Kelly_Louise

Thanks Loraine, I feel sad when I think about where I need to draw the line with Chloe - I can't imagine life without her, and yet I'd never want her to suffer. I hope it is nothing too serious. I've just been reading how Cushings can be an underlying cause of diabetes - so there is a possibility and the symptoms do match up perfectly. Excessive drinking and urination, inflammation of the skin etc - it's all exactly what she is experiencing. Not sure how mum will cope with a diabetes diagnosis too though. Not sure how I can convince her that Chloe is still okay to keep on going. I feel horrible when she tells me it's cruel and I start to second guess myself. Not that she doesn't want to help Chloe, but she loves her so much and worries terribly about her suffering. None of us want to see that. I see other people talking about such things and when to know when it's time or enough is enough... and I never really considered that our time to think about it might be soon. It breaks my heart. These diseases may be treatable, but they are devastating emotionally. But I shouldn't get upset until more results are known.

They are adorable pics - he is a lovely boy, and adapting so well - what a good boy. He's a bit of a gigolo flashing his gear around... but perhaps it takes some pressure off their leg and feels good? I agree that a change of scenery helps alot. When they are forced to lie around all day, at least changing views helps them feel less bored. It's a really good idea, especially when you think about how tough it must be on them to do what we ask and stay still. Don't be afraid to teach him stuff, as long as you are seated down with him and don't over excite him it should be fine. And if he does start to move too much then just leave him. I taught Chloe stuff like 'touch' which I lined all of her toys up and would say 'touch bear' and she would touch with her front paw or nose (all done with her lying down). Again, I'm saying this but it was much easier with an older dog It is limiting though cause you really only want to risk doing stuff that doesn't require him to get up, but stay in the lying position. Perhaps others can start a list of ideas of things to teach him when he is lying down? I will try to think of others but 'touch' was the one I clearly remember. Well done - day 8 and no real dramas

Also, could Diabetes ever be misdiagnosed as Cushings, or is there a likelihood a cushings dog could also have diabetes? So much information...

Yes at least if it had been a 'back on meds' verdict I think I would have coped better. It's the not knowing, constantly, that is eating away at me. I start to wonder whether she is suffering or not, or whether putting her through the constant tests is the right thing to do for a dog that has been through alot, and been a loving and loyal friend. But I can't give up on her either... I guess I just feel torn, wondering whether I am doing the right thing. Loraine, you also have a friend with Cushings... do you think all this testing and having Chloe's health be so up and down is cruel? Do you believe she would be suffering? When she is good though (and well controlled) she is so happy and eager for life, even though her arthritis must be holding her back a little - it doesn't seem to be slowing her down much. I suppose all I can do is wait for the results - but I wish there was a miracle out there so that I didn't have to put Chloe through all of this. She has been such a good girl all her life, no matter what was asked of her, and I feel that she deserves better than this. If they find the ACTH test was inaccurate, he will be doing the longer low dose test (not sure of name) that takes about 8 hours. Do you know what this involves?

Yes she was tested initially and came up clear of any adrenal or surrounding tumours, so it was assumed that it must be a pituitary tumour causing her Cushings. She went well on Trilostane for just over a year and her levels were perfect, then things changed and the meds caused her levels to plummet in April this year so she became Addisonian. She was taken off meds and has been really well for the past 8 weeks - actually glowing almost. Then a few days ago she started drinking alot more, and now it has resorted to an excessive, uncomfortable level. We assumed it was the return of Cushings - but the newest test results suggest not... I want to feel happy, but I just feel guilty. I just wish we knew what was wrong. I feel bad putting her through all this testing. But I can't give up on my loyal friend just yet, even though the financial burden is now getting very heavy. I wonder constantly if I am doing the right thing, and how long I keep doing this for her sake. But she was really good and well controlled on meds, and has been really good without her meds for the last few weeks. She's still happy and healthy otherwise... I guess we just do more tests to find out for sure what's going on. I'm sorry if it seems I'm whingeing - I just don't get much support so feel here is the only place where people will understand and encourage and point me in the right direction to relieve some of my guilt.

So, Chloe went and had a Cushings ACTH stim test yesterday, as her symptoms appear to have returned. Excessive drinking, urination, lethargy etc. She has been off meds for about 8 weeks now due to her becoming borderline Addisonian when on her Trilostane medication. Apparently the test results came back quite good, within normal range and she technically shouldn't be showing Cushings symptoms. She now has to go in to have detailed urine analysis (taken straight from the bladder) to see what could be causing these symptoms. Could be a UTI, maybe diabetes etc - or it could be a negative reading from the ACTH stim test. Does anyone know the likelihood that the result could be showing incorrect results? I feel confused and upset. I feel happy that it's possibly not her Cushings returned, yet it seems to us that it has. I'd love to believe that it's simply a UTI. Financially, it's killing us and I want to cry. But I can't give up on my old girl if it is not anything drastic. I know that no one can say what's wrong with her without the tests, but it's breaking us. Apart from that, I feel horrible subjecting her to so many tests. Anyway, just wanted to update to those that follow Chloe's progress. I guess I should feel happy, but I'm not sure what to feel because nothing is quite clear and I feel too worried, guilty etc. Please pray for some good news for us

Chloe loves Sasha's Blend - never had a problem with palatability. I usually mix it in a tiny bit of water and make a 'sauce' to actually encourage her to eat her dry food LOL.

Without hijacking the thread - basically her body produces way too much cortisol due to a tumour on her pituitary gland. If untreated, it can be fatal (slowly) - and cause alot of pain and discomfort along the way and puts alot of pressure on the other organs. There is no cure, just treatment. But she was taken off her meds 8 weeks ago as her levels were too low and has been really really good since. For the last few days, she has been drinking and peeing alot - which is a dead giveaway that it's back... which was expected, but you always hope for a miracle Well I do for my old girl anyway, who's been through so much already. She's had it for about a year and a half 'officially', but goodness knows how long before hand before the symptoms became noticeable. Sometimes it can be caused by too many meds with cortisone in it. Anyway, we deal with it - it's just expensive as hell and I'm sure not always pleasant for Chloe. But she is happy and healthy otherwise, so we keep going. BTW, hardly anyone ever knows what Cushings is - even though it's a human condition as well. I'd never heard of it either before her diagnosis!!

Unfortunately these accidents do happen - hard as we try to avoid them Excellent news that all is going well - I don't know how you do it with such a young dog. I'd be terrified if I even had to try with Sasha (touch wood). I'm anxiously awaiting Chloe's cushings test results at the moment... she's been so good off her meds but I think it's reared it's ugly head again My poor old girl. I will be very interested to hear the verdict and plan of action that they give you on Friday, and what kind of physio they do etc. I'm not sure why we were never really told much about physio at the time... maybe cause Chloe was much older and not as active. Still she lost alot of muscle during recovery. Continuing great news - it's what I like to hear!!

That's great news - glad to hear she recovered so well!!

Junk air out - I love it!!! Chloe loves to flash hers too - dirty old tart she is!!! Hey his wound looks really good, seems to be healing up very well. He must be starting to feel better now he's more confident to move it around etc. That's always a good sign - however always puts fear in your heart... feeling better = wants to run around. Unfortunately the better they feel, the harder it is for us. Glad you got a little bit of sleep at least, better than none. You'll find you'll worry less as time goes on. So far it's all going very well - keep up the good job!! And 'good boy' to Asher!!! ETA - every time I see that bit of fluff on the end of his paw after seeing the turkey leg, it cracks me up

Man, so very pleased to hear that Dida is recovering so well. Must have been very scary for you all - she seems to be a tough little thing to be pulling through so well. My own girl is at the ARH today having some regular tests done - and I wouldn't take her anywhere else. I always know when I leave her she is in the best of hands. And they are all so very nice, helpful and seem to care very much about each and every animal. Unfortunately, these types of diseases can be very expensive... however, they are usually very manageable so we do it for our little furry friends don't we? I do hope that Dida continues to get well and stronger each day - and that she does not have another crisis again ever. Best of luck and health to you all. ETA- what a lovely picture, she seems very happy to be back at home with you!

LOL - what a cheeky boy!!! Don't worry, same thing happened to us a couple of times. He will get used to it over time and start to accept it eventually (fingers crossed LOL). The slippery floors and few stairs wouldn't have hurt him - only if he was running full pelt on them. Hopping up on the bed might have though Poor boy, it's tough. And he is doing very well considering - even with his midnight stroll Do you feel insane yet? I'm sure that cats aren't this problematic and worrisome :D

Now that I'd pay to see!!! How's Asher doing today? Is he getting very restless yet?

Well that's good news that he's not as irritated by it today... maybe he's accepting that he's gotta live with it. Maybe just give the vet a call on Monday to check that it's okay and nothing could be wrong - although I doubt it very much. Interesting way to get his tablets down.... can't say I've ever had too much trouble - Chloe will eat anything if it's wrapped in cheese (thank goodness cause she takes ALOT of tablets), and Sasha will let you shove anything down her throat if there's cheese at the end. When she picks up some random food at the park I end up shoving my hand down her neck to retrieve it and it's like a routine now, no biggie at all ;) I bet he's had you at his beck and call - spoilt bugger. Just like Chloe though, I was like one of those people who follows behind the master cleaning after her, picking up anything, assisting her with sitting, getting up, delivering her food/water right to her, fluffing her pillows... the things we do But hopefully now you are both getting used to the new deal, you can get a bit of rest - otherwise you will worry yourself sick. His set up actually looks quite cosy - and he is still part of all the action. I'd feel alot less sorry for him if his leg wasn't so very funny looking- - good thing he's confined for so long, the dogs at the park would have a field day with him, laughing their bums off :D

Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahhahahah - sorry I can't help but laugh... I just saw the pics of Ashers leg and it is kinda funny!!! I thought Chloe's looked bad - but he looks much more ridiculous Seriously, looks pretty much exactly what Chloe's wound, bruising etc looked like (but cleaner - Chloe went in to surgery so quickly there was no time for a bath and her leg was dirty ) Poor mite, look at him like a nigel-no-friends in his little pen... awwwwww How's he doing today HH?

No hun, I didn't have anything like that happen (that I can remember) - Chloe was quite accepting of it (except the cast). I did have trouble getting her to sit still though - it was a constant battle and I could tell that yes the leg did annoy her sometimes. She would reposition herself alot, sometimes kick it out, then pull it back in - but it didn't get excessive and she wasn't too focussed on it. I'd say being young, he's starting to feel a bit better now (sedation has fully come off, he's back home etc) and he wants to do things as he normally would... but the damn leg is hurting him and he can't figure out why. He's had lots of sleep and rest and probably is already sick of being confined with a painful leg. Don't panic, just try to keep him calm as you can. Has he had his pain meds? Sit with him and discourage him paying the leg attention, keep him occupied, try to soothe him and settle him down... and give him some rescue remedy. If he gets worse, give the vet a call if they have emergency - just to talk to them and see if it sounds okay or if there is anything you can or should do. If he hasn't done anything excessive to endanger the leg, I wouldn't worry too much. Just keep an eye on him if he gets worse. It might be a long night for you though

She is at no better place than the ARH Strathfield - my girl gets treated there and they really are excellent. These diseases can be costly, however, treatment at the ARH is well worth the money. Chloe has the opposite of Addisons - Cushings disease. She did become borderline Addisonian and we had to monitor her very carefully in case she too had a Addison crisis. They are tricky diseases, however once on medication she should be fine. Haven't had experience with a total Addisonian crash like Dida's (must have been terribly scary) - but sending our very best wishes that Dida recovers fully and is back at home and feeling much better soon. ETA - my advice would be to google and research the symptoms/signs and treatments for Addisons to familiarise yourself with the disease, so that you can be fully prepared, and also so that you can better understand when it's all explained to you and why the medication is needed and how it all works. Best of luck to you all.

Yes, Sasha hacked away and coughed up alot of white spit/froth when she had KC. She also brought up little bits of food, but not much. A few days before that she was vomitting alot though - we thought due to a chicken bone she had ingested, but could also have been the KC at work. Sasha was given antibiotic shot and tablets when she was vomitting, but we didn't really see much improvement until a couple of days.

Well done HH!!! Yes it would be nice to have a miracle cure to keep them quiet - that's the HARDEST part of it all!! Well done also to Asher, must be hard on him too - but sounds like he is trying his best to behave and do what he's told Sounds like the wound is healing well... Chloe also showed attention to her leg (but not the wound site) - I think it's because it's a different sensation to have no hair there anymore, must be very strange for them - and hell yeah it would be itchy!!! Let him toss and turn a bit - he is probably trying to get comfortable and tired of lying in the same spot all the time. As long as he's not overdoing it or doing anything risky. Keep up the good work HH - you and Asher are doing brilliantly. ETA - also wanted to add, when he goes in to have xrays/checkups/consults/physio basically anywhere you have to take him by car - ensure to take a mat of some sort with you. Most vet floors are VERY slippery, so it's safer to have something for him to grip so he can get up and down easier. I say this because on Chloe's first check up, she went to get up, scrabbled (in a bit of a panic because she doesn't like the vet very much) and fell flat on her face - spread eagled on her belly. And if you think a dog can't be spread eagled on it's belly, trust me I've seen the proof. I nearly passed out in fright of what damage it might have caused (it didn't seem to affect her too much) but you never know, better to be safe than sorry.

Oh I'm so sorry Dogmad. Herbie was a lucky little fella to have you. Many people would have given up on him I'm sure, or not cared what made him this way. His life could have been very different... But he was loved until the end. His last bit of trust in people was well rewarded by you. RIP Herbie, Rainbow Bridge does not contain any cruelty - so never fear. Congratulations Dogmad on making an old boy happy, and for never giving up on him.

Awwwwww, can't see it... I get blocked from FB at work Will have to have a look when I get home. PS. Yes Chloe is a sweetheart (albeit a temperamental one ) - and remember she went through this twice consecutively, so no wonder she's a bit cranky sometimes

Well, so far so good. I hope you both had a good night. Sounds like the specialist was very good with giving you instructions on after care, which is great. Looks like you've got everything under control. I'm surprised that they are starting physio so quickly - but they sound like very thorough specialists who know exactly what they are doing... it will probably help minimise his muscle loss. Chloe lost quite a bit during her recovery and his muscles will help enormously in his recovery and keeping the leg stable. His leg will look funny for some time (especially being a longer haired breed) - this was Chloe's leg about a month or so after her op... I did have some photos of it post surgery, and she was also very bruised and 'turkey like' Poor bugger, give him a big hug from us here.

Cast is not always better - imagine having to cut off remnants of it at 4am in the morning with blunt scissors.... not fun Other than that on the second time (and the cast lasted not even one night, Chloe didn't come home with anything. Depends how they handle it I guess - Chloe did not... she could handle the op, but not the damn cast HH, there are alot of things that might seem perfectly obvious in hindsight, but that we learnt along the way (the hard way), and Chloe catching her leg on the kennel entrance was one of them... So don't feel like you should know everything, all you can do is cover the things you can obviously think of to ensure his safety and comfort - the rest of it you'll find out together along the way He will push his boundaries, your plans for his recovery might change a million times, you might find the containment you had might not contain him the way you thought and need adjustment - so many things that might not flow smoothly... but you will manage and make those adjustments as you go, and as you see how he reacts. ETA at 7.30pm - sooo he must be home?

Fantastic news, I'm really thrilled that he's doing so well so soon!! I probably made a nuisance of myself calling the vet at regular intervals, and her 'carers' usually answered my questions - but hey if it makes you feel better to know how they are doing, then it can't hurt to give a quick call to check on him. My dad made Chloe a little 'apartment' (I say this because it was bigger and more luxurious than any kennel ever LOL) for when she came home, and yes we did have it in her little confined area. I feel that they need something to make them feel safe and secure with all this confusion happening. So if you feel it will make him feel better, then put it in but initially you will need to watch him. While Chloe was in a cast still, she did trip and sometimes get stuck at the doorway (which was massive) but because she had a bed and blankets in there for comfort, she couldn't bend her leg due to the cast and couldn't step into it properly. Didn't hurt her I don't think, but it was a hinderance. I do think that the first time she came home without the cast she might have had some trouble managing the raised entrance as well... So something to consider, especially if he comes home in a cast or when he first gets home and is hesitant to bend and move the leg. I think you are best to judge how he handles it... if you don't think he can, leave it out for a week and then when he's more mobile and using the leg a bit more you can put it in? I guess it would be frustrating even for us to have hinderances in the way when you've got a sore leg - but Chloe did seem to manage. She had a 'babysitter' almost 24/7 so someone was always there to assist her if she got stuck. Once they figure out how to manage it best, he should be fine. Bet he'll be pleased as punch to be back home again.