dbellman
05-05-2012, 12:09 AM
We adopted Heather, a Brittany, 1 year ago and she is now 11. She recently had a routine senior blood panel done which was suggestive of Cushing. Results included: Alk Phosphatase (1791). Other values out of norm were GGT (55), cholesterol (424) Triglyceride (2328) and platelet count (521), Lymphcytes, and specific gravity of urine were low. There were no overt symptoms of Cushings. We followed up with Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression which showed Cushings but was inconclusive as to type. Initial Cortisol was 4.1 and 4 hr value was 3.5 and at 8 hrs 5.0. Next came the High Dose Dexsamethasone Suppression Test. Initial cortisol 4.5. There was some suppression; 2.4 at 4 hrs and 3.0 at 8 hrs. Vet indicated that suppression needed to be 50% or greater, so whether it is pituitary or adrenal still remains a mystery.
Being retired with fixed income does come into play as we continue along this path of discovery. Abdominal ultrasound and/or endogenous ACTH concentration are both quite expensive, but may need to be done. In the meantime, where do we go from here?
Heather is active, healthy and to look at her one would not think there was anything wrong. The vet echoes this observation when he sees her. The only symptoms she shows are looking for food every time we go to the park and searching our floors for any scrap of food (could also be her Brittany nose). She had hair shaved for a procedure and that is very slow to grow back. If we hadn't had the routine blood test, I would be oblivious to the fact that she has Cushings.
I hate to begin treatment with drugs which have significant side effects on a happy and seemingly healthy dog. Vet pretty much agrees with me at this point. I would appreciate any thoughts regarding getting a specific diagnosis of which type of Cushings; future treatment; as well as thoughts in regard to with holding medication until more symptoms appear. I apologize for the length of this discourse but also thank you for any insights you can provide.
Being retired with fixed income does come into play as we continue along this path of discovery. Abdominal ultrasound and/or endogenous ACTH concentration are both quite expensive, but may need to be done. In the meantime, where do we go from here?
Heather is active, healthy and to look at her one would not think there was anything wrong. The vet echoes this observation when he sees her. The only symptoms she shows are looking for food every time we go to the park and searching our floors for any scrap of food (could also be her Brittany nose). She had hair shaved for a procedure and that is very slow to grow back. If we hadn't had the routine blood test, I would be oblivious to the fact that she has Cushings.
I hate to begin treatment with drugs which have significant side effects on a happy and seemingly healthy dog. Vet pretty much agrees with me at this point. I would appreciate any thoughts regarding getting a specific diagnosis of which type of Cushings; future treatment; as well as thoughts in regard to with holding medication until more symptoms appear. I apologize for the length of this discourse but also thank you for any insights you can provide.