[aweitzm1]

Update on Thumper

I saw thee Specialist today for Thumper. Very happy I did as he feels this is all related to his Cushing's Disease based on physical symptoms. He said it can be Kidney related but more likely Cushing's related and until we get the Cushing's under control will not know next steps.

The biggest issue why I went was because of the protein in the urine. Dr said that can be due to High Blood Pressure and Cushing both of which Thumper has.

They did an ultra sound ACTH test and full blood work panel today at the appointment. ACTH was normal but higher than the doctor would like. Blood work normal and BP was high.

The Vet's recommendation is to adjust meds and repeat ACTH in two weeks and then again see doctor in a month to repeat tests a second time.

Before Thumper was on 10 mgs once a day of Veteroyl and the vet feels Thumper should be on it 2x a day as the medication starts wears off after about 4 hours. Along with increasing his BP meds he feels this should show improvement.

He wants me to follow up directly with him as he feels going through my regular vet to get the tests done can lead to miscommunication. I agree at this time to transfer care to him at least until Thumper is stabilized then we can re-visit my regular vet taking over care and consulting with him on an as needed basis.

Once my regular vet gets the medical notes from the hospital I will speak with her just to get her thoughts on the recommendations.

His fee for seeing him is $200 a visit without any tests done so I don't want this to be indefinite as the cost per visit is extremely high.

I still have some unanswered questions just on next steps as it was a lot of info thrown at me at once so I have to call them again tomorrow or send an email with them. I am waiting on an email for the correct medication dosages and will follow up once I receive it.

Thank you all for those that were thinking of Thumper. I feel confident that at the moment this is not life threatening and I have an idea of where wee are going with treatment.