Binky--9 yr. old Mini Schnauzer with atypical Cushing's

[Binkysmom]

Hi everyone,

Skipper (a.k.a. Binky, Binky Boo, Binks, Belly Girl, etc.), my 9 year-old mini Schnauzer, was recently diagnosed with atypical Cushing’s. Two years ago she was diagnosed with melanoma and underwent surgery and radiation treatments to eradicate the cancer and vaccinations to prevent it from metastasizing. (The photo attached is from just after she had her surgery.) I thought she was doing great when I took her to the vet for a rabies booster when, to my surprise, it turned out that she had a UTI and her blood pressure was high. As one thing led to another I felt almost certain that her cancer had come back so I was relieved when atypical Cushing’s was diagnosed.

My vet prescribed Norvasc, Enalapril, melatonin, and flaxseed with lignans and after a few months, her blood pressure is now normal. She has never had most of the symptoms of Cushing’s (e.g., excessive thirst, urination, hunger) but has always had a bit of a belly even though she isn’t overweight and doesn’t overeat. She's always been "hottie" but since being on this regimen her body temperature seems lower and she seems to pant less.

The problem at this point is that she continues to have protein in her urine. For that the vet wants me to put her on a low protein, low fat diet. She prescribed Hill’s k/d dry (low protein) and Hill’s w/d canned (low fat) dog food and I ordered some. I'd like to make my own dog food, if possible, but am having a hard time figuring out exactly how to do that.

So, my questions for the group are: does anyone have a good recipe for homemade dog food for a dog with Cushing’s? My dogs (I have an 8 year-old Shih Tzu, too) LOVE vegetables, eggs, fruit, etc. but after all the reading I’ve done my head is spinning about raw versus cooked, etc., etc. It would also seem to me that the food should be low in phosphorus since the kidneys are involved, yes or no? Another question, does anyone give their dogs supplements and if so, can you recommend a good one?

I’ve been trying to read some of the other threads and familiarize myself with some in the group and hope to contribute what I can in the future but while I’m at it let me add this tidbit to the discussion: Binky had pretty bad comodones until about six months ago. I had found that she loved broccoli and cauliflower and gave them to her often, but once when I ran out of them, I gave her baby carrots instead and she loved them. Since they require NO preparation I decided to keep giving them to her and then I noticed that her comondones had gone away. It seems that there may be a nutrition element to them as this article suggests: http://www.miniature-schnauzer-australia.com/schnauzer_bumps.html. Anyway, for anyone with that issue, it might be worth a try.

Thanks a lot!

Celeste, Binky and Pancho

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Celeste,

Welcome to you and Binky, and Pancho, too! :)

Has your vet tested her for diabetes? Protein in the urine could be an indicator of diabetes and it is not uncommon for a cush pup to have more than one endocrine disorder.

I am assuming the cortisol level for Binky was within normal range? And that she had the adrenal panel done at the Uni of TN in Knoxville to diagnose the Atypical? My Squirt is also Atypical and is on melatonin and lignans. We are currently using the crushed flax hulls since her last UTK panel showed the estradiol and two progesterones still elevated. We had been using the purified capsules. If her levels aren't down next test, she will more than likely start a maintenance dose of Lysodren.

Do you have copies of the tests that were done to diagnose Binky and would you mind posting them here along with the units of measurement (ug/dl, mnol/L, etc) and normal ranges? Does she have any other medical conditions and is she on any other meds, supplements, herbs, etc.? How much does she weigh?

Trying to come up with a diet for your baby could be a nightmare but with some help, it can be done. I cook for Squirt and use a diet designed especially for her by a nutritional consultant. She has been on it since 12/08 and is doing well. I have some nutrition links if you are interested. We also have a fledgling thread started on diet and nutrition where you can post info you find or ask questions. That thread is located at:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=762

I am glad you found us and hope to learn more about you and your family in the future.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Celeste, Binky and Pancho,

And welcome from me also, I've seen your pic. of Binky and she is a cutie!

I see also that Leslie posted to you about any tests that were done on Binky and posting them here.

Re: the protein in her urine did that come up in a urinalysis test that was sent out, and did she have her UTI at this time when an urinalysis test was taken, and then was a UPC ratio test done then too, after she was over her UTI, of course.

The reason I'm asking about the UTI so much is bc protein is often present in the urine if there is inflammation or bleeding anywhere in the urinary system.

The UPC ratio test will show how much protein is being lost through the kidneys, it also involves measuring the amount of protein and creatinine in a urine sample, and mathematically dividing the protein value by the creatinine value.

As far as the raw vs home-cooked, we have members here that do both. I believe Primal (sp?) is one raw manufacturer they use. It is what your pup does well on...that's the bottom line. For my boy I am going to have Monica Segal formulate a diet for him, my Harley has pancreatitis, some kidney issues, high BP and conventional cushings...whew.

You have definitely come to the right place for answers for Binky, these amazing and knowledgable people have helped Harley and me tremendously, these lovely people have years of collective experience with this disease and will be able to help you and Binky as well.

Hugs.
Lori

PS. one more question, is Binky spayed?

[frijole]

Celeste, Hi! I am the mom of 2 schnauzers, one with cushings. They are 13 and 15 1/2! I had the same thought as Leslie with the protein in the urine and diabetes. Diabetes is common with our breed so wanted to make sure you were aware of that.

Re the diet - I only tried home cooking once and the challenge was the nutrition. Low protein/low fat is even more challenging. I switched my dogs from a prescription Science Diet food to Solid Gold brand 10 yrs ago. My groomer in Florida put me onto it. The dogs were immediately healthier and just had more energy. They love it. I cannot buy it where I live now so I have it shipped to me. One of their favorites is the Holistyke blend which is made from fish and other natural products. Low fat/low protein. Here is a link. Kim

http://www.solidgoldhealth.com/products/showproduct.php?id=6&code=160

[Binkysmom]

Hi Leslie,

Thanks for the welcome, feedback and information.

In answer to your questions, Binky was tested for diabetes and the test was negative. Her cortisol level was also normal. Her liver enzymes were elevated but have returned to normal. She isn’t on any other medication or supplements and weighs about 26 pounds so she’s bigger than most mini schnauzers I’ve seen.

I don’t have copies of her test results but plan to ask the vet for them. In the midst of all the Cushing’s testing, the groomer discovered a nodule on her right front paw so Binks just had surgery again this past week to remove it and an egg-sized lump on her right side, both of which were benign. So, I’ve been kind of preoccupied with her recovery from all that and not as tuned in to the Cushing’s…yet.

My vet gave me this website for an online veterinary nutritional consultation: http://petdiets.com/, which is one option, but since I live in New York City, I’m sure there are other places we can go. I also have to keep my other baby, Pancho, in mind and make sure that he’s getting everything nutritionally that he needs.

Again, thanks for the support!

Celeste, Binky and Pancho

[Binkysmom]

Hi Lori and Kim,

Thanks to you too for the welcome and information.

Binky’s UTI was diagnosed back in April and cleared up with a course of antibiotics but not before she had some GI trouble. That was cured with some anti-nausea medication and yogurt so since she’s on antibiotics again after this week’s surgery, I’ll have to watch for any adverse reaction. Wow…I never thought I’d be dealing with such an array of health issues with her. Oddly enough, she’s just as spunky and energetic as ever. Go figure! She’s a tough little girl!!

Many thanks again,

Celeste and the babies

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Celeste,

Poor Binky :( having to go thru so many issues in such a short time.

I just wanted to touch lightly on some of the questions you had posted.


food should be low in phosphorus since the kidneys are involved, yes or no? Yes, but this is something that should be covered with your vet and a certified animal nutritionist that you and your vet decide upon.


Another question, does anyone give their dogs supplements and if so, can you recommend a good one?
This is another one that should be handled between you and Binky's vet, with her medications, you have to watch out what one supplement/s will effect another/or medication she is taking.

I have my Harley on Denamarin for his liver, he was just put on Tramadol for his pancreatitis, this week on this forum I learned these two should not be given together ever. His IMS knew about his Denamarin, but sometimes YOU and your FRIENDS have to do the searching to find out what is what, but IMO you should always, always tell Binky's vet what supplements you would like to try her on.

Incase your interested in Monica Segal, I'll paste her link, she also has forum, I'll paste that too.

http://www.monicasegal.com/

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/K9Kitchen/

BTW, Thanks for the link to the comondones article, I found it very interesting.

Hugs.
Lori

[BestBuddy]

Hi Celeste,
I am glad you have diabetes ruled out. I also wanted to comment that I don't believe protein in the urine is an indicator of diabetes (sorry Leslie) but because diabetes affects most internal organs it could go hand in hand. My Buddy had diabetes and it impacted on his heart, liver and kidneys so food was a big issue with us. First it had to be one he ate without any problems and then it was a matter of trying to find a commercial (home cooking just didn't work for us) dog food that had medium/low protein, carbs with low sodium and fat. Good luck.
Jenny

[Squirt's Mom]

Some findings on protein in the urine:

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/proteinuria-in-dogs/page1.aspx

http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=73072

hope this helps...

hugs,
leslie and the girls

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Celeste,

Another question about Binky, has her blood pressure ever been checked? Elevated blood pressure may cause protein in the urine to be seen on tests. As of right now, this is what I am dealing with my boy, Harley, I am trying to get his BP under control to see if this will stop the protein loss, so if Binky's BP has never been checked, IMO, I urged you to have it done.

Hugs.
Lori

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Hi Celeste,

A belated welcome to you and Binky from another MiniSchnauzer lover. My Munchie also had the Schnauzer bumps due to the food he was eating. Once the offending foods were removed, no more bumps.

I home cook for Munch as he needs an extremely low fat diet for hypertriglyceridemia (another common Schnauzer problem). His diet was formulated by a veterinary nutritionist at UC Davis. Since Binky does have health conditions and apparent food allergies those would need to be taken into consideration by the vet nutritionist if you plan on home cooking. Your veterinarian has given you the name of a veterinary nutritionist who is a member of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition and works with vets formulating diets for their clients, which IMO would be a reputable choice. I urge you not to just start looking for diets to cook from the internet or from the doggie diet cook books. There are many outdated and unhealthy diets out there that can do your baby more harm than good. Proper supplementation is also a necessity, not an option, when one is home cooking and the supplement amounts need to be calculated based on the specific dog.

Quite honestly, if I could use a Rx commercial food for Munchie I gladly would do so. His limited ingredient fish and potato diet is expensive and and very time consuming. Alas, there is nothing low enough in fat and he does need to eat....so I cook!

Does Binky continue to take the Norvasc and Enalapril and is her blood pressure periodically checked by your vet? Uncontrolled blood pressure can harm the kidneys which could result in leaking protein in the urine. Has Binky ever had an ultrasound done? Another common Schnauzer problem is bladder stones. My Munch has had one UTI in his entire 8 years but his former GP vet did not check far enough to discover that he had bladder stones, which can cause irritation. When I took him to his current Internal Medicine Specialist he had protein in his urine but after the stones were removed he no longer has the problem. This may not be the case for Binky but I thought I would mention it.

I hope Binky is recovering well from her recent surgery. She looks like quite the sweetheart!!! Will be watching for your updates.

Louise

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Celeste,

Just dropping in to see how you and Binky are doing. Haven't heard from you in a few days and hoping everything is ok at your house.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls