Sophie - New member undergoing diagnostics

[Sophie'sMom]

I just took my 4 year old Wirehaired Pointing Griffon mix in to the vet to have her checked out for an ear infection/hair change. My vet said that she suspects problems with thyroid, hormone, or cushing's. She wants to treat for the ear infection first and watch her symptoms. She isn't losing hair- but it is changing. She had long wirey hair and it started coming out and being replaced by short soft smooth hair. It started on her back end and has moved up to her neck. She's been panting a lot and lethargic- I'm here really to get some more information and support if it is Cushing's. The more I read- the more I think it may be. I'm taking her Monday for bloodwork.

[labblab]

Welcome to you and Sophie!

I'm sorry that Sophie is having these issues, but I am really glad you've found us. I have only a minute to post right now, but I definitely wanted to have the chance to welcome you to our forum. Do you know which tests your vet will be performing on Monday?

Marianne

[addy]

Welcome from me as well. We have so many good articles to read in our research section. Testing for Cushings can involve more than one test. It is hard to diagnosis. Thyroid issues can mimic it.

We are here for you and the moderators will have questions for you as you go through the diagnostic tests.

Whenever you have questions, just fire away!!!!!:)

Hugs,
Addy

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Sophie!

Cushing's is one of the most difficult diseases to get diagnosed properly because not one test is 100% accurate and non-adrenal illnesses can create false positives on the Cushing tests.

Strong symptoms are a huge part of making the diagnosis, and a Cushing's savvy vet will not initiate any treatment without strong symptoms and a proper diagnosis.

Usually some the strong symptoms include a ravenous appetite, drinking copious amounts of water and urinating excessively. Your Sophie's symptoms can be attributed to Cushing's and to another endocrine disease such as a Thyroid problem. Is your vet performing a FreeT4 to rule out a Thyroid issue?

Has a blood panel, such as a CBC/Chemistry, been done on Sophie recently? If so could you post anything on there that is marked abnormal with the reference ranges and units of measurement. Cush-pups tend to have a very elevated ALP, mildly elevated ALT, and a high cholesterol.

Was an urinalysis performed? Such things as dilute urine and a low urine specific gravity (USG) are trademarks of a cush-pup.

Please remember we are here for you and Sophie so ask all the questions you want and we will answer them the best we can.

Here are some links that I hope you will find useful: Thyroid Disease Information. ( http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2256) and Links to Cushings Websites (especially helpful for new members!). ( http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180)

Love and hugs,
Lori