ChocolateLabMomma
08-11-2016, 03:07 AM
Hi Everyone!
My 10 year old best buddy Jackson has always been in good health up until a few nights ago. We have always only had to see the vet on an annual basis other than for pesky ear infections! However the other night I was sitting on the couch and out of no where Jackson peed right in front of me. I cannot even tell you the last time he had an accident in the house. He will always alert me if he needs to go potty and out he goes! Needless to say I was pretty concerned fairly quickly. I also noticed he was drinking a TON of water but eating normally.. I scheduled a vet appointment for Tuesday morning thinking maybe he had a UTI or something simple. WRONG. I was able to get the vet a urine sample the morning before his appointment. They also did blood work. After the vet I noticed Jackson was very lethargic and just moping around the house. His sad Lab eyes were breaking my heart. I knew something was wrong with my baby.
Today, Wednesday the vet called with the results. There was no sign of infection. His blood sugar was off the charts! She said a normal high range blood sugar level is around 110 and his was 560! She then proceeded to tell me about the elevated levels of cortisol she saw on his blood work results and she mentioned Cushings disease.
After a brief explanation of what it was she told me if I decided to treat I would be looking at $8000 to $10,000 in the first year of treatment. Anything after that statement is a blur. After having a few hours to digest what I was told I started my research. I have read some absolutely awful things and some great success stories.
My main concern is Jackson seems very uncomfortable and restless today. He is noticeabley depressed along with the increased thirst and urination. Luckily I can work from home in emergency situations like this. We have the LDDS test scheduled for Monday which is still a few days away.
The vet said she could not do anything for the high blood sugar levels because any administration of insulin would be pointless if it is in fact Cushings disease. I am reading some complete opposite opinions. I see that most dogs need to stabilize their blood sugar levels before beginning treatment!
I have been keeping a close eye on my best bud. I am concerned between now and Monday his health will continue to deteriorate.
Does anyone have any experience with this? Should I reach out for another opinion? Is waiting a few days with blood sugar up around 500 a safe idea? I am also considering picking up some unflavored pedialyte in the morning to be sure he is staying hydrated.
I do not have copies of his test results as this just all came to light today. 17 hours later I am still reading and reading and reading...
Any suggestions or really anything at this point is so greatly appreciated. I will do anything to make sure my JBaby is taken care of and as comfortable as possible. Seeing him like this is heart wrenching!
Thank you!
Kristin
My 10 year old best buddy Jackson has always been in good health up until a few nights ago. We have always only had to see the vet on an annual basis other than for pesky ear infections! However the other night I was sitting on the couch and out of no where Jackson peed right in front of me. I cannot even tell you the last time he had an accident in the house. He will always alert me if he needs to go potty and out he goes! Needless to say I was pretty concerned fairly quickly. I also noticed he was drinking a TON of water but eating normally.. I scheduled a vet appointment for Tuesday morning thinking maybe he had a UTI or something simple. WRONG. I was able to get the vet a urine sample the morning before his appointment. They also did blood work. After the vet I noticed Jackson was very lethargic and just moping around the house. His sad Lab eyes were breaking my heart. I knew something was wrong with my baby.
Today, Wednesday the vet called with the results. There was no sign of infection. His blood sugar was off the charts! She said a normal high range blood sugar level is around 110 and his was 560! She then proceeded to tell me about the elevated levels of cortisol she saw on his blood work results and she mentioned Cushings disease.
After a brief explanation of what it was she told me if I decided to treat I would be looking at $8000 to $10,000 in the first year of treatment. Anything after that statement is a blur. After having a few hours to digest what I was told I started my research. I have read some absolutely awful things and some great success stories.
My main concern is Jackson seems very uncomfortable and restless today. He is noticeabley depressed along with the increased thirst and urination. Luckily I can work from home in emergency situations like this. We have the LDDS test scheduled for Monday which is still a few days away.
The vet said she could not do anything for the high blood sugar levels because any administration of insulin would be pointless if it is in fact Cushings disease. I am reading some complete opposite opinions. I see that most dogs need to stabilize their blood sugar levels before beginning treatment!
I have been keeping a close eye on my best bud. I am concerned between now and Monday his health will continue to deteriorate.
Does anyone have any experience with this? Should I reach out for another opinion? Is waiting a few days with blood sugar up around 500 a safe idea? I am also considering picking up some unflavored pedialyte in the morning to be sure he is staying hydrated.
I do not have copies of his test results as this just all came to light today. 17 hours later I am still reading and reading and reading...
Any suggestions or really anything at this point is so greatly appreciated. I will do anything to make sure my JBaby is taken care of and as comfortable as possible. Seeing him like this is heart wrenching!
Thank you!
Kristin