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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Molly always told me I was suppose to chauffer her around, you mean I can get her to drive??!!! :eek::eek: Not sure how safe that would be, she is pretty easily distracted. I can just see a cat or dog on the side of the street, we'd never make it! LOL :D
Actually we'll walk, they aren't that far away from us. :)
hmm, I should get Molly to wrap, but again, the first time the ribbon comes out that would be the end of it. She's much better at unwrapping. :)
*sigh* now that I have done the shopping, the wrapping and mailing needs to get done and again, here I am procrastinating. I'll end up having ship FedEx to get things where they need to be by christmas the way I'm going this year.
Plus we're out of here next weekend, so trying to get everything done, plus work, and organizing all the other employees vacation time and making sure we're covered, is all driving me up the wall this year. I always end up covering while others take time off at Christmas it seems. *sigh*
Well, going to finish checking threads on the forum and then upstairs to wrap and get one bo at least in the mail, I hope, tomorrow.
It's so cold and wind just cuts right through you here right now, and even though I'm inside I can't seem to feel warm. Molly wanted to stay outside in the cold and wind this afternoon.
I think it's that llhaso in her that Addy was talking about. I'm sure a shih tzu would be inside nice and warm, not turning her head into the wind and wanting to go "that way".
hugs all,
stressed out Sharlene and laid back molly
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Well, if Miss Molly has a new frock then a limo might just be in order ;)
Well done on getting the Christmas shopping done. All my cards and presents were mailed a few weeks ago - the benefits of being an expat!!
Just washed the two pairs of fleece lined tights I got at the weekend - I decided to try two different brands and have discovered that one pair are at least 50% longer than the others - will be interesting to see how they fit :eek: (and problem is I can't work out which pair is which!)
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Hi Sharlene:
I could use a pair of those fleece lined tights right about now. It is only 15 degrees here. Tipper is definitely not walking. Hope you and Molly stay safe and warm. Is this the weekend Molly goes to the vets? If so I hope it all goes ok. Blessings
Patti
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Hi Patti, I'm waiting for mine to arrive still.
Yep, this is the weekend she goes to the vets. I take her in early friday morning and then won't be able to pick her up till Monday morning. I hear we're suppose to get a snow storm here this weekend. :(
hugs all,
Sharlene and Molly muffin
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Of course dogs can drive Sharlene, you will have seen the driving dogs from New Zealand I am sure!! If you haven't take a look at the smart dogs in our country :D The SPCA did this as a promotion for doggy adoptions!
https://www.facebook.com/drivingdogs...06365926195124
Hope you have a lovely weekend away Sharlene, sounds like a break from your work is just what is needed!! I bet Molly enjoys her time in her doggy hotel too, fingers and paws crossed her test results come out fine xxxx
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Oh yes I do remember that now that you mention it Trish. Dogs driving, go figure. Still not sure about molly and the distraction issue. :)
Okay, well, I'm away this weekend, and will be back on monday. I'll probably check in, via cell phone to the forum but only able to post minimal responses. That keyboard just does me in every time!
hugs all, play safe!
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Just thought I'd upload a picture of molly actually smiling for the camera. That Never happens and who even knew she could or would!
Strange while I was in the kitchen getting her dinner ready, I could have sworn that out of the corner of my eye I saw her shaking, her entire body head to tail. When I looked straight at her she wasn't doing it. I've seen her do that before when she is on the window seat in the early morning waiting to go outside, so maybe it is an excitement thing. She never does it though when I am looking directly at her. Of course.
Anyone else's dog look do that?
hugs all,
Sharlene and Molly muffin
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Flynny is a shaker, always has been. More in the evenings though and he can do the whole body sometimes. Have a lovely time away Sharlene, the winery sounds fab! xx
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Sharlene: So glad Molly is still doing so well. Hope all of you have a good holiday season. Stay warm. Love, JoAnne
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Sharlene:
Have a good weekend and I hope all goes well with Molly. Blessings
Patti
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Welcome home Sharlene,:D hope you don't get the stink eye too much when you pick up Molly in the morning!! How was the weekend at the winery?? Nice to have you back xxxx
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Hope you had a great weekend. Molly will have attitude??
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Sharlene:
I hope you enjoyed your weekend and had a really good time. Are you getting dirty looks from her Royal Highness? Didn't she have some testing done there? When will you get the results? We are buried in snow and it is snowing now again. Blessings
Patti
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Hi gang. I'm back! Flights delayed due to the weather, so didn't get in till 10:30pm and then had to get the drive and walk cleared. Finally got to bed around midnight and then up early to go get molly. More snow on ground to clear before leaving, then vehicles that didn't want to start, arggghhh Got the little miss and she is doing good.
I got a call Saturday morning that she had an ear infection, so rang the vet to make sure they didn't use any micin drugs on her, but they hadn't, they use the same thing she had before. When I picked her up this morning she was hanging out in the groomers room, with a bunch of toys, having a fun time. So, I guess she did a-okay.
We hoped the results would be in this afternoon, but no call so far. I asked them to faxed to me and the vet to call and discuss. I'm not overly worried about how long it is taking as i'm sure they had some lab people not able to get in to work, so things might be backed up a bit.
Snow, snow and more snow. *sigh*
The winery was ...eh..okay, not as good as I'd hoped, but then a friend told us about another place and so we went over there and they had a Santa and jsut blocks of homes done up, amazingly with tons of lights. One place even had a Santa and elf ferris wheel, with candy canes that led up to it, if you can imagine. :)
I'm trying to catch up on the forum and between that and work, I am a bit swamped. Hopefully by mid week i'll be back on track. :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
The Santa and elf ferris wheel sounds great. I,m glad you had a good weekend and that Molly enjoyed hers too.
I,m all jealous of all the people on the board with snow I love it and all we,ve got is rain :rolleyes:
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Pleased to hear that all is well with Miss Molly, despite the nasty ear infection. Hope all is well with the test results.
We too have snow - around 10 inches of it and Henry is loving it.
Did you get your fleecy tights yet - thanks to you telling me about them I was warm for my ice dance test on Sat (and passed!) despite it being so cold the Zamboni froze!!! so a big Thank You for that.
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Well sounds like Molly was having a fine old time, you are very lucky to have them look after her when he take a wee trip! Stink about her ear problem, wonder what made that flare. Fingers crossed for good results tomorrow, will be looking out to see what they are!
Man, the last thing I would feel like doing after delayed flights would be shovelling snow, what a sweetie your daughter was making a start on it that's very kind of her :D
Shame about your winery not quite measuring up, I am organising a work party this Friday for about 30 ppl at a winery called Clearview, I have been before and it is lovely! It has been a bit of a business getting it all sorted but think we have it done!! I just have to decide if I want smaller round tables or a big long one out amongst the vines!! Tough decisions :D
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Sharlene:
That Santa on the Ferris wheel sounds like fun to me. Sorry the winery was a bust. I wonder how Molly got an ear infection? OD they take them out to go potty outside? It would be my guess if they do that some staff member left her rub her ear in the snow and water got inside. Tipper is know for doing this. I use Panalog it is safe and gets rid of it. It is an older drug, but works well. I asked the vet one day why dogs want to rub their ears in the snow as soon as they see it. He said " because they can." So I bet money that is what happened. Hope it gets cleared up soon. It is so frigid and snowed again last nite here. We are to get more too and Friday it is to be 40, now figure that out! Blessings
Patti
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Hi Sharlene,
Glad you are safely back home and the flight delays...ugh...to be expected in these wintery conditions. Snowing here too right now and I can barely see the view downtown with the white stuff coming down. I love it though!! Only sorry that next week right before Christmas it will probably not be snowing or even on the ground anymore due to a warn weekend forecast. Love seeing the Christmas lights, that's sounds like it was a lot of fun!
Hope Molly's ear infection is quickly eradicated. Is she making you "pay" for the weekend away?? :D
Barbara
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Welcome Home! Sharlene I am happy to hear Molly did well minus the ear infection, while you were gone :)
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Barbara, don't count out a white christmas yet, we're suppose to get more snow after the warm up later this week.
I didn't get the lab results emailed to me, seems some issue with the scanner or something. I'll get them on Saturday when Molly goes back for a retest, however, the vet did call me to discuss and the gist of it is that those two numbers we keep watching, are inching up.
ALKP - 1479
ALT - 167
I'll have to compare to the others but the vet said, that even on the Heppato Support that she keeps going up and that is a bit of a concern.
Her urine specific gravity is good, at 1.032 She still is not showing cushing symptoms.
I asked if anything else was abnormal and she said no. So, now we are trying to find a time during all this crappy weather to schedule the next ultrasound and consult with the IMS. :(
We specifically will be looking at a comparison of the last ultrasound for any more enlargement of liver, adrenal glands and lymph nodes. All were enlarged previously. Also, the concern that an adrenal mass or liver mass exists that just hasn't shown up on the ultrasound as of yet. (gawd I hope not)
We'll also check the gallbladder since there was some sludge previously but not enough to cause a blockage and her bili's are all fine on the blood work, so probably Not that, but you never know for sure till you see it.
hanging in there.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Hi Sharlene
It will be good to see the last few ALP to look at trends. But inching is better than racing up! But I totally agree with you doing ultrasound and IMS review. What is she having retested?
Great she is concentrating her urine well.
Will keep a look out for the full results. Such a worry aren't they, although they keep on with having fun while we get (more) grey hairs analysing all the numbers!! Hope you get some peace of mind when all the results come through, plus the scan xxxx
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Hi Sharlene:
Sorry to hear Molly's numbers are inching up. It is always a numbers game with us Cush moms. We are all about the numbers and looking for that magic bullet to make them normal again. I don't think I have ever read or heard about a disease that affects so may parts of the body as Cushings. I guess some cancers would, but Cushings is right up there on the most terrible list for me. Hope her numbers come down. When Tipper's were a little high the Hepato Support seemed to not be bringing them down so I switched to the S Adenosyl and that seemed to bring them down faster. Could things like Hepato Support and other things we give on a daily basis loose their efficacy after using them for a while? Just don't know the answer to that one. Blessings
Patti
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Hey Sharlene
Just wanted to nip in and say thanks for always being there and for your post on Tia's thread
Sorry to read Molly's numbers have crept up, I so hope the scan is all good for you both too and that you can get it scheduled in with all that rubbish weather your having.
Sending you a big hug and some kisses for Sweet Miss Molly
Love
Mel
Xxxxx
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Oh darn those liver numbers!!! Ok...well like Trish says, inching is better than the racing. You know I'm in the same boat with the high liver counts and ugh, I hate thinking about it. :(
We'll retest Trixie after the holidays, I just can't face it right now.
Molly seems just fine though, right?
The good news - no other abnormal numbers and no Cushings symptoms..so a big yay for that!!
I'm hoping all will be okay and the answer to the numbers creeping up will be nothing serious.
The park was beautiful this morning after yesterday's snow...Trixie was just as happy as could be prancing around the snowy fields and chasing snowballs that I was throwing for her. The temps forecast here for Sunday 65 degrees! :mad: No thanks... in the 60's for Christmas week?!! I do hope you're right about a white Christmas being possible. Make sure you send us some cold temps and snow on Christmas Eve okay!!? ;)
Barbara
Barbara
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Hey Sharlene,
Molly is always going to be an outlier! You should be used to that by now! ;) I hope you are able to figure out her liver numbers, but no other abnormalities or Cushings symptoms is fantastic! Fingers and paws crossed that all checks out okay on the ultrasound. Xxxxx
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Sharlene:
We are to have weather in the 40's today and for Friday so at least Tipper can walk before those other systems hit us. I am going to get all my stuff done today if I can get Tipper's sitter. I hate to leave her as I feel she is not doing well lately and it scares me. Hope you have all your stuff done and it is winding down a bit. Hope Molly is feeling better from that infection. No fun for the Royal Highness to be sick at Christmas!! Blessings
Patti
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Sharlene, could you box up some of that snow and send it here to arrive on Wednesday AM? We had a dusting on Wednesday but it was gone before I got back from my quick trip to VA and in VA it was just ice, where I stayed. Black ice, actually and I almost went ass over teacup walking to my car in the AM.
Sounds like Molly is doing really well. Will Santa be bringing her something noisy this year?
Hugs,
Susan
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Hey Susan, Oh you know Molly has prezzies under that tree. A new bright pink harness and a brown fur coat (she will wear it darn it!!), some treats, found some good herring, no grain, omega 3 and 6, glucosomine and other good stuff treats, and a few of her regular ones. (she does not get these all in one outing LOL) and yes, a noisy toy to keep her happy. :)
She's doing pretty good. We were just doing (does everyone remember Hammer Time?) Well we do Walkie Time, at the front door, while she bounces on the door and I bounce across the foyer floor doing the Hamer Time Dance.
yea, we might be a tad crazy. LOL
You can have the snow!!!! Can I box the whole yard worth up? hmm, maybe leave just a big for Christmas eve and Christmas day but that's it! Then outta here!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Sharlene:
You sure know you are a Cush mom when you are putting Glucosamine treats under the tree with the Omegas!! Hope little Miss Diva loves her new coat when she tries it on! Has she been trying to get into the presents? How is that ear coming along? Stay safe and get your flannel tights on for the next two systems coming!
Blessings
Patti
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Molly's ears were checked by the vet this morning. No outward sign of any infection left, but still a tad pink, so we'll continue for 3 more days to get rid of anything micorscopic that might be left in there. Over all good and her lymph node in her neck appears to have gone down. (it was a bit enlarged in August)
So over all good. Discussed getting that next ultrasound, which will be the new year based on my schedule and weather issues.
I'll post a new comparison test history. Her ALP and ALT are the highest they have ever been, Albumin just a tad out of range, and it has fluctuated over the last two. So main thought for myself right now and suspicion, is that she might have more sludge in her gallbladder than she did in June. Just something I've noticed on the forum here, is that when there is more sludge, the ALP Always has gone up. She had some sludge previously, not enough to cause a blockage, but that is one of the things we'll look at on the ultrasound and also her liver and lymph nodes are the next thing to check out thoroughly. We Expect that her adrenals will remain bilaterly enlarged to some point, as will the liver, because we think she Is producing cortisol over normal amounts, but the reason is unknown and pituitary cushings still remains a possibility.
So there you have it gang. Molly acts normal, a bit older perhaps, but still basically happy, and her numbers, are going up, which is indicative of something, we just have to keep trying to figure out what that is.
hugs all
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
MOLLY MUFFIN TEST HISTORY
ACTH (2 draws - this is due to the agent used by the vet) June 2012
Cor1 - Cortisol (base) 172 (30 - 300) 6.23 ug
Cor 21 - Cortisol (ACTH) - 1 hour 924 33.49 ug
Cor 22 - Cortisol (ACTH) - 2 hour 1014 36.75 ug
Lab states, that in a normal animal Cortisol will increase above 250 but not above 600.
The results are consistent with Cushings Disease; Pituitary-Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism
LDDS - May 2011
Cortisol (Base) 82.2 (20 - 300)nmol 2.97ug
Cortisol (DEXA) - 4 hours 28.7nmol 1.04ug
Cortisol (DEXA) - 8 hours 35.1 nmol 1.27ug
LDDS - August 2012
Cor1 - Cortisol (base) 30 - 300 range nmol/L 2.86 ug
Cor34 - Cortisol - 4hrs < 27.59 nmol < 1 ug
Cor38 - Cortisol - 8hrs <27.59 nmol < 1ug
LDDS - December 2012
Cortisol Base 87.2 nmol (30 - 300) 3.16 ug
Cortisol 4 hr <27.59 < 1 ug
Cortisol 8 hr <27.59 < 1 ug
not cushings
Ultrasound July 2012:
Liver: mildly enlarged, diffusely hyperechoic and margins rounded
gall bladder: moderate amount of echogenic debris present
stomach: moderate gas
left kidney: hyperechoic speckling in the cortex and mild derease in corticomedullary definition
left adrenal gland: mildly enlarged with caudal pole larger than the cranial pole
Urinary bladder wall: mildly thickened at the apex, although lumen is not fully distended.
Mucosa: mildly hyperchoic and irregular and two small calculi present
right kidney: similar in apperearance to the left kidney - small non obstructive calculi present
right adrenal gland: upper reference of size to mildly enlarged
lymph nodes: mildly enlarged
Test Histories:
ALT - 54 (10 - 118) May 2010
ALP - 518 (20 - 150) May 2010
Albumin 46.7 (26 - 44) April 2011
Protein 78 (51 - 72) April 2011
ALT - 110 (6 - 118) April 2011
ALP - 764 (5 - 141) April 2011
Albumin 44.1 (26 - 44) (barely out of range) March 2012
Protein 76 (51 - 72) March 2012
ALT - 139 (6 - 118) March 2012
ALP - 1121 (5 - 141)
ALT - 152 (6 - 118) June 2012
ALP - 1003 (5 - 141) June 2012
Albumin 46.8 (26 - 44) August 2012
Protein 74 (51 - 72)
ALT - 144 (6 - 118) August 2012
ALP - 1054 (5 - 141) August 2012
and finally Urine gravity 1.038 August 2012
Thyroid Mini Profile - all within normal ranges December 2012
Albumin 47.3 (26 - 44) - December 2012
Protein 73 (51 - 72) - December 2012
ALT 125 (6 - 118) - December 2012
ALP 1229 (5 - 141) - December 2012
Cholesterol 10.39 (2.50 - 9.90) - December 2012 (I was told to ignore this due to possible sm amount food in the AM)
Urinalysis all normal, no crystals
gravity - 1.035 (clear, dark yellow, concentrated) - December 2012
ALT 132 (6 - 118) - June 2013
ALP 918 (5 - 141) - June 2013
Sodium 143 (144 - 162)- June 2013
Urinalys specific gravity in May was 1.020 which is more dilute than it was.
Hazy, Leukocytes Ca 70 leu/ul, WBC 3 - 5/hpf (1+), Bacteria 2 - 5/hpf (1+) cocci
December 2013
Albumin 44.9 (26.0 – 44.0) – December 2013
ALP 1479 (5 – 141) – December 2013
ALT 167 (6 – 118) – December 2013
Hmm, she didn’t give me the urinalysis other than the microscopy part, which is fine, but she had said,
Urine specific gravity 1.032 protiens all fine – December 2013
So, her albumin is back up a bit, and her ALT and ALP are the highest they have ever been even with the heppato support. Thyroid, glucose, cholesterol, bili’s all within normal ranges.
Due to weather and work schedule over the holidays I won’t be able to get an ultrasound till the new year.
Discussion with vet said, that perhaps with molly getting older, and her not showing any symptoms of anything wrong, these values might end up being her new normal, unless the ultrasound shows a problem with the things we want to check, liver/lymph nodes/adrenal glands/gall bladder. Kidneys are working fine, and nothing else Really shows up in the blood work or urine to suggest what might be causing her liver values to increase.
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
That's a lot of testing, and some baffling results!
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Hi Renee, I always re-post the history so I don't have to scrolling through the thread and my papers each time I want to refresh my memory. I agree, I think we all agree, molly has been baffling us all for years now. We started being told in 2011 that it was cushings, and some things say yes, some things say no. Which is why we monitor blood work so frequently, so see if anything changes enough to point us in a definite direction. Sometimes that is all you can do. IF she had typical symptoms, along with the ACTH and ultrasound, we'd be on medication. If we only did the LDDS, she wouldn't. Since we've done all of them, and no symptoms still (typical anyhow) she isn't, but we continue to monitor as it could change one way or another at any point. It's a doozy eh.
Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
What symptoms does she display? Are you just following blood work, or are there active symptoms you are dealing with too? Forgive me, your thread is very long...haha, and I have not been able to read all of it!
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Hi Sharlene
Just having a look through the results, so good to have it all in one page. I do wish we could insert tables in here. I saw someone do it once but I have never figured it out!!
Pleased her little ear is nearly healed up!
Flynny's albumin has been on the high side at times, a comment from IMS was that not much puts it up other than dehydration so I wonder if she was fasted for the tests it could cause it?
Her ALP has been up since the beginning of these tests, like May 2010. That is 2 1/2 years now!! So I would have to think if it was anything real nasty like tumours etc then it would have declared itself and done something a little more dramatic than the slow rise we have seen. ALT relatively stable. But I get what your saying about wanting to know what is going on and agree ultrasound is the way to go. Maybe the mild liver enlargement is causing it, did she have many doses of steroids when younger for any reason?
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Oh good lord, no one could go through and read all of this. It's mostly giggles anyway, as we don't have too many issues with Molly.
Molly symptoms according to the vet is pot belly and thinning hair. That's it. She doesn't over drink, she is prone to crystals and doesn't drink enough in fact. I have to give her SO food or she Really doesn't drink enough.
No ravenous appetite either, she picks and chooses through her food and grazes through it during the day. Her weight has been pretty constant, and the only issues she generally has is ear infections started this year and she is prone to some stress colitis when she is boarded, seems to pick up some bacterial intestinal bugs pretty easily, nothing chronic though.
So, that is why we haven't done anything with her medically, other than liver support. Her liver numbers started going higher a number of years ago (not where they are this month though, sheezz) about the same time she got the first bout of crystals and intestinal bug.
She has a couple lipomas we are watching that we've also tested to verify that is what they are, and she has a hip joint that the groove isn't formed deeply enough in from birth, you'd never notice unless she tweaks it, but arthritis will be an issue for her in that leg most likely.
A bit of sludge in the gallbladder, a couple small stones, neither big or enough to cause blockage on last years ultrasound.
That's about it.
So mostly Molly's thread is about how funny she is, unless something comes up. She is one of our forum diva's for sure. :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
This is why I love her thread, a bit of light relief and a laugh is just the ticket on this forum sometimes!! We love our little Miss Molly xxxxxxxx
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
No, Molly has never had steroids since I've had her at 11 months old. Doubt if she did before, based on what I know of that situation.
Fasting, she might have been, they did the testing while we boarded last time.
I'm not overly worried about the Albumin unless it were to shoot up.
I think the only one that freaked me and I know that it can go up, is the ALP that she had dropped down into the 918 in June from 1229 Dec 2012, and then a jump of over 500 points up in 6 months was a bit much.
Quote:
A mildly elevated level of AP is found in normal dogs and cats when they are immature.
When AP is elevated in mature pets, most causes are associated with a liver problem that prevents bile flow (such as cholestasis in cats ) or bile duct obstruction (gallstones) – particularly when GGT enzyme is elevated equally or greater.
Other causes are Cushing’s disease, Corticosteroid medications, Hepatic Lipidosis (fatty liver disease) in cats, Colangiohepatitis /Triad Disease in cats, FIP in cats, Hyperthyroidism in cats, hypothyroidism in dogs, Less commonly: diabetes, kidney failure-related hyperparathyroidism, liver and bone cancers, liver-toxic dietary toxins (like aflatoxins), widespread granulomas, abscesses, pancreatitis, upper intestinal inflammation, anti-seizure medications, autoimmune diseases, gallbladder mucocele, occasionally with mammary tumors, healing fractures and an occasional liver reaction to anti-arthritic NSAID-medication. Mild persistent elevations are more of a worry in cats than in dogs.
Alkaline phosphatase levels sometimes go up in dogs with failing hearts and in genetically-based, copper storage diseases of Dobermans, West Highland White and Bedlington terriers, as well in pregnant cats.
Some of those can be ruled right out, so liver, gall bladder, gastrointestinal, heart would be I think likely culprit possibilities unless cushings Is in play. Other possibility is the vet saying this could be if nothing shows on ultrasound, molly normal. I don't know if I really believe molly normal though, just in general, there is a reason, question is whether or not that reason is something to be concerned about or not.
I'm not freaking over it though. :) I'll behave. hahahaha I will get her in as soon as weather and work allow, prob jan or feb for the ultrasound. They are crazy booked up and people on holidays at the clinic right now, so nothing worked out scheduling for immediate.
Thanks for looking over Trish. It's so valuable to have opinions from others too. We look at so many of these test results on the forum and yet when it comes to our own, it's like doubting what you know. LOL Does that sound a bit weird? I think it does.
Hope everyone is having a good weekend and ready freddy for the holidays. You guys know what I am doing right....... yep....Procrastination 101~!
I should be wrapping gifts and I have found a million excuses including a nap, not to do so. (I'm blaming the nap on molly, she looked way comfy in the blanket on the couch)
And wrote another book!
Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
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Re: Molly, 10 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo, cushing diagnosis
Book schmook, some of us need a few more words than others is all!!
I know exactly what you mean, when its your own baby it's different, the ability to rationalise can fly right out the window which is why I value all your the groups opinions so highly!
I wonder about those lipomas and fatty liver, Flynn has tons and while we know the cause of his high ALP/ALT I wonder if they also enter into the mix.
Oh gawd, Mum just rang and wants me to take the electric wine chiller thingy over... cannot find it anywhere :eek: think it might have been a present she gave me... one of those ones that I have never really used and put somewhere :eek: going to enter the garage and that is never fun there is so much junk in there!!!