Thor's time has come....
Thor lost his battle with his tumor. Just after midnight we helped him cross over the bridge. His tumor was bleeding and his heart was weak. We got nearly 20 amazing months with our boy after his first bleed.  He was happy boy up to the end. Last month I had taken him in for a follow up cardiologist visit and asked if they could do a ultrasound to check on the tumor and it was the size of his liver and starting crowd his organs.

He started acting uncomfortable around 10 pm and by 11 was definitely showing signs of pain. I got him to the emergency vet and they did a quick ultrasound and saw the bleed. His heart was only working about half capacity. I went home and got my husband and his "sister", Arabella. Thor went peacefully and is no longer in pain. His sister was not in the room for the injections but came in afterwards and gave her big brother one last kiss.

I am going to miss my boy very much. Run free sweet boy! And give your big sis, Star a kiss for me!

A Quick Update on a sleepy Sunday

Since last posting we have had another long road trip from KS to FL and back. The trip down really took a toll on Thor. He just looked uncomfortable and walked stiffly. I am thinking this may have been his last long trip. He is sleeping a lot, but otherwise is a happy go lucky boy. He has a great appetite, and will work up the energy to chase a chipmunk. He did have a focal seizure while we were gone where his head shook, but some peanut butter stopped it. It was the first time my mom had seen that and it upset her. Thor used to have the frequently before he went on his thyroid medications. Since then he has maybe one or two a year. Giving him a little bit of peanut butter clears them up quickly. I don't know how or why, but am glad it does.

I will be calling Missouri University to set up a follow up appointment for Thor's Holter monitor. His last one was scary and he is on new medication as well as had his old meds increased. Hopefully they have decreased the number of irregular heartbeats. I will update when I have the results.

I know it has been months since I have been on here. I changed computers and lost my info to sign on. We are back now. I am glad to report Thor is still going strong! Since I have last posted he has had his 12th birthday and has been on a road trip to FL! He has his good days and his bad but there are still way more good ones. He has a healthy appetite and will chase a chipmunk.

The only real set back has been his heart. Last year with medication he had only 13 irregular heart beats in 24 hours, this year was astoundingly worse. There were nearly 1600. We up the med he was on. (sotalol) We have also added a new one, mexitletine. So far he has tolerated the changes well. He will be checked again in a few weeks to see how they are working. We will also be taking another road trip to FL.

We did have one scare. When he was being checked over at the cardiologist they found a lump on his neck and the vet mention it could be lymphoma and to keep an eye on it. I didn't see any thing growing or him having any changes in in appetite so I figure I would keep watching  and waiting. Then last week his left rear was swollen. I called the vet and they got me I few hours later. By the time we got there the swelling was almost completely gone. After a thorough check the lump on his neck was gone as well. The consensus was because of his heart issues the swelling may have been caused by laying in the same position for too long and not enough blood flow to pull fluids away. I now make sure he gets up and outside every 4 hours or so and we haven't seen a return of it.

Here are a few photos from our trip.

I am Now Offically One of the Nutso Over Reactive Dog Moms

We got into the vet yesterday and Thor was searched top to bottom, and nose to tail... OK nub. After a "Yes there is a slight bump behind his left shoulder", then came an "actually behind both shoulders". He also tipped the scales 5 lbs heavier. Guess where some of that weight is? You got it. My boy has a couple of fat rolls! Well Back to the bad food. I had tried to get him off Hills Prescription r/d and was trying Blue Buffalo. He was getting gassy but Prozyme fixed that. He Is also ALWAYS hungry on the BB. So now we are doing the switch back. (sigh.) I think this was my last hurrah on trying a new food for him, as it is the 4th one and everything else is higher in fat. So I am going to give up that stress for both our sakes.

I had also switched Arabella hoping to only buy one kind of food for both dogs. She is going to go back to the Wellness now as well. I have noticed her scratching more. Plus she too got gassy and is using Prozyme. I think she needs to go back to a grain free diet. Or maybe I will try the Blue Buffalo new grain free line. It is too high in fat for Thor but I think Arabella could do well on it.

I may have mentioned Thor was just not wanting to play. When we were leaving the vets yesterday there was a beautiful 12 week fawn boxer boy going in. His name was Max and Thor was smitten! He had to go over and play a bit. I think Thor's size intimidated Max's dad, but it didn't phase Max in the least! They were very cute playing together! It was good to see Thor bounce around and doing the play bow. Made my day!

We are all doing well. Actually I don't know about that. Thor sometimes jumps like someone is poking him and he feels a bit swollen just past his left shoulder. Even though our vet's office is open today and tomorrow, my vet doesn't work these days. I really prefer my vet. He understands I educate as much as possible, and he is comfortable with me asking questions and doesn't hesitate referring me to a specialist when needed. I am going to see about getting him in on Monday if things don't get better over the weekend.

Thor has been sleeping quite a bit lately and is less active. Another worrisome thing. I recently had my wisdom teeth out and then had company for a week. So I am just now really paying attention to him after a busy few weeks. I also noticed when Arabella would play he would run from her. At first I blamed it on the extremely hot weather we had but it has cooled down and he still doesn't want to play. I think I have a few long days in front of me.

Boy is it Hot!

We are in the middle of a heat wave and the temps are HOT! We have been over 100 degrees for a few days and have a couple of more to go. Sometimes Thor will go lay in the sun for a few minutes and other times I can't get him out the door to potty.

Yesterday I had an appointment and wanted the dogs out quickly so I could get going. Sometimes to accomplish this I will tell the dogs there is a squirrel or rabbit outside.

I tell the dogs to "go get the bunny!" and they both take off like a shot Arabella does her predictable dash for the bush. Thor on the other hand, got just past the edge of the patio and made a quick u-turn and ran back to the house with a look of "Oh Heck NO!" look. It was the funniest thing I have seen in a while!

I am so glad he still surprise me and I am glad that at 11 he is still willing to go chase a critter!

Vacation Time

I know it has been a while since I have been on. We have been really busy! We took a bit of a road trip vacation. If you told me in February I would be taking Thor along I would have thought you meant his ashes. That was my original plan. I was going to spread them where we spread his sister Star's, at our favorite inlet. Instead Thor went for a dip in the inlet!

Thor generally hates the water. He isn't thrilled with dew on the grass and baths are always a matter of finding the right treat to bribe with. The plan was my husband was going to stand on the shore with Thor while I took his sister Arabella for a swim. My husband called out and when I looked back Thor was right behind us. I was completely amazed! He watched Arabella swimming and tried to copy her. He never really got the hang of it and just did a funny kind of high stepping thing.

We started off in a tidal pool and the later went to the inlet/river where there were waves. Again Thor surprised me by going in! I was so proud and amazed by him. I guess he was a bit jealous of his "fishlike" sister having all the fun!

gatorblu's photostream



gatorblu's photostream on Flickr.

Happy Dancing Going On!

I just got off the phone with the cardiologist with Thor's Holter results. The news is great. He only had 13 VPC's (Ventricular premature complexes or arrhythmia's) in 24 hrs! That is great news and it is about 1/3 of what he had a year ago. His medication was adjusted at that point and it seems it is right in target. I am so happy right now! Extra hugs and a cookie to both dogs in celebration! We go on vacation in three weeks and a huge weight has been lifted. I think I won't be so anxious driving with him half way across the country.

Thor in his Holter vest.

Thor in his Holter vest., a photo by gatorblu on Flickr.

Thor is getting his annual Holter monitor. It is a 24 hour heart monitor. This is the first time he has had the vest. He has had it taped to his harness before but we changed harness styles this year. And of course he was the perfect patient.

We had to make a 2 1/2 hour drive out to Mizzou (Missouri University) to see a cardiologist as ours left the local practice. Thankfully we can mail it all back.

Thor Made to 11 Years Old!

Well today is Thor's 11th birthday! We have had a good time, too. For a boxer 11 is a big milestone. This is a milestone I was told we would not see, which makes all the more sweeter.

It has been rather warm here, so we got out in the morning. First we went to the dog park and had a grand time making new friends. Thor ran and played right along with all those dogs that were so much younger than him. It was great fun to watch.

After that we went to the "barkery" and picked out a special yummy treat. Thor picked out a dinosaur cookie, and couldn't woof it down fast enough! There wasn't so much as a crumb left!

He also got to ride around with the top down, and as previously posted we know how much he enjoys that! He, or rather we, had a good long nap after lunch. We picked up some other treats while at the barkery and is getting a few of those throughout the day as well.

Trouble keeping up, young thing?

Trouble keeping up, young thing?, a photo by gatorblu on Flickr.

Thor having a ball at the dog park.

Yea, I know I still look good.

Yea, I know I still look good., a photo by gatorblu on Flickr.

As handsome as ever while turning 11.

Some many treats to chose from!

Some many treats to chose from!, a photo by gatorblu on Flickr.

Thor checking out some treats for his 11th birthday.

Good News

I know it has been about a week and a half since I have posted. We have been a busy household. We had company last weekend and more arrives tomorrow for two weeks.

There is good news to share! While doing Thor's ultrasound they checked out his tumor and it is, and I quote, "tiny." This is great news! And somewhat puzzling. Hemangiosarcoma is a fast growing aggressive cancer. His tumor apparently is not growing. So I am thinking it was misdiagnosed. I hope to talk to my regular vet this afternoon when I run in for a refill on Thor's thyroid pills.

Next is while doing the ultrasound, he had just a few bladder stones. This is also great news as he was full of them before. Needless to say I was doing a happy dance on Friday afternoon. I haven't had a chance to ask the vet about the cranberry capsules as he was gone for the day when I picked Thor up and I had company after that, I am hoping to get a quick moment with him today.

Thor has been full of energy and playing lots with his little sister Arabella. He did injure his front paw while playing the other night and made the most awful noise! It was between a yelp and a growl. I have never heard anything like that before and hope I never hear it again. I had them stop playing and made them lay down quietly after that. By dinner a few hours later Thor wasn't limping at all! What a relief! Thor hasn't had any pain meds in what seems at least a month and I didn't want to put him back on them.

My other "project" with him is to get him into a cardiologist. Our regular one has left the local practice and will return in 2 years after the competition clause of his contract is up. I called Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine and they have lost their cardiologist as well. So now we have an appointment with Missouri University College of  Veterinary Medicine. They don't have an opening until June 4th so I took that one. I don't have enough of his heart medication to last until then and will talk to my regular vet about just getting a one month supply to hold him over. This is not a medication that can be skipped.

All in all things are going well and everyone is happy in the Starling household! We are even looking forward to a vacation at the end of next month!

Ultrasound Tomorrow

Thor is feeling much better and has been running and playing during the week. Tomorrow he is going to the vet's for an ultrasound. Not that anything new has happened, but because the staff needs training with the ultrasound machine.

Thor is basically a vet's dream patient. He will let you poke and prod him and as long as you give him some love while you do it, he is a happy boy. Well, as long as you don't touch his nose he is happy. He hates having his nose touched! He won't snap or bark, just pull away.

Since Thor is so well behaved, my vet called and asked if we would let him be their test subject. He gets a full body ultrasound and we can see if the cancer has spread for free. I of course jumped at it!

Now back to his bladder infection. Thor is doing well on the antibiotics. I was giving him yogurt to balance out any side effects of the antibiotics, but it gave him gas. Now he is just getting an acidophilus capsule instead and it is working quite well. 

We got back the analysis of his bladder stones. They are 95% struvite which means he is not producing enough acid in his urine. It is usually corrected with a prescription diet, but because of Thor's history of pancreatits he cannot eat it. So my vet is now doing some research to see if there is a supplement he can take. Someone suggest apple cider vinegar in his water or cranberry capsules. I am going to check with vet tomorrow.  I am hoping the capsules will be a good solution. As for the vinegar, I'm a bit leery as I don't want Arabelle to start having the opposite problem as they drink the same water.

Well, we will wait for tomorrow and see!

Rough Start to the Week

Thor is due for his annual Holter monitor. It is a 24 hour heart monitor. He suffers from arrhythmia's and takes medication for it. His prescription will run out this month. I called the clinic that has done it in the past and I asked for an appointment even saying he needs this test. They told me the cardiologist is no longer with the practice but another doctor, and internist, is taking his patients for now. I'm not thrilled but he needs the test.

( A little warning this next part is going to be a bit gross.)
Monday morning I let Thor out to potty after my shower. After he comes in, I go to blow dry my hair. As I am leaning over Thor walks by and I notice blood between his back legs. (Thor had a blockage in his urethra and has been rerouted to potty like a girl.) I get a little freaked. I grab a tissue and wipe and I hear something hit the floor. I find a small off white chunk of something. I wipe Thor some more and several chunks are now in the tissue. Now I am really freaked. I am thinking, "OK, so maybe God planned for us to see the internist today."

We get there on time for our appointment, they are running behind. Not a big deal, things happen especially at a vet's office after the weekend. 30-40 minutes later we are taken to an exam room. I mention the Holter, and I am informed, they don't have any. OK, now I am getting a  little ticked I just waited and I am not getting what I came for. Fine, next issue. Thor is passing stones. Well they could do the the test but it would be less expensive if my regular vet did it. OK, yes Iam glad to save the money, but it was the way they said it. It was like it was going to use their precious time up to take care of my dog. So I left there and got into see my regular vet that afternoon.

I get to my vet and explain what is going on. They run a complete blood count and chem panel on him. Which I got a copy emailed the next day. They are also sending the stones out to be analyzed to make sure it is just and infection. My vet says he believes they are just bladder stones caused by the infection.

Now for the kicker, when Thor's tumor was discovered they knew there was a bladder stone. They told me about it, but never mentioned it was caused by an infection. Don't you think this would have been something I needed to know? Granted they thought he was close to to death but they even said it could take a month. Would you want to spend your last month with a bladder infection? They also didn't mention it in the report to my regular vet. I was livid! My boy has had an infection for 2 1/2 months.

He is doing better now, no blood and no more stones. I am going to contact Kansas State University and get his Holter done through them. I do not think I want to walk into that other clinic again. It used to be great. I had a lot of confidence in them, but they changed hands a year to a year and half ago, and I don't think it is the same quality. Maybe that is why the cardiologist left. I did find out he left to open his own practice but due to a competition contract clause has to wait two years. He is practicing about 1 1/2 hours away. Even though I do like him I think I am going to go to K-State just the same.

Feeling Better

Well Thor has been playing again. The last few days while we were outside he did a few quick runs. As well as played with Arabella after dinner last night. So I am feeling better about his health.

 He also has a vet appointment on Monday. He is due to see his cardiologist but when I called to make an appointment I was informed he was no longer with that practice of specialists. They also haven't gotten a new cardiologist at this point. So he will be seeing an internist. I'm taking that as a good sign for now. The cardiologist would just be putting a Holter monitor on and then sending of the readings to be read else where. He may also do an echo-cardiogram. The internist can do that as well. They might also may be more mindful of the tumor.

In the mean time Thor's appetite is great. He seems to have figured out with little effort I will give in and give him a treat. Along with that treat he also gets a hug and a kiss. There's nothing like positive reinforcement!

Finally Back In!

I am so sorry it has taken so long to post. I had a log in snafu that seems corrected now! Whew! So where to begin.....

I know it has been two weeks and our household has been through somethings. We have been remodeling an old home that we had rented, it is finally done and on the market. (Thank God!) I had to go over there and spent quite a bit of time and was leaving the dogs home everyday. Thor seems to be slowing down and it has concerned me. One day my husband calls me and tells I need to come home NOW! I of course start to freak. I ask if Thor is OK, and it a very pleasant voice tells me Thor is fine. It was that the weather was getting nasty and he didn't want me driving in it. If I could have reached through the phone, I think I may have strangled him.

Since the house is now done, I have been staying home a lot more. I have noticed Thor isn't running or playing much. It has me concerned. Last Saturday, I don't know if I was being a bit over anxious or not. He seemed "off". He would sleep some and then he would just sit and watch me. I was trying to catch up on all the housework that I have fallen behind on. He wasn't acting like he was in pain, but he just wasn't quite himself.

My husband and I were suppose to go to a concert that night, and I was really getting worried about leaving him. We were going to be gone 6 hrs. I found a dog sitter/walker that could come in and give him his medicine at 7:30 so I had someone checking up on him midway through the evening. I still was worried. I had gotten the Chinese herbal supplement, bayaio yunnan, but haven't talked to the vet about it yet. I took a leap of faith and gave it to him. It was early afternoon. I figured if it was going to have a negative effect on him I would know before I left, which it didn't.

I don't know if it had a positive effect, or I was imagining it did, to make myself feel better about going. He did seem a bit more relaxed by the time we left. Now I have to decide if it was just me, or if it really did improve things. And if it did improve things what are the implications. Has he started to bleed? Do I need to be giving him this everyday? If so how much?

Sigh...It is so hard to know what to do. I just hope and pray I make the right choices. I love my boy so much.

Staying the Course

Thor is still doing well. Still active and eating well. He is coming due for is annual cardiac exam. I thought for all of two seconds about skipping it. My concern is I know he will have to wear a Holter monitor for 24 hrs and that means being taped around his belly. The cardiologist is in the same office as the internist so I am sure they can come up with a safe way to tape him.

 Plus I want to talk to him about a Chinese herbal supplement I found that promotes clotting, bayaio yunnan. I want to make sure it will not effect Thor's heart or his medication in any way if given daily. Or even if I just give it when there is a small bleed. I don't want to trade one problem for another.

I am also unfortunately going to have push back his appointment a week or so. Our a/c sprung a leak and had to be replaced. That was $3000 I wasn't planning on spending and the budget is beyond tight this month. (Actually for the next few months to make up for that big of a ding.) I just hope I can keep the option of pushing it back. It has been eight weeks since we found out about the tumor and he is still doing well. I just hope that doesn't change.