Question about my girlie

[Nickie and Sophie]

I'm Nickie, and my chocolate Labrador is Sophie. Sophie is approaching 14, and was diagnosed with cushings around last march. She's been on vetoryl since and responded well.

However - I have 2 questions.

She's developed a strange kind of stiffness In Her back end. She arches her back like a cat and swings her legs in an outward half circle until her foot kind of falls in to place. She is doing this with both back legs at the same time so she swings left to right as she walks. She also fell over last week, like she was drunk and lost her balance. The vet isn't too concerned as she is old, and doesn't appear to be weak in her legs, just as if they go stuff. He did suggest neuropathy but I can't find much on the Internet about it.


Secondly, in the uk, we are unable to get the drugs for the ACTH test at present time, the manufacturer has issued a new protocol, which means doing the electrolyte check if the dog becomes unwell but it's not as reliable. Any of you got this problem in the USA? Or know how we can get hold of the meds for the test, Sophie hasn't been tested in 5 months now.

With hope for my old girl. And thanks in advance!

Nickie and Sophie

[doxiesrock912]

Wow! Daisy just had her ACTH test today and the specialist didn't mention anything. Please have her checked out. The back arching sounds like she's in pain.
She might have a disc problem.

I'm from the U.S. Someone with more knowledge should be here soon.

[Woodydog]

Hi and welcome to you and Sophie. A few months ago there was a shortage of the drug required for the ACTH test but I believe this has now been resolved, as my own vet has some as does the Animal Hospital I went to as woody had one done a few weeks back. I,m uk as well. I would ask your vet again to check with his suppliers.

I would be a bit worried that your vet put Sophie,s falling over was just age, I would be inclined to think that she maybe in pain.

[Harley PoMMom]

Secondly, in the uk, we are unable to get the drugs for the ACTH test at present time, the manufacturer has issued a new protocol, which means doing the electrolyte check if the dog becomes unwell but it's not as reliable. Any of you got this problem in the USA? Or know how we can get hold of the meds for the test, Sophie hasn't been tested in 5 months now.

With hope for my old girl. And thanks in advance!

Nickie and Sophie

Since the stimulating drug for the ACTH test is unavailable at this time, I would at least have a resting cortisol reading done as there is no need for the stimulating agent for a baseline/resting blood draw.

Hugs, Lori

[Renee]

Back arching definitely sounds like pain. I would not pass that off as age.

[lulusmom]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I do not agree with your vet about Sophie's hind leg problems; however, I do agree that neuropathy is a likely suspect. I highly recommend that you have Sophie seen by a vet neurologist. Some of these conditions are degenerative and she could get much worse so the sooner you determine what is happening to Sophie, the better.

With respect to the shortage of the acth stimulating agent, you should ask your vet to contact Dechra, the manufacturer of Vetoryl and ask them for the name of a supplier that has the agent available. I have included a link for their contact information below:

http://www.dechra.co.uk/contact-us.aspx

If your vet fails to find the agent, I agree with Lori that your vet can at least do a blood draw for a basal cortisol level.