DieselWeisel

Hi Puggy, Basically if the tumor hasn't shrunk and begins to swell again, he will decline very rapidly (as previously) and the seizures would start again. As long as he is not having those symptons we assume it has shrunk. It's hard beacuse his case is very very unusual, hasn't been another one like it in Aus (to any of my vets knowledge) so it's all a bit of trial and error... He was playing with his ball today, good sign

Thanks for the well wishes all xx Puggy - I am not going to get another scan done, if the tumor hasn't shrunk, his health will decline really quickly and there aren't any more options. If it has shrunk his health will continue to improve or at least maintain, the scan costs $1800, if it was going to benefit him, no probs, but not going to at this stage. Good news though, Diesel started on 60mg trilostane on Tuesday and he hasn't gotten any worse since, he is in good spirits, so maybe it is the cushings causing problems, and not the tumor. Just taking it one day at a time...

Hi Jules and Fern, I know three dogs who are 18 and one 15 and they are all loving life, so hang in there! Two of the 18 year olds walk along Palm beach every day, both big dogs, one is a doberman the other a big cross, they do look older but they are full of life and happiness, the owner has grown up with them. The other 18 year old I know, a friend of ours, she is a border collie and she was soooo sick last easter, I saw her on Sunday and she is looking fantastic. You'll know when the time is right, lots of love xo

Also, I still can't get photos up! Can someone help me please, so you can see my little man, thanks!

Hi All, I haven't been on here in a few months, it was such a crazy few months before then, that I just needed to catch up on life. Here is the full story if anyone is interested http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...Weisel&st=0 Diesel came home from QLD and things have been going sooooooo well, I've had my Diesel back! His hair isn't really growing back, but apart from that he's been looking great. Mid last week his bottom jaw started to drop, now as well as his jaw his right eye is nearly closed. His excessive thirst is back, and he finds it difficult to pick up his food with his jaw, so he is having mushy food twice a day and water out of a deep bowl so he can put his whole muzzle in. Tests on Friday confirmed that he does have cushings, very high levels came back. The worrying thing is that the nerve that links to his jaw is near the pituitary gland (where his tumor was/is) so we're worried the tumor is growing again. If the tumor is growing again, there is nothing more that we can do I just hope somehow it's not related (stranger things have happened so far!) He today started on a half dose of Trilostane 60mg, last time before he went to QLD he was on 120mg. The previous time his health declined VERY rapidly, beacuse of the tumor, so I am really worried the same thing will happen now (if the tumor hasn't shrunk). So all I can do is wait and see, I hate been here again, feeling so helpless. Last time I was going through this everyone on here were my greatest support, for that I thank you sooooo much, and if you could think of him, as he needs all the strength he can get, one more miracle please! xox

I took some new photos last night, so I will make it my mission to get them up, they are all over 2MB for some reason... not sure that I have paint, but will figure it out :p Diesey's bed is quite big too :lol: he walks backwards up the stairs dragging it behind him, I want to video it, we just say 'get your bed Diesey' and pass him the corner and off he goes hehe Who would have thought we could love our dogs even more, makes you appreciate them even more when they've been ill, I admire his strength, and hope that I can be half as strong as him should there ever come a time

I saw this in a pet shop too, very strange at the time I thought. My dog eats through a pig ear in a minute or less, so it's not much of a time waster for him unfortunately, sounds like he's even be quicker on the vego ones. Did you get some for yoru dog?

Kelly Louise - that is great news for chloe, must be something in the air, lots of good stuff happening Thanks everyone for the comments, been a very busy week, getting on top of everything and getting back to normality. Diesel is amazingly well, he's even learnt a new trick. He now brings his own bed up the stairs at night and drops it in front of the bar heater in our room for the night, so clever. Still working on bringing it back down in the morn... not so keen on that one it seems! I have tried to put photos up a while ago, and I think it said they were too big, maybe that was the avatar though. I will try again soon, all my photos are quite big it seems?? Hope everyone and there pooches are well xo

Hugs to you Elfin, your dog is in the best possible place, sounds like a great vet. If she's making noise she musn't be feeling too bad! Hope she is back home with you soon

Hi all, A few people may have been following Diesel's story from the start, but I thought I would start a new thread as it was getting very long, here is the old one http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=166307 Short history, Diesel was very sick with a large pituitary tumor, causing cushings and having many seizures, at one stage, as many as seven in thirty minutes. Vet's thought he would have to be put down within a matter on weeks/months. I researched and found a specialised radiation machine (and amazing vet, thanks Charles and Valerie!) in Brisbane (I'm in Sydney) and I have just come back from four weeks in brisbane, with 18 radiation treatments. Arrived home with Diesel on Friday and he is doing great! He gets up whenever someone comes to the door, wags his tail, gets his ball, all the things he used to do. Going for big walks and is basically a happy normal dog, apart from his shaved patches not growing back because of cushings. So from here, Diesel is on cortisone tablets for one month, then half the dosage for another month, then a month with nothing, and then another MRI to see if the tumor has shrunk. The vet thinks he is looking so good that the tumor could shrink right down or even dissapear, possibly eliminating cushings. There is a small risk that while we aren't treating the cushings he has a stroke, but he needs the cortisone to reduce the swelling around the tumor. And we can't treat cushings while giving cortisone. He still has facial paralysis, but it's not bothering him, and it's not noticeable, I just give him eye drops, and I massage his face to stimulate the muscle fibres. What a journey we have had so far, right now I have a happy, loving dog, and every second of it seems worth it. I just appreciate each day I have with him, and take it one day at a time. Thanks again for all the strength and support I have received from here, much love xx

Thanks J - we need some puppy champagne for Diesel! Kelly Louise, thanks for your support through all this, you and Loraine have been with us the whole way. He has had one tiny seizure last week for about 5 secs, hasn't had any in about a week, and before that he would have a tiny one every few days just for a few secs. Take us back to a few weeks ago, when he would have up to 7 seizures in 30 mins, that would last a minute or two, I can't believe the difference. Even though we won't know for 6 months, at least we're talking 6 months now, we were talking weeks/months before, now we talk 6 months to years, so it's definitely all worth it. He'll be in treatment as I type, after this only 5 more treatments, nearly there Diesey!

Hey all, Diesel is going so well, there is a chance that he has reacted so well to the treatment that he might not even have cushings in a month or so.. I've just left him there again today, and on the weekend he was playing with a big ball he found and fiancee and I had him playing chasies in the house (a bit quieter then he used to be, but still playing!!) so good to see him playful. I go up again this saturday then stay there the last week with him and then bring him home, woooo! The vet said that we won't know for sure if the tumor has shrunk until about 6 months or so when you can do an MRI scan, but she thinks that it definitely is working as he is getting better every day. Thanks for all the kind messages, will keep you posted

Hi Everyone, Diesel is responding really well to the treatment, I stayed up there all last week, on the weekend we took him to the sunshine coast hinterland, and when I brought him back to the vets on Monday, the look on her face said it all. She smiled and said 'look at his face' in awe, she thinks he looks so much better So I am back in sydney, cat and horses to look after here aswell, and I'll go back up on Friday for four days. Feeling really good about it all, as I was really worried, not knowing if I was doing the right thing, putting him through a month away from home. He is scheduled to come home the Thursday after the long w/e, we'll be having all his favourite friends over that w/e for a welcome home party, can't wait to get him back here. He barked on the w/e, he hasn't barked in weeks, sounds silly, but I knew that was a good sign Thank you for all the positive thoughts, you've all helped Diesel and I so much

Hi Everyone, Diesel and I are in Brisbane, he is asleep at my feet now. He is coping well with the radiation, but the vet asked me to stay around till Monday, when they know how he has reacted to the treatment. He does have facial paralization, so I am putting regular eye drops in as he can't blink, and he has droopy cheeks. He is very tired from all of the travelling, so sleeps alot, but gets himself up and is eating well. Loves going for his walks, but he refuses to go out in the rain, he just steps out from undercover and aims into the rain (too much info hehe) So won't know much until Monday, and hopefully he is reacting well to the radiation and can finish his treatment. Thanks for all the messages xx

I loved Fred's blog, what a gorgeous dog you have. Try not to worry too much, most of the things we worry about never happen, so just take each day as it comes. Good luck with it all, and keep us updated on his progress

Hi Charles, Valerie was really knowledgeable, she said that most of the dogs she treats have tumor's about the same size, there is 80 - 85% chance that the tumor will shrink. She said we will know within the first week weather treatment is working, and if it is, we do a total of 18 fractions over 3.5 weeks. She said in many cases dogs will live for more than 3 years after. She said (which is what all vets have said) that he only has months if left untreated. So it's certainly worth trying. I really hope I am doing the right thing by him, he is in good spirits, took him down to the water again today, as he loves to run on the shores. Valerie said if it was her dog she would definitely do this treatment. Thank you so much for your advice, and I will keep you updated. Thanks everyone else for your continued support, we leave bright and early tomorrow to begin our journey, we'll keep you updated. First treatment on Monday, Diesel is looking really good, feeling positive

Thank you for all the well wishes, the kindness I have been shown has really been so touching, I have even had offers to stay in Brisbane at peoples homes, so lovely I took Diesel to Palm Beach today (shhh don't tell the rangers, I pick up the poo you meanies!) and he had so much fun, he was running along the sand then would stop and look out at the water, made me feel so good seeing him enjoy himself so much, just trying to make every day special at the moment (more special than it was already ) The count down is on, Mum is coming with me for the trip, taking Diesey up on Sunday (leaving at 6am eek), staying in Brisbane Sunday night and Monday night, will take him back and forth to the clinic for mon and tues, then fly back to syd for a few days leaving him at the clinic. Then my fiancee and I will fly up Friday lunch, collect the brave little man and take him off somewhere nice for the weekend, as he doesn't get treatment sat and sun. So now to find a nice coastal dog friendly place for next weekend ( an hour or two from brisbane/albany creek). Fiancee will have to fly back sun night for work and I will stay on an extra few nights at my cousins house, then if all goes well repeat for the next few weeks, then he will only have three nights a week without me. So we have a plan, I need to get onto loading pics on here, as Diesey is asleep on the spare bed behind me looking very cute in his new winter rug!

Loraine you are one knowledgeable dog owner KL everything I read from you and Loraine is exactly what the doctor discussed with me, addisons is often caused by cushings treatment I think (or wrongly diagnosed as cushings) symptoms are quite similar. But they can live happily mediacted to my understanding. And she sure sounds like one happy girl who is very loved and has a great life! btw - did you change her diet when you found out she had cushings? just wondering is cushings dog's should have a particular diet. Hope Chloe is having a good day

Thanks KL, will keep you updated, just keen to get him to Brisbane and start the treatment. I have joined the email list you told me about, I have posted his story, but I think most people are on the other side of the world so won't hear from them till tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing what side effects/quality of life etc other dogs have had from radiation so I know what to expect, as most vets don't seem to know much about managing/treating macro pituitary tumors. If anybody know of any pet friendly accomodation near Albany Creek QLD, or anywhere near Brisbane, please let me know. Thanks x

Hi KL, Glad to hear your girl Chloe is doing so well, an inspiration to us! Diesel and I send a big kiss!

Diesel and I send a big thank you to everyone for your support and information, it really is such a help, thank you I finally have some good news! Searching through the forums last night, I found 'a members' (I'm not sure if they are happy for me to name them publicly, so won't just incase? maybe they will get on here?) reply to another cushings thread and I emailed him and he called me last night. He suggested radiation, and referred me to a vet in Brisbane, that has the latest technology radiation machine. This morning I rang the vet in Brisbane and arranged for them to get all the results, and she said he is a candidate for radiation therapy. The tumor is quite large, she said it was too big to operate, so I'm very glad that I researched other options. While there are some risks, there is 80-85% chance that the tumor will shrink, and case dependant he could have 3 + years with us, she said if we don't treat he will decline VERY quickly, I wanted to take him up now, but she said wait till Monday. So radiation therapy starts on Monday, He will have 18 sessions over 3 and a half weeks, he will stay up there for that whole time. I can go up weekends and take him out, as they only do the treatment mon-fri. I hate the thought of him staying in a kennel for that amount of time, but I think the possibilities far out way this. So keep the good wishes coming for my little man, just need him to hold in there, treatment is coming!

Thanks J, Problem is I really don't know what the right decision is. I certainly don't think he is anywhere near being euthanised, he still gives me the most loving looks, he gets soooo much attention out and about, he really is one in a million. The surgery really frightens me, my fiancee wants to try, arghhh it's just so awful. I really don't know what the best thing is to do. I am going to see my original vet (he diagnosed the cushings, but referred me to a specialist to get MRI) tomorrow, he is more empathetic, I want to talk through everything with him. I look at Diesel and think there is so much life in there still, and will keep trying to find some help. I would really love to speak to someone who has a dog that has had the successful surgery, to see what their quality of life was like afterwards, are there international forums that anyone knows of? Or has anyone had a dog with a pituiatary tumor? I would love to hear from you

Just got off the phone to the vet, finally got some answers, none of them good. He has a very large pituitary tumor. Surgery has never been done in Aust, they do brain surgery to remove tumours all the time, and apparently it is very straight forward. But where his tumor is, they don't operate as it is such high risk. They are willing to try the surgery (about $5k) but there are HUGE risks, as noone of the surgeons will have done it before. They have said we can try him on some valium at night, as it is only when he is in a deep sleep that he has the seizures (just his head shakes side to side) But eventually the tumor will kill him, she told me most dogs are euthenized within a few months of being diagnosed I feel so helpless, apparently he shouldn't be in any pain, I can't believe how fast this has all happened, I just feel so so sad. Apart from the head shaking, you would hardly even know there is anything wrong sometimes, it seems ridiculous they should even say he should be put down, I just wish there were more options

Hi Loraine and Kelly Louise, Thanks for all your information, it's arming me with as much knowledge as possible so we can work out the best option for Diesey. Picked Diesel up a few hours ago, and he was sooo much brighter (he hasn't had any anti-seizure meds or anything else) the only thing is, he has been off trilostane for two days now, so he is staying off that for now. He was very boisterious, saying hello to everyone in the waiting room Haven't seem him like that since Saturday (started trilostane sat morn and fastly detoriated to wednesday where he coudn't even get himself up) The vets are waiting for a human surgeon to view the MRI, there is potential that a human surgeon might operate on him. There is also the possibility of flying him overseas to surgeons that do this operation frequently (or maybe flying them out here?). The other option is chemotherapy. They haven't really gone into depth about any possible treatment, as they want to wait to get the full report and on Monday three vets and the human surgeons are meeting to discuss, and I can call at midday. I need to know everything about all my options before deciding, obviously I want to it to be the least invasive and humane option, and I need to way up all the risks as well. More waiting..

Thanks Frodo's Mum and Mona, your dog's are just adorable btw Rang the vet at 9am and she wants to keep him there to discuss with the other two specialist vets there, he didn't seizure last night (I'm pretty sure he was on anti-seizures though). I can call at 1pm and hopefully they have the results and I can go see him and find out the full story. The vet I fist saw at this clinic did Cushings as her Masters subject for three years, I went to my normal vet initailly last week, and he referred me here when I wanted answers for the seizures. So I think he is in good hands.. ahh the waiting game again