Matilda444

Daisy’s bed was damp this morning, but not soaked like previously. We expected the prednisone would do that. She is at least more comfortable and we got some sleep. Daisy is taking Methylprednisolone 4 mg. 3 Tablets once daily until improved, then 2-3 tablets every other day. It’s lawn service dog barking constantly day! I got my hair foiled! Note to self: You don’t ever again need to know what color your hair really is.

Daisy was up all night with her itching, scratching, licking, chewing and panting.  I dropped her off at the Vet this morning.  One good thing; she’s not lost any more weight.  Earlier this morning I went to her cupboard and grabbed the bottle of prednisone.  Turns out that prescription was dated 08/10/12.  The previous one was dated 08/04/11.  Three years in a row now she’s had major skin issues the first weeks of August.  We’re going to go ahead and start her on the prednisone.  I’ll keep up with the Suo Quan Wan as well.  I’ve noted on my calendar that I should start her on Benadryl 08/01/14 in hopes of eliminating this issue next year.  The prednisone will make her drink more, which will stress her kidneys. But, at this point, I’ll gladly deal with a wet bed if it means she stops the itching and hair loss.

Oak Ridge Country Club Loop:  43:46, 2.7 miles, 3.7 mph, HR=114.  I don’t like how much itching/scratching Daisy is doing.  Dinner with Jeff at TheMarsh.

9:00 Mass.  I stopped at Trader Joe’s for some French bread.  Finally, I’ve addressed my craving for French toast.  Pedicure at Juut in Wayzata.  Car Wash for the VW.  A dinner date!

I made this morning’s puff pancake with coconut flour.  It turned out more like shortcake, didn’t puff at all.  Daisy’s blood work results:   All kidney function tests were normal, that’s the good news.  But, she’s not concentrating her urine.  I need to precisely measure her water intake for at least 48 hours.  Her phosphorus is low, as is her thyroid.  There’s nothing so urgent we need to do it today.  I made Maple Salmon and Asian Cole Slaw for dinner.  YUM!!!  I bought a head each of three kinds of cabbage – so I have three big mixing bowls of shredded cabbage.  I’ll be eating that all next week.  And, I’m OK with that.  I cooked four pieces of salmon and will shred the other three pieces for lunch this coming week.  It just might be good tossed in with the Asian Cole Slaw.

Despite the fact we walked around the neighborhood at 9:45 pm, Daisy wet her bed again last night.    Now, I’m worried.  The Vet was going to call me tomorrow to see how she was doing, I decided to call them today.  They didn’t have a specific appointment time open, but asked if I would leave her for the day and they would squeeze her in when possible.  I picked her up from daycare and dropped her off at the Vet and was only a little late in picking up Avery.  Turns out Daisy has all sorts of issues we need to understand.  She’s lost almost 4 pounds since August 1.  She’s got some sort of mite – not a contagious one, but one that comes with a compromised immune system.  And the incontinence.  They’ve ruled out a bladder infection.  First is an acupuncture treatment for the incontinence.  It’s not unusual for a dog Daisy’s age to become incontinent, because they were spayed too young.  I’m waiting on skin scrapings and blood work to determine what other action will be required.  Avery enjoyed her visit with my Dad.  Skin scrapings tell us Daisy doesn’t have mites.  Her itchy patches are likely a result of my cutting back on her allergy medication.  My bad!  Results of her blood work should be available tomorrow morning.  The half mile walk around the block is to be the extent of her exercise.  Her chow dish is a little fuller these days as she cannot afford to lose any more weight.  She’ll go back 2-3 times more for acupuncture.   She’s getting the Chinese herbal remedy Suo Quan Wan.  My mom drove down and rode with us to Tim’s and we enjoyed dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant near his house.

I’m somewhat disappointed that tonight’s event got cancelled for lack of participation.  There will be more laundry and knitting!  I’m really glad I decided to leave Daisy home to rest today instead of taking her to PupTown.  There’s a lesson in the glee with which I greeted an unplanned evening of laundry, knitting and perhaps, Netflix.

Daisy wet her bed and mine during the night.  WTF?!?!?!?!  My windows are clean!!  Let me know if you’re interested in being my guest at the Friendship Village Wait List Reception and Cocktail Pary.   Despite her rather cloudy disposition, I do love chatting over the back fence with my neighbor lady.  Laundry, laundry, laundry and still more laundry.  All in all, it’s been an very productive evening around here!  I’ve definitely earned tomorrow’s frolic!  My dress is ironed, my dancing shoes selected.  Yes, you read that right.