dorothy (Molly) 13 y/o schnauzer/ Molly has passed

[dorothy]

About a year ago, my 13 yr old schnauzer Molly was diagnosed with atypical cushings disease. Her liver enzymes were high but she was not displaying much of the symptoms associated with cushings. She had that test that they send away to the University of Tenn. I live in Alabama and I found a holistic vet two hours south of us. She has done wonders with the chinese herbs. Until about 6 wks ago things changed. I noticed a lot more panting and pacing. Last weekend she had an vestibular syndrome episode, but within 4 days she was good again. Iver the last few days she is drinking more and panting more. My traditional vet is working with the holistic vet. We have just started Molly on ketoconozole. She has started her on a low dose and if liver test looks good in a week she will up the dose. If this doesn't work we will try lysodren. Molly will be 14 in 2 months. My trad. vet is worried about using the lysodren. We are going away for a week the end of May, and Molly goes with us. We are going to put off the lysodren until July 1. Is it too dangerous to wait another 2 months before we try it? I have been told about what can happen when we start lysodren. But I am very overprotective right now and find that I will do the same then. I am new on this forum and would like to know of the success others have had with lysodren. Thank you.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Dorothy!

Welcome to our family! I am so sorry for the circumstances that brought you here but so glad you found us.

Many members have and are having great success with treating their furbabies with Lysodren. I am sure they will be along to share their stories.

The Cushing drugs are very strong that is why owner observation is critical when treating.

Could you post the results of all test/s that were done that confirmed Molly's Cushing's. This would really help us in giving you meaningful feedback.

Love and hugs,
Lori

[littleone1]

Hi Dorothy,

Corky and I want to welcome you and Molly. You have found a wonderful group of very caring, supportive and knowledgeable people. Our members have alot of experience.

I haven't used Lysodren, but others will be along to help answer your questions. Cushings is a slow progressing disease, and I personally don't think that waiting until July will cause any problems. I would check with your vet to see what your vet thinks.

Terri

[dorothy]

Thank you so much...That was very quick, I am still looking over your site and I will find her results and post them. It so much appreciated your help. Thank you, Dorothy

[StarDeb55]

Dorothy, welcome to you & Molly! I just wanted to let you know that I have 2 success stories using lysodren. My first boy, Barkley, was successfully treated with lyso for nearly 8 years, crossing the bridge at 15 from medical causes unrelated to Cushing's. My 2nd boy, Harley, who was diagnosed at 13 was treated with lyso for 2 1/2 years. He crossed the bridge last October, also from causes unrelated to his Cushing's.

As Lori has already asked, please give us all the information you are comfortable posting about Molly, especially her test results. If she was diagnosed as Atypical, I'm sure she must have had a full adrenal panel done at some point, so we would especially like to see thos results. If she had an abdominal ultrasound, those results would be great, also.

Looking forward to hearing more.

Debbie

[frijole]

Hi there~ Welcome aboard. I too had a schnauzer with cushing's. My gal Haley passed a year ago at the age of 16 1/2 unrelated to cushings and I treated her with lysodren for 4 1/2 yrs. It saved her life.

Like any drug you must know how to use it and get the dosage right. Having a vet with a lot of experience using it helps as well.

So don't let it scare you. Good luck. Kim

[Franklin'sMum]

Hi Dorothy, and welcome to you and Molly,

There is a wealth of information here on the site, so feel free to read through it and post any questions that you may have. :)

Is Molly currently taking melatonin and flax lignans for her atypical cushing's?

Jane, Franklin and Angel Bailey xxx

[addy]

Hi and Welcome from me as well,



My trad. vet is worried about using the lysodren


If your vet is worried about using lysodren it might be better to see a specialist (internist) when you get to that point. Perhaps he could refer you to an internal medicine specialist who could oversee that part of Molly's care.

I am glad you found us. As others have already said and demonstrated, our forum has a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Hugs,
Addy

[dorothy]

I have not time to post Molly's test results because after 4 days of being vertigo free, she came down with it again. And it is taking all my energy getting her through this episode. The vet did a throid test and after the results put her on a thyroid supplement. The vet put her Cerenia again. She eats and drinks well. Thank goodness! I appreciate your responses and the support from you all. It makes me fell that I am not alone. will post her cushings test results as soon as I have 2 free hands!

[addy]

We aren't going anywhere, take your time:D

Hugs,
Addy

[dorothy]

Molly was having a lot of trouble this week with urinating a lot. She was having many accidents. We took a urine sample in and the vet confirmed after a blood test of over 400 Molly now has diabetes. They are keeping her a few days until they can get her sugar regulated and the correct insulin. Thank goodness that here in Anniston we have a 24 hour vet. She is monitored all night by a vet and a technician. From what I have been reading on the forum it is not unusual for a cushings dog to develop diabetes. I am just hoping that we can get conrol of it. I am trying to stay positive that we can give her a good quality of life. Thank you all for listening.

[Harley PoMMom]

I am so sorry that this new issue has come up. We do have a sister site that deals with canine diabetes. The members there are very kind and they have a wealth of knowledge and information about canine diabetes. Here is a link to the forum: http://www.k9diabetes.com/forum/

Please keep us posted.

Love and hugs,
Lori

[Rene]

Welcome Dorothy & Molly,

My Snoopie has pituitary cushings with elevated cortisol and sex hormones. She had all of the typical symtoms of cushings and I just thought she was getting old. She lost her gall bladder and spleen when she was diagnosed. She was put on Lysodren and now within a couple months is doing a 180. It is saving her life.

The kind and knowledgable folks here will guide you through the loading and maintenance part of getting started with lysodren. It is not so scary with actual experience from the group taking your hand. They were right many times when the experts were giving conflicting advice.

You came to the right place.

Rene & Snoopie

[addy]

Hi,

Our sister site can give you much info on diabetes as Lori mentioned. We do see dogs have both conditions, it is not uncommon. Some have had to control the diabetes before controlling the Cushings.

I am hoping some of our members that have pups with both diabetes and Cushings will stop by and comment.

Take a deep breath, we are here for you.

Hugs,
Addy

[CarolW]

I've been a member here for some time, but very rarely post. However, Dorothy and Molly, I came looking for you, after finding your post on the k9diabetes forum

http://www.k9diabetes.com/forum/

So, after all, I didn't need to point you here; you were here already! I'm glad to get caught up on Molly's Cushings situation.

My vet suspected possible Cushings in my Kumbi, but it turned out what he had was cancer, and he died of that, not of diabetes, which we managed very well together.

I'll probably drop in here now and then to keep an eye on how Molly is doing!

Thu, 12 May 2011 17:56:20 (PDT)
Carol and Camellia

[dorothy]

Molly has had atypical cushings for over 3 yrs. now. And she has been diabetic for 1 1/2 yrs. she has been on ketoconozole only.. Because of her age (16, 4 mos) that is all the vet prescribed. In the beginning we saw a holistic vet. She eats only WD by hills because of her diabetes. I am now giving her melatonin and flaxseed lignans along with her ketoconozole. I feed her about every 4 hours. She is a miniature schnauzer. She weighs about 8 lbs. I desperately want to put some weight on her. I've had no luck. She is not in pain. She is so thin. The vet thinks its time to put her to sleep. I don't think she is suffering. I would like to continue caring for her. It's the weight problem. Does anyone have any suggestions for weight gain?

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Dorothy and welcome to you and Molly! :)

First, the Ketochozole is very, very hard on the liver and is no doubt playing a role in the elevated liver enzymes. If I were you, I would stop that immediately. A 16+ yr old liver doesn't need that added stress and the drug does VERY little for most cushing's cases. PLUS it is only used when the cortisol is elevated, which does not happen in Atypical. So I would stop that asap if I were you. For Atypical, the only treatment for Molly I would consider are the melatonin and lignans. ;)

I'm going to give you a link to our sister site, K9Diabetes, and they will be able to help you with diet and hopefully way to help her gain some weight. You can find them at - http://k9diabetes.com/forum

Go register with them and I know they will be able to offer some good suggestions; they are the experts in canine diabetes.

I have a 15 1/2 yr old and as long as she finds joy in her days, as long as she still has a "dog-worthy life", I will keep fighting for her. Yes, she sleeps a whole lot, no she can't do a great many of things she used to, yes she has dementia and incontinence, yes she has to take quite a few meds, etc to help her through her days...BUT she still enjoys her food, going for walks on cool days and sniffing all the wonderful new smells, she's playful at least once every day, and that light still shines in her eyes. NO ONE can tell us when it is time to say goodbye. That is between us and our babies, no one else. ;) We know our girls better than anyone else on this Earth and we will know when it is time. Til then, we will just enjoy every minute possible with them, grateful for each one.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[dorothy]

Thank you so much for your advice. The keto did not seem to change anything. I had her on selegeline for awhile. It seems the vets do not know what they are talking about when they prescribe! My vet has written Molly off and has suggested that her quality of life is not good. I beg to differ on that. Yes, she does not walk in straight lines and she doesn't play at all any more, (but neither do I ) but I look into her eyes and she into mine and she knows she's loved. She goes to sleep every night on my lap. I am going to continue with the melatonin and lignans. I started that 2 months ago when I read an article online. I will check on the other site on diabetes. Thank you again so much. Hugs to you, Dorothy

[spdd]

Just want to welcome you to the forum. Great advice on here.

[molly muffin]

Hi, i just want to welcome you and Molly to the forum. :) I have a molly too. Great name :)

16 years. A good long life going there. :) Did you get registered with our sister Diabetes site? They are a wonderful group of people and very helpful too.

Welcome again
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Harley PoMMom]

Oh Dorothy,

I just read your visitor's meesage about Molly's passing and I am so sorry for your loss. I wish there was something I could do to ease the pain you are feeling, but I hope knowing that we are here and understand will bring you some comfort.

Godspeed dear Molly

With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Lori

[molly muffin]

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear of Molly's passing. :(

My sincerest condolences.
Sharlene

[doxiesrock912]

Oh no!
My sincere condolences on Molly passing Dorothy! Hugs!

[Spiceysmum]

Dorothy,
I am sorry to hear that Molly has passed away. My thoughts are with you.
Linda

[Trish]

Hi Dorothy
I am sorry to read of the passing of Molly, my condolences to you and your family. Big hugs being sent your way at this sad time.
Trish

[Squirt's Mom]

Dear Dorothy,

I am so sorry to learn of Molly's passing. Please know we are here if you wish to talk - we do understand what you are going through.

Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Squirt, Trinket, Brick, Sophie, Grace and all our Angels


I ONLY WANTED YOU

They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

--- Anonymous ---

[goldengirl88]

So sorry to hear your baby has passed. She is running free with the other babies that have crossed before her. God Bless you both.
Patti

[dorothy]

Dear Kim, you said that your Haley had died of circumstances unrelated to cushings. I don't know what happened to Molly. She had quit walking about 6 months ago and her back legs became very stiff. She used to walk in circles and then when she was immobile she used to constantly turn her body to the right. I just could not put any weight on her. She weighed 6-8 lbs. I fed her 3 ounces every 4 hours. When I tried adding different food to her diet but she would have digestive problems. So I very rarely did it. She was sleeping a lot more in the past couple of months. She was extremely emancipated looking. The vet said she appeared to be having seizures. Bless her, her little heart was very strong. Have you seen others who have had the same problems? With the seizures and the yelping in pain that morning made us decide to have her put to sleep. We felt that there were no other options at her age and condition. My husband wants to adopt again, but we are in our 60s and I'm so afraid of going through this again. The last 6 months have been physically and emotionally draining. And I keep asking myself what could have I done differently. Do I blame the vet or myself? I am just reaching out to you to see if others have had their loved ones end this way? Thanks, Dorothy (Molly s mom)

[Trixie]

So, so sorry that you lost your schnauzer...such a heartbreak. Hope the memories you have of her will be a comfort.

Barbara

[dorothy]

Lori, I wish to thank you all for your well wishes and sentiments. And thank you for being there for all of us who have had a Cushings dog.. You are all truly the best of the best! Love, Dorothy

[scoora]

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your sweet girl Molly.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love and hugs.

[apollo6]

Dear Dorothy
I am so sorry for the lose of your beloved Molly. My sweet Apollo had similar issues at the end ,he was 1 month short of 14 when he passed. You did all you could for her. This disease is so baffling, it won't be the cushing but some other issues that get them.

A Dog’s Last Will & Testament
Before humans die, they write their last will and testament, giving their home and all they have to those they leave behind. If, with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I’d ask…
To a poor and lonely stray I’d give my happy home; my bowl and cozy bed, soft pillow and all my toys; the lap, which I loved so much; the hand that stroked my fur; and the sweet voice that spoke my name.
I’d will to the sad, scared shelter dog the place I had in my human’s loving heart, of which there seemed no bounds.
So, when I die, please do not say, “I will never have a pet again, for the loss and the pain is more than I can stand.”
Instead, go find an unloved dog, one whose life has held no joy or hope, and give my place to him.
This is the only thing I can give…
The love I left behind.

I am no youngster my self, 61, husband 67. When I lost Apollo, I wandered around the house aimlessly, feeling empty inside, 4 months later I started looking at adoption sites, maybe Apollo was pushing me. I adopted a 3 year old little dachshund. He has felled me with love, challenges, laughter, etc. No one can tell you what is right. Maybe adopting kept my Apollo alive.
Hugs Sonja and Angel Apollo
Know that we are here for you.

[Sophies Mom]

Dear Dorothy
I am so sorry for the lose of your beloved Molly. My sweet Apollo had similar issues at the end ,he was 1 month short of 14 when he passed. You did all you could for her. This disease is so baffling, it won't be the cushing but some other issues that get them.

I am no youngster my self, 61, husband 67. When I lost Apollo, I wandered around the house aimlessly, feeling empty inside, 4 months later I started looking at adoption sites, maybe Apollo was pushing me. I adopted a 3 year old little dachshund. He has felled me with love, challenges, laughter, etc. No one can tell you what is right. Maybe adopting kept my Apollo alive.
Hugs Sonja and Angel Apollo
Know that we are here for you.

I love that poem Sonya. Where did you find it? Your words are always so comforting to everyone!