Myndi-UPDATE-9/17-Friday-#119

[pomtzu]

My little girl has me worried. She is acting very strange. I thought she might be missing the rest of the family who is on vacation, but she gets progressively worse with each day. I'm hoping she'll perk up when they get back this weekend.

She walks around like she's in a fog. I take her outside and she pretty much just stands where I put her. When she's in the house, she stays under my bed and I have to drag her out. Her hidey place was always there anyway, but she would come out when I called her - but not now - and I have to close my bedroom door to keep her out of there. She doesn't even bark and come running to me when I get home if I have been out running errands. She hasn't wanted any of her mid-morning snacks for a couple of weeks, and last night she ate hardly any of her supper. This morning she wouldn't eat any treat that I normally hide her meds in, so I couldn't get them in to her. She's drinking water, but not that much, but she's always been that way, so I don't know if I should be concerned about that.

I'm going to call her vet's office in a while, and see if she can see her tomorrow since she's off today. I don't want to wait thru the weekend and have to take her to the emergency vet. She has a heart murmur, but has been stable with that for several years, and still was several months ago when she was last checked.

Anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do for her? It breaks my heart to see her this way. I know she's getting old (14 this past Jan) and I will have to face bumps in the road, and eventually the final one. But this has come on rather quickly and I'm not ready yet.

If you could, please send some PT prayers her way. Thanks all.

[Queen of Poop]

Sending prayers for Myndi. I think a trip to the vet is in order. Give her lots of loves. :love:

[Taz_Zoee]

Vet would be my only advice. I'm sorry Myndi is not feeling well. Just give her lots of love (like you don't already:p) and hopefully the trip to the vet will have answers and a quick fix.

Hugs to you and Myndi.

[Pinot's Mom]

Lots of prayers for Myndi! Let us know what the vet says...:( I'm sorry she's not well. Pinot sends purrs.... {{{hugs}}} to you and Myndi.:love:

[moosmom]

Prayers and a candle coming from CT.

Paws and fingers crossed for Myndi.:love:

[lizbud]

You know Myndi best, so I would go with your instincts on this. If it's
aready been a few days, I'd try to get her in to the Vet as soon as you can.
might just be a "bug" that they can fix right up. I hope so.

[Lilith Cherry]

Poor Myndi! I hope she is feeling better very soon and that you can get her in to the vet tomorrow and give you some peace of mind.

[pomtzu]

Thanks to all of you. Keep those prayers coming, because I really think she needs them.

She has a vet appointment tomorrow at 1:00, but in the meantime, I believe I have stumbled upon the problem. I don't normally follow the pups around and check their poop, but today, on a hunch, I did with her. I finally coaxed her out into the yard to walk a little, and she had to poop. I checked it, and it was a black tar like poop. My guess - a bleeding stomach ulcer - and since I "wrote the book" on GI issues on myself, I'm pretty darned sure that's what it is.

But if that's what it is, then it's all my fault and was preventable! Right now I feel like the worst dog mom on the planet and I can't stop bawling!

She has arthritis and a luxated patella, and for the past few months has seemed more uncomfortable than usual with it. So with the vet's approval, I was giving her a baby aspirin (and always with food), once or twice a day. It seems like she can't tolerate it at all. I just pray that I caught it soon enough and she can be medicated back to health. She's not vomiting, so that's one good sign anyway, and she doesn't appear to be in pain either. Before I made my discovery, I offered her some fresh cooked chicken that I had cooked up for chicken salad, and she ate that, but I think I should withhold any more food from her till after her appointment and we see what the vet says. I haven't noticed her drinking any, so if she doesn't, I'll have to squirt some water in her mouth.

Of course, my diagnosis is only speculation, but I really believe it's the problem.

Has anyone had a pet with a stomach ulcer, and if so, how easy (or not), was the recovery?

God - I feel so guilty............

And of course, in my befuddled state of mind, I didn't save the poop, so I'm hoping she will go again for me before her appointment.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Awe poor little Mydni.:( The black tarry appearance is most likely undigested blood, possible from a bleeding stomach ulcer! Let us know what the doctor says! :)

[cassiesmom]

Lots of prayers for Myndi! Let us know what the vet says...:( I'm sorry she's not well. Pinot sends purrs.... {{{hugs}}} to you and Myndi.:love:

Same for me and Cassie kitty ... purrs and prayers :love:

[Asiel]

Aww, sorry I just spotted this Ellie. I didn't get a chance to get on today. I think you might have hit the nail on the head though. Black tarry poop is always a sign of intestinal bleeding somewhere and if you suspect an ulcer then you could be right . I know dogs can be put on meds same as us for ulcers, my neighbour's dog is on Tagamet right now and seems to be doing okay...of course he's a collie so much bigger than little Myndie. But I'm sure the vet can put her on something for her size.
Glad you have that vet appointment, will be holding my breath until you let us know what's what and of course you will both be in my prayers. Don't go blaming yourself, I've taken the blame for being blind for what happened to my dogs but it doesn't help. We all give over 100% to our dogs so it was nothing you did or didn't do.

[Freedom]

Been out all day, Ellie.

Prayers from RI for you and Myndi both! And hugs to you, and gentle pets for her.

Sure do hope she poops again for you as this sounds like it will be an important part of the diagnosis!

Say hi to Sparky for me, not allowed to leave anyone out.

[chocolatepuppy]

Prayers for Myndi coming your way.

[MonicanHonda]

Oh man, I'm sorry, I just saw this. I hope it's all treatable and she feels better. <3 That's very hard to go through. Delta prayers are being sent your way

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear this.:( I hope that whatever is wrong with her can be easily treated. Good luck at the vets tomorrow. Prayers and positive thoughts are being sent her way.

[king2005]

Ulser no, Gut bleeding yes. Digi's bleeding is related to the foods shes allergic too. Normally the food shes allergic too doesn't bother her much, but now her gut can't handle it. Right now Digi gets Pepto when ever she gets into something. I just do a single dose, unless I didn't catch her eating something & the bleeding is present, then I fast her for 4 days & give her Pepto 3 times a day & gets a very strong homemade chicken broth for nutrition & fluids.

Her last bleeding out (last month) went MUCH smoother then the one that hit her hard last year.

So hopefully all your pooch will need is some meds to clear up her bad tummy. I'm sure it'll take about 2 weeds of meds to help & some fasting.. If its similar to what Digi had.

I wish you both all the best.

If you need her to drink more, try Gateraid on a short term bases. It helped to get good fluids into Digi & gave her a sugar high that helped to perk her up more. She really liked the Blue & Red... Hated the Orange & yellow.

EDIT: if you want a recipe for a really strong Chicken Broth for dogs, let me know.

[pomtzu]

Sorry this update took so long, and please excuse me if I ramble, but my mind is going in 50 different directions at one time! :(

Let me back up to yesterday. I called the vet's office back and spoke to the tech about giving/or not, any food. She said as long as she wasn't vomiting, she felt it would be okay. So I offered Myn some more chicken, and she ate it. I only gave her a little since I didn't want to overload the tummy. She perked up a little and was walking around some, altho very wobbly, and then I took her outside to potty. She came thru for me with more poop - still black - but didn't appear as black-black - if you know what I mean. She was drinking water, so no issues there. She actually sat with me on the couch last night and cuddled for about an hour, as compared to her usual 30 seconds if I'm lucky.

So this morning about 6 a.m. I let her out since she was up and walking around. Came in and gave her some chicken which she ate, and then a scrambled egg which she ate about half of. Around 9:30 took her out again to see if she had to poop, and she wobbled out into the yard and produced another for me - this time not black. She started back for the house and started staggering really bad, and then just fell over and was dead still. I totally freaked - screamed "No Myndi" - and ran to her - terrified that she was dead. She was conscious, so I picked her up and carried her into the house. How I did it, I don't know, because I was shaking uncontrollably! I put her down, fully expecting that she would fall over again, but she stood there wobbling for a few seconds, and then went and got under my desk (her new spot since I've been keeping her out of the bedroom). I'm thinking - "what the h3ll is going on here"??? Okay - maybe it's low blood sugar, since she had all the signs, and my first thought was to give her a dose of Karo Syrup, but didn't since it would screw up her bloodwork at the vet. So I offered her the rest of the egg she didn't finish and she ate that, and then I just kept a close eye on her till we left for her appointment.

Okay - vet visit. Doc's first thought after a quick "feely-check", without doing any blood work or testing the stool, was that she was in kidney failure, given her age and the weight loss (about a pound in the past few months).

Drew blood and tested the poop, and after the agonizing longest 15 minute wait for results that I can ever remember, she had the results. Good news - kidney function is fine. Bad news - she is severely (even dangerously) anemic, and she definitely has a GI bleed. Where and the cause??? - unknown. Ulcer?? - cancer??? - don't know. Doc said she could send her to a specialist for a transfusion, but it is very expensive, and given her age, she didn't think it would be the best thing to do. So for now, it's meds, and see if we can get her blood count up, and see if the bleeding stops. It could have been caused by the aspirin, but no way to know. She's on a high potency (with liver and iron) liquid vitamin, an antibiotic just in case it might be an h-pylori issue, and Sucralfate tablets. Whatever and how much Myn wants to eat is fine, and she wants her to have liver at least twice a week. No problem with that - she loves it. She will go back in 2 weeks to see if we're making any headway, but she also told me that the worst could happen at any time. I know that, but I trying to put it out of my head and think positive.

Hard to do!!! I'm now paranoid about leaving her alone. I brought her home but had to go out to the pharmacy to pick up the Sucralfate and I was a wreck the whole time. On the way home I got the most horrible feeling - a panic attack I guess - my chest was pounding and I just felt that something had happened to Myn. Pulled into my driveway and stopped to pick up the mail so I didn't have to walk back out, and there is a tiny hummingbird laying dead right by the mailbox - I'm not liking these "signs??" Started to walk up the porch steps and reached for the railing as I always do, and came too close to a wasp for his liking, and he stung me on my hand. By now I'm afraid to walk in the door!!! :eek: But - she was okay, and even came out to great me when I walked in! WHEW!!!

Right now she's probably feeling better than I am. I have a pounding headache and my insides are in knots (like I really need that??!!). I haven't eaten anything all day and hardly slept at all last night for checking on her. My son's birthday was the 16th and they will be home from vacation late tomorrow, and I didn't get out to pick up his gifts, and now I just don't feel comfortable yet about leaving her alone long enough to go pick them up. He'll understand when he finds out what's happening, since he knows how much these pups mean to me. He says he thinks I love them more than my own human family (he's kidding of course) - but close!!!:p

So that's the story for now - and again - I'm so sorry that I rambled. I guess with no one at home to talk to, I just had to pour it out somehow - someway!!!

Please keep those PT prayers coming for my little girl. She REALLY needs them, and they have been known to work miracles before.

Myndi (and Sparky) and I - all thank you! :love::love::love:

[Pinot's Mom]

What an ordeal for both of you!! I do hope the meds work for Myndi, prayers on the way (for both of you!), let me know if there's anything I can do.:love:

NOW GO GET SOMETHING TO EAT ELLIE!!

:love:Maggie

[Catty1]

Just saw this....many prayers for dear Myndi! :love::love::love: I hope she keeps going forward and building up her iron and her weight. {{{{hugs}}}}

[Taz_Zoee]

Oh my goodness! Rough day for you, I'm so sorry.
Well, I hope that you can get Myndi's health under control soon. And I hope you have eaten something and can get some sleep tonight. I know how it is to be so worried like that.

Big hugs to you and Myndi! Oh, and one for Sparky too. :)

[lizbud]

Wow, what a horrible day for you.:( I'm glad that Myndi was seen
by the Vet, so at least you know what's going on with her. Poor baby.:(

I'm glad that the others will be home soon, so you don't have to deal
with everything all by yourself. I hope the meds help Myndi perk up &
feel better soon.

[Freedom]

WHAT a day!

Come on, Myndi, eat up, liver, vitamins, sulcrafate and antibiotics, take them and let them help your body heal sweetie.

Please eat something too, Ellie! And get some rest overnight.

[Medusa]

I'm sorry that I didn't see this, Ellie. I don't go to the dog side unless someone directs me to a thread. You sure have been through it, haven't you? If it's any comfort, my Puddy went through the vomiting, staggering and falling over as though she were dead. She just went through a bad spell and lived for several years afterwards. So keep your chin up and you know I'll be praying for you and Myndi. Keep the faythe. :love:

[Daisy and Delilah]

I am so sorry, Ellie!!!! I am just seeing this. I'm sending millions of prayers, thoughts and hugs out for you and Myndi. I can only imagine how you feel. This story is bringing tears to my eyes.:(

Ellie::: please take care of yourself. We don't want you collapsing and unable to take care of her. Keep us posted!!:(

{{{{{{{MYNDI AND ELLIE}}}}}}}

[chocolatepuppy]

Continued prayers for Myndi. It's a horrible feeling when our furkids are sick and we don't want to leave them alone. :( Hopefully, the meds will help.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Wow! What a tough day you had.:( I hope that Myndi will start improving with the meds and added liver to her diet. I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care and get some sleep. (((HUGS)))

[blue]

Prayers and good thoughts from me and my crew for you and yours.

[Louie and me]

Having just been through something very similar I can truly say I know how you feel. It is really really difficult and stressful. On the positive side, I went through several episodes where I thought Louie was at his end and yet he bounced back and was his happy self for a while. I used to call him the come back kid! So hang in there and make the most of every day - Myndi may well be arround for a long time yet.

[Queen of Poop]

I hope the meds help Myndi and quickly. The sucralfate is a miracle. I had Sasha on it for a long time because her pain meds upset her tummy. How awfully scary and stressful the whole ordeal was for you. Which knowing how IBS works has probably got you in knots and feeling just awful. I hope you both have a relaxing, restful day and are able to feel better. Hugs for you both. Prayers continue. :love:

[Lilith Cherry]

Big hugs and lots of prayers :love:to all three of you and please do take care of yourself too - you can't take care of Myndi if you get sick yourself!

[Asiel]

Boy does this update take a load off my shoulders. So glad you finally got to see the vet. Believe me when I say I know what you are going through, and I know what it can do to you so please get something to eat and try to relax. I hope those meds will have Myndi bouncing back in no time. So sorry this has to happen to you when you have a full plate as it is. But I sure am glad the family will be home, not the greatest of time for you to be alone right now.
I'm sure your son will understand about the birthday gifts. I'll keep praying that Myndi will be her old self, she seemed to be showing improvement even before the vet visit so I hope its a good sign.....no wonder we get grey hair...

[Daisy and Delilah]

{{{{{More Hugs}}}}}

[Medusa]

Candles for Myndi and you:

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm?l=eng&cid=11045258

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm?l=eng&cid=11045247

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm?l=eng&cid=11045263

[Karen]

Prayers still on the way! For Myndi, and Sparky and you, too!

[pomtzu]

First - I want to thank each and every one of you for your concerns, positive thoughts, prayers, candles and hugs that you have sent out for Myndi (and me as well.)

She is doing reasonably well under the circumstances, and compared to the way she was on Friday. Her appetite is great, so that's a big plus in her favor, and she is eating 3-4 meals each day. This a.m. around 5:30 she had a good sized early breakfast, and around 10:30 she had brunch consisting of steak and eggs and polished that off too. Yup - steak and eggs - filet mignon flavored dog food with a scrambled egg mixed in. :) Of course poor little Sparky is totally confused and not digging this new routine at all. It's like "Hey Mom - why does she get to eat so often - and I only get my one meal??? Not fair - we are supposed to share equally around here. What's goin' on???" So I give him a little treat to pacify him and so that he won't feel left out.

Myndi was absolutely elated when the crew got home last night from vacation, and was following everyone around (in her wobbly way), and trying to get in the middle of it as she always does. Did my heart good to see her happy. She was probably getting sick of just boring old me being around. Today she has been up and around much more than in the past few days.

I'm cautiously optimistic but cannot allow myself to become too relaxed now. Her age is not in her favor for a full recovery, and I know that I could lose her at any time. Her vet has always been up front with me about everything, and has never tried to paint a rosy picture or sugar coat an issue - she always lets me know what's on both sides of the coin. When Myn was diagnosed with the heart murmur 2 or 3 years ago, she told me that Myn could live for many more years with it, or I could lose her in an instant. As it is, there has been no change at all with that issue. Myn is one tough, strong and spunky little cookie, and I'm hoping those qualities will help pull her thru this crisis.

Now I need to stop beating myself up over the warning signs that I missed. I was just so sick: - I saw them, but they just didn't register as a serious problem. But that's done and nothing can change the past, so I just need to look ahead now, and put my energies into helping my little Spazz Muffin get well, if indeed it is meant to be.

Just thought of something strange. I've only heard her bark once this past week. Normally she is very mouthy and always has to be heard - it earned her one of her many nicknames - "The Mouth". If she couldn't find anything to bark at, she has a very vivid imagination to help her along. My son said she is getting a wee bit senile! :p

Again - thank you, thank you, thank you, for all the support you have shown. :love: And please, keep those PT prayers coming. :)



ETA: 4:20 p.m.
I'm, sitting here laughing at myself, amazed that I can now be enthusiastic over the color of dog poop. It's no longer black, or even really dark brown - just the normal average color that it should be. A good sign?? - I hope so. She just produced it after her 3rd full size meal of the day! Fingers. toes, and paws crossed..........

[Freedom]

Good news! Thanks for posting.

Keep it up, Myndi gal.

[krazyaboutkatz]

This is great news!!!:D I'll continue to keep Myndi in my thoughts and prayers. She sounds like a feisty old girl so I think she'll be with you for quite a while yet.;)

[Taz_Zoee]

Woo Hoo for Myndi!! This is wonderful. I hope she continues on this road. :D

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm so glad to read this good news, Ellie. I will keep praying and praying that everything will be okay.
Only us pet lovers would be thrilled with dog poop. In times like this it is so important.

Poor little Sparky. He just doesn't know why sister is getting the royal treatment but he probably senses she isn't feeling well. Don't you think?
Kisses from me to both of them please!! Please get better Myndi!!!!

{{{{{{{MYNDI AND ELLIE}}}}}}}

[Medusa]

LOL I know what you mean about getting excited over poop. When Puddy was sick and it went from looking like pudding to regular poop, I was elated! I thought "I really need to get a life". So glad to hear that Myndi has markedly improved. I'm so happy for you both, Ellie. :love:

[Asiel]

Great news and I can tell by the sound of your post that you are truly elated. So glad everything seems to be going that well, like you said, her spunk will probably see her through this crisis. meanwhile I'll keep my fingers crossed for both of you.

[pomtzu]

A little update:

She's holding her own, and making a little progress - in baby steps of course. Her appetite continues to be great, she is socializing more, and not quite so wobbly. She walks more outside - even does her little half run/bunny hop that she does in the grass. We only go out for a few minutes and in a shady spot - it's HOT!!! - in the mid to upper 90"s - humid - and the heat index well over 100. Not fit for man nor beast to be out in that! And yesterday she barked again for the first time in over a week. Never thought that would be music to my ears, since normally she never shuts up, but I had gone out to run a few errands, and when I got back home, I got the barking greeting when I came in the house, and her excited following me around routine.

Med time has become a fierce battle tho - gets worse with each dose. They are all liquids, and one should ideally be given on an empty stomach, so I've been doing all 3 at the same time. Last night it took me, my son (who is by no means a little guy), and DIL to get them in her (or on her :(), and 2 people came away with bites on their fingers (but not me :D). It's just not worth potentially hurting her to medicate her that way, so this a.m. I just put them in with her breakfast. She was fighting us like a wild bear last night, and I've never seen the jaw strength that she has, even in bigger dogs. My concern was that she would smell the meds and then wouldn't eat her food with them added, but no problem, she wolfed it down. Not much sense in continuing that battle and possibly hurting her and most definitely stressing her out, so we'll just adjust our strategy.

So that's where we stand right now. Her next blood test on 7/2 will give us a better picture of what's going on - those #'s just have to come up!!! But for now, I'm just happy to see her getting a little strength and interest back. I pray that it's not just the calm before the storm!

She still needs all the prayers that she can get, so please remember her in yours. I give thanks every day for all that all of you have sent up for her. :love:

I'll try to post some new pics later. You'll see that she still smiles! :)

[Pinot's Mom]

Well, at least she's fiesty enough to fight the meds-not that it helps getting them down! Keep that feistiness up, Myndi! :)

You know I'm with you on the heat. Princess Pinot the chipmunk hunter isn't even spending much time out there. She cries and cries to go out, we take her, after not too long she retreats to the A/C. WAY too hot!

Prayers continue for little Myndi! Get better, sweetie (and your Mom, too!). :love:

[cassiesmom]

More prayers for Myndi :love:

[Asiel]

Glad Mindy is showing so much spunk. At least you know she still has energy left if she can fight that hard against the meds. Doesn't that yapping sound terrific when you stop hearing it for a while? Keeping you both in my prayers, I know what you're going through so I hope everything keeps on the upswing for you and her. I keep looking at her picture in your sig and laugh my head off at the thought of her actually biting fingers...:D

[Daisy and Delilah]

Still praying and sending hugs, Ellie.:)

Feel Better Myndi!!! We want to see you off Mom's worry list. Our's too.:(

[Karen]

Pomtzu, do you have a compounding pharmacy near you that might be able to make them taste like something yummy so she'd lap it right up? You know, liver or bacon or rotten something that might smell yucky to us, but irresistible to a certain princess?

[pomtzu]

Pomtzu, do you have a compounding pharmacy near you that might be able to make them taste like something yummy so she'd lap it right up? You know, liver or bacon or rotten something that might smell yucky to us, but irresistible to a certain princess?

Good idea, but it's already as stinky/yummy as it gets! She loves liver, and the high potency vitamins that are super fortified with liver and iron, smell very strong of liver, and overwhelms the mild to tasteless of the other two. The antibiotic is liquid like is given to little kids and smells like bubblegum, and the pill dissolved in a little water is practically tasteless. So it's just going in her supper again tonight!

[Freedom]

You'll see that she still smiles! :)

He hee, THAT is super!

If you need to get the meds refilled, consider if you want to keep th liquids added to the food (i she takes them that way, great!), or if you want to ask for pills. I know for me, liquid just goes everywhere EXCEPT in the mouth intended, lol.

Adding them to the food sounds like the best way. You are so right, all that stress is no good for any of you.


Keep it up, Ellie! Stay on the recovery road, Myndi! We aren't forgetting you, Sparky! (did I cover everyone? LOL)

[Medusa]

Prayers are continuing for everybody, Ellie. :love:

[chocolatepuppy]

Good to hear Myndi is doing better.:) Continued prayers.

[pomtzu]

Did you say "pills", Sandie?? Heaven forbid - absolutely impossible. I thought I'd have it easy with liquids, but Jaws had other ideas. It would take a crowbar to pry that mouth open even the tiniest bit to get the syringe with liquids in. Putting it in her food is working fine, since she wolfs down everything in her dinner bowl. Even Sparky is starting to get with the program, and he knows that every time she gets a bowl of food, that he will get a snack or two. He's being a trooper about it.

She continues to amaze me with the improvement she is showing. She is really getting quite a bit of energy back - was doing her run/bunny hop thingy around the yard at 5 a.m., and then came in and did a lazy version of her ritual dance that she always does while I'm fixing her food, talking (barking) to my son before he left for work. He can get her to carry on the longest conversations I've ever heard - it's so funny.

So we continue on, and hope and pray that all of this is good and she really is on her way back. Only time will tell.

Okay - a few pics that I didn't get to yesterday. These were taken Sunday and yesterday. See - she's still smiling..........:love:

[Medusa]

Aw, the cute little fuzz nugget. :love:

[Catherinedana]

Keep smilin', Myndi!! You're adorable!!

So glad that she is doing better!!

[Freedom]

Oh my, she DOES look like she is feeling good! Keep at it!

[Asiel]

She really does smile...keep on smiling Mindy. Cute pictures Ellie, she looks like she's making a great recovery but we'll keep the prayers flowing to be positive.

[cassiesmom]

Dear sweet Myndi! I am so glad you are feeling better! gentle *kiss* for you and *kiss* one for Sparky, too!

[Daisy and Delilah]

Love the pics of that smiley girl!!! She reminds me so much of my RB Killer. Killer was brown. She looks great, Ellie. Feel better, Sweetheart!! Kisses to Myndi and Sparky please!!!
{{{{{MOM}}}}}

[Pinot's Mom]

{{{hugs}}} and kisses from Ellicott City -- keep feeling better, sweetie!:love:

[Taz_Zoee]

Aww, I'm so glad to read (and see) that she is taking her meds well and is feeling better. :D :D Keep it up Myndi (and Ellie)!! :)

[krazyaboutkatz]

Cute pictures.:) I'm so glad to hear that she's doing so well. I hope she'll continue to be happy and healthy for a long time.:)

[pomtzu]

Thank you all for the nice comments and continued well wishes. I can't begin to tell you how much they mean to us.

She did exceptionally well yesterday, and maybe even over-did it somewhat, since she isn't quite so spunky so far this a.m. I think that maybe this oppressive heat is playing a part in it - it was already over 80 outside at 6 a.m., and even tho we have central a.c., the unit is 20 years old and not working as efficiently as it once did, but it sure beats no a.c. at all. Even Sparky didn't eat his supper last night. :eek: She didn't want to be outside at all this a.m., and didn't eat all of her breakfast and hasn't had anything to "say" so far. She's been walking around some and acting like she wants something - just don't know what. Maybe she's ready to finish that breakfast now??????????

So I'll just keep a little closer watch on her today (without hovering too much :eek:). She's under the desk at my feet, giving herself a little cat bath - washing her legs and feet. Miss Prettiness (another pet name) must keep up appearances, don't ya' know??? :p:D

So please keep those PT prayers coming her way, since she still definitely needs them.

Thanks Friends. :love:

[apbtmom76]

Oh wow Pomtzu, i have just seen this, I am glad to hear that Myndi is doing so much better, I know when they fight the meds means they are feeling better, I hope you have gotten some well deserved rest and eaten a nice meal or two, I will keep Myndi and yourself in my thoughts, hugs from myself and the P.O.D.crew :D

[Daisy and Delilah]

Still wishing, hoping and praying that all is well, Ellie. Get Well Myndi!!!!!

[pomtzu]

She continues to do well, considering how close to death she seemed a week ago. Appetite remains fantastic, energy level is lots better, not much wobble, if any, to her walk, barking with regularity once more, interacting with people and wanting to be the center of attention, etc.

However, I did notice one thing that has me concerned somewhat. Her vet put her on one week only of the med for her tummy, and she took the last of it Friday. Yesterday I noticed her poop was darker again, tho not black. I need to see what it looks like today when she can produce for me again. I'm going to call the vet first thing in the a.m. tomorrow and see what she thinks - if she should still be taking more of it, or what. It doesn't seem to me that only a week's worth would allow any kind of bleed to heal, but then, I'm not the doctor either. Just talking from my own human experience on this one. She has a couple more days of the antibiotic, and stays on the Hi-Vite drops for who knows how long - quite a while I would imagine.

Myndi goes back this coming Friday for more bloodwork and a weigh-in, so that will give a better picture of where she stands. Those #'s have to come up. She feels like she has gained a little and I'm resisting the temptation to weigh her on my scales, since for accuracy, she should be weighed on the same scale as before. I still remain cautiously optimistic and fully realize that anything could happen at any time. I'm just thankful for every day that she remains with me.

So keep those prayers coming please - they're working wonders so far. :love::)

I'll update again when I know more.

[apbtmom76]

Pomtzu - I will await the results from the vet visit for Myndi. I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts. ;)

[pomtzu]

Quick update - poop looks normal. :D

I'm thinking maybe it's just dark from the liver and iron overload. She's starting to lose her taste for the fresh liver that has always been a favorite - but too much of a good thing maybe? :confused: She's still getting a lot in the Hi-Vite drops. Now she wants fresh cooked chicken. I try to shred it and mix it with her canned food, but she would prefer chicken with a little dog food mixed in. Does she get it? Guess........:p:D

[Taz_Zoee]

I bet she does! :D

I'm glad to hear things are improving. This is wonderful! She's eating, poop is looking good. Way to go! :)

[Daisy and Delilah]

OF COURSE!!!!! What baby wants baby gets.:D

Keep on feeling better Myndi Girl!!! You're making us all happy!!! YAY!!! Hi Sparky!! More hugs for Mom. :)

[cassiesmom]

(steals lyric from "Damn Yankees")

Whatever Myndi wants, Myndi gets!

Yay, Myndi! Big hugs for you and Sparky!!

[Freedom]

Of course Myndi gets what she wants - and THAT has nothing to do with her being under the weather, lol! That is just being a PT pet is all ha haaa.

Keep up the good work.

Do you have a set amount of the liver she has to eat? I would think even liver would get "old" after a while (it's a treat I buy out at a restaurant for myself a few times per year). If you can, cut back on it a bit? Maybe just mid day treat or something? So it is about 24 hours apart. Dunno what the doc had prescribed on that one.

Sparky, we love you too dear, and I know I think of you daily with all this happening around you. I am sending hugs and belly rubs to BOTH of you!

[apbtmom76]

Oh I am happy to hear this, keep getting better Myndi and I think she got hr food as well. Hugs to you all :D

[pomtzu]

Today was Myndi's recheck at the vet to see if there was any progress. The news couldn't have been better - it was almost unbelievable! I'm doing the happy dance, and calling my little girl - "Miracle Myndi", and grinning like a Chessie Cat. Two weeks ago today, she was at death's door, and I really didn't believe that she would live long enough to keep today's appointment. When I told doc this, she said she kind of thought the same thing, considering her age and how sick she was. She credited me with catching the signs and symptoms, and getting her in, in the nick of time. I just had a gut feeling that it was a bleeding ulcer brought on by the aspirin, and appears that's exactly what it was.

The #'s that needed to come up, came up in a big way in only 2 weeks: :)
Hematocrit was 13 (a very critical level), and today it was 37 (just within normal range). :D
Her weight was 8.8 lbs, and today it was 10.10 which is perfect for her. :D

I can still hardly believe that she came roaring back so quickly. So she got a clean bill of health and can go back to her normal routine. Doc wants her to stay on the Hi-Vite supplement for another 6 weeks, and I can cut her food back to twice a day, since too much is not good for her heart (murmur) or her bad knees.

Thank you all for the prayers and support that saw her thru this ordeal. I have no doubt that they helped immensely, and she's sending out thank you doggie kisses to all. :love: Of course, I'm sending out my sincerest heartfelt thanks too.

So with all that being said, and Myndi back to her almost normal self, I guess we can close the book on this chapter, at least. I'll update from time to time. BTW - I'm sure Sparky will be elated that his life too, can now return to a more normal routine!:p


She heard that there would be lots of fireworks everywhere this weekend in celebration of this accomplishment! :cool:

[Karen]

Yay! Such good news for your little girl!

[Pinot's Mom]

Yay, Myndi!!:D So glad!

[lizbud]

Great news for Myndi.:) Keep on keeping on little lady.:D

[Medusa]

Excellent news, Ellie! My RB Charmin took aspirin w/Maalox mixed in, Ascriptin it was called, but she had a cast iron stomach that one. She lived to be 18 1/2 and it looks like your Myndi is going to be an old gal like my Charmy. Atta girl! I know how relieved you must be, El. You can breathe now. ;) :love:

[Freedom]

OH MY GOSH! Doing the happy dance here for all of you as well! WOO HOO!!!! He hee, what a relief I can't imagine how YOU feel!!!!

You said so back to the old routine, but I suspect the aspirin will be eliminated or cut back.

[krazyaboutkatz]

This is wonderful news.:D Thanks for keeping us updated about her.:)

[pomtzu]

You said so back to the old routine, but I suspect the aspirin will be eliminated or cut back.

Absolutely no more aspirin for this girl. If only one or two per day did such a number on her, then obviously she can't tolerate them. I'll get some of the buffered that are made for dogs, just to have around in case she needs any. :)

[Louie and me]

Re my earlier post - RB Louie says to tell you "I TOLD YOU SO"!
Really glad to hear Myndi has bounced back and is doing so well. Keep it up Myndi, Louie hasn't figured out where everything is yet so isn't ready to show you round.

[Daisy and Delilah]

YAY YAY YAY!!!!! That's great news, Ellie!!! I'm also doing a happy dance!!!
I've given Delilah baby aspirin before and it didn't do anything. The last time I gave her one she got sick. I know I already told you all this but I had to mention it again. Now we've both eliminated the aspirin for good!!
Hugs to all of you. Great job Mom!!!:D

[cassiesmom]

Yay, Myndi! *kiss* for Myndi and *kiss* for Sparky

[Asiel]

Sorry I'm just seeing this now Ellie. Been busy all weekend with the family, they left this morning, hot yesterday and today - 98 and 99 , now I know how you feel when you're living through that.

Great news for the fuzzbutt, glad to see she's such a fighter. Hope she won't be giving you any more scares for a long time. Praying that she'll keep on the healthy path .

[pomtzu]

Well - I just knew that things were going too smoothly, and now we've hit a bump in the road. Hopefully, new meds will do the trick.

Okay - back to the start. Tuesday night she barfed up her supper, but I didn't give it too much thought. I was thinking that the heat was bothering her, since Sparky is off his feed too. Then sometime during the night, the diarrhea hit her - big time - and all over my carpet in the bedroom. :( So at about 3 a.m. I was on my hands and knees, scrubbing carpet! Yuk. I took her outside and she didn't do any more, so we went back to bed. Woke up at about 5 or 6 a.m., to more of the same. This isn't fun!

So I was up for the day, and I fixed her breakfast, and she wouldn't eat, so now I'm getting somewhat more concerned. The mess continued, and she was having to go out constantly. She ate a little around noon, and then ate her regular supper, but the diarrhea continues, just in little spotty amounts, but messy none the less. She was back to eating, but not as much as usual.

Yesterday I called her vet, who of course isn't in on Thursday, but the tech said to bring her in first thing this morning. I managed to scrape up enough of the runny mess to take in for doc to check. No blood in it - that's good - but a lot of mucous. So now it looks like inflammatory bowel disease and we're going with treatment for that. Of course, can't rule out the big "C", but not looking like that right now. So she had an injection of Reglan and a B-complex vitamin shot, and is on Flagyl for 10 days. She is also back on the Sucralfate and for 30 days this time. Doc said I should see improvement by the end of the weekend, and I have to check back in with her on Tuesday.

I had to get a pill shooter, since doc said the Flagyl is very bitter to the taste, and she probably wouldn't eat her food if I put it in there. Hopefully I can pry those jaws open without too much of a battle like last time.

So hopefully all this will calm her insides down - I've gone thru a bottle of carpet shampoo, and will need to take the shampooer to my bedroom carpet once this is over with. Last night, I tried putting her in the kitchen, since it's a lot easier to clean up linoleum than carpet, and she barked non-stop. I couldn't have her keeping the rest of the family awake, so I had to let her out. The only small space I could put her, was in my bathroom, but that's carpeted too, thanks to my ex's brain storm. So I dug out some old sheets that I've been going to toss out, and covered the bathroom floor, and put her in there with the gate at the door. That seemed to satisfy her since she could still see me, and hear my t.v. which I leave on all night, and she quieted right down. This a.m., the sheets were quite a mess, but it saved the carpet, and the sheets got tossed in the washer in preparation for tonight! :eek: Hopefully she will be doing better soon. She's still active and alert - just messy!

So that's the latest. I was hoping I could post a good update, but Myn had other thoughts.

So if I could impose on you all again for some PT prayers and good vibes for my little girl, we would sure appreciate it. :love: They worked wonders last time.....

Many, many, many, many thanks! :)

[Medusa]

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear that, Ellie. Let's try and look at it as a bump in the road and not let that "other" subject enter our minds. In the meantime, you know that mega prayers are headed Myndi's way (and yours) from Mary and the Fur Posse. Keep the faythe. :love:

[Grace]

So if I could impose on you all again for some PT prayers and good vibes for my little girl, we would sure appreciate it. :love: They worked wonders last time.....

Many, many, many, many thanks! :)

Absolutely - prayers headed East for all of you. Hoping those meds work quickly for Myndi :love:

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear the latest news.:( Myndi will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[Asiel]

Wow, that is a bump in the road Ellie. Let's just hope her tummy got irritated by something and she'll settle down by the weekend. So sorry to read that, almost feel guilty about the good news I got for my wee one yesterday.
Keeping the prayers going and keeping fingers crossed for both of you. Today being Friday she should be showing signs of improvement by Sunday I hope. We won't even think of the big "C". Isn't Sunday the new moon--I'm sure good luck will come with it.

[Freedom]

Myndi, sorry your tummy is all upset again. that is no fun, I am sure you are feeling a bit low from all this.

Momma is ON THE JOB and the white coats have supplied some help. Just take your meds, promise you WILL feel better sweet one.

[Pinot's Mom]

I'm so sorry for you, Myndi, and you, Ellie, too! :( Myndi, sweetie, please feel better - your Mom is so worried! Prayers from Pinot's house!

[cassiesmom]

mega prayers are headed Myndi's way (and yours) from Mary and the Fur Posse. :love:

... and from Elyse and Cassie too! :love:

[Taz_Zoee]

Hopefully this is just a teeny bump in the road to recovery for Myndi. I hope she is seeing improvements by the time the weekend is over.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Oh my goodness, Ellie. I'm hoping the best that this is something minor and Myndi is going to be ok. Again, I can imagine how you must feel. I'm sending out mega thoughts and prayers for Myndi, you and everyone involved.
{{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[pomtzu]

Thank you all for your continued well wishes and prayers. Keep them coming if you will be so kind!

Well it's one small step for Myndi, and one giant step for me. The diarrhea appears to have stopped - for now anyway. Those meds worked quicker than I expected - thank you Lord. :D The sheets I put down in the bathroom were clean this a.m. She barked me awake at around 2 a.m. so I took her out - they were clean then, and again this morning when I finally got up at around 7 a.m. Slept late!! :D

The pill shooter, however, was a waste of money. I have tried every tried and true method for getting a dog to open it's mouth, but NOTHING works with her. She clamps those jaws shut tighter than a vise. Actually, it's easier to do a bigger dog than these little ones. So it was back to the pet supply store last night for a liquid med dispenser. That actually worked out pretty good this a.m. It has a longer and softer end than just a syringe like doc gave me, and I dissolved her pills, flipped her on her side, and got the end in a little spot between her teeth, and squirted it in. Success. If you'll pardon the expression - "there's more than one way to skin a cat"! :eek:;)

So hope springs eternal........:)

[Grace]

I don't know if this would work for Myndi, but . . . .

We were taking care of our neighbor's dog once, and she was on a daily med. We just plopped the pill in the middle of a small glob of cream cheese - and down it went :)

[chocolatepuppy]

Sorry to hear Myndi had a setback and sorry I missed it.:o Good to hear things are back to looking better. Yes, pilling dogs and cats can be a trip, some are easy, some are not!;)

[pomtzu]

I don't know if this would work for Myndi, but . . . .

We were taking care of our neighbor's dog once, and she was on a daily med. We just plopped the pill in the middle of a small glob of cream cheese - and down it went :)

I used to be able to get pills in her by hiding them in cheese, or by making a meatball from her canned food and hiding them in there. Unfortunately that doesn't work anymore. :rolleyes: She's too smart for her own good..........:p

[lizbud]

Glad to hear the meds worked so quickly for Myndi.:) Hope things
get better for her quickly. Diarrhea is the pits.:(

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm glad to hear that at least for now the diarrhea is gone.:) Hopefully it's gone for good. Yes, pilling animals is no fun. Luckily both Storm and Sky love cat treats so I'm able to give them their pills inside of pill pockets which are made to hide pills. I just cut them into 1/4's and then roll them into balls and then wrap the balls around the pill. They also make them for dogs so you may want to check them out for future use. You can buy them at most pet stores or at the vets. I'll continue to keep Myndi in my thoughts and prayers.

[Medusa]

I was going to suggest the cheese thing, too; it always worked for my doggies but you're right, once they're on to ya, you have to try something else. I hope Iron Jaws lets you continue to medicate her. I don't want to hear that you're minus a digit or two. ;)

[cassiesmom]

Myndi sweet smart girl, please take your medicine, pretty please!

Your admiring fan,
elyse

[pomtzu]

Myndi sweet smart girl, please take your medicine, pretty please!

Your admiring fan,
elyse

I am Miss Elyse. Just under protest!!! Can't make things too easy for Mom! :eek:

:love::love::love:,
Myndi

[lvpets2002]

Prayers & Huggss from my furr purr house too..
I'm so sorry for you, Myndi, and you, Ellie, too! :( Myndi, sweetie, please feel better - your Mom is so worried! Prayers from Pinot's house!

[Asiel]

Glad to see you didn't add another post, guess things are still under control. Hope you continue being able to get those meds in Myndi...

[K9karen]

Sorry I'm late seeing this. Thankfully Myndi seems a lot better! YAY! My RB Cody caught on fast with cheese and pills, but peanut butter did the trick. Mz Logan may be camera shy and a goober sometimes, but thankfully, so far (knock on wood), despite a slight protest (as I hold a "cookie") she lets me throw a pill down her throat.

[apbtmom76]

Wow Pomtzu, I have been gone for a while, my puter was messed up and I have been at my mom's for a few weeks. I am sorry to hear that Myndi had a set back but am glad to hear that she is getting better, I do hope the meds are working and all will be well soon.

Tons of love to the three of you from my pack and I :D

[Daisy and Delilah]

More hugs, thoughts and prayers going out, Ellie. I hope Myndi is better.

[pomtzu]

More hugs, thoughts and prayers going out, Ellie. I hope Myndi is better.

Thanks so much Terry.

Yes - she is doing much better. The diarrhea has stopped, and her appetite is still very good. She sleeps a lot, but she is almost 15, so I guess that's to be expected. But when she up and awake, she's still plenty feisty! :)

I still keep a close eye on her of course, because there could be other underlying causes for all of this. We just take it one day at a time and I am thankful for every day that she is still with me. :love:

[cassiesmom]

Pomtzu, how is Myndi today? And how is Sparky? Could you please give them some hugs from me?

Thanks,
elyse

[pomtzu]

Pomtzu, how is Myndi today? And how is Sparky? Could you please give them some hugs from me?

Thanks,
elyse

See above post on Myndi.......:D

Sparky - that little bugger is just as ornery as ever. He has recovered from the thunder storms last night. He developed a fear of them a few years ago. He was cuddled up to me and shivering like he was outside in a snowstorm. :eek: Poor baby........

Lots of hugs delivered, and they're sending big doggie kisses in return. :love::love:

Thanks for checking on my furkids, Elyse!! :):love:

[pomtzu]

August 1st and all is well.

So far anyway! ;)

I decided that if everything stayed on track, I wouldn't post an update again in July, for fear of jinxing the whole recovery process.

Myndi is doing just wonderfully. She's back to her pre-mid June-near death crisis. No more bleed, no more diarrhea, and pretty much the old Myndi - being bossy and mouthy and got to be in the middle of everything! It's good to have her back.

She continues on the ulcer med, even tho doc said she probably doesn't even need it, and I think she kept her on it more for my peace of mind than anything else. Myn's appetite continues to be great and she's holding her weight at 10 lbs (on my scale), so that is a good sign too. She and Sparky both go in for their check on their heart murmur sometime this month, so I'll see what her weight is on doc's scale too. Mine's digital and very accurate, but only registers in half pounds, where doc's measures in tenths.

So no drama to report this time - YIPPEE!!! Myndi thanks EVERYONE for the prayers and well wishes that helped her thru this crisis, and of course, so do I. You all sure helped me thru a very rough time, and I am grateful for your support and concern. :love:

[Grace]

Thank you for the very happy update.

May Myndi live long and prosper :love:

[Medusa]

Excellent news, Ellie. That's what I like to hear. Atta girl, Myndi! :)

[Freedom]

NOW sit back and enjoy the summer, you 3~!!! :D

[Pinot's Mom]

Go Myndi, Go Myndi!!!:love:

[chocolatepuppy]

Good to hear Myndi is doing well!:)

[cassiesmom]

Go, Myndi, go!

[pomtzu]

Just one last update on Myndi, as I close the PT book.

Myn continues to do wonderfully. It's hard to look at her now - the spazzy little mouthy, bossy, spunky girl that she has returned to, and picture her and how close to death she was just 3 months ago. She's back to having to be in the middle of everything, demanding attention, bossing Sparky around, and all the other things that make her unique and very special. She has maintained her ideal weight, her blood count is where it should be, and no more bleeding and diarrhea. She has weakness in her back legs, but that's from the arthritis and bad knees, When she just stands in one spot, I can see the back legs quivering, but she has no trouble walking or running. I carry her up and down the steps so that she doesn't aggravate the condition. Thank goodness that she doesn't weigh any more than she does! ;)

I want to thank you all for the support, prayers, and well wishes that went out for Myndi (and me), and I'm certain that they played a very big part in her recovery. I know they played a big part in mine!!! :D

Take care all....
Love from Ellie,:love:Myndi:love:& Sparky:love:

[Pinot's Mom]

I hope we were a part of Myndi's recovery, Ellie, and I'm glad she continues to do well.

What do you mean "as I close the PT book"?

[cassiesmom]

What do you mean "as I close the PT book"?

That's what I want to know too!

Myndi, sweety, I am so glad you're doing well! Big (((HUGS))) to you and Sparky!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so glad to hear that Myndi is still doing well and I hope she'll continue to remain well for many years to come.:)

When you say "as I close the PT book", I sure hope that this doesn't mean that you'll be leaving PT.:( I hope that it just means that you're closing Myndi's health thread.

[Pinot's Mom]

I got a message. Ellie, Myndi & Sparky have left PT and that makes me very sad. :(

[krazyaboutkatz]

I got a message. Ellie, Myndi & Sparky have left PT and that makes me very sad. :(

I was afraid of this.:( Did she mention the reason. She'll be very missed.:(

[Karen]

She told me she is taking a break, and may stop back at some point, so don't worry too much, folks!

[krazyaboutkatz]

She told me she is taking a break, and may stop back at some point, so don't worry too much, folks!

Okay thanks Karen.:) I know there's been a lot of fighting going on lately and I didn't know if she was going to leave because of this or not. Everyone needs a break some time.

[lizbud]

I am so glad to hear that Myndi has recovered so well & you can enjoy
her spunky self again.:)


Taking a break & just observing for awhile, fine, but leaving this community
for good, I hope you never do that.:(:( You are valued here, much more than
you might now think. So I'll just say see ya later.:) (((Hugs))) Liz.

[Cataholic]

Pom,
I am so glad to hear that Myndi is on the mend! That was such a worrisome time.

As for closing the book, please reconsider. When I see the posts directed at you (and me, and a few 'select' others), I stop and think about the person doing the posting! I mean, come on. Can you take seriously,and creditably, much of anything that comes from these people? No way! It should make you laugh, and thank your lucky stars that you are not where they are. You should pity them, not run because of them. If nothing else, stay strong so that they "pick on" you...that means they are leaving someone else, someone else that might not be as strong as you, alone.

Really. I can't imagine leaving PT because of anything anyone on here has said/done to you. Not worth it. They aren't worth it.

Please, please reconsider!

[Asiel]

Sorry to say that Pom is indeed leaving. A person can only take so much and seeing so many of the great members that are also leaving is only making more and more leave. I'm hoping to convince her to come back as she will be so missed.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Ellie, I am so glad to hear that Myndi is doing so well. Not just glad but thrilled!!

I am so sad to hear you are taking a break from PT. You are one of my all time favorites on the board and you will be greatly missed. Please take care and keep in touch with me and the girls!!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Pom,
I am so glad to hear that Myndi is on the mend! That was such a worrisome time.

As for closing the book, please reconsider. When I see the posts directed at you (and me, and a few 'select' others), I stop and think about the person doing the posting! I mean, come on. Can you take seriously,and creditably, much of anything that comes from these people? No way! It should make you laugh, and thank your lucky stars that you are not where they are. You should pity them, not run because of them. If nothing else, stay strong so that they "pick on" you...that means they are leaving someone else, someone else that might not be as strong as you, alone.

Really. I can't imagine leaving PT because of anything anyone on here has said/done to you. Not worth it. They aren't worth it.

Please, please reconsider!
I totally agree.:) It would take a lot to make me want to leave. A break maybe but leaving I just don't see it. Please take care and take a break but also please reconsider about leaving PT for good.

[Medusa]

I'm glad that Myndi is doing so well. Good job, El!

You've said previously that you were leaving PT to take a break and you've come back, so I'm not worried. :)

[caseysmom]

I understand how you feel. I don't come on as much and I don't share my personal info anymore. Not since I confided that I would like to loose weight and then I was insulted about that, sure didn't make me feel secure here anymore.