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1475974 tn?1306881321

weak, lethargic

I have a 7 year old Affenpinscher, over the past year have spent over $10,000  trying to find out whats wrong w/her.  Lethargic, not eating (except when on Prednisone ? sp) have had every test done all negative, xrays, thyroid, surgical lymph nodes in neck - removed n tested, she's just sickly.  She was fine up till last August(09) and she got into some very old fish bait and was very ill--she was treated by VET for that...its seems to be down hill from there. Been to Tufts (MA) n full testing done there Jan-Feb 10.  When on IV she seems better for 1-2 days then starts all over again...ugggg!  She was given her shots about 1 month ago and started bleeding/diahhrea..back to vet on IV fluids for 4 days.. We love her so much and is the sweetist little 10 pd dog..BTW she was 12 pds when all started...
If anyone has any suggestions would greatly appreciate it... Thank you
35 Responses
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Avatar universal
Hello, Out of curiosity....did she ever take metronizadole?  Glad you  recieved a diagnosis.  
Helpful - 0
1475974 tn?1306881321
Anyone that has been following my Lulu, we finally have a diagnosis... Hepatozoonosis...
not a good one either.  The treatment plan is worse than the illness, so we are just going to let her live out whatever time she has left.   She's not doing "horrible" but there are days that you can tell she is in pain...we are giving her Dr. Carol's PAAWS, Joint Relief, 1/4 or .5 Pred...
so, if anyone knows anything about this tick ...from Africa/South America and some cases in Texas I would appreciate any feedback.  Especially what to expect...time frame etc.

Most mornings are tough, but as the day progresses, she seems alittle better.  She's much better than she was in October, we still feed her only chicken soup...no canned food but sometimes I feel like I should just let her eat whatever she wants!?!
Well just wanted to vent a bit...thanks for listening!
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Avatar universal
I almost lost one at 7 as well, now she is old, with white around her eye's and it brings me joy to know I have had her for so long now, she still has issues but, she is still spunky and ready to play morning, day and night and anywhere inbetween..lol
  
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1475974 tn?1306881321
I'm sure you all know and are aware of the pain of losing a most beloved pet....I know,  I have lost many over my life time  (3 so far) ...but they have all been "at their time"  13-16 years old... I was just not ready to lose Lulu~~~only 7 years old and just not for the right reasons...IE; no real diagnosis! As I said to Dr. Carol..she is such a mystery...what is wrong???    Thank you everyone,,,, Merry Christmas to you all!   She is soooooo cute and just a joy to be with!!!   Believe in Dr. Carol...she is very "smart" and if you give her the chance to know your "pet"  follow her instructions...you can get your "baby" back!  We did....it was not easy...but we did!  
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Avatar universal
Thank you for the update. Way to go Dr. Carol O.  !!! Yeah !!!!
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462827 tn?1333168952
Merry Cristmas to you, Merry Christmas to you, Merry Christmas to LuLu & Merry Christmas to her Mom, too!    :)              Karla
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1475974 tn?1306881321
Just wanted to send a Merry Christmas~~Happy Holiday message to all my concerned friends!  Lulu is doing marvelous!  Thanks to all of you and this site!  With your kind words and advice, I contacted Dr. Carol and together we have helped Lulu! She has gained 2 pounds~that alone has helped with her strength~with her vitamins and enzymes she is eating, playing, running, jumping and most of all...getting into trouble again!!
If you are still reading this and you have a "sick" dog that NO one can seem to help...go to Dr. Carol's website...write her...check out her line of products...as you know I was truly at a point where I was wondering about her quality of life and making that decision that NO one ever wants to make!  Her diet was basically killing her!  Once we changed that, got her stomach healthy again, we have our Lulu back!    Thank you everyone...especially Dr. Carol...our Christmas Angel!  
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462827 tn?1333168952
Hi......Been thinking about LuLu again........How's she doing?  Hope she's much better by now.......Check in when you can.....Thanks, Karla
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Avatar universal
I am so happy that Dr. Osborne has been able to help you. I have meant to call her up for help, but so far my pups are doing alright, will for ill dogs... I am trying my vets suggestions first then I will contact Dr. Osborne for further help. I am just so happy your pup is doing so much better.  I LOVE this site !!!
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi Cheryl,

I write for medhelp, as you have discovered and appreciate you sharing this link with me. I can't tell you how pleased I am with LuLu's current progress. You are doing an excellent job and she is your living proof!

The fact that we only started LuLu's new therapy 10 days ago and she has literally gone from death's doorstep to becoming a happy, active member of your family again is just terrific!

I was pleased a few days ago, when you told me she enjoyed her new home-made meals and seemed to be feeling so much better, that you got her groomed.

Today when you told me that in addition to her good appetite and formed stool, she started jumping again, then ran away from your husband and actually quarreled with your other dog, Mishu is wonderful!

Keep up your great work and please keep me posted.

Have a wonderful evening.

Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM
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1475974 tn?1306881321
Hi Karla...
Actually both...we have spoken several times on the phone and by email....
Lulu has gained almost 1 pound since last Sunday...so about 11 days!
Her strength is getting better, not great but better... as I said before, this is going to take
some time but feel we are surely on the right path now.
She's getting an IV of fluids daily and still on the Pred, that will most likely be for life according to Dr. Carol ? since she has been on them since Jan this year ... we shall see.   I will try the vegies in w/her soup mix, perhaps she will eat them!  
Lulu is figuring out about all the pills n powders in her "pill pockets" and actually finding a way to get the powder out!   my little devil...case in point..she's getting better  :-)
blessings to all...and thank you too!!
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462827 tn?1333168952
Oh.........I'm so excited for you.... Thank you for the update, as I have been wondering about her....

Are you speaking with Dr. Carol by phone or email? Just curious....Again, she seems like a lovely person....I have read her webpage for years.....

Hint: My female picks the veggies out and spits them on the floor. ;)  My boys will eat anything.....I have found that by cooking the veggies along with the chicken, gives them better flavor and she will eat them this way....Actually, what I do is boil everything in one pot, thus the veggies have been cooked in the natural chicken broth. This seems to work better! I use frozen veggies and pull what I need out of the freezer.....

Anyway again, thank you for the update....I'm really happy for you.....Good dog days make for good people days don't they?   Take care, Karla

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1475974 tn?1306881321
Hi Karla,
Thank you for your continued interest in Lulu...
WELL!!!   As I said earlier, I have been in touch with Dr. Carol (Osborne) and she has just been terrific.  We changed her diet--totally--chicken, sweet/regular potato, vegetable (although she does figure out how to not eat them all the time) on her Paws AM & PM, Digestive enzymes and a whole list of other things,,
SHe is doing much better, not 100% but at least she is moving a bit...plus her poops are heathier...she actually jumped up on the couch the other day!!!
Sure this will be a long road but I can see a bit of progress already...
I am so thankful to Dr. Carol...she has been just wonderful!
More later...and thanks everyone!
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462827 tn?1333168952
Hi Lulu's mom,  How's Lulu doing?  I've been wondering about you both......Check in when you can......Thanks, Karla
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Avatar universal
Dear

I have a lebra dor and he was acting in the same way as your dog is right now. Ten i came across a website(www.petcareprod.com) and they suggested me a diet plan which prove to be one of the best. They saved my lovely dog.

Thanks
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1475974 tn?1306881321
She is severly dehydrated and feels that this will lead to kidney problems.  Getting lots of enzymens, vitamins, pre & pro biotics sent to me, hopefully today, so that we can start her on a daily program.  I have changed her diet (yes!!!) and she seems to be eating a little better.   Still sleeps alot but her movement is slightly easier to get up out of bed etc...
I will keep everyone informed of her progress...thanks everyone for you kind words and encouragement!
Lulu's Mom...
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462827 tn?1333168952
Hi....I've been thinking about you & Lulu......Dr. Carol seems like a lovely person......I'm sure interested in this prognosis & outcome. (Just for my knowledge).

What are the IV treatments being used for? Can you tell us or not? Just curious...

Anyway, good luck to you both & keep us updated if you can.....Karla
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1475974 tn?1306881321
I have been in contact with Dr. Carol, now doing the IV treatment at home and waiting on her treatment plan. I will let you know...she had a very bad weekend so I'm hoping that we can help her soon.    
Thanks EVERYONE for your thoughs, ideas etc...believe me I am taking everything to heart.  SHe is only eating chicken now...that is when she eats at all...
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Avatar universal
I agree about the diet, that stuff you have been feeding is not good and it gave my dog diahrea badly, and one incident of blood from the rectum so I quit and went to Mother Hubbard Wellness formula. But if yours is sick, like you describe I would take her off of everything except a little hamburger browned with some rice in it which is easy on the tummy per my vet. When her bowels straighten out, switch her over to natural no grains formula. I would also check out any side effects of whatever flea meds she is taking. (I have a friend who lost her dog after giving comfortis). Immediately after giving it the dog started behaving completely lethargic and caused intestinal issues almost immediately. Just a thought.
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Avatar universal
I thought my dogs might have worms and dewormed them just to make sure. What I noticed was small magets( the vet thinks)...but I did not know at the time( My dogs did not have worms, the flies took to the fresh poop quickly) and was reading up on worms, your dogs could have round worms. The symptoms do sound like that. Ask your vet if you can try this first and just pick up a wormer from them.  
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1475974 tn?1306881321
I just wrote to Dr Dodds, I will let you know if she responds.
Last night, gave her chicken...cooked it up w a small  1/4 tsp of gravy and same amout of butter for flavor..and she ate it--about 1 1/2 cups!...but last night she just wimpered n cood (I know not a word but thats what it sounds like) for hours.  About 3AM she finally stopped after 2 visits outside (only pee..no poop)   (If I just warm the chcken she won't eat it..nor cold for that fact)   Thanks everyone for your concern...its very comforting...
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Avatar universal
I wonder too what Misfits4me stated about the possibility of worm infestation. Have you read what was in the bait? You sait it was old, could she have gotten a infection that has now taken root in her spine? I was just reading last night about different worms that pets and people get. There is one worm that is found in fish that most wormers do not have for our dogs. I would write to Dr. Jean Dodds and ask her if she has any ideas as well, she is very nice, just look her up on the internet. Giver her as much information as you can so she can help you better and in less time.
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462827 tn?1333168952
OK, Saturday she was good, ate some and her back was not humped...Correct?
She did more than usual that day & now she's bad again..Right? Is her back humped again today & yesterday? Feel of her stomach, is it tight? Put your hands on both sides from the top & see if you can feel abdominal tension.....

If the answers to the above questions are yes, I feel strongly that this is a disc problem...Does she keep her head hung down? When she walks?

What dose of pred. is she taking? I know you give a 1/4, but of what milligram?

I don't think you need a ChiroVet...She needs a Neuroligist!  He (Only he/she) may can see a problem on previous xrays.....If they were taken of her neck & back....

I found listings for 7 Neuros. in your state...There IS one at Tufts Univ. His name is Dr. Dominik Faissler. Since your records are all already there, that's where I'd take her.....

Pred. (At the right dose) & painkillers, along with weeks of cage rest is the protocol....Has you tried any pain meds.? That may be your clue....

Something else:

Just FYI, there's a online store called "K9 Cuisine" that offers samples of most dry dog food....This is a wonderful company & I have shopped w/them many times.....Most of the products they sell are high end foods!  Their samples are listed under each food available.....You just click on sample.....This is a great way to try different foods without wasting whole bags.  ;(  The samples are free, you will have to pay shipping.....Still though, you can't beat that!  They will be on your doorstep in 3 days...No, I'm not kidding.....

Another food to look at:  "Ziwi Peak". Go to their homepage and check out their food....It is made in New Zealand, but there will be U.S. link......If you send them an email inquiring about their food, they will send you 3 samples of food & a bag of treats.....It will arrive in 2 wks.  This is a must, as this food is incredible!  Their canned food is also great.....Most places sell the canned buy the case......"Only Natural Pet" sells it by the can.....Something to think about.....

OK, keep me posted...I gotta go out and mow the lawn..........Karla

Helpful - 0
1475974 tn?1306881321
No food for today and just a little yesterday..have not recvd the shipment yet so can't say anything about that....
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