I 3rd the wow!!! :) You did a great job !!! I love reading stories like this, it's kind of like an Ah Ha moment. :)
You are truly an advocate for your little fur butts :)
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I 3rd the wow!!! :) You did a great job !!! I love reading stories like this, it's kind of like an Ah Ha moment. :)
You are truly an advocate for your little fur butts :)
Thanks everyone, I did the best I could do for both my babies. Kathy I love the new avatar of precious Buddy. Tomorrow we have laser therapy, so that is not too bad. In a way I wish tomorrow was just a free to be home kinda day. We must forge on with keeping up on the laser treatments. I think I will at least be able to get some sleep tonight as I have some problems resolved. I just took Tipper out on the front porch. She seemed to be ok with it today. Not as scared of noises as she previously was. I attribute that to the fact her Vetoryl is lowered, and her cortisol number probably came up some giving her a little cushion. We'll get up and start this journey again tomorrow. I am hopeful God will have mercy on my baby and give her good results on her ultra sound. She has been my Rock Star, never crying or making a sound during all these tests etc. Jack Russells can get nasty, and she has never even tried to snip at anyone working on her.. She just patiently sits there and looks at me hoping it will be over soon. I am truly humbled by how brave and stoic she is. I have learned many lessons from her. Blessings
Patti
He's coming around for sure Patti! I'm so glad that he's realizing that you do add value and insight. Good for you!
oh yes our dogs treat us so much, unconditional love for one thing, so glad Tipper is doing well, just take one day at a time! hugs
Glad to hear things went well at the vet's.
Hope the ultra sound turns out fine.
Hugs
Wow...Patti you were productive and got a lot accomplished! I'm sorry that Tipper has to have another ultrasound and be fasted too..but I know how relieved you will feel when they can see the adrenal clearly and know for sure it is not swollen.
Glad that you figured out what's with Chance too.
What is with getting these people to get the prescripts into the pharmacy? This is what's happened to me a few times now which is why I was so shocked this last time they were on top of it. At least you can get the vetoryl there and price matched! yay.
What a good girl Tipper is..getting through all this without even a growl! Hoping she has a good night's sleep tonight..and you too. :)
Barbara
Hi Everyone:
Thanks for your support I can always count on this forum for help. Last nite Tipper slept fairly well, although she was more restless and moving around than usual. It seems something is hurting, or making her feel uncomfortable and she has to change positions. maybe the way her organs are laying from all the muscle loss? I still don't want to jinx myself, but I have to say the Adequan shots have helped her make some progress with the tracheal issues. She is not having near as many episodes of struggling to breathe, and the wheezing has cut way down. Thank you God! I have to call my Vets today as during all the chaos in his office yesterday, they let me leave without paying, and some how maybe he is not charging me??? I also have to make an appointment for Tipper's Adequan booster, so I do not forget to keep up with this. I asked the vet yesterday if the laser therapy would be bad for Tipper with this adrenal situation as it energizes the cells, and I don't want it energizing the adrenal cells especially if one is swollen. He said he doesn't think so, but I will ask the laser Dr. today before proceeding with therapy. Tipper will probably throw up when I make her get in the car. She will probably think here we go again. Blessings
Patti
The fasting for the ultra sound is important as even if the pup has gas it can affect the picture. I argued that point with our IMS last April when she suggested an ultra sound and Zoe had not been fasted.
Glad to hear things are looking up.
Wow Patti, you've really done your homework. Glad Tipper had a great night and he is having relief from the breathing problems.
Another week I know of testing, but you will get Tipper stable, and you are doing everything in your power to make sure of that.
Sounds like Tipper & Keesh have the same personalities. One vet asked if they had to muzzle him for a blood draw. Ummm NO. Maybe they know deep down we are trying to help them so they behave.
Glad things are looking better for you.. keep up the great work. It will pay off, I know it will.
Addy and Judi:
They never told me to fast her for the first ultra sound, and that fault lies with them. I thought of it and then forgot about it. I should have known better.The person making the appt. should give you those instructions. It would have saved my Tipper from all this grief of doing this over. I am going to tell my vet they need to start doing this. I hope he doesn't plan on charging me again. Judi I am glad I can use your name when I post you , I don't like to be rude and not post to the persons name. I an praying this was an anomaly that the Dr. saw the last time and we can put this scare behind us. Blessings
Patti
Patti, Hope all goes well tomorrow.
Wouldn't it be great if the vet didn't charge you? Ah, to live and dream.;)
I hope all goes tomorrow. Hugs to your zoo and you.:D
Sending hugs and praying for good results tomorrow....
Patti,
Hoping all goes well tomorrow, that the vet gets a good look at the adrenal and that it is not swollen or a problem in anyway! Hope lil Tipper is not too stressed and quickly gets out of there and gets some good treats !! Good Luck with everything. Sending out positive thoughts for Tipper!
Barbara
Good luck!
Hi Everyone:
Well I am sorry to say but the news is not good. The left adrenal cannot be found and the right one is huge, or if it is not it has a tumor. They did not charge me for this either. My vet was there on time thank God. He is going to consult with the Dr. at Dechra today and call me back. The remedy for a swollen adrenal as we all know is Trilostane . She has been managed all these months on it. Now because her dose is decreased will it grow more? So am I to think tumor now. I am crushed , and don't know what else to say. Has anyone else on here dealt with this??? Also I am wondering about Nikki and if Kaibo had a tumor and that is what was removed? If this is a tumor before it invades anything what can I do. Maybe it already has and I don't know. Is this the really tricky surgery that so many have talked about? My mind is just going everywhere so excuse me for that please. I am scared to death for my baby right now. I need to get a plan together here so anyones help would be greatly appreciated. God Bless my Tipper
Patti
They weren't able to tell the difference in "swollen" and a tumor? That sounds odd to me but what do I know? :o The description of one huge and one not seen is indicative of ADH - the adrenal form. Did they say anything about the vena cava? Is the gland or growth pressing or invading that vein? That will help tell what needs to be done...and what can be done. IF it is a tumor and it is invading the vena cava, that makes removing the gland more risky...but many here have survived that surgery so don't panic just yet. ;)
I'm also wondering about a Pheo like Annie and Flynn had. How is her BP?
This could be the answer to her breathing issues. IF this is a tumor and it is secreting hormones or other goodies, it could cause her to pant and have more rapid breathing.
Would you remind us of the latest ACTH results? I'm lazy this morning. :o
Hope others will have more meaningful feedback, honey. Just know I am by your side and here anytime you need to talk.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang
Leslie:
Although I have heard about the vena cava I did not ask, stupid me if it was invading it. What are you meaning by phenol/ what does that consist of? Her last acth was 0.7 pre and the post was 3.0. I am in over my head Leslie I am glad you posted. Blessings
Patti
Leslie:
I just put a call into the Dr. to ask about the vena cava, I will post to you as soon as they call back and tell me the answer.
Leslie:
I just read where not enough cortisol can swell the adrenal glands, just as too much can also, could the lower top number have caused this?? If the dosage is now lowered form 30mg to 20 should that help, or maybe take her off for a while?? Blessings
Patti
Sorry...by "pheo" I was talking about a different type of adrenal tumor called a Pheochromocytoma. Kim's Annie (frijole) had one that was finally discovered after numerous tests and miles of travel. They are not common. Trish's Flynn also had a pheo instead of a cortisol secreting Cushing's adrenal tumor. Here is a link about them -
https://www.addl.purdue.edu/newslett.../Spring/CP.htm
I am NOT saying this is what is going on....I was just pondering possibilities since they did not state positively that what they saw was a tumor.
As for what Trilo can do to the adrenal size....I can't begin to help. I cannot keep up with Trilo so I basically quit trying to talk to folks about it beyond the very basics...and I worry about that every time I do. So I will let those who do understand it help you there. The ACTH post is great...but, again with Trilo, the pre does seem to have some significance so I will let others address that as well. :o
You will get through this, Patti, whatever it turns out to be. I can well imagine the terror in your heart today, how hard it is to breath at times, and the incredible speed your mind is racing at trying to understand what this report could mean. You will dig and fight just as you always have to make sure your sweet girl is getting exactly what she needs. I may not be able to offer more than a shoulder at times but I am always here as are so many others, fighting and praying along side you.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang
OK let's focus on facts at this point. It is very common for vets to be unable to get both adrenal glands. It happened to Annie and hers weren't swollen immensely - just couldn't get the image. Could be equipment, skill of technician, dog squirming - a number of things.
Where was the ultrasound done? Regular vet clinic vs specialist's office?
Did you get a copy of the report. It is written. You need that report. Not a willy nilly description of "huge" and "big" and "swollen" etc. Too many ways we could miss out on valuable info. So get it if you don't have it and post it verbatim so we can look at it.
Annie's adrenal tumor is one that does not cause cushings but it can mimic it as the body is emitting adrenaline and creating cortisol to fight the illness. That's why she had 7 false positives on all the diagnostic tests for cushings.
Her breathing issue was sporadic and it was 100% tied to high blood pressure that only occurred when the tumor was active and emitting the adrenaline. She would breath so fast I was afraid she was in cardiac arrest.
She didn't eat either. Those are the main issues - she became frail and her hind legs wasted to nothing and she could no longer get up/down. Just sharing in case any of this helps. Kim
Tipper's blood pressure has always been good it is now 140 used to be 120, sometimes 130. It fluctuated. The ultra sound was on a brand new machine at the vets, where 3 Dr.'s were looking on. He could not find the left adrenal and there was a rather large round object they kept looking at and thinking that was her left adrenal swollen or a tumor. There is no report. I would have to take her to Pgh. to get another us done to get a report, or they could send the images they have to a radiologist to read?? I am going to Pgh tomorrow, I am wondering if this must be done again if my vet can get me an appointment tomorrow?? I need to know exactly what this is so I am going to insist on having one in Pgh. I must do all I can to in this instance as I am extremely past worried. I am calling my vets office now. Blessings
Patti
Patti all ultrasound eqpt is not created equal - even if it is brand new. Most vets simply do not have the level needed for high quality resolution which is certainly what you need. Usually specialists will have them. I went to a specialist 60 miles away and even their fancy machine didn't capture Annie's. I ended up going many months later 5 hours each way to a university teaching hospital. They took tons of film and got it - the tumor - on film the first try.
It is unacceptable to pay for an ultrasound and not have them do a written report. It may even be a requirement - they certainly have to take notes and write something in the file!
Hopefully others will chime in - I have to leave for a meeting. Hang in there and please don't worry yourself silly. Take one minute at a time ok? Kim
Everyone:
I have an appointment for Tipper tomorrow in Pgh at the hospital where my IMS is. She will be doing the ultra sound. I don't do things half way. When I do something I need the best Dr. and the best equipment. This was just a preliminary test at the vets to make sure her adrenals were going down, when this was found. When it comes to my dog she has to have the best possible place to have this done. I don't want any mistakes, so I feel better repeating all of this. We will have a radiologists report and the help of my IMS on board. I have to fast her until 11:00 and this is going to be really hard on her. She sees the eye Dr. at 9:45 am and then to the ultra sound at 11am. Please pray for my girl, I am just shattered by this turn of events and need you all to pray for her. Mel please ask Tia to watch over my baby. Blessings
Patti
This is a good plan Patti, good job getting it all arranged.
Maybe a change in Tipper's routine will help with fasting. When I have to fast Zoe I start out the morning with a totally different routine. I don't even use the same rooms we normally do. I don't worry about it before hand, so Zoe stays calm and I just keep moving around doing something differently until time to go to the car. It has worked like a charm and trust me, Zoe is a hard one to fast. Keep repeating" it will be no problem" to yourself and don't think about it will be hard to fast. I know it is hard to do but it has worked for us repeatedly.:):)
I already started prayers for you and Tipper and I am going to continue positive thoughts only and continue to hold you and Tipper close as we all do.
I'm with Kim, don't panic yet, though I now that is easy for us to say.
Patti,
When Buddy needed an ultrasound, we were sent to an emergency hospital where they had a high-resolution machine. They also had specialists to interpret the results. His regular vet had an ultrasound machine, but it wasn't powerful enough to capture what they needed to see. I was grateful to be referred elsewhere.
I am so glad that you're following up with a specialist at Pittsburgh and getting another ultrasound. They SHOULD have a high resolution machine. Great job for following up so quickly.:) xxxx
I hope this one gives much more detail and you get a definitive answer!
Good idea Patti....Off to the specialist and a better sonogram which will be more definitive and maybe end up as good news and not bad.
I will be thinking of you and Tipper and sending all positive thoughts for a good outcome. Hoping Tipper gets through her fast okay, poor girl. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to set things straight...sounds like you're going to the right person and place.
Barbara
Patti-I'm so sorry to hear about Tipper! What IMS are you seeing in PGH?Quote:
Originally Posted by goldengirl88
Hi Everyone:
For some reason when I called my vets office and told them I wanted him to call Pgh. and get me in tomorrow asap, he didn't fool around this time like he normally does. He called immediately. I think the next part is an intervention from God. He called me right back and said "you know something funny happened, when I called the vets line and got an assistant it was Dr. Petersons assistant." "The assistant told me that Dr. Peterson had a cancellation for 11:00 as just as she went to use the phone to call someone to fill the spot for the Dr. I rang the phone." Dr. Peterson is the IMS who saw Tipper before, that did the scope on Tipper. I cannot believe how this happened. It is divine intervention to help my girl, I know it is. I am sorry I am crying as I am typing this, I am an emotional wreck. I am trying to not display this nervousness in front of Tipper as I don't want her upset. To Leslie's question, the vena cava is not compromised and it is laying right along side of it. When my vet called me to talk to me after talking to Dechra it got a little confusing. He said in the beginning they felt she had pituitary dependent Cushings as both adrenals were swollen. Now with one almost 2 1/2 times it's size he says he is wondering if it could be adrenal dependent. How can that be because treatment with trilostane would decrease it and they both were decreased on the last ultra sound. I read that if the cortisol goes to low, that it can blow up the adrenals also just like when they have too much. Does anyone know any different?? So I am thinking because she was low it shrunk the left one that cannot be found, and it blew the right one up to compensate. Do you think this sounds logical, as my vets rendition doesn't??? If it were adrenal one would have been really swollen in the beginning instead of both. I am thinking my way is more logical, as when they go into Addisons the adrenals blow up that is why they need the prednisone. She was very close to Addisons and Dechra was worried she would go into it. Her pre number was only .7 and the post 3. If this explanation is not feasible then it is either a tumor or pheo as Leslie said. If in fact it swelled because of low cortisol, should I think about stopping the Vetoryl now??? I guess we have to determine what it is first, as if it is a tumor stopping the vetoryl may increase it??I am all over with this so I will have a better plan together tomorrow, as I do expect some concrete answers when the radiologist reads he images. I am not going to let this take my girl!!!!!!!!! I will fight to my last breath. Any suggestions or anything at all that could be helpful please let me know. Pray for my girl please.Blessings
Patti
Crystal:
I go to Dr. Peterson at PVSEC animal hospital. Is this the place where you take your dog also? Hope all is well with your baby. Blessings
Patti
Good luck tomorrow Patti. Remember your are doing everything you can, and you should be proud of yourself. I'll be thinking about both of you, and truly hope everything turns out.
Judi:
Thank you, please say a prayer for my baby . Blessings
Patti
Hi Patti,
This is not the news that I know you or any of us wanted to hear. However, still so many unknowns that it is hard to create a game plan.
So, did Pgh did the last ultrasound? same place, so they can compare the two? Very important that they get a clear image of both glands tomorrow I think. Then if one Is enlarged, you definitely want to know if it is the gland itself or if there is a tumor. If a tumor, what kind, what are the thoughts of why it has grown when it wasn't there previously.
Maybe a call yourself into Dechra and ask them about whether or not the trilostane could cause an adrenal gland to swell and the other to decrease.
I'm just throwing thoughts out as I don't think you can know anything positively until after seeing the specialist tomorrow and getting their take on this.
Hang in there Patti. I know that today, tomorrow and every day you will always do the best thing possible for your furbabies.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Patti, I am praying for Tipper.
I am glad she will be having another US in Pgh tomorrow.
You were talking about adrenal dep cushings. Didn't Tipper have an MRI done or am I not remembering correctly? You asked them to not tell you the size of the tumor. Maybe my memory is really bad and I'm confused.
Hope all goes well tomorrow. I will be thinking of Tipper and praying all will be fine.
Hugs
Hope all goes well for you and Tipper. You both will be in my prayers
Tons of prayers being said and sent for you and your sweet girl.
Love and hugs, Lori
We are all here for you and Tipper. Sending many prayers and positive thoughts your way. Keeping all fingers and paws crossed.
Prayers for both Tipper and YOU. Stay calm knowing you have the cushings angels (us) flittering over your shoulder throughout the process. You are not alone. Kim