Chipper + Cat Food = Ick! Ick! Ick!

[mugsy]

That little man has been through hell! Lucky for him Andy fell in love eh? I can't wait to meet him!! I'm excited now! I sure hope the tests show something conclusive so that you don't have to be guessing anymore.

[.sarah]

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear that Chipper has not be feeling good, but I'm glad he's doing better today. I hope he continues to improve

[RedHedd]

Oh Kimmy! Poor Chipper sure has been through a lot but I'm glad to hear he's feeling more .... chipper I do hope they get to the bottom of this and that Chipper has many more years of good health with you and yours.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so glad to hear that Chipper is doing much better. Now hopefully the doctors will be able to find out what's been causing his illness. I'm still keeping him in my thoughts and prayers.

[Jakesmom]

Just an FYI, your vet probably knows this info. If you are sick and have an inadequate adrenal response (ie, your cortisol is not as elevated as it should be by the stress of your illness), you will be even sicker. You will improve with steroids, like Chipper did, but it won't cure or treat the underlying illness. It would be unusual for Addison's to not have abnormal electrolytes (and its pretty amazing if his electrolytes were normal with all the vomiting and diarrhea, but they produce opposite electrolyte changes so sometimes they sort of cancel each other out when you check labs).

So, good for the vets that they are continuing to look and not be satisfied with his initial response to the steroids. Hopefully Addison's is it, as it would be easy to treat.

Jakesmom

[shais_mom]

I slept thru the morning and am so glad to come here and see that at least you are 'getting' somewhere!
still sending prayers and lots of love!

[dragondawg]

Just an FYI, your vet probably knows this info. If you are sick and have an inadequate adrenal response (ie, your cortisol is not as elevated as it should be by the stress of your illness), you will be even sicker. You will improve with steroids, like Chipper did, but it won't cure or treat the underlying illness. It would be unusual for Addison's to not have abnormal electrolytes (and its pretty amazing if his electrolytes were normal with all the vomiting and diarrhea, but they produce opposite electrolyte changes so sometimes they sort of cancel each other out when you check labs).

So, good for the vets that they are continuing to look and not be satisfied with his initial response to the steroids. Hopefully Addison's is it, as it would be easy to treat.

Jakesmom

Disturbances in electrolytes is usually only found in primary Addison's disease or where the adrenal glands themselves are incapable of producing insufficient cortisol. When in the rare event sodium/potassium levels become imbalanced in secondary Addison's disease especially high potassium it can lead to rapid heart failure.

Vomiting, lethargy are common symptoms. Signs of Kidney failure can occur, and that sometimes misleads the Vet. An ACTH challenge test is the only true test that will confirm Addison's disease, and it's a given the Vet school will run that test to measure the adrenal response.

The most common cause of secondary Addison's is prolonged administration of a cortisteroid such as Prednisone and stopping suddenly. If external drugs are not involved another common cause is a Pituitary tumor. It suppresses the Adrenal glands production of cortisol. Usually the tumor is very slow growing and not addressed. Other secondary hormonal causes which suppress adrenal function can cause secondary Addison's disease.

Treatment consists of the administration of oral fludrocortisone acetate (Flurinaf) for the rest of the dog's life. It will be important to minimize stressful conditions e.g. avoid hot/cold environmental temperatures. Likewise a controlled diet will be important in the future.

It sounds like the Vet school is doing a very complete, and excellent job with the diagnostics.

[ramanth]

Deep breaths... deeeep calming breaths.

Okay.... bad news and good news.

Dr. Byle called to introduce himself as the doctor that took Chipper's case. The bad news is that because Chipper was given food, they can't run the tests today that they want too, since Chipper needs to fast for 8 hours. Also since he was given medicine, it might skew some of the results.

They also want to wait for the results on the ACTH looking for Addison's. And Dr. Byle was told those results won't come in until tonight.

They can however do the ultrasound which he will under go in a couple of hours.

So this is how it will go.

Tonight they will draw blood after his 8 hour fast. If the ACTH comes back positive they will not do any other tests and will start treatment accordingly.

If the ACTH comes back negative, they would like to take the blood taken after his fast and do a:

1. Bio Acid test - checks the liver
2. Cobalamin/Folate, PLI, and TLI - test is sent to Texas; will be a week before results are in
3. and a GI endoscope - 3-4 days for results

Good news really is that they are being thourough and I really want Chipper to get better. But it comes with a price.

Right now the bill is at $1,100. With the ultrasound, it goes to $1,500. If he has Addison's, that's the total cost. Dr. Byle says it's possible but unlikely though.

If those other tests have to be run, the cost plus his additional stay at the clinic will run about $3,000.



Time to rob a bank. Deeeep breaths.

[.sarah]

Wow, I'm so sorry! I know how you feel though, Buck's emergency surgery last month was over $1,000... Money that I definetly do not having lying around!

[Barbara]

Kimmy,
I read this just now. I am so sorry for all that trouble for poor Chipper and for you. Hope everything goes ok with the tests.

[ramanth]

Just thought I'd share the past couple of days in pictures....

Thanksgiving Day:

Outside enjoying the warm weather and sun


Playing with Sasha, Seamus, and Kia


My sister giving him a big hug and kiss


Saturday, Nov. 25th:

Asked them to get in their crates. Kia got into Chipper's and Chipper followed her. You can see he is a very different dog than on Thanksgiving..




Sunday, Nov. 26th:

Started to perk up. Went outside with Kia in the morning to people watch.


Then decided that my sleeping bag made a pretty nice bed.


Monday, Nov. 27th:

Crashed out on the couch with Kia


Then sharing it with Zam


Tuesday evening, Nov. 28th:

Trying to give him some Pedialyte.

[ramanth]

Wednesday morning at MSU:


Wednesday evening:


Thursday morning:


Telling him goodbye before leaving for work

[Logan]

Oh Kimmy, he is so thin. I know you are worried sick about his health, and also about these horrible expenses. I can't do much, but I would like to contribute something, small as it is, to his care. I know that is NOT what you're asking for, but if you would allow us to help, in small amounts, perhaps it will help you and Andy to do what you need to for Chipper, and get him well, so you can move forward with him and in your new life together and get that house and yard you want so badly sooner than later!

Would you get the necessary information together and send me a PM as to where I can send a small contribution for his expenses, whether it be to you or the veterinarian. I trust you, so I'm not worried about where I send it. I think after all these years, we know you well enough to know that you would be doing the exact same thing for us.

In the meantime, many, many prayers are being sent on Chipper's behalf and for you and Andy and Kia, Zam and Logan (special, special to me). I know the other 3 have had to take a backseat to Chipper right now, but they will be a lifesaver for you, while you wait on these test results.

Much love to you and Andy and the furry ones.

Logan

[Vela]

Good idea Logan, I'm up for that. Let me know where I can send something to help. I think PT should adopt him along with you. I already check back here 50 times a day to see if there is any news. Thanks for keeping us so up to date. Give him a hug for me!

[wolf_Q]

Kimmy, thanks for sharing the photos of him. He is such a beautiful boy, he is so lucky to have you. I hope everything will be ok with him.

I'd also like to send a contribution for Chipper's vet care.