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.