debbielou
02-02-2011, 05:54 PM
Hi
This is my first time here and I'm in need of some support as I am a bit shell shocked at the moment.
I have suspected that my Yorkshire Terrier aged almost 14 years has had something wrong with her for some time although we put it down to the aging process. However over the last few months she has become increasingly more hyperactive and restless and yaps almost continuously - even though she is a terrier she was never a yapper in her younger days. She continuously begs for food, licks the kitchen floor, the carpets, bedding etc although she doesn't seem in any way senile. I have also noticed that her fur is very dry and lifeless and is becoming thinner and thinner and doesn't seem to be growing back as it should between grooming sessions. There are large patches of hyperpigmented skin in different parts of her body which I'm sure weren't there when she was younger. She also suffered a cruciate ligament rupture nearly two years ago which was repaired surgically very successfully. I finally went to the vets last week to request that some test be done to try and determine what is wrong with her as my gut feeling tells me something is clearly not right. Blood tests have come back with elevated Alk Phos, Alt Spgt, Gamma GT, high monocytes, bile acids high, cholesterol high, triglycerides high, sodium potassium ratio low and calcium levels low. They don't appear to have done any kidney function tests or glucose test for diabetes. Initially the vet said that she had a problem with her liver but now says that there is a possibility that she has Cushings disease. They have arranged an ACTH stimulation test to take place in two weeks time. She doesn't show any of the classic signs of liver disease as far as I can see. I am at this stage not sure what the future holds for her - she's already an old dog even though she does appear very physically fit but not sure whether old age has been masked by excess hormones and that she may be burning herself out. I just wish that they would do the ACTH test as soon as possible as I need to know for sure (although in my heart I'm sure she has cushing's). Obviously the two week interval gives me a little time to find out more about suitable and effective treatments should she be diagnosed. I would be grateful if someone could give some ideas of questions that I need to ask the vet with regard to the treatments and follow ups and anything else important.
Many thanks in anticipation of your replies
Debbielou
This is my first time here and I'm in need of some support as I am a bit shell shocked at the moment.
I have suspected that my Yorkshire Terrier aged almost 14 years has had something wrong with her for some time although we put it down to the aging process. However over the last few months she has become increasingly more hyperactive and restless and yaps almost continuously - even though she is a terrier she was never a yapper in her younger days. She continuously begs for food, licks the kitchen floor, the carpets, bedding etc although she doesn't seem in any way senile. I have also noticed that her fur is very dry and lifeless and is becoming thinner and thinner and doesn't seem to be growing back as it should between grooming sessions. There are large patches of hyperpigmented skin in different parts of her body which I'm sure weren't there when she was younger. She also suffered a cruciate ligament rupture nearly two years ago which was repaired surgically very successfully. I finally went to the vets last week to request that some test be done to try and determine what is wrong with her as my gut feeling tells me something is clearly not right. Blood tests have come back with elevated Alk Phos, Alt Spgt, Gamma GT, high monocytes, bile acids high, cholesterol high, triglycerides high, sodium potassium ratio low and calcium levels low. They don't appear to have done any kidney function tests or glucose test for diabetes. Initially the vet said that she had a problem with her liver but now says that there is a possibility that she has Cushings disease. They have arranged an ACTH stimulation test to take place in two weeks time. She doesn't show any of the classic signs of liver disease as far as I can see. I am at this stage not sure what the future holds for her - she's already an old dog even though she does appear very physically fit but not sure whether old age has been masked by excess hormones and that she may be burning herself out. I just wish that they would do the ACTH test as soon as possible as I need to know for sure (although in my heart I'm sure she has cushing's). Obviously the two week interval gives me a little time to find out more about suitable and effective treatments should she be diagnosed. I would be grateful if someone could give some ideas of questions that I need to ask the vet with regard to the treatments and follow ups and anything else important.
Many thanks in anticipation of your replies
Debbielou