Kelly_Louise

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/CanineCushings-AutoimmuneCare/ This is the link to a Yahoo group that specialises in Cushings disease. It has been really helpful to me, many veterinary specialists provide info, and it may even be able to help you gain info on the surgery Diesel could be up for as it is a very big group and has many different cases on there. Give it a shot - they are really nice and there is no question too silly. I'm sure you will get some comfort and hopefully info from this group.

DW, I'm really sorry for the bad news. Hugs and special thoughts to you all. I cant imagine how horrible and helpless and scared you must all feel. I agree totally with puggy_puggy. If surgery is an option financially, and if successful it could extend his life by many years with quality of life then I would give it a go most likely. Even if it wasnt successful, at least you will know you have tried. I know for my girls I'd take the risk if the possibilities were favourable and their was a chance. However, if it will only give you months or an extra year with your boy, factoring in pain and recovery time then I would not go for it. I would just make what time he has with you special and happy and loving (and hopefully alternative/natural meds could also help give him good quality of life) - and yes, when it is time for him to go he will undoubtedly let you know. As his mum, you will understand the signs and it is up to you to fight through the pain of the decision and do what is right for him before he suffers. Vet will also guide you should you not feel confident. I always find it is something in their eyes that tell you. I can only pray that this decision is a long way off for you, and that Diesel can be helped in some way. If surgery was an option and it was successful - even partly - it could be a breakthrough for many other dogs who will have the same health problems one day. A very heartbreaking situation, but you sound such a loving mum and trust in yourself that you will make the right decision that will give your boy the best life he can have. Find out all your options/risks/prognosis, be armed with as much info as you can and you wont go wrong. We are always here for support Big hugs and kisses for Diesel who has been a brave boy so far.

Wow they are some scary options. Well more so financially than anything else. If I was in a position to afford to consider such options I'd look into them too if needed. I will be interested to hear what are the recovery chances with surgery, and also what other options you will be given. Im glad that Diesel is better - im assuming if he is off Trilostane that his cushings symptoms would be recurring? But that wont hurt in the few days until the vets have had time to figure out the best plan of attack and you go through what you feel is best for your boy. Still sending lots of positive thoughts your way - keep us updated. I do hope that Diesel can overcome this as Id like to hear a good result and I am also interested in finding out more. Cushings is so complicated

Oh damn. I'm really sorry that the news has not been more positive. I've also been told that there arent many people who do surgery on the pituitary tumours (if any in Aust) and that it is very risky and very, very expensive. But I am sending you guys all the best possible vibes and hope that your vets can find a course of treatment that will give Diesel many years with you and allow him quality of life. Lots of hugs in sympathy - Cushings is a nasty, nasty disease that not many people know much about and it can be really scary as no two cases are ever the same. But you sound like you have found some good vets, hopefully they will guide you on how to best go about getting Diesel better. Best wishes to you and let us know what the plan of attack will be.

No advice here, but just wanted to say how sorry I am - it must be horrid for you all to deal with. He looks a lovely, handsome boy. We all send Fitzy lots of love and get well vibes, and hope he continues loving life pain free and healthy for a few more years to come. Hugs to you all.

Hi DW, My beautiful cattle dog has Cushings disease (pituitary dependant) and is on Trilostane. I cant say that the drugs did change her - if anything they worked so brilliantly that we had our girl back. The Trilostane has been fantastic for Chloe and controlling her Cushings symptoms and normalising her cortisol production. Yes, the ultrasound should have shown any tumours on the adrenals. If none were found (as in Chloe's case), they will generally diagnose it as pituitary dependant. Thankfully, Chloe's must be a very small tumour as it has not affected any neurological functions - but they did warn us that if we did notice anything that we would have to change tactics with her treatment. So far, so good. We were also told that many of the pituitary tumours are small and slow growing - and may never affect a dog in it's natural life time. We pray that this will be Chloe's case. If it is found that a larger pituitary tumour is causing your boys Cushings, they will most likely change the treatment to Lydrosen. Loraine, correct me if I am wrong but it is a little like chemo and reduces/slows the growth of the tumour? Not sure on that one, I dont know a great deal about Lydrosen other than the affects of it are permanent, whereas with Trilostane it corrects the symptoms with reversible effects should dogs need to come off the medication. I agree with Loraine that if your vet is not a specialist in the area of Cushings disease or does not fully understand it, then my opinion would be to ask to be referred to someone who is - or who you feel more confident with. It is an expensive disease to control, and requires accurate monitoring regularly, so best to have it treated and overseen by someone who understands Cushings well. I do hope that Diesel is okay, and that you get some reassuring answers soon. Please let us know how he goes. Cushings can be a very scary disease, but once controlled can be virtually unnoticeable (except for the very light wallet) :rolleyes:

Yes keep an eye on her and if she starts to lick or show the stitches too much attention get an elizabethan collar on her as soon as possible, or try to discourage it. Chloe didnt touch her stitches, Sasha almost licked hers out - she's an obsessive licker (and they got infected) which was quite traumatic and painful for her.

Oh yes Miranda - I am giving her Manuka Honey as she had a bout of canine cough. It sure did help soothe her throat. I have cut this back since she has shown improvement to now once a day (small teaspoon). Apparently it helps boost the immune system and of course helped with her sore throat and coughing. Thank you both for the advice - sounds like it is nothing serious. She does appear in peak condition, so I was worried maybe I was missing something. Thanks for the link Powerlegs, I will look into it so she has a more healthy tummy. Phew, think I can stop worrying now Chloe also does this, so I was assuming it was nothing too out of the ordinary - but with the amount of Chloe's problems you just never know

Anyone... any ideas, similar experiences or am I just being an over worried mum?

I read through some old posts that brought up the idea that similar things could happen when the stomach is empty and the stomach acid is irritating? She does generally do it after she hasnt eaten for some time (today after we got home from work about 5pmish) and she hadnt eaten anything since morning. Possibility? Also, sometimes when her belly is empty (in the mornings before her breakfast - she gets 2 meals a day) it makes very loud stomach rumbling/digestion noises, and on days when it is loud she may not eat her breakfast (but will come good later in the day). Any ideas please? I'd love to just be able to take her to the vet, but seeing that she makes it impossible right now I only want to take her if it sounds like it could be something serious before putting her through that stress.

Maybe once a week (that I see), Sasha will have a little vomit. Only frothy spit and sometimes a bit of grass ever come up (sometimes some fur as well if she is shedding badly). Her poo's are still nice and firm, although perhaps once a week they will go a little 'mr whippy' like soft and she will be slow to eat her food (and will turn her nose up to her honey). Yesterday her poo's were a little soft, but today they are nice and firm. She ate her brekky (but wouldnt have honey), and her poo today was nice and firm and formed. What could cause this? Could it be related to the canine cough (although she hasnt been coughing lately)? She has had this on and off since we got her (approx seven months) but thought after her antibiotics a few weeks ago she was all good - but these frothy vomits still occur occasionally. Her nose is still cold and wet, her gums a nice colour and she doesnt appear sick and wants to walk still... Any advice/opinions please? Thank you!

Poor bugger, give him a hug for us. Must be terribly painful. Sorry I couldnt be more helpful but not much experience with doggy boy bits

That's sad KL. Most dogs strain because they are constipated (or have eaten something they shouldn't have). I guess if you know your dog and it's behaviours, you become familiar with what's normal and what's not and take it from there Yes it was very sad she was a lovely and youngish rescue GSD. Tell me about the constipation I think Sasha has an inbuilt cooked chicken bone detector - no matter where we go, in the most obscure places she will find a cooked chicken bone (which if I dont catch in time results in straining or vomitting - it's a lucky dip). She found one on the island in the middle of the road on the weekend, but quickly spat it out when I found her out - she knows the consequences are not pleasant (from me or her body). Glad that OP's boy is feeling a bit better (they always perk up when amongst the excitement of the vet), but I'd take him back if you are not confident he is better - dont want to leave it if he is uncomfortable for too long.

OH's old dog showed signs of straining - but unfortunately it was due to cancerous tumours impacting and she was PTS.

That is fantastic news - a real breakthrough once it gets up and running. Congrats to you for doing the hard yards to get it so close to up and running - I'm sure many future generations will benefit and thousands of dollars will be saved. also to the vet for investing and showing interest.

Not all bones digest do they? I dont know, but not all of Sasha's do (I saw the proof when she ascoffed cooked chicken bone - ouch). I had an old ACD whose stomach could not properly digest any bones (not sure why it was when i was younger), so after a few years of her eating them and getting upset tummys, she was taken off bones for life.

I've never had a male dog, so cant imagine how you'd go about it, but perhaps surrounding it with cotton wool and then securing it with tape (not tightly of course)? Dunno, but it makes me giggle just thinking of such a contraption - poor doggy would be rolling his eyes!!! I can imagine that it would be eye wateringly sore though. Glad there has been some improvement. Any ideas on what could be wrong with his leg yet?

When Chloe has had chafing (usually from her licking constantly with her allergic reactions and skin allergies) mum uses Savalon. The vet didnt recommend it as it is for humans, but its always helped Chloe for minor irritations. They did give us a cream to use the last time (she forever has skin issues now) but I dont recall the name of it. We have tried a cocktail of meds/creams for Chloe and they usually work - it's just a matter of finding the right and most effective combination for your boy. Hoping he heals up soon - some meds will take a few days to work though. With the last time she had a bad attack the new meds took 2 - 3 days before she looked more comfortable. Mum assumed they werent working but they just needed time.

Personally, I wouldnt think that it would be needed anywhere near that much - unless there is something seriously wrong there. But in saying that Im not a vet... if someone told me that about Chloe, then I would have thought twice about operating on her if she was still going to need shots every month for life. Chloe has had both her legs done, tibial wedge osteotomy on both with meniscus removed - and she has 2 lots of 4 weekly shots a year. It gets her through nicely (and she also has Previcox on hand if she has a bad day or overdoes it too much). Arthritic changes may occur a bit faster than normal with the meniscus removed and theres not much that can stop this. Cartrophen will help, but I fail to see why it would be needed so often due to cruciate surgery? Chloe's surgeon predicted it would be years before Chloe needed any type of full time medication - and so far he's been right. She still has only 2 doses of Cartrophen per year, and has a Previcox maybe once a month or so. So we still have lots of room to up her Cartrophen intake as she gets older and arthritis gets nastier (mind you she has mild elbow dysplasia that no one ever knew about - so arthritic changes in her front legs and also quite a bit of arthritis had already set in before anyone could tell us why Chloe was lame and we took her straight to the specialist). I guess he is a believer of starting off only when needed, so that as things get worse there are still more that can be done (if that makes sense). Perhaps there are other issues? Or perhaps their surgeon has a different approach? I've just not heard of Cartrophen been given that frequently (although I think I did read someone using it that often for hip dysplasia when not opting for surgery). I had also read somewhere (but cant quote I read things about dogs arthritis etc constantly) that mentioned that the effectiveness of Cartrophen may wane with overuse or over time. Of course that is to be expected as arthritis or joint problems would also be getting worse (and its not a cure - arthritis will still come) - but not sure if any studies have been done on this or if this is a fact. If ongoing shots and meds will be needed so early on, maybe he would be a good candidate for the new joint treatment using stem cells? IMHO, and it is just my opinion and the surgeon's recommendations should be followed, but I'd see how he heals up after the surgery before going gung ho on the Cartrophen - try the other natural methods such as strengthening the muscles, getting weight off and supplements. Have one course of Cartrophen for cold winter months, and see how he goes from there. Just out of curiosity, what type of surgery was performed to correct the blown cruciates? Perhaps this may be why the after care is different? ETA - just read that the knee wasnt fully repairable - perhaps this is why?

Poor thing - Chloe has had both her meniscus removed as they were also very damaged, it's not as all scary as it sounds. Get as much weight off him as possible - remember he's not active at all for the next couple of months so doesnt need the same amounts of food and he wont be burning anything off. Sore old legs dont need to be carrying around even an extra kilo. Joint supplements - I like Sasha's Blend personally. Light non impact exercise to strengthen the muscles. And avoidance in future of high impact jumping, running hard games - sad but will help. Especially anything that involves jumping, its hard but they do get used to it. We cut a ball crazy cattle dog off all ball games, took away any balls she owned (all 50000 of them) and replaced with fluffy squeaky toys that she could chew, toss to herself, play tug with (and de-squeak) and learn to love - which she did. She has a few balls now, but she mainly just chews on them, bounces them to herself or we do some little throws that dont require her to jump. I also agree with Cartrophen injections, he should only need them a couple times a year until he gets much older - but best to have them to get him through the cold winter months. Creativity - to come up with games/entertainment that all involves him not moving. There are alot of boring hours ahead to get him through - it will be a test as to who goes insane first :p . Teaching him silly tricks etc will keep his mind off being crated. On the weekends I would take Chloe slowly out to a lovely sunny place in the backyard (whilst on her toilet break and always on lead) and we would just lie and let her sun herself- just to get her somewhere different but still not moving. Most of all, just keep him off his feet as much as possible for the first few weeks (toilet breaks the exception), keep him off slippery surfaces, take away anything he may trip on, slip on, get caught on etc. He's lucky he still has his cast on - it does slow them right down. Chloe's first let came home with no cast, the second leg had a cast when she came home that she chewed off the first night she was home and I was stuck cutting the rest of it off at 4am in the morning with not a decent pair of scissors in the house. Hoping that he recovers well. Inevitably all joint injuries will result in arthritis (sadly) but keeping him light and muscular will help when he's older and it starts to creep in. Cartrophen and joint supplements will see him through many years hopefully before any occasional meds are needed. Best wishes to him and his family!

Oh thats no good - fortunately its been a life saver for Chloe, but yes I have heard that some dogs have no effect from it. Unfortunate, as when it does work it is fabulous - huge difference. Speaking of, Chloe must be due for another round... this cold weather isn't good for her poor old joints

CHloe has been on Cartrophen for many years - no long term side effects and it is one of the best for long term use. I have heard though that it becomes less effective over time - anyone know if it's true? I guess the source of the pain would also be getting gradually worse (ie arthritis etc) which might explain it, but I also heard that regular use over years would lessen the effectiveness? Any thoughts? Chloe only has a course 2 - 3 times a year and it's still working for her - makes a huge difference. It's very common - and no not a steroid.

Aww Daisy is such an adorable looking girl - very special. Glad that you will be getting a specialist opinion - hopefully they will give you the best options for Daisy. Fingers crossed that surgery wont be needed. Thank you for sharing pics, and please keep us updated. Hugs to the lovely Daisy.

Whilst we are waiting to find out the verdict and the name of what could be wrong.... can we see some pics please - just for cuteness value?

Not saying everyone could or should spend 20k on a dog , was just replying to the OP who said people may not understand her paying so much money for a surgery (if needed) on what they consider 'just a dog'. I wasn't presuming that the OP would or should also do it, nor anyone else for that matter, nor was I having a shot at the OP. It was supposed to be ironic.