New Member Introduction

[HelpHattie]

Hello Everyone,

My reason for joining may seem extremely bizarre to you and I truly hope you don't mind my reason for becoming a member. My name is Jennifer and I am Deaf. I have a Hearing Dog that is trained to alert me to the sounds in my home and environment, she has recently been diagnosed with Crohn's/IBD. Hattie's (My Hearing Dog) vet suggested that I try to connect with individuals that are living with this disease, in order to help me understand more about what is going on with Hattie.

Hattie was diagnosed with IBD, which as I was told is the Canine equivalent of human Crohn's disease. She has "good days and bad days" flares out of the blue that I simply cannot figure out what may have set her off. She is currently on a low fat gastro intestinal diet, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, supplements and we recently started her on a small dose of Predisone.

I realize this is a human forum, not one for pets. I have searched high and low for a pet form on this topic and there are none that I can find. If anyone of you would be kind enough to help me understand more about this disease, I would truly appreciate it. I have looked up IBD/Crohn's online endlessly. I'm filled with the medical information/knowledge but I would like to gain a more personal look into how this disease affects you, what may trigger a flare etc.

Thank you for reading my introduction and I'm thankful a support group exists for this condition. I'm at a loss right now and could truly use some friends to help me understand.

Thank you,
Jennifer

 

[Earnellzwifey]

Well i would like to welcome you Jennifer. :welcome:

I do not think it is strange at all that you have joined this forum. Even though Hattie is a dog I know that she is still very much family to you and we all will do what we can to help our loved ones.

I am actually touched that you are going through such lengths to try and help your canine buddy.

The one thing that comes to mind that could be a IBD flare for any sufferer is stress. I know that you are probably very close to your pet and know what might trigger stress in her. i.e. loud noises, strangers, and things of that nature.

I know a big stresser for most dogs is being left alone but since she is a helper animal I do not think that happens to her very often.

I wish the best and hope the meds send you baby into remission.

 

[HelpHattie]

Thank you so much for your reply.
I assumed that stress could be a major factor in management of this disease. Hattie being my service dog and I are very VERY BONDED. My stress and emotions become her stress and emotions. I can honestly say since she has been ill, yes indeed, I have been stressed. I'm trying to remain calm and positive for her but its difficult.

Her treatment seems to be going well, she is responding slowly but the one thing I cannot wrap my head around is despite the fact nothing changes in her diet etc..she still has flares. On her bad days she is very lethargic and emits signs of discomfort. We have gotten a grasp on any pain she may be having but I can tell she feels down right "yucky." I try to keep her body and system on a daily routine. Same eating schedule, same times for medications daily etc...

Do those of you with IBD/Crohn's also have issues with your Pancreas or Gall Bladder, Liver? When you are having a flare, how do you feel? Nauseated, painful??? I have a gazillion questions and I realize I am asking you to be "Hattie's Voice" for me as to what she is feeling and experiencing. Oh, how I wish she could talk.

 

[Earnellzwifey]

Personally I do not know if there is direct link to IBD effecting other organs other than the digestive tract, but I do know that many people have had to have their gallbladder removed, me included. There is a sub forum on here about other body parts that can be effected the link is below:

http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=81

I hope the information in there might help. Nausea is big problem as well as chronic diarrhea as I know you probably have read about that already.

Intestinal cramping and pain and joint pain is fairly common also, so try to clue in on how she walks and move to see if her joints might be hurting her. It can also effect the eyes so with her being your guide dog please keep a close check on that as well. I hope the sub forum can give give a little more incite on the exact symptom manifestations.

I am sure no one here minds you asking a bunch of questions, I know I have posted my share since I started and everyone has treated me with the utmost respect and help. No matter what the question is.

Sending hugs your way. :hug:

 

[David]

Hi there and welcome! I'm so sorry to hear about your dog

Questions for you:

1. Have you tried changing her water and water dish? Do you give her regular tap water or from some other source?

2. How exactly did they go about diagnosing your dog with IBD? Was there an actual biopsy done of her intestinal tissue or something else?

3. Do you do anything out of the ordinary like brush her teeth, add flavored crap to her water, or anything most people don't do with their dogs?

 

[acheallova]

Also, you mentioned anti-inflammatories - these are a no no. They continue to irritate the intestinal tract; which is unfortunate b/c i know the only thing available to treat pain in our loved "family members" is aspirin or meloxicam. Prednisone can help to treat both pain and inflammation. Another choice is to get her on glucosamine/chondrotin supplements to protect her joints and decrease pain. Not proven, but i do believe there is a corralation between crohns n gallbladder, i too have had mine removed. Liver can be affected depending on her medication regime. This is usualy monitoered by routine bloodwork. Best of luck to you and your companion. - hugs-