14 year-old Shih Tzu With Recent Cushing's Diagnosis

Another Hannah update:

She had her NSAID monitoring this week to see if her ALKP dropped from the month on Denamarin. It went from 826 to 437, so almost dropped in half. We are going to continue and recheck in a few months. Her BUN was normal too, after being just slightly elevated on the last two, so that is also good. She was a little low on MCV and MCH, but just barely, and a little high on BASO, but the vet said it is rare to get a completely normal result with an older dog and that he isn't concerned about any of this. Everything major looks good.

One thing made me a little sad though, and I'll have to ask him about it because maybe I was just interpreting wrong. I said something about maybe the blood work would coincide with her dental, depending on how she is doing. He just kind of went, "Eeehhh." I wasn't sure what that meant. I of course thought, "Does he think she doesn't even need a dental and won't be around long?" I realize that maybe it meant we don't want to hold on that long, or let's not worry about a dental now, etc.

I feel like she is doing pretty well: back is okay, blood work looks pretty good, very minor Cushing's symptoms, if any. She can't see or hear well at all and she licks/itches like a crazy lately, but she is happy as can be. Wags her tail, follows me around, enjoys a short walk, and chewing on her bones (and yes, I watch her like a hawk while she chews). She is almost 13 (in a few weeks), and not problem-free, but I feel like it could be much worse. I'm hoping that she might have a decent amount of time left...

Julie & Hannah

LOL! My guess is the "Eeehhh" meant don't worry about it. My Kira is almost 12 and the vets never flinch at her teeth and they look terrible. The assistant said I could even just wipe some doggie toothpaste on them three times a week and that would help. I guess there is stuff in the paste that eats up the stuff on their teeth. As far as the blood test goes it sounds a lot like my Kira too. Not perfect but hey she's not young, she's been thru a lot. I was thrilled with her less then prefect result, it had improved. That means she is responding. I would not be suprized if I lost Kira in the next three months but she could live three more years too. This a good time to be happy. And greatful and give lots of specail attention because you never know.

It sounds like she is feeling pretty good. I've been trying to get Jenny's teeth cleaned since her diabetes diagnosis last May. My vet always pushes it back while we deal with the bigger issues.

I hope that is what your vet meant too. You sound like me. I'm always trying to read into what they are saying.

Hope the warm weather isn't making her itchy! Judi

Hello All-

I just wanted to share that today is my sweet little Hannah's 13th birthday!

I am happy to report that she is currently happy and healthy! We are supposed to have a warm day today-in the 50's-so I am excited to enjoy a nice short walk with her when I get home, and then hopefully a special treat tonight. It's been a year since she was diagnosed with Cushing's, and I am happy to report that she seems to be about the same in terms of any signs. We are still medicine-free and doing well.

Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement for the past year, as well. You have no idea how much I appreciate it!

Julie & Hannah

Happy 13th Birthday, sweet Hannah!!!

OH YOU SAY ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! WHOOTWHOOT LETS GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!!!!!! YOUR SEXY AND YOUR KNOW IT!!!!!!! WORK IT ON OUT GIRL ON THAT WALK! Happy Birthday!!!!!!

Happy 13th Birthday, Hannah!!

Happy Birthday toooooooo youuuuuuuuuuu

Happy Birthday toooooooo youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR, SWEET, MOST BEAUTIFUL HANNAH

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOOOOOOO YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

Enjoy your day, your walk and the beautiful weather we have in your honor!!!!!

Love,
Addy

BARK, BARK, WOOFFF WOOOFFFF
BARK, BARK, WOOOF, WOOFFFFFF
WOOOF, WOOOF AND YIPEEEEE
BARK, BARK, WOOOOF, WOOOF WOOFF

Love,
zoe and koko

Happy 13th you sweet thing.... major treats and belly rubs. Kim

Happy 13th Birthday, sweet Hannah.