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View Full Version : Introduce ourselves Biffy and Betsy



betsyglass
07-07-2014, 09:27 PM
Biffy is a neutered male Shih Tzu who celebrated his 14th birthday in May. No remarkable illnesses throughout his life.

Couple of weeks ago, eye issues presented that did not respond to Genteal type product on Thursday. Visited vet on Saturday for possible ulceration, oral antibiotics for eye administered. Full senior panel and urine also taken (came back with only some minor elevations for liver enzymes). Monday returned for follow up visit, eyes not improved. Taken to eye specialist for further evaluation. Leaking cornea suspected in one eye, blindness suspected in other eye. Corneal graft performed that pm. Worn cone for week, stitches removed. Eye appears to be healing, but no sight in that eye and blindness continues in other eye. BUT issue presents now with circling and panting. Spoke to eye vet, does not think eye problem is related to neurological issues. While a brain lesion is possible, cushings also comes to mind. It has been over 20 years since we have had a cushoid dog, regular vet did not dx, specialist did. Anyway, while Biffy does not have classical symptoms of Cushings, as far as appetite and drinking, tail shows alopecia along with loss of undercoat like most Tzu have. Wondering if panting and circling could be symptoms, albeit not common symptoms.

Harley PoMMom
07-07-2014, 10:57 PM
Hi Betsy,

I have manually approved your membership so there is no need to respond to the email that is automatically sent to you for validation.

Welcome to you and Biffy, so sorry for the reasons that brought you here but glad you found us.

Cushing's wouldn't be the first thing I think of when circling, panting, and hair loss are the symptoms. The circling does sound like a neurological issue, and the panting could be from pain or stress.

How is Biffy adjusting to his blindness? Is he eating and drinking normally?

I'm sorry I have only a moment to post but did want to welcome you both to the forum. Others will be along to offer their advice and support, and I will try to get back later.

Hugs, Lori

betsyglass
07-08-2014, 12:23 AM
thanks Lori -- while Cushings is not my first thoughts either -- but then nothing else is consistent either -- so covering all my bases to try to help my little one --

molly muffin
07-08-2014, 07:06 PM
Hello and welcome to the forum.

It would be hard to do testing right now for cushings, as I would expect cortisol to be raised due to the eye issue traumas and then onset of the blindness causing stress.

Thyroid and glucose have all been looked at too and ruled out as possible culprits?

Sharlene and molly muffin