Frisky, 11 y/o Smooth haired Red Standard Dachshund (Update: Frisky has passed)

[RPDrama64]

Hello everyone! My name is Ron Powell from Ranger, Texas and I'm the proud owner of an 11 yr. old Male Smooth haired Red Standard Dachshund named "Frisky." He has been a member of my home since I brought him home from the breeder at 8 weeks old back in 1998. Frisky has always been a very energetic mild mannered Doxie. In fact the only thing that he doesn't like are cats!

At any rate about 2 1/2 yrs ago I began to notice Frisky having symptoms of stiffness and weakness in his hind legs. Concerned I took him to the Vet. I thought that maybe he had a slipped disc or nerve damage. Vet checked him out and diagnosed him with "arthritis" and prescribed some Cortisone and anti-inflammatory meds. Didn't work and Frisky went from going up ramps and steps with no problems to me having to pick him up and carry him down. This broke my heart to see him lose mobility to that degree.

About 6 months ago Frisky began to put on weight and his appetite really increased along with drinking tons of water. I was certained that he was developing diabetes. Again the same Vet did blood work and levels were normal. He slapped me with a huge bill and said to put him on a diet. The "diet" did no good and the symptoms stayed the same.

I took Frisky to a different Vet in the area where I live. The new Vet put him on some liquid meds twice a day. It was thought that perhaps it was constipation and fluid retention causing his now extended bully. In addition Frisky's collar had to be replaced because his neck had gotten so large. This liquid med was tried for about a month but "again" nothing improved! In fact Frisky started an increase in panting along with the action of "attempting" to vomit with nothing coming up. He had an increase in heavy breathing and at times a real struggle to even do that. We went back to the Vet and this time I was determined to find out "WHAT" was going on with my Dachshund. More blood work included checking kidneys, liver and heart. Everything there was very good in fact. Vet kept him over night to check other levels. This is when the subject of "Cushing Disease" was mention. Vet called me at home and said go on line and take a look at this Disease. Next day the Vet sent blood work down to Texas A&M University in College Station (a very good Veterinarian School) to determine the findings. Three days later Vet called me back and said "It's Cushings." We will need to begin treatments ASAP.

So this is where we stand. I've since heard that at his age (11yrs.) not to bother with treating him because it could cause a whole host of other problems. Then others have told me that once treatment begins I will begin to see the old Frisky again. I'm very lost on the whole thing. I've been praying a lot and saying some Hail Mary's.

Thank you!
Ron Powell

[littleone1]

Hi Ron,

Corky and I want to say hi and welcome you and Frisky to a very wonderful group of caring, supportive, and knowledgeable people.

Corky was originally diagnosed with Cushings when he was almost 12years old. At first I got the same response, not to treat it. His clinical signs did disappear after 7 months, and then returned. After really looking into alot of information about Cushings, our furbabies can definitely have a much better quality of life when they are treated.

When Corky's signs reappeared, he started being treated with Trilostane. He's been taking Trilo for a little over nine months now, and his clinical signs have disappeared. He is back to his normal self in that respect. Corky does have other medical issues which are not related to Cushings, just an FYI if you read his thread.

I know that other members will be along shortly, and they will be asking alot of questions. It would really help if you could post what tests were done to confirm Cushings, along with the results.

We've all been through this. Hang in there. We're here for you.

Terri

[frijole]

Hi Ron! Well you just hit pay dirt. :p Because this is a group of cush parents who have treated LOTS of old dogs and figured out how to give them a normal life. So first off - know that this disease is not a death sentence. Also there is no rush to treat in most cases. It is often misdiagnosed and not all vets are real experienced so some shy away from treating.

My dog Haley was 12 1/2 when diagnosed and I treated her for 4 yrs with lysodren and she just passed away at 16 1/2 a couple mos ago. The key is to do the right tests - all of them - to confirm the diagnosis. Have a vet that knows how to treat it and communicate with you. And lastly, get up to speed on the disease so you can be your dog's voice when talking to vets.

First off - how long was your dog on steroids/cortisone? Because that can cause cushings symptoms. The cure is to stop them (though you must wean slowly if on very long)

Second - what tests were done so far? Pls get copies if you don't have them. We'd like the results so we can help you make sure the dx is solid and also understand the big picture. We aren't vets but we can help guide you in managing the situation.

Don't be afraid to ask us anything - Just know that you can treat your dog and he can have a normal life. Hope this helps. I am impressed with your vigilence in seeking answers. Had to do the same myself recently and drove my dog from Nebraska to Kansas to the KState Vet Hospital and sure enough they figured it out.

So tell us all about Frisky - by the way 11 is young around here! Glad you found us Ron. Kim

[StarDeb55]

Ron, I want to welcome both you & Frisky! Let me tell you up front that this line that some vets hand out about treating Cushing's in a senior pup, it's cause more problems for them, etc., is just that IT'S A LINE & IT'S GARBAGE! Forgive my yelling, but this attitude from vets about our senior companions makes me nuts. I am now taking care of my second cushpup, Harley, who was diagnosed little over 2 years ago, & at the age of 15 is doing pretty well. My 1st boy, Barkley, was diagnosed at around 7 years, & was successfully treated with lysodren for nearly 8 years, crossing the bridge at 15, from medical problems unrelated to his Cushing's.

As Kim has already mentioned, getting copies of all Frisky's test results & posting the number for us, will help us to help both of you. We are not trying to 2nd guess your vet, but we have seen way too many pups misdiagnosed due to insufficent diagnostic testing, an inexperienced vet who doesn't know a lot about Cushing's, or a combo of both. When you got the call about the results from A&M, did your vet say what type of Cushing's? Chances are it's pituitary as that is what 85% of dogs diagnosed have. On the off chance that it might be the adrenal form, surgery offers the hope of a permanent cure, if Frisky would be a good candidate. Has your vet suggest what drug he might like to treat Frisky with?

There is no huge rush to treat Cushing's, you want to make sure you have a confirmed diagnosis. Cushing's literally creeps along at a snail's pace, taking years to do it's damage to the pup's internal organs.

Looking forward to hearing more.

Debbie

[RPDrama64]

Thank you Thank you to all! You don't realize how uplifting your comments and suggestions are to me!! I am going Monday to visit with the Vet and I will get all the information I can from him. Including test results from A&M. Then I will post here want I've have found.

God Bless and did I say "Thank You!"

Ron Powell and Frisky the Wienerdog.

[RPDrama64]

Frisky was given a cortisone shot once and that was to last for about a month! I learned something new. Didn't know that cortisone could/would cause symptoms. thanks

Ron Powell

[frijole]

Ron, Just wanted you to know that one shot probably didn't cause the cushings but dogs who are on cortisone for extended periods of time do develop it. Looking forward to results from testing. And you are welcome! We have all been there and remember what it was like. Kim

[marie adams]

Hi Ron,

Welcome to you and Frisky from the Maddie Girl and myself.

You already know how wonderful all of these people are...their knowledge will help guide you through your decisions for Frisky.:)

My Maddie is 11.5 years old and we started treatment in February of this year. She is starting to grow her fur back and most of the symptoms have gotten better. She is still weak in her hind legs and hopefully in time that will get better also.

Good luck at the vet's and do a lot of research here on this site. You will not be able to get enough info at first and you just keep on learning.:D

Take care!!!

[apollo6]

Dear Ron
You have come to the right place. God bless you and your Frisky.
I have an 11 year old mini dachshund-Apollo , read my thread. How dare the vets say that to you. I also got my sweetheart in 1998. I will do everything I can for my little angel. read the canine cushing information resource part. My little guy has lost almost all the hair on his tail, most of the hair on his beautiful ears, now has hind leg weakness, skin lesions, pot belly, dark skin, extreme increase in thirst, appetite was always big. I noticed changes in over a 2 year period. It took me a long time to come to the diagnosis of cushing's, I researched went to three vets, until I got a Internal medicine specialist , did the basic test to find out if he had cushing's: full blood panel, an adominal ultrasound, urinalysis, ACH test. Only then determined if and what kind of cushing he had, there a three different types. Then took me awhile until I started treatment. This is my family. Yes it can get costly, but I feel I owe it to him to do the best I can. We are here to help.
Sonja and Apollo.

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Ron and a belated welcome to you and Frisky! :)

Well, as Kim said, you hit pay dirt here, my friend! You have found a bunch of folks who love their furbabies to distraction and who are willing to go to great lengths to fight for, protect and aid them. You will also find an amazing depth of first hand experience and knowledge among our membership as well as the best old-fashioned hand-holding you could ask for!

We will ask many questions of you at first, but that is just so we can learn as much as possible about Frisky's situation and history in order to offer the best insight we can. We don't get really nosy til we know you a bit better. :p The flip side is that you can ask as many questions as you have of us and we will do our best to help you understand. If we don't know the answer, we will all learn together.

I applaud you for keeping after the vets til you got an answer for what you were seeing with Frisky...proactive is what this condition demands. You are Frisky's first and last defense, his only voice, his advocate, so educating yourself on Cushing's is vital. Knowledge truly is power when dealing with Cushing's. So read the threads here, the info in our Resource section, as well as what you can find on the web and other sources. Talk to us about the things you read, the questions you may have and in no time you will feel much more confident and comfortable.

I am glad you found us and look forward to learning more about you both in the future.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[addy]

Hi Ron,

I have not yet had a chance to say hi and welcome. The others have given you such good advice so far and such hearty welcomes that I can't add much.

Just want to say, it may be a hard road with lots of ups and downs but for me just knowing all of these wonderful people are here for me whenever I need their support is the biggest gift I could have.

I am sure you will feel the same way.

Addy and Zoe

[RPDrama64]

It is was deep deep sadness that I have to report that my Dachshund "Frisky" passed away this Saturday morning at 2:40 AM from heart failure. Words cannot begin to explain the heartache I feel. For 11 wonderful years he brought me joy, happiness and laughter. My life will be very empty without him here. We had gotten him on Vetoryl for his Cushings and I had planned to take him in this week for his first test to check his levels.

He's gone but I will never forget him. I just hope I can make it myself.

Thanks to everyone for the kind words and suggestions.
Ronny Powell
Ranger TX

[labblab]

Dear Ronny,

I am so terribly sorry to read your news about Frisky. In the midst of your grief, thank you so very much for coming back to tell us what has happened. We cannot change your pain, but it is our privilege to help you honor your sweet boy, and to do our best to offer you our support.

In my own mind's eye, I can see Saint Francis lovingly shepherding Frisky along the path to the Bridge, where he has been welcomed with muzzle licks and tail wags by all our other beloved Rainbowbridge babies. But I know you are left behind in sorrow. Please do return to us in the coming hours and days. We will always be here for you and with you.

In loving memory of your dear Frisky,
Marianne

[Casey's Mom]

Dear Ron, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss of Frisky. I am going now to light a candle for him. Godspeed dear Frisky and healing thoughts for you Ron. Stay with us and when you feel better you could share with us some of your memories of happier times.

Love and many hugs,

[frijole]

Wow Ron... I am so sorry to hear that Frisky has passed. I know it is so hard to lose them but Frisky is free of any pain now and no doubt looking over you. His memory will always be honored here. RIP angel Frisky and run free. Kim

[MyRudy]

Keeping you and Frisky in my prayers, Ronny.

[Carol G]

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Carol

[lulusmom]

I too am very sorry for your loss. Words are so empty at times like this but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Godspeed sweet Frisky.

Glynda

[Squirt's Mom]

Dear Ronny,

There are no words that will take away the pain you now feel. Having experienced the sudden loss of a baby, I understand how lost you feel today. As the days and weeks pass, the pain will become less and the memories you have of your life with Frisky will bring smiles instead of tears.

As Marianne said, Frisky did not cross alone nor was he alone once he arrived. Many of our babies were there to meet him and show him the ropes. Today his pain is over, his suffering at an end. He is as he once was - whole and healthy, running his little legs off chasing butterflies and eating ham sandwich biscuits.

His love will be with you always and one day you will hold him in your arms again, as I will hold my Crys again. They are always with us, Ron, always.

Frisky has been added to our In Loving Memory and we will always honor his memory here. As you feel like it, I hope you will return to share your stories of Frisky with us.

Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Squirt and our angels, Ruby and Crystal

[Harley PoMMom]

Dear Ronny,

I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Frisky. Words seem inadequate at a time like this because they don't help ease the pain you feel inside. We do understand the heartache you are feeling so please know that we are here for you, always.

Peace sweet Frisky.

With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Lori

[littleone1]

I'm so sorry for your loss Ronny. I know this is a very difficult time for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Terri

[Marlene]

Dear Ronny,

I understand when you say, "Words cannot begin to explain the heartache I feel." Even though I don't know you, I shed tears and hurt with you this morning after reading your post about Frisky. There are those of us in this world to whom our dogs are not dogs at all....they are our babies, our family members and losing them is completely devastating. I know there are no words I can possibly write to comfort you, but I hope it helps to know there are people here who are thinking about you and care.

Marlene

[sunimist]

Dear Ronny,

I am so very sorry and sad to hear of your beloved Frisky's passing.
I have no words that will ease the pain and heartache you feel, but please know my thoughts, prayers and sincere sympathy are for you and the terrible pain you are feeling now.

Godspeed sweet boy. I know my girls, and all our angel babies will take good care of you, and you will always be remembered and honored here.

Shelba and Suni~~

[addy]

Dear Ron,

I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Friskie's passing. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Please check in with us to let us know how you are doing. We would love to hear about Friskie's life when you feel up to it.

Addy

[apollo6]

Dear Ron,
It saddens me to hear about the loss of your beloved Frisky.

To Frisky
You are a beloved creation of God, and I release you into God's loving care.
For you
God, thank you for the time I have shared with Your beloved creature. I open my heart to Your guidance and comfort as I release this beloved animal into Your care.
Sending you blessing and pray during this very difficult time.

[ChristyA]

Ron,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Christy

[gpgscott]

Ron,

I know you will find peace in times to come in your memories of Frisky. I am sad with you over his loss.

Scott

[mytil]

I too am very sorry for your loss of your furbaby. I know how difficult it will be these coming weeks and months but please stay with us.

Rest in Peace little Frisky,
Terry

[Pdog]

I'm so sorry for your loss of sweet Frisky.

Tammy

[Bichonluver3]

Ronny,
I am so sorry we did not have the privilege to spend more time with you and precious Frisky. He looks like a real charmer and I am sure he was such a treasure in your life. I don't know why our doggies do not have the same time span as we do but they just don't. No matter what we do, we cannot change that. But the sorrow we feel when they pass just proves how special it is to spend that time with them as long as they are here. The many pluses do outway that one negative. Having, in my life, lost furrbabies and a human grandbaby, I know the sorrow you are feeling and we are with you in our thoughts and prayers. Being a redhead, myself, I can just picture Mr. Frisky healthy, again, and frollicking in the sunny fields of heaven. He was so lucky to have you as a Dad and, as he takes your love with him, feel the love for you he leaves behind to help you through this time. Take time to grieve but I hope God grants you the strength and healing to soon remember sweet Frisky with smiles instead of tears. We would love, when you are ready, to hear some of the stories if you would like to share them with us. In the meantime, we will stand beside you and help you in any way that we can.
All our love and prayers to you. God speed, dear Frisky. May we have the honor of meeting you in another life at another time.
Hugs & tail wags,
Carrol & Chloe

[mypuppy]

Saddened for your great loss. God bless you and Frisky. May all the wonderful memories you made together help sustain you through this terrible pain. Tight hugs. Jeanette and Princess