Alivia was recently diagnosed with Cushing's - Alivia has passed

Leslie,
That is AWFUL!! If something is not in a report, you would have absolutely no way of knowing it was missed. When Ali had the ultrasound at her regular vet's office they allowed me to be with her. The ultrasound vet was pointing out organs to me, but to be honest, I couldn't tell what any of it was! :mad:

I was doing some research on cortisol levels and pancreatitis and came across a question you had asked a long time ago on Askvet (I think it was called)!

Lori,
Thank you so much for the link. I will wait until the office manger gets back to me, but if they are not willing to drop the bill, that site will be very helpful!

Good morining Mary Beth,

I understand your frustration and I don't let folks take advantage. When I have come across this type of abuse I have taken advantage of the dispute services offered by my credit card service, that is of course if you paid by credit card. They suspend the charge in question until the dispute is settled. They require the vendor to explain the charges in full to your satisfaction before the payment is made. I don't know if yours offers it but I have found it most helpful and it is pain free. They do all the work and it is complimentary.

Enjoy every minute,

Rene & Snoop

First, let me say that I am so glad Alivia is doing better!

I've been a little preoccupied lately with my JRT, Jack, and his Cushing's, high blood pressure, bladder stones, etc. So I haven't had time to read up one anyone else's struggles until tonight when I read your thread.

I read your story from beginning to today's post, and my heart went out to you and your Alivia. We don't have the same health issues but I am a JRT mommy like yourself and fiercely protective of my little fella and his health as you are of yours. I think you've done a fantastic job to date!

I don't have any anything to offer but my best wishes for continued success and a "3 cheers" for JRT fortitude. They really do fight the good fight. You just can't keep 'em down! Hip hip Hooray!!!!!!

Kindest and best regards,
Kim and Jack

Hi, Kim.

So happy to "meet" you and Jack! I am so glad you posted here and thank you for reading my very long string!! I am a dog lover in general, but certainly have a soft spot for Jack Russells! Fortunately, I had not read anything at all about the breed to scare me off prior to falling in love with Alivia when she was 7 weeks old. I took her home when she was 8 weeks old and she has had my heart ever since. Both of my JRTs have always had high energy outside, but they are sweet, snuggly couch potatoes when we are at home. So smart, sensitive and intuitive. I am SURE you agree! :D

Sorry I missed welcoming you when you first started posting here, but as you know, I was in the midst of dealing with a medical crisis. Alivia continues to improve and I am thrilled about that. I just read your string and am so sorry to hear about everything Jack has been through. Their issues may not be the same but there are some similarities. Alivia has high blood pressure. She takes Amlodopine for that. I was interested to read that Jack has a bald spot on the tip of his tail, as Ali does, too! It has been there for awhile, but in the past several months it seems to bit more noticeable. I don't think there are any lumps, but I will check it out more closely today. Ali's fur barely grows. Her belly was shaved for an ultrasound about 7 weeks ago and she still only has peach fuzz. With the recently hospitalization, she's had three legs shaved. She will always be gorgeous to me, though!

I checked out Jack's pictures! What a handsome guy! His coloring over his ear is very similar to Alivia's. Oh, one of Ali's littermates was named Jack. :) Jack is very lucky to have you and I understand your feelings of doing whatever it takes to give him the best care possible. Some people do not get that; but, I think EVERYONE here does. I look forward to keeping up with Jack and wish you both well!

Hi Mary Beth,

Give that sweet Alivia hugs and kisses from me and Zoe and tell her we are very proud of her progress and what a trooper she is.

Such a good girl!!!!:D:D:D

I hope you have a stress free weekend, you deserve it.

Love,
Addy

Hi, Addy -

Alivia continues to do well. We finally have a nice day here so she was out in the yard with me most of the day. She seemed to be enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. She came in, had her dinner and is now napping soundly! :)

I hope you and Zoe are enjoying your weekend! Hugs to you both!!!

Hi Mary Beth,

I am so glad to see that Alivia is continuing to improve and is doing so well.

Thanks, Terri.

Even better, Alivia currently has no Cushing's symptoms! I am starting to doubt that she actually has a right adrenal "tumor". According to Dr. Peterson, with an adrenal tumor, they cannot suppress for the LDDS. Alivia clearly did. The second ultrasound she had done by a vet who specializes in u/s, showed the left adrenal gland of normal size (not atrophied) and the right one was larger but there was not a clear tumor. I left the report at work, but he said something to the effect that is could be an area of hyperplasia. Things have never been clear cut when it comes to Ali! :p

She sees her IMS for follow up on Wednesday, so we will see if she can expalin any of this!

Horray for Ali...Rene & Snoop!

Thanks, Rene.

She has a follow up with IMS tomorrow, so fingers crossed things continue to go well!