dog/hyperparathyroidism

[Amindy H.]

my sweet bongo's body is shutting down. she's a 12 yr old pitt with hyperparathyroidism. she's been getting IV fluids every week for about a month.

now her tummy is swelling and she comes and goes with this super heavy breathing that makes her whole body shake. it's so sad.

this weekend was bad, but today is a good day. so we're taking each day at a time...

any ideas? not sure what this hard breathing thing is, makes me want to hand her a xanax.. again, it comes and goes, but when it comes it kinda scares me.

thanks
amanda

 

[Laurent]

Amanda,
From research on the net it seems that canine hyperparathyroidism is a condition which often ends in renal failure. It may be possible that her abdomen/chest is filling with fluid, thus making it hard for her to breath.
I know how scary it can be when your pet has breathing difficulties... they become so much more than an animal, they become members of our families. I lost my 14 yr old chihuahua Ceely almost 2 years ago, and I remember how scary her breathing was that last day. (I believe she had heart failure... as IMO, fluid was filling her lungs...)
Other than taking Bongo to the vet when it gets bad again... I don't know what to tell you. I am not sure that the vet can really do much for her at this seforum.xxxe anyway. Have they discussed any further treatment options with you?
All I can suggest is that you just be there for Bongo... make every day and every minute count. Does she love to ride in the car? Take her for a ride today. What's her favorite treat? Doesn't she deserve one today? Reassure her of your presence. You're there... she's ok, she's loved. t056

 

[Gabriella M]

thank you, sweet friend.

i now know that the term i was searching for in regards to her breathing was hyperventilation. i just couldn't think clearly and 'access that file', if you know what i mean.

do you ever find that when someone you love is your 'client' that sometimes you second-guess yourself? like if im working on my kids or bongo i often wonder if i'm doing the right thing, when if it were someone else's, i'd be right there in the zone and working from intuition. guess i'm second-guessing myself tonight.

i find it interesting that she turns away from the reiki.

tonight the kids and i got down and took pictures with her and loved her. i did take her for a ride this afternoon and to visit the great grandparents. she's eating better meals than ever, and i'm just taking each moment at a time.

i seem to have abandoned all of my CAM tx that i would normally do. i can't seem to get the reflex points, or the massage right, all i can do is just be with her, so i assume that's best for now.

i did just find this great healing ritual that i'm adapting. i'd be happy to pm it to you if you'd like.

hope you rest well

 

[Ruprect]

do you ever find that when someone you love is your 'client' that sometimes you second-guess yourself?

Of course, I would think that would be common among MTs, nurses, doctors and anybody in the healing professions.

...i'm just taking each moment at a time.

That's all you can do. Cesar Millan says that dogs live in the moment. They don't hold it against us that we forgot to buy milkbones yesterday... they're grateful that we remembered them today.

...all i can do is just be with her, so i assume that's best for now.

I think that is what's best for her now. Trust that your presence is enough, she does. t055

 

[lilylake]

update:
medications can sometimes be awful, horrible things. the prednisone and lasix caused such discomfort for our bongo. we really thought she was passing. turns out, it was just the side effects of the medication.

we weaned her off, and voila! i have my puppy back. might she have cancer? yes. but she's happy and having fun right now. we've decided to let nature take its course.

 

[lydiiuhhx3]

Livingwell,
Thanks for the update, I'm glad she's doing a bit better.
Yes, prednisone is particularly hard on the kidneys I've been told.
Enjoy each day with her!

 

[I can haz your soul]

Amanda,

You and your baby are in my thoughts!