Hello, I'm new here

[Jolly_Angelina]

Be patient with me, while I find my way around the site.
I adopted Penny just over 2 weeks ago from the wonderful North Clwyd Animal Rescue (NCAR). She is 9+ yrs and blind due to Cushings. Brave, funny + affectionate.
Takes everything in her stride. Rarely off my knee. She's very licky :p
She's on 6mg Vetoryl /day. I give her YuMove for joints, tiny spoonful of live yoghurt every other day. Currently feeding Orijen Senior about to switch to Acana Light + Fit as still high protein but lower in fat.

We're both managing quite well. Took her to groomers last week. She loved it. Washed, dried, massaged, claws clipped etc. She has a very swollen abdomen + pink areas which she scratches + licks. Getting better as I use Hypocare spray. Intend to start using unpasteurized, organic apple cider vinegar diluted as spray + a drop in her drinking water.

Wish us luck �� Will try to post photo when I learn how. We are in North Wales, UK
My fave dog breed's a RESCUE ��

[Joan2517]

Hi and welcome! She sounds lovely, and you sound like you are taking very good care of her. Others will be along to say hello soon.

Joan

[Jolly_Angelina]

Thank you Joan. I always adopt Oldies. Penny has her problems. I will gain a lot of valuable info from this site. I've hired her a pro dog walker. She loves her walks �� Can't wait to be able to share some pics of her x

[judymaggie]

Hi and welcome to you and Penny! Super kudos to you for adopting a senior special needs dog! :D I wanted to provide you with a couple of links to help you navigate the forum.

First, here are the instructions to set up a photo album that are taken from our FAQs:


How do I use albums?

As a member, you can create Albums of images that are linked to your public profile. Albums can be created by visiting the User Control Panel, and clicking on the 'Pictures & Albums' link, and then clicking on 'Add Album'.

Each album can have a title ('Joe's Holiday to Nepal'), a description ('A bunch of photos from my recent adventure') and can be of three different types: Public, Private or Profile.

Public albums can be viewed by anyone
Private albums can only be viewed by site staff (moderators, administrators) and your Friends and Contacts (info)
Profile albums are viewable only by you. However, you can use the images to customize your public profile (info)
How do I upload pictures?

Once you've created an album you can upload images to it. Simply view the album and click on 'Upload Pictures'.

You'll have the option to give each picture a caption, and to set one image as the Album cover, which will be displayed on the public profile. To delete an album or edit the title, description or album type, click on 'Edit Album'. To delete an image, or to edit a caption or change the album cover, click on 'Edit Pictures'.

All members who have access to your album images can comment on them, in a similar way to Visitor Messages (more info). You can delete any image comments from your albums, and report inappropriate messages to moderators.

When you have uploaded a picture, you can place it in your posts by using the BB code text that is displayed below the image when you view it at full size.

I also wanted to direct your attention to our Helpful Resources forum. Here is the link to that forum:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10

Is Penny your first Cushing's pup? (I now have my second, both adopted, so not an unrealistic question ...) We will be happy to help you understand the disease and any specific treatment questions you may have. Looking forward to learning more about Penny!

[Jolly_Angelina]

Thank you for info. Tired. Will look at that brill info tomorrow. Yes Penny 1st Cushings. Diagnosed 2012 �� I was driving to rescue with a carload of donations. Lost beautiful Buster weeks before. Adopted him at age 13. His owners took him to be pts. "Nothing wrong, just don't want him anymore" Vet refused. Hurray ! Had a wonderful, safe, loving 12mths with me. A dream of a dog. Told myself "No more, until my health improves .. " Penny dropped at NCAR rescue Tues afternoon. Fell in love within the hour, bought her home next day. NCAR known me + my safe home for years.

Arranged for previous vets records x 2 to be transferred. Will see my vet + check readings soon. Big challenge, she hates going out to pee in the rain �� Buying fake grass for outside door + considering buying covered winter gazebo. What am I like ��

[Jolly_Angelina]

Goodnight all. Back tomorrow. Hopefully with some pics of my new pal �� x

[tank&kat]

Hi and welcome to you both! Penny sounds like she is in good hands. I'm looking forward to seeing pictures. You can post lab results when you get them. All that is needed are any abnormalities (high/low) numbers along with the lab's reference range value. We're here if you have any questions.

~Kat

[Jolly_Angelina]

Fingers crossed �� Hope this works. Meet Penny
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1140&pictureid=8620
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1140&pictureid=8618
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1140&pictureid=8619

[tank&kat]

The links work fine. Penny is a love and I'm glad I got to meet her. Thank you for saving that precious girl.

~Kat

[Jolly_Angelina]

Oh dear, So worried. Had Penny just over 2 weeks. Last night she developed a slight intermittent head tilt to the right. Walking her in garden on leash, she showed tendency to spin slightly to the right.

Early morning pee/poo not too bad but Gaynor her dog walker just cut walk short. Head tilt worse while out, plus spinning on lead. Sneezed + fell. Waiting for vet to ring me. Devastated. Was feeling good as I'd sorted her red itchy skin. Have just put antibacterial ear drops in right ear although I know her ears are clean

[labblab]

Oh my, I'm so sorry and surely share your worry! This may be the cause, though ("Ideopathic Vestibular Disease"):

http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/vestibular-disease-in-dogs/856

As far as we know, this is not related to Cushing's. We've had other members whose dogs had this problem, though, and resolution did occur. So I'm hoping this is what is going on. Penny looks like a love, and I hate for you both that you are having any problems.

Please keep us updated!
Marianne

[DoxieMama]

Welcome to you and Penny! She's adorable - please let us know when you find out what's going on. I am joining Marianne in hoping that it is an easily and quickly resolved issue.

Shana

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi and welcome to you and Penny! :)

A Vestibular episode can be absolutely terrifying. That spinning makes your heart and Soul spin with fear and helplessness. My little male Chi developed this in his last year and it scared me to pieces. He couldn't get anywhere he needed or wanted to go because of the spinning. :( But with time he slowly got better. Even after it was finally over, he would still list a bit when he was tired but he was able to get around just fine. So be patient and help Penny stay safe when trying to move around remembering this will pass. ;)

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Whiskey's Mom]

Hi & Welcome! Penny is sooo cute:) Bless you for giving her such a loving home. Hope you find out what's wrong & she's feeling better soon. Annie & Whiskey

[rainiebo]

Penny is a beauty ! Welcome and hope all the tests turn out really good.

Raina

[lulusmom]

Hi and a belated welcome to you and Penny.

What you describe sounds as if your Penny could be experiencing a vestibular episode. Vestibular Syndrome is often caused by an inner ear problem so the fact that you are treating an ear infection makes me think this is a likely diagnosis. One of the hallmark symptoms of this syndrome is nystagmus which is the clinical term for the involuntary darting of the eyes back and forth. I'm not sure if that would be as apparent to a pet owner with a blind dog. Did you happen to notice Penny's eyes twitching back and forth? Most dogs recover completely within 30 days so let's hope that is what you are dealing with. I've included a link to information that might help you figure out if the symptoms you observed are associated with Vestibular Syndrome. Good luck and we'll be waiting for your updates.

https://vestibular.org/sites/default/files/page_files/Vestibular%20disease%20in%20dogs%20and%20cats.pdf

Glynda

[Jolly_Angelina]

Feel so stupid :o I mistyped 6mg Vetoryl in opening post.

Penny is on 60mg SIXTY MILLIGRAMS Vetoryl per day. She only weights 12.8 kilo. Seems big dose for her size. I'm so worried

Taking Penny to vet today. Her head still tilted + spinning on lead. Awful to watch. Hoping it's ear infection not vestibular disorder. While there teeth to be checked (blood on chewie bone), last booster shot, check red paws which she chews intermittently but most importantly her ACTH test will be done. Last done in April. I will have adopted her 3 weeks tomorrow.

[tank&kat]

60 mg would be a high starting dose of trilostane based on her weight but not if she has been on the medication for a while and it has been effective at maintaining normal cortisol concentrations and clinical symptoms. Sometimes, smaller dogs require larger doses of trilostane to achieve adequate control. Do ou know if she started with 60 mg or a lower dose and had increases over time?

I know how scary that can be. Not long ago, I witnessed my dog suddenly start walking in circles without stopping for hours. He didn't have a head tilt though and I believe that is a classic sign of a vestibular issue (as well as the ear infection) which can resolve on it's own. I hope you get answers tomorrow. Keep us updated.

~Kat

[Jolly_Angelina]

Thanks Kat. History vet notes now faxed to vet I'm seeing tomorrow. They will keep her overnight for treatment + tests. Will know more Friday. She's calm now. Fast asleep on my knee.
Spinning worse outside when she's on harness/leash to toilet. Copes better indoors. Finding her water + my knee OK despite blindness + wobbles :-)

[molly muffin]

Well she is just a love.

It does sound like a vestibular issue but yes could be ear infection too. Do her ears look red at all?

I do think a review and discussion of her medical records with your vet and then fill in any gaps needed as far as further test so you know her current health and anything to be aware of. If she hasn't had an ACTH to check levels in awhile, you might want to do that.

Welcome to the forum!

[Jolly_Angelina]

Vet kept Penny for 2 days. Got her back late yesterday afternoon. Test results early next week. Ear cleaned out. Given Aurizon drops for both ears for 7/10 days. Her head tilt is worse. Her spinning real bad. Her blindness means no visual clues to help balance.
I'm staying near vet for another 9 days. Then home for medical stuff for myself. My health, mobility + balance not good. Feel unsafe taking her to pee/poo when she's pulling + spinning. When frost or snow comes will be impossible if I cant create an accessible covered area near back door. Looking at buying fake grass as she won't toilet on flags + lawned area too far away. Heavens. What have I taken on.

[labblab]

I'm so sorry to hear that things have gotten worse instead of better, and I surely understand your worry! Patience is not a virtue of my own, so I know I'd be going crazy awaiting the test results. But perhaps once they're back, there will be some clue as to what's causing this. No matter what happens next, you have given Penny the enormous gift of being with her right now and taking her in to be seen and evaluated. Depending upon what's wrong, different arrangements may be necessary in the future. But you are keeping her safe with you right now, and we'll all anxiously await the test results right alongside you.

Sending big hugs to both you and Penny,
Marianne

[rainiebo]

Hi , this is probably something you have already thought of - but is there anyone - family, neighbor (maybe a teenager?), or doggy daycare a possibility? Money might be an issue - if possible, hiring a dog walker might help? I agree, walking her in your present health is probably not safe. Even when dogs are healthy - some have a tendency to pull. She has so many issues and can't possibly take care of herself, much less be aware that she is putting you at risk. Maybe taking care of yourself should be the priority - if you're not well - taking care of her could be overwhelming. Hugs, and hang in there, and I'm praying that you will find the right solution for you and Penny.

[Jolly_Angelina]

Staying at friends near vet. Easier here. Scaled down so more manageable. Worried Penny wouldn't toilet on decking but cracked it :) with covered bench, dry leaves under. It works. She + Buster, a 14 yr old rescue who I lost weeks before getting Penny both had a pro dog walker. When I go home next week, a winter gazebo with fake grass will have been erected outside my back door so no ice or slippery surface. The most expensive peeing tent in The World :eek: Managing to get drops in ears. Blindness + Cushings easy. The dizzy, spinning is not, but vet says will be OK with time. Padded radiators etc to stop her banging her head. She is lovely. So affectionate + such a character. Will keep you posted. Many thanks all for words of wisdom + support x��

[Whiskey's Mom]

You are amazing! Penny is so lucky to have you, and you her. Wish I could give her a big hug, she is so cute! Hope she feels better soon.

[tank&kat]

I am so glad to hear you found a safe place to stay near the vet. Penny is in such good hands and I am hoping for a quick recovery. Will check in for updates.

~Kat

[molly muffin]

What a well thought out solution for the winter potty gazebo and down right inventive with the leaves idea.

I am very glad to hear that the vet thinks this will get better with time. A light at the end of the tunnel. :).

[labblab]

What a super good job you are doing for Penny!! :) :) :)

I want you to be my mom, too...! ;)

Marianne

[Jolly_Angelina]

Doing my best. Finding her head tilt + spinning distressing. She slept through the night + been deeply asleep all morning. Should get some lab results later today. Torrential rain today + Penny hates even putting her nose out of the door when it rains :(

[tank&kat]

You can post labs here if you like. I know it can be very difficult to watch our dogs go through that. I had to watch my boy for 6 days with similar symptoms. It's not easy.

If you do post labs, any abnormalities (highs/lows) and the reference ranges are helpful. Glad to hear you both got some rest.

~Kat

[rainiebo]

So glad you found a very inventive solution to the potty "blues." I would want you for my mom if I was a furry cushy baby !

[Squirt's Mom]

You're doing a great job with Penny! She is so very lucky you came along and made her part of your world. Bless you for loving her so. As for the rain, I have 2 dissolving dogs so I understand...getting their feet wet would be disastrous! :p

[Jolly_Angelina]

Having a really horrible time. Can't stop crying. Late this afternoon animal rescue vet picked up Penny. Such lovely compassionate people. Check out www.ncar.org.uk Keeping + assessing her this week. I adopted an elderly blind dog with a manageable health condition ie Cushings. Sailed thro' first few weeks. Besotted. Wasn't prepared for "curve ball" of new problem with vestibular disorder. Tilted head, no balance, falling + spinning. Harder for blind dog as no focal leveller. Heartbreaking. Today terrible. Not responding to clicked fingers + voice helping direction. Because my mobility + balance so poor, it's dangerous for both of us. Here until weekend when tough decisions need to be made. Feel I've failed her

[DoxieMama]

Oh sweetie, you haven't failed her. You are doing the best you can - which is better than so SO many others would! Your caring, compassionate heart is such a blessing for Penny. She knows it. I know it. I pray that you will know it too, in your beautiful heart.

Keeping her in my thoughts. Please keep us in the loop.

[labblab]

I understand completely, as I believe I'd be feeling the same way if I was you. But being able to view things from a bit of a distance, I agree with Shana totally. You have not failed Penny in any way. It is her body right now that may -- or may not -- be failing. I will be hoping so much that things improve by the weekend. But if not, it will not be due to the compassionate care offered by both you and the rescue org. It is so awful to have to sit by helplessly at a time like this. But it seems as though all that can be humanly done has been done, and now it is up to Penny's body itself.

No matter what happens with her body, though, Penny's spirit has been nourished by your love, as has yours by hers. And that can never be taken away from either of you. I am just so very sorry about this trouble. As Shana says, please keep letting us know what is happening.

Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

Oh no....I am so sorry to hear this and know you are heart-broken. But as Shana and Marianne have said, you did not fail Penny, no way. You were wonderful with her and I have no doubt she felt your love. My baby who had the vestibular was also blind. He had hydrocephalus as well. It was tough on us both at first but we learned how to deal and slowly he got better. I so hope Penny improves and is returned to your loving arms. But no matter the outcome, the time Penny spent with you will be forever in her heart and Soul - she will always remember the love and security you gave her.

I am also sure that Marianne is correct when she says Penny blessed your life just as you blessed hers. My little blind baby was a teeny tiny fellow but he taught me so very much and left a massive crater behind when he had to go. But my world would be so much darker without Brick....just as I know your world has been made brighter by Penny.

Please stay in touch and let us know how she is doing if you can.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[molly muffin]

Oh sweetie I am so sorry. The others are spot on, you tried, but it is going to be up to Penny's body now if she can recover or not. If it can, then you will have her back and if it can't, then boy did she ever have the best friend ever to take care of her when she needed it most.

You are truly wonderful person and I admire you and so many others like you a great deal. You think outside of the box and go that extra mile. You and Penny both have to be in safe places and sometimes the combination through no lack of heart and will power doesn't work out the way we want. This is a wait and see time and hopefully she can recover but if she can't, don't ever beat yourself up for trying.

HUGS

[Jolly_Angelina]

Update re beautiful Penny. Spent 12 days staying nr rescue vet hoping for balance improvement. Went last Monday, car packed fir home to assess whether she'd improved + whether I could cope.
Heartbroken when they bought her in + she was still head tilted + spinning. She has so much going on. Rescue fabulous. Vet Laura advised not safe for me. Lovely warm vet block have taken her on as their resident dog. Laura or another vet will probably eventually adopt her. She could not be in a better place. They will keep me in the loop.

With my poor mobility + winter on us I couldn't have safely coped despite buying big gazebo tent, fake grass etc. So upset. Couldn't stand thought of driving home to an empty house. So bought home Daisy. 11 yr old, in rescue as owner admitted to care with Alzheimers disease. 2 days in + a lovely little companion for me. Will try to post photos. Thank you all for your kindness + support. Meant so much, at a stressful, heartbreaking time. Much love from North Wales, UK

[Jolly_Angelina]

3 Daisy photos in my album. Too tired to work out codes to post here tonight xx

[rainiebo]

Hi, what a tremendous vet you have that will take Penny. That sounds like the best care for her possible. I'm glad you have a new pup and wish you a very Merry Christmas.

[DoxieMama]

How wonderful that Laura and all will care for Penny, and will keep you updated. I'm sorry you couldn't take her home but I'm so glad you were willing and able to take in another rescue - Daisy looks absolutely adorable.

[molly muffin]

That is a wonderful rescue and vet. Penny is in good hands and welcome home Daisy.

Love her pictures, I'm sure she is ecstatic to be in a home with you. She is a lucky girl that's for sure. Do let us know how you and Daisy are doing. :)

[Jolly_Angelina]

Sorry I haven't updated. But Most recent news is Laura the rescue vet's parents fell for blind Penny + have fostered with a view to adopting. They are retired + agile so will be able to cope better than I could. Her vestibular problem has improved which is good news.
My new pal Daisy continues to charm all who meet her. She is a perfect match for me. Will try to post more pics via new message when I remember how �� Thanks for all your support. Have directed Penny's new family to this website. Happy New Year all xx

[Jolly_Angelina]

Just added a few pics of Daisy. They're in Penny album. She's so sweet :o

[rainiebo]

So happy Penny has found a home. Having a vet and rescue people is a true blessing. I agree with Marianne, the thoughtful best outcome for you and Penny shows a lot of love for your little furbaby. Hoping for the best for you, Daisy and Penny.

Raina

[molly muffin]

Daisy looks very comfortable and definitely "at home"

I'm so glad Penny found a permanent home that is able to meet her needs and you won't have to worry about her so much. Plus they will give you updates, that is great. Her new family is certainly welcome to join us at any time.