Lilly.....problems, but not like Killian

[Logan]

Lilly and I visited our vet this morning due to bad skin irritation on the inside of both of her rear legs. I have yet to catch her chewing, but she must have been because she is almost hairless. She gets a daily brushing, but I rarely force her to "flip" over and let me do her belly. When I did, I got a real surprise. Scabs, red bumps, etc. Obviously she was very uncomfortable and never told me!

The worst part of our visit was the scale. When Lilly was diagnosed with hip dysplasia in December 2000, she weighed in at 82 pounds. Dr. Robinson said that I should not let her gain above that weight. At that point, I cut back food for Honey and Lilly dramatically. Honey had still gained 17 pounds in one year when she went in for her annual visit in April. But the shocker was today. Lilly weighed 96 pounds! That's a 14 pound gain in six months. Dr. Robinson reassured me that this was probably not a food related weight gain, and did draw blood to check her thyroid levels. We will know the results on Friday. This weight gain is a bad, bad thing for Lilly and her hips. I'm just praying that he can figure out the cause, and we can get her on track with medication to take the pressure off of the hips, and help her to be more healthy.

They are both my angels, and you know that Honey is Helen's dog. Lilly is my special girl, and I want her around for a long, long time. I knew you wouldn't mind listening to my motherly worries! But I don't want to take away from the more serious problems that Killian and others are facing. Sue, I'm saying regular prayers that Killian will get past his problems soon. In fact, we have started a prayer list by the computer, so we won't forget anyone!

Thanks for hearing me out, guys. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

Logan

[bugmom]

always ready to listen! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif no problem too small. did the vet say what was up with the skin rash? could it be just the heat? Sounds like Lilly's gonna get belly rubs! even if a cream is involved any belly rub is a good belly rub according to bug.

how are you gonna drop the extra weight from lilly?! (I'd like to loose a few pounds myself!!)

-bugmom

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Logan, I hope the Vet finds nothing serious with Lilly. I know how worried you must be.
Perry had that kind of thing on his back legs, he was biting them all the time, so we took him to the Vet and he had scabs and lost a lot of his hair on his legs, the Vet gave us some type of cream to put on which cleared it up, I thought he said he was allergic to flea bites, although we didn't see any fleas on him. But it did clear up and the hair grew back. I can't imagine why Lilly gained so much weight, it could be a thyroid problem, I'm sure they have medicine for that. I'll be thinking about her until we hear good news that she will be o.k.
A big hug from Daisy and Perry and me for Lilly.

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[AdoreMyDogs]

Logan,

I hope Lily is OK http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif I know it is scary. My yellow lab, Beener, had the same issues with his weight gain and scabs. There was also quite a strong odor on him. After a few dumb vets misdiagonsed him, a good vet drew blood and he ended up having thyroid problems. He was on thyroid meds for the rest of his life and he did fine on them. He lost the extra 35 pounds really quick and his skin cleared up and the odor went away within a very short time. I hope what Lily has is similar and nothing worse then that http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif It really is scary, especially with the hip problems. Be healthy, Lily and keep your chin up.

[Stenograsaurus]

Logan,
I just wanted to let you know that my co-worker was wondering if her dog had a thyroid problem, so she took her to the Vet. The Vet said that most dogs who have thyroid problems are brought in because of skin irritations!!! Hopefully that's what it is and medication should fix that. I'll keep Lilly in my prayers.

[Logan]

Wow! I never knew that if there is a thyroid problem it could show itself in skin problems, as well as the weight gain! The vet felt like the skin problems were allergic reactions to something outdoors. He said that dogs are so much smarter than we give them credit for being, and that one of the reasons she likes "indoors" so much is because she might be uncomfortable with something outside. And I know I have the smartest dogs!!! HeHeHe!!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

But thanks for your good wishes. I'll try and update you on Friday, before I leave on vacation for a week, to let you know what the bloodwork indicates. I am truly hoping that the thyroid is the problem, and not the food intake! Lilly is an eater, but I am very careful about what she eats (except when she sneaks into Mimi and Helen's room and scarfs up the canned cat food! LOL!!!!

Thanks you guys....I knew I would get your support and I needed it. My babies are too precious!

Logan

I hope it's only a thyroid problem. That is usually solved quite easily. Good luck with everything and keep us informed.



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Tanya

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[RachelJ]

Oh poor Lilly. Hannah can sympathize on the weight issue. We've had to cut back seriously on most treats. That's where the problem is in our house, I'm sure. There are cookies when they get up, Dad sometimes leave the crusts of his breakfast cheese toast, a noon time milk bone, dried lamb bits for training treats, and the nighty cookie, which is a Bonz. They only get a cup of dry dogfood per day plus 4 TD nuggests for their teeth, but I have to face it that snacks add up.

Whatever the cause of Lilly's weight gain, I hope it can be identified and resolved. As for the rash, if the thyroid is not the problem, you might want to try an oatmeal shampoo. My Tizzie got a great deal of comfort out of those, and she did have some sensitive skin.

[Sudilar]

Logan,
Every problem with our babies is serious. You must come to the board for information and especially support. (I know how important that is!!) I know how worried you are and I pray that things will work out for you and Lilly!
Oh poor Lilly! I hope the weight gain isn't serious. You must let us know immediately. It sounds like it might be the thyroid from what everyone is saying. Killian had something like that when we first got him from the shelter. He lost all the hair on his underside, but also in other areas and weighed only 69 lbs. It ended up being allergies. My first GSD, Wolf, had hip dysplasia. He weighed @ 100 lbs. and he was a large-boned shepherd but he was not a real big eater, so it wasn't hard to keep the weight off of him.
I will add you to my prayers and also have Killian and Shiloh say some puppy prayers, too. I hope all goes well.
Sue, Killian and Shiloh

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[This message has been edited by Sudilar (edited June 20, 2001).]

[aly]

Logan - I will add Lilly to my prayer list. I really hope everything works out and you are able to let us know before you leave. I will be worried sick about the girl. I hope its something very very minor that will have a speedy recovery.


We'll miss you while you're on vacation.

[KYS]

Logan,

Will be waiting for the news on
Lilly.
Fringers and toes crossed that
what ever she has is minor and
very treatable.
Sheba is borderline Hypo-thyroid, and has low blood platlets.
She has been on a very low dose
of thyroid meds for a year now to keep
it in check.
Will be waiting for your post on Friday.

[Pam]

Oh my! There's always a doggie to worry about these days. It's a good thing that she had that rash or maybe you might have not found out about possible thyroid troubles until her next routine vet visit. Now it can be tended to more quickly if that is the problem. I hope you get a chance to post before you leave on vacation. We will keep your baby in our prayers too. Give her hugs and tummy rubs from me!

[tatsxxx11]

Logan...Oh, I just saw this post after reading your email. POOR LILY!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif Poor Mom! How could you think that this was not something we ALL would want to share! That's what we're here for, silly!! And Lilly IS my god daughter, after all!!! But, Logan, I had heard that, about thyroid problems being diagnosed secondarily to skin irritations, rashes, etc. I know of several doggie friends who are on thryroid meds and do wonderfully, lose the weight, regain their activity level, etc. Just like humans!! You know Cody too has hip dysplasia, and we both know how important it is for them to keep the weight off. Perhaps now you can get a better handle on that too. She will feel so much better. But what a scare it must have given you. I know how you especially love the beautiful golden Lilly girl!! I hope she is feeling a bit more comfortable tonight. I know for sure she will be getting lots of extra loving, if that's possible! And of course, I know you will be especially concerned going on vacation. But your petsitter sounds WONDERFUL!! And I'm sure Lilly will do fine, tho of course, missing you! We will anxiously await your last update and blood test results before your vacation. Give the girl big hugs and kisses and tell her Cody, Star and I are saying our prayers and sending our love! Sandra

[Sudilar]

Logan, now promise that you will let us know before you go on vacation!!

[Logan]

If I know, I promise, you will know too!!! Thanks everyone, especially you, Sue, who is going through so much yourself! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

Love you guys all to death!!!!

Logan

[tatsxxx11]

How's Lilly this morning? Was worrying about her all night! I hope she had a quiet evening and is resting comfortably. Please ive her a hug and kiss from all of us here. Love, Sandra, Cody and Star

[Jasper's Mom]

Skin problems can be related to even ear yeast infections. My Sandy had frequent yeast infections in one ear, my vet said it indicated he would be prone to be allergic and sure enough, he had a flare up right after that. Not related to thyroid, but a reaction to ant bites. Got any biting ants in your yard? Caused a mess on his tummy, itchy rash, sore spots, red skin, and swollen eyes. There are so many little critters in the grass. We've all got our paws crossed too, hoping the vet finds the solution to her weight problem fast. It's no fun feeling bum, especially in the summer. Here's wishing you a real happy and fun vacation. And don't fret while you're supposed to be having fun, your babies are only a call away.

[K9karen]

Oh! Dearest friend Logan! I, too am playing catch up, even tho you told me in an email. I hope everything with our lovely Lilly goes OK. I know you are so careful what you feed the girls. I've heard that a thyroid condition is easily reversed with medication. Hope it's that easy. Don't forget to let us all know what the outcome is before you go on vacation!! I'll miss you terribly and thnk of you everyday! xoxoxoxox

[bugmom]

Logan,

HOw is Lilly today? she must be getting more spoiled! Is she going on vacation with you? paws crossed that all the pups get healthy quick to enjoy the summer.

bug & jan

[Albea]

Logan:
Carina and I are sending best wishes for a quick recovery to Lilly.
Both allergies and thyroid problems are frequent in Goldens but, fortunately, there are remedies for both. My first Golden had terrible allergies to just about everything, grass, polen, newspaper ink (although she didn't read the paper ;D )
She had to have cortisone shots every couple of weeks and they helped a lot.
Hope you have good news before you go on vacation so you can enjoy your time away.
Alicia

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Come smile with me at:
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[Sudilar]

How's Lilly? Hope she's feeling OK. Let us know!
Sue

[Logan]

You guys are so sweet to worry about Lilly. Actually, she never has acted like she felt bad at all! LOL!! And I never even caught her messing with those bad legs....but she was. She's taking the medication and hopefully the legs will heal nicely. And tomorrow, we will find out about the blood work and determine a course of action. I'll be sure to fill you in when I hear something.

Right now, Miss Inside Lilly, is out in the backyard with Honey, whining and crying at something on the other side of the fence. I swear I see nothing, but they do!! It is definitely not a turtle, although it may have been and they just haven't figured out that it is long gone!!!! Whatever it is, they have been obsessed with it for over two hours now!!! Silly, silly girls! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/tongue.gif

[tatsxxx11]

Any word on Lilly yet? SO anxious to hear the results. Give her a big hug and kiss. And Logan, maybe not a turtle.....perhaps the dreaded SNAKE!????

[Daisy's Mom]

I couldn't get online yesterday but today I came on and saw this... I hope Lilly is okay! Let us know how the tests come out. Daisy and I will be worried until we know everything is okay!

[Logan]

Here's an update on Lilly:

Well, it appears that our overweight Lilly is destined to be a "thunder thighs" like her mother (human mother, that is)!!! Although, I must say that Lilly's weight is mostly around her middle. For those of you who missed my earlier message, Lilly gained 14 pounds between December 2000 and this week. This, after I have cut back her food (but changed brands). Lilly weighed in at 82 pounds in Dec. 96 on Wednesday. We walk several times a week, but I see that increasing as well.

I have missed two calls from the vet, but his last message was that the thyroid level is in the normal range (he said 2.2, but between 1 and 4 is considered normal). Now I'm starting to do some analyzing. My girls started on Flint River Ranch in January. I don't think that food is the problem....it may be the 1/2 can of Iams I am adding each day. That is coming to a halt this week, as we will go to 1/3 of a can, and then less and less. Other than that, they get zero table scraps. And according to Dr. Robinson's message, we need to increase the exercise for Lilly as well. I will have a more thorough conversation with him later today before I leave on vacation tomorrow.

Thanks for your support. Guess I'm glad it isn't something serious, but now we will have to do a more regimented diet, and keep the girls separated to eat. That way I can control what Lilly's intake is. Got to get the weight off. Maybe she and I can go on a "crash diet" together.

Logan

[Sudilar]

Logan,
So glad to hear that Lilly's problem isn't serious!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif Maybe Shiloh can join Lilly in her quest to loose weight! Have a great and relaxing vacation!
Sue

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[KYS]

So glad Lilly is fine and she does not
have a medical proglem accept a great
appetite. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Logan, that is good news, Lilly will go the way of most women, diet, diet, exercise, exercise, poor Lilly. I hope you have a wonderful vacation and let us know how it all turned out when you get back.
Jackie

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[AdoreMyDogs]

Logan I am so glad Lily does not have anything serious wrong that caused her weight gain. I do know that when I started my dogs on Innova from Eukuneuba (sp?) I decreased their portions dramatically because the food is so much more rich and filling. Cassie went from getting 1-1/2 cups per day when she was with her last owners, to only 3/4 cups a day. Graham went from getting 2 cups of Eukuneuba to 1-1/4 or less of Innova....and they both have pleanty of body fat still (especially Cassie). Hopefully the food thing will work out and the girls will lose those extra inches.

[Logan]

Now I just have to figure out a way to feed them seperately, and exactly how much each of them can have. Then, I'll have to get them off of the supplemented Iams canned that I give to them because I feel so sorry for them! LOL!!

And we will all get thinner because we have to walk more!!!

Thanks everyone. I'm going to put a plan together this week while I'm away, and stick to it, for Lilly's sake. Aren't we lucky that it isn't something more serious? You guys are the greatest. Thanks so much.

Logan

[K9karen]

Logan..I'm so glad you can enjoy your much deserved holiday without worrying that Lilly is ill, tho I know you'll miss your furry family. Don't feel too bad, Cody goes up and down just like me and it is so tough resisting those big brown eyes drooling for food! LOL! Have a great time! Will miss you!

[aly]

Have a great trip Logan! I'm so glad everything worked out. Just send Lilly here whenever she needs moral support for her diet. I know most of us girls go through it at one time or another! In fact, I sort of am on one for the rest of my life since I'm diabetic. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/eek.gif

You and Helen have fun and don't worry about your babies. They will be fine with the sitter and oh so happy to see you when you come home http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[Daisy's Mom]

So glad to hear it's nothing serious! Lilly, you poor girl! Less food and more exercise? That's rough! Logan, have a great vacation!

[Logan]

I'm on vacation....everyone is home with the petsitter. But got a bad call this morning.
Honey and Lilly are staying inside during the nighttime, but when she went to feed them and let them out this morning, she found Evelyn's hamster cage turned over, and Evelyn was in Lilly's mouth. She was already dead, but the petsitter said she was probably smothered or frightened to death. Those retrievers didn't know any better. I guess being home alone has its disadvantages...they do some stuff they shouldn't. I'm heartbroken about Evelyn, as is Helen. Helen wanted to know which dog did it...I told her it didn't matter. I took the responsibility for the whole thing, and not having Evelyn in a safer place. Phoebe is fine. Her cage has been moved to a safer location, behind a closed door.

Its expensive to be on line....I won't be checking in very much this week. But do you guys think hamsters can go to the Rainbow Bridge too? I sure do hope so. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif

She was a precious.
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[aly]

http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say. I am sure that Evelyn is at Rainbow Bridge. I feel so bad for you and Helen. This is making me cry and I didn't even know Evelyn. I can only imagine how you guys must feel. I'm really sorry http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif

[Daisy's Mom]

I am so sorry about Evelyn! Of course hamsters go to Rainbow Bridge! My Ritz is up there right now, giving Evelyn the grand tour http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif That's such awful news to get while on vacation. Try not to let it ruin your time.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Oh I am so sorry http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif Poor little hammie http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif Poor Helen http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif Poor you http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif

[Sudilar]

So sorry about your hamster. I'm sure Evelyn is at Rainbow Bridge with my long gone hamsters! So so sorry! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif
Sue

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[K9karen]

Poor Logan and Helen,esp; while on vacation. This reminded me of the time Cody dropped a dead possum, or squirrel or some such critter on our porch. We are positive it was already gone, but the scent set him off. I'll bet Evelyn's cage got knocked over and the door opened and poor Eve was frightened to ..well death and Lovely Lily instinctively picked her up. I can't believe that either or your girls would do something on purpose. There's nothing you can do now, so try to enjoy your vacation. Call me collect if you want to talk. xoxox and of COURSE they go to Rainbow Bridge, silly!

[This message has been edited by K9karen (edited June 25, 2001).]

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Logan, so sorry about Evelyn, I'm sure she is at the Rainbow bridge with all our other dear friends who have gone before her. Try to enjoy your vacation now, it goes so quickly.
Jackie

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[RachelJ]

Oh my, precious little Evelyn. We are so sorry to hear the sad news. And you really don't know that either of the dogs did anything wrong. The cage could have been accidently knocked over and Evelyn was hurt in the accident. Lilly, trying to rescue her, picked up the dead hamster body and was trying to get it some help by bringing it to the pet sitter. "Here, please help, Evelyn!" I think that this scenerio makes more sense. I know whatever the cause, you all will miss the little Evelyn.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

oh Logan!! I'm so sorry about Lilly and Evelyn. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif It just makes me want to cry!! I really do hope things will get better! Love and prayer from Sadie May and LabLover! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

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[sammi]

So sorry about Evelyn. I feel bad for you and Helen and also the pet sitter (even though the sitter was not at your house at the time) I am sure they feel terrible about it.
Sounds like you said all the right things to Helen to help comfort her.

[tatsxxx11]

Oh Logan. You know how I love little Phoebe and Evelyn. I uploaded their pics to a CD the day you sent their pictures to me. I'm so very, very sorry this happened. And I agree. I think Lilly was probably being protective. Little Eve probably was frightened after the cage fell and left for the Bridge very suddenly. My heart goes out to Helen as well. Poor sweetie. I know FOR SURE that little Evelyn in at the Bridge with my Hammie, spinning on their wheels. Love to you my dear friend. I'm so, so sorry. Love you. Sandra

[Logan]

Hi everyone. Just a quick note from vacation to let you know everything is much better. Helen hasn't mentioned Evelyn again since Sunday, and I spoke with my petsitter tonight....just to check in on all the remaining pets. They are all doing great (or she's a good liar!). She told me she wouldn't mind taking both dogs home to live with her. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif Maybe I can put her in my will.

We are having a wonderful time at the beach. Met one of my "buddies" from the MSN Golden Retriever Community, Betty, last night. We walked her two Goldens for 1 1/2 hours on the beach. It was heavenly. Wishing for my Lilly and Honey too.

Thanks for all your sweet messages. I will miss Evelyn....my chubby little girl, but I'm ok....and as long as the others are ok, we'll be fine. Helen isn't coming back to Greenville for at least another week, so I might get a replacement to surprise her, but I"m just not sure.

Talk to you all soon. And thanks again for all of your support.

Logan