Really worried about Libby - Page 7 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

rubynrosie · 04-01-2013, 11:31 AM

Praying very hard Connie for you and Libby. I amy hoping if she is diagnosed with this it will be as manageable as LadyJane's yorkie! On a positive, you have YT members with experience in this disease so hopefully they will not only be able to provide emotional support but also help answer questions you may have or provide direction/information your vet may not have. {Hugs} We will be there for you!!!

jadabug · 04-01-2013, 11:57 AM

I am so sorry you got this diagnosis Connie, but I believe strongly in prayers and in good vet care. Libby has both and with your love and care you will get this under control.

OwnedByJezebel · 04-01-2013, 12:17 PM

I'm so sorry. Prayers up for you, Libby, and the successful management of this condition.

Connie · 04-01-2013, 02:11 PM

I just talked with my vet again. I asked him if we could start her on treatment now rather than waiting and he said he cannot because she has blood in her urine. He told me to give it to Wednesday and bring a urine sample up. He was saying something about vitamin b or b12...folic acid? I just don't understand much about all this. I asked him if a ct scan would help because my hubby said he could scan Libby at the hospital. Vet said it may likely help, but she would have to be sedated for it and with her albumin so low, it would be to risky to sedate her and she may not come out of it. My vet will be gone next week again and he told me I should keep the vet I saw on Tuesday as Libby's primary care physician because he will be gone a lot. I said I would do that, but would he please oversee her care whenever he is here. He said he will gladly do that and work with the other vet for the best possible care. One thing I forgot to ask him about...Libby growls so much which makes me think she's in pain. Linda...do you think she should be on a pain med? I am wondering if she should. My poor little Libby. Thank you all, for your prayers! I appreciate you all so much!

ladyjane · 04-01-2013, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Connie

I just talked with my vet again. I asked him if we could start her on treatment now rather than waiting and he said he cannot because she has blood in her urine. He told me to give it to Wednesday and bring a urine sample up. He was saying something about vitamin b or b12...folic acid? I just don't understand much about all this. I asked him if a ct scan would help because my hubby said he could scan Libby at the hospital. Vet said it may likely help, but she would have to be sedated for it and with her albumin so low, it would be to risky to sedate her and she may not come out of it. My vet will be gone next week again and he told me I should keep the vet I saw on Tuesday as Libby's primary care physician because he will be gone a lot. I said I would do that, but would he please oversee her care whenever he is here. He said he will gladly do that and work with the other vet for the best possible care. One thing I forgot to ask him about...Libby growls so much which makes me think she's in pain. Linda...do you think she should be on a pain med? I am wondering if she should. My poor little Libby. Thank you all, for your prayers! I appreciate you all so much!

Connie, I don't know...Cookie has never been in pain from it...but of course, you don't have a definitive diagnosis.

Does he not think she should be seen by a specialist? That's where I would be...I don't know about a CT Scan. If the ultrasound shows possible issues in the intestines, the next thing they would do is a biopsy. BUT..he is right, the albumin level needs to be stabilized. That is my biggest concern and why I feel a specialist is needed. Honestly, if my pup had a level like that he/she would be at the specialist and I believe they would admit to critical care. This is very, very scary Connie.

Connie · 04-01-2013, 02:29 PM

We don't have any specialists around here...not even an emergency clinic, though I can get the vet on call at night.

BabyGirl Rosie · 04-01-2013, 02:40 PM

Just now seeing this Connie. Saying prayers for your sweet baby.

jacquelinebabco · 04-01-2013, 02:44 PM

Connie I saw your post and I am so sorry. Please keep me posted. I know how much this is hurting you and wish there was something I could do other than pray. They are our hearts and if only they could talk. I know that you will give her the best of care and I will pray that she feels better and they can figure out how to help her. I am so sorry your going through this worry.
Hugs, prayers and support
Jackie

rubynrosie · 04-01-2013, 02:49 PM

That's the problem guys the areas Connie and I live...specialists are a ways a way. Connie- Is your nearest vet specialist the U of Minnesota or would you go Montana way? I am assuming ND doesn't have much...oh possible NDSU. Would your vet at least phone consult with them??

ladyjane · 04-01-2013, 03:02 PM

Connie, do a search on the internet to see the closest one. Maybe there is one closer than you know....

American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine > Home

Connie · 04-01-2013, 03:39 PM

I searched and found one in Bismarck...a couple hours away. I know nothing about her though and also, I would be scared to take Libby as she is not a good traveler. She loves going for car rides, but not when I head out of town. She shakes and she pants and she acts terrified. I don't think I would want to put her through that right now.

lisaly · 04-01-2013, 03:45 PM

My heart and prayers are with you and Libby. I know how much you love her and how difficult it is for you to see her so sick. Please don't give up hope.

ladyjane · 04-01-2013, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Connie

I searched and found one in Bismarck...a couple hours away. I know nothing about her though and also, I would be scared to take Libby as she is not a good traveler. She loves going for car rides, but not when I head out of town. She shakes and she pants and she acts terrified. I don't think I would want to put her through that right now.

If she were mine, I would be on the road. Has your vet suggested this? If not, then perhaps I am wrong...but it is all I know.
This condition is scary and they can go downhill quickly. The fact that her albumin is so low already puts her at very high risk.
I am sorry if I sound pushy. Just very worried about your girl.
Will keep her and you in my thoughts and prayers.

A couple of links that might help....interesting they call for cage rest. Maybe you should keep her from running around and playing.

Low Albumin In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment Of Hypoalbuminemia

Protein-losing enteropathies (PLE)-2008 « Hungarovet

TxVicki · 04-01-2013, 04:52 PM

Just want you to know that prayers will continue for Libby.

bobohyde · 04-01-2013, 05:34 PM

Connie, When Albumin is 1.5 or lower, they will leak fluid into the abdomen/chest. So Libby is very close to the danger zone. Columbo was at 1.1 and had to have a tranfusion of human Albumin to save his life. The vet said that was a one time thing because his body will reject it the next time and go into shock. Canine plasma transfusions also work, but are slower. A dog can loose albumin 3 ways: through the intestines (IBD, lymphangectasia or cancer), through the kidneys or through the liver. Liver is checked with a bile acid test, Kidneys through urine test. Treatment differs depending on the cause. Columbo's test ruled out liver and kidneys. His ultrasound showed thickening of the intestines, which means inflammation, and indicated to his internist he was losing it through the intestines (process of elimination). He then had an endoscopy with biopsy to diagnose whether it was IBD, lymphangectasia or cancer. Columbo's was severe IBD. He is on steroids, antibiotics and special diet. After the albumin transfusion in the hospital, his level was 1.8. One week later he was 1.9. Last week he was 2.0, so she just changed his diet to a novel protein diet (Royal Canine hypoallergenic select protein PV). He started that Saturday and will be tested again in one week. So we are hopeful as he is responding so far. Has Libby had a bile acid test and/or a urine test? The blood in the urine could possibly indicate kidney. Your vet can't start treatment until he knows what he's dealing with as the treatments differ. I hope this post is helpful. It was hard for me to understand and the internist actually wrote up a chart for me to follow as she attempted to diagnose the cause of the fluid, because all the details were just swimming around in my ahead along with all my emotions and fear of losing my baby. It was very helpful for us to understand where she was going with the different tests.

04-01-2013, 11:31 AM	#91
rubynrosie Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: ada mn usa Posts: 1,362	Praying very hard Connie for you and Libby. I amy hoping if she is diagnosed with this it will be as manageable as LadyJane's yorkie! On a positive, you have YT members with experience in this disease so hopefully they will not only be able to provide emotional support but also help answer questions you may have or provide direction/information your vet may not have. {Hugs} We will be there for you!!! __________________ Bobbi and her two favorite girls...Ruby-Sioux and Rosie Too . We you Lola Marlene Bubbles

04-01-2013, 11:57 AM	#92
jadabug Jada + Bogie = ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mayberry AKA smalltown usa Posts: 24,078	I am so sorry you got this diagnosis Connie, but I believe strongly in prayers and in good vet care. Libby has both and with your love and care you will get this under control. __________________ Michelle, Jada and Bogie

04-01-2013, 12:17 PM	#93
OwnedByJezebel YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,921	I'm so sorry. Prayers up for you, Libby, and the successful management of this condition. __________________ Life is merrier with a Yorkshire Terrier! Jezebel & Chuy ... RIP: Barkley Loosie & Sassy

04-01-2013, 02:11 PM	#94
Connie Loved by Maddie & Libby Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North Dakota Posts: 10,732	I just talked with my vet again. I asked him if we could start her on treatment now rather than waiting and he said he cannot because she has blood in her urine. He told me to give it to Wednesday and bring a urine sample up. He was saying something about vitamin b or b12...folic acid? I just don't understand much about all this. I asked him if a ct scan would help because my hubby said he could scan Libby at the hospital. Vet said it may likely help, but she would have to be sedated for it and with her albumin so low, it would be to risky to sedate her and she may not come out of it. My vet will be gone next week again and he told me I should keep the vet I saw on Tuesday as Libby's primary care physician because he will be gone a lot. I said I would do that, but would he please oversee her care whenever he is here. He said he will gladly do that and work with the other vet for the best possible care. One thing I forgot to ask him about...Libby growls so much which makes me think she's in pain. Linda...do you think she should be on a pain med? I am wondering if she should. My poor little Libby. Thank you all, for your prayers! I appreciate you all so much! __________________ Custom doggie dresses and vests Memory is a country where I can go to see your face - but where do I go when I miss your embrace?

04-01-2013, 02:29 PM	#96
Connie Loved by Maddie & Libby Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North Dakota Posts: 10,732	We don't have any specialists around here...not even an emergency clinic, though I can get the vet on call at night. __________________ Custom doggie dresses and vests Memory is a country where I can go to see your face - but where do I go when I miss your embrace?

04-01-2013, 02:40 PM	#97
BabyGirl Rosie I ♥ my girls! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: With My Yorkies Posts: 18,980	Just now seeing this Connie. Saying prayers for your sweet baby. __________________ Momma to three sweet Yorkie girls Rosie Marie, Mikki Leigh , and Lily Mae Grace!

04-01-2013, 02:44 PM	#98
jacquelinebabco Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: hannacroix,ny Posts: 1,364	Connie I saw your post and I am so sorry. Please keep me posted. I know how much this is hurting you and wish there was something I could do other than pray. They are our hearts and if only they could talk. I know that you will give her the best of care and I will pray that she feels better and they can figure out how to help her. I am so sorry your going through this worry. Hugs, prayers and support Jackie

04-01-2013, 02:49 PM	#99
rubynrosie Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: ada mn usa Posts: 1,362	That's the problem guys the areas Connie and I live...specialists are a ways a way. Connie- Is your nearest vet specialist the U of Minnesota or would you go Montana way? I am assuming ND doesn't have much...oh possible NDSU. Would your vet at least phone consult with them?? __________________ Bobbi and her two favorite girls...Ruby-Sioux and Rosie Too . We you Lola Marlene Bubbles

04-01-2013, 03:02 PM	#100
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,490	Connie, do a search on the internet to see the closest one. Maybe there is one closer than you know.... American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine > Home __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

04-01-2013, 03:39 PM	#101
Connie Loved by Maddie & Libby Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North Dakota Posts: 10,732	I searched and found one in Bismarck...a couple hours away. I know nothing about her though and also, I would be scared to take Libby as she is not a good traveler. She loves going for car rides, but not when I head out of town. She shakes and she pants and she acts terrified. I don't think I would want to put her through that right now. __________________ Custom doggie dresses and vests Memory is a country where I can go to see your face - but where do I go when I miss your embrace?

04-01-2013, 03:45 PM	#102
lisaly Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 5,892	My heart and prayers are with you and Libby. I know how much you love her and how difficult it is for you to see her so sick. Please don't give up hope.

04-01-2013, 04:52 PM	#104
TxVicki Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: At Home Posts: 8,386	Just want you to know that prayers will continue for Libby. __________________ [SIZE="3"VICKI & ALLIE[/SIZE]

04-01-2013, 05:34 PM	#105
bobohyde Donating YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: c Posts: 427	Connie, When Albumin is 1.5 or lower, they will leak fluid into the abdomen/chest. So Libby is very close to the danger zone. Columbo was at 1.1 and had to have a tranfusion of human Albumin to save his life. The vet said that was a one time thing because his body will reject it the next time and go into shock. Canine plasma transfusions also work, but are slower. A dog can loose albumin 3 ways: through the intestines (IBD, lymphangectasia or cancer), through the kidneys or through the liver. Liver is checked with a bile acid test, Kidneys through urine test. Treatment differs depending on the cause. Columbo's test ruled out liver and kidneys. His ultrasound showed thickening of the intestines, which means inflammation, and indicated to his internist he was losing it through the intestines (process of elimination). He then had an endoscopy with biopsy to diagnose whether it was IBD, lymphangectasia or cancer. Columbo's was severe IBD. He is on steroids, antibiotics and special diet. After the albumin transfusion in the hospital, his level was 1.8. One week later he was 1.9. Last week he was 2.0, so she just changed his diet to a novel protein diet (Royal Canine hypoallergenic select protein PV). He started that Saturday and will be tested again in one week. So we are hopeful as he is responding so far. Has Libby had a bile acid test and/or a urine test? The blood in the urine could possibly indicate kidney. Your vet can't start treatment until he knows what he's dealing with as the treatments differ. I hope this post is helpful. It was hard for me to understand and the internist actually wrote up a chart for me to follow as she attempted to diagnose the cause of the fluid, because all the details were just swimming around in my ahead along with all my emotions and fear of losing my baby. It was very helpful for us to understand where she was going with the different tests.