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

Thank you, Julie (and Hannah). It really does help to know people are pulling for her. She slept comfortably and seems a little bit better this morning. So, I am hopeful we are moving in the right direction!

Hope you are getting some rest, too!

Dear Mary Beth
So sorry to hear about your sweet Alivia. I hope she will feel better soon. It just seems to be one thing after another. Will be praying for you both.
Hugs Sonja and Apollo

Hi Mary Beth,

How is Ali today? I hope you both had a good nite's rest and are feeling stronger today!

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Hi Mary Beth and Ali,

Thinking about you guys and hoping you are doing well.

Love,
Rene & Snoopie

Hi, everyone!

I actually took a break from all this yesterday and celebrated my birthday. Since they continue to happen every year, might as well make the best of it! :p

Looking back at my post, I realized I mis-typed. Alivia has "Intermediate Pyoderma" (not Pyloderma!), but I am sure most of you already knew that. Originally, it seemed extremely painful for her. After two days on the antibiotics, she started to look much better but, it became intensely itchy. I did some research and found several things recommended to ease the itching and found a shampoo that contained 2 of those ingredients. I have been bathing her with that every other day and she has significantly improved! She's shedding like crazy and now has some patchy looking fur, but she's an old girl and I love her even if her looks have faded a bit! Happens to us all. ;)

Thinking about all of this I am starting to wonder if I am focused too much on the two differing ultrasounds and trying to determine if Alivia has a adrenal tumor ("suspect mass") or not (since she suppressed on her LDDS, "possible hyperplasia"). She also does not have an atrophied left adrenal which seems common with a right adrenal tumor. Maybe, she actually just has pituitary based cushing's?? My primary concern about starting her on either med has been would the risks be greater than the limited results obtained with an adrenal tumor? Maybe that's not the issue at all. :confused:

Her food and water consumption do not seem excessive and she is not urinating excessively, either. But, her fur does not grow, she had acute pancreatitis (possibly mildly chronic now) and now Pyoderma. I think I need to make a treatment decision soon.

Comments anyone???

Hi Mary Beth,

I really want to wish you a belated Happy Birthday!!!!!!
I also am glad Alivia is recovering. Poor little girl has been through so much and I hope she gets a break from it. You take such good care of her.:):)

I can't comment on starting treatment. I can tell you I appreciate your dilemma as it was mine as well. You will reach a decision and whatever that may be it will be the right one for Alivia and for you.

Sending love and hugs,
addy

Happy Belated Birthday to You, Mary Beth!!!!

If Alivia is not displaying strong Cushing symptoms then IMO, I would not treat her with the Cushing meds. Dr. Feldman, who is one of the top Cushing's expert says:

Quote:

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No dog should be treated unless it has obvious and worrisome clinical signs seen by the owner.

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http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm....jsp?id=672663

So glad to hear that Alivia is improving, You are such a loving and wonderful mom.

Love and hugs,
Lori

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MBK

Yes, I meant Tramadol. She's taken it before and never had a problem. We are at the emergency hospital now. Alivia is back getting blood work and xrays. May be pancreatitis again. :(

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Ohhh I'm really sorry to hear that! I hope everything goes well and you manage to get Alivia's condition sorted out.....:(
Hugs, Leah and Maya

Thank you for the birthday wishes, Lori!

Although Alivia does not seem to have the day to day "symptoms" of Cushing's, she definitely has indications that something is going on. She's had pancreatitis, pyoderma (which is usually secondary to something - often cushing's) and her fur does not grow. So, I worry that the cushing's is negatively effecting her internally. I usually seem to have many more questions than answers. :confused:

Thanks, Leah. I think we dodged pancreatitis this time as her pain seemed to be related to the acute pyoderma, which came on suddenly and was quite severe. Fortunately, that is resolving very well and she seems to be feeling MUCH better. She even has some pep in her step, which is SO good to see! Such a roller coaster this all is that it is especially nice when there is a period when things are going well!