Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis) - Buttercup is now in heaven

[Dawn Anderson]

I am so glad I found this. I have so many ?'s . I have a wonderful girl name Buttercup she is a Amstaff Boxer mix . She will be 8 this January. She has been diagnosed with Cushings . Her test did not pinpoint Adrenal or Pituitary. I have an appt. For her on wed at UC Davis in the neurology ,internal and derma depts. to pinpoint the affected gland.I do understand that in rare cases that it can affect both and to start what ever treatment she needs.
She has developed calasinois cutis. What works the best to soothe her skin, is there a particular type of oatmeal that can be used and what is the best way to prep and use it??
Does anyone on this forum have a baby that has been diag with Cushings that is affecting both the adrenal and pituitary glands and if so, what was their demeanor like?? How long did it take for the signs to show up.

Here is her back story.

Buttercups personality started to gradually change at the end of last year. Wasn't chewing on her favorite antlers and stopped suckling on her blankie. So I thought well it is time to get her teeth cleaned, maybe she was having some issues starting to arise. So I got her in in feb. All her blood work was fine so we did the cleaning. It went well no gum issues and all her teeth were intacted and in good shape. So I was happy and thought she would start chewing and suckling her blanket again in a couple of weeks. Unforunately she did not.
She was still playful and happy but was sleeping a little more then normal but since it was winter and very wet and cold did not think very much about because I also wanted to stay in . Then in mid june she started to become a little slower, but we had lots of city workers on the property working on the sewer lines and she had to stay inside and could not go out with out supervision for about a month.
Then august I noticed that her belly looked bloated and she had become lathargic not more jumping up and putting for front legs around my waist hugging me and welcoming me home. So off to the Vet. After xrays and ultrasound they found enlarged liver and spleen but no masses were found, did byopsy on liver only found fatty cells, did find that she has some spurs.on her vertabras and in inflammed discs. So got her weight back down and added supplements for her joints. Then she started having accidents (peeing) in the house which she had never done before and was still very depressed and was starting to stare off into space to the point that we would have to snap her out of it and then she would be fine for awhile then off she would go again. Vet had me wen her off the pain meds thinking that was causing the peeing and dazing off into space. But it didn't, at the time her vet did mention the possibility of Cushing's and would have to test her. Then the next week while petting her I found a patch of her skin was kind of hard and another that was weeping. So back we went and sent samples off to the lab and it came back positive for calasinois cutis associated to her high level of cortisol. That when we did the lab work for Cushing's. And here we are. The cutis is on he hackle area and running down both her sides along the spine and a couple of spots on her chest by her armpit and on the back of the neck. She started scratching and before I could stop her she got 4 good stokes in on her right shoulder. I am using Hibistat wipes and neosporin on the wound which the vet said was fine since she can't like there anyways. I've also been giving her green tea compresses over the area and then let it dry out and put a tee shirt on her which has helped keep her from scratching.
Is there is anything else I can add to what I am doing for her to help her be more comfortable?
I know this was long but I felt if you had a little history on her it could answer a lot of ? that you all might have and speed up the advise process I am her advocate and will go the extra mile for her.
Thank you in advance for all your knowledge and support
Dawn and Buttercup

[labblab]

Hello Dawn and Buttercup! I am so sorry for the reasons, but so glad you've found us!!

I apologize that I don't have time to post more right now. But I know that others will soon be stopping by, as well. Also, I am taking the liberty of adding "Calcinisis cutis" to your title so that other members who are also battling this symptom will be more likely to see you.

I think you will be getting expert advice at UC Davis, and we will be here to walk alongside you and Buttercup every step of the way. ;)

Best wishes, and I'll try to pop back again later.

Marianne

[goldengirl88]

Hello Dawn:
Sorry Buttercup is having troubles. My Tipper had both a pituitary tumor and adrenal. She has been treated for about 13 months now. The second on the Adrenal gland was not found right away. It was found a few months back on an Ultra Sound in the hospital. The vets office did not pick it up on their US because it was not high resolution like the hospital has. So far thank God her adrenal tumor has not grown. I am treating her with Vetoryl. You asked about the personality changing, and Tipper's certainly has. She get very irritable and nasty if she does not want to do something, will not sit to have her hair trimmed anymore, she will try to bite you. She has no patience at all. It has turned a very sweet girl into a little biting machine when she gets angry. Even tho she is sick she is still very powerful, and I have had to keep her and my other dog separated as she attacked him once. This is so out of character for her. I understand where it is coming from and have learned what sets her off, and try not to do it. She has become totally scared of any type of noise. Before it was just thunder and now it is everything. You are certainly going to a well respected place to find out what is going on with her, so I am sure they will be able to tell you if she has both. It will be ok, once you get into the swing of things and you will learn how to manage her. Blessings
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Dawn and welcome to you and Buttercup! :)

I bet she is a hoot when she's feeling good! Staffie and Boxer?! WOOHOO what fun! :p

We have several folks here dealing with CC (Calcinosis cutis). To find these stories, go to the top of the page in the first narrow white bar and click on "Search". Enter "Calcinosis cutis" in the box, make sure it will search for "threads" not "posts", and then click "go". A page will open that shows all the threads where CC has been discussed. You will find the titles often bear the name "calcinosis cutis" like Marianne changed yours to read.

To get you started, here are a few links to threads -

Threads where calcinosis cutis is discussed:
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3940

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3870

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3765


And some links for you to check out -
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/40502.htm

http://www.leospetcare.com/calcinosis-cutis/


A cream one of our members has had success using on her baby -

Cream used by Jackie for Ugga - http://www.tcvmherbal.com/


Finally, a link to images of CC - (caution, pics are rather graphic)
https://www.google.com/search?q=calcinosis+cutis+in+dogs&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=x4J&tbo=u&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=dADwUJONAYn5igKfn4AQ&ved=0CDAQsAQ&biw=1467&bih=652

I am very glad you found us and look forward to learning more about Buttercup and you as time passes. Ya'll are no longer alone on this journey - you are now family here and we stick by our family through thick and thin. Never hesitate to ask questions; we will do our best to help.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome from me too. U of Davis is an excellent facility with a lot of experience with cushings. We've had several members go there. For the moment try to keep her from scratching as you are doing. I think that once the numbers come down for cortisol that this will eventually start to clear up, but it can be one of the last things to clear. Peeing, ravenous eating, usually clear up first. What was the LDDS test numbers? I am guessing this is what you had done to try to distinguish between pituitary and adrenal?

Be careful using oatmeal, as the wounds can get a yeast infection (cushings lowers immune system and they are prone to infections then) and oatmeal feeds the years. You can also try chamomile tea compress too as it can be calming to the skin.

So glad you found us and welcome
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Her LDDS test results
Pre=8.5; 4 hour post= 7.6; 8 hour post= 7.7;
Per vet consistent with hyperadrencorticism:
:confused:
Sometimes I feel so frustrated trying to figure this all out!

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Dawn,

A belated welcome to you and Buttercup from me as well. Those LDDs test results are indicative for Cushing's but they do not differentiate between the pituitary and adrenal form of Cushing's, an ultrasound could help with that. Here's a handy link to our Resource thread which can help you understand Cushing's disease: Links to Cushings Websites (especially helpful for new members!) (http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180)

I'm providing you with links to other member's threads with dogs that are dealing with calcinosis cutis, also here is a post from one of our Moderator, Angela, where she has discussed calcinosis cutis.
... From my experience and research the calcinosis cutis generally will only get better if the cortisol levels are brought down from the high level. It may be that George may have iatrogenic cushings or it may be that George now has cushings. The only way to tell is through tests ... good luck on the 28th :).

It seems to me that you are on the ball with trying to "manage" the calcinosis cutis. We found that the medicated shampoos were too harsh and changed to an oatmeal shampoo which was left on for 5 minutes but we found that didn't really work. I found that DSMO was recommended but we were not able to source this in NZ. A note on this I understand that you should only use this on a certain percentage of total skin cover so would be careful with George. We used antibiotics pro-actively ... as soon as infections arose ... to try to get on top of it quickly. Epiotic to scuff off "stuff". Betadine to "dry" up the areas ... but not on broken skin.

If you have any further queries ... please ask away.

Angela and Flynn

Links: http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5679

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5449

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5561

If you have any questions please do ask them. ;)

Hugs, Lori

[Dawn Anderson]

Thanks for all the great links and supportive words. Lord knows that I have cried a river over all this. Now I have hope and the tunnel is not as dark and bleak as it was just a few days ago.
When I took her in at the end of august the vet did do an US because of her liver and spleen being enlarged, :eek:opps Butters just had a little accident caught her before flooded the kitchen took her out to finish, I always said she had an atomic bladder. She once was able to hold for a good 8 (over night) then in the morning KABOOM, you could see the joy in her face. :D
Ok where was I, when The vet performed the ultra sound she did not see any masses at the adrenal, but that was 2 months ago.:confused:not sure if things have changed with the adrenal . I guess I will have to wait till wed.
Thought I would never say this, but I'm kind of excited to get this hashed out and start her on the needed therapy that she needs, so that we can continue on together making memories.:)
I'm a realest & know that there will be lots of bumps in the road, and having all of you in this sad yet amazing forum( sad because Cushings even exist). We will be fine:) I have created an album with a couple of pics of her for you all to ck out .
Thanks again

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Dawn,

When Squirt and I first started this journey, I was an emotional wreck. Squirt was and remains my life-line and the thought of her having a disease that was not curable was devastating for me. It felt as if my fragile world was ending. Then I found our family here. And in our family I found courage, hope, determination, and a love beyond words for each and every baby here along with knowledge and support that is out of this world. Over the last 5 years, we have had several bumps, some pretty rough, but through everything our family has stood shoulder to shoulder with me, holding my hand, wiping my tears, sharing my joy and laughter and hope. You, too, may find yourself in another dark tunnel or two but you won't walk through that tunnel alone - you will find some of us walking by your side and some standing in that light at the end holding out our hands, guiding you toward that light. You and Buttercup are family now, too, ya know, and you will never be alone just as I've never been alone since finding K9C.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
We all go down this path together, some easier than others, so do not feel alone. This forum is all that stands between me and insanity. They have nurtured me through all Tipper's trials and tribulations, I would not be able to deal with this alone, they are all I have to lean on. Please we are walking this road with you, and will feel every bump as you do, so lean on us. Blessings
Patti

[addy]

Hi Dawn and Welcome,

I usually post this link to new members experiencing Calcinosis Cutis. I think it is scary perhaps to read but offers hope and understanding so I will post it for you

http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=659278&sk=&date=&pageID=3

I am so glad you found us and as Leslie has already said, this journey is so much easier when you are not alone and you no longer are alone.

[Dawn Anderson]

Does anyone has a cushing baby that developed visions issue. Played follow the piece of chicken to ck her responses and found that her parifial visor on the left is having issues and when move the chicken to the right side she was dead on it, did this a few times with the same results each time. Not finding any links on this. Please I need more info., really hope she doesn't have any other underlying condition that would interfer with her treatment...
Thanks for any info anyone has.

[labblab]

Dawn, I am sorry to tell you that there is a particular visual disorder that manifests in conjunction with some of the same symptoms that are caused by Cushing's. The disorder is called SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome). The cause of the disease is not yet well understood, nor are the possible links to Cushing's. But this is most definitely something you will want to report to the folks at Davis today. Hopefully, they will be able to schedule an eye exam for her on-the-spot. Here is a link that will tell you more:

http://www.eyevet.ca/sards.html

I am so sorry you have this additional worry on your plate! But it is really good timing that you are heading to Davis today. They will be able to help with any needed diagnostics.

Don't forget -- we'll be riding along with you in spirit, and we'll be waiting on pins and needles for your report. :o

Marianne

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Good luck to you and Buttercup today. I am hoping you get the answers to thing you are wanting to know about, and get a clear plan of action for Buttercup. Good Luck Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Checking in to see how things went at Davis today! Hoping for a good report. Did the eye vet there get to see Buttercup?

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Feel like I am losing my mind!!n Just got off the phone with the Neurologist at UC Davis and she stated that,the endocrinologist has not seen CC caused by Cushing's alone and asked if she was on any type of steroids, is anyone in the household being treated with any type of steroids, really grilling me hard:mad:. Well the answer to that is a NO,:mad: no one in the house and not her,:mad: I ? her about her medical record/history that was sent to them and that everything she has ever been given was in that history for I have never taken her anywhere else excluding the dental cleaning that she had in Feb 2013.
I do not understand these ???:confused: after all that I have read and was under the impression that if anyone could help her it was here at UC Davis.:(
My stomach is sick, my head is spinning, my heart is aching and tears are streaming down .
I shot off an e-mail to her vet back home expressing my concern and requested that they send her complete history to them ASAP. ( found out they only sent info from this year:mad:)(I'm more then upset trying to contain my anger:mad:)...
Now the waiting game, waiting to hear back from Davis tonight and hopefully her Vet also.

Please help us

[Dawn Anderson]

Regarding her site, yes I did tell them and I even bought some chicken along so that I could demonstrate it for them, the neurologist
did check out her eyes and was able to see the optic nerve and said she had a mild ???? and that we could send her to the opt. dept for a better look. Today alone was 3200.00 she is worth every penny, but as you can see by my previous post I am a little beside my self. I am in a unknown territory by myself in a Inn 10 miles away from Davis and am trying to remain calm

[Harley PoMMom]

Feel like I am losing my mind!!n Just got off the phone with the Neurologist at UC Davis and she stated that,the endocrinologist has not seen CC caused by Cushing's alone

I really do not know why she said that. CC is usually secondary to another illness and Cushing's is definitely at the top of that list. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this, remember deep breaths. ;)

[Dawn Anderson]

Just got off the phone with her Vet back home and she informed me that the office did send a copy of her complete file to them the same day that I made her appointment at UC Davis and that she will call them first thing in the morning and also have 1 of her girls resend the file. She feels that since there are so many people involved with her case, from students to interns and Dr. that there is some sort of miscommunication and or misunderstanding and or misinterpretation
and or missing pages from her history that led them to have the neuro resident grill me .(very poor bedside manner I must admit)
I even visited the Davis web library and even there in their own library there is literature written by their own staff confirming to connection between both natural occurring and treatment induced hormone conditions and cc..
So I will wait to hear from them (thank good I have ins. for her!!!!)

[frijole]

I feel so badly for you. A few years ago I was beside myself trying to figure out what was wrong with my Annie and stuck in a hotel 5 hrs away from home as I waited for results and tests etc. It is frightening. Just know you aren't alone - we are with you in spirit and send you strength. You are doing a great job. Praying you get answers you deserve. Kim

[Dawn Anderson]

ok just got off the got off the phone with Davis and yes they have her file :)and yes they see that she has never been treated with any type of steroid at all.:) They just needed to double check(apparently some parents forget things, but not this 1) I did express my feeling on how the Dr. ? me and that the Dr. needs to remember that she is also dealing with humans and could really work on her bed side manner(yes I was nice about it;)).
she is resting comfortably, they took her for a walk and she pee'd like a race horse :D that my girl, drinking a lot of course and eating well. She is tentatively scheduled for the MRI at 9 am. They did notice that when walking her that if something passed her on the left she did not notice it but when something or someone passed on the right she would stop and check it out and then they would have to coax her along. she is walking well actually trotting down the halls.
Looks like I can get a little rest tonight, thinking of going down to the lounge or maybe out to eat now that all the calls have been made.
SO glad I found this forum, not know what I would have done not having anyone with me to talk to.

[Squirt's Mom]

You're doing a good job, Mom! Sometimes we need to get angry, we need to stomp our feet, we need to make them listen to us. ;) I hope you were able to get some rest last night and that you get some answers today.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[addy]

Stand your ground, we have your back, you are never alone.


Keep pressing, keep questioning, dont take any cr@#p from any of the people even if it is U.C.Davis

[goldengirl88]

Hoping for some answers for you today. I know how disgusted you feel, but keep moving forward and never quit! Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Oh my gosh, I am so glad that this has been straightened out. I agree, horrid bed side manner. Was that an intern or a doctor?

I do hope they can get this figured out for you and Buttercup. Besides being so very expensive it is very stressful for all of you.

You are doing really well though and UDavis does have a good reputation over all and has been one of the leading universites doing follow up research on cushings and vetroyl, etc. So I do have high hopes for them. (hopes key word!)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[spdd]

Just reading your thread for the first time. You are not alone at all in the worrying, frustration and tears. We have all been there and in some cases still there so we know exactly what you are going through.

Sure hope you get the results quickly and can start the treatment process.

I'll be checking in to see how things are.

[Dawn Anderson]

The US showed no masses at the adrenals no changes from the US that was performed in August. So that good, no unusual abnormalities
found when they x-rayed her chest. Just the enlarged liver.
I did notice yesterday while going through all the exams with her the
the skin condition is working its way to her private parts and her skins is getting all these tiny little black speckles, very thin and crappie. her beautiful fur is to thin and not growing back in the areas that were clipped back in Aug. & now with the weather getting cooler
I really feel for her. She is so good at wearing t's and her blanket coat I think she will be ok, but still nothing like a bad hair day that never seems to end.
Will update when I got more info. Oh I still woke up at 3:eek: to take her out then realized we were not home and she wasn't even here:(

[Squirt's Mom]

Good news indeed! YAY! So glad nothing was found to cause concern.

LOL I have done things like that soooo many times! Our minds simply cannot make those abrupt changes to routines very well at times, especially when we are the caregivers of such precious babies, huh? Just one more sign of the deep love you have for your sweet Buttercup.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[goldengirl88]

That is indeed good news for you. Is your baby on a liver supplement? If not you may want to think about using one it does help them to support their liver. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Thanks go out to all of you for having my back. I just got back from Davis visited with her for a few hours till it was time for her to get ready for the MRI. I meet 2 of the ladies that will be taking care of her during the anesthesia process and informed them that she is very sensitive to it and it take her a while to come out and become aware of what's going on. They thanked me for that info. they sat with us for a while and petted her, really showing compassion for the sweet girl.
She really can not see out of her left eye anymore, virtually no more menace response, I tried over and over again but nothing. The right side is good and strong.
Meet with the Dr. and she was much better face to face. Butters vet also called me to let me know that everything is going to be ok, that she is in the best place and that the head Dr. which is Dr. Nelson who's career spans 35 years and his specialty is endocrinology. And wouldn't you know it my girl is apart of a rare and small group that gets this rear acute extremely aggressive CC and lesions solely from PDH and that the ?? were needed.
She is so slow and runned down. Just wants to sleep. So now all I can do is wait for the call with the results.
I am leaving no stone unturned. No regrets even if the worse case scenario unfolds before me. Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. This is what I must do or I will go insane if its not good. would really like to have high hopes but I must be realistic about all of her different conditions that she now has. I new way back that something was going on in her brain, I voiced my concern to her Vet about her change. The slow gradual depression like condition.
Hope is still alive, but I must keep it in check. That might sound harsh to some but is what I have to do. Have sent 4 kitties back to heaven and learned so much from going through all that with those beloved babies.
Still praying but bracing for the worst.

[molly muffin]

Checking in to see how things went with Buttercup today! Hope it is all positive news and they can get her on something to get that skin and coat issue taken care of.

hugs,
sharlene and molly muffin

[molly muffin]

Oh I see we were typing at the same time. It is so hard isn't it. You want to hope for all you're worth that the news is good, but if it's not, the heart break will be unbearable. I think we all have our own ways of dealing with potential bad news and whatever works for each one of to keep the nerves in check, is good in my book. :) Big HUGS. I really hope that there isn't any bad news to deal with. When do expect to hear back on the results?

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[addy]

I know what you mean, prepare for the worst, just in case. I do that as well sometimes, well probably a LOT of times;);)

We will just hang out with you while you wait.:)

[turtlesmom]

Hi—

I just read through your thread. I basically have been in the midst of this for the last few weeks. My dog, Turtle, has severe calcinosis cutis (he has also never been on steroids and was diagnosed with PDH cushing's). It is insane how fast it spread. Basically in one month it spread over most of his back. It is the most horrible thing. Anyways for the first time it is starting to look better and I have read anything and everything I could. These are what we have done for treatment of the CC:

1. Twice daily DMSO (90% gel).
It is hard for me to know how much it helps the skin, although I do believe it has been helpful. However, I do know that it greatly helped Turtle's pain. It would relax him a lot about 10-15 minutes after I put it on. For that alone I believe it has been helpful. I have read that there are worries about serum calcium levels when DMSO is used on CC dogs over large areas, however, my vet is not worried about this and when his electrolytes were checked everything was normal.


2. Once daily bath with Ketochlor shampoo.
When my vet took smear samples of Turtle's skin there was a lot of yeast (for this reason I would suggest NOT using oatmeal based shampoo as I believe it agitates yeast problems). I leave the shampoo on for the recommended 10 minutes. I use a bowl of water and shampoo to lather it on outside of the bath, set the timer for 10 min, and then put him in the shower when the timer goes off.

Cushing's dogs and CC skin is very susceptible to secondary (bacterial and fungal) infections. The two active ingredients of Ketochlor are Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Ketoconazole. Oddly, Ketoconazole is taken orally to treat Cushings. However, both work to combat fungus and bacterial infections. I believe the daily shampoo has been really helpful. It also helps in debriding the wound.

3. At the very beginning, they took a sample and looked for MRSA (bacterial infection). They did not find any. However, three weeks later they took another sample to test for MRSA because his skin was smelling very bad and it tested positive for MRSA. So we had to change to an extreme oral antibiotic (he had previously been on amoxicilan and zeniquin). He is now taking Chlorephenicol.

4. When he started Trilostane (Vetrotyl) for his Cushings, his CC did stop spreading. However it definitely looked worse before better, like it is rising out of the skin or something. He is now 2 weeks in to Trilostane and his ability to heal himself is greatly improved. He is doing much better and I finally can see some light at the end of the tunnel. I would try to get your dog on Trilostane as fast as possible. There is talk about Lysodren being better for CC than Trilostane. I do not know about this, the reality is that there are very few actual studies on CC in veterinary journals that I can find, so that hypothesis is anecdotal. When my vet consulted local vet dermatologist on the question, the derm said he never treated CC with lysodren, that trilostane has been effective. Given the risk profile of the two drugs for me it was easy to choose, other people may have different opinions. Additionally, Turtle's appetite has been greatly reduced and we are not really sure why this is since this is the opposite of a Cushing's dog. I have wondered if it had to do with his skin issues and resulting pain. But basically we don't know...and my dog had always been a voracious eater.

5. I have been using some medical grade manuka honey at night on his wounds, this is not on Vet's advice but after learning about MRSA, I read studies that it can help. Again, I am not sure if it is helping or not.



Other than that I just have to say that CC is the worst. It has been excruciating to watch my dog in pain every day and realize that there is very little I could do about it (and trust me I combed for an answer— humans also get calcinosis and there is very little they can do, it is very unfortunate)

Basically you have to treat the underlying Cushings and be mindful of secondary infections to the skin. Also, you have to realize that the last thing to be healed will be the skin.

He hasn't been too itchy which is lucky. I dress him in hoodies for his walks and if/when he does start to itch, but we have been going through piles and piles of tiles in this house.

I wish you the best. Let me know if there is anything more you want to know!

[turtlesmom]

Oh, if you go to my albums there are photos of my doggy's calcinosis

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=758

[Dawn Anderson]

The results are back from the MRI yes its PDH the tumor is measuring 2.5 cm and is also pressing against her optic which is why
she ahs lost the vision in her left eye.:(
will be meeting with Radiology, internal & derma depts. tomorrow, to get a game plan put together for her treatment and start it ASAP:),she will be getting a CT and will start getting the protocol set for her to receive radiation laser treatment which is a 1 time treatment. (hopefully) Not sure if she will get the vision back:confused: and there is a possibility that she could go blind:( from the treatment only because of the location of the tumor:(.
They did not see any other abnormalities on the MRI:D. The Dr. wants to get her in by wed. or Thursday of next week which is fine by me:D. also not infections detected via urine test and blood work and preliminary skin test. ( thank god for Hibistat and Neosporin:D)..
Butters is doing well, came out of sedation slow but strong and is
drinking(of course) well:p.
Relieved that the wait is over and now we came move fast and hard with her treatments to get this under control.
I can finally exhale and truly fell a little joy and hope again. That last tunnel came up fast but it was a short tunnel and the light at the end came on like a light switch being turned on.;)
I will rest easier tonight knowing that I can get the laser treatment and stop this thing from growing anymore and to be able to shrink it down in size.:D:D:D
Exhaustion it kicking in hard. Maybe I need to get my hormone levels ck way to many adrenal rushes for me these last few weeks;)..
God bless all of you and all the cushy babies. Gonna finish this piece of cheese cake and then pass out.

[doxiesrock912]

Wow Dawn! I'm so glad that you have a treatment plan and will be praying that she doesn't have any additional problems and that her sight comes back unaffected.

[labblab]

Dawn, thanks so much for this report! I think it is awesome that they believe they can shrink the tumor with only one laser treatment -- that is a far cry from the old series of multiple treatments that used to be necessary :). And we'll all be praying that this leaves her vision intact and you can switch your focus to healing her skin as well.

Good job, both Mom and Buttercup!!!

Sending huge healing hugs,
Marianne

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I am so happy you got answers. That is all we ask is for someone to give us answers. Now that you know what is going on, you are on top of things and have a game plan which is great. I pray this takes care of the sight problem, and I hope that nasty tumor goes away altogether. You sound more confident now and that is a good thing. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

? time. how many cushy babies out there had the laser treatment on
the pituitary? What was there average life span?? Neurologist threw a number of up to 2 years at me last night, she is only a resident Dr..
If its only 2 years that fine I would be happy with any number as long as I have to time to get her skin healthy again so she can live a more comfortably peaceful life.
What side effects did your cushies have with the laser treatment and what did you do to help ease/minimize them??

Much thanks to all
Dawn & Miss Buttercup;)

[labblab]

Dawn, undergoing only a single laser treatment is fairly new to us. Traditionally, radiation therapy for an enlarging pituitary tumor has involved around a dozen treatments spread over 4-6 weeks. We have seen dogs who experienced variable outcomes with that therapy. It has typically been recommend as a result of neurological changes. With some dogs, the outcome has been excellent and both the neurological problems and also the overt Cushing's resolved for an extended period of time. With other dogs, the neurological symptoms have resolved but the dogs still required traditional drug treatment for control of the Cushing's. And unfortunately, some dogs have suffered complications and not survived long after the treatment.

Since the single treatment is pretty much cutting-edge, I would really grill the folks at Davis as to their experience there. How many dogs have suffered complications and what are they likely to be? What is their expectation as to the need to go forward with Cushing's drug treatment even if the tumor size is reduced? Do they expect the tumor to regrow, and if so, within what time frame?

Marianne

[Dawn Anderson]

Those are all the ?'s on my list. She will be on meds for life even after the treatment. Laser will not complete obliterate the tumor so she will be monitored for life.
Yes this is cutting edge treatment, they have all bells and buzzers up here, no other facility out here that has this type of rad laser. Butters is lucky to not have to go through the older traditional treatment, will be less stressfully for her.
Spoke with her Vet at home who is a grad from UC Davis, she agrees that this new laser is amazing with amazing pinpoint accuracy and very powerful. 1 treatment is all that should be needed. This same equipment is use on humans also with great results.
I am creating an album to share her Cushing's journey.

[labblab]

Dawn, this will be fantastic for you to share your experiences.

As it turns out, I lost my own Cushpup to what we assume was an enlarging pituitary tumor. We never knew for sure because we opted out of an MRI. That was because we had decided in advance that we could not ask him to go through the extended radiation treatment even if the imaging showed a macrotumor. If only there had been the chance of a single treatment at that time -- we probably would have jumped at it! :o

What you learn during this experience will be super helpful for all our members in the future :). I'll surely be watching for all your updates!

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Even though this is new it brings hope to many on here. People are looking for hope for there babies. It will be very interesting indeed to hear about this journey. I am just glad something is being done to stop this disease. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

This is a forum that is known for having some firsts, first surgery on pituitary, first with radiation treatments etc and those that come after learn so much and gain hope from these experiences. Buttercup will be right up there leading the way.
Most vets tell owners of any dog diagnosed with cushings, that the life expectancy is 2 years, and we have proven them wrong, over and over again here. So, I don't know if there is any way to know for sure what the future will bring.
I think that this is very exciting though and I hope that the single treatment will do the trick and leave her with her eyesight too.
We'll all be anxious to hear all about it too.

hugs! You are doing such an awesome job
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Wow:eek:, what a whirl wind day. Meet with the oncology and rad. dept. today.
They have changed how they do the treatment the last couple years.
She will have 3 consecutive treatment 11-25,26,27. they have seen better results by breaking it down to 3, they can get a larger dose:D of radiation into the tumor by 1/3;). When they were doing the single dose(which was the equivalent of the traditional) they were not getting the reduction that they were looking for( reductions was comparison to traditional treatment) They are striving for maximum reduction.:D:D
She will have the CS done wed the 20th then the physicist will build a model of her from that image and will use that to do the trail runs and get the system completely dialed in just for her, that will take a couple of days to complete, then Monday the 25th we begin.
She was seen by just about every dept. there.
Neurology, endocrinology, ophthalmology, radiology, oncology, dermatology, and a host of students, residents and so on.
They do not want to start meds for the Cushing till after treatment because there will be some minor swelling from the radiation. If we reduce the hormone now and then need to put her on steroid for the inflammation the balance will be way off. She is of course producing plenty. They gave me Tramadol to ease any discomfort she has and
Simplicef (antibiotic) for the skin and some artificial eye drops to her
keep her eyes moist(ducts are slow at producing tears).
I did ask them about her adrenal and the possibility of adrenal exhaust. They did not see any abnormalities, no atrophy or anything else. Was concerned because the pit. has been whipping the heck out of it with the constant demand to constantly work 24-7.
Will get with vet for the DMSO for the skin. She is resting peacefully by me side.
Oh by the way I got the same 2year speech also so come on Miss Butters lets prove them wrong!!!!!!!!!

[Dawn Anderson]

Oh here's more info. less the 10 percent will experience side effect and of the 10 percent only a few really got sick, no deaths. Dogs really do well going through the process.
On average they see tumor reduction around 40% by month 2, and then gradual reduction for another 4 to 6 months. Each case is different of course. Tumor will never disappear.
Not sure if I told you that the tumor is 2.5cm.it has risen out of the "saddle" by 1.5cm and is bleeding/seeping

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I am so waiting to hear about this journey as it may mean hope for many dogs who otherwise had none. Blessings
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

You are so BRAVE! I pray this procedure works perfectly for our Buttercup and that she blows that 2 year prognosis out of the water!

Keep in touch and let us know how things are progressing. In 9 days, huh? Goodness, I'd be a basket case! :o:p Of course, I crawl in that basket over diarrhea so.... :D

[addy]

Please keep in touch, we are all here with you.

[molly muffin]

Well, 2.5cm and bleeding weeping, that tumor definitely needs to be taken care of. If 3 gives better results than 1 treatment, then that is the way to go. I'm really glad that you have a great team working for Miss Buttercup and it sounds like they have a plan and experience to back that plan up.

How are You doing? This is quite the process and your nerves and emotions are likely to be all over the place. Do you have someone that can come in and hang out with you for a bit, maybe stay over night? A friend, family member? Are you traveling back and forth or staying there for the whole time?

We are not just pet focused but also, owner focused around this joint. So remember to take care of yourself though this too.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

No Sharlene I am by myself up here, but not alone for I have all of you and thanks god for that. Nerves are as raw as her skin really struggling not to cry all the time and that's hard when I'm alone. These last 4 days up here at Davis by myself has been like a double edged knife cutting at every turn.
Using my anger to fortify the fortress that will keep me sane and focused. I am all she has and I must muster up all my resources and continue marching forward no mater how painful it is on me she is all that matter.
Friends have said to me you need to relax and get some rest and my response to them is " I will get plenty of rest when I am DEAD" not wasting any time. Time is all I have and must spend it wisely. Once spent you never get it back!!!!
As always thank you for being concerned for mom:p

[goldengirl88]

If I did not know any better I would have thought I wrote this as you sound just like me!! We are all with you in spirit, we all walk this journey together. I am so thankful for this forum as I don't want to think of what would have happened had I not found it. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Okay, we will be geared up to keep you company then. :) No being alone, we are all here and everyone pops in and out at all hours too. So, you never know who will show up, when. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

We are finally back home and she is resting in her comfy bed. Tying up some loose ends then going to bed. Need to recharge my battery if ya know what I mean;)

[addy]

Hope you recharge the batteries this weekend!:):):)

[molly muffin]

Have a wonderful, relaxing night :-) hugs sharlene and molly muffin

[Mel-Tia]

Hi Dawn

I just wanted to reiterate what Sharlene said about never being alone, I am in the uk so I am usually about weird hours.

I lost my little girl in Feb to a macro because the only treatment we have here is 12 radiations and she would have had to have anaesthetic and it would have been over 6 months. My girl had cc twice so I know first hand how difficult that condition is. We cleared it up but it came back a couple of years later when her tumour had grown.

I will be here holding your hand, willing you and your girl on as will all the other members, we are close on this forum, no judging just lots of love and support.

Big hug to you and big kisses to your girlie

Mel, Boyce and my Angel Princess Tia
Xxxx
Xxxxxx

[goldengirl88]

Take a good rest and feel better. We are all here for you now and will walk with you along this journey. try to take care of yourself this weekend and recuperate. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Good morning everyone,
Poor Butters has 2 accidents in the house, this bladder issue has really picked up the pace real fast.
Taking a quick break from work to pop in and say hello, yes I know
back to work already, gotta keep the cash flowing in for her. Recharged my battery last night, napped for 2 hours till time for her
meds. Then left daddy in charge and went back to bed, slept for a good 6 hours before instinks kicked in took her out then tossed & turned, my mind was fully awake and going through the list of things that still needed to be done. So I heck I just got up and was at work
by 6 am.
I am in the automotive industry, my main Dealership is Sunnyvale Ford, have been with them 19 yrs. I am the factory/warranty claims
admin. I also am the warr. admin at 3 other dealers Towne Ford, Towne Mazda & Hopkins Acura. The great thing about my jobs is that I can work remote if I need to or go in at any hour. They all have been very supportive, They all know & love our Miss Butters.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday,
Dawn & Miss Butters

[addy]

I am so glad you have supportive employers as that will take you and Buttercup a long way.

[molly muffin]

I'm so glad that you have supportive employers and can work remotely. That makes such a difference.

Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Well this cushing's is something else. She did not even get out of her bed while I was cooking bacon :(which is 1 of her favorite thing. Normally she would be at my feet just waiting for a taste.:p
Built a blockade to keep her in the family/kitchen room which is all hard wood floor and is easier to clean, so that when daddy is sleeping on the couch dosnt hear her, she won't be able to come looking for me and have a accident:eek: on the bed room carpet. Purchased wee pads she has a tendency to have an accident in front of the fridge so I will place them there just in case.
But of course when its my turn to sleep on the couch I' ll every breath/snort she makes all night long:D

[molly muffin]

But of course when its my turn to sleep on the couch I' ll every breath/snort she makes all night long:D

Of course! :D:D

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

So nice to hear that you have an employer that understands about your baby. That makes for a lot less stress. Hoping things are going well. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Ok another ?, with the calcification of her skin ,is her body robing it from her bones. Even though she is sturdy now will it effect her structure in the future? Not finding much info on that subject.

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Dawn,

My understanding of CC is that the body is producing EXCESS calcium as a result of a hormonal steroid, cortisol in the case of a cush pup, that is deposited in the skin. The calcium in the skin is not being drawn from the bone but is excess calcium that the body cannot process correctly and is deposited in the organ, skin.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[goldengirl88]

Glad Leslie explained that as I did not know where that came from either. How is Buttercup this morning? Hope all is well. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Wow, thanks Leslie, was a little concerned. Dogs truely are amazing:p. We have to take supplements to help support our levels if we do not get
enough through our diets.:D
Both daddy & I had to work yesterday so I got her dressed in a tee and then put her blanket cover on her over the tee so that she wouldnt get cold. When I got home not only did she have her blanket cover off she also got her tee off. I opened the door & there she was with a silly look on her face & the tee on the step next to her.:p
She is doing as well as can be, no scratching but I know she is itchy because she shakes more then usual.
Tomorrow we go back to Davis for the CS, wish they could have done that last friday, but they were all booked up. Want to get this tumor zapped ASAP and having to wait till the 25th seems so far into the future. But it will be here in a blink of an eye. Hate knowing that its in there growing:mad:

[Dawn Anderson]

Momma is not happy!:mad: just got home from work and found her in the garage with no tee on and and the side door close that leads to the back yard( she has a doggie door but with all the skin isssues I keep it open so it does not against her ) was closed:mad: Daddy stayed home today waiting for the plumber to come fix the kitchen faucet but isn't here, sink not fixed and faucet missing no note left letting me know what going on. AND NOTICED THAT SHE HAD BEEN SCRATCHING HERSELF:mad:, some spots the blood was dried and dark and another was fresh.:mad:
How many times do I have to tell him that she is counting on us to protect her, even if it is from herself:( I've told him this twice) :mad:
He must have needed to get a new faucet or something and he was lucky he wasn't here when I saw what she did to herself :mad: blood is boiling:mad:
Got her all cleaned up and applied neosporin gave her some chicken and love:p
Just starting to come down from the adrenalin rush, think it time for some oreo's;)
Had to get that off my chest.
Great just got off the phone with him, when the plumber was removing the faucet he broke it:mad: now daddy is trying to track down 1 that will work, apparently the style we have which was popular is no longer:mad: he's trying every hardware and plumbing store around , he better come up with something!!!!!!!!
I have to have a sink!!!!!:mad:

[Squirt's Mom]

Yep, hubby better come home with the perfect faucet and get it installed asap. He might want to look at some dog houses while he's out and about - he may need one tonight! :D

[Dawn Anderson]

Help,.was can I put on her fresh scratches that would sooth them, they have got to be burning. Dry cold compresses, wet cold compresses what's best since they are still bloody:(

[Squirt's Mom]

I wouldn't use any heat on them. Do you have any tea? Green is best but regular tea will work, too. Make a tea, let it cool, then dab the areas that are bleeding. The tea may help them stop bleeding and dry them up a bit...and shouldn't hurt her. If you don't have any tea, then a cool wet cloth on the spots may be soothing but I would try to let them dry and keep them covered so she can't lick or scratch them. Bless her heart. :(

[molly muffin]

Oh poor Buttercup! That must feel awful. I'd try the tea, chamomile would work too don't you think Leslie? Try it all over her, just press the cold tea against her skin, it might help with the itchiness too.

Hope he found a faucet! I laughed when I read Leslie's comment about the dog house.

hugs,
sharlene and molly muffin

[Squirt's Mom]

Yeah, Chamomile would help but most folks don't have that handy while they do regular tea. At lease here in the South no self-respecting house is tealess! :D

[molly muffin]

I always have a ton of different teas in the house. A good black tea for brewing ice tea is a staple of course. Hello, mom from Missouri and dad from southern Illinois! LOL But I have green teas and camomile and peppermints and oolong and chai too. Never know what one might have a hankering for. Camomile though is good to have if you have an itchy dog in the house. If you don't have some pick it up tomorrow and try it out.

hugs,
sharlene and molly muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Green tea is brewing, applied a cool wet cloth and a ice pack on the cloth to cool down her skin till the tea is done and out of the freezer.
He did find a faucet and is working on it now. Father inlaw on his way over to help and the plumber is also on his way back .:)
I can tell she is in pain by they way her lower lids are drooping, gave her a full does of pain meds, normally I only give 25mg be cause she is so sensitive (vet said if she appears to be in a lot of pain that its ok to give her 50 mg)
Our poor girl:(
Thanks again, you guys are the best;)

[molly muffin]

oh good Dawn. Hope it works, if not, try the chamamile, which is known for it's soothing, calming properties. yes I've put it on myself before too. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[doxiesrock912]

Poor Buttercup, that sounds just awful.
Green tea works for so many things and it's safe thankfully.
I hope that it helps quickly!

[Squirt's Mom]

How is Buttercup doing this morning?

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
You can also think about using Manuka honey. It has wonderful healing properties that they use on burn patients. Look it up as I use it for Tipper only I give it to her orally for acid reflux. Hope things get better. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Butters is doing as well as can be expected. She is so trusting and patient.:p Up early as normal got her cleaned up an dressed for our trip back to Davis this morning for the cat scan. She was so cooperative going up her ramp and into the back of the Edge. Loving her more each day :p, she inspires me with the grace that she displays, our companions are more then just pets or even family members they are our teachers, guardians and guides for our souls journey here on earth. If only more could be like us and them, then maybe this world would be better place for all.
Received kind words and emotional support from a unusual place. It was from the Admin at Ford Motor Co. Vehicle licensing and tax specialist division. Unbeknownst to me Lynn recuses the older and ailing dogs from local shelters in Michigan and cares for them till their journey on earth is over, one last true forever home filled with tender loving care.
While I wait for my girl I will pick up some chamomile tea for her and for me. I will also look into the Manuka honey.
Wish I could stop crying when I'm not with her, I know that she is in good hands and everything will be ok.

Hugs to all
Dawn & Miss Buttercup

[Mel-Tia]

Hi Dawn

It's a tough journey and it's not easy to see their skin in that condition, it would break my heart to see Tia that way. We used sudocream to help the itches but no vets in the us seem to recommend that. We also used cortavance spray which did dry up spots but I noticed it increased her thirst.

It's understandable that you cry when you are on your own as you are putting on a brave face for your girl. I hope that by coming here you can release some of that build up and we can support you across the miles.

Big hug

Mel
Xxxxxxxx

[molly muffin]

That was so sweet and nice of her to write you a note of support.
There are wonderful people in this world and right up there at the top has to be those who rescue, the older, the unwanted, sicker dogs and cats. We have some on this forum who do the same thing. It takes a special person to see beyond to what is real and to care enough to make a difference.
It's right with those who just volunteer their time to help others in need, for no reason other than that it is the right thing to do.
This is an emotional journey, with ups and downs, and you have a built in support group here, along with what is turning out to be quite a large support group at home too. You never really know sometimes, till the chips are down, how things really are. Then all the care just surrounds you and embraces you and holds you up when times are rough.
Here, we call it the k9cushings family. :) You and Buttercup are a member of that family and we'll be right there any time you want us. So, once settled, check in and let us know the plan, how you are doing.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Just got home from Davis. We are both exhausted. Well we got both good and bad news. I'll start with the good, she is still treatable ! Now for the bad, she has the worst case of calcinosis they have ever encountered and not only with her skin. While they were reviewing her CS they could see calcium crystals forming on the tumor and other areas of the brain and the eyes, they reassured me that it is not painful for her and that we need to get this under control ASAP and that we will.
My head and body are feeling spinny and weak from all the news and this thing called the waiting game. I have so many ? Yet my thoughts are all over the place right now, its making my tummy very weezie :(
Feed her and gave her her meds , she is laying in her bed now next to me.
This whole situation is much more difficult then anything that I have ever experienced in my life. Even when my father was diag with cancer (12/23/92)and going through everything with him( I was only 26) and then being by his side when he took his last breath (4/24/93) wasn't as difficult as this. You would think that after going through all that and now that I'm older and have experienced so much more( 2 divorces) that I would be better equipped to handle this. Feeling like I'm constantly under siege like her body is. Have a constant dull aching pain in my chest, in a state of fight or flight.
Time for me to feed myself and try to decompress from the events of the day.

[molly muffin]

yep, got to get that cc under control. So, that is reversible right? the crystals inside growing.
What is their over all game plan? 3 treatments with the laser? and what about getting the cc under control.

Get some rest, you can think about this all tomorrow.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

That is a lot of information to digest. I am so sorry about the crystals, I know for a fact the ones in the eyes are treatable, but must be closely monitored. I know how hard all of this is on you. It seems things never let up. You were right when you said this is the hardest thing you will ever do. With a person they can tell you what hurts and what is wrong, with these babies it makes it so hard to help them as you are dealing with so many variables. I am hoping and praying for the best for you and Buttercup, and know I too know what you are feeling inside. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

What can I do to help slow the excessive amount of calcium she is producing or are my hands tied on that issue also? What can I feed her that will help her skin?
The CC is now running from the base of her skull to the base of her tail and is as hard as a rock, hasn't yet spread around to her under carriage so at least I can still rub her with out causing her any discomfort.
What is you opinion for her loading doses on either 1 of the 2 meds or both that are available considering her condition she weighs 83 lbs, just looking for some input so that when we work with the vet I will have a basic idea of what right for her, I understand that with out some lab numbers to give you I might be asking for to much, just need some info that I can process and have my ?s lined up and ready to go when it's time. Hate being under the gun and behind the 8 ball.

[spdd]

I think the way you feel is typical of most of us with our babies. They can't tell us how they feel, and it's a guessing game for us to know exactly what to do. Seems though you have the best place to take Buttercup to, so that's a plus for you.
I have been months in this process, and although I still have no definitive answers and almost everyday brings another symptom or surprise, and the fact that I was literally about to have a panic attack when I started on this journey, I just have to take it a day at a time and certainly am extremely thankful for another day with "mah boy."
I may never know what's wrong with Keesh, but you are able to treat Buttercup at least with the CC. I don't have any answers for you for the calcium, but try to take each event as it comes. Our pups depend on us.

[Harley PoMMom]

When a dog has calcinosis cutis due to Cushing's disease getting the elevated cortisol down within the therapeutic ranges is the only way to control the CC, and this does take some time even if the Cushing's is controlled.

A loading phase is only done when a dog is being treated with Lysodren, there is no loading phase with Vetoryl/Trilostane.

Typically with Lysodren a loading dose is 50mg per kg of a dog's weight split and given twice a day. So to find Buttercup's weight in kg you divide her weight of 83 pounds by 2.2, which is 37.72kg. Now, you multiply 37.72kg * 50mg, which = 1886.36mg of Lysodren. The 1886.36mg is split and given twice a day, so that would be 943mg BID. Since Lysodren comes in 500mg you could round down to 875mg which is 1 pill and 3/4 of another pill.

I haven't read back through Buttercup's history, does she have the adrenal or pituitary type of Cushing's? The reason I am asking is because dogs with the adrenal type usually need a higher dose of Lysodren to load.

[Dawn Anderson]

It is pituitary driven, PDH macro tumor is 2.5cm. She starts the radiation laser treatment Monday the 25th

[Mel-Tia]

Hey Dawn

Thank you for your comment on Tia's picture, she did have a way of looking right through you and knowing how you felt.

Teesey ended up with the cc all the way down her back flank too, it never spread to her belly but she had it from her ears down to her bum. Just wanted to give you some hope that it can clear up as hers did. All that hard skin will come off but it may bleed when it does, new skin will come up underneath and Tia managed to grow all her hair back.

I would think that they might want to see what butters cortisol levels are after the radiation treatment at which point they may then give you vetroyl/lydrosen to control that.

If you are not sure then give your team a call to clarify this as I know it is worrying you.

Hope you are doing as ok as you can be

Big hug to you and kisses for your girl

Mel
Xxxxx

[Dawn Anderson]

Hello everyone, decided to work from home today and tomorrow. E-mailed vet for advice on food with omega 3 , she contacted her Science Diet rep and they recommended J/D it is a diet that was developed for dogs with arthritis it is the diet with the highest amount of the omega 3 and that would be good to help her skin. Will pick it up in the morning and slowly introduce it into her diet.
Otherwise all is well, was nice to be able to nap with her for a couple of hours today and tinker around in between processing claims for work. Will be doing the same thing tomorrow. Then back to the office sat. & sun. Daddy better keep a real close eye on her, better not come home and find her scratched up again, thinking of putting little booties on her back feet tomorrow and she has handles it,if she does well then I'll put them on when daddy is on watch.

Hugs and tummy rubs
Dawn & Butters:D

[molly muffin]

Sounds like a real good plan, just laze around, work some, laze some more. :)

Booties is a good idea too. :) If it will work for her. Is she good with that kind of thing? Molly forgets she has legs when I tried booties on her. Just laid down and said forget it mum, not happening. :) LOL

I'll let the others comment on the food, I just don't have enough knowledge to help out there. But yes, oils would be good, like fish oil with omegas.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Squirt's Mom]

I would look for another feed myself. Science Diet used to be one of the best feeds out there but sadly no longer. When Nestle' bought it out, they changed the original formula, making it a cheap feed to make, increasing their bottom line profits. SD is mostly corn and sodium and most of the feeds get low ratings. Vets are not trained in nutrition and simply follow what the sales reps tell them...that's why most vet clinics stock SD - they don't know any better and get a real good deal from the manufacturer if they stock and sell it. It sadden me to learn how badly this feed had been treated by Nestle' since I credit SD with saving the life of one of my babies years ago....today I won't use it. I would chose it over things like Old Roy and other store brand feeds but that's about it. I'm not sure what you are feeding now, but putting Butters on SD may well be a step backward instead of an improvement in her diet.

Dog Aware rates dog feeds and does a fair job of letting us know what's good and what's not so good -

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/

The best way to get Omega 3's in their system is via fish oils like salmon or krill. Poor little Grace's skin and coat are in such bad shape and I've been giving her salmon oil and feeding a FreshPet salmon feed - her skin and coat are already improving. You can use capsules of the oil if Butters will take them or you can get oils that can be pumped onto their feed.

Hope she's feeling better this morning and you, too!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[goldengirl88]

Sorry to hear Buttercup is still having skin issues. I would definitely take Leslie's advise. My vet tried to put Tipper on the food for diabetics and the very first ingredient was corn. I would not do it. I would get her on a quality food that has never been recalled. Tipper eats some of the Newmans Own Organic Chicken. I t has never been recalled and uses human grade food. I buy it on Amazon. I would also get her on the Kronch Wild Salmon Oil from Natural Pets, it is supposed to be the very best of the oils. Tipper also takes 150mg Vitamin e daily- no more than 200 is allowed. She has not skin issues with the exception of some very small calcium bumps maybe as big as the head of a pin. She was a vey allergic dog for many years with skin issues so I consider her vey fortunate not having any now. I hope all goes well I am ticking the days off in my head until the Radiation. God Bless you both.
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

You know my gut really did not want to use SD, ;)I'm feeding her Artemis fresh mix. I checked the link and it got a 4 star rating,:) looked for the the SD that was recommended and could not find it, :confused:looked at others and none came up on the 4 star list.:mad: Will continue with Artemis :owhich was recommended to me many years ago by a breeder of Swedish Valhunds ( crazy little dogs very high energy). The Vet at Davis recommended Nortic brand omega supplement because they have been veted unlike so many others that have tested positive for mercury. Will add salmon to her diet and will order the Nortic for her.
Wish more places carried the Artemis there are only 2 places here, 1 in San Francisco Height district and another at For other living things in Cupertino which isn't far from work. Those 2 stores only carry holistic and high grade foods. None of that run of the mill foods that you find at pet and grocery stores are carried by them. Plus Butters parrot( green cheek conour) needs more food and millets. Yes you heard that correct Butters has a bird and they are such a sight to see together, but with her skin issue Cheeky can not ride around on her or preen her fur :(

Thanks for confirming my gut reaction and for the link which I will share with others .:D

Always greatful
Dawn & Butters

[Squirt's Mom]

Artemis is a good feed! I wouldn't change it to SD either. ;) And Nordic Naturals for pets is a good salmon oil. When I first started using oils, it had lemon flavoring in it and none of my babies would touch it. It no longer contains lemon as they have a formula specifically for pets now. You done good, Mom! :)

[Dawn Anderson]

My beloved grandmother Alice finally let go and crossed over peacefully this evening at home.(Ohio) She had a good long run 93 years, bless her heart.
My mom is doing as well as can be, she's a real trooper caring for her mother the way she did these last 19 months. Was glad that I was able to be with her to celebrate her 93rd birthday back in July while she was still able to get around a little (dementia). No regrets.
Am relieved that the wait is over and she crossed over the bridge where her beloved childhood pets, friends and family were waiting for her arrival. I had been so worried about my mom and the stress that caring for her was doing to her. She is a strong willed woman just like her mom and I can clearly see where I get that trait from. Couldn't have asked for a better grandma or mom. My hats of to both of them and thank them for all they have taught and given me.

[molly muffin]

Oh Dawn. Even with a good run of it and at 93, what a run she had, it's still hard to say goodbye.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Squirt's Mom]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Dawn. 93! Can you imagine the things she saw come to pass during her life?! Born in the Roaring 20's and lived until 2013, she saw the country during it's most prosperous time, when women started to fight for their rights in a loud boisterous voice that would not be quieted. She came to be not long after the Wright Brothers conquered the skies and lived to see man walk on the moon. She was around for the first air conditioned car and lived to hear a vehicle talk and park itself. What a fabulous time she lived in! I am so glad you got to spend some time with her and say your goodbyes. And I hope your mom is able to rest for a bit now - she has done a good job.

Many hugs and my sympathies to you and your family,
Leslie

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
So sorry to hear of your grandmothers passing, but from what you said she had a good life. She will surely watch over you and your Buttercup in the coming days. Blessings
Patti

[addy]

So sorry, Dawn to hear about your grandmother. My mom is 90 and I think she has had a pretty good run all in all too considering so I know what you mean.

But, I also know it is a sad time too, for those left behind they will miss your nana.

[Dawn Anderson]

Thank you everyone for you kind words. Grandma was a real spite fire in her days and she will always be with me. She helped make me into the woman I am today. We are decedents of the Carroll clan.
Charles Carroll of Carrollton. He is 1 of our founding fathers, you can find his signature on the Declaration of Independence, his is the fourth signature below John Hancock's. She was very proud of her heritage and all that they accomplished. She lived though so many things. She was born legally blind and did not let that hold her back, she strived to be like everyone else. She could always tell who was who by their shape and coloring( my red hair, moms blonde, sis mousey brown and so on.) She even landed a civilian job with the US Coast Guard and had a very successful career. ( she used some real crazy magnifiers for reading). Mom and I encouraged her to travel and see the world after she retired, and she did till the age of 91(go grandma).
A very long adventures life filled with friends and family. I have SO many awesome memories of her cool hip ways, always up to date with fashions.
She will be missed but never far away.:p

Thank you all so much.
Dawn Anderson and Family

[Dawn Anderson]

Ok back to Buttercup. :D
YEAH,:D For Other Living Things had everything I needed and then some. Got her Artemis and her Nordic Naturals omegas, also got a hug and supportive words. They are so wonderful there. She had a customer in today ( right before I got there) that was treated at Davis for a brain tumor and she said that he is doing so well (Boston Terrier) had the radiation treatment several months ago with much success even as old as he is. :D
Now its time to start gearing up for Monday, will go into work early again tomorrow and get as much done as I can and then pack the rest up & take it with me to Davis. That will keep me busy while they are treating her.
Awe Cheeky ( Butters parrot) did the happy dance trying to get her attention.:( She does missing hanging with Butters. Funny, house of
flock & pack mentalities, gotta love it:D

[molly muffin]

Your grandmother sounds like a real gem of a lady. I love that she held onto her adventurous spirit as long as possible and lived a full life, not letting a little thing like blindness get her down.

That is a really good recommendation to hear of another dog that did well on the radiation treatment at the same place. Awesome and give some real hope that they can get this thing with Butters under control. Cheeky wants her companion back!! Like yesterday.

I love that pack mentality. My molly is always happy when her pack is all home. The kidlets are home with their families and my mother in law is around. She's a pretty happy camper at that point.

Monday will be here soon.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Your grandmother sounds like she was a lot of fun. Know that I am thinking of you both as you start on your journey with this treatment. I pray for both of you to have a good outcome. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Well, my little Miss Butters does not like the nordic oil:confused: I got her she actually picked at her food and ate around the pieces that she could smell it on!:(

Made a mad dash :eek:to the local pet store and crossed my fingers that I could find a good wet food to mix with her kibbles. Have been running like crazy the last 2 days pulling 12 hour shifts at work to try to get a head, that I forgot to ck the link to find a good wet food.
The powers that be must have been guiding me, I purchased Natures valley instinct, mixed it with her kibbles and omega oil, she ate it All :D was even able to mix in her meds with it:D then remembered the link, checked it ok and its a 5***** star food,YEAh
You guys are awesome, don't know what I would do with out you all:D


Hugs and scratches
Dawn and Butters

[Mel-Tia]

Hey Dawn

Just wanted you to know you are both in my thoughts today.

We will all be here thinking of you, pop in and let us know how you both are when you can

Big hug and kisses to Miss Butters

Mel
Xxxxxx

[Squirt's Mom]

Mornin' Dawn,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Miss Butters today as you start this treatment. I hope it is successful and brings our sweet girl some relief adding many years to your lives together.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Dawn Anderson]

Miss Butter held her water for almost 5 hours last night, what a good girl. Momma got some real sleep last night, of course she was sleeping on the couch with me which is a very special place to be!:p
So many things running through my head this morning, all the conversations with all the Dr.'s that have taken place. I understand that they could only go off of averages, but even Dr. Kent said that who knows she could be that 1 in a million that with this treatment it could actually destroy the tumor and it doesn't start to grow again or even disappears with time. I pray she's that 1 in a million for that would give so much hope for not only her future but for the future of other Cushpups and their families and also for all the Dr.'s and researches that are striving for a cure for PDH Cushings.
She's managing things well with only having site in her right eye and she is really trying not to scratch. I see she wants to but will only scratch her elbow and not go for the neck or shoulder. I think she knows now that it will hurt her if she does or that could just be my imagination, which ever it is I'm just glad she not scratching.:)
Time to.finish getting packed and get the house in order and myself for that matter. This is going to be a very special Thanksgiving this year indeed:p

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I have been thinking of you when I was awake last nite and praying to God that your baby is that one in a million that has one treatment and that is it. I will be eagerly awaiting news on Butters. God Bless You Both
Patti

[molly muffin]

Awww, what a good girl to hold it for so long. :)

How is today going?
I sure do hope she is that one in a million too. Wouldn't that be fabulous.
Oh geez, that's right you will be up at Davis for Thanksgiving?

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Well day 1 down, her Dr.'s said that she did really well today:D We are back at the Inn, she ate her dinner with no problems. Our timing was impeccable, tonight she circled to the right a few times, I've heard that they will do that, I remember her vet. back home asking me over and over again "is she circling to the right", she never did that in my presences till tonight.:o
She is sleeping next to me on the bed so peacefully. Being on the bed is a real treat for her. Daddy doesn't like her being on our bed, buts its ok for her to be on his sons bed. But I do sneak her in bed with me when he is not around.;)
Its nice quiet and calm here very relaxing this time compared to
the last time.:p
My friend Alison will be driving up here in the morning to help me with her. My back and strength are failing me, trying to keep picking her up & putting her in the back of the Edge and the carrying her out has taken its toll. ( 84lbs and resisting, its like dead weight).
I do have a ramp for her but sometime she just wont go up or down it, probably because of her compromised vision( poor girl).
Round 2 starts tomorrow morning. Time for me to get some rest also.

Hugs and blessing to all
Dawn & Butters:)

[doxiesrock912]

Good! I hope that she continues to do well and that this works for her. 84lbs, no way would I attempt to lift her. My goodness!

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I was so relieved to hear your post. I am praying this works well for Butters. I know this must be awful to be in a hotel for Thanksgiving. If you lived close I would cook you dinner and bring it over. You are so brave to got out on a limb to help your baby, my hat goes off to you. I hope Butters continues to improve, and this Thanksgiving you can be thankful for the new lease on life you are giving your baby. God Bless you Both
Patti

[Trish]

Hi - I have been reading your thread and just wanted to send you all my best wishes for this treatment for Butters!! Flynn and me have fingers and paws crossed for a successful outcome.

I am pleased she is on the bed snuggled up :D:D Would a sling of some sort help with lifting her, crikey a bad back is just what you don't need right now!

Also, my condolences on the loss of your Grandmother, her story sounded like she had a life well lived and was someone to look up to indeed!! xx

[Dawn Anderson]

Wow round 2 done, had her in at 8:30 am & back with at 10:45, 2 treatments in less the 24 hours. ( 1st at 1pm Monday 2nd at 9am Tuesday), she came trotting out from the back with her Dr. in tow, she did well again today. Will take her back in the morning for the final treatment. Just fed her and she ate well, now she is very sluggish and facing the wall staring off into space, poor little thing, she's been through so much and still has a long way to go. At least she snaps out of it quickly.
Since she is still a little drugged up I can get some of the nasty old skin/hair off of her, is just hanging off her. I'm sure it will make her feel better.

Will keep you all posted
Dawn & Butters

[doxiesrock912]

You should get some rest too. So glad that it's going well!

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I am so glad you are posting what is going on with Butters as I keep checking for news. I thought there was only one treatment or am I mistaken? Any way I am so happy for you both that all continues to go well. Blessings
Patti

[frijole]

Following along sending love and strength to you both. Kim

[molly muffin]

yay, day one and day two done with! I hope this does the trick and Butter comes out of it good for many years to come. :) nasty ole tumors anyhow. .. grrrrrr
A sling might be a good idea. Glad your friend is there to help you out. Now that is a keeper friend! LOL
Can't have your back going out in the midst of all of this. Looking forward to the day when Butter can get in and out just fine again.

Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
You are inspiring a lot of people on here with your will to help your baby. I admire your strength and determination to help Butter. I am saying a special prayer for you both. I am hoping today is the last treatment. How long will it take for them to know if this destroyed the tumor? Will Butters have any after effects from this? You went to a great place to have this done. I just wish more people on here had this opportunity, but unfortunately most probably live too far away from Davis. You are doing a great job Dawn and I commend you for it. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Morning everyone,
Butters always seems to amaze me. She once again held her water from 8:30pm to 4 am. She ate dinner just fine, oils and meds as well.
Normal bowel movements(YEAH), actually left water in her bowl and no hovering over it starring off into space this morning.
Have noticed that when she inhales her upper body quivers, will bring that to the attention of her Dr. this morning when I take her in for the 3rd and final treatment.
Otherwise she is doing well this morning and so am I. Keeping my fingers crossed that this 3 day process will cripple that nasty tumor and that her body will gradual start to return to normal. Praying for my little girl and all the big and small cushpups and their families.

:-)
Dawn & Miss Butters

[addy]

Hope today is another successful treatment:):)

[Dawn Anderson]

She has now complete the 3 day treatment and is doing well. Scheduled her reck appt. which will be on 12-12-13. They did give me prednisone just in case of an emergency, Dr. Zenker & Dr. Kent will be available via phone so that if I notice any change in her behavior they will be able to guide me and let me know if she needs
a dose of the prednisone. They also meet with Dermatology and at this point we can only continue with the antibiotics and pain meds for her skin condition till we see what happens with the tumor.
In about 1/3 of the cases, treating the tumor alone will reverse the Cushing's, but only time will tell.
As per her Dr.'s she is a special case and will monitor her closely, they will even be calling me to do phone cks to make sure her & I are ok and to answer any ?'s that I may have and if I have a ? that is outside of their scope they have "300 other Dr. that we can consult with to get you your answers". Hearing Dr. Kent say that really helped make me feel better about this situation. WOW 300 Dr.'s what an awesome facility.
She is resting comfortable on the bed. All I can do know is watch her like a hawk

Praying for the best outcome possible
Dawn & Miss Buttercup

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I am so happy to see the update. Are you staying in the hotel for a while or traveling home? What a Thanksgiving blessing that your baby did all three treatments with no problems. I am so happy for you and Butters, she is a real trouper. I continue to pray for you both. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

We will be staying here another night, I just could not put her through driving back to the Bay area the evening before a long holiday. she just needs to rest and relax tonight. Will go home tomorrow and spend a quiet evening with her.
Daddy and Max will go to grand parents house for dinner and bring me home a care package:D, no cooking, no fuss or muss, it been a heck of a week already. We both just need to relax and recovery.:o

Huge to all for you support during all of this.

Dawn & Miss Buttercup

[molly muffin]

I'm so happy to hear that Butter did well and that they will be checking on her constantly. I hope this tumor just goes away completely.
Once the cortisol stops being produced in overload amounts, the skin issues Should start clearing up. That is how it normally works, but you never know. Still so far so good and that is what counts.
At least on Thanksgiving day the roads shouldn't be jammed with too much traffic.
Go home, rest and then scarf down the care package dinner. Sounds rather blissful.
Happy Thanksgiving.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[doxiesrock912]

That's awesome news! Happy Thanksgiving!

[Trish]

Pleased to hear the treatment has finished, now we have all fingers and paws crossed here that Butters has a smooth recovery. Safe travels home tomorrow :)

[Squirt's Mom]

Oh I know you are relieved this is over! I hope the outcome is all we hope for plus!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I hope you and Butters have a safe trip home, and that you can both relax once she is back in her safe surroundings. I am praying for a the best results to come from this, and that the tumor is completely gone. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

:DWishing everyone a blessed Thanksgiving. :D

On this day I give thanks for the people that created this forum and the support that I have received during this very difficult time in my life. I give thanks for UC Davis and all they do, I give thanks to the powers that be that brought Buttercup into my life so that she would have every chance in the world for a good life. I must take a moment and thank myself for having the strength and forethought
to be as prepared as possible should anything happen to this beloved creature, for not falling completely apart and for holding on for dear life.:p
I give thanks for all that this journey is teaching me, no matter how confused, lost and painful it may be. For all these things I am thankful.

Oh and of course, my family, my jobs, my friends, and so on.:D

[Squirt's Mom]

We are thankful for you and sweet Buttercup!

[Dawn Anderson]

OK back to Butters.
I'm a little nerves about side effects from this treatment, they gave me an idea of what to look for in the way of side effect. I know her treatment greatly differs from those traditional ones, but has any ones pups had radiation treatments?? If so did you run into any issues
that you share with me, we have come so far I just so not want to miss anything.

Butter did awesome again last night, held her water from 9pm to 5:30 this morning, tried to take her out at 2:30, but she said NO, so that was fine. Not sure why this is, just last week it was about every 3 hours and now it doubled that, could it be working already, could it be that she gets me all to herself and sleeping in bed with me, could
it be we are in a different place. Maybe its a combination of all of the above, looks as if I will fine out once we are home again.

SO if anyone can share their experiences with radiation treatment it would greatly appreciated

Much Thanks
Dawn & Butter:D

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I know nothing about side effects from radiation in dogs. What did they tell you to look for as I am curious and want to know more about this? I am hoping you are either home or on your way there now. You family will be elated to see you and Butters. God Bless You all and Happy Thanksgiving.
Patti

[molly muffin]

Happy Thanksgiving, hope you had a good trip home and Butter is doing well.

I found a thread for Doccy who is the last one I remember having radiation treatment, successfully on the forum. They were at university in florida I think and got a 20% shrinkage. Here is the thread if you'd like to read through it:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4877

It's not long at all.

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Thanks for the link., to bad she hasn't posted any updates in a while or responded to anyone. This is the quote from her Dr.'s discharge papers,

"We usually start dogs treated with sterotactic radiosurgery on predisone to prevent brain swelling due to inflammation and edema in the brain, which can occur when the tumor cells start to die. As Buttercup is suffering from severe Cushing's disease with calcinosis cutis caused by her pituitary tumor and already has a very high endogenous steroid level, we decided to not start her on prednisone right away. Please watch Buttercup closely for any changes in her behavior or neurologic status and give us a call right away. If she shows any signs of brain swelling/inflammation we most likely have to start her on a course of prednisone. Please do got give unless instructed .
As previously discussed the therapeutic effects of the treatment will take several weeks to take effect. Therefore, we do not normally expect any immediate changes after the radiation treatment. However we please ask that you still monitor Buttercup for changes in behavior or consciousness. We do not expect any complication, but if you notice changes in consciousness (lethargy, loss of awareness), changes in behavior, difficulty walking or seizures please take her to a nearby emergency veterinary hospital and contact us immediately.
The neurological changes would result from increased intracranial pressure that could be helped with medications."

Since she had been displaying many of these symptoms already. Hung down head, starring off into space, lethargy , she will at time just stand in the same spot and stare at nothing with head hung low till we call out to her to snap her out of it. All she wants to do is eat drink sleep and go potty.

Feeling nerves, praying that she does not have any seizures or problems walking, since those are the only 2 symptoms/changes that she has not displayed since all this started so many months ago.:o

The drive home went well. She is next yo me on the couch resting peacefully.
Will keep everyone posted

Dawn & Buttercup

[Squirt's Mom]

How was her first night back home? How is she this morning? How are you, Mom?

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I was glad to read what the Dr. wrote and what to watch out for. I am glad you are both home safely. You are doing so well with all this, I know you are watching her like a hawk. I am sure she will do well and I hope every part of that tumor goes away. You were so brave doing this to help you beloved Buttercup. The hard part is over now, so you can relax with you baby and just love on her. I am so glad for you that this worked out. Please keep updating as I am thinking of you both. Blessings
Patti

[Mel-Tia]

Hey Dawn

Just thinking of you both and wondering how you are?

Hope you enjoyed your care package :) and could enjoy some of thanksgiving

Big hug

Mel
Xxxx

[Dawn Anderson]

We are doing fine, Butters is such a trooper! :DMother and sister in laws cooking actually mad me sick,:( just starting to feel better tonight!! I am the cook in the family and I usually do ALL the holiday meals, and now I know why!!
Anyways glad to be home :D

[doxiesrock912]

Oh no!!!! I can't believe that you got sick! So glad that Butters is doing well.

[Dawn Anderson]

Up early again , her skin is so bad! Doing tea compresses, really hate having to wait so long to treat the cushings . So many spot s are weeping , some with blood others clear fluid. Her skin is do dry and hard can't imagine what she must be feeling living in a coat that's turning to stone. Its now on her chest and inner thighs ,just noticed a small spot in front of her ear,god help us! I'm doing all that I can,yet it doesn't seem like enough. Its been 36 days since I found those 2 tiny spot to a complete out break,from the base of skull to her tail, around her private parts, inner thighs , chest, arm pit,neck,spot in front of ear. There's got to be more that I can do for her. Someone anyone I'm desperate what can I get her that's OTC that will sooth her skin and not make anything worse, doing my best to keep her clean and dry so that she doesn't get an infection.

Calling all angels , we need help 911, I'm drowning in a sea of calcinosis cutis.
Will go back through my thread and dbl ck previous advise, if there is anything else I can do pls let me know.

Thanks
Dawn & Butters

[Squirt's Mom]

Did they give you any idea of how well the radiation alone would work on the CC? In my simple mind, shrinking the tumor can help with the over-production of cortisol but the CC still may need a separate treatment. I can give you 2 product just in case I haven't before. One is DMSO and the other is an herbal cream one of our members used that she said helped - http://www.tcvmherbal.com/

DMSO info
http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=659278&sk=&date=&pageID=3

How is Butters behavior? Does she seem ok other than her skin?

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Sorry you got sick, but hope Butters continues to improve. There is nothing like your own cooking huh? I am sorry Butters is suffering from the CC it must be horrible for the poor babies with this. Thank God that is one thing I have not had to deal with. Tipper has a few very small calcium deposits, but that has been the extent of it. Hope you two are resting up this weekend. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Ckd out the tcvm link and its only for vets. Did read up on what its about,but yu can only get the product from a certified vet.
No DMSO till reck appt. On the 12th at Davis. Per Dr.Kent he see's that the average percent of cases of PDH that are treated with rad. That about 1/3 of them have their cushings reversed and do not need meds. The other 2/3 will need some kind of meds. The radiation is a slow cell killing process. Bulk of cell death will take place between weeks 3 an 12 after treatment.

[Squirt's Mom]

Here is what Ugga's mom had to say about the cream she used -


The label reads only Healing Salve and the main ingredient seems to be Zi Cao.

She does say it is available only to vets so you might talk to your vet about approving a script for Butters or getting some into his clinic for her. The link is where her product came from via her vet's clinic - they apparently had it in stock.

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Just checking in on Butters today and see how she is doing?? How are you feeling, I hope the sickness is gone. Blessings
Patti

[addy]

http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/Endocrinology/Dermatology-Challege-Severe-facial-pruritus-in-a-B/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/659278

did I give you this link already?

they can get a secondary bacterial infection which can be found with a skin scraping. The article will tell you everything they tried for this dog but how that would pertain to Butters with the raidation treatment, I am not sure. They did say twice daily warm tepid baths helped the dog be more comfortable.

[Dawn Anderson]

I have updated her cushings album . Also fowarded the pic to her vet and the link to the tcvm page asking her to keep an open mind and that east and west med can work inn harmony together and that knowledge is power and if we can learning anything new that can help Butters then it will be well worth the time and energy to do so, for it will also help future cushypup.
Doing the chamomile and green tea presses and trying not to cry all the time.

Hanging on for dear life
Dawn ,Buttercup

[molly muffin]

Dawn, sending you big hugs.
I know it is awful feeling to see her like this. They say the cc gets worse before it gets better, so hopefully as the tumor gets smaller, the cortisol will lower and the cc will clear up. In the mean time it is a matter of doing the best you can and hoping for that light at the end of the tunnel.
I agree if this will help Butter then I hope that your vet will look into ordering it for you to try. Ugga did very well on it. Ugga also had acupuncture treatments. Again, it was a matter of trying anything and everything.
Hang in there sweetie!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Just wanted to pop in and let ya know how our girl is doing.she is doing well have increased the time she spends with her green and chamomile tea compresses on, she seem to be really enjoying them;) and I know they are good for her,it has made her fur much softer. She's eating and drinking well and pottie time is fine also.;)
So far so good , on day 6 now and praying every minute that this tumor DIES and she is restored and that she will have a long love filled life.;)

Dawn and Butters:D

[molly muffin]

I'm so glad to hear that Butter is continuing to do well and loving the tea compresses. :) Yes, I bet they do make her fur soft. Hopefully they will also help with making the cc feel better and not spread.
It does all take time with cc though.
When do you go back for them to check on the tumor size? I'm thinking it takes a couple months for it to downsize? But I don't remember positively if you said.

Yay, peeing is better and eating and drinking good. That is all positive news indeed.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Squirt's Mom]

So good to hear that Buttercup is doing so well! I hope you continue to see improvements as each day passes.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I was thinking of you and Butters and am glad to hear she is doing well and I hope the tea treatment continues to help her. Blessings
patti

[doxiesrock912]

I'm so glad that the tea is helping! Daisy would probably try to eat it.

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Just checking in to see how sweet Buttercup is. I loved all her pictures she is a beautiful dog. Blessings
Patti

[Mel-Tia]

Thinking of you both, hope you are doing ok?

Mel
Xxxx

[Dawn Anderson]

Day 7 still doing well. She's dealing well with the CC, but I know she is sore and itchy, my poor baby. Eating and drinking well, not guzzeling water by the gallons actually leaving water n the bowl, pottie breaks every 3 to 4 hours and sometimes longer, much better then the 1 to 2 we were experiencing. Noticed today when I took her out back to go pottie , that she was more alert then she had been, she would hear something and her head would come up and look toward were she heard the sound , then when she smelled something in the air, once again head went up and she would sniff at the air. Those are things she hadn't done in some time, that made my heart sing inside.
Every day I place my hand on her heads and send healing energy to her with prayer and meditation, then I shot my own death ray of energy to that nasty ol tumor.DIE TUMOR DIE!!!
In the begining I was afraid to touch her because of the CC and did not know if I was hurting her with my touch, but now I pet her and wrap my arms around her gentle and tell her how proud I am of her and she will lean into me like she used to do. Ok I'm crying now, but its nice to have tears of hope and happiness instead of ones of sorrow and fear.
Well it time to change her compress and give her a kiss.

Dawn & Miss Butters

[doxiesrock912]

Things sound like they're improving Dawn. That's great news!

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
The stuff you said so reminded me of myself. I got Tipper some holy water from Lourdes. Every day I take some and bless her with he sign of the cross and tell her tumor to go out of her body. I am so happy she is doing things she has not done in a while. She is continuing to improve and that makes my heart sing for you both. Blessings
Patti

[addy]

You are doing an amazing job, just love the heck out of Butters, they take their cues from us so much, and you have been so brave for her.

:):)

[Squirt's Mom]

Dawn, what a wonderful post on sweet Butters. I can see her wrapped in her mom's loving arms, leaning into that safe place with happiness. It is GREAT to hear you are seeing some of your old girl again! Feels good, huh? :)

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Hope this is the start of another good day for you and Butters. She is really going thru all this well and she continues to improve so that is all a mom can ask for. Blessings
patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Day 9, it was daddys turn to watch her while I went to work. Got home and all was well. I took her out about 7:30 am then left for work, daddy got up at 10 , no accidents found:D, she lounged on the couch all day, she finally went out to pee around 3 then came back in drank some water and laid back down till I got home at 5:30, took her out for a quick pee break. Shared some KFC with her, then she drank a little water and is now resting on the couch next to me.
WOW 7 hours , that was awesome, a very positive sign that things are changing for the good. I'm sure there will be some off days and that's to be expected.
Today was a good day for all of us:D

Much happiness
Dawn &Butters

[frijole]

What a terrific update. You should be so happy and pleased. I am happy for you! Know that many of us are following you on the journey and with you all the way. Have a great evening. Kim

[molly muffin]

I love terrific days. They make it all seem worthwhile. Hopefully you will have more good days than bad ones going forward as the tumor continues to shrink.
And hey, a shout out of kudos to Daddy! Good job!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[doxiesrock912]

More great news Dawn!

The having to go out less frequently was one of the first signs that our Daisy was improving too.

How is the CC?

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I cannot tell you how good it makes me feel to read your posts about Butters. She is continuing to improve, and get stronger. Yeah for her Daddy doing a good job watching the baby girl! Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Day 13, neurological issues slowly improving, has not been staring off in to space like she was. More alert and focused which is awesome:D, seams as if she is getting some sight back in her left eye, when I put my hand close to her eye she will blink, I have to get real close and do it real slowly so not to create any air pressure while distracting her vision on the right side, she will blink, daddy noticed it last night. Her CC is what it is, had to bath her today, due to being smelly, had been just wiping her down with the Hibistat wipes and wet clothes and tea. Went to her store it had just what I needed (they never fail me there) I picked.up a shampoo called Dr Goodpet, all natural hypo-allergenic, no oatmeal in it, de-ionized water, coconut oil, vitamin e, aloe vera, jojoba oil . They also had a product called Sybiont wound wash, got that to help protect her skin from a multitude of things like E.Coli, Staph(MSRA), fungus and so on. Glad that I have a big shower in the master bath, would have been almost impossible to pt her in the tube in the guest bathroom, it has sliding glass doors so there isn't alot of room for the both of us in there.
She's doing well and I'm holding up as best as possible. Hoping that she's apart of the group that only needed the radiation treatment to reverse the cushing's
(1/3 of dogs treated with radiation do not need meds for cushing's).
Well its time to feed my baby girl and keep doing laundry, lots of laundry:D

Hope all is well for everyone in K9 land

Dawn & Miss Butters

[doxiesrock912]

Dawn, this gives me such hope! I'm going to ask Daisy's IMS about radiation.

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
You are giving hope to a lot of others on here whose dogs suffer from PDH. I am so happy when I log on and see Butters is improving more each day. That would be wonderful for her to see again. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Great news Dawn. Hopefully she'll get her eyesight back to some extent even more as the tumor goes down in size. Yay for you and Butter.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I hope this is another day of improvement for Butters. I pray for you both every nite. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Her appointment went well yesterday. Her Dr.'s are pleased with her neurological progress. She's off antibiotics for now, they do not want her to build up a resistance to it, just in case she needs them in the future. She is staying on the pain meds. she really does need those, I can tell when they start to wear off. I have gotten really good at reading her body language.
Yesterday was a very long day for both of us, was on the road at 8:30 am and we finally got home around 8 pm she did really well with all the driving around.

[Squirt's Mom]

These reports sound so good for our sweet Butters! :cool::):cool: I am so happy she is doing well and hope she is among those who sail through with all the best results.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Sounds wonderful that Butters is doing excellent. I could not be happier for you both. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Just got home from work and checked on our girl. Noticed that the large calcium deposit that was on the back of her neck is gone, it was the size of a marble and now its flat!!:):);) it did not rupture through either, looks as if its gone!! Also good menece response from the left eye today!:D
Butters is progressing nicely.

Dawn & Buttercup

[Dawn Anderson]

OMG, she just did something I haven't seen in so long. After taking her out back to go pottie she actually made a dash for the steps and practically leaped over them. My god its good to see such a mass improvement in such a short time.:D

[addy]

Happy Dancing for Buttercup:D:D:D:D:D

[Squirt's Mom]

What a wonderful thing to read this morning! :cool::):cool: I can imagine how happy that made you feel! When Squirt first started the Lyso, she grabbed a toy and played for the first time in years - I don't think I'll ever forget that nor how it made me feel to see it so I can understand a little bit just how special this is for you.

YAY, Buttercup! We are all so proud of you!

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I know that made your heart so happy to see Butters do that, and it made mine happy to hear about how she is improving. Keep up the good work Butters! Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Day 21, some days are good others not so good. I know the pain meds are making her sleepy and weak . She holds her water pretty good during the day and nights are hit and miss, some times a few hours other times only 2 hours. Still working from home most of the time so that I can monitor her. Its getting harder to hide her pain pill , now I hide it in peanut butter on a small piece of tortilla, then I nibble on it while she watches me and then I offer it to her and she takes it , not sure how long that trick will last.
Her skin is so bad haven't seen any more new lesions popping up in the last week or so. Old stuff is slowly shluffing off in small chunks with tufts of hair. Really feel bad that she has it on the inner part of her rear legs also, just watching her try to find a comfortable position to lay in almost makes me cry.
Still getting a good response from the left eye which is good.
I'm dealing as best a possible but it starts to be more then I think I can handle emotionally , trying to hold it in and not cry, but its so hard to at times, I love her with all my being and do not want to fail her. I really hate this ! Why her why my sweet baby why god why, this is slowly killing me inside. I hate this Cushings , someone needs to find the gene or protien or what ever it is that causes these tumors so we can test for it and then be better equipped to treat/remove them and or reverse them . So that these blessed creatures won't suffer so much nor will their families.
I've told daddy we are not doing christmas this year at our house, no lights , no tree no nothing, its just to depressing ,all gifts for the family are being scaled way back to the minimum. This whole Cushing's situation has cost me over 11k, still waiting to see what her insurance will and will not cover.
I told him that she is my gift and that I do not want anything else. I wish on the shooting stars that I have seen in the wee hours of the morning that the tumor dies. Feeling so sad and tired :(

[Mel-Tia]

So sorry to read you are feeling low, it's so hard to watch them have issues and I know first hand how difficult it is to see their skin the way it gets with the cc

You have both been through so much recently it's no wonder you feel emotional, it's been a roller coaster, you have in no way failed her, you have done all you can to help her with this disease.

I hope she has a better day tomorrow

Big hug
Mel
Xxxxx

[molly muffin]

Awwww Dawn. Mel is right, you have been through so much recently, that you must be on a roller coaster emotionally. The cc, does get worse before it gets better, especially to look at. However, the old scuffing off is a good thing, and should leave some pinkish skin underneath. This is all a part of the healing process with cc and a good sign really, as it means the cortisol is reducing to more normalized levels. The eye continuing to improve is a good sign that the tumor is shrinking. Does it appear to be improving or maintaining in that eye?

I think that you have done excellent in regards to Butter. She is lucky to have a mum like you to take care of her.

We all wish they would find a cure or better test (there are some possibilities with a hair test from the University of Vienna). The radiation treatment that Butter had wasn't even available a few years ago. It is those kind of advances that give me hope that people are still trying to figure this out, that cushings dogs are Not being given up on and that hopefully one day, this disease will not be what it is today.

Christmas is a wonderful opportunity for celebrating that Butter is still here and doing better than she was even a couple months ago. I know it is hard when it's eating one up financially, but the spirit is what is important in the long run and we are here to help get you over the rough patches. Today is a rough patch. Tomorrow hopefully will be better. Baby steps sweetie. Butters is going to get better, we'll just hold on that that thought and hold it tight to our hearts.

Hugs! You're doing really awesome! This isn't an easy journey, nor a short one, but you can do it!
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Squirt's Mom]

Aw, sweetheart. You have been through just as much as sweet Butters has - yours is just all emotional and mental instead of physical but that makes it no less difficult. In fact, that is often harder to deal with. You have every right to feel tired and sad and to cry, begging the Stars that Buttercup be healed.

I once went through a very trying time with my daughter and a friend told me things were going to get much worse before they got better, and even then things would never be the same. He was right. Things did get worse, then better, and nothing was the same after - except the love between my child and I. That never faded, never lessened, but only grew stronger through that struggle. And it was that bond that matter, only that bond, not the struggle. The same is true for you and Buttercup - the bond between you is growing stronger by the day through this struggle you now face.

Don't forget to take care of you during this. Do something you enjoy, that allows you to lay this burden down for just a short while and re-energize your Soul. And know you are never alone, Dawn. We are here anytime you need to talk.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
You said a lot of what I have been feeling. Everything you said came from your heart. Someone somewhere needs to do some hard core research on this disease and find a cure. After talking to so many people and reading so many stories this is like an epidemic in the dog world. I am not so sure all these vaccinations don't come into the picture somewhere, but I know steroids do. The things this disease dies to our babies is criminal. These dogs are so loyal and should not have to go thru this ordeal. It is equally as hard on the families that don't want to let go, but see their precious dog deteriorating before their eyes. I hate the day that Cushings came into our lives as it has impacted my in most horrible of ways. God Bless you and Butters Dawn, I know you have struggled and worked really hard to help your baby. I am like you, there will be no Christmas stuff here, all I care about is being with Tipper. This has just about bankrupted me too and I have about another 1000.00 I need to come up with by January. This has been the hardest struggle of my life. Blessings
Patti

[addy]

I felt that was a few years ago when Zoe was so sick. So we pushed overselves to do something different. we bouhgt an artifical tree with different colored lights, something we never had. Hubby would go every day shopping the sales and bring home beautiful birds to decorate the tree which we named Zoe's tree. Over the years we added birds and the birds represented Zoe and all the beautiful pups we lost here on the forum. It took on its own meaning.

My point is, find a different way to celebrate these holidays, find a way to help you honor your pup and celebrate. It may just give you that emotional boost you need.

You have worked so hard. You are emotionally exhuasted.

Please remember, Butters is here today. So just think about what you need to to do today.

love and hugs and special prayers

[Dawn Anderson]

Thanks for all your kind words. Last night was rough up and down with her having to pee. At least its a sunny day so I have left the sliding door open for her so she could go out and enjoy the sun for as long as she wanted( I'm sure PG&E just loves me heating the great outdoors) which I know makes her happy to have a little bit of freedom to come and go when SHE WANTS to.
Just finished processing a bunch of claims for work, so I think I will pull myself together and go out into the world and find a little tree and pick up a few gifts and cards for my loved one. I really like the idea of having a tree for my Butters I started collecting birds for my big tree when I got Butters so I will see if I can find a new 1 this year and maybe some little angels.
Well if I'm gonna do it I should do it now while I have the energy.

Blessings to all
Dawn &Butters

P.S. could you all send a prayer out for John my father in law, he is having open heart surgery today. Many thanks

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I love the new avatar. Butters certainly is beautiful. I will pray tonite for your father in law. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Best wishes for your father in law.

I think that is a wonderful idea. Butters needs a bird. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Surgery went well, no complications. I was able.to find pajamas for everyone for christmas except daddy he just so dang tall and with almost everything being made overseas its hard to find bottoms that are long enough, I'm sure I will figure something out for him.
No luck finding a little artifical tree that has lights on it or any birds, maybe I'll just get a real little real tree the kind that looks like a tree top:) and try to find something special to put on it just for Buttercup.
Time to give Butters her compress treatment and then feed her, and of course MORE :eek: laundry;)

My avatar pic was from a very special day with her back in may 2011, it was an out take from a professional photo shoot that I had for her in San Francisco at Chrissy field , love that the Golden Gate bridge is in the back ground. Nothing but the best for my girl.:D

[Mel-Tia]

Hey Dawn

Just checking in to see how you are both doing? Nice to read she has been roaming and doing doggy things.

Did you get the bird and tree that you mentioned.?

Hoping you are having a good day today

Big hug

Mel
Xxxx

[addy]

Thinking of you. Hoping you are feeling a bit better.

You'll find a tree for Butters

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
So glad to hear your father in laws surgery went well. I hope you were able to find Butters something for on her tree. Hope you both have a good weekend. I just love that avatar? Beautiful majestic looking dog. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas. Hoping that your day is filled with peace and love and the comfort of friends and family.

Dawn and Buttercup:p

[doxiesrock912]

Merry Christmas!

[goldengirl88]

Valerie:
Very cute picture of Daisy Mae. Hope everything is wonderful for your Christmas. Blessings to you and Daisy and your dad and Chris.
Patti

[molly muffin]

Merry Christmas to you and Butter!
I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

Well we are at the 1 month marker since we did the 3 day radiation
treatment. I've updated her Cushing's album.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas

Dawn & Buttercup

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I hope to hear soon that you are at the 2 month marker and all this is in the rear view mirror. Blessings
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

omg, Dawn. :( Poor Buttercup. :(:(:(

Has a Derm vet seen her? If not, I would sure think about getting her to see one asap. They may be able to offer you something that will help this heal faster. I'm just not sure how long it will take for the cortisol to be at more normal levels following the procedure she had. And surely there is something that would help her. In your shoes, I would almost want to put her on one of the cush treatments just for the CC but that would be counterproductive for the macro. :(:eek:

Did they give you any idea how it might take for this to clear up after the radiation?

I am in total awe of you, Dawn. So much to deal with and you do it with such grace and determination. You not only do all you can for Butters, but you reached out to others here who deal with CC to help them as well as others to come after. You are an inspiration, Mom!

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[addy]

Hi Dawn,

From what I have read it is important to make sure there are no secondary skin infections and if there are to treat them. They can crop up at any time.

You are doing a great job, Dawn. Butters is so very lucky to have you.

[frijole]

Adding to the others comments - you are one fantastic mom. I've been following along and regret I have no experience with CC so I can't help other than to say you are doing a remarkable job and Buttercup is lucky to have you as a mom.

Hoping the CC is healing and getting better. As Leslie mentioned perhaps a small dose of lysodren or trilo would help with the CC but obviously that is a decision by your vet.

Sending healing thoughts and love to you and dear Buttercup. Kim

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Keep up all the good work. You are the best mom Butters could have. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Hi Dawn,

I hope you had a good day with Butter.

From what I understand, reading and others on the forum, it is very important that the cortisol levels come down to help with the cc. I know Univ Davis looked at the cc and said it was the worst they'd ever seen.

It will be very important to find out what the levels are now and if the tumor shrinking is bringing those levels down enough. I sincerely hope they are coming down at that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.

You are doing so awesome in taking care of her and helping her to feel more comfortable.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Renee]

Hi Dawn,

I just took a look at Butter's album. Poor sweet baby. Her CC covers a very large area of her body, which must be just miserable for her. Does she scratch / lick them?

Tobey's hasn't progressed that far yet to cover such a large area, although the lesions she does have seem to be quite sensitive and bleed easily.

[Dawn Anderson]

Thank you everyone for.your supportive words. I am still working from home and then going into the office on the weekends when daddy is home to watch her. I try to never leave her alone, but times I must go to the market and get us food, so I make the trip as quick as possible. She is so smart, if she needs to pee while I'm at the market she will use 1 of the pee pads I have out for her, she's a good girl. I keep her as clean as possible and keep a close eye on all CC and as you could see from the pics it keeps me busy. So far so good no infections of any type at this time. She is not scratching anymore, well I don't give her the oppertunity. She does have a spot on her left front leg that she is licking, will bandage that up tonight for that is when she starts licking it.

Patience is a virtue that I must practice each day and not dwell on the past or the future but to live in the moment. At this moment she is resting on the couch after enjoying the warmth of the sun.:p
Jan 6 we return to Davis to see her Dr.'s and start her IM blood work, that should let us all know where we stand at that point.:confused:
No Cushing's meds.till we know how the tumor is reacting/shrinking. Would die :eek:if I pushed for meds.too soon and then the tumor has a major die off at the same time , that would be a complete nightmare:( to have her levels bottom out after all she has already been through. :p
She is still on her pain med and omegas and joint supplements. As for her pain med I have had to get real creative in what I hide them in, have done the pill packs, different types of cheeses, meat,wet food and she is to smart for her own good,:rolleyes: so now I use a mellon baller spoon and fill it with vanilla ice cream them jam the pill in it and give it to her, it is working well thank god, since it is so small and cold she just gulps it down.:D

Well its time to get back to work(while in my jammies-loving it) and keep the cash flowing in.:D

Everyone have a great day
Dawn & Butters

[Dawn Anderson]

Omg , someone just returned to me my wallet that I lost back on 10/28 while visiting a friend at the hospital. :D
Now I wish I would have answered my door when he rang the bell. With all the crime going on and being home alone not expecting anybody I do not answer the door unless I know who it is. He left it under the door mat, it was completely in tacked money and all.
I do not care that it took so long, just the fact that someone took the time out of their day to find the owner of it is just amazing considering how much our society has changed, it restores my hope and will pass a act of kindness forward to a stranger( I pretty much always help when I can) what else all I can says is wow and thank you to the unknown individual that was so kind, may 2014 bring this person much happiness;)

[Dawn Anderson]

Dang it, just gave her a shower an a couple of areas on the back of her neck cracked open and a spot on the underside of her tail are now weeping blood. She actually yelped and bit at my hand :eek:through the towel will I was drying her, I'm ok she was pressing her head really hard into the towel at the time and then she twisted her self into it and that's when she did it , poor girl, she does smell better now and still loves me:p. I gave her her pain meds in little balls of ice cream so all is well. Now its time to apply the hibistat and neosporin to the areas , thank god I buy those by the gross, I should own stock in them by now,! :D

[molly muffin]

That is such wonderful news that someone returned your wallet. How awesome is that. :) Yes, there are still good people around. :)

Awww, so sorry that some of Butters spot started bleeding. Poor thing, I'm sure it does hurt sometimes.

You are doing good with her though. No one else could give her more than you are, that's for sure and no one knows or loves her more either. (I have stock in kleenex :) )

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[frijole]

I repeat - you are a saint!

Don't do anything without consulting your vet but I was given a spray that is wonderful to heal wounds quickly. It is so good I use it on myself and it does work. It is like a spray gel. No odor. It is called Vetericyn VF wound and infection treatment. Ask your vet about it next time you go. I wonder if it would work faster than the neosporin.
Others here have used it and swear by it.

I do NOT know of any CC users that have tried it so like I said - ask the vet!

Continued healing thoughts sent to dear Buttercup and strength to you. Oh and what a story about your wallet! Unreal. Makes you believe in mankind. Hugs, Kim

[Renee]

Oh Dawn - I just hate, hate, hate when the sores crack open and bleed. :mad: I know it must hurt so bad, and it's so painful to watch. Poor Buttercup. I've been too afraid to bathe Tobey with her CC.

[Dawn Anderson]

I only shower her when she gets real stinky, since she is such a big girl she can make a big stink:eek: ( my stinky linky:rolleyes: ) that takes about 8-10 days. In between I just do the compresses and gently rub her down.:p

So hold off on the bathing and just keep doing the wet compresses and rub downs, hopefully your baby will like them as much as mine does:D

[Dawn Anderson]

Thanks Sharlene, laughed at the (I have stock in kleenex :) )
So true.

Hugs back at ya
Dawn & Butters

[Dawn Anderson]

Thanks Kim, Im just a mom like all of you and just doing my job as best I can like everyone else here. And yes the wallet coming back to me also helps restore my faith in mankind. I will check into the Vetericyn VF , thanks for the info.

Hugs back at ya
Dawn & Miss Butters ( who is no passed out on the couch:p)

[doxiesrock912]

Dawn,

I'd lost my car/house keys at the mall over the summer. I went back to each store and the security office every day for a week and nothing turned up. On the 8th day, someone had finally returned them to Macy's. Even the expensive "Coach" keychain was there! I asked the employee why they thought that it took so long and she said that sometimes small children pick them up and parents' don't find them right away.

It's a great feeling :-)

I'm so sorry that Butter's sores broke open. Poor girl!

[Squirt's Mom]

How WONDERFUL your wallet was returned AND returned complete! There are good people out there in this "wicked" old world! :D This reinforces my hope for mankind!

Bless Butter's heart. :( I think I would learn to live with the Stinky Linky girl as best I could if bathing causes her such pain. Is there some dry shampoo or powder or something along those lines you could use that doesn't require water yet might help with the BO and not worsen the CC? Then there is always the swimmer's nose clips. ;):p:D If you chose to go the nose clip route, I want your phone number so I can hear you talk! :p:p:D:p:p

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Dawn Anderson]

Leslie, you are to funny:D!!

Doxiesrocks, I was thinking the same thing, that a kid might have found it and put it in their back pack and forgot about it, and that they may have gotten a new one for christmas and when they emptied the old one their parents found it. Just so happy it was returned safely to me.
Losing your keys must have been a real nightmare too, its amazing who those 2 items when lost can reek such havoc in our lives:rolleyes:

Butters is snoring, she just to dang cute:D

[doxiesrock912]

Yes it was. Those electronic key fobs are expensive to replace.

[molly muffin]

Oh I love that gentle snoring sound they make. Molly I swear to god, can drop to sleep in a nanosecond and drop right into snoring full out. Puts me right to sleep when she does that. (must be catchy like yawning)

Oh good lord, those electronic key fobs and even the keys are ridiculous expensive to replace. It's like there is the vehicle and then there are these things made out of gold you need to get them to run!

hugs all,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Such a great deed someone did to get that wallet back to you, but I do not blame you for not answering the door. I am glad you got it back though that was very sweet of whoever did it. I am hoping for a great year coming up for you and Butters. I looked at all her pictures, and all I can say is God Bless you both as this CC is the most awful thing ever. Her whole dis almost covered now. I am praying it goes away soon. When do you return to Davis? Do you speak with them weekly? If so are they happy with her progress so far? Do they have anything to suggest for the CC? Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Happy New Year Dawn and Buttercup

I hope this year brings a better one than last year and continued progress for Butter.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Dawn Anderson]

This whole Cushing's situation is just so depressing especially the CC, it seems to never end, I ? Myself if I have done the right thing for her, her qaulity of life is so poor right now! Its heart breaking to see her this way. I cry often for her. Was I being selfish to put her through all this? Would it have been better if I were to have released her from all of this? Feeling guilty .
We go back to Davis Monday the 6th, I'm praying that all that I have done and put her through is not in vain and that her levels are coming down.
She truly is the best thing that has ever happened in my life and want to honor her for all the love she has given me all these years and give her every chance possible as I know she would do for me if she could.


Dawn & Buttercup

[molly muffin]

Some days are harder than others I think. Until you know the actual numbers and how she is doing clinically, it is hard to try not to second guess yourself.

CC is the hardest of all symptoms to get to totally clear up and Butter had a very bad case of it, so it might take a while, a Long while for it to get better. I've read on the internet 6 months or more sometimes.

Lets see what the docs have to say and ask them to in addition to everything else, evaluate the cc.

Do you feel like it is still spreading? or do you feel like it is stable or even a couple spots might have cleared up?

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I don't think you are selfish. You did the very best you could for your wonderful sweet Buttercup. You had her best interests at heart. Yes part of this is for us too, but we are only human, and do not want to face losing our best friend in the whole world. I think you will have a much better understanding that what you did was for her best interests after your Davis appointment. Hang in there until then. I am crying all day with Tipper too. Cushings is the worst thing I have ever been thru. Just try to get yourself thru to the 6th. You are doing a wonderful job, and you are the best mom Butters could have. You gave her that one shot in a million that other dogs don't get to have, so don't for one nano second think you are selfish. Blessings
Patti

[flynnandian]

my flynn had severe cc too last summer, it was bleeding from time to time. i did not know what it was then, i thought he ran through some plants/bushes he reacted allergic to. during autumn it began to dry in and when he died it was almost gone totally by itself, i put vetramil on it, but nothing else, so i hope it will spontaniously heal with buttercup too.
i noticed people thought that he was contagious and avoided us. and were giving not so nice comments sometimes. do you experience that too? watch her carefully; as long as she still enjoys life, go for it, if not then it is time to think about letting her go. hope they can give you some good news the 6th.

[molly muffin]

I think Butter is a fighter just like her mum. I think she has responded well to the radiation treatments and we'll know for sure on the 6th. The cc I already commented on, about asking what they think at the university.
Hang in there Dawn. You are doing GREAT!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Renee]

Stay strong Dawn. You are an amazing dog-mommy, and your Buttercup is lucky to have you fighting for her.

I think we all question and second-guess ourselves when things seem so bleak. The CC has been just horrible for us too, and probably the most emotionally painful part of cushings to deal with. It just seems like such a terrible thing for the babies to go through, and your Butter has a very terrible case of it. When Tobey's was cracking open and bleeding, I was wondering if we would ever get through it.

That said, you can get through this part and so can Butters. Hang in there and see what comes at your appointment on the 6th.

[Dawn Anderson]

Thanks Flynns mom, so it sounds like it lasted about 4 to 5 months and it did heal, that gives me hope that it won't last for what seems like forever(2 months already under our belts).
Butters is dealing with head aches also from the tumor and it appears some are worse then others at times and that's when she looks at.me with those sad droopy eyes that say I don't feel good at all momma. I just hate when those strong ones come on and its not time yet for her pain meds and she has to wait it out till its time. She has enough issues going on that I do not want to chance over dosing her in anyway. Once she gets her meds and they kick in I can tell that she feels better no more droopy lower eye lids and follows all my moves, life is pretty good. :p
I only take her out around work and family and they all love her, when in public she is covered up, and by the way I carry myself no 1 has dared look at her or me cross eyed , I send out messages with my body and eyes that say:mad: "don't get in my way for if you do I will run you down so don't even think about opening your mouth and say anything:mad:" nothing like being the crazy:eek: scots/irish woman that I am :rolleyes:

Thanks for the support I was having a redheaded moment and through logic out the window and was running on pure emotions earlier. :p

Wishing all of us a peacefully new year , May the road rise to our feet and the wind be at our backs.:D

Dawn and Buttercup:D

[molly muffin]

Dawn, I had to laugh at the crazy scots/irish woman remark. No one would get in your way! :) You are Butter protector and best friend.
Ehh, those moments, hit all of us now and then, there is no getting around it. We do the best we can and luckily the forum comes in pretty handy when those moments happen. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[flynnandian]

i am sorry about buttercups head aches. can't you call her doctor and ask if you can give her some extra painmeds?
i like what you said about people making comments. i gave them the evil eye too.
on the other hand i can understand that people would think it is scabies or anything like that. i would avoid contact with such a dog also.
it is a lousy disease!
hope you will get some good news next monday!

[Mel-Tia]

Hey Dawn

Just nipping into see how you both are doing today?

Hoping you see some improvement with her cc soon, I know it's tough to see day in day out.

Hang in there

Big hug

Mel
Xxxx

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
Will Butters let you massage her head when she gets the bad head aches? Are the Dr.'s aware she is getting them so badly? I hope they go away, and that her CC goes away too, she has gone thru enough from this terrible disease. God Bless you Both
Patti

[molly muffin]

Just popping in to say thinking of you. I wasn't sure if you drove to Davis tonight or leaving early in the morning.
Hoping for an Excellent report! hugs to you and Buttercup!
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[frijole]

You might consider acupuncture for those headaches... I had great success with it for my Annie. Kim

[Dawn Anderson]

Really hoping that all that Butters has gone through is working. We go back to Davis in the morning.
Have been going back over her blood work from 11/02/13, when they said that they were high they should have said a couple were off the rictor scale.

ALKP 1479 U/L
ALT 503 U/L
GGT 57 U/L
CHOL 363 mg/ dL( changed her diet during sept and oct to get her weight down to help ease her back pain)

And the test from back in Aug.were ( blood work done twice that month)
First test

ALKP 512 U/L
ALT 283 U/L
GGT 10 U/L
CHOL 517 mg/dL

Second test end of Aug

ALKP 550
ALT 262
GGT 14
CHOL 502 mg/dL

Will post her results when I get them . Will also ask again about acupuncture therapy, last time they said it would not make a difference since the root cause was the tumor and an issue of it creating intercranial pressure vs nerves.

Keeping my fingers crossed

Dawn & Buttercup

[Trish]

Good luck to you and Butters for your tests tomorrow Dawn, hopefully those liver tests will trend back down now. Good work on getting the cholesterol down.... Paw's crossed here xx

[doxiesrock912]

Dawn, good luck today.
I would try the accupuncture. Never hurts to try.

[molly muffin]

checking in to see what the word is :) Hoping it's all good news!!!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[flynnandian]

i'm curious too. hope all went well!

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
I have not seen you post and I am praying you have good news for Butters. Thinking of you both. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

Waiting for test results, she saw derma , did skin test only found normal amounts of bacteria on hind end, other wise no major infections, she's back on a mild AB to help prevent any skin infection, upped her pain meds to better control the head aches and ease discomfort from the CC. 2 new topicals for the CC, trizchlor spray conditioner(smells nice) and mupirocin ointment for spots that crack open.
Once the atch is back we will move forward with trilostane.


She is sleeping on the couch like a good girl, the spray is helping with the smell coming from her skin. Otherwise just waiting again as usual.

Dawn and Butters

[molly muffin]

So did they think the cc is looking better? What do you think?

It will be interesting to see where the trilostane is at and do they think the tumor will reduce any further on it's own?

Glad you are back and Butter is resting comfortably and smelling good. :)

hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[flynnandian]

i'm glad she smells like a rose again, hope the painmeds will do their job and reduce the headaches.

[Dawn Anderson]

Just got off the phone with Butters IMS as Davis, acht stem test back, is above the normal range also still waiting for final results from the UT test, at this time there are 2 different bacterias being cultured and will know for sure tomorrow just what they are and then she will have her IMS student call me and report the findings and supply me with the results. She stated that we will need to change her AB due to the uti and we will also be starting her on the trilostane, The IMS wants to go low and slow and I agree low and slow is best. We discussed the warning signs of levels going to low to fast, I already have emergency pred on hand. I will post the high and low results when I get them from Davis tomorrow.
Once we start the trilo will have another stem test done in 14 days. Keeping fingers crossed that we get a break and that dosing will go smoothly with minimal stress for her & I. The last 9 weeks have been stressful enough on us all

Dawn & Butters

[doxiesrock912]

Dawn,

This sounds like you and Butters are on the right tract finally.
What a relief!

[goldengirl88]

Dawn:
So glad to hear that you and Butters are moving in the right direction. I know it had been a long, hard, journey for both of you. God Bless you Both
Patti