CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Health => Topic started by: Claire83 on March 05, 2016, 03:54:03 PM
-
This afternoon I had to rush my beautiful girl to the emergency vet. I was performing my usual weekly checks on her (ears, eyes, teeth) I looked at her eyes and the whites were yellow! I then checked her gums... Also yellow. I rushed her to the vet who have been amazing. They took her bloods, gave her an anti sickness injection and a Vitamin B12 injection, unfortunately we have to wait until Monday for the blood results. I'm just so worried as the vet told me that it could be a problem with her liver or viral. It's so unlike her to be like this she's almost never ill. I guess I'm not looking for any answers here but just curious if anyone's CS has experienced the same or similar symptoms?
For now we're on the sofa, she's sleeping off the events of the afternoon. [emoji22]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
No experience of this but sending out lots of :bigarmhug: and hope the results of the blood tests are good. It'll be a long weekend waiting, no doubt!!
Fingers and paws crossed! :D
-
Waiting is the worst :(
Sending lots of positive thoughts your way xx
-
No experience of jaundice in cockers (have had it myself!- and that was caused by hepatitis A and I got totally better so a virus is very treatable. And my goodness you are on the ball health-wise with her, got her some treatment straight away and gave her the best chance of being well again. Gold star to her owner! Good luck to you both.
-
Wishing your little girl better, it is so worrying waiting for results.
-
My first Cocker became ill very suddenly when he was 15. I went out to lunch with friends, leaving him for about 4 hours, apparently healthy and well when I left, and came back to a very poorly boy who had vomited several times while I was out and was jaundiced and in a state of collapse. I took him straight to the vet and they took bloods, gave him antibiotics and an injection or two (this was many years ago and I can't remember what the injections were) and I brought him home to nurse him, half expecting the worst because of his age.
He had a rough couple of days but then picked up and went on to recover well. The diagnosis was some kind of virus, but I never knew what. It was a one off and didn't recur or cause any long term damage that I was aware of.
I hope that the cause and outcome will be the same for your girl. Sending positive thoughts and hoping that she's on the road to recovery very soon :bigarmhug:
-
Hoping Roxy is feeling a little better now, and keeping everything crossed for good results :bigarmhug:
-
Thanks all so much for your positive thoughts and wishes. She's still very yellow but the vet said if I noticed any change until Monday then bring her back. So far she's still eating and drinking. She's off her "normal" dry food so this morning I gave her 3 scrambled eggs which she wolfed down. This afternoon about 60g of poached fish and mashed potato again no lack of appetite. She's drank a small amount but doesn't have signs of dehydration yet. The only thing is she's resting quite a bit and she's very, very clingy. Just keeping everything crossed for tomorrow but I'm watching her like a hawk. OH took her for a very short walk this morning 15 mins or so and he walked her off lead without her leaving his side. Usually she's 4-5 paces in front so she's definitely not herself. [emoji53]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Hope with all my heart that today brought good news for Roxy.
-
Hi all, so I received Roxy's results little over an hour ago. Her albumin is slightly lower than normal but not drastically, her red and white blood count were ok which ruled out anaemia however the bloods dos reveal that the liver isn't functioning properly. We've therefore been referred to the Internal medicines department at the Royal veterinary Collage in Potters bar on Monday. We've been told it's likely she'll have an ultrasound and UG biopsy. She's fairly well in herself. She's eating, drinking and her personality is still there but at times she's a little subdued and quite sleepy. Please keep your fingers & paws crossed for our beautiful girl. I'll keep you posted on Mondays outcome. X
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I'm sure the team at RVC will get to the bottom of it very quickly.
Bea spent a week in Internal medicine at Potters Bar after an emergency referral and they couldn't have looked after her and us better, they explained everything to me very clearly and where very supportive.
Will be thinking of you, good luck for Monday.
Sharon.
-
Keeping everything possible crossed for Roxy and hoping they'll get her sorted out soon. I'm sure there isn't a better place for her than there!
Sending lots of :bigarmhug: and good wishes for a speedy recovery!
-
Sending over positive thoughts for poorly Roxy :luv: :bigarmhug: She will have good care taken of her at the RVC, thinking of you on Monday :bigarmhug:
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
-
Fingers crossed for her. It's awful waiting to find these things out.
-
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: Keeping everything crossed here for good results on Monday - Ben and Harry are crossing their paws as well
:luv: for Roxy
-
Good luck. I've not been on COL for a while but one of mine although not jaundiced was drinking a lot more that usual, and that was always a lot anyway. She went for blood tests and routine ones showed nothing but low urea levels which vet says could indicate liver problems. She went back for a further blood test specifically for liver function which showed slight raised liver levels. I give her milk thistle now to try to maintain liver function as good as possible.
-
I'm mentally preparing myself to take her to RVC early to borrow morning. She has been sleeping almost constantly unless I wake her for the last 2 days. I've also noticed today that her tummy is swollen which I'm presuming is probably ascites (fluid build up) a symptom/sign of a liver related problem. She doesn't appear in pain just very tired. She's completely off of her good but drinking normally. I managed to get some poached fish only into her today. She's now fasting until we get to the college in the morning. I'm preparing myself that it's highly likely I'll have to leave her there which makes me feel sick but I know it's the best thing for her.
Thanks all for your kind wishes please keep my darling girl in your thoughts tomorrow.
Claire. Xxx
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Will certainly keep both you and Roxy in my thoughts tomorrow Claire and am keeping everything crossed for a good outcome. I'm sure she'll be fine, she's obviously going to be in excellent hands and will hopefully be back home with you again soon! All the best and keep us updated!
Sending :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
-
Thinking of you and Roxy today. I hope the RCV can diagnose the problem and start treating it as soon as possible :bigarmhug:
-
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
Lesley and Dylan
-
Thinking of you and your precious girl today xx
-
Thinking of you and Roxy today :luv: :luv: :bigarmhug:
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
-
Thinking of you and hoping so much that all goes well with Roxy.
-
Feeling devastated. Ive just returned home without Roxy. The RVC were great this morning and she surprisingly picked up. They took on board all of the information I could give regarding the decline in her health over the last couple of weeks. They performed an ultrasound this afternoon and also a fine needle aspirate and its highly likely she has cirrhosis of the liver. This could be due to hepatitis or a copper build up. Based on tomorrow's result we have 3 options. 1, medical management with drugs 2, a laparoscopic biopsy to further define her disease to assist with better management 3, a full surgical biopsy which it sounds they aren't in favour of because she probably won't cope very well. She has something called Hepatic Encephalopathy (build up of ammonia in her) which was causing her some confusion (circling, excessive tiredness, and restlessness also her pushing her head into you). Based on all of this her prognosis could be a few months or a couple of years......... A decision will be made tomorrow's for now feeling very numb as we spend the first of a few nights I suspect without her. Xxx
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
O'h poor you, I can imagine how you must be feeling! The next couple of days are going to be tough for you but it does sound as if they're taking a bit more time to weigh up all the options carefully instead of rushing ahead.
Will keep you and Roxy in my thoughts and cross everything that they'll come up with a good solution! Very best of luck and lots of :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: for little Roxy!
-
Sending more :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: to you all especially over the next few days .
Sharon.
-
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: for you all x
-
So very sorry it wasn't better news :'(
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
-
Thinking of you
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
The RVC have been excellent, She couldn't be in better hands
-
My heart goes out to you. Hope with all my heart that the investigations bring positive news.
Thinking of you and praying for Roxy.
-
So very sorry for you both, thinking of you both :luv:
-
Sending positive and healing thoughts for you. So sorry it was not better news, hope a workable solution can be found. :bigarmhug:
-
Sending over healing and positive thoughts for Roxy, praying for positive news :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
-
I'm so sorry it's not better news. Thinking of you and her.
-
Thinking of you X
-
Thank you so much you're all so kind. Xxxx
Had an update this morning. They started her on some supportive medication and Vitamin K to assist with her clotting last night. She finally ate a bowl of food late this morning. We're waiting for the full report on her aspirate biopsy from last night but it sounds more like an advancedliver disease and will know the cause shortly. Thankfully the big 'C' has been ruled out but her liver is angry and in the words of the vet "p*ssed off". They have been amazing at the RVC and I've had 4 update phone calls since leaving her yesterday. We've decided to opt for her to have a 'true cut biopsy' over a surgical disection biopsy. The true cut biopsy is done laparoscopically and she'll be sedated for approx 30-40 mins. This will hopefully enable us to decide on how to support and manage her disease and see how advanced it is. The thoughts of the vet is that she wouldn't tolerate very well the full surgical biopsy right now and so we feel it's safer to do the other.
Safe to say I've been incredibly tearful than ever and it was horrible waking up without her in our room this morning. She always follows me to the bathroom to drink from the bidet tap and sits on the bed whilst I get ready.
The hope is that if all goes well with the biopsy tomorrow morning we may be able to bring her home tomorrow evening. X
-
Thinking of you.
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
Having only got Darwin home last Friday after a weeks stay at the RVC I know how wonderful all the staff are.
-
It really does sound a wonderful place and you're very lucky that she's being cared for by experts, I'm sure they'll do their very best for her.
Fingers crossed that all goes well tomorrow and that she can go home with you. Sending out all the positive thoughts I can!! :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
-
Sending lots of :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: for you both at this incredibly difficult and upsetting time x
-
The RVC have been exceptional so far. Had another update call a short while ago to tell me she is doing well. She's quite a needy little dog (always has been) loves, company and fuss and a play and so the nurses appear to spending plenty of time with her to stop her feeling so sad and anxious. I know I'm desperately missing her as is my wonderful hubby who has been so supportive even if a little quiet.
I haven't posted on COL for sometime. I often pop in and out to see what's going on and used to post quite a bit when Roxy was younger but I just want to say thank you all for being so supportive. I don't have many doggie friends or many people around who understand what it feels like. I don't have children but Roxy is as close to one as I'll ever get, so it means the world to have such wonderful people on here who understand. xx
-
It sounds like Roxy is being very well looked after and getting a little bit of extra attention, which is important for her. Prayers and healing thoughts for your little one :bigarmhug: xx
-
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: thinking of you both
-
Bea was in the RVC Internal Medicine department in June, she is a very Human orientated Cocker and loves her cuddles and fuss :luv:
The Team where always popping in to give her cuddles and Jessica Florey her Vet had a real soft spot for her so I think Bea got her usual amount of fuss if not more ( is that possible ?) :005:
Positive thoughts for you all.
Sharon.
-
Hi Claire, it's devastating when both you and your pooch are both helpless. I know how you feel. Another member from our era, Steelygirl , with Freddy, has had a similar problem. At least five years ago Fred was diagnosed with cirrhosis, with dire prospects, but is still bouncing around. You may be able to message her should you need to.
-
We're also under Jessica Florey and Gemma a final year Vet. They've both been amazing and I would highly recommend her.
We collected Roxy last night. She's unlike the dog we left there and still a sick little spaniel. We're under no illusion that we may only have weeks or months left so will cherish every second. She is still high as a kite after her biopsy yesterday and very disorientated. Much of this is to do with her liver metabolising the drugs a lot more slowly and also the ammonia build up which is causing her encephalopathy. She has 5 medications too.
I've had to pop to work but have a doggie friend sitting with her until my husband(http://) gets home at lunchtime. She's very whimpery and needy which is to be expected. She has a sore throat from being tubed. Thanks again for your well wishes she needs all the prayers she can get. Xxx
-
Just to add, it's highly suspected that the cause is not canine hepatitis but Copper storage build up. If anyone has experience of this I'd be really interested on your opinions and thoughts? We should get the final conclusion on her biopsy report on Monday. x
-
Sending you all hugs :bigarmhug:
steffxxx
-
What a nightmare for you, so much love coming from the forum for you, I pray for an Easter miracle for you and Roxy. xx
-
Have to say I've never come across the Copper problem. Really hoping it can be alleviated with maybe drug/diet regime...stay strong. :blink:
-
Have just consulted OH (scientist) who says copper-rich foods are offal, shellfish, legumes and many cereals. Obviously only your vet can say whether avoiding them is helpful. Good luck.
-
Can't add any more other than to reinforce that we're all pulling for you and Roxy and hope with all my heart that she'll overcome this. Sending lots of :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: to you both!
-
Sending all my best wishes to Roxy, and hugs for you. Very difficult time for you all. I really hope things turn around for your lovely girl. xx
-
Hi All, I thought I'd take a few mins to post an update on my girl Roxy. So her diagnosis is 'Severe Chronic Interface Hepatitis with evidence of secondary copper accumulation'.
The first few days after collecting her from the RVC were pretty scary. It took Roxy approx' 3 days to rid the sedation drug out of her system entirely. The poor thing was as high as a kite. It didn't take long for her appetite to return which is fantastic. We've opted to give her a home cooked diet. Purely because she won't touch the prescription food and I can at least monitor what she is eating. She's eating better than us at the moment, with steak, chicken, cottage cheese and fresh veggies. She taking 5 different medications and some lactulose to reduce her encephalopathy. She's taking them all really well and she's having some added supplementation of some pure salmon oil and milk thistle and dandelion powder. Ms Florey at the RVC told us to feed her whatever it is she likes (obviously within reason) as the main thing is to preserve her remaining health and happiness. We'd rather she eat and be happy than to not eat (prescription food) and become bulimic or anorexic. She's currently maintaining a healthy weight of 10.5 kgs, she's a pretty pint sized cocker anyway. She's remarkably perky at the moment, enjoying her walks and almost back to her usual cheeky self. She's very needy still though and that's to be expected after being pulled from piller to post and poked & prodded. Her jaundice has subsided but it probably will never go entirely but the fact it has means she has goodish bile flow. That aside she's still got an "angry liver" and although she has hepatits is her diagnosis, we're told it's unlikely to be the actual hepatitis disease that has caused this. Unfortunately they are unable to determine the Primary cause as to why she has a hepatic liver as she is vaccinated against it every year. AS for the copper accumulation, after a bit of research it's found that cockers do suffer with this but probably not nearly enough to warrant a lot of research and documentation..........................For now we are loving, caring and enjoying each and every minute of this naughty, cheeky, inquisitive, loving girl and we're doing all that we can to preserve her quality of life. xxxx
-
Stay as well as you can for as long as you can little Roxy,
Thinking of you. x
-
Thank you for taking the time to update, I have been thinking about you both. I am glad Roxy is home, and enjoying some fine dining :luv: I hope you both have many happy days yet, take the positives as they come. x
-
Just caught up with Roxy's story and wanted to say I'm thinking of you both
Jan x
-
Thanks for the update :D
It's lovely to hear that Roxy is home and enjoying her new food (who wouldn't) and settling in to being a happy girl again. I think you're doing exactly the right thing for her, and long may it stay like that xx
-
I can only second that and hope that you still have lots of happy times in front of you!! Lots of :bigarmhug: for Roxy, am so glad she's feeling better!
-
Glad she is is home and feeling better, sure you are doing the right thing feeding her food she enjoys rather than the prescription diet. Stay well Roxy, hope you have lots of happy days together :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
Lesley and Dylan
-
Just read this, sorry to hear Roxy has been so unwell, but pleased to read she is doing better.
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: for you both
-
Hi Claire....
Hows Roxy doing these days... Ollie wondered, I'm sure he wanted their friendship to be so much more! :luv:
Dan