Smiley is in the ER

[Sudilar]

I just cannot believe this!!! My parents' rushed Smiley to their specialist vet this morning. Smiley was lethargic and not eating. My daughter, Shiloh and I went over to visit Smiley on Sunday and could see that she was not feeling well. She was happy to see us, but would just watch us and not interact. She had started to refuse food and threw up a bit, too. My parents brought her to their vet (the one who took care of Bandit) this morning and they put her on IVs and ran tests. The vets confered and are talking Addison's Disease. The results will be in tomorrow. She is in intensive care til tomorrow.

I don't know much about Addison's, but I'm sure I'll be learning more than I want to know shortly.

I just can't believe it.

[captain]

Oh Sue ...:(

{{{{{{{{HUGS AND KISSES}}}}}}}}} across the miles. Let us know all about it, OK!?

[Logan]

Good heavens, Sue! I am hardly believing this!!!!

Please let your family know that Smiley is in our prayers.

Logan

[KYS]

Oh Dear! :(
Please keep us udated on poor Smiley.

Sending lots of good thoughts.

[Pam]

Oh my gosh! Your poor parents!!! This is just incredibly sad and seems unbelievable after what they have just recently gone through. I am sorry, but I don't know anything about this disease either. Unfortunately you and your parents have had to learn about too many diseases recently. :( (((Hugs))) to you all.

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Sue, I was so sorry to hear about Smiley, I'm sure your parents are so upset, keeping fingers and paws crossed and sending a little prayer that all goes well at the Vet.
Jackie, Perry and Miss Daisy

[Cinder & Smoke]

Hello, GOD?

Hi God ~

Nudder problem down here onna Big Dirt Ball...

Smiley, dat big FluffBall that lives wiff Miz Sue's Mom & Pop -
she's feelin poorley an not eatin so gud...
An now da White Coats are wurried, too.

God, wuld You paLeeze look inna ICU tonite an help em wiffa
check-out on Smiley?

It's Munday - so there's gonna be a lotta Prayer Kandilz burning -
an we're all gonna add Smiley onna Prayer Kardz.

She's prolly a bit *skairt* havin to sleep ober atta hoppsbittel -
kuld You reach down an hold her paw wiffa GodsPaw?
That'll make her feel a lot better!

And hold Mom & Pop inna Big Gods {{{Hug}}} -
jest to let em know You're werkin onna Case.

THANKS, God!

/s/ the Praayer Pups

[Cincy'sMom]

Oh Sue, your poor parents!!! They have been through so much, in so little time!! They must be sending out some pretty special vibes to find these pups that obviously need them so badly. How strong they are to go though helth issues over and over again!

Prayers and postive thoughts for Smiley :)

[wolfsoul]

That's terrible. :( Poor Smiley. :(

I can tell you a little bit about Addison's disease. We had to learn about it in Psychology (Not sure why ?). It happens when the adrenal glad doesn't produce enough adrenaline (The oppisite, producing too much, is Cushington's (sp?) disease). It's fairly rare. Did Smiley ever have tuberculosis? That's what usually causes it..

[Karen]

Addison's disease is treatable with medication, and dogs can live long full live with it. How do I know? We've had Dogs of the Day with it - see Tide (http://DogoftheDay.com/archive/2001/September/30.html) for one happy example!

[Sudilar]

Thanks for the info, Karen. From what I've been finding on the Internet is that there is a good prognosis if you watch the dog carefully and they are on lifetime medication. The good part is that Smiley was diagnosed early, before she went into shock or worse. I've also read that shock or sudden death can happen. My parents will have to watch for signs and stressors that can bring on an episode (this is sounding a little too familiar, in a way). We will find out more tomorrow, when the test results are in. One of the vets said that there is a monthly injection that she might have to get. She thought it cost $200 a month!!!! :eek: :eek: I sure hope she is wrong!!!!!!

[shais_mom]

I am so sorry Sue!
Will be keeping your family in my thoughts

[lovemyshiba]

I'm so sorry to hear about Smiley.
I just read an article in Dog World about Addison's disease--I'll have to look it up for you.
I know that it said with early detection it is a livable condition.

Your parents and Smiley will be in my prayers.

[Sudilar]

Originally posted by lovemyshiba
I know that it said with early detection it is a livable condition.

We were beginning to suspect something was wrong. When my parents first got her, they were told she weighed 80 lbs. My parents went to have her weighed and the scale said 70 lbs. The rescue said that someone's scale must be wrong, so my parents took her to another vet office a week later and they weighed her, she had gained three pounds (she was eating a little more). A few days ago, she was eating very little and she weighed only 70 lbs. again. Something was going on. Luckily my parents are so watchful and quick to take their dog to the vet...

[tatsxxx11]

Oh, Sue:( It's almost unbelievable that your parents have yet another crisis to deal with:( And poor, sweet Smiley:( But the good news is it was detected early (thanks to your Mom and Dad) and Addison's is very treatable! Almost every visit to the white coat's, I meet parents who have a dog with Addison's disease that is being successfully treated; many for years! Keeping you and your family and sweet Smiley in my thoughts and prayers, Sue. Please keep us updated! {{{HUGS}}} Sandra

[Rachel]

Sue, your parents have again been given a mission on this earth. Seems like they have had their share of missions but apparently they do such a good job that there must be a permanent detour to their house. God bless them!

We can only echo the prayer of those phenomenal Prayer Pups who do just a good job in taking the case right to the Head Honcho.

[Sudilar]

Originally posted by wolfsoul
It happens when the adrenal glad doesn't produce enough adrenaline.e). It's fairly rare. Did Smiley ever have tuberculosis?

Thanks for the info, Wolfsoul. No, Smiley never had TB.
On a few websites, it did say that it was rare, but I am starting to hear about a lot of dogs with this disease, just as there are more and more dogs with cancer and liver disease, etc. Is it because more people are taking their dogs to the vet for a diagnosis than in the past and modern medicine has the technology to uncover problems in our dogs that weren't found before? Or are these diseases related to our environment or something else? Or is Rachel right and are my parents and I the ones who attract those types of needy animal??? Hmmm, something to think about. The rescue said that they wanted Smiley to go to my parents. I don't think I ever told you her complete story, did I? In brief, she was to be put down by the very reputable breeder because of laterally dislocating patellas (knee sockets...both legs...etc. The story gets better......I'll have to post the story when I get a chance.....

Thank you for your prayers and best wishes. I am encouraged by the fact that Smiley was diagnosed so quickly (she is at a top of the line internal medicine specialist) and has a network of knowledgeable vets).

I'll let you know

[ramanth]

Hoping that Smiley feels better real soon!!!
*hugs*

[MaxandSpike'sMom]

Hey, we're sending prayers your way. Hope all is going well.

[wolfsoul]

Just wanted to say that there was a teacher in my school with Addison's disease. She had to take it easy, but she lived (and still does!) a happy life. There was an assembly and she went up in front of the school and told everyone what she had, and said that if anyone ever saw her get in an accident or if something happened to her on a field trip, to take this needle out of her pocket and give her a shot and call 911 right away.

Your parents are very watchful! I probably wouldn't have even noticed. :eek:

[K9karen]

Ah Sue...I'm just welling up with tears! Esp. Ater seeing all those gorgeous Great Pyrs at the dog show this weekend and immediately thinking of you and your parents. I'm so glad the diagnosis was quick and that Addisons can be controlled. But I just feel the anxiety and worry you and your folks are going through. I believe in fate and I think that you and your family were blessed to be lifelong rescuers with your compassion and love. Some people would just give up but you are all an inspiration for everyone. Thank God there are animal specialists nowdays! Wrap around,tight hugs to you and your parents and a dial up to God (on my new phone-free long distance!) for a quick recovery for our dear Smiley!!!!

[Albea]

Oh, Sue, I'm so sorry that Smiley and your parents have to deal with this. I don't know anything about Addison but, from what other people said, it can be treated. Prayers and best wishes are going your way to share with your parents and their pup.

[Sudilar]

Thanks everyone, for your thoughts and prayers. Smiley is still in the hospital on IV's, but they plan on taking her off of them and letting her go home this afternoon. My parents have decided on the monthly shot treatments ($200 a month :eek: ) to be sure that she keeps this under control. I will update later, when she gets home. Thanks, again.

[Sudilar]

Smiley's home!!!! It is confirmed, she has Addison's. I don't know if it is Primary, Secondary or Atypical yet. (Gee, now I'm learning about Addison's.....I really should have been a vet!) She has to go back in two weeks for more bloodwork to help decide on the dosages and scheduling of injections. Right now she is on Prednisone...she will have an appetite on this drug....I can guarantee it! The poor sweetie only weighs 70 lbs. now. She should be able to start gaining a little weight soon. She is on rest and relaxation for a while. The vet bill was $1574.80 :eek: and they didn't even charge her for some of the things she received while in intensive care!!!!

Mom and Dad say thanks for the prayers!!!

[tatsxxx11]

I'm so happy to hear that Smiley's home!:) Your Mom and Dad most certainly have been given a mission in life, Sue! Wow, that's a staggering bill! What devoted, caring people your parents are Sue! Theyb are truly amazing. I now know where you get your amazing sense of dedication from!:) Paws crossed that Smiley's feeling lots better very soon!

[Kater]

I'm so glad Smiley is home! :)
Prayers for success with her Addison's treatment.

Now, Smiley, it's time to CHOW DOWN! :D

[captain]

Welcome back home Smiley ........ eat well, and get well :)

[K9karen]

Sue, do your folks have Vet Insurance? Just curious...

[Sudilar]

No, Karen, they just recently adopted Smiley and never expected another dog to have a major illness (remember Bandit had cancer) too. It is just so unbelieveable!!!

[anna_66]

Sue, I'm sorry I'm getting in on this so late.
I just can't belive that Smiley has Addison's (and that the vet bill was $1574.80:eek: ).
Rachel's right, this must be your parents mission. I'm glad they are able to afford to give her the monthy shot.
Please tell them that they and Smiley are in my thoughts and prayers.
Please keep us updated when you can.
Anna

[Sudilar]

Originally posted by anna_66
I'm glad they are able to afford to give her the monthy shot.


Well, not exactly. They live on a fixed income, so they will be giving up a few things to enable them to afford the shots. They feel that she is most important.

[ChrisH]

Oh, Sue, I have only just seen this! Just so unbelieveable! :( Lots of hugs, prayers, and positive thoughts being sent for Smiley, your parents, and you too.
Chris

[Sudilar]

Check out PICTURES of Smiley in the Success Stories section of the rescue site: Smiley pics (http://www.gpcgc.org/success.htm)

[Cinder & Smoke]

Here's SMILEY...

http://www.gpcgc.org/SmileyCa.jpg :)

Hey Sue ~

Check out this web site - devoted to Dogs with Addison's...

http://www.addisondogs.com/ (http://www.addisondogs.com/)

Here's a page that describes the THREE Types of Addison's...
Addison's - Three Types... (http://www.addisondogs.com/addisons/aboutad.html)

And here's a page regarding Medications ~
Might find some Alternative Ideas here...
Medications for K-9 Addison's (http://www.addisondogs.com/addisons/medlab.html)

HANG IN There, Smiley, AND Mom & Pop!!

[lizbud]

Sue,

Sorry to hear that Smiley is ill. In reading how expensive this
monthly medication will be, I checked on vetinfo.com to search
for anything I could find on this disease & treatments. Here's
two links on the disease & possible alternative medications.


http://www.vetinfo.com/daddison.html

http://www.vetinfo.com/dflorinef.html

[K9karen]

Sue, I love your parents...I'm adoptable... ;)

[Sudilar]

Originally posted by K9karen
Sue, I love your parents...I'm adoptable... ;)

Hehehe!!!

Thank you for the info Phred and Liz. My parents want to go with the injectable protocol because of the certainty of it. The vet will check her out at each visit to be sure she is doing ok. They fear another life-threatening crisis (which I hear can happen if their meds are not properly taken....like spitting them out in the couch, on the stairs, in the frontroom....ask Killian how it's done ;) )I am also getting info from two Great Pyr owners who presently are owned by Addison dogs. One goes with the injections and the other goes with the pills. Both take a steroid in conjunction with the treatments. Depending on the bloodwork in two weeks, we'll see what is going to happen. I hear she has a lot of bloodwork to go through for the first year, too!! After that, it is more maintenance and bloodwork 4 times a year.

So far, she is eating Canidae dog food which I brought over (Shiloh is sharing....). She seems to like it, but of course, she is on pred, so very soon she will be eating everything!!! (but Cherry Bites are a no-no!, ask Killian, the Candyman!)

[mugsy]

Sue,

A friend of mine told me about an organization that helps people who are on fixed incomes and have sick pets. Their website is www.imom.org . I hope they can help.

Molly