Nervous for Thumper

[aweitzm1]

Thumper goes for his annual ultrasound tomorrow and will also be tested for his cushion's to see how it is progressing.

I am extremely nervous for both. Last cushion's test did not come back with great results and the vet said if the numbers increase again the meds will have to be increased.

With his ultrasound because of both the cushions and kidney disease the doctor wants to look at his stomach once a year. Last year had good results with only a slight change to the adrenal and kidney looks. This will be his third ultrasound.

On Monday we see his regular vet for his annual physical and to get the cushion test results. They will also do all his vaccines, senior blood panel, and heart worm test that day. So probably won't have a complete outlook until late sometime next week.

He is my baby and I worry about him constantly. I call him my soul and Bella my heart.

I believe he is around 8-10 years old. Not sure since he is a rescue. I have had for almost 5 years now.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Bella my heart! So sweet.

My 11 year old, almost 12 the 30th of this month, will be going for his bi-annual exam, testing, any vax due and if he's up to it, scheduling a dental cleaning under anesthesia this month and I'm a bit of a wreck until it's all over. I'll be praying for and thinking of you both. Hope all works out perfectly.

[matese]

Originally Posted by aweitzm1

Thumper goes for his annual ultrasound tomorrow and will also be tested for his cushion's to see how it is progressing.

I am extremely nervous for both. Last cushion's test did not come back with great results and the vet said if the numbers increase again the meds will have to be increased.

With his ultrasound because of both the cushions and kidney disease the doctor wants to look at his stomach once a year. Last year had good results with only a slight change to the adrenal and kidney looks. This will be his third ultrasound.

On Monday we see his regular vet for his annual physical and to get the cushion test results. They will also do all his vaccines, senior blood panel, and heart worm test that day. So probably won't have a complete outlook until late sometime next week.

He is my baby and I worry about him constantly. I call him my soul and Bella my heart.

I believe he is around 8-10 years old. Not sure since he is a rescue. I have had for almost 5 years now.

Keeping Thumper in my thoughts and prayers for a good report for Cushing's.

My now passed girl Matese lived with Cushings and meds for 10 years I know the stress when they have this. (((hugs)))

[chattiesmom]

Keeping both Thumper and Bella in my thoughts and prayers. Hope all of the testing comes back with good results.

[Lovetodream88]

I wouldn’t do all his vaccines at one time you need to split them up by 2 weeks especially when your dealing with a dog with Cushings that has a lower immune system as well as other health issues. Hopefully everything is ok.

[aweitzm1]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

I wouldn’t do all his vaccines at one time you need to split them up by 2 weeks especially when your dealing with a dog with Cushings that has a lower immune system as well as other health issues. Hopefully everything is ok.

Thanks he is only due for his 3 year rabies shot this year his distemper isn't do until next week.

I dropped Thumper off earlier just waiting on the phone call the the ultrasound and blood test are done

[aweitzm1]

Hi spoke to the doctor that did the Ultrasound for the most part she liked the results. Kidneys no significant change.

Spleen enlarged but no masses so she said she isn't concerned it could be due to his medication and stress. She said just monitor with yearly ultrasounds

Adrenal Glands is the issue. They have gotten worse than last year. She said that is not unusual.

She looked over his ACTH numbers from the past year and doesn't like the results. She thinks we need to be more aggressive with medication especially since I have not seen improvement at home.

They are doing an SDMA test as well today. I should have all the results for his visit with his regular vet on Monday evening.

We are going to go over everything and both doctors will consult on the next steps for him.

Overall his quality of life is still good but I just can't imagine my life without him. I wish he would get better. I trust my vet and know he has his best interest. They might call me tomorrow with all the results but I asked them to hold off as I want to meet with them in person and go over everything all at once. If they call me tomorrow and the results aren't good I will only have more anxiety.

Will update on Monday/Tuesday after my visit with the vet.

[nanajoy]

I know this will be a hard weekend waiting to discuss the results, and will be sending positive thoughts your way! (((hugs)))

[aweitzm1]

Just heard from the vet office about his ACTH and SMDA results

1. ACTH numbers went down . at 4 hours it was around 4 and post 2 hours it was about 6. Much better than months (those were around 9) ago so maybe we do not need to change meds and just need to stay the course.

Still worried about the peeing being unconcentrated and him going all the times. However, that may be the diabetes insidious (spelling off) and the vet yesterday said she wouldn't treat it because the meds for that disease have harsh side effects. She said if you are ok with pee pads all around the house and occasional accidents to leave it alone. I will discuss all this on Monday with his regular Vet. (her recommendation was to just treat the cushings)

His SDMA test did come back high at 16 when it should be lower than 14. I am not surprised. 3 years ago it was high but normal and can't remember what the results were the last couple years but I believe they were also higher than normal. He is on a K/D diet now and gets no treats beside 1 pill pocket a day for his pills. Not sure if we will just monitor or if he needs to also be on medication for it. I am hoping just to monitor it since the kidney ultrasound looked ok and previous blood work with BUN and CRE were also in the high but normal range.

Still worried but relieved with the ACTH numbers at least. I was not expecting the numbers to go down due to his symptoms at home but glad they are. He was been on the medication for over a year and this is the best the numbers have ever looked.

I'll see if they want to do a blood panel again but because he had dental cleaning back in May and did a senior panel at that time the vet might wait to do a full work up again. Were at the vet every 3-6 months so I don't mind waiting if that is the vet's recommendation.

Thank you all for the support

[aweitzm1]

Thank you all for the prayers most of the results is great news.

The Cushing's is now being controlled by medicine for the first time in over a year. The SDMA is high but nothing else on the blood work shows kidney disease so it is stable at the moment.

The other issue is Thumper's drinking. His urinalysis came back that the urine is like water. This is the same as last year and we did a culture and a test for diabetes. Both came back negative. The vet doesn't feel we need to repeat all the tests again but is leaving the decision up to me.

I agree with him that my feeling everything will come back negative again. I know Thumper can concentrate his pee because when he had his ultrasound and had to go without water for 12 hours he went outside to pee and it was yellow.

The vet thinks its a psychological issue and there are no meds or cure for it. His suggestion is that I measure out the water for all three dogs each day and that is all that is given. 4-6 cups a day for all three. Since Thumper drinks the majority he should have no more than 4 cups a day. (There is no separating the water bowls for only Thumper.)

He also said to remove the water at night and when he pees in the morning see if it is yellow.

I trust my vet and will try his suggestions. Overall I am happy for Thumper we don't go back for any more testing for 6 months unless I feel the water issue becomes more of a problem.

[chattiesmom]

Awesome update! Thank you.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by aweitzm1

Thank you all for the prayers most of the results is great news.

The Cushing's is now being controlled by medicine for the first time in over a year. The SDMA is high but nothing else on the blood work shows kidney disease so it is stable at the moment.

The other issue is Thumper's drinking. His urinalysis came back that the urine is like water. This is the same as last year and we did a culture and a test for diabetes. Both came back negative. The vet doesn't feel we need to repeat all the tests again but is leaving the decision up to me.

I agree with him that my feeling everything will come back negative again. I know Thumper can concentrate his pee because when he had his ultrasound and had to go without water for 12 hours he went outside to pee and it was yellow.

The vet thinks its a psychological issue and there are no meds or cure for it. His suggestion is that I measure out the water for all three dogs each day and that is all that is given. 4-6 cups a day for all three. Since Thumper drinks the majority he should have no more than 4 cups a day. (There is no separating the water bowls for only Thumper.)

He also said to remove the water at night and when he pees in the morning see if it is yellow.

I trust my vet and will try his suggestions. Overall I am happy for Thumper we don't go back for any more testing for 6 months unless I feel the water issue becomes more of a problem.

I know you say you trust your vet but you absolutely do not restrict water in a dog with Cushings. First off it is one of the biggest symptoms to have which is increased thirst second you can really damage their bodies by not allowing them that water including damage to the kidneys. Also in general how would you like to only be allowed a certain amount of water a day? You as a human could budget it at least but dogs can’t. I have done massive research, reading and talking to my vet about Cushings and she has a dog with Cushings. You can not just take away there water. This is very disturbing and concerning that vet would recommend that. I really hope you don’t do it.