THE RAINBOW BRIDGE (LOSING YOUR PET) GRIEF STAGES

Speaker Heidi Brasher with a new friend

August 21, 2007 - Our hosts for this month's meeting were Helene and Chris Wood along with Kitty Borah, who provided a wonderful setting and fabulous food.  Given the nature of the program, the DeAtkines brought their new puppy, Mattie (in the photo above), to the meeting to help lift everyone's spirits. The program started with an introduction by member Dr. Kay McGuire about the difficulty of deciding when it is time to put down a beloved pet.  Kay said that many times your vet needs to help in that process.  For those of us who must have more than one pet in our lives, Kay recommended they be 5 to 6 years apart. Our guest speaker, Heidi Brasher, Houston SPCA Director of Community Outreach, gave a presentation on the grief process.  The loss of a beloved pet affects our emotions, all the more so when the pet was an integral part of the family.  Heidi explained that the mourning process is not the same for everyone, although looking at it in terms of stages is often helpful.  The normal progression begins with the denial phase, where the reality of death has not yet been accepted and the bereaved may feel strange or bewildered.  Anger is the second stage, where friends, family, the veterinarian, etc., may witness a fit of pique.  In the third stage, bargaining, the grief stricken person seeks to make a deal for the return of his beloved pet.  The fourth stage is depression, evidenced by intense feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and sadness.  Finally, acceptance occurs and stability returns.  Some people will rapidly progress through all phases of grief while others may have difficulty moving beyond a particular phase.  Numerous factors determine the length and intensity of the mourning process, such as the age of the animal and the circumstances surrounding the pet's death.   The best way to help those who are going through the grieving process is to give them time to work through their grief, encourage them to talk about their pet, and generally be supportive.  Keep in mind that animals grieve, too, and a surviving pet may show many of the same symptoms as the bereaved pet owner.  The best way to help a surviving pet cope is to keep routines normal and not overcompensate on attention as it may lead to separation anxiety.   Heidi suggested that when we lose one of our Westies, we can do some things to help the healing process: (1) give yourself permission to grieve, (2) memorialize your pet, (3) get plenty of rest and good nutrition, (4) accept your feelings and be patient with yourself, (5) indulge yourself with small pleasures, and (6) do not be afraid to seek help. Heidi suggests taking advantage of the Houston SPCA's free, monthly support group for bereaved pet owners, which meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at the Houston SPCA, 900 Portway Drive (77024).     To learn more about the Houston SPCA's free, monthly Pet Loss Support Group, go to www.spcahouston.org.

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CUSHING'S DISEASE and ADDISON'S DISEASE

Dr. Tom Vining

September 18, 2007 - Judy and Charlie White hosted our September meeting and program along with co-host Jeanne Walker, who baked a delicious casserole.  Our guest speaker, Dr. Tom Vining with Meyerland Animal Clinic, gave us a presentation on Cushing's Disease and Addison's Disease.  The Whites' Westie, Patty, is currently undergoing treatment for both. Cushing's Disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is the production of excess hormones from the adrenal glands.  The adrenal gland is a small gland located near the kidney that secretes several different substances that help regulate normal body function.  Cushing's disease usually strikes older dogs with a bucket-full of symptoms that can mimic other diseases. Increased appetite, increased drinking and urination, panting, high blood pressure, bulging abdomen, skin lumps and discoloring, hair loss, muscle weakness, and nervous system disorders can all occur with the disease.  The symptoms may creep up on the pet and pet owner because the symptoms often appear to be connected to normal aging. Muscle weakness also causes a reduced tolerance for exercise and lethargy, both of which are typical in aging dogs and cause no alarm in owners. A number of tests are necessary to diagnose and confirm Cushing's disease.  Once diagnosed, tests can also differentiate between disease caused by pituitary gland tumor and disease caused by adrenal gland tumor.  Pituitary-induced Cushing's can be treated by drug therapy, but cannot be cured. Adrenal gland tumors may sometimes be surgically removed.  There are several drug therapies available, which usually require periodic blood tests to make sure the dog has a normal amount of cortisol and does not develop Addison's Disease. Addison's Disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is essentially the opposite of Cushing's.  Addison's is not as common as Cushing's, but it still occurs with regular frequency in the dog population. It is difficult to recognize initially, but once it is diagnosed, it can be successfully treated.  The adrenal gland produces both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Glucocorticoids such as cortisol have an effect on sugar, fat, and protein metabolism. They are partially responsible for the reaction known as fight or flight response during stressful periods. Mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone have an influence on the electrolytes sodium and potassium in the body. They help regulate these electrolytes particularly in stressful situations. When the adrenal glands stop functioning, these hormones are not produced and the metabolism and electrolyte balance of the animal gets out of whack creating the symptoms and complications of Addison's Disease.  Addison's is primarily a disease of young to middle-aged dogs, although a dog of any age can develop the disease.  Like Cushing's, the symptoms of Addison's are very vague and many animals may have symptoms for a long time before the disease is diagnosed.  Some of the more common symptoms include lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and muscle weakness. Symptoms such as diarrhea, increased thirst and urination may wax and wane, further complicating the diagnosis. Diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory tests that often involve multiple timed blood samples.  Once the disease is diagnosed, the treatment is fairly straightforward using a drug to replace the mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids in the body.   Dr. Vining said that a normal life expectancy is possible with either Cushing's of Addison's; however, if left untreated, these diseases will progress and may lead to other problems or life-threatening disorders.