My Vet's Comment - Need Any Opinions, Please!

[ScoutieTout]

Hello,

I'm very upset and hope to get some opinions on what my vet said today.

My 7 year-old Jack Russell Terrier named Scout had a low Dex test for Cushings today.

Her blood work last week (she gets it yearly) came in with high liver enzymes and concentrated urine (forgive me if I'm using the wrong terms). The blood work was normal last year and she has no other problems, and no symptoms of Cushings.

We get the results tomorrow and we're two wrecks here, worried sick.

So I asked the vet, who was actually the other vet in the practice that I never go to, not my regular vet, about the lifespan of a dog with Cushings. She said,"Well a good 4-5 years left." I had read that a dog could live a good, full life with the disease if caught early and with medication.

Scout is only 7...the vet's comment seems contrary to what I'm reading here and researching.

Any opinions on her lifespan comment would be so helpful to us.

Thank You and Kind Regards,

Daniella

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Daniella,

I have manually approved your membership so now all your posts will be seen right away. Also, please just disregard the validation email that was sent to you from k9cushings.

Welcome to you and Scout!!

A dog can not be diagnosed with Cushing's based only on elevated liver enzymes, symptoms and I mean strong Cushing's symptoms play a huge part in the diagnosis for Cushing's. Some common signs of Cushing's are; excessive drinking/urinating, ravenous appetite, skin/hair issues, exercise intolerance, difficulty or unable to go up steps or jump on furniture, does Scout display any of these? The goal of treatment is not to cure Cushing's but to help control the bothersome symptoms from Cushing's, so if Scout doesn't show any Cushing's symptoms I don't know how you would be able judge how her treatment is working.

Now, with our new members we ask a lot of questions because in this way we can learn more about a member's dog which in turn allows us to provide better feedback, ok ? ;):)

Could you get copies of all tests that were done on Scout and post any abnormalities that are listed? With respect to the blood chemistry and complete blood count (CBC), you need only post the highs and lows and please include the normal reference ranges. Does Scout have any underlying illness that she is taking medication for? And if so, what is it and what is the medication? How much dose Scout weigh?

The two tests that are used to diagnose Cushing's are the low-dose dexamethasone suppression (LDDS) and ACTH stimulation. The LDDS test takes 8 hours to perform while the ACTH generally takes a hour. Both tests require blood draws: 3 blood draws are taken for the LDDS which consists of a baseline/resting, then a low dose of dexamethasone is injected and additional blood draws are taken in 4 hours, and then again in 8 hours. The ACTH stimulation test requires 2 blood draws: the first one taken is for the pre number; than a stimulating agent is injected and in a hour (or 2 hours depending on the agent used) a second blood draw is taken for the post number. So, when you get the results of either or both of those tests could you post them here?

The key to facilitating safe and effective treatment is an experienced vet and an educated pet owner, so the best advice I can give you is to do your research on Cushing's, the treatment protocols, and how it is diagnosed. Here are some links to get you started: http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181

With treatment dogs with Cushing's can have a good quality of life and there is every reason to believe that they can live out their normal life span. We understand that you are fearful but we will help you and your dear furbaby in any way we can, we will walk this journey with you, ok? I am sorry for the reasons that brought you here but so glad you found us.

Hugs, Lori

[ScoutieTout]

Thank you so very much Lori, this is incredibly helpful.

The LDDS test done today my vet had said was because her liver enzymes and urine concentration looked off from what it was last year. I will definitely get her blood work numbers and LDDS test numbers. But no symptoms at all, and no other illnesses or medication.

She's 15lbs now, she did gain 2lbs over the past 6 months as she hasn't been as active as in the summer time.

What you said about the lifespan comment makes sense - and it didn't sound normal for her to say 4-5 years.

Thank you so much for the links and please cross your fingers for us for tomorrow.

Kind Regards, Daniella

[Harley PoMMom]

Since Scout is not showing any symptoms of Cushing's, if she were my dog, I would opt out of starting any medication for Cushing's, but lets not get the cart in front of the horse, once we see those LDDS test results we can go from there. ;)

Keeping all fingers and toes crossed for you and Scout with the vet visit.

Hugs, Lori

[ScoutieTout]

Lori, thank you again for your help and kindness. Scout's test results came back negative, we are so relieved I can't say it enough. My heart goes out to anyone whose furbaby is dealing with this. This community seems so supportive and has so much great information, it is so helpful. Thank you again. Kind Regards, Daniella

[Harley PoMMom]

So glad to hear that Scout's LDDS test was negative, I would love to take a gander at those results if you don't mind. ;):)

Hugs, Lori

[ScoutieTout]

Hi Lori, I will certainly post the LDDS test values and hope it helps anyone else to see it. On Monday I will have them and post. Have a good weekend, Daniella

[molly muffin]

Welcome to you and Scout. So glad to her the test was negative!
I too wouldn't mind seeing the LDDS results.

[ScoutieTout]

Hi Lori, Sharlene and Molly Muffin, I hope you and your furbabies are well.

Today we took Scout for a preventative ultrasound and our vet is mailing (or emailing) us copies of the bloodwork for the LDDS test. Their office was crazy today, so they couldn't print one out right then and there. I just didn't want you to think I forgot about posting the test results! Kind Regards, Daniella

[ScoutieTout]

Hi Lori, Sharlene and Molly Muffin,

I received Scout's LDDS test results and want to share them as promised:

Pre-Test Cortisol Sample 1: 2.7 ug/dL
Post Cortisol Sample 1 at 8 Hours post Dex: <1.0 ug/dL

Hyperadrenocorticism is noted at Cortisol levels greater than 1.4 at 8 hours post-Dex.

I hope this helps if anyone is looking for comparative numbers~

Merry Christmas, Daniella

[molly muffin]

Thank you for sharing the results. So they only did the 8 hour post test?
It does show that Scout was suppressing well, which is negative.

Thanks so much Daniella.