Six Year Old Daschund -- Rolo -- cushings--(Passed away 17 August 2012)

I have been following along also. I hope UTK can help Rolo and get to the bottom of things.

We are here with you.

Sending prayers and hugs,
love,
addy

Hi B,

Please let us know what you learn at UT. I hope they have some answers and a plan of action to help Rolo get to feeling better real soon.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

I went through all of Rolo's testing last night. I made a spreadsheet that can be viewed at:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0By4...BlNmI4NzE1MWM5

Hopefully that works. Note, that the Blood test is three sheets wide. Wasn't sure how else to best demonstrate that. On the blood work, the L/C column just indicates which tests were ran. Some of the tests don't include all of the testing values returns. So a Lasercycle Test and a Catalyst DX are the two testing options. Some of the tests were run by Antech, which also did the analysis of the cortisol testing (LDDS and ACTH).

Heading over to UT in a bit for his first appointment.

If any more insight is wanted on the individual testings, I have all of it, just not all available to everyone online. I can make selective portions available as I have more time.

Day 1 at UT -- Radiographs, CBC, Cortisol testing, and Ultrasound --

Both Adrenal Glands visible on Ultrasound and both enlarged.

Rolo has some tenderness around base of skull.

Tomorrow -- MRI -- Looking for macroadenoma/mass that may have extended from base of skull (would explain upper neck tenderness). If macroadenoma is found, then probably radiation as treatment of choice, but will know more tomorrow.

Also expressed that they observed some mental inappropriate activity. When they described it, fit with what we have noticed in regards to his sometimes standing over the water dish and seeming to not know how to drink.

Little guy is slightly sedated but sleeping in his bed here at the hotel. He stays so sweet about all of this -- I would be biting everybody that touched me by now.

Thanks so much for this update! It sounds as though Rolo is getting a very thorough assessment, and we'll be so anxious to hear what the recommendations turn out to be.

Please give Rolo a big hug from me for being such a brave little boy! :o
Marianne

Macroadenoma was diagnosed yesterday. I saw the MRI and it was huge! Met with the oncologist and he recommended 16 radiation treatments. Rolo begins treatments on Monday. I was told that 30% of the dogs that receive radiation will NOT require further medication for Cushings. It would be nice, but if we have to give Rolo a couple of pills a day, that would be a blessing. The median survival is 1400 days, but we were also told that since this is typically an 'old dog' disease, we have his age on our side. However, a limited study also shows that with the pituitary/brain/mass ratio Rolo has is against him.

Returned home with him yesterday. He had a good day today! Finally eating without any medication for his appetite. He even climbed the stairs to the couch a couple of times today! Maybe he knows that the future now is brighter.

Sending hugs and healing prayers for your little guy. You have a plan of action and you know now what you are dealing with.

I'm praying Rolo has a bright future too.

UTK sounds amazing, how thorough. Rolo is a lucky dog to have you.

hugs,
addy

Thank you for the update. While not wonderful news, you know you went to one of the best sources for info and you got answers fast so you can fight the macro. Had you not, you could have wasted valuable time. I know this is hardly a consolation prize but Rolo is in great hands with you guiding the way. Please give Rolo a big hug for me. Keep us posted ok? Kim

Will be praying for you and Rolo
Hugs Sonja and Apollo

Hi B,

You are so brave! I would be a basket case and you sound so calm and positive! Way to be, Mom! Rolo has the best medicine possible on his side - a strong, loving mom who is ready to face anything for her boy.

We have a thread started by another member who's baby also had a macro. Several folks have posted their experiences there so I thought it might help. Here is the link -

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3567

We are with you all the way, B. Anytime you need to talk, we will be here to listen, to hold your hand, to laugh and to cry with you.

Prayers and healing white light flying your way!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang