be about making her comfortable.
IF she doesn't decline, and/or if she gains weight and muscle and returns to more of her normal self then it is likely IBD and will likely be on a maintenance dose of steroids to manage.
I will continue to update as things come up and i want to thank you all again, so very much, for all of your love and support throughout. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Xoxo
Day before yesterday [1/3/17] we saw the specialist...[well actually two at the same time!] i choked when i made the appointment finding out how much just the consultation was, but man.. this Doctor was worth every penny. He was so thorough and patient and didn't make me feel like i was on a time clock. Went over everything so far beyond what my regular Vet did and validated concerns i have been having from the very freaking beginning of her life.
So- Confirmed Immune mediated polyarthritis.. being treated appropriately for that on the high dose prednisone. The interesting thing is... Given Miesha's history of GI issues, her extreme weight loss and muscle atrophy - her weight as of the appointment was a record low of 55lbs [she was 70# at her best just before she turned 1 year old]. This loss taking place before steroid regiment being quite significant, his diagnosis is that she has either Inflammatory Bowel Disease [he likened it to Crohn's] or .... Lymphoma.
The problem is that she is being treated appropriately with steroids.. which is the primary treatment for both IMPA and IBD, and will help Lymphoma [for a short term.. it requires chemotherapy] BUT the only way to confirm the latter two is with an endoscopy with intestinal biopsies.... very expensive procedure and tests. Even if we had the money to do this, the fact that she is being treated with steroids will likely make the test inconclusive because the steroids mask the symptoms. A catch 22 because she needs the steroids to treat her IMPA.. the immediate issue that can take more than 6 months to get regulated.
The steroids have been amazing for her GI system. I haven't seen her poop like this pretty much.. EVER. However, she hasn't gained any weight yet [in fact has lost since her joint tap] even though she is consuming 1900 kcal/day [3 cups food + 2 cans + lots of LID cookies] and exercising less than 10% of her healthy self.
The short term plan so far is to continue on the steroids at its current high dose and check back in 1-2 weeks with her progress, paying special attention to her movement, weight and body condition.
Here is where i get real with you all - since December 6, [less than a month!] we have spent over $2000.. [not including $1400 we spent just in her 1st year of life alone!] My husband and i cannot take food out of our children's mouths or go into debt to pay for extreme measures. So given that, our course of action is to keep her on steroids as the Doctor sees fit.... what will determine if she has lymphoma vs IBD is that the steroids will only work for so long... it generally will only manage the disease [lymphoma] for a couple months and then she will likely decline.. and then it will be about making her comfortable.
IF she doesn't decline, and/or if she gains weight and muscle and returns to more of her normal self then it is likely IBD and will likely be on a maintenance dose of steroids to manage.
I will continue to update as things come up and i want to thank you all again, so very much, for all of your love and support throughout. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Xoxo
Zippo
Member
In the video she is acting exactly like a dog my parents had when I was younger, it was in fact IBD, they did all the testing and everything, I don't remember all the details, I'll have to ask my mom when I see her, but if I can recall it was early on in the dogs life as well, definitely within the first 2 years, and once treated didn't play a role in her health for the remainder of her life. Praying for you and your baby!!!
bomary
Hot Topics Subscriber
Well...you know my prayers, positive thoughts, and hope for the best are always headed your baby girl's way. I am so hoping it is IBD (not that it is awesome, but given those two prospects)... Her gastro problems have been ongoing for so long that it does definitely make sense (to this know-nothing, but optimistic owner!) She is like part of my extended family, and I think about her, pray for her, and talk about her daily. Mom O'Mary asks about her every day as well, and you know she is praying for her, too! (That lady has powerful prayers...God just appreciates her, so he listens really well).
Absolute "good ju-ju" heading your way (always) from the O'Mary household.
Bless her heart (and yours). You have GOT to get some rest. This has been an exhausting few months, and make sure you are taking care of you!!
Absolute "good ju-ju" heading your way (always) from the O'Mary household.
Bless her heart (and yours). You have GOT to get some rest. This has been an exhausting few months, and make sure you are taking care of you!!
I pray with all my heart that she doesn't decline. This wil of course show that it is IBD and not the latter. So let's pray that she puts on a little weight and muscle.
From reading your post it seems like you've found an excellent specialist(s) that's encouraging news.
I understand that this is a very difficult time for you all. Take comfort in the knowledge that we are all thinking and sending love and positive thoughts to your sweet girl and to you all xx
From reading your post it seems like you've found an excellent specialist(s) that's encouraging news.
I understand that this is a very difficult time for you all. Take comfort in the knowledge that we are all thinking and sending love and positive thoughts to your sweet girl and to you all xx
Prayers are still going on. I am glad you found a specialist that is giving you some answers!
Hug that sweet baby for me!
Hug that sweet baby for me!
I think this is a good plan. Sad as everything may seem. But given all you've been told, the 'catch22' is in play now and you may never know. I would be going the same route as you and hope that it is IBD. My gut is leaning towards IBD, even without medical knowledge. I'm not just being hopeful, but I'm thinking of her age and also the hopeful words of @Zippo and others. I would certainly be following this plan and hope and pray for the best.
My second Dobie was diagnosed with Leukemia when she was about 9 years old. I went the same route as you, going to a specialist, who though expensive, was very thorough, making me at least feel I understood what was going on with her and what my choices were in treatment. Like you, I was given a similar plan of 'if she doesn't get better, then we know what we are dealing with'.
Chemo was over $6000.00 and that was almost 10 years ago. And the one thing I took away from that visit was the fact that all that expensive Chemo would do was prolong her life a bit. He said they don't treat animals like they do humans. Humans get hit hard with Chemo and can be very sick, but of course, its a human life they are trying to save. And they have other means to treat the side effects. With animals, they don't want to sicken them so much that their quality of life is worse. So the Chemo is seldom a cure. It's available to you if you want to make that choice, but I thinks its important to know that in the end, it may not save your dogs life.
Just words to the wise....But back to your girl, I think the route you are taking is a good one. I look forward to your updates and will pray for her and your family to remain strong!
LifeofRubie
Moderator
Oh, my this is why I go back and forth about spending money on thorough insurance... and usually end up on the "yes" side.
Hopefully it's *just* IBD and you all can move past this and enjoy her for many years to come. Looking forward to good news from your end!
this is why I go back and forth about spending money on thorough insurance... and usually end up on the "yes" side.Hopefully it's *just* IBD and you all can move past this and enjoy her for many years to come. Looking forward to good news from your end!
Colloidal silver has been found to treat cancer in humans (among MANY other things!) I wonder if would be just as beneficial in pet ailments?
WiglWerm
Hot Topics Subscriber
I am so glad you found a specialist that can and is giving you answers. Not knowing is the hardest part and he has you on the right track.
And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
So I say, "IT IS NOT LYMPHOMA". Prayers to you and your family. Everything will be OK.
And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
So I say, "IT IS NOT LYMPHOMA". Prayers to you and your family. Everything will be OK.
strykerdobe
Hot Topics Subscriber
Sending lots of prayers.
I'm so glad you found a specialist who is finally giving you answers. I know it's a scary scenario but prayers are sent that it is IBS and the meds will help.
You are doing all of the right things and your sweet girl is like our extended family so we all care.
You are doing all of the right things and your sweet girl is like our extended family so we all care.
Prushanks
Hot Topics Subscriber
Hey all. So it has been one week since our specialist appointment and over 3 weeks since she started her high dose steroids to suppress her immune system. I gave her her second of 6 weekly B12 injections as was recommended by the specialist. She is moving better and tries to chase the trucks at a hesitant gallop [though she somewhat pays for it later in the evening and is much slower].. she reminds me of a geriatric version of herself. Her bowels are at an acceptable place. She is eating well... actually ravenous all the time [which isn't a change from her healthy self... totally a food motivated dog!] and is eating two cans and 3-4 cups a day, plus easily a dozen cookies/day which in total approximates 1900-2100 kcal/day. Accident-wise it has been much better with the occasional accidents being due to owner failure 
.
When we were at the office last week she weighed in at 55 [i double checked at home as scales differ, by weighing myself and myself holding her and subtracting. It was accurate.] Yesterday i weighted her at home again and she came in at 54lbs. No weight gain, and even possibly a loss [give or take a bowel movement/meal]. I would think in a weeks time she would have managed some gain, given the amount she is eating and the fact she isn't burning it off like she used to. I put in a call to the specialist for weekly check in and will update here with what he says. I know i need to be patient, but she really is a different dog all together. I hardly recognize her - not just physically, but in personality. She has her moments brief as they are but for the most part she is timid now, a shell of the feisty hellhound i endlessly bitched about in her younger months. HA! "Younger months!?" WTF she is freaking 15 months old!!! It's hard to be hopeful when you look at the vitality and more visually, the physical beauty she once had and see this ghost dog.
Maybe this is the exhaustion talking. She is still getting up like clockwork at 1:30-2, 4-4:30, 5ish, and 6 for breakfast. If i don't get up, and make sure she goes outside she will have an accident.. [if she due for a poop i have to stay outside cueing her until she goes because she will try to pretend she's done for a cookie... then after i go back upstairs... she will come right back up the stairs to let me know she needs to finish her business!!
] IM EXHAUSTED!. And that golden 3am hour... it's 50/50 if my Little will come in to have me tuck him back in. 
I know i'm repeating myself... and whining. I should be happy she has made the progress she has... but i cannot sustain this! Even with infants stop nursing and eventually sleep through the night! Ugh.. i'm sorry im a debbie downer. I just needed to get that out. Hubs and i just have a bad feeling. I had such hopes for her future... I was counting down the months until i could start running with my running buddy-to-be.
I used to have this bumper sticker i stuck on the Dash of my old car that said "Dog is Copilot". I had it back in my twenties when i had my rescue mutt Jack [he is the healthiest 14yr dog ever, still living and tearing it up like a 5 year old with my parents!].. i had thought of Miesha taking on that mantle from the old man.
.When we were at the office last week she weighed in at 55 [i double checked at home as scales differ, by weighing myself and myself holding her and subtracting. It was accurate.] Yesterday i weighted her at home again and she came in at 54lbs. No weight gain, and even possibly a loss [give or take a bowel movement/meal]. I would think in a weeks time she would have managed some gain, given the amount she is eating and the fact she isn't burning it off like she used to. I put in a call to the specialist for weekly check in and will update here with what he says. I know i need to be patient, but she really is a different dog all together. I hardly recognize her - not just physically, but in personality. She has her moments brief as they are but for the most part she is timid now, a shell of the feisty hellhound i endlessly bitched about in her younger months. HA! "Younger months!?" WTF she is freaking 15 months old!!! It's hard to be hopeful when you look at the vitality and more visually, the physical beauty she once had and see this ghost dog.
Maybe this is the exhaustion talking. She is still getting up like clockwork at 1:30-2, 4-4:30, 5ish, and 6 for breakfast. If i don't get up, and make sure she goes outside she will have an accident.. [if she due for a poop i have to stay outside cueing her until she goes because she will try to pretend she's done for a cookie... then after i go back upstairs... she will come right back up the stairs to let me know she needs to finish her business!!
] IM EXHAUSTED!. And that golden 3am hour... it's 50/50 if my Little will come in to have me tuck him back in. I know i'm repeating myself... and whining. I should be happy she has made the progress she has... but i cannot sustain this! Even with infants stop nursing and eventually sleep through the night! Ugh.. i'm sorry im a debbie downer. I just needed to get that out. Hubs and i just have a bad feeling. I had such hopes for her future... I was counting down the months until i could start running with my running buddy-to-be.
I used to have this bumper sticker i stuck on the Dash of my old car that said "Dog is Copilot". I had it back in my twenties when i had my rescue mutt Jack [he is the healthiest 14yr dog ever, still living and tearing it up like a 5 year old with my parents!].. i had thought of Miesha taking on that mantle from the old man.
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