I took Milo to the vet today. He suspected pancreatic insufficiency. They took his blood for a test and now we are waiting. The ultrasound showed that everything was fine, except for a lot of gas in the abdomen.
Kisses and hugs from us!
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I took Milo to the vet today. He suspected pancreatic insufficiency. They took his blood for a test and now we are waiting. The ultrasound showed that everything was fine, except for a lot of gas in the abdomen.
Kisses and hugs from us!
Do you know what blood test they are performing to check the pancreas?
It says on the documents 3002EPI Profile - AST, ALT, albumin, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, glucose, TLI-test, vitamin B12
Sounds like they may be checking for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Are Milo's stools normal?
For me, they are absolutely normal in terms of color and consistency
That's good news that his stools are normal, the majority of dogs with EPI have greasy or foul-smelling stools.
Hello, everyone,
Adding an update for my Mailo.
The examination for pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is normal.
I changed vets because his vet quit and the next ones didn't pay attention to him.
At the new vet we did a diabetes test - negative.
He listened to his heart on a stethoscope and found an arrhythmia. He looked at it on echofraf and saw a torn chord.
The liver and kidneys are fine.
The only thing that worried him was his intestines. He said that he had very rapid peristalsis, a lot of gas and a slight inflammation of the small intestine.
So far he only prescribed gut flora supplements, but to be honest he mentioned intestinal lymphoma which worried me.
Greetings and hugs from us!
Thanks so much for the update on Milo, I'm glad to see that the EPI test was negative, no diabetes, and his kidneys and liver were fine. Does he have a plan for the heart? Is Milo still eating normally, how about his drinking and urination?
I'll have to make an appointment with a cardiologist.
Regarding feeding - normal. He has always eaten everything and is not capricious. Drinking water has decreased a lot and so has urination. I expect they will deliver a test ACTH, because here in Bulgaria it is very difficult, and we will immediately track the cortisol.
Тhe supplement he was given to drink at the moment Enteromicro complex.
Hello again,
I haven't joined because there were no changes with my beloved Milo. On 25.01.2024 he turned 14 years old and I have never seen such a fight for life. Very thin (started treatment November 2022 6.4 kg, currently 4.5 kg. Almost no muscle mass. Eats well. Our doctor informed me that yesterday was his last day of work and he managed to find us to do an ACTH test, as we did biochemistry and complete blood count.
Let me just add that since last week he has been having problems with his tooth again and is on antibiotics.
Here are the half-weekly results:
Pre 5.11 ug/dl
Post 5.25 ug/dl
However, biochemistry is by no means optimistic:
PLT 894 /117-490/
MPV 6.4 /8-14/
CREAT 20.5 /45-150/
GGT 12 /<=6.4
The only thing he decided to add was a liver supplement :(
Thanks for having you!
Kisses and hugs from us!
We are always grateful when you give us an update on sweet Milo, so thank you once again. Even though Milo’s body isn’t perfect, his spirit is so strong! I wish him a very Happy Birthday :-)))).
That was so kind of your vet to track you down for one more set of tests. I’m so sorry that it sounds as if he won’t be working any more, and I hope you’ll be able to find a new vet. I know that will not necessarily be easy for you. But you’ve done such a wonderful job of taking care of Milo throughout this illness, and I hope you’ll be able to find another vet soon.
As far as his ACTH test, those results are good. We are very glad to see that. Like you, I wish all his other results would also come back into normal range, too. But overall, Milo is doing his best to stay strong. And we’ll surely be hoping that his tooth infection will clear up again soon.
Thanks again for your report. And as always, best wishes to you and Milo!
Marianne
bumping up
Hello,
I'm going to give a status update on my boy. As you already know he has lost a lot of muscle and weight, I think he is suffering from some kind of arthritis. He gets stiff when lying down, and for two days it seems to me that he does not want to lie down, as if it is painful for him and despite that he doesn't have much strength, he's constantly running around and out of breath. Maybe he's in a lot of pain.
Unfortunately the doctors don't want to do much and I don't know how to alleviate this.
I will be glad if someone shares an opinion.
Thanks and hugs to everyone.
I will try to post an up-to-date photo in the album.
Greetings Snowy and Milo
Hello again to you and sweet Milo! We’re always so glad to hear from you, but very sorry to learn that he’s not feeling well. From our experiences here, we know that arthritis can flare up for dogs who are being treated with Cushing’s medications due to their effects on lowering cortisol. One of the very few benefits of elevated cortisol may be an easing of the inflammatory pain of arthritis. So when the cortisol is lowered, senior dogs in particular may start exhibiting some discomfort. Historically, vets have been cautious about recommending anti-inflammatory meds for Cushpups because they can be hard on the liver and/or kidneys. But I believe there are some newer medications that are not as risky, and have been prescribed for other members here in order to help ease arthritic pain.
It’s been a while since we’ve discussed those specific meds here, and I’d need to go back and review the recommendations. But hopefully some other folks will also stop by with some first-hand experiences to share. Have you discussed arthritis with your vets already, but they’re reluctant to treat it?
Marianne
Galliprant is one that is used a lot in dogs with Cushings since it is much kinder on the liver.
Thank you, Laura!
Thank you as always very responsive.
Milo was drinking 10 mg in the morning and 5 mg in the evening until now. Now we decided with the doctor from a distance (since he left our city) to give 5 mg in the morning, 5 mg in the evening and add the food supplement YuMOVE Dog. It's day two on this regimen and I can tell it's feeling a little better.
I will check if we have Galliprant.
I will keep you posted on developments.
Thank you again and most of all for having you!
My update.
Last Saturday I saw that Milo refused to eat, so I stopped vetoryl. He resumed feeding from Sunday, but now I have to feed him and melt his muzzle in the water to start drinking. Since yesterday, he has started feeding himself again and drinking water is more difficult, but he is drinking.
Today, however, I found blood in my urine, but I still ate. I have a vet appointment later and will post what's going on with him.
On 09/15/2024 I did all sorts of tests and everything was fine.
I’m so sorry to hear about these new problems. I know how worried you must be feeling right now. I think you did exactly the right thing by stopping his Vetoryl for the time being. With the blood in his urine, perhaps he may have a urinary tract infection or a kidney stone and that could explain why he he is not feeling well. Please do let us know what you find out at your vet visit.
In the meantime, sending many hugs to you and your sweet boy.
Marianne
Hello again,
my fighting boy turned out to have grit and a urinary tract infection.
He was put on blood thinners and painkillers. He also drinks a supplement for the urinary tract. If he doesn't improve within a week, they will prescribe him an antibiotic.
He is now completely in diapers because he can't squeeze.
His legs still hurt, but I think the Youmove supplement is making him feel better.
That's it for now from us.
Hugs to all!
I come home tonight and he can't walk. He has no coordination and can't move.....
Oh no!! I'm so sorry! I'm so hoping there's an emergency vet you can take him to see. Since his labwork was all normal on his last check, I really don't know what would hit him this suddenly. Please do let us know what is happening and we will be sending all our healing thoughts to Milo!
Marianne
We did his blood tests last night. They were within the normal range. The standard platelets are quite high. However, in the biochemistry, there are elevated liver parameters:
SAT 150.1 (<=50)
ALAT 121.1 (<=90)
GGT 18.7 (<=6.4)
They gave him an antibiotic for the urinary tract infection and told me to start giving him Vetoryl. They think the walking is related to a neurological problem (pituitary tumor).
Sadly, I’ve been wondering about that myself. Yesterday I looked back in your thread to see whether Milo likely has a pituitary tumor rather than an adrenal tumor, and based on the original ultrasound it looks to be pituitary. If so, an enlarging pituitary tumor can indeed put pressure on the areas of the brain that control hunger, thirst and coordination. That’s what I suspect happened with my own Cushpup. After a few months of successful treatment, he fairly suddenly stopped eating and drinking along with some other neurological problems. Unfortunately, the only way to diagnose an enlarging pituitary tumor for sure is through expensive imaging of the head, and the most common treatment here in the U.S. remains a series of radiation treatments. My husband and I chose not to put our boy through all that, and we ended up releasing him when he would no longer eat or drink at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sneji
I don’t wish to frighten you with my own story, but it is true that I started wondering the same thing about Milo. I surely hope this is not the case and that the antibiotic will help him feel better. As far as the elevated platelets and liver readings, those are all common with Cushing’s. So I wouldn’t worry about those too much.
I am sending many more healing wishes, and please continue to update us, OK?
Unfortunately, Milo is not getting better. When I leave him standing, he can't take a single step. If I don't give him water or food from my hand, he won't reach for them. Yesterday he was with me at work because I was worried about him falling somewhere at home and staying like that all day.There is a problem with the swallowing reflex. Unfortunately, his doctors who looked after him are gone and I keep coming across some who don't make any adequate decisions.
I might have to let it go........
We've been through so much together and now I'm just devastated...it's so hard to see him so lethargic and just lying there....
I’m so very sorry to read this. What you’re describing sounds so similar to what I experienced with my beloved boy, and I’ll never forget how hard I tried to make him eat or drink. With the water, it’s just as you say, it was like he just couldn’t remember how to lap up the water and swallow. I was so desperate to help him, but couldn’t figure out how.
I know how hard you’re trying to help Milo, too, and I so wish I had some answers for you. Please know that, no matter what happens, we are here to support you always. My heart goes out to you and to your sweet boy as you face these hard decisions ahead.
This is so sad...I would be a basket-case. I hope he recovers.
Love,
Joan
Hello everyone,
Milo is still with me <3
I found a neurologist and he examined him thoroughly. He has a disorder of the peripheral nervous system. He maintained a low temperature of 37. We started giving him L-thyroxine for his thyroid gland and he started to stand on his feet. His temperature is now 37.8 :) For the urinary infection, we did microbiology and found that he has Escherichia coli.I've been taking him to work with me for ten days so I can watch him and also because he can't stand up on his own.
Because he has been eating only chicken meat for 4 days, he is not akal. Now we need to look for a solution to this problem.I hope for further improvement.(I would be glad if someone has an idea)
What are your thoughts on supplements for cognitive impairment?
I have one more question.
I took one 30 mg blister and gave it to a pharmacy to dispense it to me. Half will put them in the original capsules, but the other half will be in their capsules, which they think are big.
I'm a little worried, considering the prescriptions, but I'm already looking for options to make it financially profitable for me. The difference is huge :(
I’m so relieved to hear that Milo is still with you! I very much hope that he’ll continue to improve now that he’s being treated for his thyroid and for the urinary tract infection.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any advice to give you about supplements. However, as far as the Vetoryl, as long as a pharmacist is doing the repackaging, I’m hopeful that will work out well for you. We definitely recommend that people not try to open the capsules and shift the powder on their own. But a pharmacist should be better equipped to do it properly. And given the cost of medications, we surely understand how every bit helps.
Continued best wishes to you both. I’m so hopeful that Milo will soon be standing and moving around again all on his own.
Marianne
Hello again,
small upgrade:
Milo is currently undergoing laser therapy on his spine to improve his walking.
But I notice something else: a kind of grunting that makes him wake up abruptly and want to get up. This happens during sleep usually. He had an EKG on his heart and listened to his lungs and they were clear. Could it be some sort of laryngeal paralysis or tracheal collapse perhaps?
I’m so interested to hear about Milo’s laser therapy. It’s a treatment that I don’t know much about, so I’ll surely be interested to know if it ends up helping him. As far as the sleep disruption, the little that I’ve read about collapsed tracheal issues makes it sound as though that problem is noticed more often when a dog is awake and/or excited. Since the grunting happens when Milo is asleep, I wonder if he could be suffering from an issue similar to sleep apnea in humans. I’m embarrassed to admit that I snore myself, and my husband tells me that sometimes I wake myself up with a snore and I know that some people with apnea wake themselves up snorting and gasping. I’ve recently considered being tested for apnea, and that’s why the issue popped into my mind when you described Milo’s behavior. I don’t think it’s common in dogs, but apperntly it can sometimes happen. If it’s even a possibility, your vet may want to examine his nose and throat a bit more carefully the next time he’s checked. Sorry I don’t know more, but it’s just a thought.
Marianne
Hello again,
so far he has only had two laser treatments and separately every day I heat him with an infrared lamp. I'll let you know if it works. Regarding the grunting, according to the doctor, due to the loss of muscles, perhaps there is partial paralysis of the larynx. Today he tried to see him, but Milo didn't give him much :)
My Milo is now my little guardian angel.
I did everything in my power and I really wanted to celebrate my 15th birthday on 01/25.
On 04.01 he left us. I'm very sad, I miss you a lot...
I want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone on this forum. Without your support, all this information would not have been possible!!!!
THANK YOU
Oh my. I’m so very sorry for your loss of your dear little boy. We know how hard you tried to make his life as safe and as comfortable as was possible. And especially, we know how much you loved him. And that has been the greatest gift of all that you could have given him.
Please know that we will always be here for you at any time that you might wish to return to us. To talk or to share more memories of Milo and your lives together. He has now been added to our special memorial thread of honor, and he will always remain a part of our family here.
https://www.k9cushings.com/forum/sho...288#post211288
We are very grateful for the time we all could share in Milo’s journey. We only wish it could have been longer. And now I send you every hope for peace and comfort in your loss.
Always in loving memory of sweet Milo,
Marianne
Oh no...I'm so sorry for your loss.
Love and hugs,
Joan
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Milo, and my heart goes out to you at this most painful time. Please know we are here for you.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Lori
Dear Sneji,
I've been away for a bit and am so sad to return to this news about Milo. He was such a trooper and fought so hard. And his mom did all she could to make his every day wonderful. I know Milo understands that and loves you so much for always being on his side, fighting with and for him. He left this life on the wings of the love you two shared and he will carry that love with him until you meet again when your job here on Earth is done. On that day, Milo will fly across The Bridge into your arms to cover your face with kisses, never to be parted from you again. Til then, he will be watching over you just as you watched over him so lovingly.
Fly free, sweet Milo, fly free.
Gentle hugs, Mom.
In deepest sympathy,
Leslie
The Fourth Day
If you ever love an animal,
there are three days in your life you will always remember.
The first is a day, blessed with happiness,
when you bring home your young new friend.
You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed.
You may have asked numerous opinions of many vets,
or done long research in finding a breeder.
Or, perhaps in a fleeting moment,
you may have just chosen that silly looking mutt in a shelter —
simply because something in its eyes reached your heart.
But when you bring that chosen pet home,
and watch it explore, and claim its special place in your hall or front room —
and when you feel it brush against you for the first time —
it instills a feeling of pure love
you will carry with you through the many years to come.
The second day will occur eight or nine or ten years later.
It will be a day like any other.
Routine and unexceptional.
But, for a surprising instant,
you will look at your longtime friend
and see age where you once saw youth.
You will see slow deliberate steps
where you once saw energy.
And you will see sleep where you once saw activity.
So you will begin to adjust your friend's diet —
and you may add a pill or two to her food.
And you may feel a growing fear deep within yourself,
which bodes of a coming emptiness.
And you will feel this uneasy feeling, on and off,
until the third day finally arrives.
And on this day — if your friend and God have not decided for you,
then you will be faced with making a decision of your own —
on behalf of your lifelong friend,
and with the guidance of your own deepest Spirit.
But whichever way your friend eventually leaves you —
you will feel as alone as a single star
in the dark night sky.
If you are wise, you will let the tears flow
as freely and as often as they must.
And if you are typical,
you will find that not many in your circle
of family or human friends
will be able to understand your grief, or comfort you.
But if you are true to the love
of the pet you cherished through the many joy-filled years,
you may find that a soul — a bit smaller in size than your own —
seems to walk with you, at times, during the lonely days to come.
And at moments when you least expect
anything out of the ordinary to happen,
you may feel something brush against your leg — very, very lightly.
And looking down at the place
where your dear, perhaps dearest, friend used to lie —
you will remember those three significant days.
The memory will most likely be painful,
and leave an ache in your heart —
As time passes the ache will come and go
as if it has a life of its own.
You will both reject it and embrace it,
and it may confuse you.
If you reject it, it will depress you.
If you embrace it, it will deepen you.
Either way, it will still be an ache.
But there will be, I assure you, a fourth day when —
along with the memory of your pet —
and piercing through the heaviness in your heart —
there will come a realization that belongs only to you.
It will be as unique and strong
as our relationship with each animal we have loved, and lost.
This realization takes the form of a Living Love —
Like the heavenly scent of a rose
that remains after the petals have wilted,
this Love will remain and grow—
and be there for us to remember.
It is a love we have earned.
It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go —
And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live.
It is a Love which is ours alone —
And until we ourselves leave,
perhaps to join our Beloved Pets —
It is a Love that we will always possess.
— © 2000 by Martin Scot Kosins