Christmas is right up there with my top favorite holidays, along with Thanksgiving and Halloween. But this year the holiday spirit was a bit tough to grab onto and hold. In the last few weeks my sweet Lucky Cowdog has been back to the vet about twelve million times.
You see, it all started with his eyes. Poor sweet doggy had not one but two small growths on his eyelids. And to make things even weirder they were in nearly the same spot on opposite lids. Well naturally I went into a state of panic. What could they be? Could they hurt him? And oh my gosh, could they be the big "C"? Questions that were quite patiently answered by my efficient and caring veterinarian.
It was decided that he should have surgery to remove and have them tested. This process involves starving and dehydrating the dog from about 10p.m. the night before the procedure. This is not a fun thing for a Cow who is used to regular meals and tends to eat everything in sight. This constant hunger thing I brought up with the vets several times to which they replied it must be learned behavior from living the first year of his life on the streets. Hum. Then in the course of routine preparations for surgery some highly abnormal blood work came back. Not good.
It seems that my Cowdog had high cholesterol, abnormal liver enzymes and a suspected case of a deficient thyroid. Oh boy. Many tests, pills, surgery, and vet visits later my sweet, lethargic Lucky Cowdog has been mainly stabilized and amazingly transformed.
This is the dog that brings up the rear when we're out on the woodland trails. The far, far rear. In fact, he's been getting slower these past couple of years, a fact I pointed out to each of my three veterinarians. Old age they said. Hum. But on this new thyroid medicine now he's right up there with Ginger who traditionally leads the pack. Its been incredible to see him in action.
And most amazing of all is his tail. Yep, his tail. About a year or so ago all the hair on only the top of his tail fell out. Quite a funny sight I assure you and what affectionately became known as doggy pattern baldness. I pointed this out to each of his three vets in turn who all paused mid chart scribbling and stared. A head scratcher for sure but no idea why this happened. Hum.
Turns out that this was yet another reason for the thyroid deficiency. And with the addition of the magic pills I noticed wisps of downy hair growing back in the bald patch. Can you believe it?! Hair growth where it had all fallen out before. Wouldn't some men you know pay money for that! Truly amazing I tell ya.
This miracle drug is not without its side effects. But I'll take the slight agitation and occasional teeth chattering over the pitiful, moaning and sluggish dog he used to be. He's like his old, young self again and I couldn't be happier. He even moos like he used to. Gosh I love that Cow.
Sorry to hear Lucky hasn't been doing well, but glad to hear he's feeling better. Give him a nice belly rub from me.
Posted by: Ryk | January 07, 2008 at 04:55 AM
So glad to hear that he's doing better! It's so hard when they're sick isn't it? I hate it when one of mine is not feeling well. My whole world comes to a halt until they're better.
Posted by: Sue B | January 07, 2008 at 05:26 AM
Great to hear a good vet doggy story. I hope he continues to moo for many years
Posted by: Jodie | January 07, 2008 at 06:16 AM
Oh, this is just, just wonderful! I am glad there were finally symptoms that allowed the diagnosis to be made properly -- it goes the same way with people sometimes, doesn't it, that things can be excused away until the right doctor makes the right decision to check out certain symptoms. What a relief, and what a lucky, lucky doggy to have you for a mama!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 07, 2008 at 06:16 AM
Great to hear that your sweet Lucky Cowdog is doing better after all those vet visits. must have been terrible. I hope he stays his old, young self again for a long time!
Posted by: corry | January 07, 2008 at 07:03 AM
I am so glad the vet was able to help Cow and you can see such great improvement. Our new kitty Rainy takes the thyroid medicine; she had bald patches on her ears but they are growing in now. I think one of the side effects of the medicine is itchiness, so we bought a cream that we can use. Give Cow a hug for me!
Posted by: Debby | January 07, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Oh man, hopefully that will be the end of visiting the vet for awhile. If only they could just say "Hey, I am feeling pretty tired here!", eh?
Posted by: Sarah | January 07, 2008 at 09:15 AM
So glad your puppers is feeling better! We just found out ours has low thyroid as well. And, isn't it amazing how they are suddenly peppy again once treated?! Ours is back to her mischievous (siberian husky) ways. So glad Lucky is doing better too! :)
Posted by: JaimeM | January 07, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Poor Lucky! I'm so glad he's doing better and that the doggy pattern baldness is furring up. :-)
Posted by: Brandy | January 07, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Awesome! He sure is a cutie--those eyes make me want to give him a dog biscuit!
Posted by: Randi | January 07, 2008 at 09:38 AM
I'm so glad to hear that Lucky Cowdog is feeling better. And I love that you call him "Cow." I often call Sharkdog "Shark."
Posted by: Alisha | January 07, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Poor boy! I'm glad to hear he's feeling better :)
Happy New Year to you!
Posted by: mariss | January 07, 2008 at 10:14 AM
I'm glad things are on the upswing for Lucky. There is a name for that baldness on the tail -- it's called Stud Tail. I don't know why they call it that, as female dogs get it, too. I hope you all have a wonderful, healthy, treat-filled (for Lucky) New Year!
Posted by: Susan | January 07, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Awww, he's just the cutest! Glad to hear he's feeling much better!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | January 07, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Oh my gosh, I am so glad that story ended happily-- he has the cutest face! I bet he is super glad that he has such a loving mommy to take such good care of him.
Posted by: Kim | January 07, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Awww, what a honey! I'm so happy he's better.
Posted by: Mymsie | January 07, 2008 at 11:20 AM
I worked as a vet assistant up until about 6 months ago. It's amazing to see the difference in a pet when a great doctor hits upon the correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment! I've taken a couple of my pets to Macon vets on the recommendation of my vet/former boss. One was at Riverside Animal Hospital and the other at Brantley and Jordan.
Posted by: Edie | January 07, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Hooray! Hooray! So glad to hear that Lucky is better!
Posted by: sara | January 07, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Vets and doctors... there are great ones... and then.... the others.
A friend of mine is looking for answers with her older dog right now.. ...and, not having much luck....
so glad your little guy found a great one.
Posted by: Veronica | January 07, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Oh sweetie! I am so happy that Lucky is doing better! :) Animals really hold a special place in our hearts don't they, and it is so nice when they are feeling happy & we know it:) Give Lucky a hug for me! :)
Posted by: Chara Michele | January 07, 2008 at 12:36 PM
What a sweety. I am happy to hear that you found the cause, and a treatment for it. That is odd about the tail hair. I like the doggy pattern baldness bit.
Definitely give Lucky an ear scratch for me :)
Posted by: Lolly | January 07, 2008 at 01:05 PM
What a wonderful story! I am so very happy he's doing better...I was worried about one paragraph into the story that it would not have a good ending...but, is certainly does...if not a harrier one soon!!
Posted by: sadira | January 07, 2008 at 04:24 PM
What a sweetheart he is!!! Ohhhh...and I'm so glad to hear that the magic pills are helping him!!! Hopefully he's seen the last of the vet for a while now! (a long while!)
Posted by: Karyn | January 07, 2008 at 05:16 PM
That is amazing, so often these stories do not have such a great ending. I am so so glad that he is better. (does he really moo?)
Posted by: Natasha | January 07, 2008 at 05:18 PM
It good to hear a happy ending. I'm glad they found out what was wrong with him.
Karen
Posted by: Karen Young | January 07, 2008 at 05:34 PM
yay lucky! i'm glad he's feeling better!
Posted by: maryse | January 07, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Glad this story had a happy ending! As a human with a hypoactive thyroid I can tell you those little pills really do make you feel better!
Posted by: michelle fitzgerald | January 07, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Oh man, Sammy has a thyroid condition that is causing his hair to grow back in patches (he was shaved for summer and now it's all patchy, everyone asks me quite rudely if he has mange!) I'm so glad the cow is back on his feet and fully clothed from nose to tail.
Posted by: Era | January 07, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Hugs to you and your sweet doggie! I'm so glad they finally were able to figure it out! And you knew something was out of sorts all along. Maybe you are a "dog whisperer" :)
How stressful for you to have a sick family member during the season of cheer, but I'm glad your story had a happy ending and that there is happy mooing again in your home!
Posted by: Bejeweled | January 07, 2008 at 07:40 PM
I was so scared to read this, thinking it would end badly, but I am so relieved that he is doing so well!!! Thank goodness your vet found out what the matter was! And just when I'm thinking I have hormonal issues...maybe it's a sign...hmmmm.
Posted by: Bethany | January 07, 2008 at 08:32 PM
My cat has both high blood pressure and hyper thyroid. It must be so hard to be a vet, because you really have to learn all the people diseases too, but the pay isn't the same. So glad he's doing better. I'd love to hear the moo.
FYI, if there's a Costco near you, lots of pet meds can be purchased at their pharmacy for a much lower cost.
Posted by: Barb | January 07, 2008 at 09:00 PM
i hope he's feeling much better.
Posted by: barry | January 07, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Thyroid problems have really given my husband problems. So happy to hear CowPuppy is feeling better. P.S., I've tagged you for 7 random things!
Posted by: Mary Ellen | January 07, 2008 at 09:42 PM
One of my cats has gone on Thyroid medication for the past several months, and I've seen a dramatic change too. She now roams around the house, seems much calmer, has slimmed down, and just seems happier and more cheerful in general. It's amazing isn't it?
Posted by: Jennifer | January 07, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Oh poor baby, good luck with him!
Posted by: karla nathan | January 07, 2008 at 10:53 PM
that is so sweet! Who would thunk it! I know my mom is a slug when her thyroid meds aren't working. LOL
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | January 08, 2008 at 12:46 AM
I am glad your baby is doing better. I will be praying for him. Please give him a big ole belly scratch from me.
Posted by: Leigh | January 08, 2008 at 01:10 AM
What an adorable photo. I'm glad Cowdog is feeling all better again! Thanks for stopping by my blog, and leaving me a note. I appreciate it!
Posted by: Carla | January 08, 2008 at 01:53 AM
Thank you for taking the time to share all the veterinary information with us. You never know how far the ripples will go in helping someone else's four legged family member!
Wishing your entire family good health!
;o)
- Lee
Posted by: Lee | January 08, 2008 at 02:51 AM
Oh! It's so great to see Lucky's tale/tail has such a Happy End! :-) A Happy and Healthy New Year to you all there at Fluffy Flowers!
Posted by: Eva | January 08, 2008 at 03:34 AM
Lucky's story sounds very familiar! I had similar issues with Astro before he eventually had his leg chopped off. Sounds like Lucky's doing amazingly well now and that is completely lovely. Astro's doing great now too. I'm so amazed at how quickly animals can bounce back when they get the right treatment. Yay for Lucky!
Posted by: alisonmc | January 08, 2008 at 05:39 AM
So pleased that Lucky the Cow Dog is transformed by his new medication hopefully the vets will be able to minimize the side effects.
Best wishes for 2008.
Posted by: cd&m | January 08, 2008 at 06:28 AM
What a brave little cowdog...I'm so glad he's doing better. Hugs to him and you! :o)
Posted by: Tracy | January 08, 2008 at 06:45 AM
Ahh, Lucky is so cute! I am so thrilled to hear he is doing so well with his new meds! I too have to take thyroid pills. It is amazing how much better you feel once the thyroid levels get corrected. Love your dog:)
Posted by: KnitPastis | January 08, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Oh gosh, I so know how he must have been feeling. I have an underactive thyroid and before it was diagnosed my hair fell out and I was just so tired I couldn't get off the sofa. Glad he's all mended and back to being bouncy again now!
Posted by: Ruthanne | January 08, 2008 at 09:26 AM
he is such a great dog! great story, and i am glad he is doing better!
Posted by: julie | January 08, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I'm so glad Lucky is okay!!! Hmmm...seems his name fits him well. :-)
Posted by: Angelique | January 08, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Oh, I'm so glad to hear your pup is back to his old self again! I know how awful it is to go through the endless tests on mystery dog ailments- I'm so glad you got a happy ending!
Posted by: Claire | January 08, 2008 at 02:25 PM
It makes me love him too just to read your story. I'm happy he's getting better.
Posted by: Amy | January 08, 2008 at 02:59 PM
wow, gimme some of what he's having
Posted by: kimberlee | January 08, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Oh what a GREAT Christmas gift to have Cow feeling better! It's good that you share this story. Maybe it will help someone else's pupster.
Happy NEW YEAR FLUFFY FLOWERS!!
May it be fill with joy, creativity, prosperity and fab health for you and the "crew".
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | January 08, 2008 at 09:12 PM
PS Lucky Cow's a handsome dog.
Posted by: rochambeau | January 08, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Aw what a cutie! I'm dealing with an aging dog too, sometimes she actually runs but mostly now is slow as molasses. But her blood is good and her patches have disappeared since we moved to florida too! Go old friends!
Posted by: Claudia | January 08, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Awww...I am so glad he is doing better. He looks like a great dog! Give him a kiss for me.
Posted by: Oiyi | January 08, 2008 at 11:44 PM
owhhhh what a cute little dog. I love that dog smile.
Posted by: feli | January 09, 2008 at 07:09 AM
So glad that sweet guy is feeling better!!!
Posted by: Meredith | January 09, 2008 at 09:10 AM
So glad the moo dog is feeling better. He looks so joyfully happy in that photo.
Happy New Year from me and the zoo here in Jersey. :)
Posted by: Marci | January 09, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I'd no idea he was sick, but am glad to read he's doing much better.
Posted by: Jen | January 09, 2008 at 02:05 PM
What a sweet face! I'm glad to hear he is feeling better.
Posted by: melanie | January 09, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Such great news to solve so many problems in a short month!!! Now just stand back and wait for the bill!!!!!!!! Good job we love them huh!!!!!
Posted by: Libby | January 10, 2008 at 04:47 AM
I'm so glad Lucky's tale/tail had a happy ending. We had a very rough time around Christmas with my dogg too. Poor little critters.
Posted by: Betty | January 10, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Poor little thing.... I'm so happy that they found out what he has!!!
he's such a cutie!!!!
Posted by: Danielle Nilsson | January 12, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Oh my goodness...
I'm glad you found a vet who could really pinpoint what was up with your precious dog! I hope he feels better and better!
Posted by: Emma | January 14, 2008 at 07:07 PM
I am so glad that Lucky is doing better. Thank you for your comment on my site. I appreciate your good wishes.
Have fun with the pup (now that he's a pup again!)
Posted by: Sandy | January 17, 2008 at 03:44 PM
So glad Lucky is on the mend. Perhaps you and the vet could get together and figure out how to market that medicine as a cure for baldness.
Posted by: elementaryhistoryteacher | January 18, 2008 at 07:50 PM
I'm so glad he's feeling better- and you, too!!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 19, 2008 at 02:07 PM