RebeccaG
08-13-2013, 09:17 PM
Hi, I am brand new to this forum and apologize if I am asking or discussing things that have been covered many times- I am a bit overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information here!
(its a long story- questions at the bottom!)
Let me tell you first a bit about my dog, his name is Weebles and he is a 12 year old black lab who was born with a deformed front leg, preventing him from walking on it. For the majority of his life this was hardly an issue, he still enjoyed playing with other dogs, fetching and swimming like a champ! He never knew there was anything different about him, and has always been a happy go lucky, eager to please charmer! He learned all his commands and even a few tricks quickly, as he was bred to be a guide dog. He has never had any health issues, and went only once a year to the vet for the usual stuff. Several years ago, I moved out from my parents home, and Weebles stayed, as he had really become part of the pack with our family dog and two cats and I didnt want to separate him- I also work some long and crazy hours, and figured he would be better served with my retired mother's constant attention. I live close and still see him at least once a week, and used to take him on hikes.
About two years ago, I noticed he had really slowed down significantly, and initially attributed it to depression from his "sister" Happy the golden retriever, passing away. He then began having more and more difficulty with stairs. Other things I noticed were excessive panting or hind leg trembling with even mild exercise, a lack of interest in fetching and that he looked fat despite not gaining weight and no amount of coconut oil would keep his coat shiny. I decided he just was out of shape and needed more exercise, but wanted to rule out any heart issues first so I brought him in and asked for a top to bottom geriatric work up. The vet informed me that his heart was in good shape and all seemed well and I should proceed with working him out. She later called me to say they found a urinary tract infection and put him on an antibiotic. This seemed strange since he had shown no signs. When re-checking his urine, they saw something that indicated Cushing's. We didnt do any further testing because it is quite clear that that is exactly whats wrong with him. The vet's initial advice was that the medications were well outside my budget, and that although he was a bit slower, he was in no pain and treatment was optional. This was about one year ago. Over the last 12 months he has continued to grow weak in his back legs, now unable to even get on the couch unassisted. He does not stand or walk unless its absolutely necessary, and generally pees and poops within 1o feet of the front door and then lays down. with LOTS of prodding he will walk about 200ft to the end of the driveway and back, and it takes him about 20 minutes.
I spoke at length with my parents and was able to get them to agree to pay for his treatment (I pay for all of his other expenses) and we hauled him back to the vet where we learned he had another UTI and the estimate for medication cost had jumped from $100 a month to $85 a week! (I am not sure why this is- is she had miscalculated initially or what) The vet also did not seem to think treatment would improve his symptoms much, if at all. This cost is far more than we could afford in any case, but with such little hope it is certainly too much. I decided to try and research alternative treatments or alternative sources for medications and also became very concerned about all of the potential side effects and follow-up involved... because I am not with him 24/7 I worry a symptom might be overlooked.
Has anyone seen turnaround of muscle weakness? With what treatment? This is really my main concern, as he is already one leg short.
Has anyone tried any alternative or natural treatments?
He takes Glucosamine & Condroitin with MSM, Hylaurnic acid, eggshell membrane, tumeric and fish oil to keep his joints young.
Has anyone opted NOT TO TREAT cushing's? With what results?
I feel awful that money is a factor into my pet's quality of life... it frankly sickens me. I have been trying to take as much extra work as I can get my hands on, and even looked into selling my car... turns out I would only get enough to cover about 4 months of medication and testing.
Sorry for such a long story, I appreciate any advice and insight.
Rebecca
(its a long story- questions at the bottom!)
Let me tell you first a bit about my dog, his name is Weebles and he is a 12 year old black lab who was born with a deformed front leg, preventing him from walking on it. For the majority of his life this was hardly an issue, he still enjoyed playing with other dogs, fetching and swimming like a champ! He never knew there was anything different about him, and has always been a happy go lucky, eager to please charmer! He learned all his commands and even a few tricks quickly, as he was bred to be a guide dog. He has never had any health issues, and went only once a year to the vet for the usual stuff. Several years ago, I moved out from my parents home, and Weebles stayed, as he had really become part of the pack with our family dog and two cats and I didnt want to separate him- I also work some long and crazy hours, and figured he would be better served with my retired mother's constant attention. I live close and still see him at least once a week, and used to take him on hikes.
About two years ago, I noticed he had really slowed down significantly, and initially attributed it to depression from his "sister" Happy the golden retriever, passing away. He then began having more and more difficulty with stairs. Other things I noticed were excessive panting or hind leg trembling with even mild exercise, a lack of interest in fetching and that he looked fat despite not gaining weight and no amount of coconut oil would keep his coat shiny. I decided he just was out of shape and needed more exercise, but wanted to rule out any heart issues first so I brought him in and asked for a top to bottom geriatric work up. The vet informed me that his heart was in good shape and all seemed well and I should proceed with working him out. She later called me to say they found a urinary tract infection and put him on an antibiotic. This seemed strange since he had shown no signs. When re-checking his urine, they saw something that indicated Cushing's. We didnt do any further testing because it is quite clear that that is exactly whats wrong with him. The vet's initial advice was that the medications were well outside my budget, and that although he was a bit slower, he was in no pain and treatment was optional. This was about one year ago. Over the last 12 months he has continued to grow weak in his back legs, now unable to even get on the couch unassisted. He does not stand or walk unless its absolutely necessary, and generally pees and poops within 1o feet of the front door and then lays down. with LOTS of prodding he will walk about 200ft to the end of the driveway and back, and it takes him about 20 minutes.
I spoke at length with my parents and was able to get them to agree to pay for his treatment (I pay for all of his other expenses) and we hauled him back to the vet where we learned he had another UTI and the estimate for medication cost had jumped from $100 a month to $85 a week! (I am not sure why this is- is she had miscalculated initially or what) The vet also did not seem to think treatment would improve his symptoms much, if at all. This cost is far more than we could afford in any case, but with such little hope it is certainly too much. I decided to try and research alternative treatments or alternative sources for medications and also became very concerned about all of the potential side effects and follow-up involved... because I am not with him 24/7 I worry a symptom might be overlooked.
Has anyone seen turnaround of muscle weakness? With what treatment? This is really my main concern, as he is already one leg short.
Has anyone tried any alternative or natural treatments?
He takes Glucosamine & Condroitin with MSM, Hylaurnic acid, eggshell membrane, tumeric and fish oil to keep his joints young.
Has anyone opted NOT TO TREAT cushing's? With what results?
I feel awful that money is a factor into my pet's quality of life... it frankly sickens me. I have been trying to take as much extra work as I can get my hands on, and even looked into selling my car... turns out I would only get enough to cover about 4 months of medication and testing.
Sorry for such a long story, I appreciate any advice and insight.
Rebecca