Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

Sorry...by "pheo" I was talking about a different type of adrenal tumor called a Pheochromocytoma. Kim's Annie (frijole) had one that was finally discovered after numerous tests and miles of travel. They are not common. Trish's Flynn also had a pheo instead of a cortisol secreting Cushing's adrenal tumor. Here is a link about them -

https://www.addl.purdue.edu/newslett.../Spring/CP.htm

I am NOT saying this is what is going on....I was just pondering possibilities since they did not state positively that what they saw was a tumor.

As for what Trilo can do to the adrenal size....I can't begin to help. I cannot keep up with Trilo so I basically quit trying to talk to folks about it beyond the very basics...and I worry about that every time I do. So I will let those who do understand it help you there. The ACTH post is great...but, again with Trilo, the pre does seem to have some significance so I will let others address that as well. :o

You will get through this, Patti, whatever it turns out to be. I can well imagine the terror in your heart today, how hard it is to breath at times, and the incredible speed your mind is racing at trying to understand what this report could mean. You will dig and fight just as you always have to make sure your sweet girl is getting exactly what she needs. I may not be able to offer more than a shoulder at times but I am always here as are so many others, fighting and praying along side you.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

OK let's focus on facts at this point. It is very common for vets to be unable to get both adrenal glands. It happened to Annie and hers weren't swollen immensely - just couldn't get the image. Could be equipment, skill of technician, dog squirming - a number of things.

Where was the ultrasound done? Regular vet clinic vs specialist's office?

Did you get a copy of the report. It is written. You need that report. Not a willy nilly description of "huge" and "big" and "swollen" etc. Too many ways we could miss out on valuable info. So get it if you don't have it and post it verbatim so we can look at it.

Annie's adrenal tumor is one that does not cause cushings but it can mimic it as the body is emitting adrenaline and creating cortisol to fight the illness. That's why she had 7 false positives on all the diagnostic tests for cushings.

Her breathing issue was sporadic and it was 100% tied to high blood pressure that only occurred when the tumor was active and emitting the adrenaline. She would breath so fast I was afraid she was in cardiac arrest.

She didn't eat either. Those are the main issues - she became frail and her hind legs wasted to nothing and she could no longer get up/down. Just sharing in case any of this helps. Kim

Tipper's blood pressure has always been good it is now 140 used to be 120, sometimes 130. It fluctuated. The ultra sound was on a brand new machine at the vets, where 3 Dr.'s were looking on. He could not find the left adrenal and there was a rather large round object they kept looking at and thinking that was her left adrenal swollen or a tumor. There is no report. I would have to take her to Pgh. to get another us done to get a report, or they could send the images they have to a radiologist to read?? I am going to Pgh tomorrow, I am wondering if this must be done again if my vet can get me an appointment tomorrow?? I need to know exactly what this is so I am going to insist on having one in Pgh. I must do all I can to in this instance as I am extremely past worried. I am calling my vets office now. Blessings
Patti

Patti all ultrasound eqpt is not created equal - even if it is brand new. Most vets simply do not have the level needed for high quality resolution which is certainly what you need. Usually specialists will have them. I went to a specialist 60 miles away and even their fancy machine didn't capture Annie's. I ended up going many months later 5 hours each way to a university teaching hospital. They took tons of film and got it - the tumor - on film the first try.

It is unacceptable to pay for an ultrasound and not have them do a written report. It may even be a requirement - they certainly have to take notes and write something in the file!

Hopefully others will chime in - I have to leave for a meeting. Hang in there and please don't worry yourself silly. Take one minute at a time ok? Kim

Everyone:
I have an appointment for Tipper tomorrow in Pgh at the hospital where my IMS is. She will be doing the ultra sound. I don't do things half way. When I do something I need the best Dr. and the best equipment. This was just a preliminary test at the vets to make sure her adrenals were going down, when this was found. When it comes to my dog she has to have the best possible place to have this done. I don't want any mistakes, so I feel better repeating all of this. We will have a radiologists report and the help of my IMS on board. I have to fast her until 11:00 and this is going to be really hard on her. She sees the eye Dr. at 9:45 am and then to the ultra sound at 11am. Please pray for my girl, I am just shattered by this turn of events and need you all to pray for her. Mel please ask Tia to watch over my baby. Blessings
Patti

This is a good plan Patti, good job getting it all arranged.

Maybe a change in Tipper's routine will help with fasting. When I have to fast Zoe I start out the morning with a totally different routine. I don't even use the same rooms we normally do. I don't worry about it before hand, so Zoe stays calm and I just keep moving around doing something differently until time to go to the car. It has worked like a charm and trust me, Zoe is a hard one to fast. Keep repeating" it will be no problem" to yourself and don't think about it will be hard to fast. I know it is hard to do but it has worked for us repeatedly.:):)

I already started prayers for you and Tipper and I am going to continue positive thoughts only and continue to hold you and Tipper close as we all do.

I'm with Kim, don't panic yet, though I now that is easy for us to say.

Patti,
When Buddy needed an ultrasound, we were sent to an emergency hospital where they had a high-resolution machine. They also had specialists to interpret the results. His regular vet had an ultrasound machine, but it wasn't powerful enough to capture what they needed to see. I was grateful to be referred elsewhere.

I am so glad that you're following up with a specialist at Pittsburgh and getting another ultrasound. They SHOULD have a high resolution machine. Great job for following up so quickly.:) xxxx

I hope this one gives much more detail and you get a definitive answer!

Good idea Patti....Off to the specialist and a better sonogram which will be more definitive and maybe end up as good news and not bad.

I will be thinking of you and Tipper and sending all positive thoughts for a good outcome. Hoping Tipper gets through her fast okay, poor girl. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to set things straight...sounds like you're going to the right person and place.

Barbara

Quote:

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Originally Posted by goldengirl88

Everyone:
I have an appointment for Tipper tomorrow in Pgh at the hospital where my IMS is. She will be doing the ultra sound. I don't do things half way. When I do something I need the best Dr. and the best equipment. This was just a preliminary test at the vets to make sure her adrenals were going down, when this was found. When it comes to my dog she has to have the best possible place to have this done. I don't want any mistakes, so I feel better repeating all of this. We will have a radiologists report and the help of my IMS on board. I have to fast her until 11:00 and this is going to be really hard on her. She sees the eye Dr. at 9:45 am and then to the ultra sound at 11am. Please pray for my girl, I am just shattered by this turn of events and need you all to pray for her. Mel please ask Tia to watch over my baby. Blessings
Patti

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Patti-I'm so sorry to hear about Tipper! What IMS are you seeing in PGH?