Guest HappyHarleysMom Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Carolyn (BlueCrab), thank you for the info. I will look into it, because we are more than financially strapped now with Harley's bill. It will be very difficult until I find a second job. So, I really appreciate the information!! Well, we won't know Harley's blood work results until tomorrow, but he had a very good check-up at Atlantic Internal Vet Med. I did not realize that when I said Harley weighed 73 lbs, it included the fluid he was carrying. Geez, no wonder Harley looks like a skeleton--he really weighs 64 pounds, down from 80. So, our dear boy needs to get some meat on his bones. Dr. Martinez at Atlantic says that prednisone can make dogs gain weight, but also can make their muscles atrophy, which she thinks is Harley's case, along with the weight loss. She said it will be temporary if Harley keeps improving to the point where the prednisone dosage can be reduced. But, overall, she was very pleased to see Harley's improvement. And, she said as long as Harley keeps it down, that I can increase his food intake to about 1 cup or 1 1/4 cups, 3-4 times a day--just that I'll need to see how Harley does. The main vet tech who took care of Harley last week told us that when she took Harley in the back area for his blood test, that all the staff had a little "Woo Hoo Hoorah Party" when they saw Harley's improvement! (I'm being a proud momma bragging again) So, that's how our day went. I had to do some cooking tonight and Harley decided he didn't want to stay in the living room on his mattress, so he hung out with me on his big pillow in the kitchen all evening. That's my pup pup! But, we're pooped, so we'll say goodnight for now. I'll let you know how his blood tests turn out tomorrow when Dr. Martinez call us. It's so greyt to report all good news! Thanks again for being there for us, hugs, Sherry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Suzy Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Not that you need more advice, but I have some on your poor baby's diaper rash. My daughter used to get severe diaper rash, and what worked best was A+D Ointment. The reason was that it was much more greasy than Desitin, and poop just sort of ran off it. Plus the ointment seemed to be much less painful than other creams, etc., and had a healing effect on "angry" skin. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magdalyn58 Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Great update on Harley!! Sending him a big hug from Wilkes-Barre! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HappyHarleysMom Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Harley's blood work results came in today. His albumin is higher, which is good. But, his ALT and billirubin are up. The vet said it could possibly be a side effect of the prednisone, or something else like pancreatitis. He was tested in the beginning of his illness for pancreatitis and didn't have it. However I guess that doesn't mean it hasn't developed since then. I've got to pick up another medicine for his liver in the morning, and get a fasting blood test on Tuesday. If he gets worse over the weekend, I've got to call Atlantic Internal Medicine. Dr. Martinez also mentioned the possibility of doing a third ultrasound on Harley. Harley is eating pretty well today, and drinking. He was very quiet all day, and slept for the most part. No "happy Harley" signs except his sniffing around for food. Better than totally lethargic though. He remains very weak to navigate the two steps to the yard. And of course we are having record breaking low temperatures outside. When I put Harley's coat on, which he hates, he will not go down the steps to the yard. He just stands there like he can't walk at all. Now, I know he is wobbly and weak, but he's playing it up when I put the coat on. I'm going to try his sweater, which isn't warm enough at all, but I thought maybe on top the sweater, I could put one of my zip up sweat jackets that shrunk in the dryer to kids' size. (just don't tell him it's a bit girly--bright peach/pink). I've got to do something since the poor thing has no body fat at all now--just skin and bones. He still has an open sore on one pad, and I put a sock on that paw when he goes out since the boots make him stumble. I'm trying not to panic, and truly, I'm not--but I confess that I'm worried about his liver enzymes. And, his being so quiet still. I don't think he pooped even once today--is that a good thing or a bad thing... Not a bad day, but not stellar either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhead Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Is it possible to switch from prenisone to budesonide? Targets the gut and leaves the rest of him alone. Also doesn't promote weight loss. Quote Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HappyHarleysMom Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Mary, I'll ask. It would certainly be the best reason for this new development - side effects from medicine. I wrote the name down and will be finding out. Thank you for the suggestion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HappyHarleysMom Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 I took pics of Harley in the ICU last week. Here are a couple. I also took pics tonight, here at home. Yeah, that's our xmas tree, still. I haven't taken the tree down yet. Haven't even thought about it. lol, I guess I should do it soon, huh. I was afraid I would lose him and they let me snap a few in ICU. I took his Mr. Bill stuffie and my nightshirt down to him and he fell asleep with his paw around Mr. Bill. Tonight I brought him some more stuffies from his toy basket. He still has his "flying nun" ears, getting interested in things. yay. He's dozing off here. He just ate his last meal and is snoozing now. I tried the sweater jacket idea, and he refused to take one step outside. Major protest to any sort of coat. I took them off and he walked right out. geez. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvhounds2 Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Oh, what sweet pictures! We're still sending good thoughts & prayers your way, Harley. Keep getting better. Quote Barb, Mom to Grey's Tickertape & Grey's McCarthy.Always missing: Wizzie and Desi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HappyHarleysMom Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Thank you, Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest fringepup Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 His is a very handsome boy! What a face! I am sure he is much happier to be home. Hang in there and we keep sending our prayers his way and yours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Stripeyfan Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Oh, he’s a brindle…! Gorgeous!! So glad to read the good updates and I wouldn’t worry too much about the muscle loss – that could also just be because he’s been so sick. It was the same with Kelly, but he’s put it all back on now, and didn’t suffer unduly because of it (he just looked a bit gangly for a while!). As for not pooping, it’s possible Harley’s just ‘empty’ because of all the big D. This always happens to Kelly when he has a bad flare-up – sometimes it can be 2 or 3 days before he’ll ‘go’ again once the D has finished. Obviously keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort, but if Harley’s ok, HOPEFULLY this means next time he goes he’ll be starting to firm up. We’ll do a firm poo chant from this end to help things along! Sending more hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbodogs Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 I love to see these great updates. More prayers coming your way. Hugs & Scritches Liz Quote HARLEY'S FUND The House of Earl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mychip1 Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Continued prayers for Harley. He is beautiful!! Quote Robin, EZ (Tribal Track), JJ (What a Story), Dustin (E's Full House) and our beautiful Jack (Mana Black Jack) and Lily (Chip's Little Miss Lily) both at the BridgeThe WFUBCC honors our beautiful friends at the bridge. Godspeed sweet angels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 OMG he is sooo sweet. Prayers and Hugs for Harley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest WarmheartedPups Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 (edited) I am just now reading of your plight with Harley. I had an IBD dog as well.....it was the most difficult time.....many ups and downs....sleepless nights....and MONEY...lots and lots of MONEY.....I spent so many days crying....thinking my pup wouldnt make it to tomorrow....BUT ...he did! IBD can be really nasty...but if you can get it under control...and most do.....life can be normal again. I was told that Dewey could only eat "novel proteins"...items he had neer eaten before...item his body couldnt recognize and try to destroy. We settled on a prescription kibble....ZD? I think....and the only snack Dewey was allowed was ice cubes......if we stayed on that diet he was fine.....when we ventured into other items....we had problems.. So that is my story.....I am thinking greyt thoughts for your boy...and for you. I hope your journey ends well.....just think of all the good people on this site praying and sending white light......He has no choice but to get better.!!! Edited January 22, 2011 by WarmheartedPups Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 He's looking good! Many more prayers for a speedy recovery. Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VinnieAndRexsMom Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Sweet Harley. What a handsome boy. I'm hoping he is feeling better very soon. Quote Tonya, mom to May, and my angels Vinnie, Rex, Red, Chase, and Jake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 More prayers for your handsome boy. Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Sherry, thanks for posting pics, he's so handsome, and obviously very well loved. You all remain in our thoughts...I come here everyday for an update and hope he will continue to get well. Like everyone says, there are ups and downs, but he seems to be doing well. Quote Jan with precious pups Emmy (Stormin J Flag) and Simon (Nitro Si) and Abbey Field. Missing my angels: Bailey Buffetbobleclair 11/11/98-17/12/09; Ben Task Rapid Wave 5/5/02-2/11/15; Brooke Glo's Destroyer 7/09/06-21/06/16 and Katie Crazykatiebug 12/11/06 -21/08/21. My blog about grief The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 I love seeing those pics with his ears up...... :wub: Sending more prayers and hugs!!!!! :grouphug Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 He really does look pretty good, especially considering what he's been through! I think it is just going to take time, and he will get stronger and stronger each day! He is VERY HANDSOME!! Sending love and hugs his way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhillyPups Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 (edited) Sher, Continued for Handsome Harley and for you. Keep the tree up as long as you want - I loved my tree. One year I put hearts on it for Valentines Day and eggs for Easter. My son threatened to leave home if I put flags on it for Memorial Day. Harley looks good. My only experience, and this is to give you hope, is with pred. DonJuan came to me on pred for a snake bite. He was very thin and no muscle tone at all. He was weaned off the pred. I described him as very frail and did not think he would still be here today. Now, 9 months later, he trots around, plays with stuffies, has some butt muscles and I think he is getting fat. He came back, and turned 12 in November. Continued prayers for Handsome Harley. Edited January 22, 2011 by PhillyPups Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhead Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 The dog's age probably should be taken into account when considering weight loss and the ease or difficulty of regaining lost muscle. Spencer was 8 when his troubles started and almost 9 before we had a diagnosis and started budesonide. The weight loss from everything, including his very brief time on pred, drove me crazy. So I don't blame you, Sher, for being concerned about it. Quote Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverfish Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Harley looks like such a sweetheart!! :wub :wub :wub It must have been a really rough ride for you all, but it sounds as though he's coming through it. Thank heavens!! I hope and pray it continues. Quote The plural of anecdote is not dataBrambleberry Greyhounds My Etsy Shop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Harley looks great! He looks alert and happy Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.