Diesel Has Cushings And Seizures

[DieselWeisel]

Hi Loraine and Kelly Louise,

Thanks for all your information, it's arming me with as much knowledge as possible so we can work out the best option for Diesey.

Picked Diesel up a few hours ago, and he was sooo much brighter (he hasn't had any anti-seizure meds or anything else) the only thing is, he has been off trilostane for two days now, so he is staying off that for now. He was very boisterious, saying hello to everyone in the waiting room Haven't seem him like that since Saturday (started trilostane sat morn and fastly detoriated to wednesday where he coudn't even get himself up)

The vets are waiting for a human surgeon to view the MRI, there is potential that a human surgeon might operate on him. There is also the possibility of flying him overseas to surgeons that do this operation frequently (or maybe flying them out here?). The other option is chemotherapy. They haven't really gone into depth about any possible treatment, as they want to wait to get the full report and on Monday three vets and the human surgeons are meeting to discuss, and I can call at midday. I need to know everything about all my options before deciding, obviously I want to it to be the least invasive and humane option, and I need to way up all the risks as well. More waiting..

[Kelly_Louise]

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

[puggy_puggy]

How has Diesel been?

The vets are waiting for a human surgeon to view the MRI, there is potential that a human surgeon might operate on him.

There's a small animals neurosurgeon in Melbourne. I think he might travel to Sydney sometimes as well.

[DieselWeisel]

Just got off the phone to the vet, finally got some answers, none of them good.

He has a very large pituitary tumor.

Surgery has never been done in Aust, they do brain surgery to remove tumours all the time, and apparently it is very straight forward. But where his tumor is, they don't operate as it is such high risk. They are willing to try the surgery (about $5k) but there are HUGE risks, as noone of the surgeons will have done it before.

They have said we can try him on some valium at night, as it is only when he is in a deep sleep that he has the seizures (just his head shakes side to side)

But eventually the tumor will kill him, she told me most dogs are euthenized within a few months of being diagnosed

I feel so helpless, apparently he shouldn't be in any pain, I can't believe how fast this has all happened, I just feel so so sad.

Apart from the head shaking, you would hardly even know there is anything wrong sometimes, it seems ridiculous they should even say he should be put down, I just wish there were more options

[Wazzat Xolo]

DieselWeisel

I know that the decision made by you will be the right one and you (and only you) know in your heart what that is, I wish you strength and send lots of hugs your way to you both.

J

Just got off the phone to the vet, finally got some answers, none of them good.

He has a very large pituitary tumor.

Surgery has never been done in Aust, they do brain surgery to remove tumours all the time, and apparently it is very straight forward. But where his tumor is, they don't operate as it is such high risk. They are willing to try the surgery (about $5k) but there are HUGE risks, as noone of the surgeons will have done it before.

They have said we can try him on some valium at night, as it is only when he is in a deep sleep that he has the seizures (just his head shakes side to side)

But eventually the tumor will kill him, she told me most dogs are euthenized within a few months of being diagnosed

I feel so helpless, apparently he shouldn't be in any pain, I can't believe how fast this has all happened, I just feel so so sad.

Apart from the head shaking, you would hardly even know there is anything wrong sometimes, it seems ridiculous they should even say he should be put down, I just wish there were more options

[DieselWeisel]

Thanks J,

Problem is I really don't know what the right decision is. I certainly don't think he is anywhere near being euthanised, he still gives me the most loving looks, he gets soooo much attention out and about, he really is one in a million.

The surgery really frightens me, my fiancee wants to try, arghhh it's just so awful. I really don't know what the best thing is to do. I am going to see my original vet (he diagnosed the cushings, but referred me to a specialist to get MRI) tomorrow, he is more empathetic, I want to talk through everything with him. I look at Diesel and think there is so much life in there still, and will keep trying to find some help. I would really love to speak to someone who has a dog that has had the successful surgery, to see what their quality of life was like afterwards, are there international forums that anyone knows of? Or has anyone had a dog with a pituiatary tumor? I would love to hear from you

[Erny]

DW - I know there is a "Cushings (dog)" support website somewhere. I went there when I thought my avatar girl (now waiting for me at the rainbow bridge, bless her cotton socks) might have had Cushings. Unfortunately she didn't - in her case it was an adrenal tumour unrelated to Cushings or Addisons disease and although surgery (very risky) was scheduled, further complications meant there was nothing I could do for her other than lots of love, palitive care and after a few months, granting her wings to freedom. I had no choice of treatment.

Unfortunately, I can't give you the link to the website - that was stored in my other computer which subsequently died, so I've lost those contacts. I'm not sure if it was Dogbesotted, Poodlefan or Staffyluv that might have provided me the link, but perhaps worth contacting them to check. It is to a USA site, but if you can find it you might have many of your questions answered. You'll at least be able to share with people who have gone/going through what you are going through.

It is really tough, I know. But I wish for you both lots of strength and joyous times in the time you have, along with success in your elected treatment.

Edited May 11, 2009 by Erny

[puggy_puggy]

I would be weighing up how much longer the surgery would give him.

If the surgery would only extend his life by an extra few months more then if he had chemo or just was given pallative care drugs like the valium and prednisalone then I probably wouldn't do the surgery. But that is me.

If the surgery could cure him and extend his life by years then I may have a rethink.

If you do choose the pallative care option your boy will tell you when it's time to go.

[Kelly_Louise]

If the surgery could cure him and extend his life by years then I may have a rethink.

If you do choose the pallative care option your boy will tell you when it's time to go.

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.

[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.

[CavsRcute]

If you are up to another opinion, maybe try Max Zuber at Gladesville Vet Hospital as i have heard that he is very knowledgeable about all things neurological.

Good luck

[ninahartland]

Ohh,I am so sorry to hear this DW

My thoughts are with you and I'm sure you'll do the right thing for Deisel, you sound like a wonderful mum.

Hugs and healing thoughts to you

[Loraine]

Dw this has got to be a rotten shock for you and your OH. Maybe drop a PM to Charles Kuntz who is a member here and is a vet with heaps of knowledge. He is aware of the brain surgeries that have been done in the US.

[DieselWeisel]

Diesel and I send a big thank you to everyone for your support and information, it really is such a help, thank you

I finally have some good news! Searching through the forums last night, I found 'a members' (I'm not sure if they are happy for me to name them publicly, so won't just incase? maybe they will get on here?) reply to another cushings thread and I emailed him and he called me last night. He suggested radiation, and referred me to a vet in Brisbane, that has the latest technology radiation machine.

This morning I rang the vet in Brisbane and arranged for them to get all the results, and she said he is a candidate for radiation therapy. The tumor is quite large, she said it was too big to operate, so I'm very glad that I researched other options.

While there are some risks, there is 80-85% chance that the tumor will shrink, and case dependant he could have 3 + years with us, she said if we don't treat he will decline VERY quickly, I wanted to take him up now, but she said wait till Monday.

So radiation therapy starts on Monday, He will have 18 sessions over 3 and a half weeks, he will stay up there for that whole time. I can go up weekends and take him out, as they only do the treatment mon-fri. I hate the thought of him staying in a kennel for that amount of time, but I think the possibilities far out way this.

So keep the good wishes coming for my little man, just need him to hold in there, treatment is coming!

[Kelly_Louise]

Oh DW, that is really promising news. I'm absolutely thrilled that you have a good option and that this vet thinks you can add some good quality time to his life. It does seem like a big thing for him to go through, but we will have all fingers, toes and paws crossed that it will be VERY worth it. And after all is said and done, it deserves a shot.

Will there be side effects etc? I dont know much about this treatment so hopefully it wont affect him too much.

Im so glad that you have some direction and hope for Diesel. I will be anxiously awaiting news of his treatment and the hopefully successful results.

Keep us in the loop - who knows Diesel may be the Cushing poster boy alongside my girl

Lots of love to you all at this time and best of luck!!!

[DieselWeisel]

Thanks KL, will keep you updated, just keen to get him to Brisbane and start the treatment. I have joined the email list you told me about, I have posted his story, but I think most people are on the other side of the world so won't hear from them till tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing what side effects/quality of life etc other dogs have had from radiation so I know what to expect, as most vets don't seem to know much about managing/treating macro pituitary tumors.

If anybody know of any pet friendly accomodation near Albany Creek QLD, or anywhere near Brisbane, please let me know.

Thanks x

[Erny]

DW - it is fantastic news that you have found this option . And IMO you are making an enormous effort for your boy. Both he and you deserve every bit of good luck that can befall you both, and my wishes for this are with you. I will keep my fingers crossed that this treatment will buy this extra time. Keep your chin up and try not to worry too much. You're doing everything you can .

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

My dear little Dixie was diagnosed in 2004 with Cushings and she had a pituitary tumour. She also had little turns. She lasted in reasonable health until July last year when she started having hallucinations and was very distressed. She was about 16 and had only been running round the oval a couple of days before, it was quite a shock.

She was a wonderful little dog but it was hell getting the diagnosis and very expensive and lengthy. She was on Lysodren over the 4 years with regular blood tests. She lived longer than anticipated but if I had my time over, I would not put another old dog through what she went through.

I had just gotten some new tablets before she died. If you would like them, please send me your details and I'll happily post them to you.

I wish you good luck with the treatment, I'm sure that things are more advanced now that a few years have gone by.

[Wazzat Xolo]

Thanks KL, will keep you updated, just keen to get him to Brisbane and start the treatment. I have joined the email list you told me about, I have posted his story, but I think most people are on the other side of the world so won't hear from them till tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing what side effects/quality of life etc other dogs have had from radiation so I know what to expect, as most vets don't seem to know much about managing/treating macro pituitary tumors.

If anybody know of any pet friendly accomodation near Albany Creek QLD, or anywhere near Brisbane, please let me know.

Thanks x

Dieselweisal

I wish you and the man all the very best, one small thing, when my dog was very sick, I kept a diary with EVERYTHING in it. It later went to help me and many others who could benefit from the feelings, meds, trialls and experiences we both went through, may be an idea.

J xoxhugs and good wishes xox

[yellowgirl]

I'm just seeing this thread now ... DW what a terrible time for you! I am so very sorry that Diesel is so sick ;)

Your Diesel boy is soooo lucky to have a mama like you! He is obviously very much loved.

I wish you all the best for his treatment and will be checking back to see how he is going. I have all my fingers and toes crossed for you and Diesel!

I know you will miss him so very much while he is in treatment, try not to stress and worry too much (easier said than done though!), he will be back home in your loving arms in no time.

Sending lots of love and healing vibes to your darling Diesel. And calming hugs for you too.

Jo

xxx