Precia has gone to Heaven

[Leena]

I am thinking the internist was referring to DM and not Di now. The thing with Precia is she has always been a big drinker/pee-er...years back I can look at her records and see that....always a dilute urine.
So, the drinking, peeing, elevated ALP, and pants when exerts..thats all...Sometimes I think I should just quit testing, check labs, and let her just be happy! I don't know....still researching!

[Leena]

When Precia tested for Cushings with the ACTH test, it came back elevated so they said...yes, she has it! Then the urine test came back neg! So, they said,no...she is not Cushinoid! The vet said the ACTH came back high most likely due to the stress she was under being at the vets office for a few hours, etc...She hates the vet and gets very nervous!!! So, no surprise there. So, now, thinking about another test at the vet for an hour or so if I do the atypical Cushing test ,which is the same procedure as doing the Cushing test, won't those results possibly also be off due to stress? Any knowledge about this? I realize it is testing different hormones, and not just Cortisol, but was still wondering if stress will affect the results.

Moderator's Note: Sandy, I have merged your latest post on Precia into Precia's original thread. Normally, we like to keep all posts on a single pup in one thread that way it makes it easier for other members to refer back to the pup's history, if needed.

[lulusmom]

Hi Leena,

Yes, stress can yield a false positive acth stimulation test but it is more likely to skew the LDDS. Since Precia has so few symptoms, you may want to sit tight and monitor her. If her symptoms worsen or you see additional symptoms, then pursue further testing. Regarding the ALP, has the specialist mentioned putting Precia on liver support such as milk thistle and SamE? You can buy these over the counter and both are also in a prescription medication called Adenosyl. In your shoes, I'd put her on liver support and if everything stays status quo, check the liver enzymes in three months.

Glynda

[Polkaroo]

What we do to minimize stress during the ATCH is we take him in for the 1st blood draw then we take him back to the car and go park someplace quiet like a side street. He naps for an hour then we take him back for the 2nd blood draw. Only way we ca get accurate numbers as putting him in a cage completely freaks him out.

[Jenny & Judi in MN]

My Jenny doesn't stress at the vet but for her first ACTH after she went blind, I hung out in the waiting room with her. It is a very large space. I held her on my lap, we went for very short walks, and she had plenty of water.

The vet said to keep her as calm as possible so I did. I like your idea of going away to someplace more natural better!

[Leena]

Hi, thanks for replies! So, stress will indeed affect the adrenal panel they do for the atypical cushings tests???? Well, then, I sure would hate to spend 350 dollars on it! I suppose I could try taking her out for a walk, as a cage would freak her out also! But, she gets stressed walking in the door to the vet!
Maybe I will just monitor her symptoms, but I would like to try something for the ALP. What dose of milk thistle and /or SamE??? I read too much milk thistle is not good???
Thanks so much for advise!!!!

[Leena]

Tonight Precia way lying there and I looked down and she was peeing all over herself... She's never done that! I'm thinking I may have to spend $350 dollars for the adrenal test, and then I worry how accurate it will be if she is stressed! I am worried...
Is there anything I can start her on? I started milk thistle due to the high ALP.

[lulusmom]

Hi Leena,

I would recommend that you give the specialist a call and tell him about this peeing incident. He may want to do a urinalysis to rule out causes other than incontinence. I wish I could be more helpful but I don't have any pearls of wisdom for you at the moment.

Glynda

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Leena,

I would rule out UTI and other causes before going for the LDDS or ACTH. Our Ruby did this once and she had a horrific UTI that seemed to come out of nowhere. So think "small" first and have her checked out then if no cause can be found and other indications support it, start looking at Cushing's again.

Let us know what you learn!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Leena]

I have read that melatonin is for sleeping? How does that affect dogs? Do you just buy it at the store? I have seen it. Is that the right one? And the flaxseed Lignans...buy at a Vitamin Shoppe? I have not done the adrenal panel test but was wondering would it hurt Precia to start some of these treatments???