I guess I should explain why I have put up another oldie pic. My trusty computer has been threatening to crash for about a month now and I have switched over to a newer one. Haven't had time to download any current pics though so this is a pic from 2007 that was easy to access. If I remember correctly the Bentman was 5 going on 6 in this pic. Obviously we didn't live here on the Gulf Coast either- the location would have been West Texas where it snowed occasionally.
For all of you that have asked about the Bentman's health, he is getting better. It has been a long road and there are still some obstacles to face but all in all we are thankful that he even made through last summer. After a heavy round (5 months) on prednisone he gained up to 94 lbs. His happy weight is around 80 lbs so we have been monitoring food intake and exercise and he is back to about 84 lbs. The specialist (last visit in late November) said it is possible that the prednisone induced Cushings. Our regular vet will test him in a few weeks to see. Hopefully not but his body shape hasn't changed too much even with the weight loss. He also had some funky readings that showed borderline Addison's but everything was so whacked in the fall the results could have been false positives. The weakness and muscle atrophy is not as severe as it was and his gusto for life (not just food) is back! He's back to waking up with Kris at 4:30 or 5:30 am and if I am not up in what he considers a timely manner I wake up to the biggest Woofer at my ear telling me it is breakfast time and the biggest wet sloppy kisses you can imagine. Yep- gotta love 'em.
Anyway, just wanted to give all of you a quick heads up. Now I need to go bag a few thousand leaves that are still falling from the trees. I don't know about ya'lls weather but ours is really screwy and all the plants are confused here on the Gulf Coast. There is one tomato plant leftover from the summer and it has about 20 green ones on it that I am hoping will ripen. It is one of those yellow heirloom varieties and I have decided it is a winner. Plan on planting quite a few of them in the spring.
And last but not least- all of the 4-legged's, Kris, and I wish you a wonderfully healthy and happy New Year of 2012!
Till next time,
Karen Raye and Bentley Beargrass
words of wisdom, words of fear, words of love, words of huh? i don't know. whatever i feel like writing about. definitely about dogs and specifically at times about my big 'ole silly airedale bentley and his siblings, food and travel. we love to cook. and eat. and really love cheeseburgers. we also like to explore.
We wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year. Good to read that Bentley is enjoying life Airedale style, and doing well.
ReplyDeleteThe weather here in the UK is totally mad too. We had the 2nd mildest Christmas on record and now we are experiencing days of very high winds..enough to cause damage to buildings.
Bulbs have already appeared, 2 months early! Trees are in bud. Most extraordinary. Hope your tomatoes ripen.
Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie
Hi Karen & Bentley!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that Bentley is getting better! Good for you for getting the weight down from 94 to 84, WOW! When Sunshade was dx with Cushings, she was 74 lbs. Her normal weight had always been around 63-65lbs. Since controlling the Cushings, she is back down to 64 lbs and the pot belly is gone. I know exactly what you mean when you said his body shape hasn't changed even though he's lost weight. They just lose the muscle (weighs more) and yet the pot belly stays until the steroids are out of the system. If Bentley does have steroid induced Cushings, then removing Pred should slowly bring him back to normal. It does take a few months for the pot belly to go away, and for the thick coat to come back (you must have noticed thinning of coat right?).
Anyways, all in all, I think it's a good report. Let's hope his health continues to improve in 2012!!
Happy New Year to all of you!
Cheers,
Elaine, Sunshade & Jaffa (and all their pets...)
glad to hear the Bentmeister is doing ok. Big snuggles from all of us. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWishing you all A Very Happy & Healthy New Year!
ReplyDeleteSo pleased to read that Bentley is getting better. We love the oldie photo you put up. You can't beat big wet sloppy kisses!
Don't stay away too long.
Big Nose Pokes
The Thugletsx
Sounds like a good report to us, Bentley! We just love your header photo!
ReplyDeleteHave a happy and healthy 2012!
Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch
Bentley, we at Hooligan House are deelighted to hear that you are feeling good and gooder! We LOVE that photo of you and your Mom!
ReplyDeleteWOOOF!!!
Best wishes for Bentley's continued improvement and a return to typical Airedale energy. Well, the energy part without the "tearing up the house" part!
ReplyDelete