First post-I do NOT like Cushings! (Update: Daisy so bravely passed)

[Pacerpup]

Thank you for being here. I have been feeling like the life is just being sucked out of my chest, like free falling, out of control. My girl, my Daisy, will be tested tomorrow. Learning by reading here. Feeling your pain as well. So many strong people here. I hope you can help guide us through this experience. Daisy has had hip dysphasia since 9 months of age so bad that UC Davis even said surgery could not help. She has done great, now 11 yrs old but it's showing. And her voracious appetite, water drinking, skin problems etc...well, you know.

So how have people in the past approached treatment in a dog with arthritis. Suppress the steroid & she gets pain & increased disability. And with the panting, don't know if she IS in pain or it's Cushings. Her self supplied steroids have helped her until now. What do I do?

I'm afraid I am rambling. Just trying to get it out there so I can get some perspective. So I can do what's best for Daisy. She is my love but I'm trying to stay grounded...for her!

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Daisy!

Sorry for the reasons that brought you here but glad you found us. If you could get copies of all test/s that were done on Daisy and post all abnormalities listed here, that would help us to provide you with better feedback.

Cushing's is one of the most difficult diseases to get a confirmed diagnosis for, as not one test is 100% accurate at diagnosing Cushing's so it usually is diagnosed via two or more tests such as the LDDS, ACTH, and/or ultrasound.

Cushing's is a very slow progressing disease so one does have the time to get a confirmed diagnosis for their pet. Do not hurry into treatment without a confirmed diagnosis that includes one's pet displaying strong symptoms.

Arthritis can be treated with supplements such as wild salmon oil, duralactin, Glucosamine and chondroitin, plus some members have used Adequan.

Please know we are here for you and Daisy and we will help in any way we can.

Love and hugs,
Lori

[addy]

I am familiar with that feeling, of life being sucked right out of you, truth be told, a lot of us are. Somehow, you will get stronger, though you may not believe that now. You may find it and then lose that strength a few times:):);)

You do the best you can with the knowledge you gain. If you are confident in Daisy's diagnosis you may say, I will treat her with Trilostane, it gives me more flexibility to start and stop the drug. You may see how it goes, how bad the arthritis gets. You may find a bit higher post cortisol works better for her.

What I am trying to point out, is that you have options, even though you may not know that now.

Once we treat Cushings, we do not know what we may uncover in our pups. You try and do the best you can.

Could we know a bit more? What tests were done? How was the diagnosis made?

As Lori already said, we are here for you. You have found a home and no longer travel this road alone.

[Chancie]

Hugs to you and Daisy! I'm just starting out on this journey, but others with great information will be along shortly to help!

[Pacerpup]

I thank you all so much. Already tried to post one reply but I guess I better be more brief.

I will get Daisy's chart and results. Your wisdom and input will not be wasted on me. I am literally hanging on every word.

I already learned the better drug to try if her arthritis gets worse on treatment. But I am putting the cart before the horse here. Once the LDDS test is done tomorrow, I'll update you on how the day went. Writing this seems to ease the fear and pain.

Thank you again. God Bless all of our brave pups & their companions!

[GabbySue]

I don't like it one bit either! You are in a really good group, the knowledge and support from the members is in a word-priceless!!

I know you are worried about Daisy's arthritis, but I also have had a dog that had severe dysplasia ,another JRT,and we treated him with Adequan injections and he also had accupuncture/chiropractic. One thing that his vet did for him as he was so happy during his accu that he wagged his tail (even holding his tail didn't help) so much his needles would come out so she did vitamin B-12 mini injections at the trigger points to give him a more lasting effect. He was also on Metacam, there are other pain relieving drugs like Tramadol(ultram) that isn't a narcotic nor is it an NSAID. I am cautious about NSAIDs for their side effects and that was what we lost Dean to.

My ortho did tell me that dogs DO NOT process in their guts 80-90% of Hyaluronic Acid so it's not as good for dogs as it is for horses that do process that much. Hylarten joint injections are an option though that can provide relief.
I am currently trying to get my ortho vet to order a product that you can get in Canada called Cartrophen,it's a disease modifying drug used to treat arthritis in the UK,Australia and Canada, if I can get it I'll let you know how it works.

[frijole]

:D Well I was terrified and didn't like it either but its been 7 years and I now know that it was not that big of a deal and that there are way worse diagnoses out there (had one of each with my two girls)... your dog will be just fine!

The disease is very frequently misdiagnosed so don't take one test as conclusive because it is not. Question - you said your dog has arthritis - what drugs is he/she on?

Also tell us please about your dog, the symptoms, and what made your vet think it is cushings. The more you tell us the better help we can be so tell us all you can.

Welcome! And seriously - don't worry if it is cushings - your dog can lead a normal life. Kim

[Pacerpup]

Wow, awesome. I hear a faint tone of hope here. Since I am so close to UC Davis, maybe they have an alternative or complementary medicine approach to arthritis.

One other request to put out there.

Has anyone had acute onset severe loss of hearing in their Cushing pup? I am familiar with blindness/cataracts but hearing loss? She IS getting older but this has happened only recently.

Thanks Gabby Sue, Chancie, addy, and Harley PoMMom. And to everyone for your support and help.

[frijole]

Has anyone had acute onset severe loss of hearing in their Cushing pup? I am familiar with blindness/cataracts but hearing loss? She IS getting older but this has happened only recently.

.

Nope - not a cushings thing... but I know first hand that when it goes, it is often quite sudden.

[Pacerpup]

I appreciate that frijole. Not really a problem. We can work with it. Although Daisy is quite vocal, we communicate better without any words at all. I'll always protect her as she has done so well for me over the years.

Thanks again frijole!

[addy]

Sometimes we think it is sudden because we don't notice the hearing loss until it is bad. The pup seems to compensate as the hearing starts to go and then one day we say, OMG, she cant hear" because the hearing loss has reached a point where the pup cannot compensate as well. Happened to my Zoe as we were lowering her cortisol last summer.

We both adjusted just fine.:D:D:D:D

[Pacerpup]

Thank you addy. That is good to hear. Support here is incredible.

OK, I am full of questions.

Am I crazy for not wanting to test today as Daisy is so dramatically better last 24 hrs. She has been on Cipro for a paw wound and UTI and I think the infection had aggravated what will turn out to be Cushings.

I don't want to stress Daisy with another long car ride and 8 hrs in a cage. I live too far to make 3 trips & not leave her. I do have an appt in 6 days at UC Davis. I can let them make the diagnosis and check on alternative treatments for arthritis while there.

I love this dog & want what's best. But UC D endocrinologists words keep ringing in my ear. "Cushings is not an emergency", it is slowly progressive.

I will get copies of chart and post details on labs so you can help us. And I thank you for any feedback you can give.

I believe we will be staying home today. btw is $177 average cost for LDDS test?

Thanks again.

[marie adams]

Welcome to you and Daisy!!! :)

I agree with everyone that Cushing's sucks!!! You do feel more in control as you furbaby gets under control. I could not have done it without the help of the experts here at this forum. They will answer your questions or do a little research and then answer your questions. Please keep asking and do not ever feel there are too many questions. This is how you learn more about how to treat the beast of Cushings.

Cushings is slow progressing, I knew something was there before I knew what it was--I just could not find any references to it by the way I was searching online for it. The vet kept telling me she was getting older and this is what happens. You know it has to be more than that by the way your furbaby acts. There were so many symptoms by the time I figured it out, but it was over time.

Take deep breaths and we will all be here to help you sort this out--you are part of the family now!!! :)

Take care!

[Pacerpup]

Thank you Marie. I am so glad to hear these words of encouragement. The ache in my heart is easing. Just feeling the support of everyone here helps soooo mich.

So Daisy has arthritis and has been on Meloxicam but only maybe once or twice a week. She has been so strong, transferring all her weight to her front end. For the past 6 months, she has been on thyroid replacement. Thought that was her main problem. But her pot belly, appetite, thirst, panting, hair loss and skinny hind end raise suspicion.

We spent the holiday in a cabin in the mountains, don't think Daisy liked the altitude. She didn't show it except to become very tired. Plus she either got a bite or cut on her paw which I noticed had drainage and swollen. I tested her urine and she came up positive for nitrate and protein. So started her on Cipro 5mg/lb and for past 36 hrs she is much better. She can actually sigh now. Before, she was really working.

So I have an appt next Wednesday at UC Davis. I think I'll let them take the reigns, so to speak. They handled my last pup's congestive heart failure beautifully.

I will keep everyone updated on Daisy's progress. I hope her story can bring one of hope to others as she adjusts, improves & dies of old age peacefully.

Thanks again to ALL of you. You are truly ANGELS!

[Pacerpup]

OK Angels...I have another question. I have been reading a lot of other posts and see the same pattern of low thyroid diagnosed before Cushings. Daisy has only had one test to evaluate her thyroid dose since being started on thyroxin 6 months ago. Since her breathing is fast, 26-30/min, and her head moves slightly with each heartbeat when she is resting, I wonder if she has gone too far hyperthyroid.

So should I try stopping the thyroxin and go to UCD at baseline. I am sure she has some discomfort from the arthritis. Is it ok to still give her meloxicam every other day. I stopped that because I wasn't sure if it was upsetting her stomach when she started having less of appetite. But I want her comfortable. I hate hearing those ever so slight whines.

Oh, what to do, what to do. Help please.

[Steph n' Ella]

Well in reading here I realized that my vet didn't bother to calc the dosage or didn't calculate it correctly for my Ella's thyroid meds. The short cut for soloxine is .1 mg per every 10 pounds 2 times a day.

Vet gave me .5 mg 2 x a day but Ella only weighs 33.8 pounds. Her T4 shot through the roof after just a week! Now we are down to .25 mg 2x a day and have the option to go up to .3 is it isn't enough.

[MBK]

I just wanted to say welcome to you. We have all felt the way you do at the beginning...so much information and it all sounds so scary. It does get better, although, I think we all can say we have our ups and downs and that is what makes this forum so special. When someone is down, there is always someone who has been there.

As for the hearing loss, my Alivia is 14+ and I recently noticed her hearing is not what it used to be. She can hear, I just have to raise my voice louder. Her IMS said that sometimes signs of age do seem to come on suddenly. The other thought is that now that she is an old lady, she chooses to ignore me when she wants to. :cool:

Above all else, always follow your heart. You know Daisy better than anyone and you are doing a fantastic job of caring for her!

[Pacerpup]

Daisy update: She seems better since holding 2 doses of thyroid. Not going to give anymore meloxicam until I know more about her liver function. She is eating but not everything in her bowl ( totally unlike her). Drinking cool water helps her panting. Breathing less labored. She goes all night without having to go outside. Lord I hope this is just a case of too much med or her own thyroid function improved. I will keep her on thyroxine but just once a day.

I am reading all of your posts and I see how we are not alone. I am grateful that you share your experience and strength. Thank you.

[Pacerpup]

A update on Daisy. Her breathing, shallow and rapid, got to >40-44 per minute. She still eats but only small servings, loves her cold water to drink. But we felt it was worth an ER visit to see if we could do anything to help her. They did CXR and blood gases. Her oxygen level was 52! Her X-ray looked like popcorn cotton clouds-diffuse disease throughout her lungs. Ultrasound of abdomen showed large liver with some dark spots. Also a nodule upper chest.

Differential diagnosis is fungal infection or cancer...or both. Since she had a nasal fungal infection 6 months ago, it seems possible. But also mentioned was immune suppression from probable Cushings which allowed cancer to take over. She has 2 large lymph nodes in her neck.

Vet said she is stable & not recommending euthanasia at this point. Option was to admit her, give her oxygen but she may stop breathing since she has grown used to, compensated for, her low oxygen level. And if she improves, we can't afford $250 every 6 hours for it.

They talked of fine needle aspirations, bronchoscopy, many blood draws all with no talk of anything other than confirmation, no reliable treatment. After much thought & prayer, we decided to bring her home where we know her and can keep her comfortable. Doubt they have a memory foam bed and cold water whenever she gets thirsty. We did let them draw a T4, electrolytes, hematology profile and liver function tests. The last to be sure she could take an anti fungal if needed. We asked for that anti fungal, will give it and pray but deep down, we know it's way out of our hands. Her human family & canine boyfriend are by her side. If her chest X-ray isn't improved by Wednesday when we return for f/u appt, we may have to let her go be with God and the other pets at Rainbow Bridge. It is quite difficult with her so alert. I wish we had an idea of Cushings sooner before all this infection or cancer could take hold.

Pray for Daisy dear Cush Angels. Her Dad, my husband, and I are hurting pretty bad but still holding out hope for a miracle. With HIM, all things are possible.

[labblab]

I am so sorry to hear that Daisy is so very sick. You'll see that I've added your new post to Daisy's original thread so that it will be easier for everyone to follow along with her complete history. I will be holding you all in my thoughts and my prayers, and hoping very much for that miracle for your sweet little girl.

Sending many hugs to you all,
Marianne

[addy]

You and Daisy are in my prayers and I am so sorry to read this post tonight.

My heart goes out to you and your family durring this difficult time.

Hold Daisy close, as I know you are.

[frijole]

You got it - the cush angels will be out in force for you and Daisy. Sending strength and love. You both will be in my prayers. Kim

[glfprncs]

Sending both you and Daisy positive jingles and prayers.

[Roxee's Dad]

Keeping you all very close to my heart.

[Bo's Mom]

Sending our hugs from Texas for Daisy and your family.

Belinda

[jpatterson]

Welcome to you. I have found the members of this forum to be absolutely wonderful. Like you I am struggling with getting my doxy on the correct dose of vetoryl. Lab work and watching his symptoms, dealing with the vet, specialists...all very overwhelming. The hardest part for me was getting an initial diagnosis. He almost ended up with back surgery because everyone was sure it was disc problems and not muscle myopathy due to the high levels of cortisol.

He is letting me sleep at night now. For about a month, he was waking me up every few hours to drink water and go outside. I was about to collapse. I work full time and I felt like a zombie at work. I think controlling his cortisol levels has improved that problem.

I wish you the very best! Keep loving your cushpup and if you are like me....I owe him a lot. I cannot begin to understand the loyalty and unconditional love a dog has for their owner. If you have never experienced that kind of love....you have missed a very important part of life.

[WhisperPntr]

Best of luck and hope Daisy gets better! I feel you're in good hands living so close to a university.

[marie adams]

We are holding your hand and Daisy's paw as you go through this stressful time. Some of us have our arm around your shoulders...:o

((((HUGS))))

[jpatterson]

I am praying for your dog and family. Praying God sends Angels to surround you all and hold you through this time of need.

[GabbySue]

Thinking of you and Daisy. I hope you've been able to keep her more comfortable and I'm sure being with you instead of in the hospital she would be more relaxed and breath easier.

They do charge a fortune for oxygen, and it isn't that expensive. I was charged for 24 hours of oxygen on a puppy that died after only 6 hours and I made them refund me the balance of what we didn't use.

[Squirt's Mom]

How is Daisy doing? Hope things are better.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Pacerpup]

I do apologize for taking so long to update everyone on Daisy's battle. I don't even remember where I left off. Suffice to say, Cushings was put on lower priority as Daisy's respiratory status continued to decline. We let them run the most advanced Cocci tests available and all negative. So, combined with the diagnosis of liver masses with metastasis to lungs. We opted not to put her through anymore invasive tests. Blood, urine & fine needle aspiration of lymph nodes was enough. We bought a utility cart (canvas) so she didn't have to use valuable oxygen on her trips to vet. Daisy did rally back to temporary good for 2 days then a trip to bet set her back worse than ever. I have a camera set up which I can monitor from work and I could see Daisy was no longer having any quality of life. She was working too hard to breathe.
I prayed again for angels and God sent them. We took Daisy up high on a hill I'm lush landscaped grounds of pet cemetery in Napa. Silverado vet clinic (our first contact) sent an angel to meet us there. Daisy kissed us as the sedative subway injection started to provide relief. I held her in my arms as she so peacefully & bravely set her head down until I knew she was gone. She went with dignity and grace. I couldn't have been more grateful to God for teaching me about not being selfish through this life experience. Daisy was his little Earth angel. Now she joins many others as they wait on Rainbow Bridge. Thank you to everyone for carrying me through a most difficult time in my life. Without your support and God's mercy & love, I would not be able to move forward. But I'm here to tell you that tho I feared the pain & I still feel like I'm free falling at times when I think of her, every day is a little easier. Daisy's deeply affected Shepherd boyfriend is at last finding the motivation to play ball again. The least I can do is follow his brave example.
Thanks again to all the Angels here. You are divinely guided.

[Pacerpup]

Sorry. Didn't do spell check. Hopefully you can make out what I'm saying.

[Bo's Mom]

Oh my, I am so sorry to read about Daisy. I was hoping things would have turned around for her. She is an angel now making paw prints in heaven watching over you.

[GabbySue]

I'm so sorry. I think it is suffice to say that with all the Cushing's Angels they fought the good fight.

Godspeed Daisy.

Tiffany

[Squirt's Mom]

Dear Pacerpup,

The images that have been in my mind and heart since reading your beautiful post about Daisy are ones of great peace and deep love. I do believe that is the most touching story I have read in a long time. To take her to such a beautiful, peaceful place filled with so many beloved pets who have taken their final journeys seems so fitting.

There is no doubt in my mind that as Daisy closed her gentle eyes for the last time, she held in her heart the love you shared and that love gave her wings to soar. Her failing body left behind, her beautiful Soul was freed of all pain and suffering. Today she is running free in the Rainbow Fields with so many of our loved ones, the wind in her ears, singing with all her heart. From there, she will watch over you with the same love and devotion she always has until you are once again reunited.

Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Squirt, Trinket, Brick, Tasha, and our Angels, Ruby and Crystal


I ONLY WANTED YOU

They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

--- Anonymous ---

[Casey's Mom]

Godspeed sweet Daisy...

Love, peace and hugs

[Altira]

God bless.

[Jenny & Judi in MN]

hugs and sympathy to you on the loss of your Daisy

[jrepac]

rest easy Daisy

Jeff & the Girls

[molly muffin]

What a brave little Daisy. She will always be a part of you.

Hugs,
Sharlene