Stimpy
05-09-2013, 12:22 AM
Hi all,
I'm new here and sad to say my little guy (11 pounds, neutered) was just diagnosed.. but I'm glad to find this forum, really seems like a friendly group of people here.
Here's Stimpy's story:
Stimpy began showing some incontinence, ravenous hunger, an ever-growing pot belly and grunting/hyperventilating when picked up. Then some unusual flat (not raised) scabs on his legs and raised blemishes on his back. Easily visible being hairless.
The vet took a couple urine samples indicating normal kidney function. Since the above symptoms suggested Cushings, they did some blood tests which seemed to ruled it out. Vet recommended changing from Orijen kibble to a lower protein (uncertain of the belly), so I switched to California Natural. I told them it seemed more like gas/bloat rather than a weight issue.
Hyperventilating now more frequent, now even when just laying down/relaxed. Tends to lay flat with belly stretched across floor, appears to be uncomfortable like he's always just had a big meal. A raised scab at the tip of Stimpy's tail began to work its way up the shaft and become raw. I have another dog who took notice of this and aside from his obsession with licking Stimpy's back the last several weeks, he then began licking his tail as well.
More blood tests, xrays and an ultrasound: 2x enlarged liver. Slightly elevated blood pressure of "200". Vet wasn't overly concerned given nervous dog + added stress being at vet. Requested dexamethasone suppression test. I'm wondering why this tests wasn't done in the first place ($$$).
Tail becoming more raw; caught the other dog starting to CHEW on Stimpy's tail, causing it to bleed. Stimpy didn't seem to notice. Got supplies/ointment from vet to try and heal it, until one morning when it was left unwrapped to breathe and the other dog took to another good chew, this time almost gnawing it OFF. Very disturbed, I scheduled the amputation as suggested by the vet.
Suppression test results came back indicating Cushings (endocrinology below). Vet docked Stimpy's tail and did dental work while under anesthesia (scale/polish and extract 6 infected/loose teeth). Claimed with Cushings, infection can spread due to low immune system and is best removed along with the tail.
All drama aside, it's been 24hrs and Stimpy is recovering well -- acts like nothing happened! He's on Clavaseptin antibiotics and 10mg Tramadol for pain (although doesn't seem to need it/make a difference).
Needless to say, this has been a costly diagnosis (not to mention the other dog having his own issues). Premium holistic food all their lives makes me wonder how they'd be now had they been on a cheaper brand.
Ok that's about it in a nutshell. I'd be happy to hear any comments, good or bad regarding any of this. Unfortunately, I'm going away for 6 days so I can't start treating this until I return. Both dogs are staying at a very nice home-based doggy daycare so I've informed the lady and she is experienced dealing with these sorts of things. Despite that, it still makes me more nervous than anything and I hope it's smooth sailing during this time.
I've seen requests on the forum for test results, so here are Stimpy's:
Cortisol (0hr): 220 (0-280 nmol/L)
Cortisol (4hr Dex): 146
Cortisol (8hr Dex): 254
"Poor suppression noted at 4 and 9 hour. Consistent with Cushings (possible adrenal based) as long as history and blood work correspond. Check imaging or HDDS to differentiate pituitary vs adrenal."
Thanks in advance!
I'm new here and sad to say my little guy (11 pounds, neutered) was just diagnosed.. but I'm glad to find this forum, really seems like a friendly group of people here.
Here's Stimpy's story:
Stimpy began showing some incontinence, ravenous hunger, an ever-growing pot belly and grunting/hyperventilating when picked up. Then some unusual flat (not raised) scabs on his legs and raised blemishes on his back. Easily visible being hairless.
The vet took a couple urine samples indicating normal kidney function. Since the above symptoms suggested Cushings, they did some blood tests which seemed to ruled it out. Vet recommended changing from Orijen kibble to a lower protein (uncertain of the belly), so I switched to California Natural. I told them it seemed more like gas/bloat rather than a weight issue.
Hyperventilating now more frequent, now even when just laying down/relaxed. Tends to lay flat with belly stretched across floor, appears to be uncomfortable like he's always just had a big meal. A raised scab at the tip of Stimpy's tail began to work its way up the shaft and become raw. I have another dog who took notice of this and aside from his obsession with licking Stimpy's back the last several weeks, he then began licking his tail as well.
More blood tests, xrays and an ultrasound: 2x enlarged liver. Slightly elevated blood pressure of "200". Vet wasn't overly concerned given nervous dog + added stress being at vet. Requested dexamethasone suppression test. I'm wondering why this tests wasn't done in the first place ($$$).
Tail becoming more raw; caught the other dog starting to CHEW on Stimpy's tail, causing it to bleed. Stimpy didn't seem to notice. Got supplies/ointment from vet to try and heal it, until one morning when it was left unwrapped to breathe and the other dog took to another good chew, this time almost gnawing it OFF. Very disturbed, I scheduled the amputation as suggested by the vet.
Suppression test results came back indicating Cushings (endocrinology below). Vet docked Stimpy's tail and did dental work while under anesthesia (scale/polish and extract 6 infected/loose teeth). Claimed with Cushings, infection can spread due to low immune system and is best removed along with the tail.
All drama aside, it's been 24hrs and Stimpy is recovering well -- acts like nothing happened! He's on Clavaseptin antibiotics and 10mg Tramadol for pain (although doesn't seem to need it/make a difference).
Needless to say, this has been a costly diagnosis (not to mention the other dog having his own issues). Premium holistic food all their lives makes me wonder how they'd be now had they been on a cheaper brand.
Ok that's about it in a nutshell. I'd be happy to hear any comments, good or bad regarding any of this. Unfortunately, I'm going away for 6 days so I can't start treating this until I return. Both dogs are staying at a very nice home-based doggy daycare so I've informed the lady and she is experienced dealing with these sorts of things. Despite that, it still makes me more nervous than anything and I hope it's smooth sailing during this time.
I've seen requests on the forum for test results, so here are Stimpy's:
Cortisol (0hr): 220 (0-280 nmol/L)
Cortisol (4hr Dex): 146
Cortisol (8hr Dex): 254
"Poor suppression noted at 4 and 9 hour. Consistent with Cushings (possible adrenal based) as long as history and blood work correspond. Check imaging or HDDS to differentiate pituitary vs adrenal."
Thanks in advance!