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Monday, August 16, 2010

Shades of Black and White

Joey's Black & White Piebald Cookies. 

Thanks so much again for all the love and support for your 9.5-year-old  'Long and Short of it All' host 'Joey.'  It means so much, you have no idea.  The emails and comments have been simply overwhelming, and we apologize for not being able to get back to everyone personally - but everything was read with great zeal, including the informative links and sharing of positive stories of many Dachshunds who have suffered with Cushing's Disease. 
After being diagnosed with Cushing's, and undergoing an abdominal ultrasound which revealed tumors on both of his adrenal glands, one of which is blocking his vena cava by 85%, we met with Joey's surgeon last week.
Without surgery, Joey has maybe 3 - 6 months left until he will pass - his vena cava will eventually become completely blocked by the tumor growing off of one of his adrenal glands.  Surgery is his only option.  It's a risky surgery - the vet stated he has about a 75% chance of pulling through.  But those are odds we're willing to take. 
Joey will undergo a "bilateral adrenalectomy," or literally the removal of both of his adrenal glands.  Afterwards, Joey will no longer be a Cushing's dog, but will be an Addisonian's dog, with Addison's disease.  Treatment will require a shot every 4 -6 weeks, daily oral steroids, and frequent electrolyte monitoring for the rest of his life.  Many dogs (and humans) live a normal life with Addison's disease.  Joey is currently taking a blood pressure medication which will help stabilize him and prepare him for the spike which will occur when the adrenal glands are removed.  The surgeon will also have to cut open his vena cava to remove the tumor, resulting in heavy blood loss - the surgeon said he gives himself seven minutes to remove the tumor from the vena cava before additional complications arise.
So, Joey is going to the veterinary specialty center late tonight, and surgery is on Tuesday morning.  Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.  We'll keep you updated on his progress - he may have to stay in the ICU for up to 4 days afterwards. 
We hope to get the site running again soon with lots of Dachshund News and stories, but we've been spending all our time making sure that Joey and Maggie are getting lots of love.  Hope you understand.

Above, Joey, August 15, 2010.  Like the package says - there's "Luv in Every Bite."  Not that Joey would ever bite ya, but if he did, you'd feel the luv.  Joey's piebald cookies available online or at your local Costco (that's where we found 'em!). 
We had a great time spending Sunday afternoon with our Dachshund pals 'Sampson,' 'Tommy,' and 'Gina Marie' where Dad took this photo of Joey and his cookies. 

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

Joey, we will all be keeping you in prayer for a successful surgery. May the good Lord guide the surgeon's hands. We will be praying for Joey's Dad too.

Geneva said...

Joey, I'll be thinking of you - and your family. Good vibes coming your way for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery!

Anonymous said...

Joey, we will be thinking of you and keeping our paws crossed and sending you lots of dachie kisses and prayers for a successful surgery. Maggie, I know you are worried about your brother Joey but keep your head up girl you are not alone because we all are thinking of you and dad too. Doxie love and kisses from Sass the Bold, LollyPop Wiggle Butt, Shilo Baby Bean and Maggie Muffin from Quebec Canada.

Oscar and Hans said...

Big licks and prayers are coming your way from Iowa! We will be thinking of you guys tomorrow and for the days to come.

Anonymous said...

We forgot to ask in our last comment but Sass the Bold wants to know if you are getting to enjoy those cookies Joey before you go to hospital. They look Joey delicious!!!

Anonymous said...

Lots lots lots of luck for the surgery and recovery period.

Keeping you and Joey in my prayers.

Dog paws crossed from Chili, Honey and Teddy, too.

Liz Kearley

firstyouleap said...

Perfectly piebald! Lots of love to all of you from Melinda and Jeeves.

impromptublogger said...

Keeping you all in our prayers.

Love, Emily, Max and Echo

Alicia said...

We are praying for y'all, and especially for Joey's successful surgery and full, speedy recovery. God bless you for taking such wonderful care of your sweet Joey.

I'm originally from New Jersey, and Black & White cookies are my all time favorites! The Joey's brand are very good, and close in flavor to the the bakery cookies we'd pick up after Sunday Mass. Only, the Joey's brand are half the size of bakery cookies...a very good thing at my current 'dog age' of 40 million years old. (According to Oskar)

Love, hugs, and only positive thoughts and prayers to Joey and family...

Lauren said...

Sending you lots of love and well wishes from Richmond, VA. You are one one very loved little pup.

Unknown said...

good luck my little piebald friend. we know you're going to do great!

-your wirehair piebald cousin, rocky.

Debi & Ringo said...

We will be praying for you Joey! May God bless you and your family, and may all go well with your surgery tomorrow.

Big Hugs,
Debi & Ringo

bloghunds said...

We just wanted to say that we're thinking our best thoughts for Joey and the whole family. We know he'll make it through surgery like a champion. After surgery, we'd be glad to share our treats with both of you.

Jack said...

Love and doggy hugs from across the pond in London. Wishing Joey loads of luck and a successful outcome from his surgery.

Jack and his daddies.

Lexi said...

We are praying for a fast recovery Joey

Lexi and Bismarch

Stacey L. said...

Joey will be in my thoughts and prayers every single day! 75% is a really great chance of success!

I just came out of surgery myself last week (gallbladder), and as I recover I'll think of Joey and wish him a speedy recovery as well.

I'm sure he will be fine. Best of luck! :) And please keep us updated!

Stacey & Toby

Anne said...

Sending you loads of love, prayers, tail wags, lots of kisses and some serious doxie belly/chest rubs from Roxie Lou and Coco Beane!!!! AND, I am upping the prayers - STAT!!!
love,
Auntie Annie Em

Ruby and Penny said...

Sending tonnes of doxie healing rayz your way Joey.
Hugs to you all
Love
Ruby & Penny

Trinket's mom said...

Joey, Trinket and I will be holding you in our thoughts and prayers as you undergo surgery tomorrow morning and in the following days as you recuperate.

Much love to you, Maggie and you dad.

Trinket and Carol

Anonymous said...

Joey, Maggie and Dad Carson,

We are sending prayers and positive thoughts your way tomorrow -- Joey, hang on buddy, once you've recuperated, you'll feel like your old self again!

Lots of dachsie kisses from the San Diego crew: Nelly, Minnie, Kirby and Piebald Henry.

A MilShelb Mom said...

We're thinking about and praying for Joey!
~Maggie, Milly, and Shelby

mamamouseiam said...

Thanks for sharing with your readers what must be difficult to talk about. We'll keep Joey in our thoughts and prayers, tomorrow for a successful surgery, and in the coming days for a speedy recovery. Sending Dachsie love to all of you! :)

Sharon W. said...

I had a sweet little longhaired doxie girl who was diagnosed at 14 years with Cushing's - she lived another 2 wonderful years after the diagnosis but liver & kidney functions finally failed and we lost our furry angel just following her 16th birthday.
Our prayers are with Joey & Maggie. Sometimes the best vet is not as important as the love the furr kidd feels from his "mom" & "dad". With all that UNconditional love, they heal themselves to please us. *sigh*

SSW & Charlie, Rudy, Solly & Dora Lee (all mini longhaired dachshunds)

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you Joey and of course your family. I send all my positive vibes your way! I hope surgery goes smoothly and you recover quickly. lots of love! xo

-Taia

jam said...

schnitzel; winnie; wilbur and i will be sending good thoughts to joey for tomorrow's surgery and recovery.

Anonymous said...

I will keep you and your whole family (dog and human alike) in my prayers! I wish you all the best of luck!

Anonymous said...

We wish you a speedy recovery Joey! Stay strong and keep the faith.

Cecelia said...

Joey, you and your family and your surgeon are all in my prayers tonight. Follow the doctor's orders and get well soon. Kiss on the nose and scratch behind the ears!

Karen said...

Prayers to all of you! XOXOXO

Doug Klassen said...

Out here in Arizona, Holly the Wiener Dog sends heal up fast wishes to Joey.

Jonathan said...

You are all in our prayers. My wife, son, and two dachshunds (C.K. Dexter Haven (Dex) and Tracy Samantha Lord (Red)-littermates and best friends for life) all send their best.
The Maziarz Family
Austin, Texas

Anonymous said...

Joey, wishing you all the best! Paws are crossed an you are in my nightly prayer barks to the man in the moon!

Your PIE brother from another mother,
Dylan!

claragilbert said...

Can Maggie donate blood for Joey? We are all pulling for him. he has to get better mhe has a new sink to bathe in now.

Jablana said...

we're with ya Joey, hang in there Maggie and Dad!!
kisses to all...
J&L

Jill Grace said...

I began following this blog daily after we got our Wirehair, Winston, about 2 years ago. Through your stories and pictures of Joey and Maggie, I feel like they are a part of my doxie extended family. I am sending all of my positive thoughts to your family and to Joey, and scritches on the head to him. I hope he has a fast and comfortable recovery.

Anonymous said...

To Joey and his family:

Rosie, Felix, Maisy and their Mom are pulling for you, little fella. This is really scary, but so many people are holding you in their hearts today and we have faith that you will recover and live out your sunlit days with walks and belly rubs and love.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of Joey and waiting to hear how it went.
You offer such a wondeful site and we out here have become attached to Joey and Maggie, even if you don't know us.
Being rather new to the breed after having had big dogs all my life it was wonderful to get your some inside perspective when we'd adopted 2 (a girl for him and a bot for me) whic has turnes into four (their parents).
Wishing your family and Joey great strength.

Anonymous said...

DFW DAchshund Rescue is crossing their paws and thinking good toughts for Joey today.

doxieshar said...

My heart breaks for the emotional pain the you are currently experiencing regarding the Cushing's diagnosis that Joey received, but then my heart sings knowing that you are seeking only the best medical care for your helpless charge. Joey is definitely loved! I hope that the powers above smile down upon Joey and you today.

~Sawyer and Abby too

Jayne D. said...

We are keeping Joey and Maggie and all your family in our hearts and prayers, hoping for a complete recovery for sweet Joey. May God Bless you all and keep you safe. Love, Jayne D.

Jessica said...

Good luck Joey! By now you may be out of your surgery, hopefully it went well. I will give my little wiener a kiss tonight (well, one of thousands)and hope you feel the love. You are so special, here's to a speedy recovery :)

Kim said...

Prayers, hugs, and kisses to you, Joey. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Good luck, Joey. I'm sure you will do fine.

sundox said...

Sending good wishes your way.... hope the surgery went well and Joey is on the road to recovery.

Kristi

Anonymous said...

Faith, Tigger and Petie from SC send warm wishes. Their mother hopes all is well for Joey, his sister and dad!

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