More Tests for Our CEO Olivia

Health

After talking to my Vet, we decided to book another ALP (alkaline phosphatase) test in three months.  ALP is an enzyme that helps break down proteins. The body uses ALP for a wide range of processes, & it plays a pawticularly important role in liver function. We have also included a Bile Acid test which will give us more information about how my liver is functioning.

Hi everyone, CEO Olivia here.  Many of you know that I live with idiopathic canine epilepsy, being diagnosed when I was just 1 year old. I have to take several AEDs (anti epilepsy drugs) daily.  One of them is called phenobarbital. Long term use of this drug can negatively effect the liver.

Recently, my bloodwork showed a slight elevation in my APL levels.  My vet isn’t overly concerned by the number, she reminded huMom that Phenobarbital can turn on the production of ALP.  Phenobarbital can benignly cause an elevated ALP, but as I mentioned it can also cause liver damage over time. Because of this we have dogcided to more testing so we can differentiate between a benign or toxic liver change. An increase ALP can also signal a gallbladder or bile problem or a tumor in the liver.  More testing will help huMom understand what is going on so we can move forward proactively. We even discussed pawtentionally meeting with my neurologist if necessary.

In the following weeks I’ll dogsplain what a Bile Acid Test is, how it works & why I’m having one done. I’ll also be barking about something called Euthyroid Syndrome which can be caused by phenobarbital. I also will be addressing those who have concerns about how CBD oil can effect the liver.

CEO Olivia ❤

Artist Erika Sanada Imaginary Creatures

Canine Culture

 

Creepy or pawsitively adorable? CEO Olivia here to share the intriguing sculptures created by Japanese artist Erika Sanada.  Sanada grew up filled with fear & anxiety.  She learned to channel those fears & anxiety into her art.  Erika’s pawsome sculptures on one paw have a sinister quality to them but one can’t help but find them pawsitively irresistible.

In Sanada’s artist statement she writes, ” I’m using the ceramic medium to create my bizarre creatures. Clay allows me to create what’s in my head.  These animals with their small deformities help me express my sensitive side.  Beautiful & disturbing are terms I hear when people talk about my work & I love that these 2 terms are not often used together.  Life: beautiful & disturbing.

Let’s have a sniff at what I dug up for you.

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Want to see more of Erika’s work? You can, follow her on Instagram or check out her website.

Have a pawsome weekend. Remember to be gnawsome, be kind & stay safe.

CEO Olivia, Dot & Jerry Underfoot 🐾💜🐾

 

Our top 7 Most Viewed Blog Posts

News

The other day I was sniffing in this blog’s statistics & noticed some older posts continue to be very popular & get a lot of views. Hi everyone, CEO Olivia here. Since 2015, Knotty Toys for Good Dogs has published almost 1300 blog posts. Today I’m sharing our top 7 most viewed posts with you. Why just 7? I’m a dog, I can’t count any higher. BOL!

Our most viewed post, with close to 10,000 views is about Ocular Compression Therapy. huMom does this easy to learn procedure with me if I’m fighting the Epilepsy monster.

The next most viewed blog post is about the supplement GABA. It’s an important neurotransmitter that’s responsible for relaxing the nervous system. Some people give it to their epilepsy warriors.

Rounding out the top three is about the benefits of turmeric in the fight against the epilepsy monster. It includes a recipe we use for Golden Paste, which I get in every meal.

Do you need to know how to take a good dog’s temperature? You’ve come to the right place because our 4th most viewed posts is all about that.

Next at number five is a post all about the importance of ice packs. We show you where best to place them on the body & why getting the body temperature down fast after a seizure is impawtant.

Dog’s often get lumps under the skin, I have a couple myself. Usually it’s nothing to worry about but sometimes it’s serious. If you’ve wondered, “what’s that lump on my good dog?“, our 6th most viewed post can fill you in.

Rounding out the list at number seven most viewed post is about a skin condition called Lip Fold Pyoderma or Lip Fold Dermatitis. It’s most commonly seen in dogs with pronounced saggy folds of skin such as Bloodhounds, St. Bernard’s, Mastiffs & Bulldogs. However I myself had a short bought of it which huMom treated naturally & it’s never returned.

As you’ve probably figured out, although we do make premium, all natural, hemp toys for good dogs & cool cats, Knotty Toys for Good Dogs is more than just a pet toy company. I live with canine idiopathic epilepsy, just like so many other good dogs. My huMom has already done so much research & continues to learn all she can to allow me to live a long, happy, healthy life despite my epilepsy. We both know how hard the fight can be & it’s emotional toll, so we try to offer real support & a sense of community for those with an epileptic four legger.

Our passion is dog gone driven by the love of dogs & cats & our mission is to share experiences, information & premium products for the well being of all good dogs & cool cats. Our store only carries products my fur siblings & I actually use & have for as long as I can remember; I’m 11 years young.

CEO Olivia ❤