Tuesday, April 8, 2008
April Update
Hi everyone, Sorry I have not written in so long. Heidi is doing really good. She has put all the weight back on that she had lost plus some. She was getting a lot of skin infections so the vet put her on derm tabs for her skin and coat and they have worked wonders. Heidi has not had another skin infection since she has started taking them. They seem to be helping with her appetite to. We are looking forward to the warm weather so we can start taking more walks. She loves to go for her walks. I just want to thank everyone for your support again it means a lot to us.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
December Update
Hi everyone, Heidi had a good month. She did not eat as well as she did last month but she still did OK. Heidi loves the snow. It is so much fun to go out in it and play with her. One of her favorite games is lets try and catch the snow ball. She is so funny to watch running around and rolling in it. When I do not go out and play with her she plays by her self . She sticks her nose in the snow throws it in the air and tries to catch it. Heidi seems to like the cold weather a lot more then she does the heat. She wants to be out in it all the time.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
November Update
Hi everyone, Heidi had a really good month. I have not seen her eat this good in a long time. I don't know if it is because winter is coming or what but I am very happy about it.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Octobers Update
Heidi had her blood work recheck. It came back better then last month. Her potassium level dropped and her sodium level went up. We did not have to increase her med at this time which I am really happy about because I was really worried about her all last month.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
September Update
Heidi's blood work was off a little. Her potassium level went up her sodium level dropped. The vet thinks her meds may need to be increase. We are going to recheck her blood next month. Heidi's kidney function is still a little off. The vet thinks that some were in the future we may run into a problem.
August update
Heidi is doing well. Her weight is back up to 116 pounds. Heidi has been such a good girl. She has been listening so good that now I can just open my front door tell her not to leave the yard and she does not leave she stays right in the yard. She seems to understand a lot of what I say to her.
July update
Heidi had her 3rd birthday July 27. She had a good day. I took her swimming at a lake and she loved it. When we first got there she ran right to the water but would not go in to far. It took me a little while to cox her to come in farther with me but she finally did and had a blast. I took her home after that and she slept like a baby.
June update
Heidi had her blood work done. It come back all right her meds are still working. It did show her kidney function is a little off. The vet told me she is not to worried about it. She is not going to do any thing now, but we will have to do a urinalysis next time she has her blood work done just to recheck it.
May update
Heidi is doing good . I am feeding for small amounts of dry dog food again and she is doing OK with it. She has had no more vomiting. Heidi is back up to 110 pounds. She loves going to the vet as soon as we get out off the car she runs right to the door tail waging and all. The girls in the vets office love seeing her to they all came out to say hi tell her want a good girl she is and scratch her back. That is one of Heidi's favorite things in the world to have her back scratch
April Update
Good news our baby no long has to have her blood work every month. She can go for her blood work every three months now. I call her our baby now because I think she is also a part off all you wonderful caring people. I do not know what I would have done with out all your love and support.
March Update
Heidi is doing better. My baby has gained 3 more pounds! Her esophagus seems to be healing well. She is so cute. It didn't take her long to get in to our morning routine . I get home from work at about 7:15 every morning from my night shift at the nursing home. She is so funny, she actually knows the sound of my car. There she is with her adorable little face in the front window looking out at me with those big brown eyes even before I get out of the car just waiting for me to come in the house. She's always so excited to see me when I get home. With her tail wagging uncontrollably as if I've been gone for a year she greats me with her love and kisses. I then take her outside so she can attend to her morning business. She comes back in and as soon as she see's me getting the box of prilosec and her bottle of prednisone she comes running in the kitchen and sits and waits so patiently for me to give her medication to her as if she knows hows much she needs it. Or maybe she just knows that she's going to get a treat with them lol.
February Update
After receiving her first injection Heidi has gain back 15 pounds. My sweet baby is doing much better. She is not vomiting as often and is eating more.
January update
Hi everyone, At the beginning of January I noticed Heidi was vomiting and I could just tell that something was wrong with her. I took her to the vet on January 9,2007. The vet did a superchem/CBC and a urinalysis test. The vet gave her intravenous fluids, a Tagament injection, a Penicillin injection, and 500mg Amoxitabs. Heidi's vet sent us home and told me to keep her on the Amoxicillin. After a week she was not doing any better,she was still weak and she was unable to keep any food down.I took her back to the vet on January 19. They took five x-rays of her upper body,four more blood test and gave her more IV fluids. The x-rays showed she had something called megaesophagus which the doctor told me meant that her esophagus was swollen and food could not get down into her stomach. The only thing her food could do was come back out. At this point the vet told me to take her off of her dry dog food and switch her to watered down can food to see if she would do any better with that. And to give her several small meals a day instead of two large ones Her weight went from 116 pounds down to 85 pounds, she was starving to death.
I was so worried about her. I thought I was going to lose my baby. I started giving her a nutritional supplement drink called Ensure and at that point it was the only thing she could keep down. I did not know what to do. I new I had to get something nutritional in her. The vet told me it might cause her to have the runs, but at that point I did not care. It never did give her the runs and She loved it, every time she heard the sound of the can opening she would come running. The blood work showed she had addison's disease. which was the cause of the megaesophagus.
I was so worried about her. I thought I was going to lose my baby. I started giving her a nutritional supplement drink called Ensure and at that point it was the only thing she could keep down. I did not know what to do. I new I had to get something nutritional in her. The vet told me it might cause her to have the runs, but at that point I did not care. It never did give her the runs and She loved it, every time she heard the sound of the can opening she would come running. The blood work showed she had addison's disease. which was the cause of the megaesophagus.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
What is Addison's Disease?
Let's start with a brief overview of Addison's disease. It is the common name for hypoadrenocorticism, or adrenal insufficiency. It is a disease with symptoms that are common to many other ailments, making diagnosis difficult and sometimes a process of elimination. But once Addison's is correctly diagnosed, a properly treated dog can live a normal, active life.
The adrenal, one on each kidney, is made up of two layers, the cortex and the medulla. The outer area, or cortex, secretes corticosteroid hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. The medulla, part of the sympathetic nervous system, secretes epinephrine (adrenaline), which is generally not affected by Addison's.
There are three forms of Addison's disease: primary, secondary and atypical. Primary and atypical Addison's are usually the result of immune mediated damage to the glands. Secondary hypoadrenocorticism is from failure of the pituitary to stimulate the adrenals with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It is important for you to know which type of Addison's disease your dog is being treated for.
The symptoms of Addison's disease can be vague. More importantly, they are similar to the symptoms of many different problems. Initially, the dog may be listless, or seem depressed. Many dogs are described as just seeming off, or losing the normal sparkle in their eye. Lack of appetite is a good indicator. Other symptoms include gastro-intestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea. Pain in the hindquarters, or generalized muscle weakness such as a dog that can't jump onto the bed or couch as he has done in the past is not uncommon. Shivering or muscle tremors may also be present. The most important thing to remember is that you know your dog better than anyone. If something seems amiss, have it checked out.
These symptoms may wax and wane over months or years making diagnosis difficult. If the adrenals continue deteriorating, ultimately the dog will have an acute episode called an Addisonian crisis. Potassium levels elevate and disrupt normal function of the heart. Arrhythmias can result and blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels. BUN and creatinine levels, generally indicators of kidney function, are often elevated. At this point many animals are diagnosed with renal failure, as the kidneys are unable to function properly. Typically animals are given IV solutions for rehydration, which may produce an almost miraculous recovery. This too, is a great indication that failure of the adrenals rather than of the kidneys is creating the symptoms.Symptoms Include - Vomiting, Diarrhea, Lethargy, Depression, Lack of appetite, Tremors or shaking, Muscle weakness, and Pain in hind quarters.
How can you be sure it's Addison's?
One of the first things to look at when Addison's disease is suspected are the electrolyte levels. The two that are of greatest concern are sodium (Na) and potassium (K). In addition to looking at these values, it is important to look at the ratio between the two. This number is derived by dividing K into Na and should be between 27 and 40. For example, a dog with a Na level of 145 and a K level of 4.5 would have a ratio of 32. A dog in an Addisonian crisis will typically have a low Na level, elevated K and low ratio.
While electrolyte levels are important indicators, they are not the definitive test to determine Addison's disease. In fact, with secondary and atypical hypoadrenocorticism, electrolyte levels may not be affected. For definitive diagnosis the dog is given the ACTH stimulation or response test. This tests the ability of the adrenal glands to produce the corticosteroid hormone cortisol.
To perform the ACTH stimulation test, an initial blood sample is drawn and the cortisol level is measured. The dog is injected with a form of the pituitary hormone ACTH that tells the adrenals to produce cortisol. After an hour, blood is drawn again, and the cortisol level measured. Resting cortisol should range from 1-4 µg/dl in the average dog, and should be significantly higher, in the range of 6-20 µg/dl, post-stimulation. (These numbers may vary depending on the lab.) If resting cortisol is low and the dog has no or a low response to the stimulation, the diagnosis is Addison's disease. Be aware that some glucocorticoids, such as prednisone, can affect the results of the ACTH test, while dexamethasone does not.
Keeping on top of it
There are several medications used to treat Addison's. The first type acts as a mineralocorticoid and replaces the aldosterone – the hormone responsible for maintaining electrolyte levels. It is replaced with either an oral medication called Florinef -- (fludrocortisone acetate) or the injectable Percorten-V-- (desoxycorticosterone pivalate or DOCP). For dogs that have atypical or secondary Addison's neither of these medications are used because the production of aldosterone isn't effected and electrolytes remain in balance.
In addition to replacing the aldosterone, the cortisol, or glucocorticoids, normally secreted by the adrenals must also be replaced. This is typically done with an oral form of prednisone or hydrocortisone. With atypical and secondary Addison's the glucocorticoid is the only medication given.
The bottom line
While your dog with Addison's disease will need medications and monitoring for the rest of his life, most dogs with Addison's can return to their favorite activities. You will learn to read your dog, understand what his stress triggers are and follow your instincts in his care. Together, you will overcome ADversity and learn from this experience. You will help your dog lead a normal, active and fun-filled life.
For more info check out http://www.addisondogs.com
The adrenal, one on each kidney, is made up of two layers, the cortex and the medulla. The outer area, or cortex, secretes corticosteroid hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. The medulla, part of the sympathetic nervous system, secretes epinephrine (adrenaline), which is generally not affected by Addison's.
There are three forms of Addison's disease: primary, secondary and atypical. Primary and atypical Addison's are usually the result of immune mediated damage to the glands. Secondary hypoadrenocorticism is from failure of the pituitary to stimulate the adrenals with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It is important for you to know which type of Addison's disease your dog is being treated for.
The symptoms of Addison's disease can be vague. More importantly, they are similar to the symptoms of many different problems. Initially, the dog may be listless, or seem depressed. Many dogs are described as just seeming off, or losing the normal sparkle in their eye. Lack of appetite is a good indicator. Other symptoms include gastro-intestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea. Pain in the hindquarters, or generalized muscle weakness such as a dog that can't jump onto the bed or couch as he has done in the past is not uncommon. Shivering or muscle tremors may also be present. The most important thing to remember is that you know your dog better than anyone. If something seems amiss, have it checked out.
These symptoms may wax and wane over months or years making diagnosis difficult. If the adrenals continue deteriorating, ultimately the dog will have an acute episode called an Addisonian crisis. Potassium levels elevate and disrupt normal function of the heart. Arrhythmias can result and blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels. BUN and creatinine levels, generally indicators of kidney function, are often elevated. At this point many animals are diagnosed with renal failure, as the kidneys are unable to function properly. Typically animals are given IV solutions for rehydration, which may produce an almost miraculous recovery. This too, is a great indication that failure of the adrenals rather than of the kidneys is creating the symptoms.Symptoms Include - Vomiting, Diarrhea, Lethargy, Depression, Lack of appetite, Tremors or shaking, Muscle weakness, and Pain in hind quarters.
How can you be sure it's Addison's?
One of the first things to look at when Addison's disease is suspected are the electrolyte levels. The two that are of greatest concern are sodium (Na) and potassium (K). In addition to looking at these values, it is important to look at the ratio between the two. This number is derived by dividing K into Na and should be between 27 and 40. For example, a dog with a Na level of 145 and a K level of 4.5 would have a ratio of 32. A dog in an Addisonian crisis will typically have a low Na level, elevated K and low ratio.
While electrolyte levels are important indicators, they are not the definitive test to determine Addison's disease. In fact, with secondary and atypical hypoadrenocorticism, electrolyte levels may not be affected. For definitive diagnosis the dog is given the ACTH stimulation or response test. This tests the ability of the adrenal glands to produce the corticosteroid hormone cortisol.
To perform the ACTH stimulation test, an initial blood sample is drawn and the cortisol level is measured. The dog is injected with a form of the pituitary hormone ACTH that tells the adrenals to produce cortisol. After an hour, blood is drawn again, and the cortisol level measured. Resting cortisol should range from 1-4 µg/dl in the average dog, and should be significantly higher, in the range of 6-20 µg/dl, post-stimulation. (These numbers may vary depending on the lab.) If resting cortisol is low and the dog has no or a low response to the stimulation, the diagnosis is Addison's disease. Be aware that some glucocorticoids, such as prednisone, can affect the results of the ACTH test, while dexamethasone does not.
Keeping on top of it
There are several medications used to treat Addison's. The first type acts as a mineralocorticoid and replaces the aldosterone – the hormone responsible for maintaining electrolyte levels. It is replaced with either an oral medication called Florinef -- (fludrocortisone acetate) or the injectable Percorten-V-- (desoxycorticosterone pivalate or DOCP). For dogs that have atypical or secondary Addison's neither of these medications are used because the production of aldosterone isn't effected and electrolytes remain in balance.
In addition to replacing the aldosterone, the cortisol, or glucocorticoids, normally secreted by the adrenals must also be replaced. This is typically done with an oral form of prednisone or hydrocortisone. With atypical and secondary Addison's the glucocorticoid is the only medication given.
The bottom line
While your dog with Addison's disease will need medications and monitoring for the rest of his life, most dogs with Addison's can return to their favorite activities. You will learn to read your dog, understand what his stress triggers are and follow your instincts in his care. Together, you will overcome ADversity and learn from this experience. You will help your dog lead a normal, active and fun-filled life.
For more info check out http://www.addisondogs.com
HEIDI'S STORY
HEIDI'S STORY
Hi everyone, my name is Robin and I'm asking for your help and support. My 3 year old St Bernard named Heidi was diagnosed on January 23, 2007 with Addison’s disease which means her adrenal glands do not produce the proper level of hormones to maintain her weight and stay healthy. She has gone from an active 115 pound dog that loves to run around outside and play, to a very sick dog that is down to 83 pounds and can barely even move from the couch. Since receiving her first monthly injection of a drug called Percorten - V along with her daily dose of Prednisone, Reglan and Prilosec she has gained back 15 pounds in 2 weeks and is on her way back to a healthy happy life. Unfortunately the monthly injection and the other medications that she will need for the rest of her life to survive is very expensive and I can not afford her treatment on my own. Heidi is the most loyal and loving dog that I have ever had. Before I adopted Heidi a little over a year ago, I was morning the loss of my first dog Bingo who at the time had recently past away due to heart problems. Bingo was in my life for almost 12 years before waking up one morning to find that sometime during the night Bingo had died. I was devastated. At that time I thought to myself that I could never love another dog the way I loved Bingo. He was irreplaceable. Then a year and a half after Bingo had past a friend from work told me about Heidi and that her owner could no longer keep her due to extreme allergies. The first time I saw Heidi I just fell in love with her. She had such a strong, playful personality and at that point I just knew that her and I would become life long friends. She has brought so much love and joy in to my life. It was a big difference from having Bingo who was a very small dog to Heidi who normally weighs 115 - 120 pounds. To me it's just means there's more of her to love. Heidi is not just a dog to me, she has become like my fourth child. All of a sudden after having Heidi for about a year I started to notice that she was not acting like her normal self. It almost seamed like she was depressed. I knew something was wrong. She started vomiting after every time she ate and she was eating less and less and losing a lot of weight. She was very weak. I was so worried. I brought her to the vet where they did a lot of tests on her. At first they could not figure out what was wrong with her. They put her on some medication and sent her home. After a week she was getting worse. Still vomiting and losing more weight I took her back to the vet and at that point they figured out that she was suffering from something called Mega - Esophagus which is a condition that caused Heidi's throat to get twisted and infected. It made sense, that's was why she was losing so much weight, her throat was so twisted that every time she would try to eat the food was getting stuck in her throat causing it to come back up. It was like she was actually starving to death. After another a series of blood tests they found that her electrolytes were extremely low and her Adrenal glands were not producing the correct level of hormones which are all signs of Addison's disease. After many trips back and forth to the vet they finally diagnosed her with Addison's disease which is treatable with the proper medications but there is no cure. I love Heidi so much and cannot bare the thought of life without her. The vet said that with the right treatment Heidi will be able to live a normal happy and healthy life. That is why I need your help. Without the expensive treatment she will end up dying and I REFUSE to let that happen. Anyone who can donate anything, even if you can only afford to donate $1.00 every little bit counts and will help Heidi live the life that she deserves. If I cannot find help, I will have no choice but to give her up. I cannot stand to go through the pain of losing another animal especially when I know there is a way to save her. Some people might be asking why am I going through all this trouble for a dog, but to me she is my best friend and her life is just as important as anyone else's. I am dedicated to doing whatever I can to make sure Heidi gets the treatment she needs that is why I am asking for your help. I'm not proud to be asking anyone for help but this is my last hope and I am praying for your compassion and support. I will keep everyone up to date on how she is doing.
Thank you so much for your support!
God Bless.
Love Robin & Heidi
Hi everyone, my name is Robin and I'm asking for your help and support. My 3 year old St Bernard named Heidi was diagnosed on January 23, 2007 with Addison’s disease which means her adrenal glands do not produce the proper level of hormones to maintain her weight and stay healthy. She has gone from an active 115 pound dog that loves to run around outside and play, to a very sick dog that is down to 83 pounds and can barely even move from the couch. Since receiving her first monthly injection of a drug called Percorten - V along with her daily dose of Prednisone, Reglan and Prilosec she has gained back 15 pounds in 2 weeks and is on her way back to a healthy happy life. Unfortunately the monthly injection and the other medications that she will need for the rest of her life to survive is very expensive and I can not afford her treatment on my own. Heidi is the most loyal and loving dog that I have ever had. Before I adopted Heidi a little over a year ago, I was morning the loss of my first dog Bingo who at the time had recently past away due to heart problems. Bingo was in my life for almost 12 years before waking up one morning to find that sometime during the night Bingo had died. I was devastated. At that time I thought to myself that I could never love another dog the way I loved Bingo. He was irreplaceable. Then a year and a half after Bingo had past a friend from work told me about Heidi and that her owner could no longer keep her due to extreme allergies. The first time I saw Heidi I just fell in love with her. She had such a strong, playful personality and at that point I just knew that her and I would become life long friends. She has brought so much love and joy in to my life. It was a big difference from having Bingo who was a very small dog to Heidi who normally weighs 115 - 120 pounds. To me it's just means there's more of her to love. Heidi is not just a dog to me, she has become like my fourth child. All of a sudden after having Heidi for about a year I started to notice that she was not acting like her normal self. It almost seamed like she was depressed. I knew something was wrong. She started vomiting after every time she ate and she was eating less and less and losing a lot of weight. She was very weak. I was so worried. I brought her to the vet where they did a lot of tests on her. At first they could not figure out what was wrong with her. They put her on some medication and sent her home. After a week she was getting worse. Still vomiting and losing more weight I took her back to the vet and at that point they figured out that she was suffering from something called Mega - Esophagus which is a condition that caused Heidi's throat to get twisted and infected. It made sense, that's was why she was losing so much weight, her throat was so twisted that every time she would try to eat the food was getting stuck in her throat causing it to come back up. It was like she was actually starving to death. After another a series of blood tests they found that her electrolytes were extremely low and her Adrenal glands were not producing the correct level of hormones which are all signs of Addison's disease. After many trips back and forth to the vet they finally diagnosed her with Addison's disease which is treatable with the proper medications but there is no cure. I love Heidi so much and cannot bare the thought of life without her. The vet said that with the right treatment Heidi will be able to live a normal happy and healthy life. That is why I need your help. Without the expensive treatment she will end up dying and I REFUSE to let that happen. Anyone who can donate anything, even if you can only afford to donate $1.00 every little bit counts and will help Heidi live the life that she deserves. If I cannot find help, I will have no choice but to give her up. I cannot stand to go through the pain of losing another animal especially when I know there is a way to save her. Some people might be asking why am I going through all this trouble for a dog, but to me she is my best friend and her life is just as important as anyone else's. I am dedicated to doing whatever I can to make sure Heidi gets the treatment she needs that is why I am asking for your help. I'm not proud to be asking anyone for help but this is my last hope and I am praying for your compassion and support. I will keep everyone up to date on how she is doing.
Thank you so much for your support!
God Bless.
Love Robin & Heidi
VET CONTACT INFORMATION
Hi everyone, I have had several requests for the contact information for Heidi's vet. Unfortunately for some reason her vet dose not feel comfortable with me posting their info on the site but they did say that I could give it out upon request. If you would like the vet contact information, please send me a message or email me at helpsaveheidi@yahoo.com and I will be happy to give it to you.
Thank you for you're interest. Robin
Thank you for you're interest. Robin
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