I haven’t blogged since early March? Yikes. I need to get on this.

Since March:
- Antonio is on two more medications/remedies
- My sleep test came back ok for apnea, but I have decreased stage 3/4 sleep
- My thyroid levels came back borderline, might be hypothyroid
- I’ve been working out for 3+ weeks, and I’m starting to notice changes
- Been eating a lot of salad

There you go. You’re up to speed. I’ll think of something more interesting soon. Promise.

Antonio has a long history of nicknames, including:

‘Tonio
Puppy
Pooper
Poop
Weiner Dog
Handsome
Stinker
Stink

… and so on. But recently I’ve added a few others to the list which, I believe, are particularly creative.

Mr. T (pity the fool!)
Frankenbelly (for obvious reasons)
Office Depot (because Staples was too obvious)

I have read more articles and stories about dogs and illnesses in the past few months than anyone should ever read. Antonio and I saw the vet again today, and together the doctor and I began listing all of the symptoms that have begun to afflict my poor dog during the past four months. Here is the list as it is today, in case someone, like me, does a web search looking for answers for their sick pet. We’re scheduled to see an Internal Medicine Specialist next Wednesday.

Antonio
Miniature dachshund
10 years of age
10-11.5 lbs normally

Recent Symptoms Include:
Depression/mood changes
Lethargy/Weakness/Confusion
Excessive drinking/urination
Refusal to go on walks
Refusal to use the stairs
Disinterest in play/toys
Significant weight gain (currently 14.6 lbs)
Distended stomach (no fluid that we can tell)
Vision problems/blindness
Liver bile acids tests well over 100 fast/post fast (150/240)
Inconsistent elevated calcium levels
Inconsistent elevated blood sugar levels
Swollen lymph nodes
Elevated heart rate (on occasion)
Slightly labored breathing (with elevated heart rate)
Dry/cracked nose

Xray/ultrasounds show:
– No visible liver shut
– Stomach cyst
– Slightly enlarged liver
– Slightly enlarged kidneys
– Adrenal gland tumor (7mm)
– Stomach cyst (unknown origin)
– Gallbladder sludge (no blockage)
– Calcification in soft tissue near hip

Medications Prescribed During This Time:
Tramadol
Denamarin
Ursodiol
Amoxicillin
Metronidazole
Hill’s Prescription Diet L/D

This is what we have seen to date, and the symptoms seem to wax and wane, suggesting a toxin or hormonal influence. We don’t have much history on Antonio’s blood pressure, so I’m measuring his heart rate at home and will take him in for a blood pressure check when the heart rate increases. Next Wednesday the specialist will most likely do another ultrasound and may suggest laparoscopic surgery to obtain internal biopsies and images.

Diagnoses That Have Been Discussed:
Cushing’s Disease
Liver Disease
Some Unknown Neurological Cause
Gallbladder Disease (rare)
Bone Cancer
Lymphoma
Pheochromocytoma (rare)