Hi All...Time for a Gracie Doodle Update

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I have had quite a few PMs asking how Gracie Doodle is doing.  I figured it was time to update you all on her continuing condition.  I am not sure where I last left off but I am pretty sure that I told you that she was treated for one month.  Great for a month or two and then it came back, started treatment and then the day we were to start cutting back on her Prednisone the jaw pain came back so we have since then continued to give her two 20 mg each pills a day.  

Gracie has a autoimmune disease that is called Masticatory Myositis which affects her jaw and head muscles. This is causing her to not be able to open her mouth wide to catch a ball or yawn.  Also, the top of her head becomes tender where the muscle is on the side of the head bone (she has the Golden Retriever bone bump).  There is no how or whys to this.  She at 5 years old and always in perfect health just developed it about 4 months ago and it will be with her off and on for the rest of her life.  We do hope to wean her off the Prednisone after 6 months of treatment starting from the second time we put her on it.  What is sad is what the Prednisone does to her.  She pants, drinks water constantly, is starving, won't sleep with us, won't kiss us anymore (this is a new thing in the last month) and when I walk by her while she is flopped on the floor she won't raise her head or wag her tail when I talk to her.  She is totally indifferent to me except when I enter the house after being gone or grab her tennis ball to take her outside to play catch.  I WANT MY LOVING DOODLE BACK!!!!  My DH was even mean enough this morning to tell me on his way out of the house that Gracie told him that she didn't love me anymore!!!!  WTD...how could he??  She isn't much better with him but he at least can get a tail wag.  I have tried crawling on the floor to where she is laying down and kiss her and whisper in her ear and she pulls away...maybe I need to have "bone" breath or something!  Also, my non-shedding Doodle is losing some of her hair.  Not a lot but enough that I find it...especially her tail.  Her tail is fur and not hair though.  She has the Golden Retriever tail so maybe that is why she is losing it.  Though she is looking a little thin at the top of her head where her poofer is.  Also, the bone has lost some of it's muscle so it is more pronounced than ever.  She also lost 5 lbs so we have been bulking her up.  Gracie has always been very fit and thin Doodle so the weight loss is huge on her frame.  On Prednisone they are suppose to gain weight but she did the reverse.  I how have her back up to 65.4 lbs and her norm is 67-70.  Gracie has also been on an antibiotic because the Prednisone has compromised her immune system and so the daily bacteria that we and animals all have on our bodies is causing sores.  Today was her last day of a three week dose.  

So as of today we continue with two pills a day and then in about 3 weeks we will go to one a day for a month and then one every other day for a month.  After that we go off all medications and wait and see how long before it rears it's ugly head again.  I am told that once she is off the Prednisone I will have my sweet, loving, funny, goofy Doodle back.  The skin irritations will go away as well as the hair loss.  The only thing that won't return is any muscle loss or damage.   The good thing is that she is currently pain free and again enjoying yawning and catching two tennis balls!  And she continues to get to go to the beach and swim.  I am just so in love with this big fuffy sweet Doodle that it breaks my heart to be putting her through this treatment even though I know it has to be done and is the only option.  

Thank all of you for your kind thoughts and prayers.  I am sorry that I have not replied to each of you individually.  The last month has been filled with grandkids, grand-dog, travels up and down the coast (with Gracie Doodle of course), and constant family staying in our tiny house.  Five grandchildren is a lot of kids!!!!  

[Carol and Banjo]

Doodle hugs to you and Gracie.   I think of you both often - always sending positive thoughts.

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

I can't imagine the heartache you're going through worrying over your lovely Miss Gracie.  Hugs and lots of doodle love as you continue this very tough journey. 

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Nancie, I am so sorry to hear Gracie has been feeling badly.  Bless her sweet soul.  The idea that she doesn't love you is nonsense...you are her stars and moon.  She must not be feeling well if she is turning away from you.  I am looking forward to the post that says she is "back".  It will happen.  Hugs from Webber and Seda.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I hope Gracie gets into remission soon.  Thinking of you lots and lots...I know you want the loving doodle back. That would be really hard on all of us.

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

Gracie is blessed beyond measure having a mommy that loves her unconditionally no matter what.  Sending kind thoughts and prayers that Gracie will heal and have a complete turn around and that both of you will grow stronger with each day. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

JD and I are keeping paws and fingers crossed that the meds help get Gracie into remission. We are so glad that she is able to have her beloved tennis balls again! JD says that's huge!  Hugs to you both, hang in there.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Nancy, I'm so sad to hear this.  You welcomed and friended us when we first joined DK (although we were not very active during the puppy year(s))  but I  remember how much your page touched my heart. It was full of so much love.  I still hum "Gracie Girl" from time to time but have never figured out how to do some of the wonderful things you and others do.  I'm sure Gracie still loves you, it's just hard for her to show it right now.  Finnegan and I have started a new nightly ritual --the doodle prayers.  He likes hugs before he settles down for the night, so now we use that time to send out prayers for the doodles on our "list" and their owners.  Gracie Girl, you're on the list! "Remission" will be the mantra.  

Hugs and wags!   

[Stephanie and Jellybean]

Nancie, wishing nothing but the best result for Gracie. You are nursing her through all of this and she knows it. She will be her old self once she is completely off the prednisone. You have such a kind sweet heart, Nancie :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks so much for the update....I think of you and Gracie so often.  It breaks my heart too, Nancy, but you know you are doing the right thing....the only thing.  I'll keep praying that this puts her into a "remission" for a good long time.....your girl will be back.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Thanks for the update.  Hoping your time goes by quickly and Gracie is back to her beautiful Gracie self real soon!