New here...vet giving me a scare

[Mona12879]

I have a 9 year old mini dachshund "Weenie" who has had reoccurring problems with his anal glands that we've been dealing with for the past 6 months. I noticed last week that the hair straight down the center of his back was thinning as well. I made a vet appointment to address both issues and unfortunately saw the vet I like least in the practice.

After expressing his anal glands and taking a skin scraping, the vet determined that both his anal sacs and his skin had infections and gave him a course of antibiotics as well as a fish oil supplement. He said that if the antibiotics did not help his hair issues, we could be looking at the possibility of hypothyroidism or Cushings given that dachshunds have a high occurence of both and skin infections sometimes go along with either disesase. I was shocked!

I have been looking up the symptoms of both diseases and Weenie doesn't seem to have any of the symptoms other than the hair loss - his only symptom is the thinning hair on his back and tail. He has lost weight but I have been cutting back on his food. He is on antibiotics for 2 weeks and then we go back to recheck. He said we will think of doing bloodwork then if things don't look better.

I am really surprised at all of this, and didn't expect it. Help!

[StarDeb55]

Hi, & welcome to you & Weenie! I wouldn't panic just yet. I will tell you that repeated infections that can be difficult to heal are also a symptom of Cushing's. The typical symptoms include a voracious appetite, drinking gallons & peeing buckets, skin/coat issues, muscle wasting especially in the back end. Not all pups have all symptoms. For instance, my Harley, was a very picky eater, never had the voracious appetite, & his appetite actually got better once his Cushing's was under control. If you must proceed to further testing, you will need to make sure that your vet not only rules out thyroid, but rules out diabetes. In fact, weight loss is more common with diabetes than Cushing's. The other thing I will suggest is that there is a screening test for Cushing's, urine cortisol:creatinine ratio. If you get a negative on this test, you are not dealing with Cushing's. You need to look at something else. Positive simply means that Cushing's is a possibility, further testing required. This test is also not stressful for the pup as you would collect the the first AM "wee" at home, then take the sample to the vet for testing.

I'm going to be an optimist that the antibiotics do the trick, but please keep us posted. We are here to help in any way we can.

Debbie

[apollo6]

Welcome Weenie's parent.
My Apollo is a 12 year old mini dachsie. He has pituitary cushing. Take a breath. It took me almost over a year till Apollo was diagnosed with it. Below is a quick run down on Cushing's disease.
http://www.kateconnick.com/library/cushingsdisease.html

For now don't jump the gun. You are dealing with one issue as it is. Go to a vet you like. When you are ready go to an internal vet specialist, or a vet who has knowledge about Cushing, get informed and know you don't have to make a decision right away.
Hugs Sonja and Apollo
p.s. you can read my thread if you like.

[frijole]

Hi from me too. You are wise to read up on cushing's but please don't lose sleep at this point. There are so many symptoms your dog does not have. One day at a time. I agree with Deb that the best next test is the UC:CR ratio test which can rule out cushing's. Inexpensive, reliable and fast. Hang in there. Kim

[jrepac]

Ditto here.

Several diseases/conditions have symptoms that are SIMILAR to Cushings, but are not cushings. Ask for the UC:CR urine test...that will tell you if Cushings is even a possibility. It's the best (and least expensive) "first step" that is surprisingly, often overlooked by some vets.


Jeff & Angel Mandy

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi "Mona" and welcome to you and Weenie, :)

I agree with others....don't panic today....what Weenie is displaying could be numerous things - many of them no big deal! :D The skin is an organ on its own and can develop problems that are in no way connected to Cushing's, diabetes, or any other such disease. ;)

So, first step - let Weenie complete this round of antibiotics. Second step, rule out skin disease/condition, diabetes, hypothyroidism. Third step, if problem still persist and all of the above has been ruled out, then do the UC:CR. It is non-invasive, comparatively inexpensive, and can rule out Cushing's right off the bat. But first let this infection be treated.

Keep in touch and let us know how things are going, ok? BTW, the fish oil is an excellent supplement for skin issues, as well as other conditions. Kudos to your vet for suggesting it!

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[Mona12879]

Thanks for the replies everyone and for reassuring me that this may or may not be Cushings. I am dealing with having to put another senior dog (16 year old lab mix) down soon and the thought of possibly having another sick dog completely freaked me out.

So, please send good vibes to Weenie that the antibiotics do the trick.

I really appreciate everyone responding so quickly and trying to ease my fears - I hope all of your dogs are doing well!

[Squirt's Mom]

Oh honey,

I am so sorry to hear about the challenge you are facing with your 16 yr. old. :( You have enough on your plate with this. I want you to know that we are here for you in this situation, too. We all know only too well the pain you are dealing with and the agony you face, so if you ever need to talk, if you need a safe place to fall, we are here, any time.

Let me give you a bit more info on Cushing's that will hopefully ease your mind some more. Cushing's is a very slowly progressing condition - taking years to do any real damage. So you have time to let Weenie get over her current problems and pursue other causes as well as take the time needed for your senior baby.

Key in diagnosing Cushing's are what are called "signs". Here is a great list of cush signs from Kate Connick that you can keep in mind as you consider testing Weenie for Cushing's on down the road.



Kate Connick*
http://www.kateconnick.com/library/cushingsdisease.html

The most common symptoms include:
• increased/excessive water consumption (polydipsia)
• increased/excessive urination (polyuria)
• urinary accidents in previously housetrained dogs
• increased/excessive appetite (polyphagia)
• appearance of food stealing/guarding, begging, trash dumping, etc.
• sagging, bloated, pot-bellied appearance
• weight gain or its appearance, due to fat redistribution
• loss of muscle mass, giving the appearance of weight loss
• bony, skull-like appearance of head
• exercise intolerance, lethargy, general or hind-leg weakness
• new reluctance to jump on furniture or people
• excess panting, seeking cool surfaces to rest on
• symmetrically thinning hair or baldness (alopecia) on torso
• other coat changes like dullness, dryness
• slow regrowth of hair after clipping
• thin, wrinkled, fragile, and/or darkly pigmented skin
• easily damaged/bruised skin that heals slowly
• hard, calcified lumps in the skin (calcinosis cutis)
• susceptibility to infections (especially skin and urinary)
• diabetes, pancreatitis, seizures

Keep in touch and remember you are not alone with any of the things you and your babies are facing. We are here if you need us.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[Mona12879]

Here's an update on Weenie's condition.

Sadly, we had to put our 16 year old lab mix down on Monday night. She was having trouble walking and you could tell she was ready to go. I stroked her head as the doctor gave her the injection and she went very peacefully. The other 2 dogs are missing her, as are we.
Do you think Weenie's lethargy as of late is depression?

Weenie's antibiotics have been changed for his anal gland/skin infection since he still seems to be very bothered by both. I have been keeping a close eye on him and noticed that he is drinking a bit more than usual - not a ton, but a bit more. He also refused food this morning (although I am trying a new type). He was also lethartic this morning and he just looks like he doesn't feel good. I am hoping the new antibiotics help and he starts to feel better.

He goes back in a week for a checkup but if he continues to act the same way, I'm going to take him back sooner and push for blood work.

Does anyone have a hypothyroid dog? Do his symptoms sound like that? I've heard it's common in dachshunds. He's not overweight though.

[Bichonluver3]

Just dropping by to say welcome from Chloe & me. I agree with what others have said above. Try not to jump the gun. Try to relax so that you can absorb what your vet tells you. Make a list of questions for your vet and write down all the answers so you can look it over at home. One thing I will add, even if it turns out to be Cushings (and we are hoping it is something simple like the infection), it is definitely not a death sentence. Cushings is manageable and if you check the various threads, you will see many dogs have lived long happy lives after the diagnosis. Don't despair. We are all here for you. There are some real experts here who will guide you through the process.
Please let me say how sorry I am about your other dog's passing. it is hard enough to deal with one stress never mind two. Thoughts and prayers are going your way.
Carrol

[eskiegizmo]

I know how you are feeling. What to do, what to do....etc. My dog has been officially diagnosed as having Cushings but he is early in the game right now and is not really symptomatic to the point where it is affecting his quality of life so we are holding off on treating him medically. To answer your question about the hypothroidism Gizmo was diagnosed with that a few years ago. The only symptom he had was the fur loss around his neck, his headquarters, and along both sides. Everything else about him was fine. Energy great, mood fine, no change in appetite, no weight gain -nada - just the fur loss. Since he started medication his fur has grown back some but not near the level of fur he started out with. Looking at it now the Cushings may obviously be affecting the fur re-growth.

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Mona,

I was so sorry to read about your Golden. :( That is never an easy step to take but one we take out of love when required of us. I hope you are finding some peace in the memories of your lives together.


Here is a check-list for hypothyroid signs:


*Tires easily when exercising
*Has gained weight/is obese
*Seems to be losing his haircoat
*Sheds excessively
*Has extremely dry skin and haircoat
*Has thickened skin
*Seems uncomfortable in cold weather
*Has excessive coloration of the skin
*Has undergone a recent behavior change

How is Weenie today? Any improvement in his behavior?

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[Mona12879]

We are going back to the vet's tonight for a check on his anal gland issue and to talk about his hair loss. He seems to be sitting more in front of the heating vents - poor guy is constantly cold. His mood seems better - he runs/plays/jumps normally although he does seem a bit "down" at times.

He got in quite a fight with our beagle the other night over a toy which is highly unusual for him. He seems disinterested in playing with her, although he plays fetch with my husband and I fine. I wonder if the dogs are experiencing a dominance issue since we had to put our other dog down, she was clearly the leader.

We did have a basic CBC drawn over the weekend since I thought his gums looked a little pale and the antibiotic he is on can cause anemia - the results came back fine though. I am going to ask for additional blood chemistries to be taken tonight. He does seem to be drinking more in the past week than I have noticed. He is always hungry, but generally dachshunds always are :) We'll see what the vet has to say.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Mona,

Here is a link to our Resource Thread which has an article written by Dr. Jean Dodds about how behavioral issues, like aggressiveness can be linked to thyroid problems: http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showpost.php?p=34026&postcount=3

Love and hugs,
Lori

[Mona12879]

So here is the update on Weenie:

Last night, he would not eat. I put some canned food on his normal food and he ate it, but tentatively. It was like he wanted to eat, but couldn't bring himself to. Any time the other dog walked by his food, he got extremely protective. On our way to the vet, he vomited in the car.

The vet gave him a thorough check out last night and he still has an infection in his anal glands. His temp was 103. They did an infusion for his glands and changed his antibiotics yet again - he is on Baytril now. (he's been on Clavamox and bactrim in attempting to battle this infection). He also got a shot of cerenia for the vomiting and some additional cerenia pills I have to give him over the next 4 days. The doctor didn't seem to think further blood work was necessary and was not concerned about his hair loss/thinning.

So, I tried making Weenie some rice last night and then again this morning - he would not eat it. He did eat some turkey lunch meat this morning. He is drinking fine. All he wants to do is lay down in front of the heating vent - he's a sad dachshund and completely not himself.

I am still concerned at the possibility of Cushings, hypothyroid or even something else going on. Anyone have any thoughts?

[lulusmom]

Hi Mona,

If Weenie were my dog, I'd definitely have a thyroid panel done. Lori provided a very good link to great information on hypothyroidism and I highly recommend you check it out. A lot of the symptoms you mention are classic hypothyroidism, especially the behavioral issues and Weenie's sensitivity to cold. Dogs with cushing's are the complete opposite and are usually looking for a cool spot. My little cushdog has both conditions and the hypothyroidism trumps the cushing's because she is always cold. Not eating and vomiting are not symptoms of either disease so I think whatever is going on needs to be addressed first. It looks like your vet is doing just that.

Glynda

[Mona12879]

An update: Weenie is hypothyroid and is also experiencing liver issues. We rushed him back to the vet on Friday night after noticing that his urine was very dark and his gums seemed yellow. Blood tests showed low thyroid and extremely high liver enzymes (his ALT was off the chart. Bilirubin was at 5.1, not sure of the other liver values.) So, now we are looking at a few possible scenarious:

1. toxic reaction to TMP-SMX (his liver symptoms of not eating and lethargy started a few days after starting this drug). He is now off it and on Baytril instead.

2. Possible liver cancer - vet is leaning toward toxicity but is not ruling out cancer yet.

3. Something else affecting liver values.

We start thyroid medicine tonight. Poor guy will only eat proteins which the vet said is not the best, but it is better than him eating nothing. He's eating hot dogs :), lunch meat and dog treats. I've tried pasta, rice, dog food covered in gravy, etc. but so far he won't eat those.

[addy]

Hi Mona,

I wonder if he would eat Dr. Jean Dodd's liver diet, see link below:

http://canineliverdiseasefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/dr20dodd27s20liver20diet.pdf

You can substitute the fish with chicken.

I sure hope your little guy starts feeling better. It is so hard when they are so sick.

Hang in there.

Hugs,
Addy

[Mona12879]

Can anyone give me some advice on milk thistle for liver function? Should I get the drops or the capsules? According to Weenie's size, he should take 10% of the adult dose, but most of the capsules I see, say the adult dose is 2-3 capsules per day. Does anyone have a link for an inexpensive milk thistle I can order online?

[eskiegizmo]

I have only had Gizmo on a liver support supplement for about a month or so, but so far so good. I am sending a link for what we give him, although we got the supplement from the vet as opposed to ordering it online. Here is the first line from the website. "Hepato Support contains a high quality extract of milk thistle along with antioxidants and supportive nutrients to help promote normal liver function".

http://www.petnutritioninfo.com/hepato-support-pets.html