Diablo

Tara,

I am so sorry you lost your Schnauzer. You have my sincere condolences.

I must say I am not sure what to say about Diabolo. How is he over all, clinically? Is he happy or does he seem to be in pain, lethargic, is he eating? All that would be much more important to me than the test results. He is getting up there in age and some of his problems might be age related. Is he neutered? The accidents could be prostate related or he could have bladder stones. Has that been looked at? The pred an cyclo doses seem low to cause cushings, but then I am used to a 55 lbs dog:) How much does Diabolo weigh? Is he a mini? I guess lowering the doses would be good if you suspect cushings. The drop in HCT and RBC is so slight it would not worry me. Instead of rechecking in a month maybe do it in 2 weeks and if he is not going down any further taper the cyclo? just some ideas.

Best wishes, Brigitte

Hi Tara.

I’m so sorry about your younger schnauzer.

With Diablo, someone correct me, but I believe that albumim and glucose levels can always be slightly out whilst on prednisone. Neither of the results are out by a lot.

The drop from 42 to 41 is really nothing to worry about. I’ve come to expect slight ups and downs  is normal with Bingo.  Up to 3 I don’t worry (much) up to 5, I worry a little bit!. I know we never want to see down, but something as simple as how much water they’ve drunk, how stressed they are when tested, the time of day, will affect the result.

As Brigitte said, how is the “Little Devil” acting.  You can usually tell a lot by the way they look to you.

I like Brigitte’s idea too, if you’r worried, have the test redone earlier.

My best, Vally & Bingo.

Tara, one thing that just came to mind about UTI’s, did they do a culture?did you have to wait a couple of days or did you get the result in 20 minutes? If they did not do a culture I think there is still a chance he has a UTI. Only doing a culture would make sure he has not. I am not 100% sure on this but it is how I understand it. With the culture they could also say exactly what kind of antibiotic to give. The comment about the prostate is just a hunch, a thought. When Enzo was neutered our vet said his prostate is enlarged and he had a bit of an infection. This could possibly be the reason for Diabolo’s incontinence. I was just thinking how human guys do with that:) I am not sure if the bladder stones would cause incontinence, probably more pain. but definitely something to consider. Patrice knows more about that condition. She has some great websites if it turns out that is what Diabolo has.

Thanks for asking, things are very good here! Happy and healthy poodles, what more can I ask for:)

Best wishes,

Brigitte

Bingo, the dope. Check the forum where I explained how he nearly burned down the house, that was about a month ago.

He’s always doing something.

Last night I went out and when I go out, Bingo goes to bed with dad until I get home.  Usually when I get home, I open dad’s door and Bingo is waiting and comes straight out and heads straight to the kitchen – supper time!!!  Starts barking if I’m too slow.

Last night, I get home, open the door and …nothing.  I call Bingo quietly as I don’t want to wake dad, nothing.  My blood pressure goes up with my stress levels.  Something’s wrong.  In the back of my mind, Bingo has had diarrhear for a day.  I’m now picturing Bingo so ill he can’t get up.  I don’t want to wake dad as he can’t hear much and, without hearing aids in, I won’t be able to explain what’s wrong.

I look under the bed and see Bingo sitting in the far corner of the room. I’m now really worried.  I go over to him and quietly pat him and he doesn’t move.  I speak to him and he gets up quickly and stares at the wall wagging his tail.  He’s now in “pointer” stance (except he’s wagging his tail). Staring at the wall. Bizarre.  He won’t come away when I call  him.

I race out to get a torch (imagining a mouse/rat/huge cockroach/small monster/alien/ghost etc cornered), dad hasn’t woken thank goodness, turn around and Bingo’s behind me.

I’ve worked out the dope must have gotten turned around and he’s waiting at the wrong corner of the room. He’s sitting staring at the wall, thinking it’s the door waiting for it to be opened.  His vision isn’t the best, never really was.

All good, he’s now wondering what I’m doing and waiting in the kitchen for his supper.

Lots of love, Vally & dope.