10 Yr Old lab Waiting for results

[mlmcdaniel]

Hi,

My 10 1/2 year old lab Hudson went in this past Tuesday for cushing test. The vet did Dex Suppression test and called me on Wednesday to confirm.

She is out of the office till next Tuesday and I didn't receive paperwork yet on the results of the test. Hudson went back today for an ultrasound as they have specialist come in at times.

He is very active and a spaz at times. I always say he is 10 going on 2.

He does have a pot belly and pants heavily at times, but not all the time. He does not drink tons nor urinates a lot or for long time. She mentioned his hair thinning, but it hasn't really anywhere only at end of his tail where he bangs it against wall. His hair has come off there and it has never grown back.

At his annual visit last week, the technician had cleaned floor so, it was wet in room. He slipped and fell on his bottom. He was limping after and I was not happy at all. They gave him Rimadyl and vet said it might take 10 days to heal. Yesterday was 10th day and it is much better but not totally healed as je limps a little still. She did run xrays on Tuesday from his knee down and confirmed nothing was broken or torn, but did make comment maybe bc of Cushings it is not healing as fast. Just last week before the vet visit he was still jumping on my bed in the mornings and running down stairs fast.

On 4/30, my buddy got a hold of his joint vitamin bottle and ate all 120 vitamins which resulted in us at the emergency vet and him throwing up 115 of the vitamins. The vet there commented heart mummur, but my vet and her counter part listened and said no.

Last year he had pot belly and we ran thryoid test and it came back negative. She brought up the other test, but we decided to watch it for bit as he was so so active. Sad I didn't do the test then. :(

I am confused as he doesn't have the two big symptoms of drinking lots and urinating. I also want make sure it really is Cushing. All I have read about Cushing concerns me about effects from medications.

He has nothing else wrong with him and again acts like a pup at times.

Praying for my best friend.

Thanks!
Misty

[labblab]

Dear Misty,

Welcome to you and Hudson!! As you can tell, I'm a Lab-lover, too! :) :)

I'm afraid I have only a moment to post right now. But I do want to tell you that Cushing's is a diagnosis for which active symptoms are of huge importance for both confirmation and also treatment decisions. Regardless of test results, if a dog does not exhibit the symptoms typical of the disorder, then the diagnosis carries a question mark. And for a big dog of Hudson's age, even if he does have Cushing's, if his symptoms do not present a problem for you and they do not have any significant effect on his quality of life -- then I'd be very hesitant to jump into treatment at this stage.

If all you are noticing thus far are a pot belly and some panting, I think I'd be hard pressed to launch into treatment at this time. Having said all that, we will be very interested to see the actual results for the low dex test, and also the ultrasound report.

But most importantly, please know that you do not have to rush into treatment. Cushing's is a very slow-moving disease, and you have plenty of time to educate yourself further, and to make the decisions that you think will be best for Hudson.

Marianne

[mypuppy]

Hi and Welcome to you and your sweet Hudson.

LAB LOVER here too!:D

I second what Marianne (LABBLAB) said. Educate yourself on all the cushings condition before you jump into any treatment. Stay on board here, and ask questions and all will fall into place for you and your sweet boy.

We are all here for you and Hudson.

Tight hugs and belly rubs to Hudson.

xo Jeanette and my sweet girl Princess

[addy]

Hi and Welcome,

I waited a year after diagnosis to start treating Zoe's Cushings as her symptoms were not that bothersome to me or her, mostly skin, coat issues and some hid leg weakness. As the others have said, you do have time to learn as much as your can. Not all dogs will have all symptoms.

Take your time and learn as much as you can. Every dog is different.I have had different vets tell me she has a heart murmur, she doesn't have a heart murmur:rolleyes::eek: I wish they would make up their minds!!!!! Someone mentioned if it is a low grade heart murmur, they might not always hear it.

We have a half lab, half rottie at work. She is smart as can be and so endearing. Labs are sooo great!!!!!

hugs,
addy

[mytil]

Hi and welcome from me too.

When you get the chance, post the results of the low dose test (LDDS) along with any others performed to come to this diagnosis. There actually should be several tests performed, one test does not typically diagnose Cushing's. If you have not done so already, take a look at these links - great reading..... http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180

As said above, it can be a devil of a disease to diagnose, simply because there are others that mimic the symptoms (diabetes, thyroid conditions) and there are several types of Cushing's (atypical for example).

Is your boy on any other medication?

Keep us posted
Terry

[mlmcdaniel]

Hi,

No Hudson is not on any other medication normally he was on Rimadyl from 5/7 to 5/13 and his dex test was 5/15. Rimadyl was for his hurt left. We did thyroid test last year and that came back negative. I will know more tomorrow as my vet is back.

I am watching his water intake and he does not drink more than he should. I will try to give him water at times and he doesn't drink it and when he does he doesn't even finish it and I only put like 8 oz or so in at time and probably refill 5 times or so. He weighs 73 lbs. He also really doesn't urinate a lot nor for long time. He also chews his food he licks the boil, but he really is wandering for food. I have him on science diet mature adult for large breed. I need to look at making sure high protein, low fat, etc food. He also doesn't paint all time I wouldn't even say half the time. When he is laying down or sitting he is usually fine. His paints come and go I would say maybe half or less of the time he is painting. When we go on a walk at end or going upstairs and at times when he gets excited and then calming down he paints.

Is the Dex suppression test and ultra sound enough? I just don't know how I will know this is for real.

His left back leg is better, but the foot isn't as spread out as the right. He still kinda limps and it is kinda out a little, but much better than it was. The vet said she would do xray on his hip next, but have to sediate him and didnt' want to right now. I am like odd, she didn't have to put him under for xray on his knee and below so, why for the hip? I have him constrained to first floor and spend my time on first floor and until he is well.

I am trying to fig out who to put his picture on my postings.

Thanks everyone!
Misty

[mytil]

Hi again,

To add a photo to your post (called an avatar). Click the USER CP in the top menu bar (far left hand side). Then you will be taken to another page. Click EDIT AVATAR on the side menu bar (left hand side) and follow the directions on uploading a file.

Please read through the link I have given and maybe print out some of it to have on hand when you talk to your vet about a confirmed diagnosis.

The sedation with the xrays could mean she is looking to possibly bend his leg this way and that (and this could cause him discomfort or pain).

Keep us posted
Terry

[mlmcdaniel]

Hi,

Talked to vet today about the ultrasound. She said good news the test showed both gland are enlarged so, pituary. I told her about he doesn't drink a lot or urinate a lot and pants about 40% of time. She said well we probably found it early, but he does have it as pot belly, panting and LDDS was abnormal and both enlarged glands on ultrasound.

I have to take him tomorrow for urinalysis as from ultrasound they were concerned about bladder wall/infection. She also said showed liver high so, she wants to give me supplements for liver.

I asked her for the test results from both LDDS and Ultrasound, which she is giving me tomorrow.

She said we could 1) see about urinary and give them liver supplement and wait a month to see if better 2) start meds and very low dosage 3) i could see specialist because Hudson doesn't urinate or drink alot.

I have told her I want to do number one and see about number 3. She gave me a specialist number and was going to send over all the info to them. I am going to post the test results on here tomorrow and will wait to hear about urinary result on Thursday till I figure out what is best next step. I live in Dallas, Texas. I found a vet people rant and raved about, but not sure if I should just go to IMS.

What type of food do you all use? I currently have him on Science Diet large breed mature adult. My vet said that was fine as long as not feeding him the cheap stuff such as purina, etc. I want to make sure I am not adding to things and giving him the best food. I saw somewhere said high protein, low fat is highly recommended.

I really want help on the food and also what type of treats?

Also, I read somewhere someone used acpuncture or water treadmill to help with joints/muscle. Anyone done that?

Thanks for all the help. Very thankful for this site.

~Misty -mom of Handsome Hudson

[StarDeb55]

I have not posted to you before, so here's a late welcome to you & handsome Hudson! A couple of suggestions for the vet trip, make sure that your vet does both a UA & urine culture. Our babies can't concentrate their urine so a routine urinalysis may not show signs of a UTI, the only way to make sure is a urine culture. If Hudson does, indeed, have a UTI, you absolutely do not want to start him on any Cushing's meds until that UTI has cleared.

I did not read the whole thread, but does Hudson have the typical voracious appetite of cushing's? Appetite along with water consumption are going to be the 2 big things you monitor to determine if the medication is helping Hudson. No Cushing's savy vet is going to want to start treatment with a pup having few to no symptoms.

I don't want to sound like I'm ranting but Science Diet anything is garbage, I'm sorry. Take a look at the following website:

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/

where you can get really good info about most dog foods. I think you will get a real eye opener about the lack of quality in Science Diet. Just to show you, I belonged to an on-line support group for dogs with lymphoma, & most members in that group referred to SD food as "Science Death". I no longer have either of my cushbabies, but I have been using Orijen adult kibble & senior kibble. They are both very good quality foods, high protein, low fat, & no grain. You want to be very careful right now & check any food you might want to switch to, to see if it's involved in the Diamond Pet Food recall. There are a huge number of brands involved including a number of brands that most of us felt were "premium" brand food. I might also suggest you take a look at Lotus dog food. I recently switched my 12 yr. old Lhasa to their duck formula. He was getting the senior Orijen, but the protein content in the Orijen was much too high at 38% for a senior fellow, the Lotus is 23%. Lotus has a number of different flavors. The duck formula is also grain free. I don't want to bombard you with a lot of food information as picking a good quality food right now is somewhat of a "minefield". Please feel free to ask any questions about any food you might be interested in, as I'm sure there are members who have tried it.

Again, welcome.

Debbie

[frijole]

Misty - Hi from me as well! I used acupuncture on my dog Annie and it worked miracles. I cannot say enough good about it. I was skeptical at first but it helped her with energy, calmed her down, gave her strength and I am sure it gave her a longer life. If you click on my name you can go to my profile and view my photo album of Annie. She had an adrenal tumor (not cushings) that caused her to become skeletal. Specifically if you look at a very scary looking photo of her taken in July 2011 on her birthday and compare it to one a few days/weeks later in the same month sitting in her car seat - that photo was taken right after acupuncture. You can see first hand what I am talking about.

I was on a prescription Science Diet for years with my two schnauzers and they just were lethargic. I switched to Solid Gold (a holistic all natural food) at the advice of my groomer. OMG the difference was so dramatic that my brother noticed they acted like pups again AND the difference in their hair. My brother doesn't notice these things. :D

There are many good foods on the market - just look for a low fat, high protein/fiber diet. Deb gave you a good site and there are tons of them out there.

Hope this helped! Kim

[mypuppy]

Hi again,

As Debbie, I have also heard nothing but awful things on the Science Diet, go figure, considering it's suppose to be a veterinary dog food. :confused:

My girl has been on ACANA Wild Prairie Grain Free food. It is made by Champion, and I do not believe they were involved with the recent food recalls. My girl has done well on this food so far, and the important thing: she eats...:D.

Glad you and Hudson are getting closer to his final dx in order to begin his treatment and get him back to some good quality of life.

Please keep us posted.

Warm regards and tight hugs.

xo Jeanette and Princess

ps: Love your avator of Hudson--Handsome he is!:cool:

[labblab]

Hi Misty,

I think your current gameplan makes a lot of sense. Figure out whether there is an infection present and wait a while before launching into Cushing's treatment -- and also perhaps involve a specialist since Hudson's symptoms do not match the typical profile for a Cushpup. In fact, a bit later on, you might want to consider a diagnostic ACTH stim test in addition to this initial LDDS. The drawback to the ACTH is that it is more likely to miss diagnosing Cushing's in a dog who does have the disease. But in Hudson's case, the plus could be that it is also less likely to falsely diagnose Cushing's in a dog who does NOT have the disease. In other words, a "positive" on the ACTH is actually more reliable than a "positive" on the LDDS. Both tests can be skewed by other nonadrenal illnesses or conditions, but the LDDS is more likely to be falsely affected in such a way. This might be something to talk over with a specialist.

Also, as far as food, I do want to add a couple of comments about searching for a quality, lowfat dry kibble. It is hard to find! The reason why lowfat is often recommended is because Cushpups can be vulnerable to pancreatitis, and pancreatitis can be fueled by higher fat foods. I have a non-Cushpup who has had pancreatitis, so I've been on the search, myself, for quality lowfat foods. And one thing I've discovered is that many/most of the otherwise excellent high-quality, higher-protein grain-free kibbles unfortunately also carry higher levels of fat. Both the Orijen and Acana foods that have been mentioned here are considered to be excellent quality foods. I feed Acana to my other, nonpancreatitis-prone dog, now. But they both have relatively high fat levels. In fact, if you look at their calorie profiles, their adult foods average approx. 40% of their energy source coming from fat (with mid-30% coming from protein, and mid-20% coming from carbs). This level of fat content does not present any problem for many dogs, and even many Cushpups (Jeanette's Princess is an example). But if you are looking for lowfat food, unfortunately many of the grainfree kibbles will not qualify. Here's a link to a great article that will explain how to calculate the fat content of any food in which you're interested, wet or dry:

http://dogaware.com/articles/wdjlowfatdiets.html

And once again, Hudson may not need to be on a highly restricted fat diet at all. But if this is something you are concerned about, do take a look at this article.

Marianne

[mlmcdaniel]

Hello,

I have the test results and have attached them in my profile The LDDS came back 2.3 ug/dl pre-dex and 3.6 ug/dl post dex. said reference range 1.0-6.0. I don't understand any of the other things as doesn't look like measurements. I am not sure how to read this. His ALP from blood work the week of 5/7 was 249 and ALT was 112. Again he ate bottle of joint vitams on 4/28, but his his went down by 5/7 so, not sure if go down more.

Also, attached is the ultrasound information.
Stated the adrenal glands were plump (left= 2.89X.88, .67cm; right=3.03X0.70 , 0.67cn), but were unremarkable. Stomach, pancreas an intestine were unremarkable. No evidence of lymphadenopathy and no appreciable fee abdominal fluid

Ultrasound peformed by registered sonographer still and video images submitted for review. Liver appeared to be prominenet with smooth contours, several subtle homogeneous, hyperechoic, hypoechoic and isoechoic nodules were noted in the liver (largest measured 4.1 X 2.0 cm). Remaind of liver was homogenous. Gall bladder was not overy distended and appeared to have normal wall thickness. Some debris and few small calculi were noted in gall bladder. Spleen appeard to be relatively normal size with bug in the contour near the tail (likely a variation of normal). Spleen had uniform echogenicity. Kidneys were normal size (lef length 7/7 cm, right lenght -7.2cm with smooth contours and normal architecture. Urinary bladder contained no signfication debris the wall was midly thickneed and slightly irregular. Prostate was unmarkable.

Assesment:
Given the pattern of liver enzyme and elevation and ultrasonographic appearance of liver, a vacuolar hepatopathy is suspected. This may be second to Cushing's disease, adrenal hyperplasia, diabetes mellitues, hypothroidism, chornic pancreatitis, chronich hyperlipiedmia, drug reaction or maybe idiopathic. In this case, both adrenal glands were plump and results of low-dose desxamethasone supression test would support diagnosis of pituarty dependednt Cushing's disease.

Nodules on liver a likely benign and due to nodular hyplepsia. There appeared to be few tiny calculi in gall bladder. these are likely an incidential finding and are probably not clinically signifcatnt. Urinary bladder wall was mildy thickened and irregular, chronic cystis would be concern (urinalysis and urine culture and sensitivity are recommendended).



thoughts?

When we went to vet this morning, they couldn't get a sample of his urine enough yhrough cystoncentesis so, I had to leave him there. Ugh.

I did get him liver supplement the Dr. prescribed and got him Oreijin food for senior dog as well as the Dasuquin she recommended.

[mlmcdaniel]

I couldnt attach pdfs of test so, hopefully my information I typed works. Is there another way to post attachments. I pretty much typed all of the ultrasound test, but not of the LDDS.

thanks!

[mlmcdaniel]

Hi,

Hudson has been on Rimadyl for his left back leg since he limps due to his falling two weeks ago at vet. The leg had gotten better, but he did not rest last Friday due to ultrasound so, it went back to bad, but then it has improved, but not 100%. Annoyed he is at vet today for this cystostenine they couldn't pull this morning. Hoping he is resting somewhat.

My vet didn't mention anything about Rimadyl yesterday with Cushing dog. This is scaring me so, taking him off of it. thoughts on that with his test results?

Thanks for all of your help.

~Misty

[mytil]

I couldnt attach pdfs of test so, hopefully my information I typed works. Is there another way to post attachments. I pretty much typed all of the ultrasound test, but not of the LDDS.

thanks!

Hi Misty,
If you want send the results to our gmail account as an attachment and we will get it up here. k9cushings@gmail.com

Has your vet suggested any other type of pain meds instead of Rimadyl?

Terry

[mlmcdaniel]

Hi,

Thanks. I sent the attachments to k9cushings@gmail.com for you to upload. Thank you!

No my vet hasn't mentioned any other pain meds. I talked to her for 30 minutes yesterday about ultrasound results and this didn't come up. I had so many ?s and my mind was scattered. She didn't bring it up.

He was on Rimadyl bc he fell and hurt something on his back left side on 5/7 at Vets due to wet floor. He was doing really well last week, but it got worse last Friday night after being at the vet all day for ultrasound. She had said last Wednesday of his xrays he didnt have anything broken or town from knee below. It is now better, but not 100% he limps still. I have him constrained pretty much and thankfully I work from home so near him.

thanks!

Misty

[mlmcdaniel]

Hi,

Willl someone please post or attach the test results for Hudson. Definitely looking for thoughts from the group on test results.

My vet called today and won't know the urinal culture result till Tuesday. She said it was diluted some, but honestly I have checked his urinate past couple weeks and pretty orange so, she said could be flux or UTI. She said I could go ahead and schedule an appt with Specialist later next week.

I forgot to add earlier he does have dandruff, but not losing hair other than on tail from banging it on wall.

The LDDS came back 2.3 ug/dl pre-dex and 3.6 ug/dl post dex. said reference range 1.0-6.0. I don't understand any of the other things as doesn't look like measurements. I am not sure how to read this. help?

His ALP from blood work the week of 5/7 was 249 (212 is top level for range) and ALT was 112 (100 top level). Again he ate bottle of joint vitams on 4/28, but his levels went down from then to 5/7 so, not sure if will go down more.


Ultrasound stated the adrenal glands were plump (left= 2.89X.88, .67cm; right=3.03X0.70 , 0.67cn), but were unremarkable.

He started his liver supplement today of two in morning of an hour before he eats. $99 meds oh well

Thanks in advance! Hudson appreciates it! My mind is on this majority of the time.

Misty.

[lulusmom]

Hi Misty,

I've saved Hudson's test results to my computer and will post when I return from my lunch appointment.

[lulusmom]

Please see attachments to view Hudson's abdominal ultrasound findings and LDDS results, which seems to be missing a blood draw. There's only two numbers....will try to figure things out when I have time. Hopefully someone else may be able to shed some light on things.

670

672

[lulusmom]

I'm back and would like to extend a belated welcome to you and Hudson.

I have now had a chance to review your thread, as well as the test results, and I concur with Marianne's assessments. The LDDS results look very strange because they apparently skipped the four hour blood draw. Regardless, the results would still be consistent with cushing's. It doesn't differentiate between adrenal and pituitary dependent disease but because both adrenal glands were plump, you can pretty much rule out an adrenal tumor.

The ultrasound findings read "both addrenal glands were plump and the results of the low dose dexamethasone suppression test would support the diagnosis of pituitary dependent cushing's disease". Those two things may support a diagnosis but as Marianne has already mentioned, symptoms are a big component of a diagnosis and Hudson doesn't have overt symptoms. To ignore the lack of symptoms is to ignore the goal of treatment, which is to remedy problematic symptoms.

If it were me, I would save my money and put the internal medicine specialist on the back burner until such time as you observe overt symptoms. For what it's worth, I think you have made a very, very wise decision to start the liver support and see where things go from there. That reminds me....the liver enzyme elevations (ALKP and ALT) are very negligible and I wouldn't jump on the cushing's band wagon based solely on those abnormalities. This could be attributed to any type of inflammation, including but not limited to a dental infection, skin infection, gastro intestinal upset, urinary tract infection, as well as certain drugs, genetic predisposition and age. Can you take a look at the blood chemistry results and let us know if there were any other abnormalities? If so, please post the results here, including the normal reference ranges.

I would have to agree with your vet that if you are dealing with cushing's, it is very early on in the disease so you have plenty of time to see how, or if, things progress. Who knows, things could completely normalize for Hudson and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that outcome.

Glynda

[mlmcdaniel]

Hi Glynda,

I called the vet today to see about the other measures from 5/7/12 and all they had was the ALKP and ALT. Hmm..annoying. I have other measurements back from 4/28, but that was night we were at emergency vet and I dont want to trust those since he had just eaten whole bottle of joint vitamins.

His ALKP and ALT had gone down by 20 to 50 levels for each. The emergency vet paperwork had said to have liver checked 2 to 3 weeks after 4/28 so, 5/7 was still too early. I would be curious what his results are now.

As far as the ldds test that paperwork is so confusing to read and yes the levels of 2.3 ug/dl for pre-dex and 8 post-dex of 3.6 ug/dl are all that are on there. There should be another at 4 hours?

Shouldn't the 8 hours be back down to pre-dex level to not show cushings? I am not sure how to read this especially with referene range of 1.0 to 6.0.


Thanks so much for all your help.

~Misty

[lulusmom]

I called the vet today to see about the other measures from 5/7/12 and all they had was the ALKP and ALT. Hmm..annoying. I have other measurements back from 4/28, but that was night we were at emergency vet and I dont want to trust those since he had just eaten whole bottle of joint vitamins.

It's possible that the vet did a snap test inhouse which only provided liver and kidney values. They usually run this abbreviated blood test presurgery or to re-evaluate values.


His ALKP and ALT had gone down by 20 to 50 levels for each. The emergency vet paperwork had said to have liver checked 2 to 3 weeks after 4/28 so, 5/7 was still too early. I would be curious what his results are now.

I would be curious too so if it were me, I'd give the liver supplements some time to do their magic and recheck liver values in a month or two.


As far as the ldds test that paperwork is so confusing to read and yes the levels of 2.3 ug/dl for pre-dex and 8 post-dex of 3.6 ug/dl are all that are on there. There should be another at 4 hours?

Shouldn't the 8 hours be back down to pre-dex level to not show cushings? I am not sure how to read this especially with reference range of 1.0 to 6.0.

The protocol for an LDDS is you do a resting (pre dex injection) blood draw, then inject the dexamethasone, do another blood draw four hours after injection and a third blood draw eight hours after injection. It is very weird to not see that four hour number but as I mentioned before, the eight hour result is still consistent with cushing's. Actually if a dog does not have cushing's, the four and eight hour numbers are usually less than the baseline. Anything below 1.4 ug/dl or 1.5 ug/dl (depending on the lab) would be negative for cushing's.

I hope this helps.

Glynda

[GabbySue]

Misty
You asked about doing accupuncture and I have taken many of my Labs for that and chiropractic treatment over the years. Some respond very differently, I've had dogs fall asleep during treatment and others that are a little energized that evening and then sleep alot the next day. You may notice effects after the 1st treatment or not until after 2-3. I like this approach as it's not harmful and there are no ill effects from it. My vet also does chiropractic as well for some dogs and also incorporates a Cold Infrared Laser at times as well. ( I rented one years ago and then my vet took it over with it's payments so she has it now )
Since the cortisol weakens the muscles, stretches the ligaments and also delays wound healing it will take a bit longer than normal for Hudson's leg to return to normal.
I've also used a holistic product called Traumeel for arthritic discomfort that doesn't have any interactions. Tramadol is another pain medication that isn't an NSAID, but it is by prescription.

Tiffany

[mlmcdaniel]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the information.

I just talked to the Vet and Hudson doesn't have a UTI. She is going to fax info to a specialist. She did ask that I capture some of his urine one morning this week and send it to her just to see if all is ok.

I found Denamarin on Amazon.com as chewables for $30 less than what I paid at Vet. I also ordered some traumeel which won't get here for a while, but my Vet said still needed to give him Rimadyl since he is out today and still limping.

I am still going to see a specialist mainly because I want a second opinion next Tuesday, but also want to see about getting his leg 100% healed, may be he pulled something in hip. My vet wont' see about the hip till know about cushing.

He is only drinking 40 to 58 oz a day. I also started him on that joint Vitamin that is only Vet approved last Thursday with his liver supplements.

Hudson thanks you all!

~Misty

[lulusmom]

Hi Misty,

I'll be anxious to hear what the specialist has to say on Tuesday. Will be standing by for your update. Good luck!

Glynda

[mlmcdaniel]

Hi all,

Hudson and I went to specialist today. It always is no fun tying to get him out of my SUV back seat as he doesn't want jump down and I understand. So, I catch his back legs and put them down for him. However he limped more after getting out. He has been walking a lot better with his leg sticking out more than the other.

The specialist had looked all the paper work my vet sent and the vitamin/meds Hudson is on. He wanted to know what I needed from him..Well a second opinion. He said based off Hudson only drinking 40 to 56 oz water a day, not urinating much, no diarreha or vomiting, plus he had lost a few pounds that he would not medicate him for Cushings. He felt he did not have clinical signs enough and if it was his dog he would not treat. He did recommend I see about his leg asap.

I told him about Hudson falling at vet due to their wet floor in patience room (still makes me mad!)and xray of his knee and down on 5/15 and nothing broken or torn. However, my vet did not want to do xray on hip till lowered cushing. The specialist said no vet said after done testing Cushing. I am like great so, I could have seen about this week or more ago!!!

Have an appointment with ortho tomorrow to check on his leg/hip. Praying that his leg is still not broken or torn. Kills me to watch him walk and that had to wait this long due to seeing about cushing.

Thanks everyone!
Misty & Hudson