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View Full Version : Duchess - 13 year old labrador new Cushings pt.



LabMom
04-12-2012, 04:40 PM
We just got the diagnosis, and were somewhat relieved to hear that there is perhaps something that may help our old girl Duchess! Duchess is a 13 year old yellow lab. We thought she was just aging of course, but the severe muscle weakness was rapidly becoming a problem and she was sometimes unable to get up without assistance. Lots of panting, lots of water drinking, and an insatiable appetite. I think she is somewhat senile too, although I'm not sure that is a legitimate symptom.

Her labs showed 6.8 on the high side and 1.7 on the low side, and she was put on 120mg daily of trilostane. $800 later, after a full workup at the vet to rule out any other problems, we hope give her some rest in these last few years that she may have.

Meanwhile my second lab Beau (7 year old rescue) has a malignant optic melanoma with lung mets. He is on month 4 of a 1-6 month life expectancy, but doing well. My home is a doggie hospital these days. I couldn't have them both crossing the bridge at the same time.

Any thing specific to look for from the Duchess? We are to go back for more blood work in several weeks, but it will be pretty scary until then I think.

addy
04-12-2012, 08:27 PM
Hi and Welcome to you and Duchess. I am glad you found us although I am sorry to hear the news of your pups.

To give better feedback we usually ask questions like, what tests were used to diagonosis your pup? How much does Duchess weigh? When did you start the 120mgs? When was the ACTH test done?

Others will be along soon so hang in there.

Sorry this is so short, but I have two pups wanting dinner;):D I juts got home from work.

hugs,
addy

LabMom
04-12-2012, 09:18 PM
Thanks! Duchess is a 75 pound lab. The low dose dexamethasone suppression test on 4-7-12. showed a pre test reading of 6.8, a 4 hour reading of 0.9, and an 8 hour reading of 1.7.
The vet initially called and said she did NOT have Cushings (which we had suspected), then consulted with a specialist and called back and said that she did, in light of her symptomes. I think the interpretation reads "pituitary dependent ".

In hindsight, she has had these symptoms for several years, and I am shocked that her previous vet did not pick up on it earlier.
Labmom.

addy
04-13-2012, 09:40 AM
bumping up

hopefully someone will stop by about that test result.

have a good Friday!!!!!

hugs,
addy