New here and to Cushing (13 y/o Miniature Poodle)

[patsypat8]

My 13 year old Miniature Poodle just been diagnosed with Cushing. She does have some symptoms of cushing, increased thirst, weight gain, pot belly, her panting is intermittent, thinning coat, excessive appetite which I think she finds the worse symptom. I could have just fed her but she will still be scavenging for food she also as food guide and slowed up a lot in her walking in the last few weeks. Another symptom I have found although not sure if connected she started to get new warts on the legs. The vet said not connected. Poppy still started on medication 2 days ago. Any info tips etc would be gratefully accepted

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and your girl!

Could you tell us more about your sweet girl? What Cushing's medication is she taking and what is the dose? How much does she weigh? Could you get copies of all tests that were done on her and post any abnormalities that are listed, we are especially interested in the results of all tests for Cushing's. Is she taking any other herbs/supplements/medications? Does she have any other health issues?

Sorry this is so short but I only have a moment to post. I am sure the others will be by to share their support and knowledge.

Hugs, Lori

[Dixie'sMom]

I just wanted to say hello and welcome. My little girl was recently diagnosed too so we are new at this like you. The folks on this forum are very knowledgeable and can give you some great advice and information on how to help you, help your precious pup. Did you say her name was Poppy? If so, that is a really cute name. It certainly sounds like she has many of the symptoms of Cushing's. I know exactly what you mean about the constant forging for food. I take my little girl out and she eats bugs, worms, beetles, grass, roots, etc. I swear one day I could have swore she was crunching rocks from the driveway. I look at her pot belly and wonder if there is rocks in there. I'm not trying to make light of the disease because it is very frustrating for all of us and our pups included, but there are some humorous moments with these doggies. I just wanted to bring a smile to your face and let you know that you are not alone.

I look forward to getting to know you and your precious pup. Others will be along soon.

Suzie

[execsupport]

My Maggie will eat anything now too. She even licks the floor. She fights me over stuff that she's willing to eat while I'm trying to get it picked up. She fights me over going outside in case I drop something even reasonably edible. I have run over her toes with my wheelchair in the kitchen because she is so close to the wheels that I don't see her.

Nancy

[patsypat8]

Hi and welcome to you and your girl!

Could you tell us more about your sweet girl? What Cushing's medication is she taking and what is the dose? How much does she weigh? Could you get copies of all tests that were done on her and post any abnormalities that are listed, we are especially interested in the results of all tests for Cushing's. Is she taking any other herbs/supplements/medications? Does she have any other health issues?

Sorry this is so short but I only have a moment to post. I am sure the others will be by to share their support and knowledge.



Hugs, Lori


Hi at the moment I know her alk phosphate was high the results were given over the telephone so I don't have numbers. Poppy went on to have
ACTH stimulation test which was positive, the external labs confirmed the vets high all phosphate. She will be having an abdominal ultra sound in the near future. The only other problems prior to this is old age warts, cataracts and arthritis. She seems to have developed new warts of late and was booked for surgery this week. The pre operative bloods shown the raised walk phosphate. Last time I weigh her she was 10.1 kg she should be around 8kg she been dosed for 10kg and under with Vetoryl 30mg once a day in the morning.

[patsypat8]

Thank you all so much for replying, my miniature poodle also licks the floor which became more apparent over the last few months

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome to the forum from me too. At 10kg, she is around 22lbs, the insert and the older recommendation for starting dosage would be 30mg, but newer studies have show that starting lower is safer, even if you have to go up later. It would be better to start at around 20mg per day.

Just keep an eye on her, and any sign of lethergy, not wanting to eat, vomiting or diarrhea and immediately stop the vetroyl and get an ACTH done as that is a sign over dosing and can have bad consequences. Are you by any chance in UK or Canada? For some reason vets, and I'm in Canada, go off the insert instead of the more recent studies.

Welcome again to you and Poppy.

Sharlene and molly muffin

[patsypat8]

In the UK, Poppy is still eating anything she can get her paws on. Stole raw bacon and sausage rolls this morning.

[patsypat8]

Just an update I took Poppy for her 10 -14 day Vetoryl monitoring ACTH test the other day. They said they had run out of the injection and had to order it in, that it could take up to two weeks to arrive. I was a little upset to say the least.Took Poppy to the vets at 6am in the morning, she was to have an injection and blood tests 4 - 6 hrs after taking her morning tablet. This is to check she had the correct level of medication in her system and it's response to the injection and if there needed to be a dose modification. Went through the procedure with the nurse, even put poppy in the kennel because she was playing up. When I go to collect her the nurse said sorry we could not do it we have run out of the medication. I asked why I had not been telephoned she said they had an emergency. I said I did not mean today, Poppy was booked into the diary 12 days ago for this treatment, why did nobody telephone me Friday to cancel or even when I brought her in this morning. Why have I had to put my stressed out dog through the stress of muzzling her taking her to a place she is afraid of for her to lay in a kennel afraid for nothing. Apart from the fact that this drug is supposed to be closely monitored. She was very stressed

[molly muffin]

That isn't good. You'd think that they would tell you before bringing her in that they don't have the medication to do the testing. Can you call around to some of the other vets maybe in the area and see if they can do the test? Do you have a vet school anywhere near you? I know many in the UK have had problems getting the tests done. :( Not sure I'd want to rely on this bunch though if they can't tell you something as simple as that.

You can, in a pinch, have the basline cortisol drawn and electrolytes. That will at least give you and idea of where things stand with Poppy now.

Hang in there!
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Squirt's Mom]

Oh my word, I would be livid my baby was done that way. :mad: I would be on the phone to the owner or manager, whoever is the high mucky muck there, and read them the riot act. If, IF, I brought my baby back to them for the ACTH it would FREE. ;) Of course, I can be a crazy old biddy when it comes to my babies so maybe following my lead wouldn't be best after all. :o I would at least talk to the one in charge and let them know how I felt about the treatment my baby received.