Kelly_Louise

Seems RC is very popular. Sasha has had trouble keeping/gaining weight, but I'd still like to keep her lean - last thing I need is another dog with joint problems. It's nice to hear what others do though, at least it keeps me headed in the right direction with having a big dog.

Thank you for the advice! I actually went out at Lunch and after much debate decided to try Eukanuba. I did want to try Royal Canin but they didn't have the one I needed in stock. There are so many to choose from. I think I will supplement with some raw meat and vegies. Hopefully will tempt her to eat and gain some weight. I've always been a fan of Eagle Pack, and if Euky fails I think I will try that next. I find it is also good for fussy eaters. Ok, get ready for an AWWWWW moment... here is my soon to be fur kid - Sasha.

Hi guys! I am picking up my new rescue girl tomorrow, a 1 - 2yo Mastiff cross. She is apparently not good with food and eating, and is currently on a raw/dry diet. Having only owned cattle dogs, I understand the diet requirements for a larger/giant breed are much different. What would be the best diet for me to try, and the best brand kibble to cater for larger breeds? I have looked at Royal Canin and Eagle Pack, and I know the super premiums will all have good results... but some recommendations on actual best results for big dogs, and fussy eaters would be really helpful please? I'm really excited, can't wait... I know this topic has been done to death, but I just want the best for my new girl and not being very experienced with larger breeds just looking for some advice to ensure she stays healthy and her joints and bones stay as healthy as possible. Thank you!

Wow K9, what a terribly sad story. Your ordeal sounds horrific and I can't imagine the pain you went through watching Minnie and trying to get her better. We have been very lucky that Chloe has not been through even a quarter of what Minnie seems to have gone through. When I read your story, I feel glad that the worst I have to worry about is hair loss. Puts it greatly into perspective. Chloe is also on Trilostane and is managing quite well. But I do agree, it is a very expensive process. Luckily Chloe's Trilostane prescription is $250 for 50 days supply... so nowhere near the costs you were outlaying. I'm hoping in the future that she will drop down to 1 tablet a day, but at the moment she is doing very well on 2 per day. Chloe is also on Cartophen (however usually only 2 courses a year) and Sasha's Blend, and she has Previcox for really bad days that thankfully aren't all that common. She is lucky to have one a week. Her arthritis has played up a bit more recently, but nothing too dramatic. We were also warned about the possibility of the pituitary tumour growing and affecting Chloe neurologically, but we are hoping that we will be lucky and she will be one of those that never seem to be affected due to slow growth and will pass of old age many, many years from now. Thanks for your story k9. Although very scary it also shows me that we have been very lucky in some ways... even with this terrible disease.

Thank you very much schnauzer. Chloe doesn't seem to be too worried about her hair loss, I bought her lots of new blankets (even though she has enough to start a shop), but will definitely look into DoggieJama!! Thanks for the thought. I have never actually seen Chloe with so little hair, usually she has so much it's ridiculous and I wonder where on earth it all comes from. She looks very skinny and spindly now (which has also never happened!!). The specialist called back and told us that if she has any problems growing her hair back that she might need to be checked for other issues (eg thyroid). So I'm hoping that this episode was just alot of the dead hair coming out and it will start to regrow again... I think it's more the LOOK of her that's shocking (especially the part we had to cut), but she seems fine otherwise. Luckily we love her no matter how bizarre she looks (and boy hasn't she gone through some of those phases lately ) Thanks again schnauzer, appreciate your thoughts.

Hi all, Just a quick question for those that have been through the experience of Cushings... did it or any of the medications cause any of your puppies to lose their winter coats? Chloe has been on Trilostane for a couple of months now, results all seem to be perfect, however she has been losing a bit of hair and it's making her itchy. So we gave her a bath, and nearly ALL of her winter coat has come out. Because there was so much fine soft hair coming out at once, it actually matted her fur (which has NEVER happened before in all her 10 years) and it was so bad we had to cut the matted fur and she is nearly bald around her neck. Poor thing will be so cold in winter with no winter coat, a shaved belly which hasn't grown back yet, and now hardly any fur around her neck... I feel so terrible for her. I am waiting for the specialist to call me back, however just wanting to know if anyone has had a similar experience, or what I can do to help save Chloe's coat? Just when we thought the worst was over... :rolleyes: Thank you!

Here's hoping Occy makes a full recovery. I understand exactly how hard it is to keep their weight off when everyone feels sorry for them and wants to give them a 'treat' for being so brave. Just gotta be tough!! Just out of curiosity, which cruciate surgery did Occy have? I have heard of some new techniques and wondered if anyone had tried them. We were asked to try a new surgery on Chloe but at her age I thought it would be traumatic enough without being a 'test subject'... I couldn't take the risk with her.

I would also try a course of Cartrophen injections. They can work absolute wonders, and have for my girl. They are quite cheap and usually a course of one a week for four weeks is needed. At the moment we are giving Chloe hers maybe once or twice a year, but more so in the colder months to get her old bones through the cold. It can really help the oldies when they are stiff and sore, or for any joint problems etc.

$248 for a prescription of Trilostane, which lasts 50 days. But that is from a big pharmacy, not from the vet direct as they know they can not complete with that price. Chloe will be on them for life, and the cost is a killer.... but she needs to have it. I pleaded for a discount as legally Chloe belongs to my 90 year old Granny and my parents care for my Gran... to no avail. I understand it's an expensive drug, and we are luckier than most.... but how are people in an even tougher situation able to help their dogs? I feel bad for them...

I've been using Sasha's Blend for years with Chloe and it does seem to help. It's a bit smelly, but nothing too bad and she loves it - has never turned her nose up to anything that's coated in Sasha's. I also use Joint Guard when we are out of Sasha's Blend, and it's really much of a muchness, but I just prefer Sasha's and I think she just seems to like it and do marginally better on it.

Oh I'm terribly sorry for the loss of Wiggs... it must have been devastating to have to make that decision and bless the lovely little guy for taking it out of your hands. I too, hope that little Wiggs is back bouncing around at rainbow bridge, happy and free. RIP Wiggs

Woody, in my opinion I would go for a ramp for any type of leg issues. I guess for a blind dog they would be better too, as long as they are supervised and can't fall off the side. If you can encourage a dog to use them, I find them fantastic.

Love My Pet (www.lovemypet.com.au) sell the PetStep ramps (half and full size). I bought one myself and it's great, however Chloe won't go near it but enjoys watching me using it!! I think it's great though and will come in handy if I can ever get her to use it!!

If the onset is pretty quick perhaps she has blown a cruciate ligament or similar? Although it has gotten pretty cold lately, and if it is arthritis catching up I can fully recommend Cartrophen injections (they work wonders for my old girl) and glucosamine supplements can never hurt. I use Sasha's Blend, and sometimes Joint Guard. I fully appreciate how heart breaking it is to see them struggle. I went through the same thing when Chloe blew her cruciate ligaments and it was certainly heart wrenching to have to help her up and down when she could barely move. A couple of ops later, and the Cartrophen and joint supplements for arthritis has worked a treat and she bounds like a puppy. Hope you are as fortunate!

Yes it certainly could be Cushings. My girl seemed healthy in all other ways other than her excessive drinking and urination... We also had trouble keeping weight off her, or getting her to lose weight and she did have a slight pot belly. She was slightly more lazy than usual, but nothing really noticeable. Excessive drinking could be a sign of quite a few dangerous illnesses so I would send him off for some tests!

ACD's are as tough and hardy as they come, so Chewy will be fine. I agree as long as the wind doesn't blow directly in on him, he can snuggle into the blankets he has and keep warm. Chloe has many beds both inside and out, but many times would rather sit on the wet towels put down at the door way to stop the rain blowing in than in a nice soft warm bed. Go figure...

Ohhh aren't they just the most delightful little girls? Too cute! :rolleyes:

I found that Cartrophen has worked really well for my girl. She has been on it for a number of years now (usually 4 courses once a year) and it has seen her through the bad times before her leg operations and has taken the edge off since her ops. She does have arthritis and suspected mild elbow dysplasia (from a pup); and Cartrophen (plus Sasha's Blend everyday in her food) has been a great combination for her. She has also tried Joint Guard in her food as well with similar great results as Sasha's.

I agree whole heartedly. I think the after care is very important. Many people laughed and said I was overly anal about Chloe in her recovery, but I followed the specialists instructions to the tee (as I was given advice to do from this forum) as best I could, and the results show themselves today. That's why it certainly wasn't an easy job, and no matter how well the dog appears to be, gotta stick to your guns and follow instructions provided. I also preferred my vet to be on the cautious side, as I certainly didn't want any type of accident or relapse for my old girl. I also think a quality job on the surgery is very important (as is having the right type of surgery to match the dog/injury). That is where a good vet and/or specialist plays a part - and again if you don't have 100% faith in your vet it's time to look elsewhere.

My cattle dog blew both her cruciates, and yes was a bit overweight (which we know can attribute to the Cushings disease :D ). Churchie, I can honestly say that having surgery was the best thing I ever did - not sure about your case, but with mine it really was. Chloe had a tibial wedge osteotomy. It was expensive $3000+ per leg plus oncosts, the recovery mentally and physically exhausting, frustrating, and painful to have to see her restrained... but if I had to do it again, I wouldn't change a thing. And you know, I worried she wouldn't cope (being 8 + at the time) with the changes etc, but they really do adapt - they may not like it but they accept. And now Chloe, at 10, is like a young dog again. The results were utterly amazing and we very rarely need to worry about her legs at all. No one would ever guess there was ever anything wrong. But I won't lie, it was tough. She had her first leg operated on in December 05 and the recovery was long and draining. Luckily I had my family at home with her all the time - but she had someone with her nearly 24/7. She got the all clear around April/May 06 and in May/June 06 she had her second leg done. She got the all clear there in about September/October. It was tough because Chloe used her leg straight away so it was hard to keep her from moving around too much. There were tears, arguments, wondering whether I had done the right thing.... but looking back, it was SO worth it for Chloe. We tried some alternative methods (meds etc) before her surgery, but progressively she just got worse and worse till she could barely move (especially if she had been too active previously). Not having dealt with blown cruciates before, we really didn't know what our options were. Luckily a surgeon at our normal vet referred us to a specialist vet who gave us options and performed the surgery, and Chloe hasn't looked back since. I guess it depends on your circumstances and severity of injury, but I just wanted you to know that we are one of the cases that had surgery, and although tough... was really worth all the sweat and $$. Best of luck for you and your girl. I hope that things turn out well whatever option you are best advised to take. Best advice, find a vet you trust 100% to do a perfect job... makes it all so much easier!!

Wow that's so lovely to say Loraine, you guys have been so supportive. You have no idea how much easier it has made things for me. Yes you are right, the specialist did advise that her skin discolouration and weight issues could take quite a bit of time to mend. So we will work on it and see how we go. She does appear to look a bit slimmer, but weight wise in numbers it's not quite showing yet. I think back to all the fuss we went through over many years trying to find a diet food that would work, and always being constantly confused about her not being able to lose weight and keep it off, and having normal vets be very frustrated with us... and here was this evil Cushings undermining our work the whole time!! But oh if you guys could see her. She's happy, and I mean happy like a puppy again. She bounces. She is doing so well and I couldn't be prouder of her. Even my mum, who has been frantic with worry about her, has finally calmed down and is really happy that Chloe is appearing so well... and if you knew my mum that's no small feat!! Will certainly keep you updated, and hopefully this little adventure of ours will be able to help someone else along the way... We will have a good story to tell!!

Powerlegs, that's great news for Button! Chloe's also itchy at the moment with all the bits and pieces of hair that's gone missing. Funnily she had no coat changes, it's just lots of shaved parts from all the variety of tests she's had done!! Button sounds like a very blessed little girl and hears hoping all the news from here on in is all good or hopeful. Yes to get her to the ripe old age of 14 and for her to still to be marching on with the health problems she has had is one of lifes little miracles. I think the reason I don't sound as worried anymore is due to the fact that she is just doing so well. I really couldn't be more pleased. I was expecting the worst (just in case), but she gets better and better everyday (although seeing that it was caught fairly early I guess we never saw the disease at it's worst and never hope to). But she is just so damn happy, she is RUSHING for her walks and is walking more than ever (which is just double fantastic with her leg problems as well). It's such a relief to not have to see her suffer and go through the REALLY tough times that I know other dogs have. Of course it's only early days, but it's just gone so well so far and I hope for my girls sake it will continue. Go Button! Go Chloe!

Aww thanks Powerlegs, and Loraine for being so sweet! My girl and I are very lucky to have made so many nice friends on our visits here. We got the test results back on Friday night and the specialist said he was genuinely very pleased with how she was doing on treatment and her responses. He said she is still producing marginally more than he would like, but nothing too bad and he is leaving her on the same dosage for another month, then have her retested. I'm hoping they will drop the dosage some time soon.... just bought another 100 tablets for $240 (50 days worth)... ouch! I have to say, she really does seem to be going well. Fingers crossed it's a good sign for the future. I have noticed she is fractionally more limpy sometimes, but nothing too dramatic. Hopefully it will help when we can get some weight off her (which hasn't happened yet) . So now we continue on until next month and then do it all over again. Luckily the tests aren't too traumatic for Chloe and she is handling it as best she can... although she will always be a bullet out the door of the vets!! Thanks for your support guys, means alot! Attached is a pic of me and my little sweetheart, feeling a bit better with her big smile.

Just a bit more to add... just picked her up from her test. The specialist said he is very pleased with how she is going so far, no results of course, but just her general appearance and initial reaction to her medication. She has endeared herself there and has won a few hearts apparently... Yep, best thing I did was take her there!

Hi! Thanks for checking back Loraine! Well Chloe started her Trilostane on Tuesday night, and has been going really well. Not sure if it's working correctly yet, but she has had no adverse affects and seems to be a bit brighter. I think her appetite and water drinking etc has decreased but only very slightly. But she's doing well so far and seems to be a bit happier as well. So far so good. She went back today for her first test to see if the dosage is correct and if it's having the desired affect yet. We will probably get results early next week, fingers crossed that she can continue on with the same dosage. She is hating all the trips back to that dreaded place that "broke" her legs and rodded them back together, stick needles in her every which way, but I have to tell you... she is such a brave little thing. She is petrified as soon as she gets in those doors (pure terror and confusion in her eyes) but she is such a good girl and does everything she is told with no fuss at all. And that's a miracle for a head strong cattle dog. God love her, but she is a little cutie. I'm surprised she even gets in the car anymore, but she does everything asked and does her best to be brave. Everyone there adores her, which makes me happy! I spoke to the specialist about her arthritis and he said she is fine to stay on her current meds and they will not conflict. He said that although she will feel it a bit more, that the cortisol is not really overly effective in blocking arthritis pain so it won't be as bad as what we imagine (I'm not sure if thats true but I hope it is!). Her levels at the moment are 5 times what he wants them to be at, and I figure that a whole lotta pain blocker to take away!! Anyway, thanks for caring about my little girl. I will certainly give another update when we get results, but so far things are going really, really well.