Down the Cushings Road Again -- Abbie, 15 year old beagle is now at peace

Hi, folks! Abbie is really not responding to treatment with meds. We went to see vet this afternoon and he is concerned about me taking Abbie to the chiropractor without knowing exactly what is going on in her neck. So ... we are off to the neurologist tomorrow. I am taking Abbie to see the same neurologist who saw my Maggie -- I really liked her and her clinic is very well respected in the area. It is an hour away but I feel more comfortable going to someone I already know. Think good thoughts for us!

Hey Judy,
You bet, tons of good thoughts heading your way!!! Let us know what happens after the appointment.
Terry

Definitely sending good vibes your way. I do hope the neurologist can tell you what is happening, why she isn't responding to the meds and set up a plan for a course of action to get her back on track.
Let us know! We'll be watching for an update!

Most definitely sending positive thoughts and energy your way.

Hugs, Lori

Hi, folks! We went to the neurologist this morning -- after listening to history and examining Abbie, the vet was 99.9% positive that she had a herniated disk. The other options were not good so I was hoping for the disk diagnosis. The vet did say that, because I brought her in so quickly, there was minimal neurological damage -- just slightly weaker back legs. I left Abbie to have an MRI and, if she did have a herniated disk, she was going to go straight into surgery. I just got a call from the neurologist -- Abbie did have a herniated disk in her neck, it was removed with "minimal bleeding" during surgery and she was already able to move her head from side to side although the vet said she was a bit "drunk". Hooray!!! :D:D If she has a good night, I will be able to pick her up tomorrow and bring her home. The vet said recovery is typically two weeks of rest. Because, unlike in humans where disks are usually fused, removing the disk completely makes for a shorter recovery. I don't know if a spacer is put in -- will have to ask that tomorrow. For now, I just wanted to know that she was doing good!

P.S. Forgot to include that I had the opportunity to put my Cushing's knowledge (that I have gained here!) into good use today -- the neurologist was looking at Abbie's last set of labs. She commented on the increased potassium and, when she got to the ACTH, said that she was concerned Abbie might have Addison's and proceeded to explain to me what that was. I told her I was quite familiar with Addison's and asked her what on the ACTH gave her that thought. She pointed to Abbie's post of 8.5 and the reference range of 8-17. I told her (politely) that the reference range was for non-treated dogs and asked her to scroll down the page to the info about "post-trilostane" levels. She then said "Ah ..."!

That is excellent news!!! They fixed your Abbie!!! yay! I'm really pleased to hear that she was already able to move her neck. That is a huge improvement right there. I am pretty sure you are a happy girl too, as this was the best possible option of what might be the problem.

Interesting how if they remove it, it's a quicker recovery time and only 2 weeks. That is good!

Oh Judy!!!!! What GREAT news!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy that they found out what was going on with our Abbie and have now fixed it...you are such an amazing advocate for your sweet girl.

Oh Judy! I've been following along, too, and I'm so relieved to hear this!!! Sending huge healing wishes to Miss Abbie (and to you too cuz I know how worried you've been! ;)).

:) :) :)

So glad you found an answer...the uncertainty is the worst~

Joan

Oh that is fantastic news!!!!!!!!!! Gentle smoochies from me when she gets home.
Terry