Kenai's mom
01-28-2014, 09:44 AM
I can definitely relate, as I have just learned that what I thought was Cushing's is actually pheo. (Incidentally, I am very glad to have found a forum where pheo is being discussed.)
My Kenai, a 14-year-old husky mix, has a tumor on his right adrenal gland. This was discovered over 2 years ago via ultrasound. Based on the results of his "Tennessee adrenal panel" (done at UT Knoxville), I received a diagnosis of atypical Cushing's.
His primary symptom then was weight loss. He weighed about 45 pounds and was losing weight at a rate of 3 pounds per month. When he practically stopped eating altogether, I earnestly began my quest for answers.
Fast-forward to now. His primary symptom is frequent urination. The ultrasound shows that the tumor and right adrenal have both enlarged since the ultrasound 2 years ago. (...a bit disappointing, since his 6-week follow-up ultrasound -- 2 years ago -- had shown that the tumor had shrunk). The low-dose dex indicated that his condition is not Cushing's. So the internist ordered a urine cortisol/creat ratio test to help determine whether the tumor is Cushing's or pheo. And the answer is pheo.
However,... the internist is not convinced that the pheo is the cause of the frequent urination. So today we have an appointment with their Chief of Surgery.
...and the saga continues.
Like yours, my dog is very happy and energetic. My neighbors are amazed when I tell them about his condition, since he looks so healthy,... especially for a 14-year-old.
I wish you well in your journey for answers. Each day is a gift to be treasured.
My Kenai, a 14-year-old husky mix, has a tumor on his right adrenal gland. This was discovered over 2 years ago via ultrasound. Based on the results of his "Tennessee adrenal panel" (done at UT Knoxville), I received a diagnosis of atypical Cushing's.
His primary symptom then was weight loss. He weighed about 45 pounds and was losing weight at a rate of 3 pounds per month. When he practically stopped eating altogether, I earnestly began my quest for answers.
Fast-forward to now. His primary symptom is frequent urination. The ultrasound shows that the tumor and right adrenal have both enlarged since the ultrasound 2 years ago. (...a bit disappointing, since his 6-week follow-up ultrasound -- 2 years ago -- had shown that the tumor had shrunk). The low-dose dex indicated that his condition is not Cushing's. So the internist ordered a urine cortisol/creat ratio test to help determine whether the tumor is Cushing's or pheo. And the answer is pheo.
However,... the internist is not convinced that the pheo is the cause of the frequent urination. So today we have an appointment with their Chief of Surgery.
...and the saga continues.
Like yours, my dog is very happy and energetic. My neighbors are amazed when I tell them about his condition, since he looks so healthy,... especially for a 14-year-old.
I wish you well in your journey for answers. Each day is a gift to be treasured.