My Little Luci just Dx'd with Cushings
 

Oh, Vicki, I'm so sorry. Luci is such a little sweetheart that it's awful to think of her feeling bad or having anything not just perfect with her. I don't know anything about that disease but I know you will be a great caregiver for her. Stay strong and I'll be praying for Luci and her loving mom.

I am sorry I have no words of wisdom to help you, but I am sorry that poor Luci has this disease. I think it is treatable and pray that she can do well on the regimen the vet prescribes. I feel for you and your little 3 LB baby. Others here who have dealt with this will be able to better assist you. Get well soon Luci!

Sorry to hear this. :( I don't really know much about it but one of my coworkers has a Yorkie that was diagnosed with it a couple of years and he's doing great on medication. I know he has to have bloodwork a couple of times a year and of course, he's on medication all the time. Good luck!

I am so sorry to hear this. I do hope that Luci will respond to treatment, and will do ok.

Oh no! Poor little Luci. I hope the vet can help her, I know some dogs that have lived with cushings and seemed to be managed well. I know this sucks but at least she has a Mommy who will take her to the vet and get her the treatment she needs. She is lucky to have you.

Prayers for Luci. I don't have any personal experience with Cushings, but I know Ann does and I am sure she will have great info for you. I am sure there are others as well.

Vicki, I will keep your little Luci in my thoughts and prayers for her to respond well to treatment.

Vicki - I'm so sorry to hear of your Luci's diagnosis - I know how scary it can be...been there. But you will manage this wonderfully, and you'll get her to the place she needs to be in terms of her medical management. She's in wonderful hands, after all :). She will do just great.

My Wylie was diagnosed w/ Atypical Cushings when he was only about 4.5yrs old, which is *really* young for Cushings. He is now 10, but if you met him you'd think he was 1/2 that age. So, let that be a little assurance that Cushings dogs can lead full/long/rich lives.

You're in the tougher stages of it right now - where the learning curve can be high (although you're already probably versed in it, due to Molly). Also, it can be frustrating in the initial stages bc they require a LOT of patience as you go through the stages of medicine titration...be patient, my friend...it can take up to a year to get the meds right, but hopefully you'll nail it sooner than that. The reason it takes so long is the meds are quite strong, so you def start as low as possible - and you try that for about 6 weeks, then you do another ACTH test to see where the cortisol levels are at. Depending on those results, you may need to titrate further - then try THAT level for 6 weeks and test again....and so on and so on and so on. And then if you have to actually abandon one med and start over w/ a new one...it all starts over. So, that's why it can truly take a good while...so hang in there.

While the meds are known to be quite toxic meds - they're given at lower doses. I can tell you that my Wylie has never, ever had a single side effect from any of the meds he's been on. For years now, he takes Lysodren (aka mitotane) on MWF...and that may be a drug that you try as well. It may also be suggested to you at first that you try Melatonin (BID, 3mg) and Flax Lignans (a certain brand)...as that *may* work for some dogs.

Some links for ya:

Yahoo Cushings group that is FULL of exhaustive information (can be overwhelming). Has good list of Vets all over US who are familiar w/ Cushings dogs: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/...mmuneCare/info

My favorite Cushings Overview: Cushings (Hyperadrenocorticism)

U of Tennessee vet endocrine lab....if needed for further testing for Atypical Cushings etc: https://vetmed.tennessee.edu/vmc/dls...s/default.aspx

A great, supportive forum where you can read others' experiences, share your own, and ask anything: Canine Cushing's Information and Support Forums - Powered by vBulletin

Another no-reply forum that has a plethora of info in a nicely organized format: Important Information and Resources - Canine Cushing's Forums

If you need anything, I'm here for you :). You and Luci will be in my thoughts as you go through all of this.

Vicki, again I am so sorry your Luci is faced with this health crisis.

Ann is so informative, and such a great cheerleader to keep your spirits up while you face this challenge. It is so good to hear from someone who is having great success in treating Cushings. I am always fascinated at the knowledge and support that is found on YT.

So, I am wondering, how old is Luci, and what lead to the diagnosis? Did you notice symptoms, or did a vet pick up on it though bloodwork? I'm sure your previous experience with Molly made you aware of what to look for.

Hugs to you and Luci.

I don't have any experience with Cushings other than one of my Rainbow Bride babies being tested for it. My vet made me hopeful if Kiwi had tested positive. I will pray for both of you, and I hope to pass on the feeling of hope that my vet gave to me.

Vicki, I am so sorry to hear about little Luci. I have no experience with this but I will certainly pray for you and your little one!

Sending prayers for little Luci. Keep us updated Vicki.

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry to hear this, luckily she has a good mom and you have a ton of info here to help you. Ann is a pro on this subject! Keep us posted, please.