Holly recently diagnosed with Addison's

[Jo CIMDA]

It is so hard to know if the D & V is due to a bug or a blip in Addison's.  It is something that you will probably get better assessing as time goes on.

I'm so please for you that Holly is recovering.

jo

[patp]

Good news 

[HollyPolly]

Hi everyone,

Update on Holly.

Now so much better and has not needed to visit vet's for two weeks. Popped into vet's for insurance form and more Florinef, we have agreed not to re-test her lytes for another two weeks as she has had so many recently and appears to be doing well on her current regime.

I have another couple of questions. Has anyone had their Addisonian dog have any adverse reactions to Advocate? I ask this as Holly became ill a couple of days after I used this on her, although the vet did not seem to think there was a link as she had Advocate before, but not since her crisis and diagnosis.

Also, on another note, does anyone know of a good dog sitter/carer for holiday's in the Surrey area?

[Jo CIMDA]

Hi

It's always good to have updates and especially when they are really positive ones.  Great news for Holly - and you!

Personally I wouldn't use a 'spot-on' preventative unless it was absolutely necessary because I have heard of adverse reactions following treatment.  Perhaps you can find a herbal spray such as lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree oils, and use it when you groom holly.  This acts as a repellent.  I have always found it effective.  If Holly has a flea problem then you can use a spray-on product and if possible only spray her coat.

I can't help you about a dog sitter but I hope someone else can.

Jo

[Penel CIMDA moderator]

Hi everyone,

Update on Holly.

Now so much better and has not needed to visit vet's for two weeks. Popped into vet's for insurance form and more Florinef, we have agreed not to re-test her lytes for another two weeks as she has had so many recently and appears to be doing well on her current regime.

I have another couple of questions. Has anyone had their Addisonian dog have any adverse reactions to Advocate? I ask this as Holly became ill a couple of days after I used this on her, although the vet did not seem to think there was a link as she had Advocate before, but not since her crisis and diagnosis.

Also, on another note, does anyone know of a good dog sitter/carer for holiday's in the Surrey area?

I'll have a think for you - I'm in Tadworth.  I know someone in the Horley-ish area I think?

[HollyPolly]

Hi All,

Many thanks for messages.

Holly still appears to be doing well, am keeping fingers crossed we will make the month milestone for next test.

On another note, I realise looking after a dog who has an illness is a lot to ask and we will be taking Holly with us this year when we are happy that the Addison's is stable; we do like to go abroad occasionally to visit our daughters, so it would be comforting to know that we did have someone who was aware of Addison's and was happy to take Holly on. We are in Worcester Park by the way.

Once again thank you for all your support.

Maggie

[Penel CIMDA moderator]

Hi Maggie,
I know a couple of people who are very good, and responsible - but they do have other (nice) dogs - would she find that too stressful do you think?

[HollyPolly]

Hi, thanks for getting back to me and sorry I have not replied sooner, but just been busy.

Holly is a highly sociable dog and usually gets on with most other dogs. She has a very gentle nature, but can be a bit soppy!

We have in the past sent her to a lovely couple, but they have different dogs coming and going as they are registered dog carers and we never know who is going to be there or how many, so, with that in mind, we have decided that it would probably not be in her best interests(she can become too overwhelmed at times and this, we feel, would cause her stress). Holly is also blind, she has had cataracts for a couple of years but gets around very well and does not have problems with this.

Holly has previously adapted to change very well, but since the Addison's she appears more cautious and never strays far from us.

We are not planning to visit either of our daughters just yet and will probably holiday with Holly here in the UK this year, but it would be lovely to know we can leave her with responsible people who would have her health and welfare at heart in the future.

I would be happy for you to pass on Holly's details and then take it from there.

Holly appears to be doing ok with her current medication; we are coming up to a month milestone without a visit to the vet, although her bloods are being checked at the end of the week.

Many thanks for your reply,
Maggie

[Penel CIMDA moderator]

Hi Maggie,
I would think that having someone stay in your home with Holly would be better for her - let me know if you do need someone in the future and I will try and put you in touch with someone.

Good luck for the blood results.

[HollyPolly]

Hi,

Thank you for your reply. I had not thought of having anyone in house before, but it is a possibility for the future. Holly seemed fine a the vet's today and we will get her blood results Monday. We are going to start slowly weaning her of the Pred so that eventually she will just have the maintenance dose for stress.

Thank you for your help and I most certainly will contact you again should we decide to have someone to look after Holly at home.

Kind Regards
Maggie

[HollyPolly]

Hi all,

Holly is doing well and is now working her way towards another goal, another month's gap without having to go to the vet's! Last Lyte test indicated that Holly is doing well and in view of the fact that she had gained weight and was still drinking and weeing loads, 1 of her two Predinale tabs has been slowly withdrawn in the last 3 weeks. Holly still has a voracious appetite and I think she has gained weight again, but seems happy and does not get up in the night for a wee now! Perhaps her meds will needs tweaking again on her next visit which is next week.

On another note, I read on another post that Florinef can be purchased at chemists such as Boots. Do I just ask my vet for a prescription which I know they will give for a fee and then just present it at the chemists? Any help appreciated.

Maggie

[Penel CIMDA moderator]

Yes that's what we used to do - the vets gave us a prescription which they charged for and we got at the chemist.

[HollyPolly]

Hi All,

Not good news on Holly, she has been diagnosed as having had Pancreatitis and has been very unwell. Home with us now, but still poorly. Ironically, the Addison's appears stable, so this is a big blow as this latest condition has knocked her sideways.

Is there anyone out there whose dog has both conditions by any chance, if so how are you managing?

Holly is on a low fat diet for the foreseeable future, we really at our wit's end now and the insurance has run out!

Trying to keep positive as we both know this is another life threatening condition. On the positive side Holly is at least eating and drinking something, albeit only boiled chicken and fish with veg.

So sorry for her as it was very painful.

[Penel CIMDA moderator]

oh poor girl, what a nightmare.
I have had two cockers with Pancreatitis, but not at the same time as Addison's.
It's good she's eating and drinking - and yes, low fat diet pretty much forever I'm afraid.

[Jo CIMDA]

Hi

A nightmare indeed!!!!  At least Holly's Addison's is being treated and I presume is under control.  Has your vet recommended giving her a 'replacement' dose of preds while her body is undergoing this stress?  Just a thought.

Pancreatitis can be very difficult to control but it is not impossible and it is very good news that she is wants to eat.  You will have to watch her diet forever.

I do feel for you but she is home and eating so that's positive.

Jo