Noisy Dog Studio

The Strawberry Snuggle

I bought the cutest little snuggle for Iris.  I thought she would look so cute in it with its strawberry decorated fabric.  Iris didn't like it, but Albert did.  Doesn't my old man look adorable ?

Inconclusive

Albert's test results were inconclusive.  We are now on what I call "tumor watch".  The lump on his stomach needs to be measured every other day for the next two weeks.  What we want to see is the lump shrinking.  But if it grows, it is a bad sign and will need to be removed.

The tricky part is that due to a variety of other health issues, Albert is not a good candidate for surgery.  Surgery will be a last resort.

Lump removal surgery brings back lots of bad memories.  Many years ago, when we lived in Seattle, our black cat, Olive died after a failed tumor removal.  Once Dr. Obando opened her up, the tumor had attached itself to so many vital organs, it was not possible to save her.

I had to say goodbye to Olive when she was under anesthesia. 

I am praying that Albert's tumor will shrink !

Bostons Sunbathing

Franklin and Albert

We decided on naming our new Boston Terrier , Franklin.  It seems to fit him.  I can't wait to take his photo to show you how cute he is, but he is not feeling well.

The vet thinks he is suffering from a bleeding ulcer.  Currently he is taking pepcid and a drug called sucralfate, which will coat his stomach.  He is eating tiny meals  of bland fat free turkey and rice "groul" throughout the day and we will see if he can keep it all down.  He threw up so many times yesterday , it was frightening.

Poor little Franklin.  He has had such a tough time at the shelter.  He was there over a month with a variety of health issues.  Boston Terrier rescue was supposed to come and get him, but they never showed up !  I am so disappointed that they flaked. 

But now Franklin is safe.  He is an anxious guy, he doesn't know what to do or how to relax.  I hope with time he will learn he is safe and loved. 

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Albert is resting a lot today also as he had dental surgery yesterday.  They removed 6 of this rotting teeth and now his breath is so much better.  It was a risky procedure, as Albert suffers from breathing disorders, but now that it over, I am happy we did it.

Never a dull moment around here. 

New Dog

Our new dog is sick.   He has been vomiting all day, so he is at vets right now.  I am so scared for the little guy.   I love him already.

I haven't even had a moment to write about Albert's dental surgery this morning.  But he is home now and recovering.  He had 6 teeth removed. 

What a day !

My Boston Boys

Hugo and Albert hanging out on the couch together.  Aren't they cute  ?   

Albert Makes Me Laugh Part 2

Since this summer, we have been dealing with Albert's aging and his health issues. It has been hard for me to see my big Boston Terrier boy as an old guy.  He is no longer the tennis ball obsessed boy that we adopted many years ago.  Despite a variety of health issues and being deaf, he still does lots of his "tricks" just at a much slower pace.  I can always count on Albert to make me laugh.

Albert loves to shred things  - in any form whether it be a piece of paper , napkin or paper towel.He especially likes to shred when he is bored. He loves to go digging in my recycling basket for a big piece of paper to shred.  At the end of the day, my studio floor is often covered in Albert's confetti mess.

I put up with the mess because honestly I'd do anything for Albert, but also because without fail Albert gets a piece of paper stuck to his lip.  Then he will walk around with it hanging off his lip.It so funny.  And if you try to remove the paper, he runs away encouraging a game of chase.

It was not easy to capture in a photo but finally I succeeded.   

Albert makes me laugh

Albert is so proud of himself.  There he is standing on the coolers in the back of the minivan.   He climbed on them all by himself and turned and smiled at me.   Not shabby for a old, "big boy" (35 pounds) Boston Terrier .

Celebrate !

Smile
Originally uploaded by NoisyDogStudio.

Albert does not have Cushings Disease. Nor does he have any kidney or liver damage.   Celebrate !

Could it be his beloved pears causing his extreme thirst?

albert waiting for his test results

albert resting
Originally uploaded by NoisyDogStudio.

We are all waiting for Albert's test results.  They will be back on Friday.   We suspect Cushing's Disease.  It could be the cause of his relentless thirst, low specific gravity of his urine, and his high alkaline/phos levels.  It could also be his kidneys or liver.  We will have to wait and see.

We just had his bloodwork done in June and it looked good, but because of his obsession with drinking water, we need to rule out anything it could be. I am trying not to worry too much.

Albert loves to go to the vet.  He sees all his friends at Mercy Vet.  It is nice to have such a great vet that the dogs love to go there.  They think it is a fun field trip with treats.   It doesn't matter that he had bloodwork and his nails cut.  In his mind he saw his friends and got treats.  And the traffic gods were kind to us today.  It took us an hour to get there and an hour back...just like it should be !

My blog has turned into a veterinary report.  I really should have become a vet.  I can't wait until I can get back to painting.