Oh Linda, he is just PRECIOUS. Can I just say, once again, thank you for all that you do in rescue
!!! I am so happy he is with you.
I wonder why they aren't Dx Cushings since he has the elevated cortisol along w/ some unique signalment (skin infection, hair loss - this fella's pattern loss is SO like Cushings - Wylie only had some thinning). Did they say they wanted more signalment (because you usually look for at least 3)? Dogs may only have a few at a time.
You have such a marvelous vet though - but it might be worth contacting
Dr. Jack Oliver when cases are not clear cut - for Cushings/adrenal stuff. He is very responsive and he is incredible at dealing w/ the oddball cases (look at his published studies, just amazing). I can't recommend him enough - Wylie's internist (who specializes in Cushings, and her own dog has Cushings) consults w/ him often and my generalist just consulted w/ him in Dec. for Wylie again (for a med change).
Oh! And I forget to answer one of your original questions - yes, melatonin can work great for some dogs! And, there are Melatonin implants you can get, if it does work. It really depends on the Dx and/or if there is something going on w/ the sex hormones. See this
Treatment sheet, and also #13 for Dr. Oliver contact info. And
here is their endocrine lab - this is where blood is sent to test the intermediate sex hormones.
I didn't even *see* that
! I was tracking right with your description, and did not even see the "excessive" - my brain edited it out once I saw the poly, lol! That's funny
. Excessive polyexcessiveness, I'm on board
.