Gaby has Cushings - 13.5 year old Cairn

[Jane2212]

Well, you may remember me earlier this year as my 8 year old Cairn Jessie was diagnosed with Cushings following a stroke at the vets. I changed my vet to one who specialised in Cushings and amazingly it turns out that Jess hadn't got Cushings at all, bloodwork has come back perfect in every way - but she has SARDS and has gone blind. It's been a month since she went totally blind but she is finding her way around well. Having had 3 Cairns with pigmentary glaucoma I'm pretty well used to having blind dogs around and training her is easy. The symptoms of pu/pd and the appetite are the same as for Cushings. She shows slight improvements daily but it's slow, mainly due to the stroke.

Anyhow, I was about to give her Vetoryl away, and then Gaby started to drink and wee more ..... as she is nearly 14 I took her for blood tests and following an ACTH stim test and an ultrasound on her liver she was diagnosed with Cushings today.

I won't lie - it's knocked me for six, especially given the costly meds that Jess and Gaby are now on (Jess takes Vivitonin and Onsior), and going from 3 healthy dogs in December to having two pill dispenser boxes for two of the dogs, well that's odd to come to terms with. Anyway, I'm back on the forum and reading again about Cushings just when I thought I could forget all about it !!

Daisy, my 6 year old, seems to be healthy and we are having a new pup in 4 weeks time, again another Cairn.

Thanks,
Jane
xxxxxxx

[Joan2517]

Hi and welcome. You say you were about to give her, (who) Vetoryl anyway....are you talking about Jess or Gaby? If Jess doesn't have Cushing's, you should not give her any Vetoryl.

[Jane2212]

I was going to give her Vetoryl away - to someone who needed it, not realising I was going to need it for Gaby !! As it cost me £100 I'm glad I kept it now !!!

Jane
x

[Joan2517]

LOL! Sorry...was reading quickly while my boss wasn't paying attention! Nice to be able to save a little bit of money. I wish I could've given Lena's leftovers to someone who needed them. The cost can be overwhelming. I don't know what we would have done without Care Credit.

[lulusmom]

Hi Jane and welcome back.

I'm sorry that you found it necessary to start a new thread for Gaby. I'm glad to hear that Jess does not have cushing's but saddened that she lost her vision due to SARDS. Our precious dogs are resilient and most readily adjust to blindness and suspect Jess will amaze you by how easily she adapts. I have taken the liberty of copying your post here to Jess' thread so that members who are following her thread don't miss your update.

Now let's focus on your precious Gaby. You already know how inquisitive we are about every dog who comes through our door so let me start the torture now. :D It would be very helpful if you would round up all the test results done and share them here. 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. Of course we would like to see the result of the acth stimulation test as well as hear about any abnormalities on the ultrasound imaging. With an increase in peeing and drinking being Gaby's only symptom, I assume that your vet did a urine test as well to check urine specific gravity (USG) and to rule out a UTI. Can you share those results as well?

I am glad to hear that Daisy is doing well and I hope she does well for many years to come. How exciting that you will be getting a new puppy in just a few weeks. I am sure that excitement helps temper the new cushing's diagnosis. You've had your hands full to say the least and no doubt will have your hands full and overflowing with a new puppy. :) I hope you will share some pictures with us. Do you have any names picked out yet?

I look forward to hearing lots more about Gaby and I'm sure others will be by to welcome you back.

Glynda

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome back, although I am sorry for the reason that brought you here again. Could you get copies of the tests that were used to diagnose Gaby's Cushing's and post those results for us? How much does she weigh and what is the dosage strength of the Vetoryl? What are the symptoms Gaby is displaying, I see that her drinking and urination has increased but does she show any other of the common Cushing's symptoms such as a ravenous appetite, pot-bellied appearance, reluctance to climb stairs or jump on the furniture, issues with hair or skin? Also was an UTI and diabetes ruled out?

I'm sorry for all of these questions but the more we know about sweet Gaby the better our feedback will be. Looking forward in hearing more about your dear girl.

Hugs, Lori

[Carole Alexander]

Hi Jane, I remember you and Jess well as I think both Jess and Skippy were diagnosed (actually misdiagnosed) at about the same time. I'm sorry to hear that Jess has SARDS and another Cushing's diagnosis for Gabby has got to be a kick in the head. I know the folks here will be very helpful with managing Gabby and making sure your vet has her diagnosis and treatment right. I know that the new puppy will be a handful and a joy too. Best to you and the girls.

Carole