Hoping for the best , precious Willie. Sending warm thoughts to you , and Suzi is keeping her paws crossed too.
Much love,
Cathy, & Suzi

OK Doc it's Tuesday! What's your diagnosis?


Prayers being said for our little W.

Just checking in on our little Wylie man :) Have we called about results yet?? :):)

Update
 

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 :D. 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.

Ann,
It is good you have some answers, I hadn't heard of the Flax seed lignons, but that is better than the other treatment meds that can be pretty harsh. Just stay positive that this will bring his progesterene levels in check.

As for lifespan, I will be willing to bet that Wylie will be around for a long long time :thumbup::thumbup: :) how can he not with a mommy like you around?? :thumbup:

Take this as good news, and in 30 days you will get more good news, I'm sure of it!!!!

HUGGLES :):)

I couldn't agree more. Another thing this little guy has is you! He is gong to live a long and healthy life.

I'm sorry the news wasn't better but ever so glad it wasn't worse.

At least you're past all the uncertainty, and little Wylie is feeling good. :) Just in case you haven't seen this, here's a link to a closed forum with lots of info on Cushing's and Atypical Cushing's...

CanineCushings.net

Ann, try not to believe the statistics on lifespan. It's about the same for canine diabetes and Lady is in her seventh year with that! ;)

I absolutely believe the care, nutrition, etc. they receive has everything to do with longevity. With the kind of care Wylie's gets, I'm sure he'll beat the statistics, too.

Is this type of Cushings reversible? Lady was diagnosed with iatrogenic Cushings a couple of years from taking steriods for her arthritis. She was given about six months to live. I stopped the steriods and it was reversed.

Thank you :). I don't feel those odds really apply to him either - bc of his health overall, and I think we caught it early, and he is young and so vibrant. Not even a smidge of lethargy, which is odd really.

They didn't mention anything about it being reversible (since he's never been on steroids) - but I will be sure and ask about it at our next appointment.

Thanks to everyone else too, the support makes me feel much better. And yes, that CanineCushings site is excellent - I've spent a lot of time there over the last few weeks. :)

I know it's the last thing you wanted to hear but at least now you know and can start taking action. I agree too that there is no way the "standard" prognosis applies to Wylie who is young and strong. Certainly not to a dog who has you for a mommy and leaves absolutely no stone unturned.

I'm sorry it wasn't the news we were all hoping for, but I am glad you finally have a diagnosis and can begin to treat the little guy.

I wouldn't buy into that average life span stuff either, because it is just that an AVERAGE, and like you said Wylie is not fit the profile of a typical Cushings dog. I don't know much about the disease itself, but I know you will do a wonderful job caring for him and making sure he receives the best treatment possible.

I'm hoping the flax seed lignans will do the trick! There is no doubt that Wylie has a bright, wonderful and healthy future ahead of him with your care and love!

I'm really impressed with how you managed to identify the warning signs so early and how you are now taking charge of your little guy's health. Please keep us posted on how the flax seed works (!). We are all here for you.

I am sorry for the diagnosis but I know he is in very capable hands and I am sure he will live a long healthy life

the treatment/supplement plan sounds promising and since he is so young and healthy, i think he will do really well. :D