Dixie Update:-)

[YorkieSue]

Hello All,
I realize that I have been absent for quite a while but I have had lots going on and was just too bogged down with Dixie's seeming psychotic break and trying to get ready for my lung surgery on the 14th. Anyway, I have been so preoccupied with Dixie Since Aug 4th that I have been beside myself. But finally my neighbor sort of stepped in and INSISTED I take a holistic approach rather than strictly medical and well, read on.

*** Also, please excuse my lack of understanding of 'threads'--I never know what that means or where to post so I usually, as I am doing now, JUST POST wherever it will be accepted and seen. Sorry to mess up the boards, if I did.

At the INSISTENCE OF my neighbor who, except for the mandatory rabies vaccines, is strictly holistic with her dog, I took Dixie to a VET-chiropractor as sort of a last resort. I should have gone here FIRST and saved a bundle. Anyway, Dixie, since seeing this wonderful woman, seems to have had a miraculous turn-about for which I am bleary-eyed with joy--trust that!! As some of you know from my many previous posts I was feeling so damned exasperated, worried and angry about having upcoming lung surgery AND trying to figure out what was going to happen to Dixie during my longish hosp. stay and recovery; I mean, who in hell was going to be able to care for her if she was impossible to take care of and was downright dangerous?? For those who haven't read my previous postings from around Aug.24th or so, Dixie had turned absolutely vicious (sudden onset and volatile) and I had explored every single medical avenue I knew about.

This leads me to the first nice thing that happened last Thursday when I took Dixie, as sort of a last ditch effort to figure out her vicious behaviors (way different from just her normal pain-in-the-ass behaviors, believe me!!), to a world reknowned vet-chiropractor at the insistence of my very astute neighbor who has a real German, German Shepard dog from Germany. He was vicious when she adopted him and now he is a therapy dog--what a story this is and what a display of dedication on Carrie's part to have brought him to this point. She did so with the chiro she insisted that I see for Dixie and after many urgings from her, I had finally reached the end of my rope and let Carrie convince me to make the appt. Because of Carrie, I got right in and well, this may be the best thing I have ever done for Dixie. Just for your records, her name is Sue Ann Lesser, DVM and Chiropractic (I forget the intials for that speciality). If you go to her site you will see just how special and talented she is and she is totally in a class by herself when it comes to wholistic practices for dogs.

Dr. Lesser took one look at the way Dixie was walking and immediately noticed that she was on a tilt. I NEVER, EVER NOTICED THIS. She asked me to put her on the table and within 30 seconds said, "Susan, who has DROPPED THIS DOG?" Do you believe this? I never even thought to mention to her, didn't even hint, that my good friend's husband, a drunk of roaring capacity had dropped her HARD from almost six feet in the air to a hard kitchen floor about two months Prior to Dixie's behavior changes. I only found out about this because his wife (for whom I have lost ALL RESPECT NOW) told me one day when I was again going to leave Dixie with her to dog sit while I shopped. She has animals there that Dixie adores and I have been leaving Dixie there for the two years of Dixie's life--never, ever thinking that IN THAT HOUSE, she would be hurt!!. And why did he do this? Because he was drunk again and because Dixie 'had the nerve" to bark during his football game while she was playing with one of his cats.

I never even thought to mention this to Dr. Lesser and well, I was stunned to say the least, when she, after simply feeling Dixie for about 30 seconds, said, "who has dropped this dog?" She said she has seen only one other Yorkie as badly hurt in the upper torso and neck area as Dixie and that too was caused by abuse. I was sick to my stomach and still am. Dixie's sternum was twisted and she had a SEVERE pinched nerve at the base of her skull, caused by the trauma of hitting the floor when he tossed her (while the wife watched and said nothing); the two occipital bones at the base of the skull were pushing on the nerve in the brain stem and Dixie has been hurting, gradually more and more for months. Is this sickening enough for you? Dr. Lesser said that the headache Dixie had to have had, must have been absolutely horrendous. DIXIE WILL NEVER, EVER GO INTO THAT HOUSE AGAIN, TRUST THAT!!!

Let me tell you how good this woman was. First of all, she wanted Dixie muzzled in case Dixie suddenly lashed out and bit her livelihood--her hands--and of course, I understood this completely. And so, when I took out the muzzle, Dixie seemed to understand that I was trying to help her, she really did. She let me put the muzzle on with kisses and resignation--not the slightest fight. Could Dixie had 'known' that I had brought her to Danbury to help her? She was totally amazingly cooperative and loving and Dr. Lesser was STUNNED by how sweet and loving Dixie was after what I had told her about the awful and sudden aggression. This seems to happen a lot to me when Dixie is around others--her loving side takes over. Anyway, as Dr. Lesser began to work on Dixie, Dixie visibally relaxed more and more--to the point of actually FALLING ASLEEP ON THE table WHILE Dr. Lesser was adjusting her--standing up, nose on table--awwwww. The women in that clinic had tears in their eyes because of Dixie's wonderful behavior and obvious enjoyment of being helped.I was completely shocked and emotional when I saw that my little girl was going to allow Dr. Lesser to do 'whatever'--and she did allow it.

From the moment that Dr. Lesser finished her adjustment, Dixie was different. When Dr. Lesser asked me to again walk Dixie down the 'runaway' so she could observe her gait and head position, Dixie was ALREADY back in the show ring--her tail was up, ears up, eyes rivoted to me, hair sailing in the breeze of her own brisk gait, bright-eyed to a fault and totally attentive and lively. I was stunned by this metamorphosis, and still am. Dixie, for the first time, was quite good in the car (not perfect, of course, but better) and when I got her home she was, from the get go, following me from room to room again, eating with enthusiasm (actually this never changed too much :-)), barking at her windows, bringing me all of the toys in her toy box, coming to me when I jingled the leash, and doing her business outside with some interest and ease.(I am being delicate here). Ok, now it is Monday and Dixie is still 'off leash' in the house with zero signs of the hiding, growling and insane agression I had been seeing; she hasn't been off leash IN THE HOUSE since Aug 4th when the sh** hit the fan with her so you know how very, very grateful and thrilled I am about what I am seeing. My poor little baby was in PAIN the whole time and so THERE WAS A REASON for this seeming break with reality--I spent almost $1000 dollars having all of the medical tests suggested done to 'rule out' and well, what can I say? All of Dixie's bloodwork came back normal and the vet-behaviorist I saw was useless at $250 an hour. God, what a scam that was and I am going to write her and tell her so--taking advantage of people in trouble with their dogs. Had I seen Dr. Lesser FIRST I could have spared myself and Dixie all of the grief and agony but who was to know? Thank God, my neighbor PUSHED ME HARD to try this woman. And to think that I, myself, see a chiro but still had the old myths in my head re: Dixie and chiropractic and really was NOT going to take her!! Oh God, hindsight is just so 20/20 isn't it? I am seeing Dr. Lesser again this Wed. with all of the blood results in hand. She will again adjust Dixie before I have to go in for the surgery and then will see her again when I am able to get her there post surgery. She assured me that with these little dogs, the adjustments "hold' as long as there is no more trauma to the area.

Right now, Dixie is in my lap licking my leg a little and both of us are ecstatic. OMG, Had I not listened to my neighbor!!!! Anyway, good and interested people, Dixie WAS in pain and there WAS a reason for all of that explosive behavior and well, need I say more about my happiness and about having my little love back?? Thank you one and all and I apologize again for not following the 'threads'--whatever they are. Sue

[TatumsMom]

Wow, what a great story! This is the first time I've heard of that kind of dr. Well, I think I remember hearing of the sort but never a true-life story of a dog that one helped. I'm so glad you have found the answer for Dixie!

[YorkieSue]

Thanks Angie!! It is just a rotten and maddening shame that I cannot hurt the guy in the same way he hurt Dixie. To think that I trusted these people and even liked them--esp. his wife. Oh well, at least now Dixie SEEMS to be getting the help she needs. I KNEW, JUST KNEW that something HAD to have been causing her totally aggressive behaviors as she was never this way. Thanks for responding..and now, it is time to take Dixie to the park!! Oh God, it feels sooooo good to be able to say that confidently and happily. :-)

[bettyeanne]

How wonderful!! I had not seen your posts before ... everything you said makes perfect sense! There have to be reasons for our pets to suddenly have a personality change like that and when you think about it, we do the same thing when we are in pain like poor Dixie must have had! I am so happy for you that she is on the way back to her old sweet self! Good luck with your surgery and I hope you will keep us updated on both Dixie and yourself! We will keep you both in our prayers!

[Latuya]

So glad to read that your Dixie is doing so good. I do remember your situation. I hope you will come back and fill us in on your lung surgery. Best wishes from me and Gus!

[simonandhallie]

I am so happy for you! I had followed Dixie's story! How wonderful for you, I'm just sorry you had to experience the whole situation! I am so glad she is back to herself, please keep us updated! And hooray for your neighbor and Dixie's new vet, what wonderful people!

[shecass]

I had tears in my eyes the whole time I read your story. I'm so glad that Dixie is back to her old self. How horrible of your friend not to tell you immediately what happened with Dixie. I absolutely would never trust her again.

I'm so glad that she is doing better. I hope that you have a speedy recovery as well.

[YorkieSue]

Thank you one and all!! I am returning to see Dr. Lesser on Wednesday when Dixie will get her second adjustment. Then she will not need to see Dr. Lesser for a month or two. It's a good thing since I doubt I will be doing any driving for at least a few weeks after the surgery.

I am still stunned over needing this lung surgery but there is no choice. I am three years clean re: throat cancer and of course, this is terrific. And Dixie was my gift to myself (I drove from NY to S.C. to purchase another Yorkie after my little Phoebe Snow died on the day of my last radiation treatment). Dixie was NOT the dog I purchased but through a series of events (most of them me begging to buy only HER LOL)the breeder decided to let my purchase her and well, here we are. Dixie has been an extremely difficult Yorkie from day #1 but I had been working with her. Then on Aug 4th, she snapped and you all know the rest--both bad and good news.

Ok, they found a spot, thru a regular checkup and scheduled PET scan, on my left lung. And just as they discovered this and recommended surgery, Dixie 'went off' on me so now I had a double whammy to worry about; but SHE was my biggest worry and to a degree still is. But now, after seeing what Dr. Lesser did for her, I am feeling so much better mentally about leaving Dixie with my house sitter--I was freaking out about what this woman would do if Dixie was still vicious. I suppose if this were so, I would have had no choice but to place Dixie at the vets during the time I was in the hosp. but it doesn't look like that will be necessary :-).

Anyway, they are doing this surgery in order to do a "biopsy and a cure"--and exact quote from my surgeon. A less invasive procedure is not possible nor is the needle biopsy which would mean no real surgery. The spot on my lung is just too small and so they must go in and get it, and THEN biopsy it.

And that is the "pre" story of why I have been so worried about Dixie Cup. I have hardly swallowed normally since Aug 4th because of Dixie's maniacal and dangerous behaviors and my worry over how she would be cared for while I had to be away. I THINK that now, things will be ok.

Thank you all for caring about both Dixie and me. It is a wonderful feeling...Sue

[shecass]

Originally Posted by YorkieSue

Thank you one and all!! I am returning to see Dr. Lesser on Wednesday when Dixie will get her second adjustment. Then she will not need to see Dr. Lesser for a month or two. It's a good thing since I doubt I will be doing any driving for at least a few weeks after the surgery.

I am still stunned over needing this lung surgery but there is no choice. I am three years clean re: throat cancer and of course, this is terrific. And Dixie was my gift to myself (I drove from NY to S.C. to purchase another Yorkie after my little Phoebe Snow died on the day of my last radiation treatment). Dixie was NOT the dog I purchased but through a series of events (most of them me begging to buy only HER LOL)the breeder decided to let my purchase her and well, here we are. Dixie has been an extremely difficult Yorkie from day #1 but I had been working with her. Then on Aug 4th, she snapped and you all know the rest--both bad and good news.

Ok, they found a spot, thru a regular checkup and scheduled PET scan, on my left lung. And just as they discovered this and recommended surgery, Dixie 'went off' on me so now I had a double whammy to worry about; but SHE was my biggest worry and to a degree still is. But now, after seeing what Dr. Lesser did for her, I am feeling so much better mentally about leaving Dixie with my house sitter--I was freaking out about what this woman would do if Dixie was still vicious. I suppose if this were so, I would have had no choice but to place Dixie at the vets during the time I was in the hosp. but it doesn't look like that will be necessary :-).

Anyway, they are doing this surgery in order to do a "biopsy and a cure"--and exact quote from my surgeon. A less invasive procedure is not possible nor is the needle biopsy which would mean no real surgery. The spot on my lung is just too small and so they must go in and get it, and THEN biopsy it.

And that is the "pre" story of why I have been so worried about Dixie Cup. I have hardly swallowed normally since Aug 4th because of Dixie's maniacal and dangerous behaviors and my worry over how she would be cared for while I had to be away. I THINK that now, things will be ok.

Thank you all for caring about both Dixie and me. It is a wonderful feeling...Sue

I'm so sorry about your illness. Hopefully as small as it is it was caught early enough that removing it hopefully no treatments. I watched my grandmother go through Chemo it's not pretty. Good Luck I will keep you and Dixie both in my prayers. I hope you have a speedy recovery.

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

I am so happy to hear about Dixie and your new "miracle vet". I also found anew miracle vet here in my own community ...his name isa Stepen Blake and his website is www.thepetwhisperer.com. He is a trained vet but he practiced homeopathically and he has already improved the lives and health of my dogs tremendously.

I encourage everyone to find holistic, homeoptathic vet and at least have one appointment. It may just save your pet's life or at least save your dog from pain in the future due to unnecessary procedures and vaccines prescribed by most western vets.

I hope your lung surgery goes well and you are "good as new" very soon.

[River]

I am so glad that your Dixie is back to normal! I know that animal chiropractors can be a huge help. My horse has some back issues and I have been told time again that I should have a chiropractor look at her. Your story is amazing, I definitely need to do this for my horse! Good luck with your surgery, we will keep you in our prayers.

[whispersmom2]

Sue, please know that you are in my prayers as you approach this stressful time. Lung surgery is so advanced but when you are the patient, it is hard to believe the people who say that. You and Dixie are going thru some rough times and Dixie might be responding to her sense that your are not well, either. My Skylar is like that. Only, she makes all of my other critters leave me completely alone. I have to sit down with her and convince, yes I said "convince", her that it is okay for them to get on me. She will stop her barking and herding the others away but only after our conversation.
I so hope that all goes well with your surgery and that Dixie will sense that she is safe and you are well. Your pain and anguish must be palpable now.
Give yourself hugs and Dixie smoochies from Rini's cuties..

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Reading Rini's post made me think of something that I forgot to comment on. Our dogs are quite intuitive and amazingly instinctual and receptive animals. Many service dogs are simply used to alert a person of her medical condition like an impendig migraine, epileptic seizure or insulin attack. Science is not sure HOW these animals do it but they are able to precieve these conditions before people can. The dog will behave differently toward the "sick" individual and when you learn to read those behaviors it allows the person to take medication or get help sooner.

This is a well recognized phenomenon. It could be that Dixie was also behaving in this unusual way because she "sensed" your medical condition.

I am glad you are both being treated and wish you the fastest of recoveries.

[tmatherly]

Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr

Reading Rini's post made me think of something that I forgot to comment on. Our dogs are quite intuitive and amazingly instinctual and receptive animals. Many service dogs are simply used to alert a person of her medical condition like an impendig migraine, epileptic seizure or insulin attack. Science is not sure HOW these animals do it but they are able to precieve these conditions before people can. The dog will behave differently toward the "sick" individual and when you learn to read those behaviors it allows the person to take medication or get help sooner.

This is a well recognized phenomenon. It could be that Dixie was also behaving in this unusual way because she "sensed" your medical condition.

I am glad you are both being treated and wish you the fastest of recoveries.

I just saw something on TV like that....a lady had a skin lesion that her dog disliked, I can't remember exactly what behavior he exhibited, but she went to the doctor and was diagnosed with skin cancer. There are also dogs who can recognize bladder cancer by the way a person's urine smells. The dogs detected the cancer before the person had any symptoms, so it was an early detector. The were actually teaching these dogs to recognize the cancer smell-and being pretty successfull at it! Amazing!

[eensor]

Sue! That is wonderful news about Miss Dixie! I was worried about her! Now we'll all get to praying for your speedy and 100% recovery!