carronstar Posted November 21, 2012 Share Posted November 21, 2012 What a truly wonderful picture. I wouldn't have been able to leave that bed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest grey_dreams Posted November 21, 2012 Share Posted November 21, 2012 When Zuki's heart started to get worse, he started drinking more and peeing more Hope you can get a definitive diagnosis for Legs soon. Must be really frustrating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted November 21, 2012 Share Posted November 21, 2012 (edited) Yes he's also peeling more. He even peed inside the other day. His sores are all healed so I'm going to try giving him some time w/o the muzzle to see if maybe he wont lick. I think he will, but it's worth a try...and maybe then he won't be as obsessed with water This is close to if not totally useless, but I know a lot of dogs with kidney issues end up on blood pressure medication. Not sure which is the chicken and which is the egg, but stands to reason that a heart problem could cause similar symptoms. I also had a foster who was adopted by close friends of mine who developed kidney issues in her old age that had the same licking issues that Legs does. It would typically start as a small wound, cutting herself on something in the yard for instance, but it would then turn into a sore that wouldn't heal. She end up wearing an e-collar most of the time because they couldn't keep her from working on them. At one point, they were looking at Alabama Rot as a diagnosis (which seemed bizarre for multiple reasons, including that it's pretty rare, but I guess the skin issue put it on the vet's radar), but I believe their vets eventually just diagnosed her with glomerulonephritis without identifying an underlying cause. I was much more involved and filled in on what testing they were doing earlier on so I can't really say this with confidence, but I always felt like the vets missed something with her although it may very well have been (and probably was) age related kidney disease. I believe she was around 9 when this started (and she did not the issue with her legs giving out that Legs does). Anyway, I'm just thinking out loud and wondering if Legs has had blood work recently and if his kidney values are all within normal (or if he's had a u/a and there was protein in the urine)? Edited November 21, 2012 by NeylasMom Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted November 21, 2012 Author Share Posted November 21, 2012 When Zuki's heart started to get worse, he started drinking more and peeing more Hope you can get a definitive diagnosis for Legs soon. Must be really frustrating. Oh no, this is what I was afraid of Thanks for letting me know. What was wrong with Zuki's heart, if you don't mind me asking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest grey_dreams Posted November 21, 2012 Share Posted November 21, 2012 He had mitral valve iinsufficiency, the mitral valve started to degrade and didn't close properly anymore. That leads to problems with blood flow, heart enlargement, and eventually congestive heart failure. He didn't have problems with arrhythmia, like the vet said Legs had, but it is my understanding that different heart conditions will all cause increased drinking and peeing. I hope you can get the right vet and the right tests so that you finally have a true diagnosis, so you can begin the appropriate treatmtent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted November 21, 2012 Author Share Posted November 21, 2012 Yes he's also peeling more. He even peed inside the other day. His sores are all healed so I'm going to try giving him some time w/o the muzzle to see if maybe he wont lick. I think he will, but it's worth a try...and maybe then he won't be as obsessed with water This is close to if not totally useless, but I know a lot of dogs with kidney issues end up on blood pressure medication. Not sure which is the chicken and which is the egg, but stands to reason that a heart problem could cause similar symptoms. I also had a foster who was adopted by close friends of mine who developed kidney issues in her old age that had the same licking issues that Legs does. It would typically start as a small wound, cutting herself on something in the yard for instance, but it would then turn into a sore that wouldn't heal. She end up wearing an e-collar most of the time because they couldn't keep her from working on them. At one point, they were looking at Alabama Rot as a diagnosis (which seemed bizarre for multiple reasons, including that it's pretty rare, but I guess the skin issue put it on the vet's radar), but I believe their vets eventually just diagnosed her with glomerulonephritis without identifying an underlying cause. I was much more involved and filled in on what testing they were doing earlier on so I can't really say this with confidence, but I always felt like the vets missed something with her although it may very well have been (and probably was) age related kidney disease. I believe she was around 9 when this started (and she did not the issue with her legs giving out that Legs does). Anyway, I'm just thinking out loud and wondering if Legs has had blood work recently and if his kidney values are all within normal (or if he's had a u/a and there was protein in the urine)? Thanks Jen I appreciate any possible info. It's been about a year since he had bloodwork. It is one of the many things he will have done next week. I will also ask about doing a u/a. I know they also want to do an echocardiogram & another test where he wears a vest that monitors his heart for 24hrs, and I think another test I can't remember. He had mitral valve iinsufficiency, the mitral valve started to degrade and didn't close properly anymore. That leads to problems with blood flow, heart enlargement, and eventually congestive heart failure. He didn't have problems with arrhythmia, like the vet said Legs had, but it is my understanding that different heart conditions will all cause increased drinking and peeing. I hope you can get the right vet and the right tests so that you finally have a true diagnosis, so you can begin the appropriate treatmtent. Very interesting - I didn't know that about heart conditions. Now i wish I had paid more attention to his drinking, though I've really only noticed it the last few weeks. Thanks again for all the info & good wishes. I'm really sorry about your boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted November 21, 2012 Share Posted November 21, 2012 Pinky was put on benazepril to help her kidneys. She had protein in her urine and her albumin was low. When I was doing some reading on the drug, some of the things I read said that it is used for both heart issues and kidney issues...so, it's not necessarily that the two are related, but that the medication has properties that benefit both (I guess ). Oh, there I just read something else about using it to treat hypertension in kidney patients. Hope you get some good answers out of the testing that's to come...nothing more frustrating than tests whose results don't point you in any good directions Quote Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytbookert Posted November 22, 2012 Share Posted November 22, 2012 I have no advice or good words of wisdom but my thoughts are with you and Legs. Oh man, that pic of Legs and Jabari... swoon! I cannot believe Jabari is over 13 now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted November 22, 2012 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Lucy, when's your appt with the specialist? I remember you saying you had to wait about a week or so, but I've lost track. Frankly it's driving me crazy waiting so I can only imagine how you feel! Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted November 22, 2012 Author Share Posted November 22, 2012 I have no advice or good words of wisdom but my thoughts are with you and Legs. Oh man, that pic of Legs and Jabari... swoon! I cannot believe Jabari is over 13 now! I know crazy isn't it??! Time sure flies. Btw did you notice Puzzle in there too Lucy, when's your appt with the specialist? I remember you saying you had to wait about a week or so, but I've lost track. Frankly it's driving me crazy waiting so I can only imagine how you feel! Not until Tues I'm going completely nuts Legs is too since he can't exercise. And of course now everything little thing he does I freak out & think he's about to collapse & die. I'm sure he's so happy when I leave for work & he can sleep in peace Thanks for checking in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted November 22, 2012 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Sorry, but I had to laugh at that last comment. Tuesday is going to come quickly with the long holiday weekend. Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest suzanne Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Good luck today:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Good thoughts for Legs today. Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan41 Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Lucy, we will be sending positive thoughts your way today. Quote Linda, Mom to Fuzz, Barkley, and the felines Miss Kitty, Simon and Joseph.Waiting at The Bridge: Alex, Josh, Harley, Nikki, Beemer, Anna, Frank, Rachel, my heart & soul, Suze and the best boy ever, Dalton.<p> ....for all those hounds that are sick, hurt, lost or waiting for their forever homes. SENIORS ROCK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted November 27, 2012 Author Share Posted November 27, 2012 Thanks so much guys! You are so nice!! I just hope I find out some results today. It seems to always be a waiting game. I'll let you know as soon as I do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeylasMom Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Checking in for an update. Damn the time difference! Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted November 27, 2012 Author Share Posted November 27, 2012 Frustrated. Again no answers. I wonder if this new woman even talked to the guy from last week. All the same questions. She said his heart sounded normal!! Which is great, but what the f is wrong w my dog?? They did bloodwork & u/a, of course no results today. She is going to order a heart monitor vest that he will wear for 24 hrs & I will do my best to get him to have an "episode". That's all I know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmc333 Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 That's ridiculous - I'd be frustrated too. The waiting for answers is hell; almost worse than having a diagnosis. At least then you can start treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted November 27, 2012 Author Share Posted November 27, 2012 (edited) Yeah, it's been 2.5 years of zero answers. Tons of guesses but never any concrete answers from anyone! I just want to know what is wrong so I can deal with whatever it is appropriately. I'm also kind of upset they had me come back to see this other specialist today. I could have gone to my regular vet for bloodwork & u/a, as well as the heart monitor test. Instead I had to pay $120 consult fee (last week consult fee was $200), for absolutely nothing worthwhile. Sometimes it really sucks being on a small island!! Edited November 27, 2012 by RileysLegacy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Oh Lucy that's horrible I wouldn't be too happy having to make him have an "episode" either. Ugh! Quote Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Did they perform an echocardiogram? EKG? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysandmollie Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 I can't imagine how frustrated you are at this point! So sorry!! I hope you can get some answers soon. Quote Donna and...Lucy and Chubb Rascal H 10/1/91-5/22/04 My best friend and Bounty Boon 1/23/99-6/25/07 My boy with the biggest heart Cody 7/28/99-8/1/13 My boy that always made me laugh and Dylan 5/12/04-12/29/2017 The sweetest boy ever Miss Mollie 1/1/99-1/30/15 and Pixie -10/10/2017 Lincoln -2/14/2021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RileysLegacy Posted November 28, 2012 Author Share Posted November 28, 2012 Did they perform an echocardiogram? EKG? Nope. She said he sounded perfectly normal so no need. I keep asking if they can take him for a decent walk to see what's actually going on, but no vet has done it yet. We walked about 50 feet outside but what is that going to do? I'd think for all the money I'm spending they could have a vet tech take 20 mins to take him for a real walk or short run. It's like when you take your car to the car place & they won't actually drive it to see the problem! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mld Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 When I brought my Molly to the Cardiologist (vet college), they had her for the whole day and it included walking her around. She was having falling episodes a few times a day, it was like she was still there in her mind/brain but just couldn't stand up and had no control over one side of her body. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJNg Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Is the heart monitor test a Holter? It's essentially a 24-hr EKG. Arrhythmias can be difficult to diagnose because they don't happen all the time. This might be why it wasn't detected at at any of his previous vet visits. Hopefully the newest tests will provide more information. Quote Jennifer & Willow (Wilma Waggle), Wiki (Wiki Hard Ten), Carter (Let's Get It On), Ollie (whippet), Gracie (whippet x), & Terra (whippet) + Just Saying + Just Alice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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