Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

Right by your side, Patti! I think the radiologist is a good idea - that person will more than likely perform the test and read the results, which is the best approach IMO. That is also the person most likely to be familiar with that particular machine and any quirks it may have. ;) They may sedate Tipper to make sure she will be still and more easily positioned with less resistance which would allow them to see the most they can so don't worry if they want to sedate her - it is a mild sedation and would help them as well as her.

I think this is a good plan, honey, tho I know it is stressful on you both to have to see the vets so frequently lately. I am praying you leave with a more definitive answer as to what may be going on in there.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Popping into top up the prayers for you and Tipper:)

Me too.

Sorry I haven't been about much. Am thinking of you. I did ask Tia yesterday and today to look after you both

Tight hugs to you and kisses to Tipper the Ripper.

Mel
Xxxxxx

Patti,

Tipper is in the best hands possible today. Prayers for both of you!

Patti- Hoping everything went well today. Thinking of you and Tipper and sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

Barbara

I'm still here Patti, waiting and thinking of you and Tipper the Ripper.:p

Hi Everyone;
What a day, I will have to explain a lot tomorrow as we are exhausted. First there was terrible road construction and it made me 15 minutes late for her eye appt. I called on the way and told them what was happening. I ran into the Dr's office with her and the Dr. who I have known for many years began screaming at me and having a hissy fit in front of everyone. I just burst out crying and told him I was sorry as the construction would not let me thru. The drive is over 2 hours. He started yelling and telling me he had a patient under sedation, and how terrible I am for doing this. I could not stop crying the whole time he examined her. He said she has hemorrhages in her retina. Asked if she had high blood pressure and I said no, maybe 2 times in a year it was high. He said they are extremely tiny. She is to be kept calm- great what about storms?? I need to talk to my vet. I ran downstairs with her after the appointment- he charged me double- I guess to show me a thing or two. She has to go back in 4-6 weeks for a recheck. I got to the ultra sound in time. We went over things that the other Dr. giving the other US told me. I was there almost 4 hours and was getting a sick feeling. There was an older lady sitting by me that tried to make me feel better. Tipper's stomach was making gurgling, gastro sounds by this time. I asked for something to calm her stomach, as I know that hurts. They gave her Cerenia and that helped. Basically everything the Dr. at the first US told me she told me the opposite. I am really upset. She said Tipper has a large Gallstone. She also said her right Adrenal is fine ( the one with the vena cava etc.). The left adrenal has a tumor. We did not discuss size it will be in the report. She said it has not gone anywhere else so she is hoping it is non cancerous. She said they could have missed it on the initial diagnosis at my vets, as it may have been a little nub then. My vet diagnosed Pituitary Dependent. So this is a real switch. She also said they use Lysodren on these and was surprised at Tipper being managed so well on the Trilostane. The other scenario is she could have Pit. Dep. cushings and this could be a pheo that she also developed besides that as Leslie said. Although she said those dogs usually have high blood pressure. To know 100% it has to be removed. She said I need to think about all this first. The previous Dr. said he could not find her left adrenal and the object on the screen he pointed to that was like as big as a fifty cent piece had to be her right adrenal. This is the complete opposite of what she told me today. I am sorry but what the hay??? I took Tipper food so I fed her as soon as we got in the car. She was starving and inhaled it and drank like a camel. She has had no Vetoryl today, I will start tomorrow. The IMS said to continue on the new dosage of 20mg and she is going to have to have another check to see if the tumor is growing. Then we need to make decisions after consulting surgeons etc. I will post the report as I will have it by tomorrow probably. I am very concerned about all of this. I am also concerned about her eyes. I almost told him where to go, but I am glad I waited as I found out about her eyes by being silent and letting him rage on. He should be ashamed of himself. The nurse just looked at me like I'm sorry honey. I just wanted to post what I know and get some feedback so I can read it all in the morning as a lot of you have jobs and post at nite. Thank you all for your help in advance. Blessings
Patti

Patti, Oh my gosh. What a day you and Tipper had. That was horrible of the eye doctor to treat you like that. That is so irritating that he yelled at you like that. I am sorry to hear what was found on the US and by the eye doctor. I'm sorry I can't give you any advise as far as this goes but know that Tipper is and will be in my prayers.
Big Hugs

That is inexcusable to yell at you for something that wasn't your fault and how dare he make you cry. :(

This is totally wacky compared to what the first US seemed to show. Did they have a copy of the other ultrasound to make comparisons too? My IMS puts all ultrasounds on a DVD for me and then sends a copy to my vet. I'd think they should be able to do that, or hope so. It could be beneficial as they should have all the information possible.

Now what is this about a gallstone? What is the suggestion in regards to that?

The tumor is on the left side they said? and never seen before. Maybe it is small. If it doesn't grow, then is there a possibility that it can be left alone? Would leaving it affect her lifespan? We do have Wally who is currently on medication and his tumor has actually decreased a bit. So, is that a possibility? He is on lysodren to do that, not trilostane.

I think there should be some options for you to consider and some questions that can be answered here.

Hugs and love to you and Tipper
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Patti--You must be so tired...emotionally and physically! Do I understand correctly that this eye vet blew his stack at you because you were 15 minutes late?? 15 minutes?? You called ahead that you were stuck by highway construction and he got angry with you...all for 15 minutes?
That is crazy!! Then he charged you double? I can't even believe how awful this man sounds!
Your head must still be spinning from this day. So much different information than what you thought you were dealing with all along.
Hoping that a treatment plan can be worked out asap. maybe it can stay the same for awhile since Tipper has been controlled.

Sounds like Tipper was just the greatest sport through the whole thing.
I'm sorry for everything you've gone through all week. You take the best care of Tipper (and all your babies) and I know you're going to figure this all out Patti and you know everyone here will be right behind you!!

Barbara