Husky newly diagnosed

[JoanneN]

Hi everyone.
My 9 year old husky, Nikki, was diagnosed with Cushing's through a preliminary blood test about 5 months ago. My vet's fees prevented me from being able to go any further. 300.00 for ACTH and 500.00 for ultrasound. He refused to continue unless I went forward with both tests. I just couldn't afford it.

Well, 5 months later my 32lb little girl, now is 78 lbs.! Also, her symptoms have progressed. She is not the same dog and seems like she's suffering. The constant panting, difficulty with stairs, ravenous appetite. I can hear her breathing is labored. My biggest concern is that her heart will not withstand. I feel so guilty about letting her go for this long. I just hope it's not too late.

So, I found another vet who several of my friends use. I can't believe the difference!! He did not insist on the ultrasound, although he said it's good medicine to use as a diagnostic tool, he also said that her symptoms are fairly clear. He explained the commitment required on my part not only financially, but also the need to follow through on the maintenance during treatment.

Today she had her first ACTH test! I hope to hear from him tomorrow with levels and dosage of Lysodren. The first 8 days will be the 'loading', and then she'll go for another ACTH test. He will also be giving me the prednisone just in case.

I know from reading this forum (I've been watching for awhile!!) that you all like to know the results of blood tests. As soon as I get them, I will post here. I really hope this works for her and I look forward to reporting some good news here!
Thanks for being here for all the Cushing's babies!!

Joanne

[addy]

Hi Joanne,

Welcome to you and Nikki! I am glad you found us. It sounds like Nikki needs some help. Cushings is a hard disease to diagnose as many diseases mimic it, and no one test is perfect. The easiest way to rule out Cushings is to do a simple UC:CR urine test. It will either rule out Cushings or say you need further testing.

It sounds like the new vet has done an ACTH test and blood work plus her symptoms to make a diagnosis.

Please let us know what the results are. I am amazed at her weight change in just five months.

Glad you are here and we will be here to hold your hand. Our reference section has quite a few good articles and good reminders about Lysodren loading.

Others will be along soon. Hang in there.

hugs,
addy

[frijole]

Welcome from me as well. Wow that is alot of weight gain. Curious - I assume that a blood panel was done and diabetes was ruled out. Was the thyroid tested? I ask because these diseases mimic cushings.

I wish you could use just one test to get a solid dx of cushings but it is so often misdiagnosed (due to false positives on the acth) that most have an additional test or ultrasound done to get the confirmation before using lysodren. I had one dog that had cushings and one that was diagnosed so I've been on both sides of the equation and it is frustrating. It is expensive but it is worse to spend the money, start the lysodren and have repeated acth tests that show the drug is not working because my dog never had cushings to begin with.

Just sharing my experience - On a more positive note - my cush dog did very well on lysodren and she passed at the age of 16 1/2 of old age and not cushings. So your dog can lead a very happy normal life once controlled.

Here is a link to using lysodren that helped me thru the process.

Kim

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181

[marie adams]

Hi Joanne--welcome to you can Nikki. :)

I see Kim and Addy have been helping you already.

This is an amazing site with wonderful people who are all willing to help in anyway they can. The experts are so knowledgeable as you have read in the past 5 months.

My Maddie Girl used Lysodren with great results and no side effects. We had the Cushing's under control - as much as you can control it- but cancer got her in the end.

I am so very glad you found a wonderful vet who will help you, along with everyone here.:)

Take care and happy reading because you will start reading as much as you can on treating Nikki. Just make sure you get some sleep!! :D

[JoanneN]

Thank you for the warm welcomes!!

As to the diabetes issue....her constant drinking and urination are the issues that alerted us 5 months ago. A blood panel was done to rule out diabetes, but I'm not sure about the thyroid screening. I will ask my vet today when he calls with results. I hope today is the big day for her meds!

Joanne