Turns out, she does have Addison's Disease. She will have to be on medication all the rest of her life, with a shot of something(still learning all the terminology) once a month (at the vet's or we can buy the drug and give the injections ourselves.) and prednisone by mouth once a day. She is already back to being her normally vivacious, curious, and food-obsessed self.
Both of us thought it at different times, but John and I both thought the same thing at one point these last few days--just how close to dying or at least going into shock, she was! Her adrenal glands no longer create cortisol on her own, so it could have dire consequences for her physical self if she didn't take the medicines to mimic those necessary hormones.
I have nothing but admiration and respect for Dr. F and the entire staff at the veterinarian's office/hospital we take our pets to. Since reading up on Addison's I learned that some vets miss the diagnosis for this disease completely! But our little dog is already on the mend and we'll continue to take good care of her. Besides, they even told me yesterday when I went to pick Jewel up, that she was one of the best dogs they ever had there(she spent two straight days there while they tested her and took care of her to get her better) and that she was "delightful". I will try to erase any thought of them possibly saying that to all the dog owners who bring their dogs there. Because she is a pretty darn wonderful dog--cute, sweet disposition, beautiful and smart. (again, I do realise this could be said of 99% of dogs...heh...heh...)
9 comments:
I am sorry about her diagnosis, but at least you know what is going on. Now she can get the treatment she needs. I am sure she is the best dog in the world. (Even though I personally do not like dogs, myself!)
Manders,
I never thought of myself as a "dog person" until we got Jewel(five years ago) . For a former cat person, Jewel was a nice transition--she rarely pants, never drools and doesn't have that doggie odor(except when she has gotten wet--oh, that wet dog smell).
I agree that most dogs, especially big dogs, are delightful. I would love to have one myself if they could only clean up after themselves. So I shall continue to enjoy the big dogs in our neighbourhood.
Hope Jewell enjoys many more years of good health!
truth searcher,
Small dogs are good, too, you know....(mine is 24 lbs.)Even so, this "small" dog sure knows how to take up all the room when she sleeps on the bed with her humans.
Webster and I are so happy to hear that Jewel is on the mend. Vets never cease to amaze me coming up with this rare diagnosis on a patient that cannot speak. Give her a biscuit and tell her it is from us!
So happy to hear she's doing a little better already!
I'm glad you got the diagnosis...although it means she will be on mediaction for the rest of her life it could have been way worse!
She's a good girl :-))
Rosemary,
Jewel wants to tell Webster..."woof!" ;-)
*Cessie,
That is what we are feeling--glad that at least there is a diagnosis ofr what she has, and it is treatable, as she is back already to being herself. And yes, it could have been a far, far worse situation. :-)
The meds are good, yay Jewel!!! You must feel so relieved to have her back the way she was. I foresee a good walk this week-end :)
It's great about your dog and hope things will always look good. I have no pets (other than two goldfish) and I can't imagine my upset if they ever got ill.
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