[nagdu] Destiny's status

Mon Jul 16 15:14:38 UTC 2012

In addition to the neurologist, you might see if you can make an appointment to have her seen if you are within reasonable distance of a vet school.  I have taken Griffin to the University of Pennsylvania twice to have his eyes examined.  I'm within a few hours driving distance of the school, and they and The Seeing Eye have a close working relationship.  I think that several of the other East Coast Schools also have a cose relationship wiht U. Penn.

Vanessa Lowery, LGSW
Adult and Community Services Division
Adult Services Screening Unit
410-853-3550
VLowery at dhr.state.md.us

>>> Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net> 7/14/2012 9:25 AM >>>
Hi Marsha and everyone,
I spoke with Destiny's internist and he recommended that I have Destiny 
evaluated by a neurologist.  Although I know that this can get 
expensive, for my peace of mind I would like a better understanding of  
Destiny's diagnosis of epilepsy.I have an appointment with a neurologist 
for next Thursday, July 19.  Destiny will not be a happy camper when she 
arrives for her 11 AM appointment, because she would not have had 
anything to eat after midnight on Wednesday in case they do any blood 
work or procedures.
Janice
On 7/13/2012 10:14 PM, Marsha Drenth wrote:
> Janice,
>
> I hope by now Destiny is feeling better. It would be hard for me to decide
> on whether or not to retire. If she is going to have more seizures, your
> safety might be at risk. But if it was one seizure, then I would not retire.
> I am sort of in the same boat, I thought that Emma was going to be with me
> until I graduated from Temple. But it looks like she won't. and just like
> you with school, I don't have a lot of time to go to do training. But I have
> faith that all will work out with you and Destiny, just like with me.
>
> Hang in there, and keep us updated!
> Marsha
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of Janice Toothman
> Sent: Friday, July 13, 2012 1:53 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: [nagdu] Destiny's status
>
> Hello all,
>
> Some of you might know about Destiny having a major seizure during the
> NFB convention at Dallas, if you attended the NAGDU meeting on Monday.
> Marion was able to get me in touch with the GDF trainer at the
> convention, who was able to go with me to an emergency clinic on Sunday,
> July1. The ER vet didn't have know of an immediate cause of Destiny's
> seizure. He spoke with the director of veterinarian services at GDF and
> they agreed that Destiny was in no immediate danger. They reasoned it
> was safe  to postpone the usual blood work associated with seizures
> until I returned home and the cost to perform the blood work would be
> cheaper than in an ER clinic.
>
> Earlier in the week, Destiny saw the vet at our regular clinic and the
> blood work was performed. Those tests revealed a somewhat low T-4 value
> which might be associated with low thyroid. The vet called to ask me if
> I wanted to have an additional test done that was more reliable
> indicator of hypothyroidism. I agreed, If the thyroid condition was what
> precipitated the seizure,this is a treatable condition that shouldn't
> not significantly affect her guide work and if properly managed
> shouldn't prompt a seizure. The $70.00 thyroid test was negative.
>
> At this point, I received a call from GDF from one of the veterinarian's
> to call her about Destiny's diagnosis of epilepsy. Unfortunately, when I
> tried to call GDF back, the veterinarian had left for the week Later
> that evening my regular veterinarian had told me of the negative blood
> test. She also discussed her talk with the vet from GDF. The GDF vet had
> mentioned that they usually retire dogs with epilepsy even if they are
> on medication due to the issue of safety and the risk that the dog might
> have a seizure while crossing the street.
>
> I have left messages on the veterinarian's and a vet tech voice mail to
> call me. The former I know will not be in until Monday. It has been such
> a shock to hear the discussion of retirement for Destiny. I had planned
> for 6 more years. I am in my last year of classes then internship. Her
> guide work is wonderful. The GDF trainer commented to me about her work
> and how well she was doing before the seizures. I don't know what to do.
> I feel in limbo until I talk to the vet at GDF on Monday. But living
> with my aging parents I am not sure if they will want two dogs in the
> house. This has made it difficult for me to do all the other things I
> have to do.
>
> I just wanted to let people know how Destiny was if people were
> interested. She is somewhat more low energy than before but otherwise
> every thing else is normal.
> Janice and Destiny
>
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