Re: Snoring and labored breathing.
Welcome from me, too!
And it is certainly true that it is your good fortune to have Dr. Peterson consulting with your vet. :)
One quick question, though. Are you certain that these are the correct numbers for the diagnostic LDDS results?
Quote:
Dexamethasone Supression Test: Pre: 7.6 Post 4 hours later was 1.3 then after 8 hours was 1.0.
By any lab norms with which I'm familiar, this would actually be a "negative" result for Cushing's. Usually, the 8 hour result has to be higher than approx. 1.4 or 1.5 to be consistent with Cushing's. I am just curious as to whether Dr. Peterson had any comment about these results. I've read elsewhere that "negative" LDDS results are usually quite reliable, with only a small percentage of dogs who test negative on the LDDS actually having the disease. But especially if the disease is in the early stages, a dog may have a negative LDDS but return a "positive" on the ACTH. And that apparently is the conclusion re: your dog, especially in light of the bilaterally enlarged adrenal glands. But as I say, I'm just curious as to whether Dr. Peterson had any feedback about this LDDS test.
Marianne
Re: Snoring and labored breathing.
As a fellow Jack Russell Terrier lover, I wanted to welcome you! I have two JRTs. Alivia is 14 1/2 years old and was diagnosed with Cushing's 1 1/2 years ago. Maxwell is 12 and, fortunately, healthy as can be. JRTs certainly are intelligent and can definitely steal your heart. Mine are like kids, so I do understand your attachment to Tipper. Actually, I think it's safe to say EVERYONE here understands that!
You are in the right place. The people here have a wealth of knowledge and are a great support system. Cushing's is a terrible, awful disease, but with the proper combination of treatment (prescription drugs, supplements and nutrition) it can be managed and many dogs live long, full lives. It is terrifying at first and certainly can make your head swim with all there is to read and learn about. You are definitely on the right track by having your vet consult with Dr. Peterson.
As for nutrition, I have mine on a high protein, low fat diet (Evanger's canned). Both of mine seem to be doing very well on it. Cush dogs can be prone to pancreatitis (Alivia had a severe bout a year ago and was hospitalized for 5 days), so a low fat diet is important. Along this journey you'll be the best advocate for Tipper and you'll figure out what works best for her. Relax. Take a few deep breaths. ;)
Looking forward to seeing some pictures of Tipper when you are able to post some!
Re: Snoring and labored breathing.
Mary Beth:
My god your dog in the picture is a dead ringer for my Tipper. I will post some pictures of her as soon as I can. Thank you for the encouragement and help.
Tipper's Mom
Re: Snoring and labored breathing.
Marianne:
Thank you for the help and support. Dr. Peterson did see the results of Tipper's lab work, and I am assuming that it is like you said that Tipper was caught in the early stages. The Vet just called me and said all Tipper's blood work came back good, and that the cortisol was in the normal range now. I will post the results after I get them next week. Thank all of you again!
Re: Snoring and labored breathing.
So, Tipper looks like my Ali? No wonder you adore her so much! It's those soulful, intelligent eyes...they'll get you every time! ;)
That is AWESOME news that Tipper's bloodwork was so good! Can't wait to see a picture of her!!
Re: Snoring and labored breathing.
Mary Beth and Alivia:
I just noticed that you are from Pgh. I lived there my whole life and just moved about 5 years ago to the Ohio/ Pa border. I bet the doggies have lots of Steeler wear!! Tipper has many Steeler outfits, but they don't like them so well in Ohio. We think it's rather funny to wear them here. I am so glad Tipper's bloodwork cam back good. Yesterday she played with her toys, played ball, ran around the house, and went for a walk. She had an exceptional day, which I am grateful for. Every day I wake up and see her face I am truly blessed.
Tipper's Mom ,and Tipper- we call her Tipper the Ripper as she is such a ham, and runs through the house so fast you can barely see her!!
Re: Snoring and labored breathing.
Mary Beth and Alivia:
I posted the picture of Tipper in her car seat. She absolutely loves to ride in the car in this seat! She usually sports her Doggles and it makes people laugh to see a dog in a car seat, and having sunglasses on!
Re: Snoring and labored breathing.
Well, I am not Mary Beth and Alivia but the picture of Tipper is sure adorable.:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
Re: Snoring and labored breathing.
Thank you Addy. Tipper has been having a few "good days" playing with her toys and her ball, running through the house, and causing mischief. I hope she continues to do well, as I am always terrified somethng else will happen. It seems you are always waiting for the second shoe to drop! I noticed that on the days the humidity is up that Tipper has more difficulty breathing, when I walk her. At times I end up carrying her home. Has anyone else had this experience? These Vetoryl capsules are hard to get down her, I wish they were tablets instead, as these capsules tend to stick in your throat. I found a good way of giving them to her though. I stand over her like she was a pony, lift her head up and it is easer to insert this capsule going backwards towards her than from the front. She seems to be aware that this is helping her, and never fights me. This dog is such a blessing to me I wish she could live to be 100.
Re: Snoring and labored breathing.
I am BEYOND thrilled to hear that Tipper is doing so good!! I agree, I wish they could live 100 years, too. It is so unfair that even under the best of situations, their lives are so short. I once heard that is because dogs are born knowing the things it takes most people a lifetime (if ever) to learn.
Sounds like Tipper is doing really well at taking her medicine. You're lucky! Alivia is a master at trying to avoid any meds!
Love the picture of Tipper in her car seat, but I would really love to see it bigger. When you get a chance, please see if you can add to your page in an album. It's pretty easy to do.
So you are from Pittsburgh originally?! Small world. I actually live in Pittsburgh, but don't follow the Steelers. I think I am about the only one here that doesn't, so don't tell anyone! :D
Again, great news at Tipper's improvement. You take such good care of her.
