Cooper (9.5yrold boxer) (Macroadenoma) - sweet Cooper has passed

[BoxerMominBeantown]

Hi everyone-

I’m writing b/c these forums seem to prove extremely useful for so many people and I would love to get your thoughts on my Cooper’s situation.
Cooper is a 9.5 year old boxer. Last year, he was diagnosed with hypothryroidism. Within the last year, he also started to show signs of arthritis, but otherwise, he was a healthy boy.
At one point when we were trying to diagnose the hypothyroidism, we thought he was having some allergy issues, so he was on prednisone, hydroxyzine and temaril-p. Due to the medication, he was drinking/peeing more than normal. However, once he was done with those meds, I started to notice that the drinking/peeing wasn’t really subsiding. Back in January, I took him to our vet and she retested the thyroid and put him on flagyl; she thought maybe something GI related was going on. The flagyl did not have a significant effect on his symptoms. At that appointment, I did ask the vet whether she thought it could be Cushing’s, but she said no. She specifically said she didn’t think so b/c he didn’t have the pot-belly that is common in Cushing’s dogs. She also checked for diabetes and kidney issues and those were both negative.
So, since January, he’s been getting up during the night to drink and pee; these wake-ups are accompanied by whining (he never whines). At first, it was just once a night, but then quickly progressed to twice a night. I knew this was absolutely not normal for him. He was drinking an incredible amount of water. I measured it one day and he drank 17+ cups of water (he’s about 86 pounds). I was in contact with the vet and she thought perhaps he had a UTI; urinalysis showed no UTI. We decided that I would bring him in for the ACTH stim test last Tuesday. However, the night before, Cooper just wouldn’t settle down. His breathing was very labored and I got nervous so I took him to the hospital. They did basic bloodwork, checked electrolytes, etc. They offered x-rays, but I declined since I figured my regular vet would be a little cheaper. They checked for fluid near his heart and lungs and saw nothing. All they could tell me was that he was dehydrated. . .which I found absolutely unbelievable. The hospital told me I could up his tramadol for the night and that should help him settle down. When I got him home, I gave him the tramadol and he actually seemed to get worse. He was having the labored breathing again, but then he was actually having shaking as well. It wasn’t a constant shaking, but every time he would take a breath, his body would shake. He didn’t settle down for over an hour afterwards.
The next day, I went to our regular vet. He had the ACTH done, a thyroid test done and they did x-rays. X-rays were fine. Here are his lab results:

Pre-acth cortisol-3.1 ug/dL
Post-acth cortisol-23.6 ug/dL
Reference range:
2-6 pre
6-18 post
18-22 equivocal post
>22 post acth cortisol consistent with hyperadrenocorticism
>2 post acth cortisol consistent with hypoadrenocorticism
1-5 desired pre and post acth cortisol on lysodren therapy

T4
<0.4 (reference range 1.0-4.0 ug/dL)
<1.0 low
I’m not sure if I gave everything that you would need to read these results, so please let me know if not.

So the vet calls and tells me that Cooper is positive for Cushings. She gives me the option of an ultrasound to confirm or says that we can move right into treatment. I decided to move right to treatment b/c I felt Cushings was the cause all along. So last Wednesday, we started him on trilostane. At this point, we also added Rimadyl/Novox to his meds (his meds include gabapentin and tramadol; he was on soloxine, but she decided to stop that after seeing the T4 results) For the first two nights (through my own error), I only gave him 10mg of the trilostane. The first night he still got up twice to pee/drink. The second night (still on 10mg) he slept 11:30-4:20, which I was ecstatic about. I couldn’t believe I was seeing improvement already. When I talked to the vet on Friday, I realized I wasn’t giving him the full dose she prescribed, so I upped it that night to the full 40mg. He did great Friday night and Saturday night. I did notice on his walks Friday and Saturday that he was walking really slow, whereas Thursday and Friday, he was full speed ahead! Sunday night, we went to sleep at about 11pm. Cooper got up at 1am to go out/pee. When I brought him back upstairs to bed, he continued to whine and I noticed he was having the shakes again. He ended up being up all night. . .would not sleep, was consistently whining, and he was shaking; we made several trips downstairs/outside. Needless to say, it was a long night. In the morning, I fed him and then let him stay in his crate in the kitchen. It was like a switch flipped. He got comfy and went to sleep. No whining, no shaking.
I called the vet yesterday morning and also sent her a video of him shaking. My thought was that the shaking was maybe anxiety, but she said it could have been focal seizures. We upped his gabapentin and I moved his tramadol to right before bed as well (as opposed to dinnertime). Last night, he started the whining/shaking around 9:30pm. At about 10:15, I gave him the gabapentin and tramadol. He settled down around 11:30 and slept for about hour blocks during the night. We made about 5-6 trips downstairs/outside, but he was able to sleep peacefully in between. This morning, the whining/shaking started again. I brought him downstairs, fed him and let him stay in his crate and once again, the whining/shaking stopped and he fell asleep. I also dropped off a urine sample at the vet this morning to rule out a UTI.
At this point, I don’t know what to think. I’m beyond exhausted and worried sick about him. I’m waiting for the vet to call me back again. I’d love to hear what you all think about this. I just want to be able to figure out what’s going on with him. I feel so helpless when he looks at me.
Thanks in advance-
Danielle

[pansywags]

Danielle, when you talk about shaking, is it full body shaking or is it localized trembling? My cushings boxer has a torso shiver sometimes when she inhales, but it's different from the full body shakes she gets when she's frightened by fireworks.

I don't know if you're still giving it but I was told by UC Davis not to give my dog Rimadyl or any NSAIDS (but tramadol is ok).

I'm so sorry you and Cooper have to go through this.

[BoxerMominBeantown]

Thanks pansywags :)
My vet asked me the question about the shaking as well. I feel like it's more localized. . .I just went back and watched the video I took on my phone. It's in like his shoulder region (but if you touched any part of his body, you would know he was having tremors).

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Danielle,

I want to second the comment about NSAIDS (Rimadyl). Cush pup's livers are already under extreme duress from the cortisol. NSAIDS cause the liver to work that much harder and can lead to liver damage even in a healthy body. One never uses NSAIDS with a cush pup until all other alternatives have been tried and failed. It is a last resort for our babies. ;) I would talk to his vet about something else or see if she can do without it period. If this is for the arthritis, talk to your vet about Adequan. It is an injection that he would get on a weekly or bi-weekly basis for a while, like 6-8 weeks, then once a month for maintenance after those first weeks.

We have seen some pretty bizarre reactions to Tramdol in pups here, too. Many of us have found that 1/4 - 1/2 of the dose we are told to give will work without the weird side effects. So if he is getting a whole, 50mg, tablet, try giving him 12.5mg (1/4 tablet) and if that isn't enough, try 1/2 tablet (25mg).


T4
<0.4 (reference range 1.0-4.0 ug/dL)
<1.0 low


he was on soloxine, but she decided to stop that after seeing the T4 results)

I may be reading this wrong or missing something but this makes no sense at all to me. His T4 level is LOW even on the med so that tells me he needs an increase, not stopping, of the Soloxine. I hope some others will comment on this as well.

Are there any other things on the lab report the T4 is on that are too high or too low? If so would you post those values here along with the reference range following each one? Things like ALP (or ALKP or ALK), GGT, BUN, CHOL...

How much does Cooper weigh?
What dose did the vet prescribe of the Trilostane?
Are you to give it once or twice a day?

The ACTH is consistent with Cushing's but I would want further testing, like the LDDS and an ultrasound for sure before starting treatment. If I were you, I would seek a second opinion from an IMS. There may be several things going on with your sweet boy and I'm not sure your GP vet is up to the challenge. It has been the sad reality for many here to learn that our long-time beloved vets simply were not the best option for our cush pups. This can be a tricky disease and it requires an experienced, cush savvy vet who works with us as a team. Some of the GP vets consult regularly with an IMS; some of us have had to change GP vets; some of us use both a GP and an IMS. ;)

I'm glad you found us and look forward to learning more as time passes.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Cooper! So glad you found us and we will help in any way we can.

Strong obvious symptoms do play a huge part in the diagnosis of Cushing's, besides the increased drinking/urinating does Copper have any other symptoms?


Pre-acth cortisol-3.1 ug/dL
Post-acth cortisol-23.6 ug/dL
These ACTH stim results that you posted, this was before starting treatment with Trilostane, right? If so, that post is only a little over the normal reference range of 22 and if the increased drinking/urinating are the only symptoms Cooper is displaying, if this were me, I would be hesitate to start treatment with Trilostane.

There are other non-adrenal diseases that do share the same symptoms of Cushing's. Increased drinking/urinating can be caused by kidney/bladder stones or crystals. Was an urinalysis done and if so, could you post those findings? If Cooper has diluted urine than a regular urinalysis is not sensitive enough to pick up bacteria, an urine culture and sensitivity test is recommended for dogs with diluted urine where an UTI needs to be ruled out/in. The urine culture and sensitivity test can tell exactly what bacteria is causing the UTI and then the proper antibiotic can be given.

You mentioned that the hospital said that Cooper was dehydrated, did they make that diagnosis based on abnormal levels on his chemistry blood panel? Is Cooper's water being restricted?

Regarding the low thyroid, for now I wouldn't worry too much about this because this can be secondary to an uderlying health problem and when the problem is resolved the thyroid will usually resume normally, this is known as Euthyroid sick syndrome.

We have a wealth of information in our Resource thread which I'll provide a link to: Helpful Resources for Owners of Cushing's Dogs (http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10)
Please feel free to print anything out and if you have any questions do not hesitate to ask them, ok?

Hugs, Lori

[BoxerMominBeantown]

Hi Leslie-
Thanks for your reply. I will definitely ask about the Rimadyl when I talk to the vet.
What sorts of reactions have people seen to Tramadol? He is getting 75mg of the tramadol once a day.

Okay, so I went back two sets of labs for the hypothyroid issue. On 11/12/13:
Free T4 (ng/dL)-<0.3 (range 0.6-3.7)
Free T4 (pmol/L)-<3.9 (range 7.7-47.6)
T4-0.5 ug/dL (same range as referenced in my original e-mail)
eTSH-1.91 (range .05-.42 ng/mL)

Then on 1/14/14:
T4-0.6
ALP-238 (range 5-160 U/L)
GGT-6 (range 0-13 U/L)
BUN-22 (range 9-31 mg/dL)
Cholesterol-245 (range 131-345 mg/dL)

He weighs 86 pounds. She prescribed 40mg of the trilostane once a day to start.

When you say IMS, do you mean internal medicine specialist? :)

I really appreciate everyone's support so far. I am definitely going to consider making an appointment with a specialist. Do you think I should wait until we retest the ACTH on 3/25?

Thanks-
Danielle

[Squirt's Mom]

Then on 1/14/14:
T4-0.6
ALP-238 (range 5-160 U/L)
GGT-6 (range 0-13 U/L)
BUN-22 (range 9-31 mg/dL)
Cholesterol-245 (range 131-345 mg/dL)

Were these the ONLY abnormal values on that lab report (too high or too low)?

When you say IMS, do you mean internal medicine specialist? :)

Yes

Do you think I should wait until we retest the ACTH on 3/25?

No, if I were you, I would stop the Trilostane and as his vet for a referral to an IMS.

Thanks-
Danielle

Just my two cents worth. ;)

[BoxerMominBeantown]

Thanks Lori!
As for other symptoms, he has gained weight over the past year, he has darkened skin under his arms and legs, inability to sleep, lack of energy and muscle weakness. He also pants a lot more than he used to.
Yes, those results are before starting treatment with the trilostane. I was actually confused about the range. . .what is the difference between post acth and equivocal post acth?
A urinalysis was done last week (which she said was normal). She just called and said that there was no bacteria in his urine (from this morning). She also said that his specific gravity was low.
The hospital did a basic blood panel on him. They mentioned that his electrolytes were low and that’s when they told me he was dehydrated. His water is not being restricted.
I did just ask her about the rimadyl. She said she thought it had gotten a lot of bad press and did say that she eventually wants to cut it down to the lowest effective dose. For right now, I think it is helping his hind legs considerably, so I think I may leave him on since he’s not having an immediate or obvious reaction to it. It does make me nervous to have him on for an extended period though, so I’ll make sure to revisit that with her.
I really hope he has a better night tonight. We are increasing his gabapentin to 200mg twice a day.
Thank you again :)

[Harley PoMMom]

Seeing that Cooper's FT4 is low, well , maybe his thyroid is not working as it should. If I suspected a thyroid problem in my dog I would most definitely send the blood sample to Dr Dodds, as she is an expert on canine thyroid issues.

Here's a link to her website: http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/HEMOPET.HTM

Hugs, Lori

[BoxerMominBeantown]

The vet just called me back and told me to take him off the Rimadyl. She said she rethought it and wants to see how he does with just the increased gabapentin.

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome from me too.

See how he does tonight with no Rimadyl. You can cut the tramadol down too if you need to and see if that helps, it makes them sort of loopy sometimes and they do better on a lower dosage I've noticed.

The other thing that really caught my eye, is that on the 10mg trilostane, even though he was still getting up at night, he wasn't whining and having the problems he had as soon as you went to 40mg.
That is a warning sign in my mind that there is a problem with this and it could be that the cortisol acts as an anti inflammatory and that lower the cortisol, might not be working so well for him.

I'd definitely see a specialist as this is a lot going on and things need to be taken both individually and together to figure out what is the main culprit problem.

Welcome to the forum
Sharlene and molly muffin

[BoxerMominBeantown]

Hi everyone-

Just wanted to give a quick update on Cooper.

Tuesday night was actually not too bad. He still got up during the night to pee/drink, but there was no shaking and very minimal whining. Last night though was a rough night. Right around 9:30, he started with the shaking again. I paid more attention this time and it's definitely localized trembling. It's in his shoulders. So, about 10:30, I gave him his tramadol and 2 gabapentin. We went up to bed and he was up at 11:30, 12:30, 1:30. At 1:30, I gave him one more gabapentin b/c the vet said we're not even close to the max dose. That seemed to help for a little while, b/c he slept until 3:45! But then he was up again at 4:30 and 5:30. He peed each time, but didn't drink every time. The shaking was pretty consistent up until the 1:30 wake-up. It seemed to subside a bit after the additional gabapentin. The whining was just out of control though. But, as soon as I brought him downstairs and he was able to sit in his crate, he calmed down and fell asleep. I'm really thinking he has anxiety about something. For tonight, the vet told me to increase the gabapentin to 3x a day: 2 in the am, 2 in the afternoon, 3 at night.
I've also made an appointment for him on Saturday to see an IMS. I'm so glad they could see him so quickly. I really want to figure this out b/c I just hate watching him go through this.
I appreciate all the suggestions and kind words. I will keep you all posted!

[Harley PoMMom]

Wishing you the best of luck with the IMS visit. Keeping you and Cooper in my thoughts and prayers. Please do keep us updated.

Hugs, Lori

[molly muffin]

Oh poor baby and poor you. Sounds exhausting. I hope the IMS can shed some light on this. Would it work better if the crate was with you where he slept at night? Would that feel more secure for him?

Sharlene and molly muffin

[pansywags]

I'm so glad you found an IMS who can see Cooper quickly. Please let us know how it goes.

This morning I uploaded a video of Pansy shivering when she inhales, is this similar to what you see with Cooper? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV7mc78B1UM

[BoxerMominBeantown]

Hi all-
Just wanted to give an update on Cooper. We saw the IMS on Saturday. Cooper's ultrasound was clear and normal, so it appears that the original Cushing's diagnosis may have been incorrect. His adrenal glands looked fine. He also saw a neurologist briefly on Saturday and she recommended an MRI of the brain.
He had the MRI yesterday and we found out that Cooper has a pituitary tumor. My heart just broke. The neurologist said that the best option would be radiation or we could try to treat with prednisone. I started him on prednisone last night; she said that prednisone could give him another 3-6 months. As much as I would love to do the radiation, it is very expensive (~$4k) and I don't know that I can afford that after having paid for the MRI. I feel awful saying that. I also don't know that I would want to put him through the radiation though. It would be everyday for 3 weeks. . .which means he'd be anesthetized everyday for 3 weeks. That seems excessive to me. He doesn't do great coming off anesthesia as it is. The radiation would maybe give him another year or two.
I'm so torn. I want him with me as long as possible, of course. But I don't know if he's happy. When he looks at me, it's like it doesn't register with him who he's looking at anymore. He doesn't wiggle his bum anymore. We are trying the prednisone to see if that improves his disposition at all. . .I'm really hoping I get a little bit of his happy, playful self back. If I don't, I don't know what I'll do. The neurologist doesn't think he's in pain at the moment, but said that symptoms will worsen.
He was also up ALL night last night whining. I called the hospital in the middle of the night and they said it could be a result of coming off the anesthesia. Him getting up at night or not sleeping at all has been happening for a while now. I haven't had a full night's sleep in almost two months. Has anyone else had this happen? Could it be some sort of anxiety that he gets at night?
I'm hoping the peeing/drinking doesn't get too much worse with the prednisone. It's already been off the charts.
Thank you all for all your support and suggestions along the way.

[BoxerMominBeantown]

Pansywags, I can't see your video.

[pansywags]

I've fixed the link, not sure how I managed to mangle it.

I'm so very sorry to hear about the MRI results for Cooper. I don't know very much about the various types of radiation treatment but I know some people have had it done over the course of several days, not weeks. I'm sure they'll be sharing their info here. That doesn't change the fact that it's very expensive. Know that everyone will be here to support and advise you, whatever path you choose.

[BoxerMominBeantown]

Just wanted to add something to my earlier post. Cooper was diagnosed with a macroadenoma. I'm not sure if that was clear from what I wrote before. I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience with this.
Pansywags, that is exactly what Cooper's shaking/tremors are like.

[lulusmom]

We do have other members who have dealt with and/or are currently dealing with macroadenomas. I have added macroadenoma to your thread title to make it easier for those members to zero in on your thread.

[lulusmom]

Here are a few active threads started by members who are dealing with macroadenomas or suspected macroadenomas:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5850

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6124

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6185

[Dawn Anderson]

I just read through your thread, was sadden to read the words macro pituitary tumor. My girl was also diag with a macro tumor in Nov. I completely understand not wanting to go through the long drawn out traditional radiation treatments that is a lot of doping. I wish there was another facility close to you that offers sterotactic radiation therapy, which is the new cutting edge treatment that I was able to get my girl, it was a 3 day process at UC Davis.
You are an awesome mom for going the distance to get to the bottom of what is going on. Comfort is the most important thing you can give to Cooper at this stage of his life, macro tumors can be real tricky and will start to effect other areas of the brain/neurological conditions.
My girl displayed every symptom you discribed and then some more. We are all here to help in anyway we can. I can feel your pain in the words you have typed and it takes me back to when I first learned that my Buttercup has cushings. My heart goes out to you and Cooper.

Dawn and Miss Buttercup

[pansywags]

I am curious what the prednisone is supposed to do for a macro. Is it intended to reduce the inflammation around the tumor to relieve some pressure?

Hoping for relief to you and Cooper.

[Iraklis]

Him getting up at night or not sleeping at all has been happening for a while now. I haven't had a full night's sleep in almost two months. Has anyone else had this happen?


Hi, and welcome (new guy here also).
I know the feeling exactly!!!

Check out my thread for a similar case...
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6211
My Angel Husko died 11 days ago but that is another much more complicated story...



IMO,
STOP the Vetoryl no matter what the vets tell you ,and use it only if you see a pot belly at the lowest possible dose.
google out ''chemical Nelson syndrome'' on why...
I did the mistake of starting it again during my babys' last month ,in order to make the tumor ''attack'' for the Artemix to work ,but I should have gone with a lower dose...

Is the macroadenoma (size?) a functioning or non-functioning?
I think the latter would make things much easier!


***********
This is what i used (i tried much more in the process but these i found worked best)
Diet:
Sardines , organic coconut oil and spinach and broccoli (morning&noon)
NO omega-6 (linoleic acid) in any way

Also gave:
Curcumin/Turmeric 500mg*2pills morning/noon (anti-inflammatory)
Liver Guard by Source Naturals*pills in the morning (helps the liver endure the excess cortisol)
Omega-3 (Super EPA by NOW foods)*4 capsules a day (anti-inflammatory)
Artemix (Artemisinin/Artemether/Artesunate) at night

The place he sleeps should be well ventilated and completely dark and quiet at night.
Always try to have at least 15min walks in the sun!
If he starts headpressing....take him for a walk outside...


MOST IMPORTANTLY:
If you find yourself frustrated...take long deep breaths...walk out the room...punch anything...so as to not do the same mistakes i did!!!

[BoxerMominBeantown]

Thanks Pansywags. . .
Yes, the prednisone is to reduce inflammation. He's been slightly better on our nightly walks. I feel like his personality is coming back a little and I'm even seeing a little nub-wagging, which makes me very happy :)

[BoxerMominBeantown]

Hi all-
I ended up speaking to Dr. Bruyette earlier this week. He was very helpful and one of the things he suggested was putting Cooper on desmopressin (ddavp). Does anyone have any experiences using this? I would like to try it to see if it'll help with the drinking/peeing volume, but I just worry about putting him on yet another medication.
Thanks-
Danielle

[lulusmom]

My cushdog, Jojo, was treated with DDAVP eye drops but it was not effective. The PU/PD never resolved with treatment nor did it resolve with the DDAVP so he was ultimately diagnosed with idiopathic diabetes inspipidus. This means they don't know what the cause is and there is no remedy, other than learning how to live with it.

Macrotumors can suppress the release of vasopressen by the hypothalamus so dogs with macrotumors usually do respond to DDAVP. You should know within a few days if it's going to work. I personally wouldn't have a problem giving it a try.

Glynda

[pansywags]

Hi, just checking in to see how Cooper is doing. And you as well, of course.

[BoxerMominBeantown]

Thanks Pansywags :)
Cooper is doing okay. Some days are good and others aren't. He's still getting up and peeing in the middle of the night. Some nights though, he's completely wiped and soaks 3 diapers; other nights, he wakes me up to go outside. He's usually up 4-5 times a night, so I'm pretty exhausted myself.
I'm waiting for the desmopressin to be delivered. After suggesting it to our vet (based on Dr. Bruyette's rec), she did a little research and thought it may not be a bad idea to try and hopefully it'll give him a little relief from getting up during the night. I have to inject him with it, which I'm a little nervous about. I went to our vet the other day and they gave me a little crash course in injections :)
A couple of strange things I've been noticing with Cooper though: he'll lay down on the cold tile floor instead of in his bed. This may just be b/c he wants to get our attention for more water. . .I can't tell yet.
Also, the other night, he got up from laying down and it was like he wanted to walk, but he couldn't figure out how to do it. I kind of brushed it off. . .but then yesterday, I gave him water and he put his head into the bowl like he wanted to drink, but nothing happened. It looked like he was actually trying to drink, but couldn't do it or couldn't remember how to do it. Has anyone else seen this? After a few seconds, he kind of snapped out of it. . .but it happened several times yesterday.
His personality has definitely not fully returned. He won't really give kisses anymore and he almost never wiggles his bum. . .which is classic boxer behavior. I'm kind of at a loss. His appetite is still great and I feel like he moves slightly better than he had been. He's doing better on walks than before the prednisone. But he's also panting more and still has the shakes every so often.
So, that's where we are. Thanks for checking in :)

[Squirt's Mom]

It isn't unusual for a cush pup to seek out cool place to lay. Their bodies can no longer process heat like it should so they get hotter easier. Many of us set our thermostats lower or use things like fans or cooling mats for our babies to help them stay cooler.

My Squirt does the same thing you are describing with the water. She will go to the water bowl then stand there with her mouth touching or almost touching the water but doesn't lap. It's like she either doesn't remember how or can't decide if she really needs a drink. Squirt has doggy Alzheimer's so her actions are often odd and unexplainable. She also had a seizure a year ago and after it, she seemed unable to use her tongue correctly for some time whether eating or drinking but that improved as time passed tho it never returned to the pre-seizure state. Now it's her cognitive impairment that makes her do this.

I'm glad to hear that Cooper is showing some improvements and hope you see more soon.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[pansywags]

I hope Cooper continues to have good days. It's hard to see a boxer with no wiggles, that's such a huge part of who they are.

Thanks for the update, I wish you both the best.

[molly muffin]

Part of having macro tumors is that it puts pressure on the brain. This can affect them being able to drink, walk, you'll see the standing in corners and not sure how to get out, that kind of thing. The best you can do is just try to distract them and move along, use a syringe if need be to get them drinking. Try getting bowls that are raised enough so that they don't have to put their heads down.

I hope that helps a bit
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Iraklis]

If you check my thread there is a link to my FB page with many videos of my baby Husko (w/macroadenoma).

I was so afraid of prezolon and the damage (maily muscle wasting) it did during the summer ,that i didn't use it at all since September...should have at least during the last nights.

Husko went through mid-november to the end eating sardines/organic coconut oil and spinach/broccoli juice.
Supplements were curcumin ,omega-3 (both anti-inflammatory)
and Liver Guard from source naturals. (Many other stuff was tried but most didn't do anything or made things worst).
He only stopped eating again (needing force-feed) after I started Vetoryl again in February (along with Artemix)...never should have...pretty sure he'd be here if had stopped it and gave some prezolon for a few days/weeks....:(

Husko would drink with a syringe (also spinach/broccoli juice) and eat only if I put each sardine in front of his mouth.

I kicked mandarines in front of him to follow to distract him from circling and maybe keep him thinking a bit when walked.

Does Cooper headpres against corners/walls? Does he whine at all?

My guess is they prefer cold areas because it numbs a bit of the pain...

[doxiesrock912]

Dogs with Cushings also run a higher temp and don't tolerate heat very well at all.

[goldengirl88]

Vicki:
Thinking of you and hoping you are getting better. Hugs and kisses to the boys.
Patti

[BoxerMominBeantown]

Hi everyone-

Just wanted to thank you all for your support over the past couple of months. Sadly, we said goodbye to Cooper a week ago today. He was suffering and I couldn't let him go through that. I miss him more than words can say.

-Danielle & Kala

[goldengirl88]

I am truly sorry for the loss of your beloved Cooper, may he run free of pain with all the other Cush dogs. Blessings
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

Dear Danielle,

I am just so sorry to hear of your loss. This is without a doubt one of the hardest decisions we have to face but I know you did the right thing for your sweet boy. Today he is running wild and free in the Rainbow Fields surrounded by those he loved and a whole host of new friends. No more suffering thanks to your gift and I know he is so grateful to you not only for the love you gave him but for taking his pain so he could be free.

Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Squirt, Trinket, Brick, Sophie, Fox and all our Angels



A Simple Message From Your Pet
by Ken D. Conover

To have loved and then said farewell is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and
returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you. For the care that you gave to me
so unselfishly. For all of these things I am grateful and thankful. I ask that you grieve
not for the loss but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each other's lives.
My life was fuller because you were there, not as owner, but as my friend. Today, I am
as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and
the sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures. I can run, jump and play
and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints
and no regrets and no aging. We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know
that togetherness is forever. You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such
as you are very rare and unique. Don't hold the love that you have within yourself.
Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies,
and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.

Your pet in heaven.

[Renee]

My condolences. It is never an easy choice to let them go.

[Trixie]

So sorry about the loss of your beautiful Boxer, Cooper. I'm sure it's one of the hardest things you've had to do but it was an unselfish choice to end his suffering.

Barbara

[pansywags]

I am so very sorry to hear the news about Cooper. My best to everyone who loved him.

[Harley PoMMom]

Dear Danielle & Kala,

I am so sorry for the loss of sweet Cooper and my heart goes out to you and your family. We do understand the pain you are feeling and we are here for you always.

With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Lori

[Trish]

HI Danielle and Kala - so sorry to read about the passing of Cooper... such a lovely dog. My condolences to you and your whole family as this sad time. Many hugs coming your way

[molly muffin]

oh I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your precious boy.
My sincerest condolences.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin