Worried about my Lady  :-<

I hope your pup gets better soon!  I know I loved my Collie!  He was the best dog.  I had him when I was little. Hugs ~K

Amy, have you taken her temperature? It should be no higher than 101.5 F...Do you have a stethoscope to listen to her lungs and gut with? You should be able to hear air moving freely in and out, without any wheezes or "bubbles" and her gut (when listening to each side, just behind the ribs, and the high center of her belly) should have "gurgles" and "squeaks"...her tummy should be soft, perhaps a bit hollow at this point, and have no full masses...if there are no sounds, or there is a fullness or mass, she may have a bowel blockage...Check her heart rate...is it irregular? Does she seem off-balance? If so, she may have atrial fibrillation from a small heart attack...the urine output is a good sign...If she'll drink chicken soup, let her have it...it has a lot of electrolytes and proteins that are easy for the gut to absorb...I hope this helps...Take care....(((((((((((((((((((((((HUGZ))))))))))))))))                ~Melinda

Hugs to you and Lady.  You're a wonderful doggy momma.  Be strong for her then cry on our shoulders.     HUGS

Hi.  And thank you all.  Her temp is 101.8 which is ok.  There is no bowel sounds that I can hear.  Her heart sounds pretty rough and muffled.  That along with the bowels have me pretty concerned.  My stethoscope stinks!  She is very over weight and it's hard for me to tell.  Her breathing is good.  I doubt if I sleep much tonight though.  I will try to check a little later.  Will keep you all posted.  Thank you all so very much.  Hoping I don't need that shoulder; but, I thank you.  Take care.

Thinking about trying some nutra-cal and some dog sters or pediolyte drink.  She does not seem dehydrated but I think it will be coming around the corner if we can't nip this soon.  I hate the thought of a barium series done on her but it might be the only way to conform.  :-(  Trying to think straight.  Three days ago she gave me a nervous look and seemed to tighten on toward one side and feel over.  I layed down next to her and pet her and she ran/ pranced around like "look at me getting all the attention" and was fine then.  Off and on she has issues with the steps so if need be I just carry her.  She only weighs about 55 pounds.  (She is over weight but, like tiny Tim to me).  When she goes into the doctors I'm going to ask for a slew of bld work on her.  I hope and pray I can get her in tomorrow.  Thanks guys.

Leukocytes in the urine and excessive amounts of bilirubin (is that what the +++++ means? I don't know what's normal lol sorry)? Sounds like she is fighting a massive infection that's spread to the liver, which acts as a filtration system for blood and waste, among other things (sadly, cancer comes to mind)...the infection probably originated in the digestive system or blood. My roommate this past year had two kittens (brother and sister) who were only a few months old. When one of the kittens kept throwing up and sleeping all the time, I kept telling my roommate to take her to the vet. When he finally did, the vet said she was born with damaged kidneys and had kidney failure...she was the sweetest little thing and it broke my heart when they put her down, because I think it started as an infection she picked up in a cat shelter and it could have been treated months earlier had he cared more. Sorry if that's a depressing story--it just makes me really glad to hear that you're taking great care of your pet! Time is of the essence in some situations...

For Lady, the issue with steps could be that she's just weak from the lack of nutrients and fluids, rather than it being some musculoskeletal problem.

17 is pretty old for a dog, I'm definitely impressed! Isn't that 119 in dog-years? I hope she gets to live a lot longer...I have several cats and I'm very attached to them (though I'm not a cat lady--yet, lol!). I hate to see them sick, so I know how you feel. Good luck and I'll be praying for Lady! Border collies are so cute. :)

Jules77733

Hi.   Thanks for the post and your input.  The +++++ means very large.  A bit exaggerated because the scale only goes to +++ sorry.  Unfortunately I have questioned cancer too in the past.  Mainly just from palpating her though.  The vets have told me that it is just fat though.  I'm hoping to get her into the vet tomorrow to be on the safe side.  The crazy part is she doesn't seem that much weaker than normal.  She is starting to show discomfort though.  Thank you so very much for the prayers.  

I would take her in.  First thing in the morning.  This has gone on long enough.  

Yes!  Get her in soonest!  That blood work should have been done when this illness first reared its ugly head.  I would definitely get that done before inflicting a barium enema on her.  I had one myself, and let me tell you it's torture.  Forget waterboarding.  You want a terrorist to talk?  Just bring in the dogs and a bag of barium.  OMG...

Hi all.  
Well I just got off the phone with the vet's office.  Her appt is bumped up;  Lady will go in today at 2:45.  She is vomiting basically bile today.  I feel sooo bad for her.  She seems to want to eat.  She ate about 15 pieces of frozen bill jac around 6 AM that seemed some what digested at 8 AM.  

Usually I don't start worrying until the 3rd day with my dogs.  The first two they seem to know better than we humans as to what they need.  I've been watching really close though.  Last night she had me worried because I was leaning toward a partial bowel blockage when the vomiting came on.
            
The good news is; she still has a lot of energy.  She chased a fly all around on the porch wagging her tail.  She did have a small furry BM though so I'm happy about that!   The urine don't look that great so I figure I'll have that checked out along with blood work and possible x rays.  Hoping she does not need a barium series.  

Thanks to all.  Will keep you posted.

Sorry guys I thought you understood what I meant by barium.  It is what you make them drink in which to show threw a series of x-rays how it is moving threw the body over a 3 hour process of taking x-rays q 1/2 hour.   No I would never want to do an enema on her.   She my baby.

Good morning! How's Lady today? I see you've got an appt lined up...the blood work will tell you a lot more...Hopefully, it's something minor that can be fixed with time..It does sound like she's having some pain episodes though...good luck, and give her a hug for me....((((((((((((((((((HUGZ)))))))))))           ~Melinda

Vomiting bile?!? YIKES...that means the problem is definitely gastrointestinal (stomach/intestines) and is likely affecting her liver, such as some sort of intestinal obstruction that's been building up over time, but it could also be a temporary problem--like food poisoning.

I'm glad to hear she's getting to the vet soon, and I hope all goes well!

Melinda; Will do.  I was up with her most of the night while she slept.  LOL.  I'm thinking a couple weeks after she feels better starting her on a drug called Metacam.  It's a Non-steroidal anti inflammatory that's easier on the stomack than glyco flex.  She is getting up in age and starting to show it this year in her hind quarters.  Last night around 3 or 4 she just seemed sore.  

She is going in today and then once she feels better will be going back to get her yearly vx.  Right now I don't want her to get anything though.  She has always had a VERY weak stomack.  As you said I think the bld work will tell alot.  I've questioned cancer with her; but, they tell me she's ok.  I've questioned having another dental done on her once she's better but at her age I don't know.  Collies wake up pretty rough after you pull there tubes.  She went in a few months ago and they said other than being overweight was really healthy for her age and still has alot of muscle tone.   LOL  Chasing all of those rabbits probably.  

Anyhow thanks again.  I will keep you posted.    

Hugs to you and Lady!  Hope her appointment goes well! =) ~K

Ok.  Trying not to be an hysterical wreck.   I'm afraid I may loose my lady.  Trying to block that out of my mind and think positive.  Her blood work was totally off the charts.  ALP (20-150) was 1869, ALT (10-118) 1433 TBIL (0.1-1.6) 1.1 K+ (3.7-5.8) 3.6.  Her intestines are very inflamed and looked like gum bands (not due to any sort of blockage, posssibility of gastroenteritis or cancer).  Her liver is enlarged and will be checked tomorrow with an ultrasound and biopsy to see what the extant of liver failure is....:-(  Hoping it is caused by hepatitis or something that can be treated.  Trying hard not to cry now...Getting ready to cook her up some pasta and put on a smile.  I probably wont be on here much tonight due to the fact that my heart fills crushed in two right now.  She is still running and prancing around the house.  At the vets for 3 hours she pranced and barked and wagged her tail at everyone.LOL  Who would have figured.  Everyone kept saying how energetic she is.  You wouldn't even think of her as sick.  They were shocked.  Hopefully it was caught quick enough to save her.   Gotta go and put on my happy face now.  I just thought I would update everyone at once on here.

Amy, just so you know...with labs like that, this is something that's been cooking a while...We're not talking days here...I'm not saying cancer...But something like a slow failure or long term infection...(((((((((((((((((HUGZ)))))))))))))
I know how hard this must be...Is your husband going to be home during the next few days? -Just in case you need the support? Also, has she been around any dogs with Parvo?  I'm sorry if this makes you worry more...Take care and keep us posted...                                                                                    ~Melinda

Melinda Hi.  Thank you for your note.  I've been leaning toward cancer myself for the last couple years.  I was told that everything checked out fine with her before though.  I'm kicking myself for not insisting on the x rays earlier despite the blood work.  I figured they must be right if the blood work was fine.  Grrrrrrrr  I'm just so crushed right now!  I'm hoping that tomorrow might bring some better news.  She has not been around any dogs with Parvo.  They said it could be hepatitis and may be treatable.  My husband is taking me tomorrow.  Thank you so much for everything.  I think tonight might be in order for a 1/2 a lorazapam.  I hate the fact the they are so tiny they are hard to break.  I hope tomorrow brings better news.......Amy

P.S.  I don't know if it's right or not on here but, PLEASE pray for her.  Thank you everyone.

You know my heart is with you!  I'll be praying for her.  My doxie ate mushrooms from the yard (did not know we had them) and almost died about 5 or 6 months ago.  Her liver labs got to 950.  The kept her at puppy hospital for 5 days!  Thankfully she is just fine now!!!!  Hugs Amy, I'll be thinking of you both!!

Any way you look at it, and no matter what happens to Lady, she's lived for a loooooong time in doggy-years (having a great owner has helped her a lot, I'm sure ;))!  Should anything terrible happen to any of my pets, I'd want to see them go happily, then, and not suffering.

I know there probably isn't anything we can do or say to take away the pain you would feel if she doesn't make it...but maybe this will help: everyone--including animals--pass away at some point. Unfortunately for us, most pets have a much shorter lifespan than we do, but if you have a wonderful pet, you should be happy you get to spend as much time with them as you do. All you can really do is treat them well during the course of their life--it sounds like you definitely have with your pets--and they'll be happy and satisfied! I know it's very sad to lose a good friend you've had for years, but Lady sounds like she's still loving life--whatever she's got left in her--and I think she'd want you to be happy with her as long as she's around (which could be years, yet!). I guess I'm just suggesting not to look at the worst possible scenario as a tragedy, because it's not; it's just nature taking its course and it's been a good one, so far. I can only hope that my pets live to be as long as she does, while still having half as much energy! Besides--all dogs go to heaven, right? If only I could be sure that's where my cats are headed lol.............

I'm sorry if I made you feel more sad or anything like that, but it sounds like Lady's had a great, long life, and you've given her your best. Regardless, I hope she gets to live many more years, and I will be praying for her (it's ok on to say that on here--whether or not we're spiritual/religious people, I don't think we're the types to get worked up over something politically correct/incorrect lol). I hope some of this makes sense...I have a pretty bad headache and I'm feeling under the weather still, so I haven't made a lot of sense as of late, and it's difficult for me to word things, too. :-/

Keep us posted on her status! We're here for you no matter what.

The pasta comment was really cute and made me laugh, by the way (I'm guessing Lady enjoys spaghetti like her famous counterpart, from "Lady and the Tramp"?...)!

LOL  Thanks for the laugh on the Lady and the Tramp.  I never thought of that.  Thank you all for the prayers.  Actually she should not have protein tonight so that is the reason for the pasta.  She seems to be feeling much better today and full of energy.  Three BMs now although starting to get loose.  Then again she has not really had anything solid.  She's acting like I'm starving her.  I'm hoping and praying for good results tomorrow.  Getting a little tired tonight though so I think I'll turn in soon.  I hope all is well with all of you.  God bless and Take care.

Let me know what tomorrow brings, OK? ~K

Will do.  Thank you so very much.  I hope you are doing ok with your new meds.  I'm wiped out tonight so I think I'm just going to curl up with my babies and go to bed.   Thanks so much again.

Anytime hun!  =) Much love and will check in tomorrow!  Sleep well! ~K

Hiya! It sounds like she's doing okay for the moment...I'll be praying for her also...and you...I'll be waiting to see what is found tomorrow...Take care and sleep well... Lubs.....Melinda
P.S. Did I tell you I was playing vet to a young chicken with a broken leg? I actually gave the thing a BATH today! It seemed to enjoy the attention and was pretty happy to get a treat afterwards...LOL...Pathetic, huh?

Hi .  Well it was a really long day.  I'm just a little messed up on lorazorpain .5 mg. as to not showing emotions around her I numbed myself.  I toke a 1/2 tab as soon as took care of her cooking up her dinner and giving her some amoxicillin.  They did the ultrasound and it showed the liver coarse through out with a few hyperechoic lesions. and some hypoechoic that were small in the liver.  The left renal contour was just mildly iregular but within normal limits and multiple SQ masses scatterd over her thorax and abdomen.  The bld work still stinks with highly elevated liver enzymes and acute onset of GI signs......    
The good news is they said they don't think she is in liver failure.  The urine bile acids and CBC w/ chem came back pretty good.  They done a lot of other test that are pending such as Super Chem, Coagulation Profile 2, bile acids-pre/post- bld, leptospirosis on bld and on stool Salmonella campylbacter, and cryptosporspidom (spell check) and Giardia.  Next Friday they will do a liver biopsy by scope.  I JUST HOPE AND PRAY THIS IS A MAJOR BACTERIAL ISSUE.   They said that this could ALL happen from eating something dead or eating something poisoness.  A little knowledge is hard for me right now.  I'm hoping and praying it is not cancer.  

PLEASE PRAY FOR AN MAJOR BACTERIAL ISSUE FOR HER!  Sorry everyone I can not say much more.  Just thought I would let you all know.

Will keep praying for you and Lady Amy!  

Hey do you know anything about Low urine Creatinine (in humans of course).  This was a blood and urine test for my LI eval.  Blood fine, Creatinine in urine was low.

Thank you so very much for your prayers..

As far as your question I'm not sure.  I know if you drink to much fluid it will effect it???  I'm not sure.  As I'm not thinking really clear tonight. Do you know what your specific gravity and PH was?   I'm not sure.  I'm sorry.  Please take care my friend.

Hugs and prayers for you and Lady from the fur babies and me!