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Susann
01-10-2013, 11:40 AM
Hi,

My Millie has had no serious medical concerns until recently. She has been diagnosed with Cushing's Disease and is on Anipryl. Her story is complicated - I will try to simplify it. We rescued her at 10 mos. from college boys. Her leg had been broken....horseplay, I think. We had to have surgery, as it was not set well. To be perfectly honest, I think she was from a puppy mill. She had learned to run like a rabbit. For most of her life, that was just fine. She is the love of our life, very spoiled, and runs the house....a very sweet, but bossy, dog.

Her annual exam for the past year has shown high cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as protein in her urine. No excessive thirst. A blood test concluded Cushings in its early stages. She is on Anipryl and Medicam for the legs' arthritis. We are very pleased because she "has her groove back." one or both of the meds have really improved her mobility. She had begun splaying and slipping, which had us concerned until we took her to an ortho doc who said her kneecap was slipping and all that (along with the other leg and the hopping) was merely mechanical.

I guess I need to know what to expect. I do not k ow any numbers, as others do. Right now she is my perfect little friend. I realize she is over 12, so I am thankful for each day with her. Of course, we want to keep her as long as we can.

So can anyone offer us any advice?

Thanks so much,
Susan

Harley PoMMom
01-10-2013, 02:03 PM
Hi Susan,

Welcome to you and Millie, so sorry for the reasons that brought you here but glad you found us.

The usual symptoms of canine cushing's disease are excessive drinking/urinating, ravenous appetite, and a pot bellied appearance. Dose Millie display any of these? Cushing's is one of the most difficult diseases to get a confirmed diagnosis for because not one test is 100% accurate at diagnosing Cushing's and any non-adrenal illness can create false positive results on all Cushing tests.

Has diabetes and any thyroid problem been ruled out? Other illnesses do share some of the same symptoms as Cushing's, diabetes and thyroid issues being two of them.

We have members that have used Anipryl and I am sure they will be along to share their opinions and advice.

Please know we will help you in any way we can so do not hesitate to ask any and all questions.

Love and hugs,
Lori

NoonelovesmelikeNorman
01-12-2013, 07:55 PM
Hi Susan, and welcome to the group. I am relatively new to the group as well. My daschound, Norman has cushings...this a great informative and supportive site. I just noticed your post about Millie your yorkie. I also have a 13 yr old yorkie pooh named Millie - feeling blessed she is doing well.

I wish you the very best and know you're in good hands with the group.

Sharon, Norman, Millie and Raven (black lab)

molly muffin
01-12-2013, 08:42 PM
Hello and welcome Susan and Millie.

Which blood test was done to determine cushings? Is her urine dilute? Also, all the stuff that Lori asked about.

A dog can live out a normal lifespan with cushings. It's a bit of a procedure though, getting correct dosages and stabilizing the cortisol levels. So, the more information the better. It's such a hard disease to diagnose.
I've been trying to nail it down for almost a year and nothing definite yet.

Was an ultrasound done? I'm curious if they think it is adrenal or pituitary in nature.

I know tons of questions. :) We ask a lot of them here and then we spend the rest of the time worrying that everything is going okay. LOL

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Squirt's Mom
01-13-2013, 09:12 AM
Hi and welcome to you and Millie! :)

My Squirt was also on Anipryl and it worked for her for about 9 months - which is not the norm. Most pups will find relief with this drug for about 3 months, max, if at all. It was first thought to be the next big thing in treating Cushing's but hasn't quite panned out that way. Anipryl works differently and works ONLY on pups who have the pituitary form of Cushing's and among that group, ONLY on those who's tumor is in the pars intermedia portion of the pituitary gland. Anipryl increases dopamine levels in the brain which inhibits ACTH release from the pituitary.

Like you, I was amazed at the change in my Sweet Bebe. She had energy again, she wanted to be with me again instead of hiding under the furniture, her sleep pattern became more normal again...and the whole time I was being told this med would not help. It doesn't for many pups, but it did for Squirt. ;) Now, Squirt's cush story isn't the norm - it turned out the original diagnosis of PDH was wrong - she had a tumor on her spleen and once that was out, her cortisol level returned to normal, tho other hormones didn't.

Here are some links on Anipryl -

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_anipryl.html

http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/diseasesall/a/aniprylseniors.htm

http://www.lbah.com/anipryl.htm

http://www.selegiline.com/

http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/selegiline-hcl-anipryl/page1.aspx

http://www.drugs.com/vet/anipryl-5-mg-can.html

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang