Duffy: 14 yr. old Wheaton terrier, diagnostic phase

[linfar]

Hi, I am having difficulty using the site. Not sure where to introduce myself and Duffy,14 yo, wheaton, who will see a specialist for Cushings on friday. So far biggest indicators he has it are some thinning hair over back near his tail, an appetite that won't quit and an ALP test that came back 1,119 when 150 is max for normal. He is not excessively thirsty tho and still quite active. We live in north county san diego and based on info on this site I am taking him to specialty veterinary hospital in north county. Any and all input most welcome. I send all best to each of you and to your dogs. Lin

Moderator's Note: Lin's introductory post was moved to create a thread for Duffy & her, so other members can respond directly to Lin's questions & concerns.

[jmac]

Hello!

I, too, am in the diagnostic phase with my 12 year-old Shih Tzu, Hannah. She will be having an abdominal ultrasound tomorrow, which will hopefully confirm Cushing's, or turn us in another direction. Hannah went in for her yearly dental last month and her Alk Phos level was 1770, with 150 being normal. My vet asked me if I had noticed anything going on and I have noticed a slight increase in thirst/urinating (but may not have noticed it without him asking) and a definite increase in appetite. She really has no other symptoms though-no panting, hair loss, weight gain, etc. She has actually lost a little weight. My vet did the LDDS (low dose dexamethasone suppression) test the day she was at the vet. It takes 8 hours. According to that test, she has the pituitary form of Cushing's. Since she doesn't have many other symptoms, however, we are doing the ultrasound to see what it shows.

The specialist will most likely conduct more tests to see what is going on with your dog since as of now you really don't have anything confirming it. I know that it is a confusing and scary time, and I have found this site (and one other yahoo site) to be extremely helpful in providing information and getting me educated. Everyone is very helpful in answering questions and helping to guide you in your decision-making. Also, many people on here have mentioned, and my own vet agrees, that until you are seeing definite symptoms you don't need to rush into anything, so don't worry about that.

Good luck to you and Duffy!

Julie (MN)

[linfar]

Thanks for the welcome and info. I will knowmore tomorrow when he goes to the specialist.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Duffy from me as well. So glad you found us and we will help you and Duffy in any way we can.

It would help us a lot if you could get copies of all tests that were done on Duffy and post the results here, this way we can provide you with more meaningful feedback about your sweet boy, ok?

Please don't hesitate to ask any questions, we are here for you and Duffy. ;):)

Love and hugs,
Lori