greyhndz

PLN is the loss of protein, in this case, through the filtering cells of the kidneys. For whatever reason (autoimmune disease, infection, congenital, etc.) the portions of the kidney filtration system that are supposed to hold protein within the blood vessels do not function normally, so protein then spills into the urine. (There should not, as a general rule, be protein in the urine.) Several problems must be considered: the loss of protein, resulting in low albumin/protein levels in the blood; and the underlying kidney disease that caused the proteinuria (protein in urine). Depending upon which part of the kidney filtration system, you may or may not be steered toward a kidney diet. Most kidney diets have lower protein, but of greater importance is lowering the phosphorous level in the blood, which can become very elevated in kidney disease. Many dogs (and humans) with nephropathy are also put onto ace inhibitors such as enalapril and benazopril. The first thing your vet should have done was to check all kidney functions, check the urine including cultures to rule out infection, and obtain a UPC: urine protein creatinine ratio. This quantitates the amount of protein in the urine and is a good marker of disease progression. The vet will also likely get a renal ultrasound as well. I think it's always a good idea to consult an internal medicine vet who has a special interest in nephrology, and who can continue to monitor your pup on a regular basis. An excellent, easy-to-understand webpage is DogAware: Lots of great info to be found.There are also some very good home-cooked diets for kidney disease. My iggy, Lexi, battled renal disease for 2 years, and if you'd like any more details, please PM me. I also still have much of the literature I collected, including diets, when Lexi was diagnosed. I hope things go well for your pup. WIth a special diet, meds and regular follow-up, I'd bet that your pup's PLN can improve.

You've done an awesome job with this wound! You also had a very good patient, and an innovate vet. Congrats on such a good outcome!

An elevated creatinine (and 1.9 is really borderline, not elevated) by itself isn't necessarily a problem. First, I'd just repeat the BUN and creatinine as sometimes these values can be lab error. Did they do a urine dip? They would be looking for things like the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria, and especially protein. If it's abnormal, they should do a microscopic exam and a urine culture, and possibly additional testing, but only if he's spilling protein in his urine. If a repeat BUN/creatinine is normal, I wouldn't sweat it and just have it checked at the time of his annual exams. Do you know offhand what the BUN value was, and if there were any other abnormalities?

Beautiful job! Thanks for sharing this with us!

I'll second the DES. It worked wonderfully for my Robyn and you can taper it down to once a week or even longer intervals. Rob was getting it once every two weeks, with great results. Washable incontinence pads on the bed is really helpful, too. Quite a few of us have ordered these. They work well and the price is amazingly low. I think I use the 36 x 52.

OMG! That's too funny. I think you were the one who told me about JRS, and for that I . I bought a big supply a couple of years ago of the mega-sized ones, and I still have many I've haven't used yet. They last a long time and stand up well to washing. The price can't be beat and I'd recommend them to anyone. My iggy-angel Lexi issued her tinkle of approval, and that's an honor she didn't give out lightly!

I hope you don't have any bears in the area! Seriously, the wound actually looks very good. The first photo you took after the bandage was removed doesn't appear to be infected. It looks like a very small area of dehiscence (wound separation) in the centre, but the tissue looks like healthy pink granulation tissue. Considering the area is notoriously difficult to get to heal, it looks really good! Obviously you've been doing great wound care. Just one suggestion: it looks like you're using webril directly over the wound. I think webril makes a fine over-wrap, but it tends to stick to wounds and pieces of fibre can get into the wound itself. I like to use either vaseline gauze or adaptek, which are non-adherent. That is, unless your vet suggested wet-to-dry dressings, but for that, I'd use regular gauze 4 x 4's. Keep posting photos - honey day 1, honey day 2, etc.

My regular vet isn't an acupuncturist either, but we're so lucky to have an excellent holistic practice very close by. Dandi's vet acupuncturist is great! For liver protection, SAM-e is great. That and Liver Support Factors have worked wonders for my pups with abnormal liver enzymes. My dogs sometimes rattle after getting all their pills but I wouldn't give them if I didn't see them working. There are also Chinese herbs which may be beneficial, and if you go for acupuncture, the vet might suggest something appropriate. Dandi has been on Resinal-E, Benefits Hips and Knees, and Four Marvels. I do see a difference, and since Dandi can't take NSAIDs, I welcome suggestions for treatment alternatives. Don't know if you've ever gone to this site, but Dogaware (this is the liver section) is one of the best resources on the web for dog health, including both traditional and holistic treatment. It sounds as if you've been really working hard at this, and doing your homework before you make any decisions about treatment options. You're a great mom!

What Claudia said. You might ask your vet about Adequan, which has worked very well for arthritic joints. I'd also discuss with your vet the possible benefits of acupuncture. Even some type of physical or aqua-therapy might make him more comfortable. If a dog needs to be on an NSAID on a daily basis, you just need to keep in mind that his renal and liver function should be monitored regularly, and any sign of GI distress would warrant stopping the meds. Giving zantac or pepcid is wise. Tramadol works very nicely, both as an adjunct to NSAIDs when the dog is having a flare-up, and given alone if a dog cannot tolerate NSAIDs, or cannot be given to them because of other health issues. As an example, my big boy Dandi has intervertebral disc disease. NSAIDs give him diarrhea, so they're a no-go. He has acupuncture every 2 weeks, which really makes a difference, and gets 1/2 or 1 tramadol if he appears to be uncomfortable. He gets a bit loopy and stoned on tramadol, and 88 lbs of loopy and stoned is not good.

I'm afraid I'm going to be the fly in the ointment here. One of my osteo girls, Arielle, took one dose of Deramaxx. She developed severe abdominal pain and intractable vomiting in less than 24 hrs, and bled out (from a GI bleed). She'd had no symptoms whatsoever prior to taking this one dose. Never again. JMHO.

I'm so sorry that Bebe is having to face this at such a young age -- she's just a baby. I'm especially so sad that you and your Mom won't be able to enjoy the many years you'd hoped you'd have with Bebe as she grew older. It's just not fair. I can't think of anyone who would ever question your decision. The only person(s) who can decide which road to take is the person who best knows her pup. Your love for Bebe has led you to do what you think is right for her. I can think of senior hounds who would have been good candidates for aggressive treatment, as well as young dogs who, for one reason or another, would not have tolerated it. Trust your (and Mom's) judgment, because you've made it from the heart.

OK, Ducky, hold your breath. Lots of technical stuff but I think you'll be able to decipher a lot of it. Makes me think in terms of a deep pyoderma, or pemphigus foliaceus (?) but derm isn't my forte. diagnosis nasal dermatitis In General, Biopsy is Indicated [4]: In all cases where it is suspected that the definitive diagnostic is reached by histology, e.g. pemphigus foliaceous, erythema multiforme complex, follicular dysplasia or dystrophy... When the response to the treatment initiated based on objective clinical judgement does not provide with the expected clinical response, e.g. pyoderma not responding to adequate antibiotic treatment. In cases with nodular lesions compatibles with neoplastic disorders or with persistent ulceration. In all cases of dermatosis with unusual or serious appearance, for example extensive ulcerative or exudative lesions When there is the suspicion of a disease that will require long-term, expensive or dangerous treatment and a final diagnosis is necessary before treatment is initiated. autoimmune skin disease More than you want to know about skin nodules pemphigus foliaceus check out photo L upper - pemphigus foliaceus Tons of articles on dermatology

It could be an atypical presentation of discoid lupus. You say no odor or purulent drainage (pus)? She might need a biopsy for a definitive dx. But it looks similar to what my Ruby had when he had a flare of DL.

Hi Laurie I have a galgo with anxiety issues, particularly fear aggression. He's seen by a vet behaviorist, which is ideal if you have one in your area. He's currently on clomipramine (clomicalm) and xanax (to prevent overstimulation, which leads to aggression). He's been on Prozac but I didn't see a difference, and it caused chronic diarrhea. I've talked with the vet behaviorist about other options, and specially she's used Prozac or Zoloft, as well as BuSpar (buspirone), and xanax on an as-needed basis. She also uses tricyclics, such as clomipramine or amitriptyline. This is used in combination with behavior modification. Your best bet is to find someone who is very familiar (and comfortable) with prescribing these meds. They can make a big difference.

You know you and Ekko will be at the top of the list for good thoughts, prayers, and whatever else you need. I do wonder whether this is a stress response to your own anxiety over the move -- that's a real possibility. Don't assume the worst. If it will reassure you, bring her in to your vet to have everything checked out. That might be good for your peace of mind. Take care of all of you! It's a beautiful day here in New England, and tell Ekko she'll love it!

This an excellent source for dosages for almost medication, OTC or prescription, you can think of. dog meds The dosages are referred to as mg/kg. A kilo = 2.2 lbs, so divide the dog's weight by 2.2, then multiply by the # of mg (or the volume) recommended. I'd discuss this with your vet, too - bring in your list once you've put it together, calculate out your dosages, and ask the vet to review it to make sure it looks correct. Tylenol isn't forbidden - it's used frequently in combination with other pain meds (such as tylenol/codeine) for severe pain. I've used tylenol #3 for almost all of my osteo dogs, with good results. I would not administer it OTC by itself without discussing with your vet first. I'm really not a pepto-bismol fan. The formula also contains subsalicylate, which is an aspirin derivative. A dog who's having GI issues shouldn't be given any type of salicylate. There are better meds for vomiting, mostly prescription. For diarrhea, immodium has always worked for me, as well as dietary modification. I have a pretty extensive medical kit at home, but that's because I'm a medical geek so know how to use them. But for a standard home first-aid box, in addition to bandages, topical skin ointments/creams, etc., I keep benadryl, either ranitidine or famotidine (pepcid). I used to have a bottle of Ascriptin but never used it so won't bother buying it again. I also have immodium. For acute pain, you could either use a small dose of Ascriptin (assuming there are no upset tummies), but it might be helpful to ask your vet for a Rx for one of the anti-inflammatories like Rimadyl to keep on hand. Here's a good, easy to read article about NSAIDs: linkie And please check out GreytHealth.com, if you haven't already. Lots of good info on this site.

That was one of the first places I looked - Costco doesn't have it listed, though I'm sure they could order it. Because it's chemotherapy, it's more difficult to find.

GME, given that it's an inflammatory disease, usually does respond to steroids, depending upon the type of GME that is present. It responds (to a variable degree) to drugs which will suppress the immune system -- including steroids. Encephalitis can also be due to infection, but I'm sure your vet ruled this out by testing the fluid obtained from his lumbar puncture.

Did the neurologist mention GME (granulomatous meningoencephalitis)? This is an inflammatory brain disease. Generally, lumbar puncture will identify granuloma's (especially if confirmed by MRI, which I know is way too expensive). This disease can often be controlled using immunosupressants and immunomodulators (even chemotherapy), in an attempt to wean the dogs off steroids, or at least decrease the dose as much as possible. There is a great GME board on Yahoo new GMEdog website that is very helpful. There is a neurologist in Boston, Dr. Sisson, who is very well-versed on this. If you google GME you should be able to get more info. You may also want to PM 3greys2cats, as Roberta's Sarah is a GME survivor.

pharmacychecker.com - there are some US and Canadian pharmacies another I'll keep looking, Kristin...

Hi Pam It's hard to predict what to expect without a further vet evaluation, probably including an echocardiogram. Some murmurs are entirely benign, others are not. Older dogs develop calcification of their heart valves, which can cause a murmur. If a dog is showing no symptoms of heart disease or congestive heart failure (panting, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath), many murmurs can be well-controlled with watchful waiting, or medication if CHF is suspected. Iggy Bailey is now 15-1/2 and has had a Grade IV murmur for years. He's never shown any symptoms or limitations until recently. He developed a hacking cough. He's now on enalapril which seems to help. The other thing I'd think of immediately is heartworm - hopefully she was HW tested when she came into the rescue pgm.

What a huge relief! It feels so much better when you have a plan, and know you can get started on Ace's treatment now. WHEW! So glad to hear this news, Kristin. Hopefully you'll connect with Dr. Berger quickly and get busy giving that lymphoma a swift

Hi Irene Had Fuzzy been doing a lot of running, or had any type of fall or other traumatic injury shortly before the bloody discharge developed? Strenuous exercise, or a traumatic injury to his back or abdomen, could cause transient hematuria. I'd insist the vet examine him, esp. his abdomen. Fuzzy needs a complete micro urinalysis plus a urine culture. If nothing shows up, they should be considering a renal ultrasound. Has he had a recent complete tick panel? Even a simple CBC will ensure he has adequate platelets and isn't passing enough blood to make him anemic. Is he bleeding from his gums, or rectum? If the problem has completely resolved, I just push for running a micro urinalysis and culture, and if it recurs, I'd want the vet to do a complete workup. Also, when they're checking urine, they can also send it for cytology. Is acting like he has a UTI?

Roscoe! Ducky, he's even more beautiful than he was 5 years ago. Roscoe, you tall, dark and handsome boy, you've hit the jackpot!

Will it facilitate things if your vet calls directly for a consult? Or if you called instead of e-mailed? I know you're anxious for answers and for a definitive plan -- any of us would feel the same way. Don't be afraid to call or e-mail again, Kristin. Perhaps one of the other vets will be more accessible. Hang in there. Hopefully you'll be in touch with someone tomorrow. J