Noodle
08-14-2010, 07:59 PM
Hello :)
I'm a member of the k9diabetes board and have read here from time to time as well. My lab mix, Noodle, has had some recent issues that prompted blood tests and the results led me here, at Natalie's suggestion. I've been reading the stickies and some of the threads like a crazed person for the last week or so, lol.
Some general information about Noodle:
~ Male, neutered, Lab mix
~ Weight around 50lbs, give or take a pound.
~ 8 1/2 years old
~ Diagnosed with diabetes Jan 2009
~ Very well regulated on Humulin N, 33 units - 2x day
~ Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight dry & BB Wilderness Turkey canned.
~ L-Thyroxine, .5mg - 2x day
Noodle had been doing very well, but his water consumption had started to increase again earlier this year. Initially, with the heater still running constantly, we thought it was just very dry and he would step back to normal when the heater was shut off. But Spring came and went and the increased drinking continued. This was brought up with our vet in March during a visit for a thyroid re-check and it was dismissed. I didn't push further since I had already decided it was time for a new vet and was in the process of looking.
In early May, Noodle developed some spots of infection on the back of his legs and groin area and his hair fell out in those spots. We took him to the new vet who took skin scrapings and other samples, and it was diagnosed as staph. He was started on Simplicef and medicated baths. Initially it was for one week, with a re-check, which led to continuing for a second week. All of the samples were negative for fungal infections or any other problems and the infection resolved.
In July, the infection popped up again in the same areas. Naturally, this was on a weekend when my new vet had just left town for a week's vacation. But one of the reasons we LOVE the new vet (besides her skills and compassion) is that she is available by email and uses her own cell as her emergency number! She called in a prescription for Cephalexin to get things under control, which it did. By that time we already had an appt scheduled for his regular yearly and she had plans for drawing blood work and doing a urinalysis, with C&S. The original infection had resolved by the time of the appt, but he had now popped a new spot under one front leg - despite still being on antibiotics at the time.
At that visit, she also noticed what she believes are lipid deposits in his eyes. Noodle has thus far managed to not develop cataracts related to the diabetes. He does have a "Buddha belly" and has had one since his initial diabetes diagnosis in 1/09. The first vet ran a UCCR which did not rule Cushing's out, but he said didn't "scream Cushing's". Noodle was not yet regulated at that point so further testing was put off. Once he became well regulated, the entire topic was dropped. Despite repeated requests, I never received copies of the initial lab work from the old vet. After 2 fax requests and phone calls, my new vet was able to get the copies. The new vet feels he has probably had Cushing's the entire time and that was why he required a higher than normal amount of insulin to regulate.
Here are the most current lab results for anything that came in above or below normal range:
Hematology
RDW - 17.7 (%) - 4.0-15.0
Eosinophil - 1390 (uL) - 0-1200
Chemistry
Creatinine - 0.30 (mg/dL) - 0.5-1.6
Magnesium - 3.5 (mL/dL) - 1.36-2.1
Triglycerides - 373 (mg/dL) - 29-291
ALT - 488.0 (U/L) - 12.0-118.0
GGT - 23.0 (U/L) - 0.0-19.0
Lipase - 163 (U/L) - 0-150
CALP - 516.0 (U/L) - 0-40
ALP - 835.0 (IU/L) - 5.0-131.0
Urine (this was a free catch)
USG - 1.005
pH - 7
Protein - 30+
Bacteria - +++
Crystals - N/A
Casts - granular
Cells - epi (squamous)
The C&S was negative for infection. I also just noticed that at the top of the blood work results page it says:
Specimen was Hemolysed
Specimen is Lipemic
Noodle's diabetes regulation has continued to be fantastic, so that is what initially had me scratching my head. He is still energetic, loves walks, and has a very joyful personality. He does however seek out cool places to sleep - mostly the tile in our upstairs bathrooms, right next to the AC floor vents. He has episodes of panting, though not extreme - more like after some low level activity as opposed to a run outside on a hot day. I think his skull has become more boney looking the last year or so - my husband says it always looked that way. His skin infections continue to pop up, but the hair grows back after successful treatment. Recently he does appear to be having some thinning of his hair under his arms and on the lower part of his belly area. He has also had some thinning around the eyes. My daughter says he is starting to poop out on walks and needs a break half way through.
Our vet would like to proceed with blood testing and then follow that up with an ultrasound. She uses a board certified group for the ultrasound and would consult with board certified IMSs from the university we are near. I'm comfortable with that combo. I know having an unregulated diabetic can dictate which test to start with, but is there a recommendation for a well regulated diabetic?
I know this post is exceptionally long...but I know the K9D and K9C boards like LOTS of initial information and ask LOTS of questions. :D
I've been watching for my confirmation registration email, but it hasn't shown up...not even in my spam folder. :confused:
I'm happy to be joining another great board of supportive and knowledgeable members, even if the reason isn't the most welcome.
Thank you!
Noodle & Daisy
I'm a member of the k9diabetes board and have read here from time to time as well. My lab mix, Noodle, has had some recent issues that prompted blood tests and the results led me here, at Natalie's suggestion. I've been reading the stickies and some of the threads like a crazed person for the last week or so, lol.
Some general information about Noodle:
~ Male, neutered, Lab mix
~ Weight around 50lbs, give or take a pound.
~ 8 1/2 years old
~ Diagnosed with diabetes Jan 2009
~ Very well regulated on Humulin N, 33 units - 2x day
~ Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight dry & BB Wilderness Turkey canned.
~ L-Thyroxine, .5mg - 2x day
Noodle had been doing very well, but his water consumption had started to increase again earlier this year. Initially, with the heater still running constantly, we thought it was just very dry and he would step back to normal when the heater was shut off. But Spring came and went and the increased drinking continued. This was brought up with our vet in March during a visit for a thyroid re-check and it was dismissed. I didn't push further since I had already decided it was time for a new vet and was in the process of looking.
In early May, Noodle developed some spots of infection on the back of his legs and groin area and his hair fell out in those spots. We took him to the new vet who took skin scrapings and other samples, and it was diagnosed as staph. He was started on Simplicef and medicated baths. Initially it was for one week, with a re-check, which led to continuing for a second week. All of the samples were negative for fungal infections or any other problems and the infection resolved.
In July, the infection popped up again in the same areas. Naturally, this was on a weekend when my new vet had just left town for a week's vacation. But one of the reasons we LOVE the new vet (besides her skills and compassion) is that she is available by email and uses her own cell as her emergency number! She called in a prescription for Cephalexin to get things under control, which it did. By that time we already had an appt scheduled for his regular yearly and she had plans for drawing blood work and doing a urinalysis, with C&S. The original infection had resolved by the time of the appt, but he had now popped a new spot under one front leg - despite still being on antibiotics at the time.
At that visit, she also noticed what she believes are lipid deposits in his eyes. Noodle has thus far managed to not develop cataracts related to the diabetes. He does have a "Buddha belly" and has had one since his initial diabetes diagnosis in 1/09. The first vet ran a UCCR which did not rule Cushing's out, but he said didn't "scream Cushing's". Noodle was not yet regulated at that point so further testing was put off. Once he became well regulated, the entire topic was dropped. Despite repeated requests, I never received copies of the initial lab work from the old vet. After 2 fax requests and phone calls, my new vet was able to get the copies. The new vet feels he has probably had Cushing's the entire time and that was why he required a higher than normal amount of insulin to regulate.
Here are the most current lab results for anything that came in above or below normal range:
Hematology
RDW - 17.7 (%) - 4.0-15.0
Eosinophil - 1390 (uL) - 0-1200
Chemistry
Creatinine - 0.30 (mg/dL) - 0.5-1.6
Magnesium - 3.5 (mL/dL) - 1.36-2.1
Triglycerides - 373 (mg/dL) - 29-291
ALT - 488.0 (U/L) - 12.0-118.0
GGT - 23.0 (U/L) - 0.0-19.0
Lipase - 163 (U/L) - 0-150
CALP - 516.0 (U/L) - 0-40
ALP - 835.0 (IU/L) - 5.0-131.0
Urine (this was a free catch)
USG - 1.005
pH - 7
Protein - 30+
Bacteria - +++
Crystals - N/A
Casts - granular
Cells - epi (squamous)
The C&S was negative for infection. I also just noticed that at the top of the blood work results page it says:
Specimen was Hemolysed
Specimen is Lipemic
Noodle's diabetes regulation has continued to be fantastic, so that is what initially had me scratching my head. He is still energetic, loves walks, and has a very joyful personality. He does however seek out cool places to sleep - mostly the tile in our upstairs bathrooms, right next to the AC floor vents. He has episodes of panting, though not extreme - more like after some low level activity as opposed to a run outside on a hot day. I think his skull has become more boney looking the last year or so - my husband says it always looked that way. His skin infections continue to pop up, but the hair grows back after successful treatment. Recently he does appear to be having some thinning of his hair under his arms and on the lower part of his belly area. He has also had some thinning around the eyes. My daughter says he is starting to poop out on walks and needs a break half way through.
Our vet would like to proceed with blood testing and then follow that up with an ultrasound. She uses a board certified group for the ultrasound and would consult with board certified IMSs from the university we are near. I'm comfortable with that combo. I know having an unregulated diabetic can dictate which test to start with, but is there a recommendation for a well regulated diabetic?
I know this post is exceptionally long...but I know the K9D and K9C boards like LOTS of initial information and ask LOTS of questions. :D
I've been watching for my confirmation registration email, but it hasn't shown up...not even in my spam folder. :confused:
I'm happy to be joining another great board of supportive and knowledgeable members, even if the reason isn't the most welcome.
Thank you!
Noodle & Daisy