Checking in for August 2006

[acushdogsmom]

We suspect that we have a good number of folks here who read the messages regularly but who don't post very often. Maybe that's because their dogs are doing well and they don't have any questions to ask, or maybe they don't feel very comfortable about posting answers to other members' questions.

It's perfectly understandable and acceptable for folks to only post here once in a while, but when we don't hear from people, many of us find ourselves wondering what those folks have been up to recently and how their dogs are doing.

"Checking in" is a topic that we start on the first of each month, where folks can post a reply to let everyone else know how they are doing. You may just want to say "Hi! We're still here and we're doing fine" or you may want to tell us more -- about a really good test result, or something funny that your dog did recently, or a camping trip that you went on ... that sort of thing.

We'd love to hear from you! :)

[mymollygirl]

Hello! Just thought I would let everyone know how Molly is doing.

If you recall, she was diagnosed in Feb 2006 and has been taking Trilostane since then. She is doing better than before the meds, but we are still trying to find the right dose. She started at 60 mg 1x per day, then moved to 90 mg 1x per day where she did great for almost 3 months. Then symptoms started showing again in the evenings, so we did a 22-24 hour ACTH. Sure enough, her levels were very high, so we have since started 2x per day dosing, first 45mg, and now 60 mg. She seems to be doing better than 1x per day. She has her 4 week ACTH next Monday (8/7).

Her liver values have come down tremendously since starting the meds, but they have been rocking around as we adjust to the 2x per day dosing. She's also been having a lot of protein in her urine, so there is some concern about that. She has been put on blood pressure meds to see if that helps the protein. She has another urine protein-creatinine ratio test next Monday also.

She also had another ultrasound in July, and her adrenal glands are larger than last year, but everything else is looking good or the same (liver is still enlarged). No adrenal tumor, so we are on the right path!

So she is still doing well. I'll be glad when all the "other" stuff is more controlled, but I know that will take time as we get her dose adjusted.

Hope everyone out there is doing great. Happy August!

- Brandi & Molly

[Beaglelover111]

Hi everyone,

This is Tammy, Sparky's mom. I love the idea of a monthly update - Since my dog was just diagnosed a little over a month ago with Cushing's, It's important for me to remain in contact and learn the "ups and downs" of this disease. I am so greatful to all of you for the advise and unconditional concern for Sparky.

Now for the update, as most of you know Sparky over-loaded just 6 days into his Lysodren treatment a little over two weeks ago. He was immediately put on Prednisolone (low dose), just after about four days Sparky started having accidents (peeing) at night. Last Friday we stopped the Prednisolone and yesterday (Monday 7/31) Sparky had his 3rd ACTH test (since 7/14). I should have the results tomorrow or Thursday.

The last couple of days Sparky has seemed less active, and wanting to lay down more than usual. He also seems to have weakness in his hind legs.
My question to everyone is "is this common?" Weakness in the hind legs?
Sparky doesn't fall down or isn't bad enought where he can't get up - but I've noticed a change.

I'm just a little down today because I'm worried about Sparkys' progress. However, I remain optomistic because we are just getting started with treatment and have read so many success stories here on this site.

Anyway, that's my update and I will post more news once we get the results, in the meantime I'd appreciate it if you could share stories of symptons.

P.S. Brandi and Molly - I'm glad to hear that Molly is doing "better than before medication". I understand how frustrating it can be, but also now realize that there's no 'one' treatment for all dogs. It seems to be trial and error in finding the right dose and treatment. Hang in there!

Best of luck.
Tammy and Sparky

[Loraine]

Hi all,

I was (still am) Coco's Mum, he went to the Bridge 18 months ago, but I still feel very connected to this board and the folks who come here. I get quite few emails from folks who have found my name connected to Cushing's and I try to help as often as I can and I always point them to this wonderful place. I adopted Zedley, a Wire Haired Fox Terrier, last September and he has made this his home and me his Mum. He was a Show dog and Stud bloke, and his owner decided to change breeds and he was destined for the green dream at 2.5 yrs old :rolleyes: I had him flown 8 hours from the eastern seaboard to the west coast of Australia.

Hugs
Loraine (Coco's Mum forever, Zedley's new Mum)

[Arne]

Just to let you know that Arne (CKCS) is doing fine. His drinking is much less, his coat is coming back in, he is putting on a little weight and he eats slowly now. Sadly his spondylitis seems to be very bad and he is on diaazopam? (spelling) for that. We have been trying accupuncture which has helped a bit too.

[MattiesMom]

Hey everyone, can you believe it's August already? Things seem to be going pretty well here lately. Mattie has finally gotten rid of the yeast infection. I hope it doesn't come back ever! She was just miserable poor baby. She is so energetic lately, she is constantly wanting to play now. I am so happy that she is feeling so good and hope it continues. I got her a puppy cut again, pretty much shaved her body and left hair around her face and head...too cute!:) I think she really likes having the short hair because she stays so much cooler now. She must get cold at night though because she gets under the covers now and right up against my legs. She is so precious!

Well, hope it will cool off soon and maybe we could even get some rain, that would be wonderful. It has been so dry here. We haven't had rain for over a month now.

Take care and if anyone hears from Danni let me know please. Been really wondering how she and Buffy are.

Hugs to all,

Mattie & Ruthie

[ella]

Hi everyone just thought i would let you all know georgie is still doing fine. We have had rather hot weather in London which is very unusal for us we are more use to it raining!! but georgie has managed fine with the weather and we still have him on the same lysodren dose, he dosent really do that much these days just lays around mostly, still at his age i dont blame him, 14 is rather old for a dog he still has hie little plays with us and then tends to go back to sleep. Thought i would update you all.
Hope everyone is doing well, take care all
Ella

[EllieEskies]

:) Just checking-in for August.
Snowdrop is doing great...just a normal little dog who happens to take Trilostane and Soloxine 2 times per day and Cosequin once per day.
At our last appointment with her specialist we were reminded that come September it will be our 5th year anniversary since we first started going to the UPENN. Snowdrop is definitely a little success story. She isn't due back for another ACTH and check-up until the end of November.
We have been spending our summer going back and forth to Jersey shore...
Snowdrop enjoys barking at the surf going in and out when we go for our early morning and evening walks on the beach. When we are home in the Philly area, she enjoys spending time laying and playing in the kiddy pool, and running through our sprinklers. In short, she is full of energy, empties toyboxes, rough houses with our other dogs, interrupts their naps by hitting them with toys (people too), and is still my little lady with an attitude.
We are boring...no questions or problems!
Hugs To All!
Ellen & Snowdrop

[maybie's mom]

Maybie is on maintance but she has days where she drinks to much and wets at night,for the first time since she found us she wet on the carpet, her next test is not till Sept. but think I will call vet and see if she can be done earlier.
Maybie has some great days and then a few bad ones,so we are all hanging in there
Thanks

[travelpjean]

Hello, I'm Foxy's mom and I'm sorry I haven't posted for a while mainly because I have been on vacation. Foxy is on maintenance now with 1 ml of liquid lysodren twice a week. She has been on this schedule for about three weeks . I do not think it's enough as I am starting to see her pot belly returning and some weakness. She goes in for a test on Friday to see her levels. I suspect we will have to increase the dose. She is doing well with her drinking and urinating.
Hope everyone is doing well. I will be posting more often.
Blessings,
Tricia and Foxy

[BestBuddy]

Hi all,
Well it's a new month again. Buddy is having a few ups and downs but still holding his own. I am sure I worry and stress more than I need to. Other that that all is well. I would like to make a suggestion.....Many people don't fill in much info on their profile. I know I haven't put much info on mine but I really like at least reading where others are from. You don't have to be too specific if privacy is an issue but it is nice to know the general area and country people are from. Just a thought!
Jenny & Buddy

[we3dogs]

Hi all! I agree Jenny, I like to see where members are from too! No medical updates to add, but it is still the same ole crazy house here in Central MA! Ready for a l-on-g update?!? My husband got a promotion - finally!! and will be hiring some team members this month-a first for him! Of course its all in the timing - he''l be super busy and me w/surgery looming on the 31st and I'll need 24/7 care available for the first 3 days (so I'm told). So, I'll be recruiting my 79 yr old parents!
Pebbles is doing fantastic! Harry is convinced that Pebs and I created a sob story for him so I could take her home last January-ha! I just feel that after the whole Ed ordeal, I want to focus on dogs with Cushings. It just makes me feel better!! I have to post Ed's pix and story some day - wait until you see this one picture where Ed looks like Rag's twin!! Zee is still having horrible trouble with his fur loss on his trunk and chest. I finally eliminated all grain and he has slowly begun to get better. His body actually smelled of yeast! I was givinghim 2 cups of oatmeal a day so I was the main contributer to his suffering! Ugh! I'll give an Angel update in here thread. So...hope all is well with everyone in caninecush-land! :D :D :D

[rsampson]

Hi max and Rachael checking in for August. Back in July max was tested to see if he was getting the right does of vetoryl and his test results came back low at .4 to .5 post stimulation. We reduced his intake from 120mg to 90 mg and we just had him tested again last Friday. His post value was 2.8. It is a little on the high side, my vet would like to see values in the 1-2 range, but he is not worried and would like to keep him on the 90mg and just monitor him to see if he redevelops any symptoms. Right now he is doing awsome and I will be ordering another three month supply of vetoryl for him. Our new addition Daisy is keeping Max on his toes and we are all doing well.:p

Hope all is well with everyone else and we will keep you updated on our progress.

Rachael and Max