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

Mary Beth,

Im so sorry about Patches. I completely understand about your concerns with her being Alivia's sister. Between the loss of Patches, Alivia's crisis last month and Maxwell's "incident" you have really been put through the wringer. Take some special Mary Beth time if you can...you deserve it!

Loving Hugs Patches,
Rene & Snoopie

Thanks, Rene.

You've been through quite a lot yourself! I think we could all use some GOOD news for a change! I've even begun to appreciate 'uneventful" as good enough!

Just a quick update. I posted this on Addy's link, but wanted to mention it here, as well:

Alivia has a long history of licking her paws and butt area. She's had many vet visits because of it, including seeing a dermatologist, with little to no improvement. I tried everything under the sun (both prescription and supplements) with no luck. At times she's had her skin red, seepy and swollen. I took her off grain and there was a little improvement. I added a supplement called The Missing Link Canine Formula about a month ago and no more licking! No more stained fur and red skin! Maxwell gets it, too, and it has made his coat softer and shinier.

I am not sure why, but Alivia's cushing's symptoms are MUCH improved, too. She is not panting. Her appetitie is normal. Her thirst is normal and it's in the 90's here. Her fur from where she was shaved in the hospital is still growing VERY slowly, but as I already said, she's not licking! At this point, I don't think I want to rock the boat by starting any treatment. I hope I am not just in denial over all this, but I have suspected all along that whatever is causing Alivia's cushing's fluctuates. Her last blood tests were pretty good, too. Much improved. Right now I think I just want to continue doing what were doing and maybe get things tested in a few weeks and/or re-visit have the consultation with Dr. Peterson.

At least that is today's plan. ;)

Hi Mary Beth,

I know about the Missing Link, it is good stuff!!!! I don't know if Zoe could tolerate molasses if I remember right. We gave it to the pup at work for a while, he has allergies, it helped him too.

If Alivia has no symptoms that are of concern to you, if she were mine, I would let it be for now.

I knew treating Zoe would be problems, I avoided it for a year. Her colitis bothered me more than her Cushing symptoms and worried me more until recently.

Enjoy her for now. You both deserve that:):)

Love,
Addy

Hi Mary Beth,

I believe your plan makes perfect sense. I truly believe if a furbaby is not showing strong Cushing symptoms than treatment should not be initiated.

Love and hugs,
Lori

Hi Mary Beth,

You got a good plan there, honey. The signs are an integral part of diagnosing and treating Cushing's so if Ali isn't displaying some strong signs and her cortisol isn't sky high, I wouldn't treat right now either. I have no doubt whatsoever that you will continue to watch her like a hawk and that you will notice any changes immediately. ;) Ali is in great hands!

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Thanks, Addy, Lori and Leslie -

I greatly value your opinions as you all have more experience with this than I do, but my instincts are telling me to let things go - for now (even though I have a bottle of Lysodren sitting in my kitchen). I think everyone here knows things can change quickly. Leslie, you're right - I do watch her like a hawk. Probably too much at times! :o Lori, I don't think her symptoms right now are even strong enough to properly manage dosing with anything, let alone Lysodren.

Anyway, I am really hoping that Alivia gets some time off from vet's for awhile and she can just enjoy life as a dog! And, I can enjoy her, too! Right now she continues with her Amlodopine for high blood pressure and compounded low dose aspirin (she's been on those for several years). I added The Missing Link, with great results, and I recently started giving her Milk Thistle. That's it. Oh, I am also keeping her diet low fat. So far, so good. :D:D

Keeping my fingers crossed...

Hi Mary Beth,

I agree with the others. I wouldn't start treating Alivia if the symptoms aren't there. I still have the Lysodren that Corky was originally going to start on, but his clinical signs went away and were in remission for 7 months. His IMS didn't want to start any treatment if the clinical signs weren't there. When Corky started showing symptoms again, that's when we started the Trilostane.

Horray!!!

Im soooo glad you found something that works for Ali! Are you using the Missing Link Plus (the ones with the omegas)? Sure is worth looking into.
Addy...Snoop can't tolerate molasses either...she had red yeast infection...but I couldnt find the label...do you know how much it has?

Mary Beth...If you are going foward with the milk thistle check out Biochem/Country "Liver Support Factors". It has both milk thistle and L-Methionine (ingredient in Sam-E) and other good things. The serving size is for 2 tablets so when you look at label cut the mg dosage by half if you are giving just one...perfect for small dogs! I get it at Henry's market and some supermarkets here but you can also get it online.

http://www.countrylifevitamins.com/m...TOKEN=39537018

http://www.countrylifevitamins.com/i.../1611_supp.gif

WOW...how the heck did I do that? That was suppose to be a link!

Hi Mary Beth,

Wow, how I know thinking about what happen with one dog makes you think all sorts of thing with another. I keep checking Ella all over for just things just in case.

You are the best at knowing when for Alivia.

Here is a (((Hug))) for both of you!!!