What a Bittersweet week...Cushing's disease??

[shodanusmc]

Best of luck to you and the little dog tomorrow. We are all in your corner.

[MauiGirl]

Sending good thoughts today for Valentino, and will be watching for updates.

[bella_mia_hairy]

I don't have any experience with canine cushing's disease but rather human cushings disease my brother has it... but it is controlled his cortisol levels were all out of wack ...

Your baby is in our prayers!!!

[luv_my_yorkies]

OK, back from our ultrasound appointment. And, I think I am more confused now than before. After the ultrasound, he told me that he found a few small nodules on Tino's liver and spleen, but didn't find any tumors or any other issues to be concerned about at this time. He said that his liver was larger, but still in the normal range in his opinion. He also said that he didn't feel Tino exhibited any regular Cushing's symptoms, and didn't feel like he really fit the "atypical" criteria either. He then said that he felt that Tino was suffering from something called "Bartonellosis" and ordered a blood test to confirm. This is all so strange...the doctor seemed to think it might have been pretty easy for Tino to get this as it is an "environmental" bacteria. My poor little guy is starting to become a pin cushion with all this poking and prodding

[Louies Mom]

Don't give up hope! I am going though Cushings with my Schipperkee. He didn't exhibit any of the signs, but had a little weight gain. The doctor thought he might have a thyroid problem, but it turned out to be Cushings. He has no hair loss or any of the other symptoms. I had the doctor do the special test to confirm Cushings, which was confirmed. Duke is 10 years old and struggles a little with cold weather, but nothing else. He has been receiving treatments for 1 1/2 months now, and my husband and I don't see much difference in him except for a little weight loss, which is needed. The cortisol was making him a little plump, so now that the tumor is getting under control he is loosing the steroid weight.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by luv_my_yorkies

OK, back from our ultrasound appointment. And, I think I am more confused now than before. After the ultrasound, he told me that he found a few small nodules on Tino's liver and spleen, but didn't find any tumors or any other issues to be concerned about at this time. He said that his liver was larger, but still in the normal range in his opinion. He also said that he didn't feel Tino exhibited any regular Cushing's symptoms, and didn't feel like he really fit the "atypical" criteria either. He then said that he felt that Tino was suffering from something called "Bartonellosis" and ordered a blood test to confirm. This is all so strange...the doctor seemed to think it might have been pretty easy for Tino to get this as it is an "environmental" bacteria. My poor little guy is starting to become a pin cushion with all this poking and prodding

Hmmmm....did he explain why Tino "didn't fit the atypical criteria" -- bc the only way to tell this is if 1) an ACTH is done, resulting in borderline elevation in the post-test and 2) the blood must then be sent to Dr. Oliver at U of Tenn. Atypical (or typical) cannot be diagnosed or confirmed via an ultrasound.

Do you feel confident is this vet's experience w/ Cushings?

Keeping you and Tino in my thoughts .

[luv_my_yorkies]

I'm not convinced of anything right now When I called my vet to make the appointment for the next blood test to check for bartonellosis, I don't think they had EVER tested a dog/cat for that before. They said they needed to look into whether he needed to fast or whether they even had the right "tubes" for collection. Good grief!!!!

The Dr., who told me he had seen many "Cush patients", and answered all the questions I had researched to ask to my satisfaction, said he had no reason to believe that Tino's illness was adrenal-based. So.....I'm going to wait on the next step, but keep all this in the back of my mind. Thanks again for being here for support and great information! I really appreciate it, and so does Tino

[luv_my_yorkies]

Originally Posted by luv_my_yorkies

I'm not convinced of anything right now When I called my vet to make the appointment for the next blood test to check for bartonellosis, I don't think they had EVER tested a dog/cat for that before. They said they needed to look into whether he needed to fast or whether they even had the right "tubes" for collection. Good grief!!!!

The Dr., who told me he had seen many "Cush patients", and answered all the questions I had researched to ask to my satisfaction, said he had no reason to believe that Tino's illness was adrenal-based. So.....I'm going to wait on the next step, but keep all this in the back of my mind. Thanks again for being here for support and great information! I really appreciate it, and so does Tino

I'm wondering if I should just request the inital cushing's blood test done too when he gets the other blood draw???? Is it a blood test or urine test? Not that it matters, but just so I know what to ask for.

[kjc]

Originally Posted by luv_my_yorkies

I'm not convinced of anything right now When I called my vet to make the appointment for the next blood test to check for bartonellosis, I don't think they had EVER tested a dog/cat for that before. They said they needed to look into whether he needed to fast or whether they even had the right "tubes" for collection. Good grief!!!!

The Dr., who told me he had seen many "Cush patients", and answered all the questions I had researched to ask to my satisfaction, said he had no reason to believe that Tino's illness was adrenal-based. So.....I'm going to wait on the next step, but keep all this in the back of my mind. Thanks again for being here for support and great information! I really appreciate it, and so does Tino

That would not be uncommon for tests that are not done on a frequent basis. Protocols can change and it's best to check before the blood is drawn to be sure most recent protocol is being followed, and the tubes required are fresh and not expired. Your vet was being honest with you, and this info shouldn't shake your confidence in him.