Buddy, The Mighty Lizard Hunter - Suspected Pituitary Macro Tumor

Kathy:
Has Buddy ever had any kind of inner ear or balance problems? Is it only his head that shakes? Have you ever seen any other part of his body do these tremors? I know what you mean about them be distant with you. After our trip to Pgh. Tipper is like avoiding me. I think it is a side effect of the Vetoryl, and have heard a lot of others say this about their babies. All these darn procedures are so expensive, and you could spend a fortune. It's one thing if money is no object, then another if you struggle to get your dog the care it needs like the majority of us. Could you call an internal medical specialist and inquire about their fee to see him, and if they would need a neurologist what would that cost. Maybe you would decide to go right to the neurologist. I know it is like 150.00in Pgh to see the IMS. I think I would be shooting for a neurologist with a CT scan if you can swing it. The CT scan here is 900.00 which is like the cost of a human getting one. I hope you can get Buddy some help he is so darn cute.
Blessings
Patti

Kathy:
There are 3 board certified veterinary neurologists in San Diego at the Veterinary Specialy Hospital 858-875-7500. Maybe you could inquire how much a consultation is? Don't know your age bracket, but ask for any discounts available to seniors etc. Blessings
Patti

No Patti, Buddy has never had any kind of inner ear or balance problem. He did have difficulty standing and walking when he was so ill, due to his real leg weakness. Yes, it is only his head that vibrates. It doesn't really shake, it vibrates, like one of those remotes they give you at a restaurant when your food is ready. It is a stronger vibration than putting your cell phone on vibrate. I did video the tremors on two occasions. You really have to look close to see the vibration.

Love and hugs you and Tipper,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Patti, veterinary specialty hospital was where I took Budfy for his neuro consultation. They were excellent! However they were very, very, very expensive! They wanted $3500 for just one test, which was an MRI! Buddy's Neurology consultation was $130, which was reasonable for what they did. However, I can't afford to go there for for tests or regular treatment. Thanks for trying.:)

Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy

I think by focusing on neurology you may be missing out on other alternatives and that a neurologist would go thru all sorts of tests within their 'realm'. There are internal med specialists that aren't neurologists and frankly I think they'd be looking at the bigger picture. For example you have cushing's you are dealing with and you need someone that understands it. I wouldn't shop for a neurologist - I'd shop for an internal med specialist that was more of a generalist and if I had to pick a specialty it would be endocrinology due to the cushings.

Kim

Yes Kim, That makes perfect sense. First and foremost, Buddy needs a vet that knows Cushing's well. That would be an IMS doctor or an Endocrinologist. Finding a good reasonably priced IMS is what I need.
It won't do me a lot of good to go to a neurologist who is not up on Cushings. Yes, Buddy could have a macro tumor that acts up periodically. I don't want to think about that, but it is possible. That would definitely be Cushings related.

Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

I went to a couple of neurologists for myself years back and they were very intelligent but focused strictly on nerve issues. My diagnosis was wrong and they never caught it. They just did the tests and charged me. IMS vets go through extra years of training and know a whole lot more about difficult diseases. Have you gone to our link to find one in your area already? Sorry I can't remember. :o:D:o Kim

No, I am not aware of a link to find an IMS. Buddy is having his ACTH test tomorrow. He is also going to have an office visit so I can share his tremor videos and log. I don't expect them to know much. I will ask them if they know of a good IMS that is reasonable. They are the ones who referred us to that very expensive neurologist, so my hopes are not high! No tremors today so far!! I have been home to monitor all day. Could the Frontline have started them again? It is possible, but I doubt it.

Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Kathy,
Here is the link for finding a specialist. You are looking for a small animal internal medicine

Just put in your state and you should get some results and see what might be around your area.
How is Buddy doing today?

Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

I didn't even think of it, but Sonja might not a reasonable priced good IMS in your area!

Sharlene