Loraine

Another sandgroper here No news of any value, but we need to be counted I have a Wire Haired Fox Terrier.

Doesel is often in my thoughts. Lovely to see that he is still fighting the good fight. One determined boy you have there, plus your determination to do all you can for him - it is gobsmaking! Sending good thoughts to you both.

As the tumor is resting on the pituitary gland I would assume that the dog has developed Cushing's disease - lots of water drinking, ravenous appetite, lots of peeing (sometimes in the house). This condition is usually treated with Trilostane or Lysodren. DeiselWeasel has recently had her dog treated with radiation in QLD. I don't think that the new cancer crug they are talking about would work on a Pit tumor.

My Coco (RIP) was going blind - could not see me if I was more than 4 metres away. He knew his way around our home, and I made sure not to move the furniture. I think they adapt very well, as long as we keep thing tidy for them.

I would think hard about surgery at your wee dog's age. Adrenal Cushing's can be easily treated with either Trilostone or Lysodren. These can be in pill or liquid form. If you have an adrenalectomy done you still end up having to medicate the dog daily with cortisone drugs to replace what the adrenals would normally produce. I think I would be more worried about the effects of anasthetic on a dog of 13, as it is a big operation followed by lots of testing to get the cortisol, potassium and elctrloyte levels right.

Addison's disease is also known as hypoadrenocorticism. It is a disease that results from the reduction in corticosteroid secretion from the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland is a small gland located near the kidney that secretes several different substances that help regulate normal body function. Some of the most important products that it secretes are called glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. There is another disease called Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) that occurs when the adrenal gland produces too much of these hormones. Addison's disease is not as common as Cushing's disease, but it still occurs with regular frequency in the dog population. It is difficult to recognize initially, but once it is diagnosed, it can be successfully treated. The adrenal gland produces both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Glucocorticoids such as cortisol have an effect on sugar, fat, and protein metabolism. They are partially responsible for the reaction known as fight or flight response during stressful periods. Mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone have an influence on the electrolytes sodium and potassium in the body. They help regulate these electrolytes particularly in stressful situations. When the adrenal glands stop functioning, these hormones are not produced and the metabolism and electrolyte balance of the animal gets out of whack creating the symptoms and complications of Addison's disease. Addison's is primarily a disease of young to middle-aged female dogs, however, a dog of any age and either sex can develop the disease. It does not appear to be more common in any one particular breed. Cats can develop this disease, but it is extremely rare. The symptoms of Addison's disease are very vague and many animals may have symptoms for a long time before the disease is diagnosed. Some of the more common symptoms include lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and muscle weakness. The symptoms may wax and wane further complicating the diagnosis. The other presentation for this disease is an episode called an 'Addisonian crisis.' In this scenario, the animal collapses in a state of shock due to an imbalance of electrolytes and metabolism during a period of stress. This episode may be the first time the owner suspects disease and may be fatal, if not treated promptly. How is Addison's disease treated? Once the disease is diagnosed, the treatment is fairly straightforward. The standard treatment involves replacing the mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids in the body. The drug most commonly used to accomplish this is Florinef (fludrocortisone). Florinef is usually given twice a day. Initially, the blood sodium and potassium levels are monitored to help obtain the correct dose. After the animal is regulated, then the levels are rechecked 2 to 3 times a year and adjustments in dosing are made as needed. A newer option in the treatment of Addison's disease has recently been made available. The new medication is an injectable medication called DOCP. The injection is long acting and only needs to be given every 25 days. DOCP was available years ago, but was taken off the market and recently reintroduced as an approved drug for dogs. DOCP has been intensively tested and been shown to provide better electrolyte regulation than Florinef. Some animals on DOCP may also need to be placed on a low maintenance dose of prednisone. Novartis is manufacturing this drug. Good luck with the testing and the treament. I know people with Addy dog that are doing just fine and I also have an Addy fried (helps me understand how the dogs are actually feeling).

He has those symptoms and I mentioned that to my vet and she said its the diabetes and the insulin. Will see how much that test costs ty Aside from what others have said about thyroid, I wuld like to point out that many vets have no idea about Cushing's - how to property diagnose or treat. I have had a Cushpup and Kelly Louise on here has a Cushpup so if that is what it turns out to be please contact either of us. From memory the ACTC stimm costs about $250 $300 - but I could be so wrong with the price.

I don't know anything about diabetic dogs personally, but I do know that a number of diabetic dogs can also have Cushing's Disease. This disease makes the dog drink a lot of water, pee heaps, get very hungry and lose hair. Have a word with your vet, maybe Sweep needs the ACTH stim test doing.

Jedda you are now out of pain, fly free lovey. Zedley, Chewy and Sooty will miss your bossiness. Not a bad life for an old lady, you deserve some peace my dear. I will watch over your Mum for you and Zedley will care for Cat.

Keeping DW and Deisel in my good thoughts.

So glad to hear that the pred cheered Diesel up. It would mean that he has been overdosed on the Trilostane (easy thing to happen). Most people with Cushpups have a small supply of pred to give if the dog is o/d'ing. I would think that Diesel would not be on the pred for too long, as it should not take long for his cortisol to level out again. He may even be able to have a rest from the Trilostane for a short while. A number of dogs on Trilostane get turned Addy for a while, some for life and then they need pred for life. Keeping the fighting boy in my thoughts.

WooHoo, great news Kelly Louise :p WTG Chloe ;) Cushpups do feel the heat, so I would have her coat clipped back or thinned. I used to put re-useable ice blocks, wrapped in a towel next to my Coco, especially on really hot days - a;tho he was inclined to stay indoors with the AC on Coco was on Trilostane twice a day to keep things even throughout the 24 hours, rather than the levels bouncing up and down. Your vet sounds really good at this (amny are not any good at all). She is indeed a beautiful girl - one has to wonder why really loving, beautiful dogs are afflicated with such nasty diseases. You have just got to love the faith and trust that the dogs place in us. My neighbour has an elderly cross, a bit bigger than a heeler. She is riddled with arthritis and is now headed for the Bridge either tonight or tomorrow -depending on when the vet can come out. This bitch hated my boy on sight and flattened him on their first meeting (then he wanted to go home with her :p ). I have always looked after her and her cat mate when her Mum as been away. Going to be a sad time around here.

Keeping fingers and toes crossed for a fantastic result Poor, lovely girl, what a trial she has to go through each time a test is due. Glad she seems to be coping better at the vet. Waiting for the results, waiting, waiting

DW it is very easy to overdose with Trilostane. Have Diesel's appetites dropped off? if so, maybe your vet would think that a drop in the Trilostane is possible.. As Cushing's progresses I found my dog became more and more sleepy/lazy and I think that was because the muscles are just too weak. We have to remember that the disease not only weakens the muscles in the legs, it attacks all of the muscles in the body which includes the internal organs. Prayers for you and Diesel during these trying times.

KL I don't think that there is anything for dogs or humans that strengthens those muscles affected by Cushing's. My friend was told to do pool walking so that she could push against the water, which was better than ordinary 'dry' walking. I have a feeling that walking with keep the muscles going (not build them up, but keep them mobile) but we have to stop the dogs from going on for miles. With a mini poodle it was easy for me to pick him up (he hated that I did that) and carry him for part of the distance .

Hang in there DW. Get the lad to a vet if he does not improve! It is so heartbreaking to see our loved ones in trouble that we cannot help with. Prayers for the Diesel-boy. Kelly Louise, the muscles are continually weaking, even whilst controlled with meds. I noticed with my Coco (RIP) that various parts of him became thinner - sometimes I realised that I had not noticed how skinny his little egs had become, or that the top of his head was like a tiny skull under my hand. According to my girlfriend (the Cush/Addy gal) it is not painful so much as frustrating - because it begins to restrict your normal activities. Us hoomans usually have the sense to take a breather when we are tiring - dogs are so brave they keep on keeping on. On a side note my girlfriend is off to hossy next week to have one knee operated on to help with slipping knee caps due to muscles wearing away. Her other knee will be done next year. ETA the muscles have not actually worn away, they have become too weak to hold the knee caps where they should be.

Great to see Diesel out and about enjoying himself. Take care with the exercise as Cushing's weakens the muscles (in fact it eats them away) so he may get tired more easily. He is looking good

So sorry for your loss Shaun and Gaylene. RIP Fraser ;)

B@#$%#@!!!!!! It does seem as if that pituitary tumour is one of the nasty, aggressive ones. My prayers are going out for Diesel and for you. You have done such a lot to help your boy.

Darn it Kelly Louise - you can't catch a break of late. Both dogs with KC, what a bummer. I am hoping that Chloe gets over it quickly as she really doesn't need further complications. Poor Sasha, three times! can that dog not count

I don't think you can be talking about a Frangipani as they do not make fruit or nuts. Can any other neighbours tgell you what the tree really is?

I finally found with Coco that he liked the taste and I could just dribble it into his mouth and he licked his chops I was doing the fast squirt thing with him and I don't think he liked that feeling. Glad that Chloe's symtoms are dwindling already What good people she has in you and your Mum

Kelly will Chloe eat her food if you put the liquid into it?? Next time try a different flavour. I'm guessing you had a choice of flavours.

It was not available in liquid form when I started using it. I had to buy the tablets and then pay a compounding pharmacist to convert them into liquid form - did not cost me too much to convert the pills. So glad that your Mum is taking this in her stride

Dagnammit I was also hoping for a miracle. As you say Kelly Louise, it is ony Cushing's. Towards the end with my boy I had his tablets turned into liquid form by a compounding chemist, with various flavours Much easier to give to the pooch and easy to change the dosage with no loss of pills. Well, not I guess you keep on with the Cushing's regimen. Great that diabetes was not added to the list, as many Cushpups are also diabetic. Keep on being strong for the lovely Chloe. Best wish to you both from the Wide West