Man Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 Hi I was reading an older topic regarding Addisons Disease and found it helpful but could not post into it. I have a a pure bred Jack Russell (Dida) which I bought with me when I moved here from Honk Kong. My dog is 5.5 years old and I am not aware of her being ill in the past, she was a bungle of boundless energy up until last saturday morning. Dida started vomiting during the day could not even keep water down so we took here to the vet Sunday sunday morning. They gave here an injection to stop the vomiting and antibiotics, took a blood sample gave me a bill for $260 and sent here home. Monday morning she was not vomiting but very lethargic so we took here back, the Vet kept here there all day, took an x-ray and urine for testing, we picked here up at 6.15pm after having to pay another $258. We were t old that the blood test showed her potasium levels were high and sodium levels were low but that was probably a result of the vomiting. When we got home she started to deteriorate so I took her to the Animal Referral Hospital at 8.50pm, 9.20pm she went into cardiac arrest. The vet she had immediately diagnosed Addision Crisis and was amazing she worked on Dida for 10 minutes, it was like a scene from ER and the crash team, the vet and 3 assistants all vying for space to do what they needed. Dida responded and started to breathe herself and weak but sustainable heart beat. As soon as the salines drip when in here vitals started to improve but she was in a coma. They then gave me a quote for $1200 for the total treatment. We visited the hospital about 11am the next day and spoke to the specialist; Dida was getting stronger but highly sedated and comatose. The vet said that there was a good chance of a full recovery but to expect a few problems in the early stages, particularly she might have some brain damage and blind. We returned at 6.30pm which is the normal visiting hours and got to see here again, the sleeping pic is what she was like when we arrived. The vet said that she was very happy with her progress, that they had stopped the sedation and that it was gradually wearing off. I was patting her and asked the vet how long would she be in a coma, the reply was that she didn’t know it could be a few days. No sooner had the vet said that, Dida opened her eyes and tried to sit up and looked like she was smiling. She was still pretty groggy but the vet was amazed at Dida’s response to us being there. We didn’t stay too long, we didn’t want her to be restless, but it was such a great ending to a traumatic 24 hours. We hope to have her home in a few days but have to learn how to treat medicate her. At the moment she reminds me of a new born puppy, unable to stand properly and very disorientated, which is understandable given the circumstances Whilst we a currently up for around $1900, Dida is more important than the money, but it is so frustrating to be charged so much by the first vet and if we hadn't have taken Dida to the ARH she would be dead. That vet was convinced she was dealing with a urinary tract infection, the vets response was that these things happen and you cannot be right all the time. Has anyone has experience dealling with an Addisons Crisis victim that has been resusitated? I realise every case is different but it would be helpful to know what to expect. Our vet is confident that Dida's future is quite good. Regards Man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 (edited) She is at no better place than the ARH Strathfield - my girl gets treated there and they really are excellent. These diseases can be costly, however, treatment at the ARH is well worth the money. Chloe has the opposite of Addisons - Cushings disease. She did become borderline Addisonian and we had to monitor her very carefully in case she too had a Addison crisis. They are tricky diseases, however once on medication she should be fine. Haven't had experience with a total Addisonian crash like Dida's (must have been terribly scary) - but sending our very best wishes that Dida recovers fully and is back at home and feeling much better soon. ETA - my advice would be to google and research the symptoms/signs and treatments for Addisons to familiarise yourself with the disease, so that you can be fully prepared, and also so that you can better understand when it's all explained to you and why the medication is needed and how it all works. Best of luck to you all. Edited August 7, 2009 by Kelly_Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bellatrix Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 (edited) Wow! How horrible for the both of you! Im so glad she is doing well after that big ordeal! As soon as you said her potassium was high I got worried as high potassium levels affect cardiac function. V omitting will cause electrolyte imbalances but potassium should be watched.... I cant believe that vet didnt do anything more... ETA Edited August 7, 2009 by Bellatrix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Man Posted August 10, 2009 Author Share Posted August 10, 2009 Greetings Thank you to everyone who replied, Dida was released from hospital on Friday evening and getting stronger. She is currently on .8ml twice a day of a liquid medicine, this will be decreased to 4ml once a day in 12 days time and an injection every 25 days. It appears that there little residual effects of the caridac arrest apart from her hear moving from side to side when she is sitting, but that is getting less as the time progressed. Her muscle co-ordination is improving rapidly as well. THe ARH at Enfield is an amazing place and I doubt if Dida could have been in better hands. For those interested the total cost from the hospital was $3901.50 as well as the $518 charged by the original vet. Regards Man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 (edited) Man, so very pleased to hear that Dida is recovering so well. Must have been very scary for you all - she seems to be a tough little thing to be pulling through so well. My own girl is at the ARH today having some regular tests done - and I wouldn't take her anywhere else. I always know when I leave her she is in the best of hands. And they are all so very nice, helpful and seem to care very much about each and every animal. Unfortunately, these types of diseases can be very expensive... however, they are usually very manageable so we do it for our little furry friends don't we? I do hope that Dida continues to get well and stronger each day - and that she does not have another crisis again ever. Best of luck and health to you all. ETA- what a lovely picture, she seems very happy to be back at home with you! Edited August 10, 2009 by Kelly_Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 Wow you have had a very stressful time. A fantastic picture of you both, glad to see she is improving, can't add anything useful, but good luck from us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Missymoo Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 Awww she looks happy to be cuddled, glad she is recovering well. all the best with your little one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Man Posted August 13, 2009 Author Share Posted August 13, 2009 (edited) Dida's recovery has been remarkable to the extent that it is hard to believe the trauma of the 3rd of August. There appears to be no residual side affects from the cardiac arrest. She is a her happy energetic playful companion again. She has even remembered her trademark hifive trick. She has her first checkup on the 17th. Thank you to everyone who responded and the private messages of support. This forum made me feel a lot better. Regards Man Edited August 13, 2009 by Man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 Dida looks fantastic, what a miracle!! Here's hoping for further good news ahead. Sometimes our furry friends can really amaze us with their strength and tenacity. I'm really very happy that you've had such a great result Man and Dida. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 Great result Man and Dida. So good to hear she is travelling along well. Good luck to you both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mooper Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 We caught Addison's before it got to the cardiac arrest stage, thankfully, but that must have been incredibly worrying for you. The symptoms in my dog's case were general lethargy, drinking a lot (his kidney function was somehow affected), and eventually going off his food. When he went off his food, we knew something was wrong! We had been putting the lethargy down to old age, as he's 9yo and is a fairly large (30kg) dog. Keep an eye on Dida and all will now be well with medication :D All the best to you both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Man Posted August 18, 2009 Author Share Posted August 18, 2009 (edited) Hi Dida had her checkup at ARH yesterday and the news was great. Her electrolytes are very good and her daily medicine has been reduced to .4ml. The vet was amazed at Dida's recovery and alertness. She is not exhibitng any apparent side effects to the cardiac arrest or Addisons. We will still continue her medication but it is hard to imagine that we nearly lost her and that she was so ill.. Thank you to everyone for your support. Man Edited August 18, 2009 by Man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mokhahouse Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 Great news that she is doing so well. I can only imagine how stressful this has been for you. When you see owners like you who will go to such lengths to save your pooch its makes it even harder to understand those who just dump theirs on the streets and in shelters. She is very lucky to have you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Man Posted August 18, 2009 Author Share Posted August 18, 2009 When you see owners like you who will go to such lengths to save your pooch its makes it even harder to understand those who just dump theirs on the streets and in shelters. She is very lucky to have you. I cannot understand how people can dump their pets. I moved to Australia from Hong Kong 3 years ago, I couldnt leave her behind so I bought Dida with me. I think I am the lucky one, she is such a great companion. I am very grateful to the staff at ARH and my partner who didnt hesitate at the cost. Man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 Great news on Dida's check up Man... just shows what alot of love and care can do for a dog's health!! I think you have played a big part in her miraculous recovery. These diseases can be so unpredictable... on deaths door one day, but when on medication they can be absolutely normal and happy. I'm sure that Dida will continue to stay strong with the support of both yourself and your partner as loving owners, and the ARH who are fantastic and very thorough. Very glad you've had such good news Man, hope it continues. I loved the pic of her in Chloe's cushings thread - Dida is such a lovely and smiley girl... it's hard not to adore her!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Missymoo Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 Fantastic News Man, Love the high 5 photo! So cute!! SOunds like she has a long happy life ahead of her with your family! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mooper Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 That's great news! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Man Posted September 2, 2009 Author Share Posted September 2, 2009 Hi everyone It is hard to believe is has been a month since the crisis. Dida appears to have made a full recovery from the cardiac arrest and her blood test shows she has responded well to the medication. We are now into the daily routine and can give her the injection every 25 days. The vet suggested that based on how well Dida has being doing that we could consider extending the period between injections as a trial and her daily oral med can be varied between .12 and .32 ml per day. I am not sure I want to do that because of the constant monitoring required. She seems so content now I do not really want to introduce any stress levels,at least in the short term. The monthly cost of her medication is very resonable as well, I was a little scared that it would be in the hundreds but around $50 for the oral and the injection it will not break the budget. Regards Man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cavalier Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I have treated a few Addisons patients and none have been in cardiac arrest - but one was very very close. He came in after a week of being generally unwell and his heart rate was only 15 beats per minute. Within 24 hours of treatment he was almost completely back to normal. Your dog is very very lucky !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mokhahouse Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 Glad to hear Dida is continuing to do well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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