AngelWhispers

Awww Pat, I am so sorry. I was out all day getting Jessie to her new daddy and this morning I saw that Stepper went to run with the Angels. My heart is breaking for you and I'm sending big hugs.

I am so sorry for everyone who loved Sunny. Run with the Angels, momma girl.

I'm so very sorry. Run with the Angels, Dumplin!

You go girl!!! Good news deserves a dancing

Patsie has cardiomyopathy and her symptoms were very similar to your girl, but she never had swelling. If your girl has swelling, I would consider that a cardiac emergency. I had to have an ultra-sound of her heart done to find the problem after xrays didn't reveal anything except a compressed disc in her neck. She quit eating, and her gums were pale and she wasn't her normal active self. My vet suspects that little to no dental care in her previous home was a contributing factor to her heart problem. Now I'm very diligent about keeping what's left of her teeth clean, so no nasty bacteria affects her heart. From my experience you're going to need a vet that's savvy with sighthounds and a cardiologist to diagnose what's going on, and an ultra-sound of the heart. It's the only way to see how the heart is actually working. Patsie takes 1 enalapril once a day and it keeps my almost 13 year old acting like she's 2. It's an inexpensive medication and is on the $4 list at most pharmacies. My vet did say that if Patsie developed any swelling in her legs that we would need to add a diuretic pill, like lasic or spironolactone. So far Patsie has only needed the enalapril. I don't know where you're located, but let us know and maybe someone can recommend a vet for you. You can also check to see if there's a vet school at a nearby university. Sending prayers.

Kim, I just saw this about Rainey!! I'm sending lots of prayers and get well thoughts, and hugs...lots and lots of hugs.

I agree with everything Jey said. Fields is my IBD dog and he also tends to get bacterial overgrowth, and colitis, and tylan powder is a staple product in my house. If the fish is working for Beau I wouldn't change anything and would ask the specialist about supplements to make sure he's getting everything he needs in the way of nutrition. The one thing about IBD dogs or ones who get colitis, bacterial overgrowth...you find what works and you may have to stay with that for the rest of his life. It's tempting to try food changes...I know, I tried with Fields and it wasn't pretty...but it comes down to, you can't keep changing foods, especially for the next couple months while his body is healing. Fields was 6 years old, weighed 71 lbs(close to his racing weight) when he became ill and went down to 59lbs. I was sure I would lose him because he was a walking skeleton. It took almost 3 months before he started looking like a normal grey and almost another 2 months to get to a healthy weight. He's almost 9 now and weighs 73lbs, and is healthy as long as I don't try to change his diet. Even getting the wrong treat gives him soft serve within 24 hours. DH found that out the hard way when he accidently gave Fields a treat that goes to the other dogs. Hang in there Robin, Beau will get better but it'll take time.

Anne, I'm so sorry. Run with the Angels, Phantom...run fast!

Your vet is correct that it can take a few months for Beau to heal, but it doesn't hurt to get a second opinion. When Fields was diagnosed with IBD he lost 12lbs in 2 weeks and it took about 3 months for him to start gaining it back. It was agonizing for me and it seemed like it took forever for his body to start absorbing nutrients. He's fat, dumb and happy now as long as he stays on his strict diet.

I just bought a 4lb bag of the peanut butter biscuits last week....arggg! It's the first time I've ever bought this brand...go figure.

Ohh Jodie, I'm so sorry to hear Rusty broke his leg. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Give that handsome man a kiss on the nose from me.

I lost Wanda in '06 to hemangio, she lived almost 9 months from the initial diagnosis. Her cancer was in her liver and spleen and her lungs were spared. Enjoy every second and each day is a gift.

My heart is breaking for you. Run fast and whole with the Angels, sweet Ember.

I've recently started feeding the ProPlan Select Lamb and Oatmeal and the dogs love it and poops are small and firm...I can't believe I just said that.

Run with the Angels, Hayley. Run brave!

I was praying for good news this morning. Heather and Ken, you're in my thoughts and prayers.

What food/ single protein is working for Fields? Fields eats Nature's Recipe Venison and Rice, and Innova canned Venison. I tried just about every food including a raw diet before I found that Nature's Recipe worked for him and for Warlock, who has allergies and will chew himself up. The ingredients are just OK, but hey, it works for them, and if they're happy and healthy..I'm happy. Warlock is a 77lb boy and he eats 3 cups a day...any more than that and he starts packing on the lbs. Fields is only 70lbs and he eats 2 1/2 cups or he gets chubby, and they both get a tablespoon of canned venison at each meal.

Fields was on B-12 shots for 6 weeks. The vet sent me home with the B-12 in the syringes and I administered the shots in the rear hip muscle each week. It was easy and the difference in Fields was remarkable after the first shot. His appetitie increased, he had more energy and wasn't lethargic. Made me want to share his B-12. He had no side effects at all from the injections. Fields has chronic IBD/SIBO so Tylan and a single source protein is what keeps him healthy. If I so much as think about doing a food change, even if it's the same protein and a different brand, he has a flare-up. Most dogs with IBD or SIBO can't tolerate food changes, and some vets believe it's an allergy, so they recommend a single protein, and/or a food with no grains. It works for Fields. No experience with budesonide, so I can't help. Also, I don't know why it would take a week or more to determine B-12 or pancreatic insuffiency. When Fields was tested the results were back in 24 hours.

Harmony, you can beat this...hang in there little one. Sending prayers and lots of healing energy to Harmony. Hope to hear good news this morning.

Just saw the new update. Come on Harmony...hang in there baby! Sending lots of prayers!!

Hoping for good news about Maxx.

I encourage you to read Dr. Stack's article on Lumbosacral Stenosis, which is also called equina cauda. The depo shots can have very good results for some dogs and might be something you want to discuss with your vet. Dr. Stack's Article on LS

Frank has hemangiopericytoma also in his upper front leg, so far no recurrences. Frank and I are sending lots of prayers and healing thoughts. Sadie should be so much better once that nasty is gone.

Welcome from TN. I'm a transplant from Kenosha, couldn't take the winters anymore.

I just read this whole thread and your description sounds just like Blake, who turned 7 in Sept. He turns viscious in his sleep, attacked me the one and only time he was allowed on the bed at night, about 1 to 1 1/2 years ago. He has come up off his bed while sleeping; growling, snarling and ready to attack anyone and anything that comes near him and it last from 1 -2 minutes, and he goes right back to sleep or stretches and goes for a drink. When he's in attack mode he doesn't respond to his name or sounds. After talking to 3 vets, and eliminating hypothyroidism, tumor because there was no other symptoms over time, we figured his behavior was similar to night terrors that people can have. He's smart, well behaved most of the time, has obedience training, but can turn into Cujo in his sleep, without warning or provocation. Our solution is to have him sleep in the living room by himself at night, absolutely no touching him while he's sleeping and making sure he's fully awake and moving before touching him. All the dogs seem to sense that he shouldn't be approached while sleeping so they stay away from him when he's on his bed. One vet mentioned putting Blake on Prozac, but I opted to not go with meds and just make sure everyone is safe. I still periodically hear him at night going into attack mode, but everyone is safe and he goes right back to sleep. I know how scary it is. Blake has scared me numerous times, but we love him and his little quirks. We lovingly call him our problem child.