chiquito

We had a reaction. Our dog was very itchy,very nervous and wouldn't stay still right after application. I could see he was very uncomfortable so I decided to washed it off with dish detergent and called the manufacturer to see what was their opinion and we were advised not to use it anymore on this dog.

Good on Chloe! Now you can all relax a bit... She is a special girl because I thought cushings remissions are not that common.

Avoid Petfood 24/7. I paid for an order in June and I still haven't received it and by now I'm sure it's lost money because they don't answer emails and don't pick up the phone.

You wrote a beautiful tribute. RIP Paddy

Rest in peace Miko You wrote a beautiful tribute inspired by a beatiful soul

We went through the same scenario last year with our little dog Chiquito: adrenal tumour, elevated liver enzymes and ACTH positive for cushings. We scheduled the adrenalectomy five weeks after the diagnose. During that period I saw that he was in good health so one week before the operation I asked for another ultrasound, another ACTH test - this time the one that is done with three samples taken over a period of 8 hours, X rays, urine and blood tests. Cushings came back negative this time and the tumour did not grow so we cancelled the operation. He was 13.5 yo at that time and we didn't want to operate as it was very risky. Please ask for the ACTH test that is done with three samples of blood taken over a period of 8 hours as it is more reliable than the ACTH test done with one sample of blood. And also seek the advise of a specialist. Our boy lived without problems after that for a few months without any treatment whatsoever. Sadly he died three weeks ago due to heart failure totally unrelated, as I understand, to the adrenal tumour. There is a group in yahoo about cushings where you can find some information about adrenal based cushings. I wish you and your boy all the best.

There is a shop in Drummoyne called Mondo Cane. I always drive past but I've never been inside. They do have a website www.mondocane.com.au No mention about selling animals - need to check

Thanks everyone for your words and for reading this. He was such a personality and we are so fortunate to have had him for all these years. And fortunate also to have all the memories he left with us before going for the ultimate ride.

My sweet boy we knew the day of saying our goodbyes was approaching but nothing could’ve prepared us to face the reality of your absence in our home. We try to find comfort thinking that you lived a long beautiful life, that you didn’t suffer for long before going, that you couldn’t have been more spoiled. But for now nothing gives us consolation and tears flow like rivers. One day when your name is spoken we will smile and remember your ears opening wide and high to the word “vamos”, your races to the kitchen after a “galletita”, your devotion following us around the house like a little shadow. We will remember your naughty young years when you made us run up the street every time the door would open or biting to pieces James’ art homework. I’ll always remember how you waited for us sitting in the front porch that day we moved houses and the gate was left open. You could’ve left, you could’ve run to the park as you used to do, but you stayed. We will always remember our walks, our nights in front of the TV, your barking at thunderstorms or the doorbell, your happiness when going for a ride in the car with your face smiling against the wind taking the world in. But what we will never forget is that you taught us to love each other, with patience and devotion, will and loyalty. Good night sweet boy. Chiquito 2.3.96 – 11.4.10

Good to hear that things went the right way and also hoping everything runs smoothly for a while.

Thank you for the advise. That's our plan if we get a positive result next round of tests we'll definitely go to the specialist as we will need to decide how we're going to treat it - and also look after all the other related issues.

We don't know how Cushinoid is our little boy. He had a ACTH stim in September after having a blood test showing high liver enzymes and urinanalysis showing diluted urine. The ACTH stim came back positive. We did an ultrasound and there it was, a tumour in the left adrenal gland. By now it was October so we scheduled an adrenalectomy for the 11th of November - we couldn't do it earlier, even though we knew it was somehow urgent-. A couple of weeks before the surgery I requested the vet to go to a specialist and re do all the tests plus x-rays. I just didn't want to do the surgery unless he's life was at stake and no other options were available. So we did blood, urinanalysis, x rays, ultrasound and ACTH supression (which is done with three samples of blood every four hours - first sample before the hormone is injected and the other two four and eight hours after the hormome has been injected). This test seems to be a bit more specific that the stimulation test and I think it can also give an idea of where is the source of the disease. To our surprise all results came back negative. No signs of Cushings. The vet said it is possible that the tumour in the adrenal gland is not a "working" tumour and that the source could be in the pituitary - and that it is in remission. So we cancelled the operation, got to speak with the specialist on the phone - but never went for a consultation. We are due back for follow up tests in February. If tests show then positive we'll be going to the specialist. I'm hoping the first batch of tests were false positives or were misread. Or that it was a reaction developed from dietary issues or vaccination issues. In the meantime we are trying to enjoy the time together - however, I can't help checking how much he's drinking, how much pee, is he eating too much? is he still hungry? is that hair falling off? But overall he looks very good. He's not a puppy and in March will be 14 yo (the oldest dog I've ever had). But again he's a maltese so for his breed is not that old. And that's why I sort of know something about Mr Cushings

That's good news! To me it's always somehow a relief to have a course of action, like the one set out by your specialist. I wish we didn't have to worry, but because of the worrying they're as good as they can be. All the best and keep up your good job!

I hope everything turns out fine and tests show nothing that can be fixed with changes in the dosages. We also worry and worry about worrying too much. Sometimes I find myself going from cuddles to examination mode without noticing. I wish I had something helpful to add other than our prayers and best thoughts for Chloe and also for you.

When our little one was diagnosed with cushings and I started researching about it I came across your thread. Since then I've followed Diesel's story and many many times I wondered if we would be brave enough to take this in our hands and fight for our guy the way you did. Like Kelly Louise said many people that read about Diesel admired in silence your courage, determination and above all, the love you shared with Diesel. Our hearts are with you and brave Diesel who now must be running free in the beaches across the bridge. RIP Diesel