Biceps Tenosynovitis (Bugsy)

Just catching up on today's news on Bugsy.  The thirst on its own would be understandable.  One time when Tonka got stung by a bee and immediately vomited, the vet gave him a cortisone shot just in case he was having a major allergic reaction.  It was shocking how fast he started to guzzle water, and even more scary was that he had a couple accidents in the house -- both times we were home, he didn't ask to be let out, he just got up and there was a huge wet spot under him.  We thought the one shot had caused his kidneys to fail or something (yeah, we tend to be catastrophic thinkers).  Anyway, just the one shot really had major affects, so hopefully the affects will recede when the drug gets out of his system. 

The weight loss is another thing . . . that's a lot of weight to lose in a short time.  But, as Maureen said, maybe there's more reduction in his food and treats than you think???  It's a good sign he has his usual appetite, but if he weren't eating, the weight loss might be less worrisome.

All our fingers, toes, and paws crossed here --- sending good healing vibes to Bugsy and calming ones to you, Karen.  You said your DH is away, right?  I'm sorry you're dealing with this by yourself.  Wish we could help beyond sending cyber-vibes!

 Thank you again all.............

Regarding the water consumption, apparently it just isn't a usual reaction to an injection into a joint. It is normal with oral steroids or with a general injection for allergies etc.

Fingers crossed he seems to be drinking less today. After I got home from the vet and started measuring he drank 5 cups of water in 2 hours 

And sure I had reduced his intake with the lack of activity but that hasn't changed in the last 6-8 wks. He suddenly lost the weight, not slowly, so it isn't about the intake and can only be slightly due to muscle loss but it's OK as long as it stops. I like his 'fit' weight to be 104-105 so I imagine about 100 is good since he isn't fit. We can work to build muscle once we get past this shoulder issue (<= that's me being optimistic).

I don't like the suddenness of the loss (10lbs in 11 days including 5lbs in 4 days) so I upped his food last night and will watch him.

We appreciate ALL the vibes and thoughts.  And yes DH is away

kpwlee

I don't like the suddenness of the loss (10lbs in 11 days including 5lbs in 4 days) so I upped his food last night and will watch him.

I'm sure this is a stupid question (two really)

1.  I'm sure you're watching his poop -- I mean there are only so many ways for the body to get "rid" of weight that quickly.  Even if his food is going straight thru him that doesn't quite make sense.

2.  Have you quizzed the vet's office??  To make sure someone's kid hasn't been jumping on the scales??      (not that I've EVER seen such a thing *rolling eyes*).  But he's been weighed twice in those days (for you to know he'd lost 5 pounds in 4 days).

 To be honest, Karen -- I would ask specifically to have them take his blood pressure.  It's got his system totally wonky, but I'd be concerned as well.

 Dang I'm sorry this has turned into such a nightmare for you guys.

Poop is normal and I hold the leash when he gets weighed so I see the actual numbers - he was weighed on 2/7 when he had his annual and distemper vacc. He was weighed on 2/14 prior to having the procedure and he was weighed yesterday 2/18 when we popped in to have him checked.

Heart and BP are fine, temp was fine.

Happily his water consumption is about normal today and his energy is a bit better. The shoulder is the same but I can handle that at the moment.

Bugsy is our sensitive boy--sounds like he had a bit of a reaction to the shot. Glad the water in-take is back to near-normal. Like you said, oral steroids are a whole different ball of wax. But it sounds like Bugsy's body treated the shot just like orals.

Sinbad and Mozey sent him an email--something about eating crabs again...I am just not fast enough!

Lots of prayers and good thoughts coming your way!

kpwlee

Happily his water consumption is about normal today and his energy is a bit better. The shoulder is the same but I can handle that at the moment.

 

  Glad to hear that he's improving. I was worried about his kidneys and was thinking about suggesting a urinalysis, but that may not be important now. Continued healing thoughts for the big guy.

kpwlee

Heart and BP are fine

Your vet does a BP automatically?  Most of the time you have to request it specifically down here.   Sounds like the worst of the reaction is over except for the residual pain and that may last a while. 

Yay -- Bugsy's not drinking the house down -- Karen's a happier Mom!

calliecritturs

Your vet does a BP automatically? 

He IS VERY happy this morning..............aka completely nuts 

I have rarely been so happy to have had such a chaotic morning

kpwlee

calliecritturs

Your vet does a BP automatically? 

No but he was concerned about what sort of reaction he was having to the shot so did take his BP.

good!!  it's funny, for US taking BP is so oooooooooo common.  For dogs it's not but it can be no less disasterous if it IS high.  Just not as commonly high. 

but then ... the rest of our conversation centers on the stress relievers dogs use (toy destroying, etc.) ... maybe this is just another of those things we should learn from our dogs on?? (I have a file in front of me right now that I'd love to use Tink's "paper TEAR IT UP" method on!!)

 arthroscopic surgery is set for Tuesday morning

kpwlee

arthroscopic surgery is set for Tuesday morning

I'm so happy to see this update.

JackieG

kpwlee

arthroscopic surgery is set for Tuesday morning

I'm so happy to see this update.

Me too!!!