Peanut #01-376

Peanut was transported this morning to Duluth where I went and picked her up.  She is a very timid girl but warms up quickly.  She rides very nicely in the car.  Hunter greeted her like a gentleman, but when entering my house, Polly (one of my cats) was sitting at the door and Peanut was afraid to go in.  Once in she explored but does like to stay close by.  I have started grooming her.  She doesn't mind it at all.  Lets me trim her nails, hair on her feet, clean ears, looked in her mouth....she doesn't mind at all.  More to come as we spend time together.  She's definitely a sweetie!!

UPDATES:

October 2002:   Peanut has been in foster care for about a year and although she made some improvements, her condition is not curable nor is her future medical needs or expenses known.  She will forever be prone to aspirated pneumonia, her chronic cough will always be a part of her, as will her regurgitation of water/food due to megaesophagus.  The good news is, Peanut has made her way into our hearts and we've decided to make her a permanent member of our family.  Hunter and her have a special bond.... Peanut has found her "forever family".  

9/27/02:  Peanut has had a stressful week. We added two new fosters to the family, so she has a 6 year old foster sister Mandy and a 2 year old foster brother Connor in addition to her foster brother Hunter and two cats. She took a couple of days to decide the new members were "ok" but finally opened up to them yesterday. She even initiated play with Connor last night. A HUGE step for this submissive little girl!

9/16/02:  Peanut is having a troublesome week. She's struggling with a cough so she was put on an antibiotic to prevent a secondary infection in her lungs. She's still eager to play with her foster brother, Hunter, though...even showing him that she too can retrieve. Hunter however won't let her carry anything for too long before having to be the boss and take it from her, but the fact that she's starting to retrieve is a Golden change in her behavior!

9/6/02:  Every day is a joy to be with Peanut. She continues to show us more Golden behaviors. She actually enjoys to swim with her foster brother now and is starting to retrieve. Ok, well she hasn't decided to bring it out of the water on shore yet, but going from a dog who wouldn't swim to this, I'm sure in time that will come too. She LOVES going for a walk. At the site of her leash and gentle leader she will start jumping up, wagging her tail and whining as she heads for the back gate. A delightful golden girl that requires someone willing to dedicate the resources to her special medical needs.

8/21/02:  What a weekend I had! I went camping in Door County, Wisconsin.

See....here's me in our tent!

I was a bit nervous going in the tent at first but when I figured out that it was a safe place to be in, I did just fine. My foster brother was ill on Monday, so I went to the vet with him.....belly crawled like usual, but then you know what? Other than the excruciating torture of being led back to be weighed, everything went just fine. I even walked over to the vet on my own while he was checking out my brother to see what was going on. What a brave girl I am! Oh yeah, I'm feeling fine at 66lbs----let's keep our paws crossed however that trips to the vet aren't in the near future for either myself or my foster brother.

8/2/02:  There's good news and bad news to report on Peanut this week. The good news is, Peanut tried to retrieve a duck out of Lake Superior on Tuesday! The duck was alive and kept swimming away, so Peanut continued to follow and didn't give up until the duck got tired of being followed and flew off. Peanut then turned around and headed toward shore. On her return trip, we threw a tennis ball out and she picked it up and brought it back to us!! Peanut is enjoying the water and truly learning what it means to be a retriever. :)

The bad news is, Peanut continues to cough and is regurgitating water more frequently and in greater amounts. She also is occasionally regurgitating her food, something that she hadn't done for several months. It could be due to the hot weather---harder to breathe, irritating her throat and increasing her coughing or possibly a sign of the megaesophagus worsening. The only way to determine the latter would be with more testing. However there's no cure, so if we were to find this to be true, it'd only mean modification to her current treatment---which we will do regardless, so no need to but her through any more testing. She's a great golden girl who just requires some special care.

7/29/02:  Peanut celebrated her 4th birthday on Saturday. We celebrated by trying raw chicken wings (Peanut and Hunter did that is, not me). May sound crazy to some of you and not the Birthday "treat" you'd think of, however, we are pondering the idea of switching to a raw food diet and I wanted to see what she'd think. Both kids took the wings readily from me, but then set them down and looked at me. I told them "ok", Peanut first acted uninterested and just watched Hunter, she then started chewing hers and finished before he did! I guess they were a hit. I still have additional reading to do before I am ready to make the switch, but I do believe that's the direction we are headed.

7/23/02:  In the last week, Peanut has shown two Golden traits she hasn't shown before. First, she retrieved a stick from Lake Superior! Yes, the Golden who would only wade and doesn't retrieve in the least, went after a stick and brought it back! Where was my camera when I needed it? Of course she only did it once, and has shown no interest to do it again, but it's a start. The second surprising event was during our walk last weekend, she ran into the water and SWAM numerous times for "fun." She's always loved to wade around but when the water got to deep she looked "panicky" and would head for the shallow part. But this time, she entered and swam out and around in the deep water like it was her most favorite activity to do! This golden girl is always full of surprises.

7/15/02:  We are stumped as to what's going on with Peanut. Even on a bland cottage cheese and rice diet, she still has d'rea/colitis. I read somewhere about Acidophilus aiding in digestion and reducing gas in dogs, so I added this to her diet a few days ago....much to my surprise, the clear the room gas she's been having is gone, unfortunately the d'rea isn't. We're going to try Metronidazole starting tomorrow for 5 days with her...we'll see if that helps. All paws are crossed!!

If the Metronidazole doesn't help or is short lived, the "search" to determine what is causing her chronic colitis would begin. This includes: blood chemistry work up, a white and red cell profile (a CBC) and a test for pancreatic ability to produce digestive enzymes. Also, a fecal “smear” or “cytology” test where the bacteria of the stool sample (as opposed to worm content) is examined microscopically can help rule out pathogenic bacteria that can cause colitis (Clostridial organisms especially.) The last measure if blood testing doesn't point anything out, a colonoscopy with biopsies would probably be necessary to reach a diagnosis.

Again, all paws are crossed that the Metronidazole is the cure. I truly would hate to put Peanut through additional testing. The poor girl belly crawls into the vet's office these days :( she's just been there way too much.

"Attitude wise" she's peppy as ever and still picks fights with her foster brother, Hunter. Tonite she bounded out the back door, picked up a ball and started to play---a behavior very rare for her, she doesn't show interest in toys usually. She's truly a lovable Golden girl who just needs a bit of extra TLC.

7/10/02:  We're not sure what's going on with Peanut. A week of cottage cheese and rice and no change in her colitis. Her Prednisone has been increased slightly which hasn't done the trick either. Original diagnosis and course of treatment was done via the phone with the vet, so we're going to be taking a trip in to see him in person. Peanut maintains her golden personality through it all though! Still crazy about squirrels and birds and learning that on leash is not the time to try and chase them.

6/29/02:  Peanut's not feeling very well this week. I at first thought it was the increased heat and humidity that was making her cough more, however, she also is struggling with colitis and a low grade fever so there's something more going on. We increased her Prednisone dosage to hopefully curb the inflammation, and are feeding her a cottage cheese and rice diet in hopes of giving her insides a rest. The internal medicine vet is on vacation until after July 4th, most likely we'll be taking a trip in to see him when he returns.

Peanut went boating on Lake Superior for the first time Thursday night. She didn't quite enjoy it as much as her foster brother, Hunter, did but she handled it well as has become quite the brave lil' girl.

5/12/02:  I thought I'd send a picture of Peanut in Lake Superior on Friday. Although not much of a swimmer, she is starting to explore more. Each trip to the shore, which is just about daily, she spends longer in the water so, maybe she'll take up swimming with her foster brother before the summer is over?!

5/4/02:  Peanut's thyroid test results came back on Friday. All 8 values tested for came back well within the normal range, which means, no thyroid condition to attribute Peanut's megaesophagus (Dilated Esophagus) condition to. Since, megaesophagus can be congenital or acquired and Peanut hasn't had this since birth, how she acquired it we most likely will never know. Some of the causes of acquired megaesophagus are: esophageal foreign bodies, esophageal tumors, strictures, neurologic disorders, autoimmune diseases and heavy metal poisoning. Based on the x-rays and testing that we've already done, of these causes, my 'vote' is the neurologic disorder since it would then cover some of her other unexplainable behaviors.

Overall Peanut is doing well. We continue to feed her upright and 99% of the time it's only the water she has trouble with, regurgitating some of it back up. It's become a given, that cleaning up after her is a 'normal' part of life.

I can't get over how much Peanut enjoys going for walks. When I get home from work, she prances around and squeals with excitement hardly being able to wait for my tennis shoes to be put on. She has the routine down! I open the back door, to the gate she runs and sits until I can put on her gentle leader. We are working on her on leash skills. She does like to pull now....a behavior she didn't do before, when she was timid and shy. We'll get there though. Many more walks ahead to practice on.

4/27/02:  Peanut went to the Vet on Thursday for a heartworm and thyroid test. As I sat down in the chair, Peanut became a 62lb lap dog and was shaking. It took coaxing to get her to go over by the Vet and that was with her tail between her legs. Hunter was with us too, which usually helps, but I guess she's been to the vet a few too many times and doesn't find it much fun. The test results will be back in a week. There's been some correlation with thyroid problems and megaesophagus, so this is one last test to try and find a "cure" for her.

4/19/02:  Peanut has turned into a regular social butterfly. The once timid girl, now pulls on her leash when we are out walking to try and visit any and everyone we see. She no longer is submissive when meeting another dog either. This is truly a different Peanut than the belly crawling girl I first took home with me!

I spoke with the specialist today. We are going to start her back on a daily low dose of Prednisone verses the every other day we'd been trying. Although life long use of Prednisone is not preferable, it thus far is the only treatment we've found to help manage her coughing. We're still exploring other options in hopes of finding the best method to help her feel golden.

4/13/02:  There are days when Peanut is doing really well, almost no coughing or regurgitation at all and others where she does nothing but that. We have tried to go every other day with the Pred but her better days certainly are the ones when she's had the pred, so I don't think this is a good alternative for her. I plan to talk with the specialist this next week and see what he recommends. My thought is she'll go back on the Pred daily.

With the weather warming up and being able to walk more, exercise seems to trigger her coughing. After her two bouts of aspirated pneumonia, I watch her like a hawk for any signs of this. I hate to think she has to lead a relatively sedentary life....try to explain that to Peanut who loves to run and go!

4/5/02:  It was a rough week for Peanut girl, 2 new fur kids were added to the gang....one being a puppy which she is afraid of. She will wrestle with and even instigate play with full grown dogs, but when a puppy is around she keeps her distance and shies away from them. It's the craziest thing to watch. Health wise, we saw the specialist again on Tuesday. Her megaesophagus condition (difficulty swallowing), causes her to cough, the coughing causes irritation to her throat, which causes more coughing--vicious cycle that leads to chronic bronchitis. Unfortunately there's no cure for megaesophagus, only modifications to her feeding (upright) to help with the swallowing, and the use of an anti-inflammatory on days when the coughing is severe. She's a fabulous golden girl, that just needs a little extra care.

3/30/02:  Peanut is oh so happy that the weather is getting warmer because this means longer walks, one of her favorite activities!!  She even tried wading in Lake Superior.  Her brother went running in and swam around, Peanut however walked in to the point where she'd have to swim if she went any farther but decided against it.  I'm not sure if it's because it was just too darn cold (didn't seem to phase Hunter though) or if she doesn't like to swim?!  It'll be something to learn as the days get warmer and the opportunities to swim more frequent.

3/24/02:  Peanut continues to be a sweet loving golden. With the weather starting to warm up, we've been able to go for longer walks which she absolutely enjoys. She squeals at the sign of her leash and prances around in excitement. She's a special needs girl but well worth the time and energy it takes to care for her!

3/10/02:  Peanut, very much a velcro dog when I first got her, has taken new strides over the last couple weeks.  She will go upstairs to the doggy bedroom and play with a toy all on her own.  Of course, she'd rather be by my side getting attention, but she has learned there's fun to be had with the toys when human attention isn't available.  She's been a bit more clingy with Mayzee Mae joining us on Friday, but I don't think it will take her long to realize that she'll still get love and attention too.  :-)  We continue to manage her medical issues, although they aren't curable we do what we can to keep her comfortable.

2/23/02:  Good news to report for this sweet golden girl.  No seizures or signs of them and she's been off the Phenobarbital for 3 full weeks.  She continues to love going for a walk and playing outdoors, showing excitement at the site of a leash or a coat being put on.  This past week we have had to use an anti-inflammatory to control her cough, it doesn't eliminate it but it has made it possible for her (and me) to sleep an entire night without waking to a coughing attack. I will be working with the internal medicine vet to either wean her back to the lowest possible dose that still does the trick and/or explore other options.  Her mega-esophagus condition is something that there is no cure for, it can only be managed and it's possible for it to progressively get worse; something unknown and only time will tell.  Peanut will always require special care, and needs a family that is willing to devote the extra attention to her.

2/16/02:  Peanut has been Phenobarbital free for 2 weeks and no signs of seizures!  The subtle "Parkinson's like" shake has disappeared as well.  I truly believe that some of her behaviors were side effects to the medication.  We are now going to focus on her cough and mega-esophagus issues; let's hope we can get her feeling Golden!!

1/18/02:  We have started to decrease the amount of Phenobarbital that Peanut is taking.  It's being done at a very slow rate (~25% every 2 weeks) because if withdrawn too quickly, it could cause her to seizure.  The goal is to eliminate this medication entirely assuming of course that the seizures don't reoccur.  If while reducing the meds a seizure does occur, then we will keep her on the lowest dose necessary to prevent them from happening.  This is the first week of reduction, and thus far no seizures.

Peanut seems to be happier and more confident every day.  The belly crawling that she first displayed in a new surrounding, has disappeared and she holds her tail and head up high when encountering new situations.  She even initiates the rough house/play with Hunter and King and can be the "bossy" one of the group at times.  She still has a quiet, submissive side to her but will stand up for herself and not let the other dogs intimidate her so easily.

Unfortunately, in addition to her seizure history, Peanut has other medical issues that are being worked on and looked into.  Her esophagus motility problem is being managed by taking 400mg of Cimetadine 4x a day.  This has greatly reduced her coughing/regurgitation behavior, but unfortunately hasn't eliminated it.  Peanut won't be ready for her forever home until she's feeling Golden.

1/3/02:  Peanut, although a sweetheart, continues to have medical troubles.  We will be seeing Dr. Pitts, the internal medicine vet, again next week for a barium swallow test.  The goal of this visit will be to try and explain her chronic cough.  The cough is more severe after eating or drinking, but also occurs at random.  They will watch the barium to see how it flows through her digestive system and whether some of it is possibly leaking into her larynx or lungs.  If it is leaking, this would explain the frequent coughing.  Depending on the results from this, there'd be a follow up appointment and Peanut will be lightly sedated so they are able to look into her throat and stimulate the esophagus to judge the integrity of the larynx, esophagus and trachea.  Whenever mega-esophagus (a condition in which the esophageal muscles lose their strength) is diagnosed, myasthenia gravis (MG) should be suspected and it then possibly would explain the hind leg and other weakness she exhibits.  Since the coughing/regurgitation can lead to inhalation pneumonia we are focusing on that first; taking it one step at a time in order to clearly find the root cause of her symptoms.  Peanut won't be ready to find her forever home until she has a clear diagnosis and able to feel Golden.

12/21/01:  Peanut has been living on the North Shore with us for 2 weeks now.  She is a very easy-going dog, timid in new situations, but is starting to come out of her shell.  We've been getting together with King (former RAGOM dog) and she does try to "play" with him and Hunter.  Peanut is quick to shy away and be submissive to the both of them but every now and then she'll stand up for herself.  Peanut is a velcro dog, craves attention and would be a lap dog if you let her.  Unfortunately there are some medical conditions being looked into, so she's not ready for her forever home quite yet.

12/14/01:  Peanut's been with me for a week, and we've kept activity to a minimum because she doesn't act like she's feeling very well. She went to the vet today and as the vet's wrote in his notes, she "walked around the treatment area in a crouched position as if nervous or timid". A full examination was done, including hip and chest x-rays, comprehensive blood profile and complete blood count. There's good news and bad news. First the bad....both hips show some degree of dysplasia with the right hip being worse. This MAY be part of the reason for her discomfort but full range of motion tests were performed on her without a pain response. Plus the x-rays do not show atrophy on the right side, so she's not "favoring" one side over the other. More good news.....lungs are clear, heart is fine, and blood results all ok, so the bad news is, there's no clear reason for the tracheal cough. Previous vet records show the "labored breathing and dry hacking cough" being treated in November with Temeril-P, so she's had this for at least a month. Peanut was given up due to her having seizures that apparently started earlier this year around March and increased in frequency, being put on Phenobarbital in November. In the week that she's been with me, there's been no seizure activity, so for now, we're not going to mess with the Phenobarbital dosage. Peanut was given a Rx of prednisone, starting at 10 mg twice a day for 3 days and then it'll be tapered down from there IF she shows improvement during the first 3 days. For now, observation and time is what's needed. Peanut needs to feel Golden before she'll be ready to find her forever home.