meds?

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

We've been outside 4 times since 1 am (I think it's 4:30now) Hallie has squirting diarrhea now does anyone know what she can have to help her? I will call vet in morning of course but if someone knew for sure I'd go get somethingnow. shes on dexasone...

[Rich]

We are so sorry you guys are going through this.  It seems that some steroid treatments have this effect.  All I could find on the web is this:
"You can try some Immodium at the dose of 1 mg per 30# of body weight. If this does not help then another vet exam is needed to find out the cause before the dog gets dehydrated."

On the same site it mentioned that for small doses Immodium is available as a liquid.  Hope this helps.  We're pulling for Hallie.

I'm sure you've heard the conventional information that canned pumpkin can help.

[David C.]

Imodium in a small dose will work wonders.   I always thought that Imodium's advertising slogan should be "The most effective thing for diarrhea short of putting a cork in your butt".

Just make sure you don't overdo it.  Rudy once got into some Imodium on his own.   He had gone on a binge, raiding my then roomates snack supplies, including chocolates.   Realizing he was going to have an upset tummy, he jumped up on the kitchen table and ate at least three Imodium caplets that I left out.   When I got home, I found him with a bloated belly and absolutely stoned off his tush.  I called the vet when I realized he had gotten into the stuff.  They said observe him and if he didn't pass a stool in 36 hours to give him a laxative.   At the 35th hour, Rudy finally let loose.  You would have thought he was a Great Dane by the amount of poop he passed.

We're still sending major rays and prayers for you and Hallie.

[Jen]

DD,

Metamucil bars work like a charm my dogs like the Apple Cinnamon ones.   You might also look into getting some Fasttrack probiotic powder to have on hand... I know it won't help you now but it is good to have on the shelf.

Do they have her on something to protect her stomach from the steroids?  If not you will want to do plain regular strength pepcid a/c ... give 1/2 tablet twice daily 30mins before her steroids.... make sure you give her food with the steroids also.

Jen

[Barb]

DD - hope you and Hallie are getting some rest.   Did you have anything that the others above suggested that you could give her in the meantime?   I know both of you are exhausted and all that she has been through in the past couple days - her body may just be rebelling.   Hopefully you have been able to get it stopped and are getting much needed rest for both of you.  Update us when you can.  We are here for you and Hallie - know that and will continue to send rays and prayers to our Hallie BB.

[Leslie]

Imodium in a small dose will work wonders.   I always thought that Imodium's advertising slogan should be "The most effective thing for diarrhea short of putting a cork in your butt".

Rudy once got into some Imodium on his own.   He had gone on a binge, raiding my then roomates snack supplies, including chocolates.    When I got home, I found him with a bloated belly and absolutely stoned off his tush.  ...   At the 35th hour, Rudy finally let loose.  You would have thought he was a Great Dane by the amount of poop he passed.

David, you crack me up.  !!! I agree, that stuff WORKS! (Their packaging department is EVIL, though, with those blister packs that are a screaming nightmare to open.  NOT FUNNY, guys!)

Anyway, Dee, you might also clear with the vet if a little bit of Pedialyte is ok for the little pooper--uh, pupper.  If she gets too dehydrated the meds might not be as effective.  We are sendin' extra special super DUPER rays and hugs and kisses and prayers your way. Those steroids are heap strong medicine and I think you will see a marked improvement in the next 48 hours or so.  :heart:  Les

p.s. ya'll have obviously never seen the pile Loki can save up when it's been raining for two days.  Lordy, get the elephant scooper.  :crazyeyes:

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

We were up all night going outside, my poor baby looks so miserable. I finally just put her on her bed on the floor and lay next to her. She is totally reliable to not jump off the big bed plus I now have a 48" high X pen all around it to be extra safe but I didn't want to fall asleep and have her panic to go out and walk off the bed trying to get to the door or something.

I did get an email from the local vet, no steroids for 24 hours which terrifies me as they were just starting to work a little and last time she went off early is when she got so bad and had to go tot he neuro the next morning. :( But she could get an ulcer from them. Also no food for 24 hours. And pepto for 2 days. I did call the neuro and left a message so hopefully someone will call me soon I'll feel better knowing I have his suggestion on what to do I just hope it jives with the other vet or with someone's advice here. I just want to wake up from all this!

[tpoof]

Geez DD,  Our hearts are breaking for you over here!   
We feel your pain and want this over... for all to be well once again! 
sounds like your in for another tough couple of days...
Hang in there!
The waters will calm.
We'll keep on sending rays.... 

[Roberta]

Yes it can cause the squirts, go with what the others suggest. We are all behind you allthe way. It also alters moods, so hence her quietness. Keep going girlie and try and rest.
BIg mega hugs and rays to you both.
roberta

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Thank you guys I always pop in here when I'm panicked and I read every word and jot down notes on your suggestions as I do but haven't had time to respond or thank each of you for your help.

The neurologist finally called and I went with his advice rather than the first vet. He said to leave her on the steroids, feed her rice and turkey hamburger, and give her kaopectate (pepto bismol and steroids should not be mixed). The immodium some of you suggested I thought sounded good too to me but the vet said kaopectate. I got peppermint by mistake I hope that is ok...it also has salicylate in it which I read on google that is not good...so am wondering if there is a better kaopectate out there. I will keep searching.

Oh Jen I emailed you about the pepcid not realizing you meant before hand. So it's ok to give pepcid with steroids and with kaopectate? I wish I had been keen enough to notice that before I talked to the vet so I could have asked. I did get those bars for her once a long time ago when you suggested them but she never needed them again so they got old and I tossed them.

So where we are tonight...she is doing better!!! I am finally again seeing improvement. She has only needed to go out twice to poop, and both times still diarrhea but not projectile like during the night, no blood and she didn't stay out there and go and go like she was. She has had a few small meals of rice and hamburger, and it's not racing through her anyway so that should be good. She is famished as far as she is concerned so the kaopectate she ate right out of the bowl with a little rice mixed in.

But I am really happy to say she kicked her feet back after her last poop! (first time since this started) and she trots in now from outside and once went into a little lope up the ramp. She trots right along next to me when I get her warm blankies from the drier to wrap her in. And she did some easy spins when I was getting her food. She is looking the best so far...and part of her pain is still due to the dye from the myelogram. She is resting so much more comfortably. And she was giving me proper Hallie kisses today! She definitely has a ways to go yet but I see my little girl coming back. Will be scary to take her off the steroids, I remember Kari saying that about Penny. (by the way Kari, I did visit the link and read about Penny and although you are right it doesn't sound like Hallie, it DOES sound like a friend of mine's dog! The golden in the photo below. They have a different treatment and maybe it's not the exact same thing but very similar if not. I sent her story to my friend).

It is so hard to see her with her shaved back and sore back and not have her crated!!! I have been programmed to keep a sore doxie still and confined for so long now but he says there is no need with this. It won't make any difference. But it's always my instinct to make her stop!

My plan now then is I will get copies of her tests from the Neurologist, and mail them to WSU to Dr Bagley who several vets and a few people on the net have said is one of the best in the country and has taught some of the best and have a phone consult. I can take her there if he wants but it's 7 hours away and I don't know if that would help to see her, he already will have the tests and I don't want to do any more invasive things to her. A friend of mine is also setting up a phone or email consult with a good neurologist from Virginia. And I have found a vet tech whose clinic has treated a dog or dogs with this. Plus I am emailing 2 local vets with questions, these 2 don't know much about this but we are bouncing ideas and questions off each other trying to ferret details out.

I am praying for another better yet day tomorrow and up from there! Can't wait to see my baby back I miss the fun things we always do around here.

[DeeanDave]

Mega doses of rays and healing hugs are coming to you from Eastern Washiington!  Hugs to you both!  Dee, Dave, Sarge & Duggie

[Roberta]

  So happy to hear she is on the road to recovery. Remember go slowly and cuddle.
Kisses and husgs to to Ms H, and hugs to you
Amy says youz look coooooooooool Haillie, and did they shave your leggy.

[papbouv]

Very glad Hallie is going in the right direction know with people and mylograms you are suppose to drink extra because some people get really bad headaches do not know if dogs would get headaches or not might be the reason Hallie is acting different too?So glad that maybe you both can get some rest that will help you both.
Hugs
Rays
Good Thoughts
Papbouv
Patches & Buddy

[Kari]

So glad to here a good update! It is so hard when we feel totally helpless and at a loss for what the best solution is. Rays are still headed your way! Penny sends her soft doxie hugs and kisses.

[Mike]

It's good to see some rays of sunshine from Hallie (like we are finally having today....for a little while).  It sounds like you are lining up quite a cadre of contacts that should be able to get her right as rain.  But rays will continue as long as needed.

[tpoof]

It's good to see some rays of sunshine from Hallie

Well, Thats for sure!  
Hopefully the worst is over and the healing can begin!
Ceaser still wants us to continue to send rays till Hallie and you are all better!!! 
WE will!

[David C.]

Sounds like Hallie made it over the hump.   It's only going to get better from here.

[Rich]

We have been holding our breath for some good news. Sounds like Hallie is more like herself and that you have some good resources to investigate. Hope things continue to improve!

[cheryl186]

    :xfinger: Hoping to hear today that Miss Hallie is continuing to improve.....

[Brekkesmom]

Big sighs of relief here in so Cal!  We have been hoping for some news of better progress, and it sounds like it's here.  Way to go, Hallie!   Relax a little bit, DD, while still being vigilant - I have lots of practice in that - not just with Gretl-Angel's back surgery, but now in my current situation, entering the 5th month, and hoping it'll soon be over - the waiting, that is.  Get some rest, keep a watchful eye on your precious HBB, and destress as much as possible.  Hugs!   

[Teresa]

I made myself wait until after church and errand running to check in today. I thought if I waited that long I would certainly find good news on here. I'm so happy to see I wasn't disappointed. I'm sure she will get back to her old self quickly now. It always seem that once they start recovering, they recover fast! I really hope you can get some answers from one of the people you are contacting. I tried to do a little online searching myself, and there just isn't much out there, especially when you don't have an exact name of the condition. Give Hallie lots of belly rubs from me!

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Sorry to get your hopes up, the more I am learning the more devasted I am getting. It doesn't look good, I am going to another neurologist this week for an MRI. I am learning how really horrible this disease it, makes disc disease seem like a walk in the park.

[Barb]

DD - you and Hallie are in my prayers.  Do you have a name for what she has?  You may have mentioned in one of the earlier posts.  Please keep us updated and know that we are all here for you.  Rest Rest Rest !  Sending soft belly rubs to our Hallie grllll.

[Roberta]

Dee Dee, sometimes a little knowledge is dangerous, wait till you get all the facts from as many vets and specialists as possible, use that with what you find and then you can make a informed attack.
I must admit I googled her symptoms, and probably got what you got. But like other diseases and illnesses out of our control, they the vets or doc give us scenarios to work on, some are not so good, but wait till you get all the facts, and even then you will be like me and fight with her till what ever happens, which could be a long long time.
SO don't go defeatest on us, look at Emma for most of her life  we lived with the thought she may not last and the little stinker went to 16 +.
What have they called it. And have you thought of sending her files to specialist overseas Melbourne uni has a very good vet diagnostic research centre
Love and hugs to you both

Roberta

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Syringomyelia or hydromyelia

[Gail]

Dee Dee we are so sorry to hear about poor Hallie and we wanted you to know that we are thinking of you so much and Holly and Tristan send their super duper best Scottish doxy rays for both of you.  We'll keep checking in to see how you are doing, I know it is scary right now but that little girl will do everything to fight to be whole and happy and right by your side for as long as is dachshundly possible!!

All of our love coming your way........

This picture I believe might be one of the first to show Doxy-rays being sent!!!

Gail, Holly and Tristan
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[tpoof]

Well, :thinik: WE don't like or want either of those!!! 


But it is what it is.... and if you think about it some you will see that Hallie is one super lucky dog!
She still has you! and you have her! Things may be different from now on, but so be it... not going to stop the love you feel for her!!!
Who else would do the things that are needed for her,, to go above and beyond,, caring, worrying, checking out all avenues to get better help for her!!!!
Some dogs,,lots really, are not so fortunate...

Yep, she is one super lucky hound all right! she's got a good momma!
sometimes we get handed things that seem so bad,, we wonder why on earth would this happen to us!!
Well  I believe it is because we can handle it! To bear down and reach inside and come thru with caring, comfort and compassion.
To see beyond the troubles and find happiness in what we do have..

You will see that this cloud too will have a sliver lining.....
looks grey now, but that will change...
Keep the faith DD!
Look for that lining.. it will come!

We all feel for you so much... and just want the best for you's both!!!
Now hurry up and start getting better already..... please!   

[Julia H]

Hi, Dee Dee~

I totally understand the urge to research things just in case the docs may be missing something that might help, but focusing on the worst possible scenario is keeping you from investing all your energy in visualizing her well, happy, and active. Just a friendly reminder to focus on what you want, not what you don't!

Besides, staying out of the pits will keep you available to inspiration. Being in the pits may mean you'll miss something that Spirit is trying to inspire you with.
And, besides, she may not even have one of those diseases. My inner guidance is telling me she can absolutely get well. I have dowsed on it and get a definite "She will be well." In fact, she is well on her way.

Whatever the case, please know that miracles happen.

Roly and Lilah are sending dachsie rays, and I'm doing my best imitation!

Love and (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))).

Julia and Co.

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Thank you Gail and Tpoof, it really helps to come read the boards here.

Julia thank you for popping in, it is really good to hear you sense she will be ok! I keep coming back to read the good posts, since all the other stuff I google is more scary.

I talked to her first Neuro again today (he told me to keep my fingers off the keyboard) and we have another appointment Thursday the 13th 1.5 hours north (opposite direction) with another neuro for an MRI and consult. Hallie is feeling better today, she is snuggling me at night again and rolling over for belly rubs and kisses. She barked while I made her dinner for the first time and it was a quieter little soprano bark but she did.

[Sandishooligans]

Continued rays full force for our Hallie girl.  Don't give up!  Keep it POSITIVE!  Remember, sometimes to heal means one step forward and 2 back until things get back on an even keel again.  STAY STRONG and treasure those belly rubs!

[Kari]

Mega rays still in full force! We are really pulling for you and Hallie!

[DeeanDave]

Mega Rays and Healing Hugs are still coming over the mountains to you!  Stay positive and think positive thoughts.....as I've been told....."no woulda, no coulda, no shoulda".   Remember doxie power is very very powerful!  We doing the happy dance for continued improvement even if it's baby steps!  Hugs to you both!  Dee, Dave, Sarge & Duggie

[Julia H]

Hooray--just as we've been picturing--she's rallying. It's a Hallie Rally!!! Hallelujah!!! (That ain't her name for nuthin'!)

Just keep focusing on how she is feeling better and getting better and better! And we'll keep focusing on that, too!!!

And take the advice of the neuro guy--forget about Google!

[LUVMYGUNNER]

Plain pumkin-the kind without the spices in it,  regulates the digestive track. You can give her a small spoon full,  everyday as part of her food. It works for both diareah and constipation-it just regulates them.

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

She is feeling even better tonight, she gave me her first big bark and even took a couple running steps toward the living room. We just got up from laying on the big bed for a while (we are sleeping on the living room floor now at night so she can get up to get a drink when she wants because of the steroids) and she was upside down as she slept getting her belly rubbed. She still has a way to go but she's doing well.

Tomorrow we start to wean her off the dexasone which will be the real test. But I'm going to expect her to do fine. Yeah google is an evil thing sometimes!

I will get Hallie some more pumpkin, I used to give her a tablespoon once a day for years but I'd always have to throw 80% of the can away because it took so long to use it and she wasn't having problems anymore so I stopped.

I talked to her neurologist today and now he seems to think it possibly might not be the syringomyelia. She definitely has a dilated spinal cord and he says she will keep having episodes but to let her live her little life and we'll treat as it comes up. If it's what he thinks it is, it's so rare there isn't even a name for it. I hope I'll learn more at the other neurologist too.  Once we get the MRI we can see more what if anything is going up up in her neck area.

[sollysmom]

I am so glad that Hallie seems to be doing better.  I know it is a hugh weight off you.  I will continue to send healing rays and prayers for you and Hallie.  Keep the faith and know that all will be well. 

Darcel

[Roberta]

I can breath again, and perhaps use my glasses when I type. Way to go girls.
Still sending rays and hugs whch I hope some day will be face to face
Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite
Da gang and Mum

[Jen]

I am so glad to hear Hallie seems to be feeling better!!
Hope she continues to do well :)

Sending prayers your way!

Jen & The Crew

[Rich]

Could this be some long overdue good news?  I sure hope so - you're certainly due for some.  We'll keep pulling for a better diagnosis and more information from the MRI.

[LUVMYGUNNER]

I buy the small can of the pure pumkin and put it in in ice cube tray and freeze it,  then put it in a ziploc bag, when i need it I take it out. You can also use a small spoon and put small spoon full on wax paper,  freeze it-then put it in a ziploc bag. My 2 look at it as a treat. In the summer they love it,  sitting outside when it is warm. I also give both of mine plain pure yogurt.