Muttaburra Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Poor Kal, that's a pretty rough episode. It does sound like a Grand Mal epileptic siezure. The grogginess and unsteadiness afterwards is quite typical. Big hugs for both of you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loraine Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Erny I am so sorry that poor Kal has yet another problem. (((HUGS))) to you both - keeping you in my prayers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 I was smiling broadly when I first started to read your post, only to be brought to tears for what you and Kal have been through... We are sending heaps of good vibes your way and hoping that Kal is feeling better... The roller coasters ride can get a bit hairy sometimes Jodie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogbesotted Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 heaps of hugs to you both..enjoy every single moment. helen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allerzeit Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Ohhhhh Huge to you both. There's nothing I can say to make it better, but please know that you and Kal are very much in our thoughts. Trace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lablover Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Erny, Kal, and everyone else with an ill dog, It is such a difficult time for you all. How I wish we could look into the future, to see what would be best. Erny, May I suggest another idea? Maybe it would be a good idea to consult a human doctor or specialist who might see something the vets have not thought of. Let me know if I can help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted May 18, 2006 Author Share Posted May 18, 2006 Thanks all. Kal is quiet today .... a bit low at times, although still very ready for every meal. We spent today with me working in the garden (more to keep myself busy and distracted than anything else) and Kal looking on, supervising as usual. I had to stop every now and again to move her beanbag to a new sunny spot as the day moved on. Kal's Vet called today. Given yesterday's event, he agrees that whilst we always suspected there were 'other' things happening, these 'other' things now appear to be more significant than not. He agrees with my decision not to proceed with surgery. He has mentioned there are things that can be done to investigate Kal's health issues further, but concurs that, even if we manage to find out the answers, chances are there will be little we can do or should do, particularly given her age. I have informed Guy that I feel enough is enough. She has been poked and probed enough as it is, this in itself is a stressful event for Kal, given that she worries at the proximity of strangers (especially Vets). I think her remaining time should be one of peace, gentleness and calm and that's what I plan to provide her as much as is humanly possible. I have Guy's total support in my decision and thoughts. We have decided to withdraw Kal from the pre-surgery meds she was on. I did point out that they seemed to make her calmer in times when she would otherwise be shaking (eg. when at the Vets). Guy has suggested I see how she is without the meds, but if I see she is better on them, he would agree to continue the prescription of the meds should I ask. Thanks for your suggestion, Lablover. I'm not sure what human specialists would be able to offer and with the above in mind, whether anything further should be undertaken. But unless you know something possible that I don't, I'd welcome any discussion with a view to non-invasive, non-traumatic treatment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted May 18, 2006 Author Share Posted May 18, 2006 (edited) Edited because I put someone on the spot - forgot my manners. Sorry. Holistically speaking, any suggestions that would be of help to Kal? Even just by way of tonic to make her remaining life a bit more comfortable? Edited May 18, 2006 by Erny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zayda_asher Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Erny, you could certainly speak to a homeopath... there are quite a few homeopathic remedies that might help Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Hugs to you both... Jodie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allerzeit Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Erny, I can recommend Robert McDowell as someone worth speaking with - http://www.herbal-treatments.com - he provides free phone, fax and email consults. dogsbesotted uses a wonderful holistic specialist as well - perhaps PM her for the contact details. Hugs to you and to darling Kal. Trace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 DBS and I both use Barbara and Sue at All Natural Vet Care in Sydney... I really cannot speak highly enough of the ladies there. They are wonderful practioners and support when you need it most... Jodie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NaturallyWild Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 I second Robert McDowell (one of the best herbalists in Australia). I've also pm'd you details on a homeopath etc. If you use a homeopath, make sure it is a traditional homeopath that looks for a single homeopathic remedy to aid the body. Keep strong, we're all thinking of you. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted May 19, 2006 Author Share Posted May 19, 2006 I have spoken with Robert McDowall's and have arranged for some mixtures to be sent down. I have also communicated with Tim ( thank you, Tim) who may also be able to give my girl some attentions to further aid in improving the quality of the time she has left. Tim - I've also followed through on the other 'lead' you gave me and am waiting a call back. As I have said to Tim it makes me feel better (less helpless) that I am at least working to do something to make things nicer for my girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KOE Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 more hugs kisses and prayers for Kal For we are here for such a short time She knows she is loved by you Each passing minute is precious Kal will get all the love she deserves Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted May 26, 2006 Share Posted May 26, 2006 I am starting to believe that the holistic medicines are what makes Ollie so bright sometimes... It is definitely the chemo that brings him down... Just treasure every minute you have together... Thinking of you Jodie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loraine Posted May 26, 2006 Share Posted May 26, 2006 Erny, glad to see that Kal is hanging in there (as are you) We will try anything to keep our furries comfortable and I am so hoping that you find a remedy that helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted May 26, 2006 Author Share Posted May 26, 2006 (edited) Kal's been on the holistic supplements now since Monday just gone. Also, Tim_m99 very kindly paid Kal a home visit and performed his marvellous Bowen Therapy talents on her. She didn't mind a bit (although after a while was a bit more focussed on her chicken fillet - it was past her time for eating it :D) and was not concerned with Tim gently working on her. Must say - IMO, appearance wise, Kal is looking better than she has done since 6 months ago. The weight gain has certainly helped in this department, but is it coincidence that since Tim's Bowen Therapy and the commencement of holistic supplements she looks even stronger and steadier? Is it my imagination that she's even standing more upright on her toes? (These had become splayed over time, coupled with an otherwise almost undetectable backward stance.) Is it my imagination that her coat has regained a depth of colour that's been absent for several months? Am I really seeing these things? Or is it that I simply want to see these things? Hhhhmmmm. Her demeanour is not quite as steady as her appearance. It comes with its ups and downs. A couple of days ago she was quite chirpy, and enjoyed a walk down the park with her best friend (mini poodle x lab), "Dougal". She even had a ROMP! And managed one full round of the park with a little bit to spare. :D But she was low yesterday, and quiet this morning. But when I returned from K9 Force's seminar, she was back up to chirpy again. :D Now for some interesting news. When Kal had the GM seizure and I cancelled surgery, I must admit to falling in a bit of a heap for a day or so. But feeling like I hadn't tried everything reasonably possible, I regained my determination and emailed a Vet in the USA (thank you, DBS, for the contact information :D). This Vet doesn't normally accept emails from 'laypeople' asking for advice - only from other Vets, so I was a bit blown away and stoked when I received his response. What was really interesting (and the easiest part for me to understand) was that according to him the pre-surgery medication Kal was on has a LISTED side affect ....... NASAL CONGESTION. So this could have been the reason for the nose bleed and discharge! Ok - but it is not suggested as the reason for the GM seizure. The USA Vet also provided information pertaining to other types of blood tests that could be done to determine exactly what chemicals are being excreted by the adrenal gland (and other glands?). I'm a bit lost on the technical side here, but from what I can gather, these other blood tests might actually reveal Atypical Cushing's where the tests already run have not. He has invited me to arrange for bloods to be sent to the USA where they can run the tests through his lab. I passed all this information to Kal's Vet who was also in awe that this Vet had responded to me. Kal's Vet and the USA Vet are now communicating to each other directly. Where will all this lead? I don't know. Somewhere? Nowhere? My layperson's angle on it is IF we can more accurately determine what's really going on inside Kal, then MAYBE we can deploy the use of medication with more assurance/confidence than what Kal's Vet expressed to me (by telephone a few nights ago). Kal's Vet was, at the time, very reluctant to deploy the drug in question (Mitotane), whereas the USA Vet, although admitting he does not see clinical patients himself, is more confident about its use and effects, suggesting that depending on the results of the additional blood runs they will do, the response to the drugs will be good. I guess somewhere along the line there will be the MRI to determine the presence (or not) of a tumour to the hypothalamus-pituitary gland (brain). If there is no brain tumour, I could re-address the possibility of adrenalectomy, although at the moment I don't feel that's the way to go. Kal is 12.5 years old. Normal life span ....? Perhaps 14 yo (at a guess). So, for all the trauma of the surgery and recovery and the somewhat reasonable risk of death on the operating table or in the recovery period, I might, IF surgery was successful, win Kal 12 months. This is surmise, of course. Her natural life span could be more, could be less. I can only guess. Her dam passed at 13yo. Her sire at 15yo. I am yet to make contact with another person Tim_m99 has given me (holistic level), so there is yet another avenue for me to explore some more. I have been a bit busy dealing with the information from the USA Vet and communications with Kal's Vet to follow this up at this stage. Finally, I have ordered some 'test strips' to test Kal's food for the presence of Sulphur Dioxide ..... just on the outside chance of Thiamine deficiency. Presently waiting for these to arrive. To everyone ..... again, I thank you for your support. Tim - a huge thank you for making the trip to see Kal and giving of your time and care. Edited May 26, 2006 by Erny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KOE Posted May 26, 2006 Share Posted May 26, 2006 great news Erny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tassie Posted May 26, 2006 Share Posted May 26, 2006 Wow, Erny. If Kal knew the huge effort you're making and the lengths you're going to to keep her as healthy as possible for as long as possible - she'd love you even more than she does - except that's probably not possible. You guys who make such efforts for your poorly pupsters are an inspiration to the rest of us. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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