Kelly_Louise

Doesn't it? I know how you feel... I know my old girl Chloe doesn't have a long time left, and the thought of her not being here just kills me inside. She is my heart dog. I just enjoy everyday I have with her and try to make her as happy as possible! I do hope that nothing significant turns up for Zeus... perhaps it's just the change of the weather or he's just feeling a bit off. Does he take anything for arthritis or joints? Perhaps if he's already on natural sources it might be time to try medication for his off days to keep him comfortable? Chloe has quite bad arthritis but only needs to take Previcox on her bad days which aren't that frequent. They work really well and no side effects that I can see. Let us know how he goes. Lots of love to him

That's great info Cavalier... I had heard that Addisons is easier to manage. Loraine even mentioned some Cushinoids are overdosed into Addisons and then treated for their Addisons in some cases. JKW, I hope your girl is okay - and once treatment starts you will definitely see a difference

I heard about this (missed the episode) and saw it on Sunrise this morning! Sounds really promising I also saw them use it on a horse with a cancer on it's leg and it disappeared. People are getting really excited about it!! I truly hope that this can help some of our friends on here who's pets have cancer.

Chloe has the opposite of Addisons Disease – which is Cushings disease. However, if her medication dosage is too high at any particular stage she goes into Addisons Disease. Personally, I find Addisons Disease to be more dangerous, however I believe is easier to treat than Cushings once it’s diagnosed. These kinds of diseases requires fairly regular monitoring, and working closely with your vet – however with medication there is no reason that dogs can’t live a normal, happy life. Chloe has been on medication for almost 2 years now for Cushings – and for most of those has been just like a normal dog. The only time she becomes ‘not herself’ is when her medication dosage is no longer correct for her body – and that’s a sign she needs her med dosage changed. You become very in tune with your dog, and it’s brought us much closer. But there is no reason, once meds are started, that your dog should be any different to how they were before the diagnosis. You will see a big difference once the medication is started. The coat issues might take a little while to resolve, but most other symptoms should disappear very quickly. I understand that it’s all very scary – and that you feel bad because your pup is not well… but once you get the hang of these diseases and understand how they work, you will find that they are not as bad as first thought – that they are TOTALLY manageable and the dogs can live happily, it’s just that they take a bit more work and consideration than other diseases – and I believe that if your dog is affected with a similar disease that it is beneficial for owners to know as much as possible about the disease so they understand what is happening and how they can help and monitoring symptoms. It’s a bit like diabetes in humans really – similar concept. We give medication to resolve symptoms and artificially create the body to work better. It’s just that dogs can’t tell us if they are feeling unwell, so we have to be aware of the symptoms so we know when they aren’t well and what action needs to be taken, that’s all. It really IS worth treating.

Just did a google and apparently poor coat etc can be a symptom of diabetes, as can the weight loss/drinking/peeing etc. However, it sounds like his medication is not working properly if these aren't being controlled. Diabetes is much like Cushings where the medication needs to be monitored and adjusted regularly depending on how the dog reacts to the medication... so perhaps he needs his meds adjusted to suit him better? I understand how hard and worrying it is... too much medication is bad, not enough has no effect... is hard to find the middle ground and maintain it. In the last year Chloe's dosage has changed about 4 or 5 times Check with your vet, but I'm pretty sure it's not normal for him to be symptomatic if he's being controlled with medication, which to me indicates a problem with the meds (if no other cause is found).

Im not sure if thinning hair/poor coat is a symptom of diabetes. If it is, then yes it could be his adjustment into his medication if he hasn't been on it too long... However, if he is urinating more than usual/drinking alot more etc then perhaps his meds aren't working correctly or he needs a different dosage? I'd be making a list of the symptoms he is still showing and asking the vet if he should still be showing them with the meds, or if there could be another underlying cause... Other than making sure he's comfortable, again it might be putting pressure on his other organs and causing further problems. When you say a big appetite, is he ravenous (fairly constantly)?

Symptoms for Cushings can be very deceiving though... they don't always present the same. With Chloe, her coat was absolutely fine (other than the slow hair regrowth but it WAS growing back)... it wasn't until she was diagnosed and started her medication that her coat became a shambles all of a sudden... in the middle of winter she lost it all barr a thin layer... and then it grew back and is now SO THICK and long you wouldn't believe she is a cattle dog!! Although if you're having trouble keeping weight on him to me that doesn't scream Cushings... have you considered Addisons disease (opposite of Cushings)? Although he would probably have other symptoms like lethargy and vomiting etc... so maybe not... although does sound like some kind of thyroid type problem... I'd be alarmed if he is on medication for his diabetes and still presenting symptoms though... to me that would say there is something else going on, or he has been incorrectly diagnosed (easily done with these types of conditions). Could it possibly be a different type of diabetes as I know there are different kinds - but don't know alot about them but I believe they are treated differently? Perhaps his medication dosage is not sufficient and needs to be adjusted? Like I said, Chloe had her major coat issues AFTER she was put on medication... so depending on how long he's been on meds perhaps it's just affecting him now before the meds settle in and start regulating his body?

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 :D 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. You'd be about spot on with those prices Loraine, we pay just over $300 now per test :D Shmoo, I'd consider having the Cushings test done if you are able to and the symptoms are not abating. A normal vet doesn't usually know that much about Cushings and the correct treatment. One of the first symptoms we saw in Chloe was the slowness in which her shaved patches grew back... then the thinning of the coat, the bloated belly, the insatiable thirst and constant peeing, and the ravenous appetite. The thing is, unless these symptoms are controlled they are putting quite a bit of strain on the organs... so whatever the cause is, the symptoms really should be under control by whatever medication is treating the underlying cause. It is common for a dog to have both Cushings and diabetes - we thought Chloe did for a while but it turned out thankfully that she didn't. So it's always a possibility if the symptoms are recurring or getting worse... and needs to be ruled out or if it is also Cushings, to be controlled effectively. I would speak to the vet about the possibilty of Cushings due to the symptoms and see what they say, otherwise I would be asking for medication that will alleviate the symptoms. :D

For a fussy dog Sasha's Blend would probably be easier to get down cause it has a fishy taste - I usually add a few drops of water and just mix it in with the food, or if they eat any kind of meat cut up into pieces then I just sprinkle it over. Sasha's Blend also comes in bite sized treats (although they stink to high heaven - but of course that means dogs love them LOL). I have used Joint Guard treats too, but I don't find the treats as effective in either brand (but that might be my bias not sure).

I prefer Sasha's Blend. I have used both with Chloe and from the small difference I believe it makes, I feel that she does better on Sasha's Blend. That, plus Sasha's Blend is also much more palatable for Chloe - she loves the fishy taste and I make a 'sauce' with it by adding some water and stirring. Joint Guard I found to just smell like sterile powder and she didn't like it as much and I had to make an effort to hide it from her . But I'm sure both work equally as well - their ingredients are a little different.

Oh okay, I just thought there might have been a link... or should I say, just wishful thinking

I thought that was right Loraine - see how much you've taught us! I just want to make sure DW understands what the medication is used for and what is happening... they can appear really sick sometimes but it's simply a matter of medication dosages, and a small adjustment can make a huge difference. It's taken me a long time to understand it all and what is really happening - and know what signs to look out for. I know DW suffers and worries so much, so DW do you understand what the meds are doing and why Diesel is having this reaction to the Trilostane? Just want to make sure you do so that you are making the best decisions for Diesel. Hopefully if he is seeing a specialist they can even out his dosages, and tell you what signs to look out for in case the Trilostane works too well again and he becomes Addisonian. Keep your chin up. Ask about the different medications, but if you stay on Trilostane make sure you know what signs to look out for so that his levels are not fluctuating all over the place (or not as all over the place as they can possibly be with Cushings ) - I guess the tumour wreaking havoc makes it more complicated (and boy isn't it already complicated ). Has he had any seizures recently DW? You haven't mentioned any and that's a good sign hopefully Loraine, could his most recent seizures have been triggered by him becoming Addisonian? I think I read somewhere that Addisonian's can have seizures - could it have been a trigger (although of course also related to his tumour)?

I was of the understanding that Prednisone was used to treat Addisons disease (the opposite of Cushings) which to me (in my limited understanding) would mean that the Trilostane dose he was receiving was too high and working TOO well. For his situation, perhaps the Lysodren or the other one (don't remember the name) would be better to try and hit it at the source for him, as it appears it is the tumour that's actually giving him the grief. At least with Chloe her tumour does not affect her (too small at this stage) so we really only need to treat the symptoms of Cushings. I would investigate it - but I would also ensure that any medication you are giving him is prescribed by a specialist vet - not a normal vet. They do not understand this disease as well as specialist vets and the medication and dosages are paramount in the control of his disease and symptoms. Chloe's medication dosages changes frequently as their levels fluctuate all over the place. Too much medication will push him to become Addisonian which can be really dangerous, and too little of course and the dreaded Cushings symptoms come back. Not sure how the other drugs work though. ETA - good on you, you're doing a fabulous job. And good on Diesel for pulling through again. What a brave fellow he is. Hugs from all of us here

Oh bless the little guy - how brave of him to go through so many operations. Here's hoping he recovers well soon so he never has to endure another. What a lovely boy he is Seems his 'carer' is doing a brilliant job there

Really? I never got a reply at all which is strange as I've heard they reply very quickly usually...

Oh Loraine that sounds very sad for you, I'm so sorry, although I'm sure she will be relieved to escape her pain. Sounds like she's had a good life, and that's all we can ask isn't it May she rest in peace. I do have faith in Chlo's specialist - he does seem to understand her very well. I feel a bit nervous giving her doses twice a day, however he assure me it shouldn't make much of a difference. It's funny how some people you just trust, and others you don't. He hasn't always been spot on, but always so damn close that you can't help but trust him. I think that's why it's best that dogs with such diseases should always be referred to a specialist, and I'm glad I chose to go their instead of having her treated by her normal vet. I think they need to be understood by someone who specialises in that field. Chloe spends hot days indoors with the air con too, or a fan for mildly warm days LOL. But you can just never tell and I'm sure she'd be more comfortable with less hair on her. I might google and see what my options are for her. One thing I never have to worry about with Chloe, is that she's not looked after properly. I know my family care for her just as well if not better than I would too, they worry about her and monitor her constantly and she always has someone home with her. So that's one thing off my mind and I know she is always as comfortable as she can be. Thanks Loraine... she never ceases to amaze me with her enthusiasm for life. She really only goes mainly to the vet these days, and yet, mention the word 'car' and she's ready to go. You would think it would have turned her off the car - but no. I love that about her. And I love that she hates going to the vet, but never makes a fuss and does what she is asked to do, no matter how afraid she is. That's courage and trust at it's best. I feel sorry for those who don't have a dog - they don't know what they're missing out on

Results are in! Her levels were marginally higher than expected (not excessive) and her specialists' original plan was to leave her on that dosage as it wasn't too high to be dangerous - but he has now recommended we give her the same dosage of medication, but back to twice a day instead of just once - to give her a nice even coverage over 24 hours rather than her being controlled well for part of the day, and not as controlled once the medication wears off over the day... I think that will work well for her, but like any change in medication of course she will need to be monitored to ensure that the levels don't drop too far. But he was extremely happy with her - he said her attitude is good, she looks happy, her weight is holding nicely and she generally has a look of good health. :p So, good news all round really :p

HH - I love your optimism!!! Thank you! Just rang for the results but specialist isn't yet... so maybe not until lunch time, they sound pretty swamped today (as usual)!! I'm not keen on getting Chloe shaved... but during Summer she really struggles the last couple of years (and it's only been the last couple of years that she has had this hairy problem!!). She doesn't seem to lose much of her winter coat, and it never appears any thinner... and her hair is so long and fluffy!! She's never had a coat like this in her life prior to Cushing diagnosis. She seems to feel the heat more now with Cushings as well, so it's something we are considering. Not totally shaved but just to have her coat a bit shorter and some may then fall out. Not sure, we'll see how she goes... she gets her own fan or air con so she might be okay. So anyway, still waiting for the good news to come through :p

Thank you all loyal Chloe supporters The verdict wasn't in this afternoon so it will be tomorrow. I'm fairly confident, but the last time I said that was a disaster Loraine she looks good in her pics doesn't she? Of course she looks old, she is, but otherwise she looks good don't you think - bless her little white eyelashes. Goodness I love that girl, I really do - she's such an angel and a blessing. Might have to get her shaved some summer though, she has SO much fur it's not funny. She's seriously like one of your huskies HH, and that's weird for a cattle dog to have so much hair!!! Makes her look twice the size she really is.... I was expecting her to have put on weight, but to know she's lost a little bit just shows how deceiving her fur makes it!!

Yes me too... I think it might be because it was her specialist's intern last time and they obviously hurt her poor old legs as they were shaving them and poking and prodding Perhaps if she is with her specialist she has learned to accept him, and knows him. Lord knows the staff their know us... the receptionist even recognises my voice now and says 'oh you're booking Chloe in right?'. But I like that, I like that they pay her special attention and make a fuss of her Thanks for your thoughts Lizzy06... how are your issues going (well not YOURS, but if they are our doggies issues then they are ours as well LOL)!! Also just wanted to add some recent pics of my lovely old girl... I think you'll agree she is so divine But I'm totally biased

I'm pretty sure they will be good, she seems to be quite well. Every now and then she has an upset tummy (mild and short lived) but she's always been a bit like that. The new medication is going well and she is getting used to the liquid form... which is good as it is much less expensive (although she is on a much lower dose). I was feeling a bit worried as last time the vet told me she doesn't handle being at the vet very well, and it horrified me and made me feel so guilty. But mum said when she came home she was happy and bouncy, and wanted some food etc!! So that's a good sign that even though she might not like being there, she is handling it well. Last time she came back they had taken blood from both her back legs and she could barely walk... so after a blasting it is being taken from the neck again and she came back fine and really happy to be home. She's such a trooper, honestly. She never fails to amaze me. PLUS - she is now at 27kg... which is still heavier than I'd like her but a great achievement seeing her weight is a constant battle Let the good news continue I say!!!

I hear you... I truly do. With all Chloe's health issues mounting and her years getting on, it kills me to even contemplate life without her. She is my very best friend in the world. But once you find something that works for him, I'm sure you will have quite a few more years with him. Chloe was almost crippled at 8 and the arthritic changes had set in well and truly, along with some previously undiagnosed arthritis due to mild elbow issues... and today, people are amazed that she is a dog that has bad arthritis and has had 2 leg operations... Lemme tell you, she could outrun any youngster when she wants to :p Give everything you can a try, and you will see yourself what works for him and what doesn't. And I'm sure you will see an improvement - he'll be around for a while yet, they are tough buggers

Chloe has pretty bad arthritis and has for a few years - and at the moment she has a course of 4 x weekly injections once a year (usually just before winter to get her through the colder months)... and if she's particularly stiff she gets another course around November/December. It should see them through the tough months IF it works for your dog. I know that the Cartrophen injections work fabulously for Chloe - she's like a new dog. To see Chloe, you'd probably not guess she has arthritis as bad as she does... so a combination of the Sasha's Blend, Cartrophen injections (and Previcox for her really bad days if she overdoes things) sees her through her years comfortably But getting the weight off will help dramatically too.

I find the Cartrophen injections work really well for Chloe - who has arthritis due to bung knees I would give them a try - they are not too expensive so something that can be tried to see the effects. They don't work for all dogs apparently - but for Chloe they are a Godsend... Joint Guard - Sasha's Blend etc... well they aren't really 'proven' to do anything. Many people will tell you that they see a good effect though. I like to think that Chloe does better with them (we use Sasha's Blend) and from MY observations she does show slight improvement when she is taking Sasha's Blend. It's something that can't hurt, so even if there is a minor benefit it's also worth a try as it is generally inexpensive too. Chloe's specialist told me that they are made to make us as the owners feel better - but so many people have seen positive reactions (not dramatic but positive) so they can't all be wrong. And yep, keep him as lean as you can get him I've not had experience with surgery specifically for DJD, however Chloe endured 2 cruciate knee ops and the results were fantastic. Surgery isn't for all dogs. There's the cost to consider, and also the recovery and rehab - and the prognosis. If the time needed for them in recovery etc can't be managed, personally I think surgery is a waste as the aftercare is just as important as surgery. But if it is something that you could manage (im not sure what kind of surgery or recovery time would be needed), it's something that you should at least look into to see if it would suit him. I know alot of people aren't fans of surgery - I know I copped alot of flak for my decisions with Chloe - but the results really do speak for themselves and they put an end to many of the naysayers in my situation.

For Chloe's bad days, I use half a tablet of the medication Previcox. It works really well and doesn't have side effects that some other pain relief has. Perhaps if he is at the stage where nothing else is working - but he still has quality of life, it is worth a shot. Otherwise, you sound like you are doing all you can... Have you considered getting a pet ramp for the steps he has to navigate? It might help, might not... depends on how bad it is. Poor mite...