thought we were out of the woods :(

[ellabee]

Billie was diagnosed with lymphangiectasia. its a PLE where her belly fills with the fluid from the protein her intestines can't keep in. We went through a virtual "death watch" with her where every day was going to be her last, just trying to find the strength to let her go before the fluid filled her lungs. she had filled to 8lbs from 5, so basically 3 pounds of fluid, it was a nightmare. and then...and then, she seemed to get better. she was put on prednasone and she peed like crazy for 3 days and was back down to 5lbs.

since then (its only been a month or so?) she has been on an ultra low-fat diet and 5mgs of pred every day. she is down to 4 mgs since yesterday. the idea was to wean her off the pred and hopefully maintain her health via low fat diet without the use of steroids.

anyway. billie gained almost a pound and an inch around her belly overnight, even over the last few hours her belly seems to be larger, I am taking her back to the vets for 2pm and I thought it would help me to type this out so I can pull myself together and head down there. today is the first time I take Bill to the vets alone, hubby is out of town until Monday.

I have been so optimistic since Billie started the pred, its almost as if I forgot she has this terrible disease with such a low prognosis, I have been calling her my little miracle. I feel like I am completely caught off guard that she gained so much so quickly. She hasn't gained any since she started the prednaose. I should have reminded myself that she is not okay yet, but she has been so happy and lively and just hasn't seemed like anything is wrong with her...having her so happy and so healthy and then having her get so sick and facing losing her...and then having her seem so happy and healthy again...I just wasn't ready to face losing her again so soon.

I am hoping for another miracle today...

[MI Yorkielover]

I am so sorry. I am praying for a miracle for Billie, too. Please keep us updated.

[TeresaM]

I'm so sorry to hear about Billie not feeling well. I know nothing of this disease, but you have my prayers for a miracle. Hugs to you both!

[enchilila]

I'm sorry to hear about Billie. I hope the vet can help her today and that she gets better soon. Will be waiting to hear how she's doing.

[Ringo1]

Oh, I hope you get some positive news from the Vet. It's so scary and heartbreaking to have a dog that's ill.

[Lilacss]

I am so sorry to hear that your baby is going through this, will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

[Pa Yorkie Mom]

Pistol and I will pray for Billie and for you. I know this is terrible for you both.

[ellabee]

we are back from the vet, she did an ultrasound and if its fluid it isn't showing up yet, so the concern is that she has a condition that comes on when too much pred at too high of a dose is administered for too long. basically it enlarges the liver and causes pred bloat, which isnt the same as the fluid that has been filling her. So, she is onto a half-dose of the pred now from what she was on before, and basically we have the weekend to see if she gets bigger or smaller, with a follow up vet appointment on monday. if she gets smaller, then the lower does of pred will sort out whatever she has going on now, if she gets bigger then the fluid, if thats whats making her heavier today, will show up on the ultrasound by monday.

and the vet has put her onto hills prescription diet z/d rather than the buffalo & veggie diet she has been on in recent weeks, so she can be certain of th epercentages of fat, etc that Billie ingests.

thanks for your kind words, that feeling of not being alone that this community provides, especially in hard times, really does make things a little easier.

[stingraylady]

Sending prayers your way that Billie takes a turn for the better.

[Rhetts_mama]

Sending good thoughts your way.

[shoefelmeyer]

Praying for your precious "baby".

I know how hard it is to have a little one so sick.

[LuvMySissy]

Originally Posted by ellabee

we are back from the vet, she did an ultrasound and if its fluid it isn't showing up yet, so the concern is that she has a condition that comes on when too much pred at too high of a dose is administered for too long. basically it enlarges the liver and causes pred bloat, which isnt the same as the fluid that has been filling her. So, she is onto a half-dose of the pred now from what she was on before, and basically we have the weekend to see if she gets bigger or smaller, with a follow up vet appointment on monday. if she gets smaller, then the lower does of pred will sort out whatever she has going on now, if she gets bigger then the fluid, if thats whats making her heavier today, will show up on the ultrasound by monday.

and the vet has put her onto hills prescription diet z/d rather than the buffalo & veggie diet she has been on in recent weeks, so she can be certain of th epercentages of fat, etc that Billie ingests.

thanks for your kind words, that feeling of not being alone that this community provides, especially in hard times, really does make things a little easier.

I am not a a vet - however, I have experience with this and PLE. Please request a blood transfusion (NOT hetastartch), get off the steroids and a quality diet with probiotics. Please condier a consult with Susan Davis and Dr. Gordon - they have saved many such a pup. The steroids will not help this disease and can further weaken the immune system.

Here is Susan's information.....
Pet Health Pet Nutritionist Holistic Pet

[Patti]

Praying Billie will get better soon.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by LuvMySissy

I am not a a vet - however, I have experience with this and PLE. Please request a blood transfusion (NOT hetastartch), get off the steroids and a quality diet with probiotics. Please condier a consult with Susan Davis and Dr. Gordon - they have saved many such a pup. The steroids will not help this disease and can further weaken the immune system.

Here is Susan's information.....
Pet Health Pet Nutritionist Holistic Pet

Agree about the blood transfusions. PLE is a hereditary disease and a low % of morality. Low-fat, high protien diet is highly recommended. The one thing to remember is the loss of appetite. So, keeping her nutrition up and protien level up is of prime importance.

[gigiangel]

Breaks my heart to read this! Sending prayers and hugs your way.