hi from me and my 3 year old Jack-Chi, Milo

[Milo&me]

hi, I'm a newbie from the UK!
I stumbled accross this sight whilst looking for cheaper meds for my 2 year old Jack-Chi, Milo, as his insurance has now ran out.

I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes for finding other people out there with a Cushings dog - people who understand the little quirks our dogs pick up through their symptoms and who don't think you are just making up excuses for it!

Reading some of your experiences has made me realise how lucky I have been with my vet(s) (I have had a second oppinion for insurance reasons)

[labblab]

A great big welcome to you and Milo!

I'm so glad you've found us (and I hope that, in the process, you were able to find some better pricing for Milo's medication :o). I am guessing that Milo is being treated with Vetoryl?

We would love to find out more about the journey that you and Milo have been taking along the "Cushing's trail..." If you wouldn't mind, it will help us to find out how long ago he was diagnosed and how long he has been taking his medication. What dose is he on, and how is he doing? I'm surely hoping that he is doing well! Truly, any details that you would care to share about his health history, his diagnostic testing, and his current status will be very welcome information for us and will help us to give you our best feedback and supportive info.

Once again, welcome to you both! :) :)
Marianne

[Franklin'sMum]

Welcome to you and Milo :)

Wanna play 20 questions? :) 2 years old? Oh my gosh, that is a very young age to have cushing's. May I ask if you have had a definitive diagnosis? Diabetes and thyroid conditions can mimic the symoptoms of cushing's. What are/were Milo's symptoms?
What tests have been performed? Would you mind posting the tests, the results, and the reference ranges the lab uses for us here to take a look at?
Is Milo on any other medication, or have any other illnesses or conditions? On any supplements?
What medication was he prescribed? At what dosage, please, and how much does Milo weigh?

We are fortunate to have a member who is a lab tech with over 30 years of experience, and she is great. We also have many members whose pups have multiple conditions, and the knowledge here is astounding (so is the support).
Hope the questions don't scare you away, but details help us to give better feedback. Looking forward to hearing more,
Jane, Franklin and Bailey xxx

[Roxee's Dad]

I would also like to extend a welcome you and Milo :)

Milo seems so young to have cushing's :( but it's not unheard of. I'm glad you found us and I am looking forward to hearing more about Milo and the circumstances that led to his diagnosis.

Once again, welcome to you both. :)

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi and welcome to you and Milo! :)

Well, you certainly did find a place full of folks who love their babies and will go to great lengths to fight for them and help them. Yup, that's us! :D

As the others have said, the more info you can give us about Milo the more insight we will have and be able to give more meaningful feedback. We LOVE details so don't worry about writing a "book". ;)

The most important thing I have to tell you is this - you and Milo no longer have to walk this path alone; we will be with you every step of the way. We are a little family here and now you and Milo are a part of that family. Never hesitate to ask any questions, vent, or just share something with us.

I am glad you found us and look forward to learning more about the two of you.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[apollo6]

Welcome to you and Milo.
We'll be asking you to tell us about Milo, his symptons, blood panels, etc.
You are not alone.
Hugs from Sonja and Apollo.:)

[Milo&me]

wow - thanks everyone!
Milo's story is a bit of an epic and I tend to be long winded - you have been worn.
Although reading some of your stories he seems to have got off quite lightly with his cushings.

It's probably best to start with Milo's story - rather than from when he was diagnosed.

I first heard about Milo when I was with a friend. Her uncle rang her desperate for a home for the dog he loved. My friend was reluctant to take him as she was nervous of dogs so I said if she didn't get on with him I would take him. My husband and myself had been discussing going to the dog rescue centre at the time.

My friends uncle had taken Milo off his step-daughter. She was a model and brought him as a fashion accesory but kept leaving with her mum and step-dad whenever she went away until he told her enough was enough and she wasn't being fair. He wanted to keep Milo and took him everywhere (to this day he is very much a 'mans' dog) but then his landlady found out and Milo had to go or they would be evicted. They found a home but the woman sent him back because he kept running about (he was still a pup) hence the desperate call to my friend. She took him in and afte having him 10 mins in the house I got a call from her in tears begging to take him - the poor thing had only sat there and gave her a panic attack. Milo came to me at just 6 months old. I am just getting him over the fear of going into cars now as he associates this with being rehomed.

Just before he turned a year I noticed his pink skin turning black, especially on his ears. I voiced my concerns to my husband and he put it down to him getting older. I told him I would give it a week but if he lost more fur on his ears he was going to the vet.

Unfortunatly later that week my husband left me. I was in a pretty bad way. However I did get Milo to the vet as soon as I was up to it. Straight away the vet said he suspected cushings - although it is for older dogs it is a conditon smaller dogs can also get. We also discovered he was lossing fur underneat, especially his back legs. The fur is so fine and white there I hadn't noticed sooner. As he was telling me about symptoms more and more was adding together. Milo has seversal 'obsession's' - weeing on every blade of grass when walking even if nothing comes out, constant licking people or of an evening his paws (I even caught him licking a wall once), sometimes going for ages without drinking then gulping his water so fast he brings it back, lathargy and probably loads more. Milo was admitted for tests. The vet was hoping he didn't have it because of his size - 10mg is the smallest dose (we only have Vetoryl over here) and he was worried he would be too small.

I felt so guilty when I found out it was connected with the stress hormone - he was at his sickest when I put him through the most stressful experience of his life. As I said he is a mans dog so missed my ex but he also doesn't like peopl being upset. I felt so bad that I hadn't taken him to the vets sooner as at least he would have been on medication when we split.

When I picked Milo up and had Cushings confirmed the vet said he was relieved that he knew what was wrong at that Milo was just about the right weight for 10mg but obviously still had concerns so would closely monitor him for the first few months.

Everything went well but I was struggling buying his tablets they were £46 a month. I was insured but had to pay up front then claim the money back. The insurance company would take 6-8 weeks to send me a cheque each time. I contacted another vet through a reccomendation. This was an independant vet where I belonged to a chain, so could make there own 'rules'. They agreed to claim the money direct from the insurance providing they re-diagnosed Milo themselves. The vet was 100% positive it is cushings and also gave me a book on the condition. He confirmed the medication was working and had no concerns. By now Milo's fur had grown back, his skin had stopped turning black (so he has a nice mottle effect!) and even the black had lightened to a dark grey.

Pet insurance here only lasts for 12 months per condition so when he had had cushings for a year (in March I think) I transferred him back to the first vet. Although I was happy there they charged for their prescriptions and was difficult to get too. After research I found I can get Vetoryl for £21 online (although the vets have now reduced it to £26).

So everything was going well intill this September. I was convinced Milos ears were much more black but friends and family who seem him often disagreed. I checked everyday and notice a sort of craddle cap forming and a loss of fur. I took him to the vets and saw a new vet who was lovely (the others are good but act professional where she was really friendly, happy to chat etc) The first thing she said is 'you poor baby, your too young to have Cushings'. She was quite puzzled and used a piece of selotape to remove a sample - Milo didn't flinch or yelp. She went to check it under the microscope then came to take him 'out back' for a scrape. I was getting a bit concerned by now! She came back with him and the head vet - the one who had diagnosed him. He exlpained that they couldn't see anything but it was not a concern. It was likely to be one of two things - his cushings back stronger and the tablets no longer working or he had developed alopicia. It was likely to be the cushings. He would need a blood test to test his levels (he was due one soon anyway) but he reassured me it wasn't urgent because he knew I don't have much money which was good of him. He said it was ok for a couple of months. If it was his cushings he may need a higher dose but no way would he attempt it without testing first as too much would kill him.

Now I'm like most of you - I would rather go without food if it was between that and my dog's well being. I was very lucky though as my mum loves Milo to bits and she insisted on paying for the test which he was booked in for last week.

In the meantime I used selotape to remove all the 'craddle cap' off Milo's ears. Since it hadn't bothered him when the vet did it. It all came off easily but unfortuatly so did the fur attached to it. However, despite being almost bald, he looked a lot healthier for it. Milo went to stay with my mum for four days whilst I was on Guide camp (like Girl Scouts) when I returned ALL of the fur had grown back! He got dropped off for his day of testing in the vets. When I picked him up I saw the lasy vet again. She said she was amazed when she saw him, he had even seemed to of changed from the moment he was brought in to when I picked him up. I explained what I had did so she said she was happy for me to do it again if it returns. It looks like he has just developed a problem shedding skin on his ears, it may be a one off or it may be ongoing I will just need to keep an eye on it. His test results showed everything is going ok. I discussed some of his behaviour which basically is habit - some of his symptoms he continues out of habit. Licking people and his paws, trying to wee on every blade of grass but how I'm trying to retrain him is right and too continue.

I dont have any results or anything as they just are not given here but he weighs 6lb (according to wii fit plus)

I did get his age wrong - he turned 3 in May. Milo was diagnosed with Cushings in March 2009 looking back he had symptoms for quite a few months beforehand. The blackening of his skin is noticable in photos from November 2008.

[labblab]

Oh thank you so much for sharing Milo's story with us! What a precious little boy, and how lucky he is to have found his way into your home and your heart...

I am so glad to hear that he seems to be stable and well on his current dose of Vetoryl. It is true that most dogs are diagnosed at an older age. But we have had a few other "youngsters" here as well :o. And I can surely sympathize with the fur and skin issues. My own Cushpup was a yellow Lab, and prior to diagnosis he had bald patches on his haunches and on his sides that definitely caught the attention of passers-by (and not in a good way! :(). After a couple of months of trilostane treatment, his fur started filling back in as well. It was such a lovely sight to see! But once you have a dog who has been diagnosed with a medical condition such as this one, it is hard not to be constantly looking and watching and waiting for another problem or issue to surface -- you want so much to be able to nip anything in the bud so that it won't get worse.

I understand what a toll that can take on your emotions and also your pocketbook! So I am ever so glad you have found us. Now you and Milo will always have company :). And since he's so young, I am hoping that we'll be enjoying your updates for many, many years to come!!! ;)

With big hugs to you both,
Marianne

[Roxee's Dad]

Thank you for sharing Milo's story. Bless your heart for taking such great care of him. :) He is very lucky he found you. :) I'm looking forward to some pictures of that little boy. :D

[Squirt's Mom]

Bless you for giving Milo the security and love he needs. Poor little thing...he's been through enough for one so young.

One thing that we have seen happen quite often is that once a pup has been on treatment for a bit, they blow their old coat and grow a new one - sometimes of a different texture, softer. That may be what you are seeing with Milo's ears. Just don't be surprised if his whole coat starts to do this. ;):)

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[apollo6]

Dear Milo's mom
You have gone through a lot. Loved reading your blog. Vetroyl can be ordered online compounded as low as 5mg. if needed. If Milo weighs 6 lbs, needs to be on lowest dose possible. Good input from the vet. He has a good mom. Apollo had black.gray stuff on his ears also, which I scrapped off, now a little bit of hair has grown back, but still little hair on ears. Just listen to your gut feeling. You know the little one better then anyone else.

[Milo&me]

Thank you everyone! He does shed a lot of fur but (apart from his ears) he always have a thick coat. He had long white fur along his spine - like a mohican - that he lost. I thought it was his cushings but it came back this summer, not so much white but a definate mohican! So for the time being I'm guessing this is his summer coat.
I started his blog because of some of the quirky things he does, and I often put pictures of him on there. He is also on facebook if any of your pets want to add him! (I had a moment of boredom!) but I don't check it much - just search for Milo Pearlman.

I definatly will be checking her regularly and bugging you all with any worries!

[apollo6]

Just checking in to see how things are going.

[Milo&me]

hi
It's been over a year since I posted, but I have been about!
Milo has been fine until a week ago and now I am in a crisis!
I was away and my lodger looked after Milo. Last Sunday at 5pm he gave Milo his tablet (which he is now on every other day) and fed him as usual. Afterwards he was sick, but my lodger put this down to him maybe eating it too fast.
At 8pm my lodger was cooking dinner and Milo was asleep in the adjoining lounge. Milo got up and walked into the kitchen as if he was half asleep. Then his legs collapsed. He managed to roll onto his back then he stiffened with his legs rigid out to the side. Then the fit started and his eyes rolled to the back of his head. When it finished he was stiff as a board. My lodger checked his gums and they were white. He stayed there then suddenly sneezed (typical Milo!) which 'woke' him up. He tried to get up but his front legs collapsed. So he used his back legs to push himself, with front paws and head dragging on floor, into the lounge. Half way in he got up but walked sideways into the sideboard. He has been fine in himself since that.
I returned 1pm Tuesday and at 4pm was at the vets. I was told it was £22.80 to get him checked. The vet told me to go back into the waiting room and took him for a blood test. I quickly asked the receptionist how much to be told £107! I explained I only had £75 in my account (two days short of payday) and was told it had to be paid that day. After frantic ringing around I got the money together. When I got him home I noticed they had shaved most of the fur off his neck at the front and there was loads of razor grazes. He has been unable to wear a collar all week.
Well they rang the test results back yesterday and I have been in tears since.
They found a high amount of some chemical in his liver. They want to redo his cushings test which was only done on 17th July and fine (costs £120 each time) then a liver scan. I explained my insurance wont pay for anything Cushings related but will the scan to be told they will not do the scan til Cushings is ruled out.
I only have £150 to live off after bills each month and £107 has already been paid out. I was basically told to ring the RSPCA to have him rehomed :-(

This afternoon I am going to speak to another vet. It is miles away but this vet gives treatment on behalf of the pdsa, a charity in England that pays for vet care for people on benefits. I was entitled to their help for the past 6 months to provide Milo's tablets but there help runs out this month (4 days) and I'm not entitled to more. They are going to offer advice.

If I was on benefits not only would I be financially better off but I would also not have to pay vets fees.

Ironically I have pet insurance but you have to pay the vet fees and wait for the insurance to pay back. My insurance only covered Milo for his first year.

Sorry for my rambling, I'm just really scared I'm going to loose him

[frijole]

Greetings. It sounds to me as if your dog overdosed on the cushing's meds. ARe you giving lysodren or trilostane? Please tell us your dog's weight and the dosage as well as frequency.

Do NOT give any more of those meds until we know more info.

What was the result of the test you had? I know things are different in the UK but we need to know the two numbers on that test in order to help you.

Do you have prednisone to give in case of emergency? The episode you described sounds exactly like a dog whose cortisol has gone too low. You simply give the prednisone and it mimics the cortisol and within hours your dog feels 'normal'. You have to stay on it until the cortisol production returns.

Please tell us more and answer the questions so we can help. Hugs to you both. Kim

[labblab]

Hello and welcome back from me, too, although I am so sorry to hear about your worries over Milo. :o

I really hope that the PDSA vet has been able to give you some helpful advice today. Having just had one of my own non-Cushing's dogs diagnosed with a seizure disorder earlier this year, I must tell you that your description of Milo's episode sounds very similar to the grand mal sizures that my dog was having prior to our getting treatment for her. The seizures began with vomiting, then collapsing, then rolling on her side and "paddling" her legs, foaming at the mouth, acting dazed and confused and staggering when she first tried to stand up again -- and then, within just a few minutes it was as if nothing had ever happened and she wanted her breakfast! She was totally fine in between the seizures, but the seizures themselves were very frightening. She has been taking an inexpensive anti-seizure medication now for several months, though, and has not had any more.

If Milo's attack was indeed a seizure, it might not have had anything to do with his Cushing's or his medication (I see you had told us last year that he was taking Vetoryl). Especially if his appetite and other behavior has been normal ever since the episode, it seems less likely to me that the Vetoryl is the culprit (it also seems less likely to me if his Cushing's test in July was fine).

If it WAS a seizure, dogs can have seizures for many different reasons. Plus, they may have an isolated seizure and then never have another one again. I am wondering about the liver "chemical" or test that the first vet is worried about. Can you find out more about the name of the test and also what the actual level was? Do you know whether there were any other test results that were abnormal? I am hoping that there will be a way in which some additional selective tests can be performed that won't be so horribly expensive for you. For instance, if Milo had a full ACTH monitoring test done in July and it was fine, maybe you could get away with just having a baseline cortisol level drawn now to make sure that his cortisol level has not dropped too low since then. It is a much cheaper test to perform than a full ACTH stimulation test.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that the vet visit today will have turned out to be helpful. Please let us know what you find out, and then we can go from there. There is no way in which we want you and Milo to be separated from one another!!!

Marianne

[Spiceysmum]

Hi,

Sorry to hear Milo has not been well again. Just a couple of thoughts about the PDSA. Firstly, if you still have a few days left before your entitlement to treatment runs out could they not do some tests before then? Also, as far as I know, you don't have to be on full benefits to be able to get free treatment. If you have Council Tax benefit or anything similar you are still entitled so if you have a low enough income you might be able to get one of those.

If it is a new condition and turns out to be nothing to do with Cushings then your insurance will cover it. Hope you get some answers soon.

Linda

[apollo6]

So sorry to hear about Milo. It does sound like Milo ate some kind of chemical. I pray your Milo makes it.
HUgs Sonja and Apollo

[Jenny & Judi in MN]

I hope the vet can say they are doing non-Cushings tests so it is covered. How scary and stressful all the way around.

Thinking of you and your Milo