14 yr. old baby girl - Sweet Melody has passed

[catrine]

I need some help. I am new to this site. I found it while researching info about Cushings disease. (I do this every night) My diabetic bichon for 2 yrs. was diagnosed a month ago with Cushings disease. Her quality of life has not been good for a few months now. There are days, which is mostly all, that she cannot walk at all. Her muscles are sooo weak. Her appetite has decreased very much. I am constantly cooking things for her to get her to eat. My dog always lived for food. She will not eat her dog food or treats anymore. Its effecting her diabetis as well. I decided with my Vet that we would not treat her for the Cushings. My question is "when do you say its enough"?? I dont want to keep her around for me. All I am doing is cleaning up pee, poo and throw up everyday. I have to carry her everywhere. I am outside with her several times a night. Of course, she goes to the bathroom when we come inside. She is also completely blind and deaf. (from the diabetis) I know I cannot improve her Quality of life, but I can prolong it. When do you say its the humane thing to do and say good-bye. She turned 14 yrs. last month and has been the best dog in the family. I am losing sleep from worrying and am constantly waking up at night to see if she is still alive. My concern is she may be suffering, but its so hard to tell. I love my baby so much, sometimes more than the rest of the household. I appreciate all of your support. Thanks so much for listening.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Melody!

So sorry to hear that Melody is not feeling well. If Cushing's is confirmed the diabetes will be very hard to regulate until the elevated cortisol in under control.

I strongly urge you to join our sister site that deals with canine diabetes: http://www.k9diabetes.com/forum/ The kind people there know a lot about diabetes and are so supportive.

Cushing's is not a death sentence but since you know your sweet girl the best, only you will know when "that time" is.

If you could get copies of all test/s that were done on Melody and post the abnormal levels here, that would really help us to provide you with more meaningful feedback. Also, is Melody on any other herbs/supplements/medicines? How much does she weigh?

Please know we will help in any way we can so do not hesitate to ask any and all questions.

Love and hugs,
Lori

[lulusmom]

Hi and welcome to you and your precious Melody.

I am always very suspicious of an accurate cushing's diagnosis when a dog is diabetic and most certainly when the dog is not eating. Dogs with cushing's are hungry all of the time because the catabolic effects of high cortisol. Cushing's is one of the most difficult diseases to diagnose and it becomes even more difficult if the dog is diabetic. I second Lori's request that you please post the results of the tests your vet did to diagnose cushing's. Screening tests would include blood chemistry, complete blood count and urinalysis. Diagnostic tests would be the acth stimulation test, low dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDS) and usually an abdominal ultrasound. You need only post the high and low values on the blood chemistry and cbc and please include the normal reference ranges.

Aside from muscle weakness, what other symptoms and/or bloodwork abnormalities lead your vet to believe Melody had cushing's?

I'm sorry for asking questions rather than providing you with answers but as Lori mentioned, we can provide you with more meaningful responses if we have a better understanding of Melody's recent medical history.

I'm truly sorry for the circumstances that brought you here but I'm glad you found us. You are not alone on this journey....we're here with you and we'll do whatever we can to help you help Melody.

Glynda

[Cyn719]

Welcome to you and Melody

So sorry for what you and Melody are going through. Everyone here will be with you to get you through this. I know it's hard not knowing what to do......but I know you will know when that time comes. Right now just get the info that the members needs and try to hang in there.

Hugs xoxo

[catrine]

Thank-you for such prompt responses. I took Melody for a regular glucose test (a few months ago)as she was drinking alot of water. Her sugar was perfect. A few days later I noticed her still consuming alot of water and took her back to the vet. Her sugar was fine again. He did a complete blood count on her and the liver enzmes were 5X the norm. He suggested to do an ultasound. This concluded her Cushings diagnosis. She had 2 small tumors on the pituatary/ adrenal glands and her liver was enlarged. Melody has had diabetis for 2+ years and it has taken a toll on her. My concern is she has little or no appetite. I really love my vet and have been using him for 20+ years. I trust him very much. He is very thorough and honest. I have an appt. tomorrow to check her again. I do not have Melody on any supplements at this time . I tried that and she was vomiting them up. The cosequin was effecting her diabetis as well. Thanks so much for listening.

[catrine]

I will get back to you on the blood chemistry tomorrow. I will get a copy from the vet.

[Harley PoMMom]

Usually when a dog has Cushing's it is difficult to get the blood sugar regulated.

Most of the symptoms you are seeing can be attributed to diabetes. Here is an excerpt from a renown Cushing's expert, Dr Mark Peterson, about this:
The problem with diabetic dogs is that it's very difficult to make a diagnosis of Cushing's with certainty unless we see cutaneous changes. PU/PD, polyphagia, and high liver values all could be secondary to the diabetes. False-positive test results on a LDDST are very common in dogs with nonadrenal illness, such as diabetes (1-3). This quote can be found here: Q & A: Diagnosing Cushing's Disease in Dogs with Diabetes Mellitus (http://endocrinevet.blogspot.com/2012/01/q-diagnosing-cushings-disease-in-dogs.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook)

Getting a dog that has lost their appetite to eat can be worrisome, I know that feeling. Most times if one can get the dog's nose interested in the food, it can entice the dog to eat...the stinkier the better with additions such as tuna water, Parmesan cheese, tripe. Maybe try chicken broth (no onions) and/or baby food, again with no onions.

Hoping Melody is feeling better soon.

Love and hugs,
Lori

[labblab]

Dear Catrine,

I'm so sorry that Melody is doing so poorly right now. I'm really glad you have such a good relationship with your vet, and I hope he'll be able to help you sort things out during your visit with him today. As Lori says, our experience here is that Cushing's is most often diagnosed in diabetic dogs when there is difficulty in controlling blood sugars. However, it seems to me that the presence of the adrenal tumors on Melody's ultrasound does make Cushing's a very real possibility in her case. If so, I think the question you are faced with is "how much might Melody's life be improved if you try to treat the Cushing's?" Some problems can likely be eased, but will they be enough to restore sufficient quality of life for your sweet girl? And that is an assessment that I hope your vet can help you with. Her lack of appetite is especially worrisome to me, because it is not typical of a Cushpup and may signal that her body has started to shut down on its own.

Here is a link to an article that may be helpful to you as far as realistically judging the quality of Melody's life:

http://dogtime.com/when-to-say-good-bye.html

For me, when the time comes for me to make this same decision for my own beloved babies, I think it will be helpful for me to make the list of "quality of life" activities. For instance, in isolation, blindness or deafness need not be huge issues. We have blind and/or deaf pups who still hugely enjoy life. But the question is the "big picture," and whether or not, even with treatment, there would still be enough abilities left to permit Melody to live a "dog-worthy" life (as one of our dear members labels it).

I know what a hard decision this must be, and how much you are struggling with doing the right thing for Melody. Once again, I hope your vet can help you to realistically assess Melody's situation so that you can make a decision about moving forward in whatever direction is best for you both.

Sending many hugs to you and your sweet girl,
Marianne

[catrine]

Thank you for your kind words. I do think Melody's body is shutting down. Melody has not had much "quality of life in months. The deafness and blindness is not the problem. She can barely walk now. I have to carry her everywhere. She is blocked in my kitchen due to the frequent accidents she is having. She always slept with me prior to this. Her appetite was so crazy last month. All she wanted was food. Now she seems to have trouble eating. She will eat chichen, which I boil for her ,or even a scrambled egg. (if seems to be effort for her now) She looks sad to me. She is at the helpless point and I need to be told "Its time". Hopefully, my Vet will help out today. Thanks so much for your support. Everyone is so kind here.

[catrine]

Thanks Lori for your kindness. Melody's appetite was crazy up until a few weeks ago. She has ALL the symptoms of cushings. Adrenal tumors, pot-belly. excessive thirst, frequent urinating in houe, muscle stiffness, and hair loss. Her glucose levels have been 170. I am using the parm. cheese and chicken, which she will eat. It seems to be effort for her now. I feel her little body is shutting down. I just dont want her to be in any pain. Sometimes when I lift her, she grunts. It breaks my heart. I'm just so glad I found such wonderful support here.

[lulusmom]

Hi Catrine.

Dogs with diabetes and cushing's are predisposed to pancreatitis, a condition which most certainly will make a dog stop eating, even an uncontrolled cushdog. A cushdog will grunt when picked up around the abdomen, not from pain but pressure on the diaphram from an enlarged liver and redeposition of fat to the thoracic area. A dog with pancreatitis will also grunt or cry out in pain if picked up because any pressure on the abdomen is just plain painful. It is also painful to walk. Hopefully your vet can determine what is causing Melody's discomfort.

FYI, a dog with high cortisol usually does not feel the discomfort of arthritis as cortisol is the body's natural anti inflammatory. No matter what, we are here to help in any way we can.

Glynda

[catrine]

Thank-you Glynda! It was more of a grunt than pain. She does not seem to be suffering at this point. The Vet said the Cortisol is making her feel "NO PAIN". She is eating meat only. She will not eat dog food or dog treats of any kind. I was using Blue Buffalo for about 2 yrs. now. (since the diabetes was diagnosed) My dog LIVED for food of any kind. She is a fussy now. She does have other health issues as a result of the diabetes. She has degenerate disc disease, heart murmor, blindness and deafness. Thank-you for your concern and help. I greatly appreciate it.

[catrine]

I lost my baby girl, Melody of 14 yrs, yesterday She was suffering from Diabetes and Cushings Disease. I am so heartbroken that I had to make the choice to let her go. Her little heart could not take it anymore. I feel so broken and guilty. I havent stopped crying since we left the Vet yesterday. I still woke up early to carry her out to the bathroom and give her the insulin this morning. I then realized she is gone. How do you cope with this?? I feel like I lost my daughter. She was the love of my life. The only relief I feel is that the Vet told me it was the most Humane thing I could do for her. She was suffering and had no quality of life anymore.

[labblab]

Dear Catrine,

My heart aches for your pain over losing your sweet baby girl. But I thank you so much for returning to tell us what has happened. From what you have told us, I do believe that your vet is absolutely right. Releasing Melody's spirit from her tired, sick body was the greatest gift of love that remained in your power to grant her. But oh, I do understand how much it hurts, and how much you miss her.

We have a special forum here called "In Loving Memory." In addition to this thread here, at any time, now or in the future, we invite you to begin another thread there in honor of your baby and your love for one another. It is a place where you can write anything that is on your mind and in your heart. You can write about the good times and also the hard times. I do believe that sometimes it can help to have the chance to write about your special memories and your lives together. Here's a link to that forum:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=8

Included on that forum is a memorial thread where we join to honor all our babies who have passed. Melody has now been added to that thread, as well:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3918

Catrine, I know there is no way in which we can change your pain. But please know that you are not alone. You can come back here at any time to write about Melody. I hope that may offer you some comfort -- knowing that we are all here to honor your baby and to support you while you are hurting so badly.

Sending many hugs to you on this sad night,
Marianne

[labblab]

I also wanted to pop back to tell you about our special candle-lighting site where we join together in love and support.

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=517

It is another way in which we pay tribute to our babies and how much they will always mean to us. Melody now has a candle there that is shining so brightly. :o

Marianne

[ademas]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Catrine. It's just a heartbreak...always. My eyes get all wet just thinking about it.

Godspeed, Melody. Your mama loved you a lot, and you were so lucky to have each other.

Peace to you and yours.

Craig

[catrine]

Thank-you Marianne !! Your kind words mean so much to me. I appreciate the "special candle" in her memory. Best to you and your sweet babies.

[catrine]

Thank-you Craig. I know my dear Mel is in a better place. I miss her terribly! Peace to you as well.

[Harley PoMMom]

Dear Catrine,

I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Melody and my heart goes out to you.

Losing them is so very hard and although I know words can not help ease the pain you are feeling I hope you know we do understand and are here for you.

Godspeed sweet Melody.

With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Lori

[Cyn719]

Cathrine

I am so very sorry for the loss of Melody. No words can help the loss you feel....but remember you will always have the beautiful memories. You were a great mom to Melody and you gave her a besutiful life and did everything to make her feel happy and loved.

Sending you lots of support, strength and prayers

Hugs xoxoxo

Run free sweet Angel Melody

[k9diabetes]

I'm so very sorry to know that Melody has passed. It is so painful when the body gives out and there is nothing we can do to help our beloved friend. Sending you a hug and a kiss skyward to Melody...

Natalie

[BestBuddy]

I am so sorry to hear that Melody has passed. She was much loved and will be missed.

Another angel has their wings.

Jenny

[addy]

I am so sorry to hear of Melody. We lose a part of ourselves when we lose our beloved pups. They are our perpetual children and it is indeed so very hard.

Please come and talk to us whenever you need to. The grief you feel is very real and sometimes it is good to just talk with others who understand.

Fly high and free sweet Melody.

love,
addy

[Lady's mom]

I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words to ease your pain, but I hope you can feel the joy and warmth in memories of the good times.

[catrine]

Thank-you all for the kind words. I did'nt realize how much I had to do for Melody. It was a fulltime job and I woul'nt have traded it for the world. I know she is in a better place. Its just so hard because everywhere you look in your home, you expect to see them. All the favorite spots, etc..The empty area where her dog bowls were. I went to fill her water bowl last night. Realized OMG what am I doing?? :( She was around for over 14 yrs. I am heartbroken. I am so lucky to have met such kind supportive friends here. Thank-you

[lulusmom]

Catrine, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Melody was a lucky girl to have had such an amazing and loving caretaker in you. I realize that no words can ease the pain of your broken heart but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Godspeed, sweet Melody

Glynda

[Roxee's Dad]

Dear Catrine,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Rest in peace sweet Melody, You are our newest and brightest star in the sky.

[catrine]

Thank-you Glynda. I am having a difficult time. Your support really helps.

[mytil]

Oh Catrine,

I am so very sorry Melody has passed on. My heart is with you during this very painful time.

The hole that is left can be immeasurable, but we are here for you.

My (((hugs))) to you
Terry

[Altira]

We have all been where you are. We know. We are all there right beside you. 8:::: I'm so sorry....

[Casey's Mom]

Catrine, I am so sorry to hear of Melody. We are here with you to hold you up and give you strength. She is in a better place my dear.

[catrine]

Thank-you so much!! I am so happy to have found this web. Everyone is so kind & supportive

[Altira]

Catrine... Sometimes it helps to talk. I was here when my seven yr old Mira died suddenly of cancer. The vet told me it was Cushing's. It wasn't. I thought i would be sent away from here. I wasn't. They told me to stay as i fell apart. My emotions bounced off one wall to the other for along time. The angels who live here, were here to catch me. This is where the angels live. You need only speak of anything at all.
8:::: ((((hugs))))

[bgdavis]

Catrine,

I'm so very sorry for your loss of Melody. She was truly a sweet one. She will be in your heart forever and always at your side.

Bonnie and Angel Criss Ann

[lvasilio]

It is so hard to lose them. But you will always have your loving memories of all the silly things she did and all the fun you had together. She will be waiting for you over the Rainbow Bridge.

[apollo6]

Dear Catrine
I am so sorry for the lose of your beloved Melody. When we lose one of our Cushing babies it effects us all. May she know be pain free and watch over you.
Hugs Sonja and Apollo