Wylie has Hypothyroid, Pyoderma, and maybe Cushing's Disease

[AprilLove]

Ann,
I'm so sorry you and Wylie are going through this I know from experience that the whole Cushings diagnosis and treatments and what ifs are sooo frustrating. It is very complicated getting the diagnosis if that is what it is.

I did learn that a LOT of vets go right into the cushings probability when the dog presents with the heavy peeing/drinking or sublte hair loss. I didn't get through this whole thread (hard to read to much at once right now old age, lol) but I hope that he has had full and complete blood panels done to rule out kidney/liver and or possible diabetes. I am assuming you went through all that already.

As for his Hypothyroid I do know that getting the replacement dose correct is not an exact science and it may take awhile for that to get his thyroid back to normal.


Just want to send big hugs and well wishes for Wylie XXOO

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by AprilLove

Ann,
I'm so sorry you and Wylie are going through this I know from experience that the whole Cushings diagnosis and treatments and what ifs are sooo frustrating. It is very complicated getting the diagnosis if that is what it is.

I did learn that a LOT of vets go right into the cushings probability when the dog presents with the heavy peeing/drinking or sublte hair loss. I didn't get through this whole thread (hard to read to much at once right now old age, lol) but I hope that he has had full and complete blood panels done to rule out kidney/liver and or possible diabetes. I am assuming you went through all that already.

As for his Hypothyroid I do know that getting the replacement dose correct is not an exact science and it may take awhile for that to get his thyroid back to normal.

Just want to send big hugs and well wishes for Wylie XXOO

Thanks, Mary Kay . I just didn't think it would be this tough to get a definitive answer, but apparently it's not uncommon.

We did do tons of bloodwork on him w/ the Dermatologist - and we ruled out diabetes and kidney/liver. His hypothyroid appears to be primary rather than secondary. Who knows....maybe it is only that...and it will just take time for certain symptoms to abate. I sure hope it's just that. *crosses fingers*

[AprilLove]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Thanks, Mary Kay . I just didn't think it would be this tough to get a definitive answer, but apparently it's not uncommon.

We did do tons of bloodwork on him w/ the Dermatologist - and we ruled out diabetes and kidney/liver. His hypothyroid appears to be primary rather than secondary. Who knows....maybe it is only that...and it will just take time for certain symptoms to abate. I sure hope it's just that. *crosses fingers*

Ann
I think Patti mentioned this Cushings forum, don't know if you've checked it out yet, but there are many members there with a LOT of experience with Cushings
I was on there back in 06' when my Bailey (rest in peace) was thought to have it


Important Information and Resources - Canine Cushing's Forums

[TammyJM]

Ann~

I am just reading through this thread and I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and Wylie.

Tammy

[Zanders' mom]

Oooh Ann, I am soo very sorry Wylie has been sick. I read through all the pages and my heart is very sad for you both. The anxiety of not knowing, seeing your baby through all these tests and not having answers . I join the many praying for Wylie, that his problem is just thyroid related.

Stay strong, you are an awesome mommy. Take care. I will keep coming back for updates. Hugs with care. Annie & furbabies.

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Oh Brooke - I know what you mean about typing a looong post up and then *poof* - gone. Seriously so frustrating.

I can't believe all that fur in your hand from Tate ! I'd be concerned too, it looks like too much. If it's not thyroid and not Cushing's, I wonder what this could be from. Wylie's Derm. did say that his fur loss is not only from the hypothyroid (and we don't know yet w/ cushings until Monday) - but also bc he has the pyoderma - so his follicles become irritated and infected and just push his hair right out. Oddly, we never saw him shedding, never found his fur, never came out after bath - just gone (?)...weird. I think I'm going to try to take pics of his fur and skin so people can see what it looked like.

Marcel sends his Tater-love LOTS of hugs and puppy kisses and wants her to feel better!

OMG - poor Wylie! Hypothyroid, Cushings and Pyoderma! The little guy just doesn't deserves all of this...it just breaks my heart! How much can our poor sweet babies possibly go through How is he doing now by the way??? I haven't been on all that much in the last few days, but I have been thinking about him!!

I am going to go and do some reading up on Pyoderma....I wonder if THIS could be what Tatum has? I really thought that she could have Hypothyroid, but the tests came back totally negative. I have a picture (on my other computer) that I need to show you of her shirt - when I took it off the inside was just FULL of hair Sigh... I really have got to look into this as I just don't know what is causing the hair loss. Unless it really does just have something to do with her allergies.

Anyway, I don't want to hijack Wylie's thread! I hope the little sweetheart is doing ok and that you are finding some answers! Hopefully when I go further with Tate's testing I will be able to find some myself!

Sweet hugs and kisses to Marcel from the Tator Bug...and she sends some to Mr. Wylie too!

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by Lou

Brooke! Could Tatums problem be related to the surgery or the meds she is taking or took? Just a thought. Hope she is doing better too. So prayers going out to you two also!

Well the thing is, all this hair loss started BEFORE the LP surgery So I know that it can't have anything to do with that or the meds that she was on after surgery. Sigh.... I just don't know at this point I am so confused and I need to have more tests run so that I will have some answers.

Thanks for thinking of her and thank you so much for the prayers girl!

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by stedmansmommy

OMG - poor Wylie! Hypothyroid, Cushings and Pyoderma! The little guy just doesn't deserves all of this...it just breaks my heart! How much can our poor sweet babies possibly go through How is he doing now by the way??? I haven't been on all that much in the last few days, but I have been thinking about him!!

I am going to go and do some reading up on Pyoderma....I wonder if THIS could be what Tatum has? I really thought that she could have Hypothyroid, but the tests came back totally negative. I have a picture (on my other computer) that I need to show you of her shirt - when I took it off the inside was just FULL of hair Sigh... I really have got to look into this as I just don't know what is causing the hair loss. Unless it really does just have something to do with her allergies.

Anyway, I don't want to hijack Wylie's thread! I hope the little sweetheart is doing ok and that you are finding some answers! Hopefully when I go further with Tate's testing I will be able to find some myself!

Sweet hugs and kisses to Marcel from the Tator Bug...and she sends some to Mr. Wylie too!

I know...these poor lovebugs...they really don't deserve to feel bad for one single day . Here is Wylie's update as of Monday (still don't know anything ): http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/2618061-post111.html -- so we wait another 10-14 days for the U of Tennessee.

Brooke, if you go HERE (this is where I took the boys) - and click on FAQs, and then "What is Pyoderma" -- there are pics, but that is a very severe case. Wylie's looked wayyy more subtle - he had some red, patchy areas on his tummy, he had flakes all over and red patches here and there; the back of his legs looked red/patchy/hairless too. He had fur loss on all 4 legs and then it was starting on his body. It is easily cleared up w/ a once a day does of Simplicef for 2-3 weeks. His skin is already looking much better!

Kisses and hugs to the Tator - from both the boys, but especially from her Marcel.

[Lou]

Darn it Ann! We were supposed to have a diagnosis and treatment plan by now. Poor Wylie! Is he stressing out over urinating so frequently?

[Tiger's Mom]

Originally Posted by stedmansmommy

OMG!!! I am so furious! I just spent I don't know how long quoting your post above...I was trying to reply to it, and I did, but I have absolutely NO IDEA what happened....every *single* word I wrote got deleted when I tried to post it!!!! Omg. I am going to just cry. lol...

SIGH....I don't even remember what all I wrote. Actually, I am not even going to TRY and remember at this point. Darn it! I just can't believe that happened! Ugh!!

I just wanted to say thank you so much for posting all that you did - I am most definitely going to have a test done to HOPEFULLY rule out Cushings. Although if Cushings is ruled out, then I have absolutely no idea what else could be causing all of this. I have already had a Thyroid test done and it came back negative...so all was good there. If it isn't Cushings, maybe it is just her awful, terrible allergies. At this point I just don't know what else it could be - but SOMETHING is going on. Yorkies just AREN'T supposed to shed/lose hair....and boy is she ever! (See pic below - you are going to FREAK ). That picture was taken after I last gave her a bath and ran my hand over her back and then brushed her and removed all the hair from the brush. It is just absolutely crazy how much hair she loses. And the sink is just FULL of it when I bathe her. Even when she was put in the water tank for Aquatic Therapy there was a few gobs of hair floating around in the water.
Anyway, I am going to check out the links that you gave me - thank you so much girl! By the way, how is Wylie doing? I haven't had a chance to read any updates in the thread yet but I have been thinking about him and I certainly hope that he is doing well!

Give both of the boy tons of sweet hugs and kisses from the babies and I....and an extra smooch on the cheek to Marcel from his girlfriend Tator Bug!

oh Brooke, I have been a victim many, many times too of hitting the submit reply and it wants me to sign up instead, with everything I wrote completely gone it can be pretty frustrating . . .I do try to copy but oftentimes I just forget

anyway, that sure is a whole lot of hair. Annika has about half of it when I brush her but I do find a bunch here and there and everywhere . . I am however happy to say that in the last 2 weeks since she started her new diet, that I barely see any hair onto her brush and I do brush her daily so am very, very thrilled about it . .I do hope it is her diet.

How is Wylie? any news? I haven't had a chance to read most recent updates but am hoping you've finally found out what is wrong with him

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Lou

Darn it Ann! We were supposed to have a diagnosis and treatment plan by now. Poor Wylie! Is he stressing out over urinating so frequently?

I know ! Darn it all...I really thought I'd know by now. I just hate thinking something is wrong, for which he's not getting treated...bc we don't have a diagnosis. Very frustrating. Oddly though, he doesn't seem to mind going potty this often - and luckily I have pads in the house so he doesn't have to stress about asking to go out each time. Poor little fella.

I talked to the Internist again yesterday and said "are we SURE the urine cortisol isn't just from being hypothyroid??" and she said "no".....it's like if I ask her enough times, maybe she'll answer the way I want her to . So, we wait.

[Tiger's Mom]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I know...these poor lovebugs...they really don't deserve to feel bad for one single day . Here is Wylie's update as of Monday (still don't know anything ): http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/2618061-post111.html -- so we wait another 10-14 days for the U of Tennessee.

Brooke, if you go HERE (this is where I took the boys) - and click on FAQs, and then "What is Pyoderma" -- there are pics, but that is a very severe case. Wylie's looked wayyy more subtle - he had some red, patchy areas on his tummy, he had flakes all over and red patches here and there; the back of his legs looked red/patchy/hairless too. He had fur loss on all 4 legs and then it was starting on his body. It is easily cleared up w/ a once a day does of Simplicef for 2-3 weeks. His skin is already looking much better!

Kisses and hugs to the Tator - from both the boys, but especially from her Marcel.

oh ann am so sorry to hear you have to wait another 2 weeks for better results . . . . .Annika has a lot of her hair on her legs gone too, which I feel is from excessive scratching . . .she is shedding as well which is so unusual as their breed shouldn't be shedding at all . . .however yesterday I have seen a tremendous decrease in shedding, more like barely nothing . . no signs of hair on the brush and on the bed . .am not sure if the cortizone shot has anything to do with it so am hoping it is the diet that is causing this wonderful change in her . . . by sunday her meds will completely wear off and am hoping that the change in diet is indeed the cause of much improvement. right now she barely scratches at all and am so very happy . .whether it be the cortizone working its magic or the diet . . .at this point, I just don't care and am just thrilled she is out of being so uncomfortable . . I hope the 2 weeks will zoom fast so we can know for sure what is "troubling" your little stud muffin.

On a lighter note, I did not realize that his heart belongs to Tate that is so cute . .they are a perfect match . . . both sooo gorgeous.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Tiger's Mom

oh ann am so sorry to hear you have to wait another 2 weeks for better results . . . . .Annika has a lot of her hair on her legs gone too, which I feel is from excessive scratching . . .she is shedding as well which is so unusual as their breed shouldn't be shedding at all . . .however yesterday I have seen a tremendous decrease in shedding, more like barely nothing . . no signs of hair on the brush and on the bed . .am not sure if the cortizone shot has anything to do with it so am hoping it is the diet that is causing this wonderful change in her . . . by sunday her meds will completely wear off and am hoping that the change in diet is indeed the cause of much improvement. right now she barely scratches at all and am so very happy . .whether it be the cortizone working its magic or the diet . . .at this point, I just don't care and am just thrilled she is out of being so uncomfortable . . I hope the 2 weeks will zoom fast so we can know for sure what is "troubling" your little stud muffin.

On a lighter note, I did not realize that his heart belongs to Tate that is so cute . .they are a perfect match . . . both sooo gorgeous.

Aw Des, I hope you get answers too - it will be interesting to see what happens after the steroid wears off for Annika...I so hope the diet is the key, so you don't have to medicate and you don't have to watch her scratch...I know how miserable it is to watch these babies w/ allergies, and feel helpless.

Yep, Marcel took Tate to the Valentines Ball this year and that was it - he was done - hook, paw, and sinker .

[Tiger's Mom]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Aw Des, I hope you get answers too - it will be interesting to see what happens after the steroid wears off for Annika...I so hope the diet is the key, so you don't have to medicate and you don't have to watch her scratch...I know how miserable it is to watch these babies w/ allergies, and feel helpless.

Yep, Marcel took Tate to the Valentines Ball this year and that was it - he was done - hook, paw, and sinker .

oh Ann, yes not knowing the cause is what irks me the most . .as I feel helpless seeing her suffer misserably . . she is however doing wonderfully (temporarily I guess because of the meds ) and even looking pretty as her topknot is always in place now that she isn't scratching

Awww, that is so sweet . . .but who could resist the stunning tater tot Tiger drools everytime he sees pictures of her.

[crystalsmom]

Oh my gosh Ann, I am just seeing this, poor little Wylie. Good for you for pushing on to a specialist but do wish at this point you would have more answers. Remember they say patience is a virtue....now that doesn't help at all does it sweetie. I can't stand to see these little guys sick, I'm sure you will have some answers soon but in the meantime the waiting has got to be horrible. Hugs