[shannonroselive]

I agree with not taking the prognosis of 2 yrs. 1st, doc's don't know everything and most times the stats are incorrect or biased. PLUS, I was diagnosed with cancer in my liver which was inoperable and terminal. I had only 3 months to live...that was 8 YEARS ago and there is no sign of cancer now. Alternative medicine rocks!!! So does flax and I use it regularly lol!
Anyway, I'm not a little yorkie but I do know that NO ONE can tell anyone else how long they have to live. It's not up to us. I love that your lil guy is still active and happy. That's what counts the most!!!

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Update

Well there is bad news...and kind of good news too, in a way. Wylie does have Atypical Cushing's Disease (atypical is caused by a sex hormone). The hormone causing his Cushings is progesterone. I'm a little overwhelmed, so I don't think I asked enough questions...so I'm kind of confused right now. But, I believe what is happening is that there is "marginal increased adrenal activity" and this is caused by his inappropriate progesterone levels. I didn't ask about prognosis, bc I just didn't want to - and besides, I believe the prognosis numbers for Cushings are so skewed anyway since most dogs are diagnosed much later in life (Wylie is 4.5yrs) - resulting in a prognosis of an average of only 2 years after diagnosis. Wylie has TONS of energy, a perfect little athletic body (not the "Cushing's Body"), and is happy as can be (you would not know he had issues) --- SO, I just don't believe he will have that "average" life span of 2 more years after diagnosis, ya know? Not buyin' it for this fella.

Now, the kinda good news is that we will start to treat with, get this, Flax Seed Lignans . I know! How great is that? I will give him a 1/2 tsp. of flax hulls (from a vendor recommended by U of Tenn and the internist). I guess how it works (hope I have this right) is that since the Lignans are estrogenic, they will compete w/ his progesterone and cause that to "drop", as well as his cortisol to drop -- which will decrease the symptoms/effects of the Cushing's. HERE is a link for more info. Anyone else's baby have this type of Cushing's?

I will treat him this way for 30d, then back to the internist to assess and probably repeat the test to see where his progesterone level is. I guess the lignans work very well in most of these cases - so I really hope they will for Wylie, bc the other drugs are more potent.

So, that's the news. I'm upset, but trying to be positive bc he does appear to be in such excellent health...and I just have to believe that if we can manage the disease properly, he will be able to lead a long and full life.