Kelly_Louise

Hugs to you Loraine - I know how much you loved your boy. He must have been very, very special. I hope he's having a ball over the bridge, waiting for the day you meet again. Hopefully he is greeting all the other loved dogs that have passed since.

Best of luck for Ruby - I do hope the surgery helps. I'm glad you feel comfortable with the specialist - I prefer them in situations as these as well. Chloe was 8 almost 9 when she had 2 cruciate surgeries (one on each leg) - and you'd be surprised how well they adapt. My advice is to be well prepared with boredom busters, and ensure her area and any area she will have access to is totally safe (ie, nothing she can slip or trip over). Don't be surprised if she blows the other cruciate at some point... it is very common within 18 months of the first surgery - and I guess seeing that the 'good' leg has been taking up alot of the slack both before and after surgery, it's not surprising. But fingers crossed it won't come to that. Do you know what kind of surgery Ruby will be having? Just interested as they were experimenting with some new techniques when Chloe had her tibial wedge osteotomies and just wondering if they were more advancements now? Hugs to you all, and hope Ruby is home for Christmas to spend with her family. Good luck and keep us updated!

Sash has a basic agility kit now... the tunnel is no problem, the jump is no problem... but understandably, she's stumped over the weave poles. I've tried luring her through with food (with some success but she's just chasing the food and not taking notice of what she's actually doing), and leading her through on a lead... but she just gets confused as to what's going on (which I concede is mostly my fault), she gets tangled in the weave poles and then we just give up (before I get frustrated as I want to keep it a pleasant experience). We've had 3 training sessions of only about 10 -15 minutes... and she doesn't seem to be any closer, or even heading in the direction of understanding what is required. So, does anyone have any pointers or techniques that might help both of us conquer the weave poles, or at least get us on the right track? Thank you!! :D

I know the feeling well... Sash has been with us just over a year and I'm still enamoured with her... her grateful smile and constantly wagging tail still makes me well up after all she went through. Her trust in us even when she is scared amazes me. I've owned dogs my whole life, and my old cattle girl is my heart dog - however, there is something so special about a rescue that has convinced me I'll always have one in my life. Seems ridiculous that Asha's family didn't have time for her... perhaps it's just fate and she was meant to be with you guys. I hope your boy gets his bossy pants off soon... I guess it will be an adjustment for him too. I love the photos, apart from Asha being a divine photo subject - it's nice to hear and see the good stories come Christmas time!

Continued best wishes for her battle - we are praying that she beats this horrid parvo. When the $ rack up, it can be scary - but I agree sometimes it is worth it. We'd be well over $20k for Chloe - but at least we can say we gave her every chance and she's still a happy girl full of love and life!

That's really interesting Loraine... why is Lysodren less likely to overload? I really should read more about it - it is very interesting. I guess it also comes down to (agree) what the specialist is most confident and what they think is best, and what each person feels comfortable giving their dog. I was always hoping they would give Chloe Trilostane as after my research that was the one I (personally) felt most comfortable giving her. In saying that though, if it was thought a different drug was better I would have gone with it - however I would have enquired about Trilostane because that is what I felt was a best fit for Chloe and us. Seeing each and every Cushings journey is different, no one can say what is best - I guess we can only be guided by our vets and what they think is best for each different patient. But J, I do encourage you to ask questions of the vet etc - it will help you gain a better understanding, and it will further the bond you have with your vet - which I feel is very important as they will become your best friend :D and you need to trust them 100% as their relationship and knowledge of your own dog will be paramount. Loraine, how long was your lovely old guy on Trilostane for? And what was the reason for the change (I recall it was a very new drug when you started using it)? Just trying to learn more myself - I have come to know and love Trilostane, but know only the basics of Lysodren and would like to know people's experience/opinion of it. J, just take it one step at a time - you guys will be fine, it becomes second nature after a while (although, you WILL have to explain to every person that meets Occy what Cushings is - no one ever knows!! )

Congratulations on adopting a wonderful rescue dog... doesn't it ever make you sit back and wonder why they end up in these situations needing a new home? Sometimes it's baffling. Methinks that love is in the air - and I don't just mean between the two furries. It's great that you are experiencing the magic of a rescue dog - they can test you sometimes (although doesn't seem to be happening at your house LOL), but there is something distinctly special about them. What a wonderful Christmas gift for Asha to have her own new home, a furry friend and famiy that adore her... what more could a sweet dog ask for? I adore the photo of her named 'pretty girl' - reminds me of my own rescue babies gorgeous eyes. She indeed looks to be an extremely special girl. Merry Christmas to you and your now-extended family - may you be blessed with many happy years together and thank you for giving this lovely girl a home of her own and somewhere to belong.

Comforting that we aren't the only ones who struggle with this... we can now drive about 5 minutes to the park and back without too much drama other than shaking legs and a bit of dribble... I was also advised to take my girl on a big walk just before car travel (to the vet in our case) to burn off her nervous energy. A tired dog is more likely to be calmer. I have to admit, the 'coming home' leg is always much more relaxed cause Sash is tired.

Once they put Occy on meds they are unlikely to change them - unless there is some kind of problem or need to change. Getting the dosage is hard enough without changing the meds too!! Lysodren - and this is only from memory I could be REALLY wrong - is like a chemo medication. I think it was popularly used for treating those with more aggressive/dangerous tumours. The effects and any changes made to the body through this drug are irreversible though, and permanent - and if Occy was to ever need to go under for an op or dental work etc - he would have to go off his meds for some time before surgery can be done. Trilostane is a newer drug, fewer side effects (I believe) and the effects of the drug is not permanent and any effects totally reversible - it simply controls the symptoms of Cushings. If a dog was to need urgent surgery it is much easier on this med and can be performed straight away without concern. There are a few more places making it in liquid form now, which is really helpful when it comes to having to change dosage. Personally, I would not want Chloe on Lysodren unless there was an absolute need to be and it was the only drug to help her. I much prefer Trilostane, and I like the fact that it doesn't alter her body permanently - it just makes sure her symptoms stay in check, I don't need the added hassle of what it's doing to her body that can't be reversed. But having said that, I've not used Lysodren and can only go on what I've read about it. My impression is that it is a drug that was first used before further discoveries were made in this area of medicine. Do some Google research on it and the differences (there should be plenty of info) and see what you think though, and if you have concerns then perhaps discuss it with your vet. I guess there are pros and cons, and you have to weigh it up for your circumstances and see what will work best for you, and what you feel okay with administering to your dog. I remember when Chloe was also ravenous - she'd almost take you down if she even thought she got a whiff of some food on you... Take heart - this will disappear almost immediately when meds start (well Chloe went from manically ravenous to just permanently hungry as she's always been LOL) Any bladder accidents should stop straight away, same with drinking and if he's putting on weight and can't shift it you'll find it easier to manage when meds begin... and you'll feel you have a normal dog again... kind of

Oh no, I guess you always kind of hope that it's something fleeting - but again, a diagnosis of Cushings is not a death sentence by any means. When you look at it, Occy is getting on - so the chances of cushings complications ever causing him any problems before the end of his lifetime is pretty good. Chloe was 10 when she was diagnosed - and I figured if the medication can keep her as well as possible for 3 - 4 years (not unrealistic at all) then by that time she will be pushing her natural lifetime and if she goes through too many ups and downs with medication changes (and we went the first year with not a single problem or change - it was heaven! - but this year she has changed about 3 times) then that's when we can decide if it's too much for her in older years. It is sometimes a really frustrating disease - be prepared for that. But it IS manageable, and with the support of a specialist - you can sometimes even forget it's there (other than giving the medication of course)! But over time you will find that you monitor them very regularly, it just becomes habit over time - and you do learn what you need to look for in case the medication is not right at any given time. It probably seems very overwhelming at the moment - but it needn't be. Just research as much as you can - and really the best thing you can do is be guided by the specialist and report anything unusual to them. It's nice to be able to understand what's happening though, and hopefully if you have a good vet (and by the sounds of it you do) they try their best to ensure that you are not required to do testing unneccesarily - as you will find it can be quite costly if they don't get it right. Basically that's why I always recommend a specialist, as if you're dealing with someone not totally familiar with the disease then you might find yourself being drained financially in an effort for them to try and get it right. I do hope Occy likes vets - he will be a regular visitor just like my Chloe - who receives an old friends welcome when she arrives, and the receptionist knows my voice and what I'll be wanting before I've finished saying hello Anyway, keep your chin up and i hope Occy holds up through Christmas, as does Max. It must be even more difficult having Cushings and ligament issues at the same time. Although, it's funny how we learn to cope and adapt with our pups - as do they. They never cease to amaze and Occy will deal with it all nicely I'm sure... once his medication starts I'm sure he'll feel much relief and feel himself again. We're always here when you need, or if you should have any worries or concerns - or just want to have a vent

Photos like these make me want an Aussie Shep even more She is absolutely stunning - hope you have many happy years together

Just want to wish you and your little girl the strength to get through this. I haven't had experience with it, and hope never to, but the stories are heartbreaking... however, there are good outcomes for some. I pray that yours and your little girls story will end well. Hang in there.

Well at least you're on your way to knowing the answers... it's the first step. Chloe also has trouble holding her bladder when she is uncontrolled with Cushings. That is when I know her dosage isn't high enough, or when she's coming out of remission. She will wee in her bed or on the floor - something she would NEVER do and she is so awfully embarassed about it and tries to cover it up. Poor bugger, must be awful not to feel well and make a mistake and then think they will be in trouble. They drink so much and are urinating so much with Cushings, sometimes it's hard for oldies to keep up and accidents do happen - so forgive him this time until you find out what is wrong They look dreadful when they're all shaved, with bloated bellies... like little pigs. Bless the little guy. Hope the test results come back with news that is manageable, and nothing too serious.

It started bleeding again last night, so tried pressing it into the bar of soap as advised. Worked a treat - although Sasha didn't like it one bit (but tolerated it). It looks quite good today so have not done anything with it - will just keep an eye on it. Am going to finish the rest of her nails today (only got through one paw yesterday) and will do it without fuss etc. I was going to finish them yesterday but thought if I pushed the matter it might make things worse - so gave her a break and start again today. I guess I've just not seen the rush of blood everywhere and it scared me too - I felt awful, but apart from the bleeding it's not too bad and looks like the rest of her nails today (although a bit shorter LOL). She's a good egg, although she doesn't like certain things she tolerates me doing them without fuss and knows i wouldn't hurt her. It's amazing the bond that can be formed in a year Thanks for the advice guys

CAREFULLY! My best advice is to clip off very small pieces at a time. Firstly, have a look underneath and see how far approx you will need to cut before you get to the 'quick'. You can see this clearly from underneath (i always lay Sasha down on her side so it's easier to do this and comfortable for both of us). I only put a short piece of the tip and clip, then do a re-check to see if more needs to come off, or if it's close enough. If more needs to come off, I only put a fraction of the nail in and again clip and check. Bit by bit has always worked for me (and no one ever showed me how to do it so I'm no expert) - but I found that small clips at a time will keep you out of trouble. The problem I had today is that I didn't follow my own advice and got cocky - one needed quite a trim so I stuck it in a bit too far trying to get it off... That's what I get for not being as careful - I wouldn't blame her if she didn't love me today - but she does. Gotta love a dogs forgiveness. ETA - oh also, and not sure if this is right but it works for me, once you have measured how much you want to cut - cut firmly. I find if I hesitate or cut too slowly or gentle the nail breaks a bit and it seems to disturb Sasha a bit (not hurt her but she will look up at me). So carefully judge how much you will cut, then cut in a nice clean firm and quick action.

Will do, thanks Sandra777. It's not too far back and didn't really bleed for too long - doesn't seem to be bothering her (other than the sooky la-la face she is pulling ). I will keep putting some Betadine on it for the next couple of days, and clean it in salty warm water to ensure it doesn't get infected. I don't know who'll be more scared the next time I go to cut them, me or her!! ETA - hacking off the paw of a cute lil puppy yep, I don't feel so bad now at all! The toe that I cut on Sash is actually white too, so it looked pretty darn messy

Today I was giving Sashy her nail trim... accidently went too far back (first time ever) and the blood started pouring out. I got some tissues and applied pressure until the bleeding stopped, then I soaked it in warm salty water, then sprayed on some doggy Betadine. Is this all I need to do? Can it get infected? Do I need to wrap or secure it in any way to stop dirt and germs getting in? Probably dumb questions - but it's the first time I've almost hacked her paw off (exaggeration - but I feel damn awful ). Poor bugger doesn't like clipping nails at the best of times... but she deals with it. She gave a yelp and looked at me with the most hurt expression - but still she forgave so quickly and allowed me to play nurse... bless her. Anyway, anything else I need to do? Thanks! (From the worst mum in the world today)

Threw in one more... simply because who could resist such a smile?

And lastly...

Next...

Done some Chloe updates recently - so time to do a Sashy update!

Will keep fingers and paws crossed for a good result for your old boy

Oh goodness... poor little guy. Seems he's had his fair share of battles to face... and now this. Also seems he's in good hands thankfully. Sounds like a very brave little guy, and I'm sure he'll march his way through this as well, with the support of those who love him. HOpefully it's not as serious as it seems, however, if it does happen to be Cushings, it's not as bad as it first appears - and certainly not as scary as some of the websites that I've read There are quite a few Yahoo groups that have alot of information about Cushings and other thyroid related diseases. Might want to check them out too, lots of information, lots of people's journeys with their furkids with Cushings, Addisons etc.

Welcome to my world (NOT). My old girl Chloe (now almost 12) has had 2 cruciate ops, and almost 2 years ago was diagnosed with Cushings. To answer the most important question first - a dog with untreated Cushings will become very uncomfortable, suffer, and eventually die (albeit rather slowly and uncomfortably). With treatment, they can live a relatively normal life. I say relatively, because they require monitoring to ensure medication levels remain suitable to treat the symptoms (it's a very unpredictable disease - the correct medication at the beginning of the year may not necessarily be the same dosage needed by the end of the year). Sometimes they go into short term remissions and come off meds altogether. No one can say for sure how a Cushinoid will react or respond, there is no easy answer. We prepared and read up as much info as possible - and it does get easier once you know the symptoms and what you need to look out for. Similar to diabetes in a way, but different cause etc. But once controlled, there is no reason that a dog can't live to a ripe age. This will all depend on the source of his Cushings problem. It can be either due to a tumour on the Adrenals, or a tumour on the Pituitary - and how big those tumours are. Most Pituitary tumours (the most common cause of Cushings) are small and never cause a problem (other than producing Cushings symptoms). This is what my girl has, and usually these tumours don't give any grief due to the fact that most are slow growing... so a dog can pass away from age etc before the tumour was to ever effect them neurologically. However, there was another dog on here that was sadly PTS not long ago as his tumour was much bigger and he was suffering from seizures and other neurological effects. Chloe has never shown any and her tumour is very small, not giving her any grief and unlikely to. Every experience with Cushings disease is different. I believe if it is a tumour on the Adrenals, that this can be operated on - or alternatively can also be controlled with medication. Usually Cushings is diagnosed by a ACTH suppression test which is the one you described, along with other tests they have run to rule out any other possible disease. They should also perform an ultrasound to determine if there are any tumours on the Adrenals. If that comes up clear, it is assumed that the tumour is Pituitary. This can be confirmed but the tests are costly. There are different kinds of medications. Some act as a type of chemo, and others just control the symptoms - making the effects of the meds reversible and also easier should the dog need surgery etc and need to come off medication. Chloe is on Trilostane which is a newer med, and just controls the symptoms and is easily reversible. We now get it in a liquid form that makes it much easier (and cheaper) for us to change dosages (rather than tablets that need to be re-made if dosage level is changed). Some dogs require meds daily, some require it twice a day. Chloe is on meds twice a day, but it doesn't really bother her at all - she is used to it all now. Levels are monitored generally quarterly, where an ACTH stim test is performed (takes about an hour and they can go home) - unless of course it is required more frequently when changing dosages etc. My best advice to you, if your boy has Cushings and you go ahead with treatment - is to be referred to a specialist. They are MUCH better equipped to deal with this disease, and the unpredictability of it - a normal vet usually does not know as much about the disease and the different treatments available. Cushings can be difficult and expensive to treat - however, when under control from meds a dog can live very happily and normally if the owners are prepared to put in the effort. Chloe had many of the same symptoms... bloated belly, drinking and urinating ALOT more than normal, ravenous appetite, her coat dropped off eventually, her skin was dry and rashy, she put on weight and she was generally not just herself. Once she started meds, all the symptoms disappeared and her coat came back better than ever slowly. As for his leg, sounds like it may be a cruciate injury - that will also need attention pretty soon. The longer it's left the more damage can be done. Not sure how the vet will handle it all - but I'm sure they will guide you should you decide to treat both. Perhaps they may even refer you to a specialist if he has Cushings. A specialist was a Godsend for us and has been along every step of our journey with us, and he knows Chloe so well that he can tell just from any symptoms that are showing what may be going wrong - and he's been pretty much spot on every step of the way, because he specialises in these diseases. I gotta duck out, however, if you have more specific questions or concerns, please feel free to ask. Loraine, another DOLer who has been on a Cushings journey will also give you invaluable advice when she pops in, as will others who will also be able to answer questions and offer support. Cushings is not as scary as it first sounds. Once you understand it, and know what you are dealing with - and have a vet/specialist who you trust 100%, it is manageable and when treated correctly usually there is no reason a dog can't live for many years with the disease. In my personal opinion, if I could not afford or for some reason could not treat Chloe's Cushings - I would PTS. It is kinder, as the disease does get progressively worse and will affect the rest of the body, if left untreated. I hope some of this helps - I've tried to paint the positives and negatives, and explain as best I know about this disease, from our own experience. And in comparison, ours hasn't been too bad at all so far. There are ups and downs, but Chloe's still with us - and still going strong. If you saw her, you'd never know there was a thing wrong. Best of luck to you, and please don't hesitate to ask or air your worries.

Wow 14 years old... I can certainly understand your hesitation to rush into surgery. Of course if it's necessary, but I think you were right to push for second opinions and more reliable results. The suppression test is more accurate, and usually this is the first one done to best diagnose Cushings. So I'm surprised the first vet just did the stim test first. Chloe has had a couple of suppression tests, first for her diagnosis and then again when she went into remission and was on her way back out. I really do recommend staying with the specialist though (even if it is not Cushings). Reason being is that there are many diseases of this kind that are closely related (and most can't 'accurately' be diagnosed - more a process of elimination), and personally I think only a specialist has seen it all and is best to know which symptoms might point to a specific disease and what any test results (whether postive or negative) might indicate. I feel a normal vet just doesn't have the specialised knowledge to deal with these diseases as well as a specialist does. That would be my best advice to you, even if it means asking your vet for a referral to a specialist you trust and sticking with them. I do hope your little boy stays healthy and can avoid this nasty disease and those related. But he sounds like he is in good hands with his family