I'm so lucky to have so many furiends!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Twix update from Mom

I wasn't sure I would make it through the work day today because all I could think about was getting my girl to the vet this evening. When I got home she seemed more alert than she was this morning and was walking better. Her head twitch seems less frequent too. On the way to the vet's office Twix's daddy and I discussed our "options".  He felt like Twix was suffering and in pain whereas I did not and He was worried that she would fall off the bed and break something in the middle of the night or hurt her back.  Our long term followers know how much Twix and her daddy love each other and it was a very hard thing to think about us not bringing her home. It is extremely important to Twix's daddy and I that she not suffer.

When we arrived at the office Twix was not her normal anxious self but was maybe her half normal anxious self. She did some pacing and some whimpering.  Of course, I was in tears in the waiting room and it only got worse once we were in the exam room.  We talked with Dr. Abby for quite a while and asked lots of questions.  We discussed Vestibular Disorder and she said Twix definitely doesn't have that.  She and Shannon (Twix's aunt) assured us that she was not in pain.  They made some suggestions on how to keep Twix safe and we talked about how we could control those type of things. So, when we got home tonight we took the mattress off the bed and put it on the floor ;o)

Dr. Abby had sent the video to a neurologist along with a list of things going on with her and is still waiting to hear back. I asked about a concussion and Dr. Abby said that was possible since she was showing some improvement. Both hubby and I felt much better about things after talking with her.

As far as the blood in her urine, we have addressed everything that was suggested in the comments from yesterday's post. We have looked at stones, UTI's, masses, etc. She has had several urinalysis, including sterile ones. She has had x-rays and her back and discs look great. The sonogram she had done at the specialty clinic didn't show any abnormalities at all. The specialist thought she probably had a broken vessel in one or her kidneys and said the only way to fix it would be to have surgery and remove the kidney.  He felt that we don't have anything to worry about with that. We have had lots and lots of blood work done too. It seems like we do that about once a month. One reason we do blood work so frequently is to make sure she doesn't become anemic.  Her liver and kidney functions are fine.  Her blood sugar is always in a normal range.  The only thing that ever shows up in the blood work that is abnormal is the white count.

Dr. Abby feels like the biggest issue is the anorexia.  We have been trying to get her to eat things she should be eating up to this point but the vet said we should just give her what she will eat right now.  I know she likes applesauce so when we got home I put some apple juice in a bowl and she drank all of it.  I will be making a trip to the grocery store in the morning to get some applesauce and baby food fruits.

I know that Dr. Abby has had other colleagues review Twix's information and they are as baffled as she is.  I think cancer of some sort is probably what is going on but with her recent abdominal sonogram we know it isn't located there.

Thank you so much for all your suggestions, thoughts, prayers, and crossed paws. We talked about pretty much everything that was suggested when we were at the vet's office. I will try to keep you updated as I can.
Thank you so much for everything!

78 comments:

Jenner said...

I am keeping you and Twix in my thoughts!

The Ladies of Beaglebratz Manor said...

An'so the mystery goez on - that'z what mom sed - Shiloh'n Shasta here. Az fer the not eatin' - we haz a West Highland White Terrier cuzin, her name iz Bailie, she iz like that a whole lot. The only time she mite eat iz when her big sis Kailie wantz her food. Butt even then she will not eat a normal amount of food fer her size. We haz herd of that - sum dogz just don't seem tu care 'bout eatin' like otherz du (thoze dogz that don't eat much r DEFINITELY NOT Beaglez). We all here at Team Beaglebratz r still prayin'fer little Twix an'her mom an'dad.

Lacy said...

w00fs, keeping good thoughts going here..feel better Twix and grandma..

b safe,
rocky

Mollie Jo and Bobo said...

Aww thats so sweet of your momma to put the bed on the floor just for you. We keep praying and crossing our paws that you get better cause we just know you will. Lots of poodle kisses. Now go get in that bed on the floor and snuggle with your pawrents!

Wags and Licks,
Mollie Jo & Bobo

Jans Funny Farm said...

We hope Twix will have a definite diagnosis soon and will be okay. It's such a worry when something is wrong. Purrs and tail wags.

Asta said...

WE'VE BEEN SO VEWY WOWWIED AND THIS IS PWETTY GOOD NEWS CONSIDEWING WHAT YOU WEWE THINKING.
I WILL KEEP MY PAWS CWOSSED AND KEEP SENDING PAWSITIVE THOUGHTS AND OUW HEALING SMOOCHIE KISSES TO TWIX..I'M SO HAPPY SHE ISN'T IN PAIN
THANK DOG!!!!!
LOVE
ASTA

The Daily Pip said...

Thanks for the update on dear Twix. We have all been worrying about her and sending lots of love. I am so happy she is not in pain.

Your pal, Pip

Teddy said...

We're glad that she's feeling better. We hope you can get some more answers soon.

Teddy

Kari in Alaska said...

Keeping you in our thoughts. We hope you get answers soon

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

houndstooth said...

I'm glad to hear that you're starting to get somewhere. And that you ruled some things out is a good thing! We have our fingers and paws crossed for Twix here!

Bunny and her mom

Piappies World said...

It is good to hear some positive signs from your trip to the Dr. V-E-T. We continue to keep our paws crossed for Twix! The piappies love Twix and we are here to support you and your pawrents.

Try to eat your food, alright?

Love,
Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai, Wai-Max & Forgie

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Thanks for the update. We have been worried about our little friend, too, and are glad that she isn't in pain.

Maybe some baby food meat will prick her appetite. We know that you will always do what's best for her.

XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

koko said...

We are happy to hear of the improvement in Twixie girl... and we'll keep sending healing vibes your way... this is a difficult period for everyone, please stay strong and hope grandma is doing fine too.

Hero, koko, cheche & meimei

George The Lad said...

Thanks for updating us, I was thinking of you all last night,I know you are doing every thing possable to help Twix, but please make sure you are also looking after yourselves, I know how worry can affect us.
We are all here for you
Jan and George xxx

Jed and Abby in MerryLand said...

It's great to read there's some improvement. The baby food - all kinds - sounds like it's worth trying: fruit, veggies, meat, even cereal. Wonder if she'd like puppy food at all, as opposed to adult dog food? We used to give baby Danes a human baby cereal called pablum that was mixed with milk, when we were first weaning them. They loved it. Will she eat chicken & rice at all? Or mackeral [sp?] and rice? If Twix had always been a picky eater, well Lord knows they exist and you just spend your life trying to coax them to eat. But the inference is Twix used to have a good appetite, so there must be something causing the change. Sure hope the vet can offer more information and hope. We'll keep our paws crossed and healing vibes coming.

Jed & Abby

Jed and Abby in MerryLand said...

OH - have you tried hard boiled eggs? Or even scrambled eggs, with not much butter though if she's nauseated. Abby will eat hard boiled eggs mashed into rice when her tummy is really upset due to a flare up of her chronic pancreatitis.

Jed & Abby

Molly the Airedale said...

We're having applesauce on our breakie this morning too, Twix. Our paws remain crossed for you!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

It sounds like you are making the most of the information available - and have great medical support -

I know you will choose the best course for Twix!

Paws still khrossed here!

Khyra's Mom

Dexter said...

Dearest Twix Mom and Dad,
You are at a very scary juncture. I have been there many times. I urge you to make a list of all the things that make Twix happy. All the things that she loves to do and how she acts when she is doing them. For me, this is how I know when my doggies have had enough. Doggies are just such brave little creatures and they will do their best to hide pain or confusion so it is up to us to know when they are in pain. Pain can be physical or mental. My old Airedale suffered from doggie dementia (among other things) and it was his constant disorientation and confusion that was our signal with him that he was ready to cross over the bridge.

Please know that I am not suggesting that Twix has given up her fight, only that I think it makes things easier to make the right decision at the right time if you have reconciled in your heart what constitutes a good life for her. Should her condition deteriorate, trust me, I know that it is always too soon for us humans and we tend to cling to the good days and overlook the bad ones even when the bad ones become dominant.

In the meantime, you have all my thoughts that Miss Twix finds a food she loves and a treatment that helps and how wonderful for her to have your mattress on the floor so she can snuggle close.

Mango Momma

Princess Patches said...

We are very happy that Twix is showing some improvement. We are keeping our paws tightly crossed and sending loads of healing Aire-zen!

Aire-hugs,
Penny & Patches

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Very scary indeed ... n can be frustrating cause you don't know what's going on. We have no idea that dogs can have anorexia. Apple sauce is great ... how about some rice n chicken n puree/mashed sweet potato- give it a try. Continuing to cross my Golden Paws n Sending you Lots of Golden Thoughts n LOVE. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

A MilShelb Mom said...

Thanks for the update! We're thinking of you!
~Milly and Shelby

Uji, Angel Izzy, Ziggy, Angel Bean, Angel Hiro and Momma Tea said...

Thank you so much for the update,I know how hard it is to keep everyone up to date when you are worrying so much about your beloved furbabe. We are all thinking of you and Twix and keeping you in our prayers.
Please give your sweetie gentle hugs from us here in th UK.
With Much Love
Momma Tea, Richie & Ronnii

Just Jess for now said...

Still praying for you.
hugs and puppy kisses from:
Aria, Balloo Glacier and Roscoe

Cheryl, Indiana, Shingo and Molly said...

We are glad that Twix is making improvement. We have all of our paws crossed for her. Please keep us posted!

Woofs and Kisses!
The Fiesty Three

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Thanks for the pupdate- we have been thinking of you and Twix a lot. The mystery continues. We have much the same predicament here with Phantom's not eating. It sounds like you have covered all possibilities. We don't know if it will work with Twix, but one of the things that we have had the best luck with for Phantom is sprinkling some grated parmesan cheese and some shredded mozzarella or cheddar or any mix of shredded cheese on top of his food. The smell seems to draw him in enough to at least eat a little. And some of the Merrick canned food appeals to him as well, especially if we warm it a little for him. Our vet too has said to let him have whatever he will eat at this point. It is more important to get something into him. Please do try to keep us updated on Twix AND Grandma. We understand you have so much going on now. Hugs and lots of prayers and good wishes.

Woos ~ all of the OP Pack

Cole said...

I'm so glad that Twix is showing some improvement! That's fabulous that you and hubby are putting your mattress on the floor so Twix can be safe.

Fingers crossed that the sweet little pup continues to get better!

♥Mona + Prissy + Angel Weenie♥ said...

Dearest Twix,

I am so happy you are a little bit better. Please know Mommy and I are here praying for you and your Grandma. I posted one of my favorite pictures of you on your chair yesterday.

{{{huggies}}}....Mona

Twix's Mommy & Daddy,

When my Samantha was around 6 years old she got really sick for a stomach infection and after that she wouldn't eat either for weeks, just drink a little water and lick up some yoguart. Finally her Vet just give her anything she wanted. I tried everything but what worked was srcambled eggs with cottage cheese and crumbled bacon.

Samantha lived to be almost 15 and except for the last year of her life she was happy. She let me know when it was time to go, and Twix will let you when it's her time.

God Bless....Sarah

Tucker said...

DId your vet suggest Science Diet AD? It is soft food that is loaded in calories and appropriate for cats & dogs. When kitty sister ellie was being fed with a syringe for 3 weeks (loss of tooth and dental surgery) it's what helped bring her weight back to normal. Lack of nutrition does affect their Brains. Kitty sister Ellie had to learn to eat again. I sure hope Twix starts feeling better.

woof - Tucker

Charlotte said...

We have been waiting for a Twix update, thanks so much! We are keeping everyone in our thoughts & pawrayers.

((hugs)) your friends
Oskar, Schatzi & Xena

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Dear Ones, I was so relieved to hear that Twix is NOT in Pain. We never want that.
I am glad that many of our furends have had such pawsitive suggestions. They are ALL good ones. They come from Experience and the HEART!!!
I would like to mention Mango's comment above. It is EXCELLENT.. no matter what the Age or Physical condition of a fur furend. We can NOT speak the words... butt we DO show you how we are. My mom keeps a running diary of what goes on with ME so that she can always compare thingys on a daily weekly monthly and yearly basis. She still has the three notebooks full of stuffs about Baron,Lisel, and Sarek. They are Treasures to her.
I was not in the least surprised to hear that the mattress is now... Off the Frame.
I just wish one thingy.. that every TWO LEGGER be so lucky as to have someone love them half much as Twix is LOVED.

Zona said...

Thank you so much for the update. I know it must be straining to take the time to keep us all posted but Twix is so loved in blogville, we really appreciate it. Everyone's been worried and keeping paws crossed all over the world!!

Wags and snuggles,
Zona

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

We agree with the many great comments, especially from Mango and Frankie. Our thoughts exactly. As for the AD food...When our Doxie, Tara, was still with us, I had to actually syringe feed her the AD 3 times a day when her eating habits became non-existant. (Tara also enjoyed plain cheeseburgers from McDonalds and Pillsbury slice-and-bake sugar cookies). Another dog we had years ago really enjoyed breakfast cereals like Fruit Loops, Cheerios, etc. (without the milk of course).

Our continued prayers for Twix and also Mom, Dad, and Grandma.

Love,
Amber's Mom and the Pack

Lorenza said...

Thanks a lot for telling us about Twix's visit to her Vet.
I guess an important fact is that she is not in pain.
Glad to know she ate the applesauce. She needs food in her tummy.
We will be praying every moment for her and you and for Twix'd dad and for grandma too!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza and mom

PoochesForPeace said...

Things are starting to sound somewhat better...even if they cant figure it out it's so good to hear she isnt in pain. And good for you for putting the mattress on the floor, that's a GOOD dog owner!! She's lucly to have such a great family. Twix will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers :)

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for the update. we are very glad that Twix has found something she likes to eat. Hope she continues liking it.
Baby foods sound good. some cereal, fruit flavoured. ice cream can give her some much needed energy. we like chicken soup very much, with some boiled egg in it. may be she will like it.
Oh! we just hope she will get well soon.
we just don't want to think of anything else right now.
we just want to keep wishing for her to be back to her normal self.
Sending heaps of love n hugs,
ginger, buddy, shadow n mummy too :)

Bijou said...

Oh gosh Twixie! We wish there was something we could do to make you all better. We will keep our paws and fingers crossed hoping your doctor can figure out what is causing you to be sick. Please know we are thinking of you all and love you furry much.

Waggles,
Bijou, Banjo and mom.

animal lover, quilt lover said...

I have come over from Frankie's blog. I know just what you are going through. I went through it with my Whippet years ago. We ending up spending thousands of dollars at lots of vets offices and finally at the states Veterinary school. After days and days and tests they said she had a rear form of anemia. It didn't answer all the questions but it was the best they could do. They suggested she be put down. We had her for 5 and a half more years!! Giving her vitamin shots every month from that time until she died of kidney failure.
Good luck!!
xx, Fern

Abby said...

My Dear Friend, Twix...

Just wanted you to know that I still have my paws crossed for you & your Mommy & Daddy...I know how upset my Mom & Dad would be if I was sick...

My Mom says to tell you that you all are in her thoughts & prayers...

Much Love,
Abby xxxxxxoooooo

Kate said...

Big snuggles for Twixy, we know she has the best pawrents ever to look after her.

Koda & Ma

The Army of Four said...

You're doing ALL the right things for Twix! It's so hard when you don't know exactly what's going on. :(
There are some Old Mother Hubbard cookies that are very apple=y. My guys love them - maybe Twix would like those. Or dip other cookies in applesauce. :) Also - something I've been giving Stormy is NutriCal for Dogs. It comes in a tube (PetCo has it) and is loaded with calories. I just let her lick some off a finger - then spread it on cookies for her. It's a good way to get more calories into them. Also ask your vet about Hills A/D food. It, too, is loaded with extra calories. Use it in small amounts at first -- it can cause loose stools. (Trust me on that one....!) You also might want to buy different varieties of canned puppy food - it's usually much higher in calories than adult food.
Please give Twixy a gentle kiss and cuddle for me. And tell her Storm and the boys are pulling for her. You're all in my prayers - let God guide you in your decisions.
Hugs!
KZK

Anonymous said...

Paws crossed for you twix. We hope you feel better and that you are not in any pain. Please get well soon!!

Checkers & Chess said...

Twix - I just heard you're not feeling well - Sending you licks and tail wags - Mom sends belly rubs -

Nubbin' Tails said...

So glad to hear she's not in pain. And could you be any better parents putting your mattress on the floor. We had an issue with Mr. Nubbin' and a bone and it a caused him to drop a bunch of weight. A rescue friend recommended Solid Gold Canned Tripe (green can). Smells nasty but the the dogs and even our cats just love it. Good for putting on weight.

Hope you get some more answers but till then just snuggle her. I'm sure that will be great medicine for her.

Hugs!

Mr. Nubbin's Mom

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Bless your hearts...you've researched and thought and are doing everything for Twix. It sounds like your vet is totally on top of this...I'm glad you felt a bit better after seeing her.

We are keeping her and you in our thoughts and prayers...

Hugs,

Scruffy, Lacie, Stanny and their Mumsie

Charlie said...

I don't know if this would really help or not, but what about having her seen at KSU or UM? I know they're not close to Kansas City, but they both have veterinary teaching hospitals and perhaps would have the best chance of diagnosing something unusual. That's what our vet friend does when her animals are seriously ill.

- Charlie's mom

Charlie said...

We'll definitely keep Twix in our thoughts and prayers! Golden zen coming her way!!

kishiko said...

Twix!
I am still crossing paws.
Take care of yourself.
{{{Hugs}}}
Matilda

Pat Wahler said...

Thinking of you!

Pat
www.critteralley.blogspot.com

kalyxcorn said...

Just stopped by to say we're still thinking of you. :)

firstyouleap said...

Ruby and Penny sent Jeeves and me over to say we hope Twix continues to feel better! We are thinking of you....Melinda and Jeeves

Dovey said...

Thanks for taking the time to share your updates. You're such a dedicated mom--- I can't believe you even pulled the mattress off the bed! And all those vet visits and tests, that can't be easy either. I'm glad that it seems that you are doing the best you can for Twix now--- and that she seems a little better. I hope Twix has many happy days to come. I am sure that as long as she is with you and her dad, she feels that she is a very lucky girl!

Those Elgin Pugs said...

Thank you for the update and we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers~

much love,
IzZY, Josie, TriXie and Anakin Man

Mimi said...

We love Twix & hope she is doing well soon.

Pam & Oskar
(Pet Blogs United)

the teacher's pets said...

What wise advice from the vet to (1) put Twix's mattress on the floor and (2) to let her eat what she wants in order to encourage her appetite! It seems you are getting some answers and that is much better than being in the dark regarding her condition! I hope you find more answers and that they will all be positive!

Moose said...

Paws are crossed for you little girl, I hope you did ok this weekend! Hugs, Moose

ForPetsSake said...

Thank you for updating us - I've been thinking about Twix alot lately. It sounds like you have a good vet team that care...I hope some answers come soon.
Whenever we have a kiddo that won't eat at the hospital, I make a slurry out of the food and warm it in the nuker for a few min. Somteimes this stimulates the appetite because the smell is stronger. You probably have already tried this, but I'm at a loss...It frustrates to not be able to help :(
You'll be in my thoughts. I hope that appetite comes back with a vengeance!

the booker man said...

thankies so very much for updatin' us on miss twix. me and asa and mama are thinkin' good thoughts for her to feel better. we are puttin' our paws together for her and for her V-E-T to figure out what's wrong.

*huggles*
the booker man

ocmist said...

LOTS of paws crossed over her at Corgi Country and Grammy is praying, too! We love our little friend, and know that you are doing your best for her and that she feels every bit of that love that is flowing from you into her little soul. She trusts you and we know that you are and will be doing the very best you can for her, so we know she is happy and a blessed little doggie! Still praying for wisdom for the vet so they will also be able to do the very best for her.

We think we'd better backtrack as it sounds like you have a new addition we weren't aware of... sniff... sniff, sniff... The CCC

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

Thanks for the update!
We all still have our paws/fingers crossed for good news; looking forward to hearing more.

Rudy's Raiser

BRUTUS said...

Oh, Twix!
We are so far behind with bloggies, we didn't even know you were sick until we came over to catch up! We'll cross our paws as hard as we can for you & your family!

Snorts-
Brutus & Carmen

Scooter said...

Hey Twix!
Wow, I am thinking of you and sending my strongest healing thoughts to you. Please feel our love and support and let that give you strength.
Grr and a Concerned Woof,
Sarge, COP

Elizabeth said...

Buster and I send lots of love to Twix.
Twix, your family loves you a whole lot!
Everyone else loves you too!
You have more than 60 comments....that's a lot of positive energy coming your way!
So bless you and get better soon

oxoxo

Anonymous said...

OMD!

We will be keeping you, your hubby and Twix in our thoughts and prayers.

Remember, Power to the Paw!

woo woos, Tessa and Blu

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Hi again. One thing I thought of to tempt Trix is cooked rice and pasta. When our dog Oscar was very ill he would eat this even when not eating anything else. Fingers crossed here in Oz for little Trix. Take care, love Carol.

Pepsi the Lazy Bum said...

That's great news that Twix isn't in pain! You're in our thoughts, and my paws are kept crossed for you, Twix!

Loving Woofs,
Pepsi

bmueller said...

Hope everything goes OK! Best of Luck Twix! Mommy & Daddy, keep thinking good thoughts.

HoundDogMom said...

We are glad to see an update on Trix. So glad she is not in pain. We even feed our bloodhound and bassets baby food (turkey, etc). It is very smelly and they seemed to like it. Paws are crossed for Twix to continue improving. Sniffs, The Hounddogs

Sandra said...

Our prayers are with your family and Twix. We hope the doctors are able to figure out what is going on.

lots of love
flash, alven, dottie

LailaSmith01 said...

I'm crossing my fingers and my dogs are crossing their paws for better update soon...Hope everything will be ok...


dog pens

Cocorue said...

oh Twixie,

we are so sad that you're not well and we're angry at ourselves for been MIA for so long.

we also feel so helpless.....but thankful you're not in pain and we will pray and pray that you will get better, our furiend.

lots and lots of healing licks and kisses
coco, tiffy and mumster

SquirrelQueen said...

We are visiting from CoCo's blog. When we heard Twix was ill we wanted to come over and let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are wishing Twix a speedy recovery.

Thor and Jack said...

We're keeping Twix and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Yas said...

Sending good thoughts, prayers and good vibes your way!

Cheers,
Maxx

Lucy-Fur, as typed by Dr. Liz said...

Thanks for the updates. Paws and fingers are crossed.

-Fiona and Family

Cocorue said...

hey Twixie,

we will be checking up on you till you get better as we WANT you to improve daily.

hey, do eat more as we need you around to organise another "girls night out"......i'm going to be six in August and i WANT YOU to help organise my birthday as NO ONE can do it as well as you and your mumster

so get well soon, you HEAR?????

lots and lots of healing vibes from your ALL your furiends and us,

CoCo, Tiffy and mumster

Asta said...

Twix

I am pwaying so vewy hawd fow you to get well.
you awe in my heawt and thoughts
wif cwossed paws and heling smoochie kisses
ASTA

Ms. ~K said...

Just wanted you to know you are still in my thoughts and prayers.
~K