Kelly_Louise

Thanks guys! She is a dear isn't she - she wasn't really happy in the pics but she wasn't having a well day that day. Well we have her test results back and it is positive she has Cushings :D . Not the best news, but it is what I was fully expecting (although hoping for some sort of miracle). We go in to see the specialist tomorrow to discuss her medication and the next few steps. Powerlegs I can't wait until this uncertainty is a memory... I can't wait for her to be more comfortable and not so upset. I guess I'm worried about the symptoms abating though and her arthritis shining through in all its glory. She takes Previcox, but at the moment that's only for bad days which are very few and far between - oh and Cartrophen as well when needed. I guess the Cushings has lulled us into the falseness that her legs were going so very well. I'm hoping that's still the case, and praying they won't give her too much trouble... It's all so very bitter sweet... her body is naturally masking what really might be hiding waiting to come out, and if we stop the symptoms it makes her more comfy but she will have to contend with any discomfort her legs give her... What a bizzare disease... One step at a time I guess...

Thanks Loraine! Can't wait to get my laptop back so I can look in depth at these sites. I'm sure they will be very helpful. STILL no results yet from the suppression test. We were told either today or on Monday. I'm sort of glad to give Chloe a break from the stress of the vets for a couple days though. She cried and cried when we picked her up last night, didn't stop till we were home for about 20 minutes or so and she got some food in her bald belly But, she's hanging in there... big toughie. Attached are a few pics of my bald belly girl after her ultrasound. She's wearing the pretty new scarf that the Animal Hospital gave her for being such a good girl!

Thanks for the responses guys, it's really comforting. Sorry I couldn't update yesterday, I was like a chook with its head off and didnt have my laptop at home. Loraine, you are right our normal vet indicated it could cause a shorter life span and cost alot more than we were advised yesterday. However, the specialist said once it is controlled there is no reason she should not kick on for many years. He had a laugh at some of the notes written by Chloe's normal vet (and the lack of content) and was really good in calming us down and reassuring us. Powerlegs, thanks for caring and asking about her. That's sweet. If the odd accident is the price to pay for getting her better, she can pee everywhere! I'm glad it's not all so terrifying as what I imagined! She had her ultrasound yesterday, and it showed that she had no abnormalities and that her adrenal glands, kidneys and liver look fine. It was such a relief to hear that, and the vet was very optimistic! She has gone in today for the suppression test, so it will be a big day for her. The vet is absolutely wonderful and took such pains to make sure we understood everything and asked us so many questions about her, and about the things WE notice at home rather than relying on the vets notes solely. Altho I cried to leave her, I now feel so confident she is in great hands. He said that it's possible there may be another cause, but is fairly sure it's Cushings. If so, she will go onto Trilostane to manage it. So I will now be googling all day I can see! Poor bugger was so frantic when I picked her up yesterday. Of course she had no belly hair, but she sat at my feet and cried until it was time to go home. Even when I got up and moved to the other side of the room to have a look at her scans, she stuck to my leg and never moved in case I got away! God love her... So hopefully by this afternoon we will have definitive results and will know the direction we need to take to get her better. I was just so relieved that otherwise the vet was really, really happy with her health, and said that Cushings could possibly explain why she hasn't been able to shift any weight, no matter how hard we have tried (and it's been a loooooong ongoing battle to try and get her weight down). It's always scary when having tests done that something unexpected will turn up, and to know that everything (other than this Cushings problem) is all good is heartening. Hopefully that will help her in her recovery. Good news so far, fingers crossed it continues! She was really flat last night and this morning, and it will be a long day for her today so I can't imagine she will be in top form when she gets home. Lots of cuddles should help that! Thanks for all your personal experiences, it's helped enormously to take away my fear. I will update later on when I hear something. Take care all.

Yes I think having a good trustworthy vet is critical. I have actually moved Chloe, which didn't make her normal vet very happy. I understand they have the diagnostic equipment to be able to do the testing etc, but in my heart I just don't feel good having her there. She always has to see a different vet and we seem to be always starting from scratch and contradicting what the previous vet said. And it's always... wait and see. Well I don't want to wait anymore and I want Chloe to go to someone who is a specialist in this field. I feel very confident that the specialist will be able to help her and I trust them with her life (which is difficult for me to do - for ALL of us to do I suppose!). And at the moment, I feel it's the only thing I can do for her. It is a referral only hospital, and luckily even without one they have agreed to take on her case because she is a prior patient. I do want to ask though... between the diagnosis and getting the meds just right (I am assuming with a bit of trial and error), how traumatic is it for our little ones? Are they in pain or get really sick, or is it just the stress of having tests etc? And another, less relevant one, what is the 'round about' costs of these medications on an ongoing basis to manage the symptoms? Although I am dreading tomorrow, I'm also looking forward to it. Doing SOMETHING for her, makes me feel better. Loraine, I can only wish at this stage that Chloe will also make it to 15yo like your boy did. To me, that would be an absolute miracle... what with her leg ops and now this. It would be a blessing. But even if I can get her through another 3 + years without too much drama, I will be happy that she has had a full and happy life. I'll certainly be aiming for 15 too though!

PS. Im really sorry for being such a sook! I think they will need to shoot me up with some sedation!

Oh that is lovely, you guys are the absolute best. It was my birthday yesterday and I ended it with tears as Chloe had wet her bed a little and was so upset about it, even though we tried to tell her it was okay and give her lots of hugs and cuddles. She has an appt at 9am tomorrow morning for an initial consult with the Specialist then onto all the testing, they may keep her over, not sure... but will certainly keep you all updated. It's quite overwhelming, but so far your support has been very great and I'm feeling much stronger and positive than the initial diagnosis. Loraine, although I know it's probably not, you make it sound easy! Thank you for your uplifting story it's lifted my spirits! I certainly would like to keep in touch and have joined quite a few other Cushings sites and groups to get as much info etc as possible. I think it's key to being able to make the right decisions... whether they be tough ones or not. Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. I'm sure tomorrow will be a different story, especially if I have to leave her there (there will be MANY tears!). Keep fingers crossed for my girl that a miracle will happen! And thanks again!

Oh thank you powerlegs for the info, but also for the positive message. I'm so pleased Button is Cushings free - or getting there! Yes the fighting spirit is amazing isn't it. Chloe went through 2 traumatic and very painful operations on her knees and total change to her lifestyle and routine. But she took it in her stride and her courage astounded me everyday... and still does. I can only pray that Chloe has the same good results as Button. I am taking her to the very best specialists that I know of (the same ones she went to for her knee ops, but obviously in a different speciality field) and at the very least I feel good that she will have the very best care. At this moment, I feel it's all I can do. Most of the time she looks happy, but I know she is not right and it weighs on me like a tonne. My mum especially is very down, so I try to keep the scary stuff away from her and keep her hopes up as well. I hope we can all be brave and get her through the next few scary months. Your stories have given me some hope... thank you so much.

Thanks Dogmad! I actually read something that you had posted previously about this subject. I am glad Dixie is doing well, and whilst it is hopeful it is also very daunting and scary. Don't get me wrong, I'd do anything for my girl. But I worry that she will suffer or that all the tests and meds etc will be too traumatic for her. She gets terribly stressed. Maybe I worry too much. I know until we find out for sure that there is no point torturing myself... but thank you for sharing your story. It does give me hope that an old girl can cope and manage. I read somewhere that if her Cushings is managed it might make her arthritis problems more predominant. It's so stressful. I am afraid I will make a wrong choice somewhere but I guess I can only be guided by the specialist. I am afraid for my girl. I'm afraid I will lose her. And at only 10 I'm not ready to do that yet. She deserves to go out as an old girl who just wears out. I guess they all do though...

Thanks monsterpup, will certainly check them out.

Well after 2 TWO operations and $10k later, Chloe has come on in leaps and bounds. However, she was struck down with an allergic reaction a couple months ago... since coming off meds (more than 1 month ago) she started drinking and peeing way more than normal. She seems a bit distracted and lazy, is constantly ravenous, and the rash she had on her belly from the allergic reaction never really healed and has turned her skin a little blackish. After lots of research, she shows a few of the Cushings symptoms but I wouldnt say severe... and initial urine analysis shows 99.9% sure. She will go for further tests to know whats causing it next week. It's so upsetting, she is 10 years old soon and has been through alot with her knee ops but has been generally healthy till now. I don't want her to suffer in any way and I hate the thought of her going through all the trauma again. I guess I just wanted to see if anyone has any good hope stories about Cushings? Or any advice please? Its just heartbreaking to know my girl is sick again... Thank you.

Hi Bilby, Long time no hear. Really sorry to hear about Gem - I hope the lovely dear is resting in peace and shaking her head at the antics of your boys right now. There are really no words to console someone when the worst happens, esp when it is so unexpected. But Bess seems to be filling the void and I'm glad she's brought a smile back to your face... and why wouldn't she, she's adorable. Got that awwwwwww, puppy look right now hheheeh. Thanks for the pics, just made my day. Great to hear that Bouf is coming along so well, I was just saying to Ant that it's like none of this bad stuff ever happened!!! Long forgotten memories, well not really... ChloBo is doing well. Gets a bit stiff sometimes with the cold nights, but if you saw the bugger you'd never know. Goes for 2 or more walks a day, visits the old people up the streets with their dogs... big change from the dog who hid in her bed afraid to go for walks cause her poor old legs hurt. It might have cost the earth, but geez it was worth it. Seeing them well and happy, well it really is priceless hey? I agree with Ant, I think Bess is a lab too.... I love the pic with her and the giant teddy... she is gorgeous and can't wait to see her towel up those boys one day!!! Nice to see they all get along as best as possible and she has been accepted into the family. Thanks for the update, must have more of these get togethers!! Love and hugs to all, Kel and ChloBO

Hello! Sorry Ant, only just saw your message! Yes it's been really hectic, especially at work... can't get on much anymore :D Chloe is well. She gets a bit slow sometimes and her bones are creaky, but she's a happy girl. I have started her on Joint Guard as well, hopefully it will help. Cant stop old age I guess... but for an almost 9yo that's had 2 ops she's going well. She's been chasing some balls and going for long walks and although we don't let her overdo it anymore, she's happy and moves about with pretty good ease considering. She can still bound up the stairs a hundred times a day!!! Doesn't have anymore bling at the moment, but she has another couple of pressies on the way. I've bought her an elevated feeder cause apparently it's better for dogs with arthritis. I also bought her a new toothbrush and we now brush the teeth every day (sometiems under sufferance). She hasn't quite got the knack of opening the mouth for brushing, so we start with doing it with clenched jaw!!! Hehehehehe. Glad to hear that Mallee Moo is doing well also. I'm sure the surgeon will be really pleased with her progress. She's come a long way. Does she ever show any signs of pain or anything? I remember that she was suffering from early arthritis due to her injuries.... Arthritis is the big worry for me now. Probably too early for you guys, but it weighs on me heavily. But as long as she's happy I guess that's all we can ask for!!!! Mallee seems to have stayed out of the wars of late as well... touch wood it stays that way!!! Maybe her gangly puppy accident prone stage is over!!! Give the lovely Mallee a big hug and smoochy kiss for me.... love to see more pics too!!! Lotsa love to Aunty Antoinette, Kel and ChloBo

Best of luck to Sophie in her recovery. My best advice to you is to be fully prepared. Have her small area ready for her and avoid any slippery surfaces and stairs, or objects that she may trip on, get caught on, or cause an accident. And of course, something to keep her entertained while she is confined!!! It's such a stressful time, so it's best to be ready!!! Chloe's cruciate ops cost approx $3 - 4k each (both legs) so don't feel too bad!!! It's the best money I ever spent!!! And yes I also cried when I had to leave Chloe... I would miss her just leaving her there for the day for follow up xrays... Damn dogs!!! But the results were worth all the heartache and stress... Lots of healing thoughts going Sophie's way... especially from Chloe who sympathises!!!

Oh my goodness I'm so very very sorry. That's terrible news. But I'm sure you made the absolute best decision for poor old Pepper, and I'm sure she thanks you for being so kind and caring and loving her right till the end. Sad, but brave. Take comfort knowing she is running free, no aches and pains anymore. You did the best you could and I'm sure Pepper had a wonderful life, which you will keep in your heart forever. Rest in peace and comfort lovely Pepper. My thoughts are with you and your family at this heart wrenching time.

Hi scratchcat, Stop feeling bad immediately!!! You sound like you are doing a great job. The thing is, even if you had started Sasha's Blend or the like earlier, arthritis would still be creeping up. It just can't stop the devastating effects of arthritis... maybe slow it down a bit, but it won't miraculously reverse the effects. My dogs specialist surgeon is sceptical that the limited difference it can make is actually worth the trouble, but thinks if it makes the owners feel better (like they are doing the right thing) then to go ahead. So please, don't feel bad, sounds like your girl has done well to get this far even. Before my girl was diagnosed with blown cruciates, we had her on Cartrophen injections. You should REALLY look into these. They are quite inexpensive and honestly, were an absolute Godsend for my girl. I have heard of a few people that have seen no change, but the ones that have seen dramatic changes far outweigh so it's definitely worth a try. It took my girl from also being coaxed off the bed, to running down the stairs. It's miracle stuff and depending on how bad your girl is, can be given more often or less to keep her constantly comfortable. I swear by it, and I(touch wood) my girl gets worse in her older age she will be straight to the vet for her hit of Cartrophen. Also for the really bad days, Chloe has Previcox tablets. I find these have much lower side effects than Rimadyl etc. They work great and don't bother Chloe much at all. She is also on Sasha's Blend and so far she is doing great. Please give Cartrophen a try, it could be really beneficial for your girl, and if not, then it is not too expensive anyway. Give your girl a hug from me and Chloe... poor thing, I know how you feel. Just coming here shows how much you care so I'm sure you are doing everything in your power. :D

Hmmmm, maybe I will give Ruddocks Soothe shampoo a try! Also may add zinc into her diet... not sure how it works, but I'll give anything a try, I'm so tired of scratching my itchy dog!!! :p I also suspect it's a grass type thing. Chloe doesn't have any rashes, or visible skin irritations or bald patches... nothing at all to show that there is a problem other than the constant scratching and wanting to be scratched.

My red cattle dog also scratches like a maniac in the summer months only. Happens every year like clockwork. She does not have any allergies (that we know of) and has no problems any other time. It is a little better after washing her with Aloveen, but she still has her standard itchy spots and will come to you, not for a pat or cuddle, but a scratch!! My fiance's GSD, also is so very very itchy at this time of year and is always scratching... Does anyone know of an herbal remedy that could help? I would rather my girl not be on medication as she has had quite a cocktail over the last few years (painkillers) and I would prefer something natural to ease her itchies. Thank goodness for this itchy thread!!! I thought my girl was going insane, but it seems others are suffering just as much (poor buggers).

Kate I'm so very, very sorry. I am sitting here at work bawling over a dog I never knew, but whose brave soul coupled with your devoted love to her touched my heart. Kiah will live on forever in a special place in your heart. She will never be forgotten or unloved. She is at peace now and forever. She sounds like she lived a blessed and happy life with your family. Try not to be sad, she lived well and passed before she suffered too much, it was just her time. And she gave you the greatest gift of taking that awful decision regarding her treatment away from you... maybe to pay you back for all the love you have shown her since saving her from the RSPCA. Her fate could have been very different, and I'm sure she has also blessed your family with many great gifts and memories over her many years with you. And when you feel ready, I'm sure Kiah would love you to save another poor furry soul to love and cherish... RIP beautiful old Kiah. Hugs to you and your family Kate. Best wishes, Kelly and Chloe

I'm absolutely sure Kiah is everything you've described and more. There is both some hopes and worries in the news so far, so please, try not to be too upset until you find something more definite. I too, cry nearly every time I have to leave my girl at the vets for any reason. Her major leg ops were the worst and I cried constantly. We all love our furry ones, and I'm sure Kiah, even though she's not feeling well, is very grateful for all the love and care she is being shown. She sounds like a really brave girl, and I'm sure that she will be a fighter, no matter what the verdict!! Please keep us updated, we will all be waiting anxiously... Best wishes and all fingers, toes, paws, legs etc will be crossed for a good outcome. Lots of love and healing hugs to Kiah (and you too!)

I believe it may have something to do with the RSPCA's support of BSL? But I had to go into the kennels at the RSPCA the other day, and it broke my heart... and I thank goodness for the people there that care for the poor doggies (and cats). If I needed pet insurance, I'd have no problems going with the RSPCA.

No problems ... here are some links to reflective collars that don't require batteries (and some that do - the LED flashing ones): http://www.topdogs.com.au/products/animals/collars/dogs.php http://www.ozpetshop.com.au/product_info.php/products_id/219 http://www.windchill.com.au/collars.htm Maybe you could also sew on some of those little cat bells (or the ones from bird toys) to make the sounds as well Bilby? The Top Dogs ones are STYLISH!!! OH that site is addictive Antoinette... I couldn't leave without getting Chloe something... I'm still eyeing off the African print ones... I think it would go with Chloe's 'complexion' lovely!!! Hehehehehe... Spoilt bionic dogs....

Okay, here it is... yes it's a leather collar and they come in lots of different colours and prints (I love the African print!!!) - Chloe's is patent leather red (very deep and rich red). Very soft leather with a soft material backing. http://www.hugodesignerdogwear.com/ These guys were great and I got the collar pretty much the next day (or the day after can't remember). And it wasn't OVERLY expensive. If you just like gemstones etc, www.topdogs.com.au have some very pretty ones too... but I wanted a customised one so went with Hugo's. She also has a diamonte heart hanging off the front... Bilby there are lots of reflective go in the dard collars now that will help you out with Axle... I think Top Dogs has one. But i have seen a couple on various websites. Otherwise all I can think of is little bells like you put on cat collars? But let me think a bit on it...

Ahahahahaha Bilby, you're becoming a big CL softie like us!!! It's all part of the process!!! Unfortunately there is no cure... Well you might not have Chrissy pics, but some new ones of the suave Bouf would be nice - big sooko he is!!! Ant, believe me Dad does not walk Chloe in her new collar unless absolutely necessary. I even tried to make it not so girly so he wouldn't mind... but he is worried someone would roll him in the park for it!!! But it is special, and when she's with me, she's the diamonte princess!!! You can have it done in plain silver letters as well if diamonte's are too girly (or you can have different words other than their names!!)... there are heaps of different styles so if you change your mind I will let you know where I got it from (over the internet)!!! Have a good day all!!!

Yep certainly worth the wait!!! I have to say I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the last pic of her running from the surf... To see her such a happy girl enjoying life so much is all captured in that pic!!! The 'not happy jan' pic is also a goodie She looks as happy as Chloe was to have the Christmas bells on her feet!!! Thanks for the pics, glad you had such a nice time and it's great to see Mallee Moo having some fun!!!

That's terrible news. I'm really sorry to hear it, but keep your chin up. She is still with you, and it's not 100% yet. Sending lots of get well hugs to Kiah...