Hey Pat and Peety too, praying for your little furbabys skin to heal, hopefully the new vet will be just what you need, sending hugs too...
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Hey Pat and Peety too, praying for your little furbabys skin to heal, hopefully the new vet will be just what you need, sending hugs too...
Well, we saw a new Dr today. Actually I really liked her. She wasn't too sure about his skin but she said she has several collegues that she wants to talk to about it. She took pictures. She said the blood test do not support Cushing's. She doesn't think he has it. She wants to consult with an Internal Medicine Dr. too. She gave him a thorough exam. She is hoping not to have to repeat any of the tests. But we may have to. She said what I was doing was fine for now until we know more. She was really nice and Peety liked her too. She's gonna do some homework and get back with me on Tuesday.
So for now we will be confident that we are about to get some real answers and have a nice weekend while we wait. So I hope all of you have a nice long weekend too with your families and lil fur-babies :-}
Pat Peety's #1 fan
I was waiting for you to post about the vet visit. :) Okay so no cushings. That is good. Did she look at those numbers from the other tests?
Has the honey done anything yet?
I'm glad that she is willing to do some research and discuss with colleagues so that maybe you can get some answers.
Belly rubs to Peety and hugs to you. Have a good weekend!
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
She did look at the blood work and I believe she is going to discuss that with an internest. She pointed out that the ACTH results greater than 20 are consistent with HAC. His were 20.2. she wasn't concerned by that. Still doing the honey, no definitive answer yet. Still hopeful. He is still happy as though nothing is going on at all. I love that. But really hoping we will know something more about the skin so we can get him on something internally that may help clear it up. Love that I have a long weekend to spend with my lil guy.
And hopefully next week will be more productive.
Hugs to all
Pat Peety's #1 fan
Hi again from me!
I am glad you liked the new vet, but I am confused as to why she would say that the testing has ruled out Cushing's. First off, did she have access to the derm vet's biopsy result that confirmed the calcinosis cutis? Actual biopsies are the most reliable means of diagnosing skin disorders, and would "trump" just looking at photographs. So I am confused as to why the new vet is questioning the CC.
Also, Peety has several other lab abnormalities that are consistent with Cushing's and his ACTH was elevated above the norm, as well. It is true that his ACTH was not highly elevated, but I don't see how it can be said that Cushing's has been ruled out given all of Peety's combined abnormalities. And first and foremost is the CC -- why did the new vet say that she is disregarding the derm vet's biopsy results? That seems really puzzling to me.
For what it's worth, given Peety's situation and combined abnormalities, I do think the Univ. of Florida would be a good place to turn for advice. They will have specialists well-versed in all of Peety's abnormalities all in one spot, who can talk with one another easily. That does't mean you would have to physically return to Gainesville forever, but just to tack down this initial diagnosis and set up a treatment plan.
Marianne
Hey Pat
Just checking in on you and the little guy, how you doing?
Does the honey seem like its helping? Has the vet been in touch today?
Big hug to you and sticky kisses to Peety
Mel
Xxxxxx
Hi Mel, we are doing good, LOL stickey kisses. Haven't heard from the Dr yet. I hope she calls today, if not I will call first thing in the a.m. I am still doing the honey, with the idea that it might just be keeping it from getting worse until I get him on something internally. He doesn't seem to be bothered by anything. Being his cute lil self every day. But even still I need more answers. I will update as soon as I know more. Thanks for thinking of us. Big hugs.
Pat Peety's #1 fan
Hope you hear from the vet soon!
That is the good thing isn't it, that Peety doesn't seem bothered by any of it. Just goes on doing his thing and being happy. :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
He just had a bath and he cracks me up. As soon as he is out and somewhat dry, he takes to running around the house, sliding here and sliding there on the hardwood floor. He has no brakes. Well the brakes are his bed where he runs and jumps on it like a kid jumping on their bed. He thinks he is so cool...and he is.:) My crazy lil character. I love him so much and he makes me laugh so hard sometimes, it's like he knows just how funny he is.
Anyway, hugs to all your lil characters.
Pat, Peety's #1 fan
AW Peety, you made your Mom's day, isn't that so cool when are dogs are happy!!!! Sending hugs and prayers that his skin will get better soon and so thankful that it doesn't bother him much...
Oh that adorable Peety!!! I love after bath time. It's like their little legs just go as fast as they can and hopefully the body will keep up with the legs. hahahaha :) They are so funny aren't they.
zooooooommmm, zooooommmmmmm
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Good morning Pat :) I'm glad to read Petey's doing well! It's great you liked his new vet, hopefully you'll get some answers now. Did she mention what else could be causing his CC or was that a misdiagnosis also? I'm just asking because Ugga was diagnosed by a skin biopsy only and my vet told me it was definitely Cushings so we did not do further testing. Now I'm wondering if I should have. I loved your post about Petey after his bath, I literally laughed out loud when I pictured him zooming around the house and diving onto his bed, too cute! Have a wonderful day :)
Hugs,
Jackie and Ugga
I'm a lil down today. :confused: I talked to the Vet and she suggested I go for a consult with a new Internal medicine Dr. I'm okay with that. She said they would decide if the test that were done is enuff to get him started on some meds for Cushing's. Or, do more testing. I'm okay with all of that. I have an appt on the 10th. 12 days. ugh!!!
The thing that has me down is, I read all the posts and I have never seen anyone post that they were discouraged with their Dr. Everybody seems to have the right people for the problems they are dealing with. I have been unfortunate to find a bunch of Dr.'s that are not well versed in this area, and they lead me on.:mad: Well, so far this one is okay. She said she could do any of the tests to save some money, and she can also do the meds. I guess it's just, I look at him and once again we are not even close to getting a treatment plan. 12 more days. :( Everyday I watch him and if there is the slightest thing out of whack, I worry. Today he didn't eat all his food. He's playing tonight and feels good and all that is okay, but just that one lil thing, not eating much got me worried. And I'm sure he will eat more later. And all will be fine. I listen for him at night. If I hear him, I get up and check on him, sometimes it's just a bad dream. I make him wake up every morning before I leave for work, so I can see him walk and stretch, and oh yeah, give me dirty looks too. He's not exactly bright eyed and bushey-tailed, I'm not either when somebody makes me wake up. But I feel better when I walk out the door that he is ok. I call my mom later in the morning to check on him again. And so far it has always been good. This is June and this all started in January. January!!! I truly have lost all faith in Dr's. My lil guy needs a Dr. dedicated to HIM!!! I cannot afford to waste anymore time. I hate CC and Cushing's. I wish I had never heard of it. I wish it would just go away. Sorry, tomorrow is another day. A better one, I hope. Thanks for letting me vent....big hugs to all of you and your lil fur-babies. Give them an extra big hug tonight. 12 days and counting...again...
Pat Peety's #1 fan
Hey Pat, oh I know how easy it is to get down, so glad theres a place to vent, and please keep venting, you will feel better to get it out rather then hold it all inside...Getting to the right vet can be so hard, especially those with knowledge of cushings, you just keep looking till u find the right one, thats what I did...my old vet said that Simba was just getting fat, if I was still at that vet, Simba wouldn't even be treated yet for cushings...I drive an hour to my new vet, she is very good with Simba and with me ( I cry all the time it seems ) always thinking the worst and finding things to worry about...I decided that I just need to treasure every moment I have with Simba, and try to stay positive for him...take care hon, here for you, and remember God has His eye on little sparrows, you know He's watching little Peety too...sending hugs and prayers....
Pat, super big hugs! Nope, not everyone has the right vets for the right problem by any means. You know what is really bad, is that we can tell sometimes by what is said, what tests are ordered, what medical protocols are followed if the vet knows what they are doing or not, and sometimes they don't but the patient, doesn't realize it. You know at least what you want, and if you don't know, you'll ask and that is half the battle.
I'd call the vet back and say, you know, it's great to get to see an IMS, but I really need to do something for Peety and I'm not comfortable waiting almost another 2 weeks before we can even talk about a plan. Can they possibly get me in sooner, call me if there is a cancellation, something.
I continue with my vet, because of the staff. I'll battle every battle with the vet, because Molly is only comfortable with this staff, and it took her almost 5 years to get to the point where she was comfortable and didn't try to bite them All. There are still some new people there that she terrifies, but then there are others that can go right in, get her, do anything with her and she is fine. I'm more comfortable with the IMS, but I had to bully my vet practically to get the referral to the IMS, then she was huffy at me for the longest time about it. Well, too bad. She isn't huffy any longer, seems to have gotten past it, but we have blood tests coming up again, and who knows where it will lead. I'm not looking forward to it.
I really wish they would understand that you have already waited a very long time and that now you need the answers, you need a Plan!
I agree, I hate cushings, I hate CC and you can vent any time you want! Everyone on Here will completely understand and I don't doubt they'll all agree that they hate it too.
It is worrisome, we understand that completely. I didn't go to the office yesterday because it was stormy and molly was scared. I'm lucky enough that I can work from home if need be and I wasn't going to leave her when she was shaking in fear. We just adapt as best we can to what they are feeling like or going through at any given moment. If Molly doesn't eat I worry, if she drinks more water than normal, I worry, if she doesn't drink enough I worry. I think that we are all the same way. We watch everything and trust nothing. It's not a great way to have to live, but again, we do it because we love them.
They are bright shiny lights in our world. :)
HUGS, Sharlene and Molly Muffin
P.S. Addy is using a shampoo from her vet, and she is having some good luck with it and getting the crusty stuff of Zoe's skin. I wonder if it would help Peety too.
Dear Pat,
Not all of us have been happy with our vets... I and a few other members have fired our fair share. For whatever reason we need a new vet, albeit that we moved or a vet's lack of experience, I actually started interviewing vets. :o At the time, the best I could do was a vet that only had treated 6 cush pups if I remember correctly, and only 4 were considered successful. Through the help of the members here, we and our vet got through it.
As Leslie would say, Welcome to the twitcher club sister :) It's not a club we really want to belong to, but know that you and Petey are not alone in this journey.Quote:
Everyday I watch him and if there is the slightest thing out of whack, I worry.
Now you have me blubbering, again... I know how much you all care and I know you all have seen it, done it and no doubt cursed about it. :D I just don't ever want to reach a point and have to say I didn't do enuff. I think sometimes my standards are to high, that maybe there will never be a Dr that is good enuff to treat him. Maybe I have to many questions, and not very accepting of their squirrely answers.
I will call again and see if I can get in sooner. And thank you for that sweet reminder that God has his eye on Peety. I know that, honestly, that is the only thing I know I can trust. Thanks for your continued support. Big hugs, Pat
We'll blubber with you :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin
How how is Mr. Peety today and his mom?
Anything else on getting a sooner appointment?
Just checking in on you two. :)
Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Okay, two people now are having decent luck with ketochlor. I think you can get it from your vet, it's a shampoo. You'll want to check the directions for use, but Addy and Julie have both used it.
Any luck on a sooner appointment?
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Thanks, Sharlene, I'll check with my Vet. I did some research and read some reviews. It sounds as good as anything else. Worth a try. What were the reasons they were using it? Was it CC, or just skin problems? Have not gotten a call on an earlier appt yet. I guess that Dr. is only there until noon so there are only a few appts anyway. I'll try again Monday. He's doing good. My sweet boy, The honey regime is 100%...no doubt about it...Messy :D:D:D:D Have I abandoned it, not exactly, but I have enough to give me facials for a loooooooooooooong time :D:D
Pat Peety's #1 fan
Pat: So sorry Peety has not found his regular vet yet, but you seem to be doing a very good job yourself taking care of him. I like my vets, but none of them seem to have treated too many Cushing pups. They are all willing to try to help CoCo with whatever I ask. I think Cushing is an elusive disease with many different symptoms and hard to treat. I think CoCo has had all of them. I just keep trying to find ways to help him. He is bothered by diarrhea now and the Metronidazole does not seem to be helping. I just keep trying to help him. I get the most information from this forum and from the internet and I know that is what you are doing since you have found the honey to help Peety's skin. I feel like this forum is more help than the vets since the people here have the experience with their pups. Maybe you will find a vet this week and get a true diagnosis. You are doing a great job. Love, JoAnne
I think it was skin problems they were/are treating for with the shampoo. How is Peety doing?
Got to run to work.
Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
JoAnn Is CoCo still doing okay with his skin? I agree that most vets treat by trial and error, at least in this area. And they don't really want you to know. Well, I hope the IM Dr. I am seeing Monday will have a better idea of where we go from here. You're right most information on this disease is from people that have lived and breathed it every day. Peety still doesn't present any signs of Cushing's, it's mostly the skin problem. So I would be real happy if they said no Cushing's and just concentrate on the skin. But I also know that I don't know what is going on internally so I cannot second guess at this point. He is still doing good and tolerates whatever I do to him. My sweet boy. Just wish I had one little itty bitty sign that something is working. Maybe tomorrow:) Big hugs Pat Peetty's#1 fan
Hey Pat: CoCo still only has a few calcium deposits on his tail, but his hair is so thin, makes him look like one of those little abused dogs. He is having trouble with soft stools and diarrhea now which is worrisome since I cannot seem to figure out what is causing it. I know you will be glad to find out for sure if Peety has Cushings. It would be wonderful if he does not. I will think happy thoughts for him. Take care. Love, JoAnne
When does Peety have his appointment? Is it next week? Hope everything is going okay. :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Monday. Don't know if they will want more test or if they will react to the ones I have. He's doing good. Still doing the honey and I found out yesterday my cousin who has diabetic sores is using the Manuka honey. I read it is the best thing to treat wounds with. I do believe it has changed the appearance of the skin I am treating. I believe in it. Maybe a longer process but at least this way he does not have to take oral antibiotics. And he is still happy as can be.
I am so glad to hear that the honey is helping and Peety is not needing oral antibiotics. That is terrific news!:D Love to hear good news!:D:D
Hugs,
Kathy
Good you can see the honey helping.
I used sudocream on Tia as it helped with the itching and inflammation.We only had to use anti biotics a couple of times and princess got it twice so I also believe in natural where possible.
Hope all goes well on Monday, will be looking out for his report
Sticky kisses for the little man and a hug for you :D
Mel
Xxxxxxx
Great news Pat. Glad you are seeing some results with the honey.
They say that stuff is awesome. :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
I do not understand how anyone can be in the business of caring and not care. I waited in the Dr's office (in an exam room) for 20 minutes when I went up to the desk and told the girl I did not think they knew I was there. She said oh yes, they do, they will be up in a minute. I waited another 10 min when a tech came in. I told her I had been there 30 min, she said she was sorry that they have a new computer system....wait right there....What does that have to do with me, a live person waiting in a room for 30 minutes. :confused::confused::confused: So she took the info on Peety and said the Dr would be in shortly. I waited another 15 minutes and then took my lil guy and left. AND...I was the only person there. They have 6 exam rooms and I was the only one there. So I decided if that is how they were going to treat us on the first visit then they would not get a 2nd visit. So I went down the street to a Vet that I went to many years ago. I asked the receptionist if they treated Cushing's and she said yes. I have an appt tomorrow. Dr Morgan who I know real well is on vacation, but at least I can get in and get started with another Dr. She was the Dr that treated my Bassett for Lymphoma. She was wonderful.
So another day and m a y b e we will be a lil closer to getting something done for my lovable - more than patient - sweetie pie.
Pat Peety's #1 fan
I am so sorry!:( There is so much technology right now. I think some people have forgotten how to relate to others and the young ones haven't had a chance to learn. Manners and conversing with people face to face are lost skills. There is no excuse for such unprofessionalism! :mad: I would be furious!!:mad: I hope you're able to get some help for Peety at tomorrow's appointment.:o
Hugs,
Kathy
Me too, it's beyond frustrating.
You build yourself up for these things so it creates more stress. I do hope you both get somewhere tomorrow
Big hug, sticky kisses for the little man
Mel
Xxxxx
Thanks guys. I am not hard to get along with, really. I just want the best care...from the best person for my lil guy, that is not too much to ask. And so far no one has put Peety first and that is hugh for me. I have almost decided that since January he has not gotten a lot worse and so left up to my own devices, I think I am doing a pretty okay job taking care of him. The place I went to today is a specialty place with a lot of Dr's. with a lot of degrees in an environment so sterile it is stripped of personality and professionalism.:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rol leyes: Seriously.....And you know, no one chased me down to try to make it right. :(:( And it is stressful for me too, but I can do stress as long as I am doing the right thing for him.
It makes me sick and sad. But having said that, I will continue in my search for the right person to take care of my best bud. I feel comfortable with Dr. Morgan. She is ahead of the times. 20+ years ago she did Chemo on my Libby. So I know I can trust her with his care.
Pat Peety's #1 fan
OMG Pat, that is awful!!! I would have left to, but not before giving them a piece of my mind probably. LOL I know I shouldn't distribute the pieces out all willy nilly, cause you never know when I might need them back, but sometimes it's just worth it.
This is the place where you had to wait 2 weeks to get in to the see the specialist and then she only works half a day or something like that?
What a crock.
Now, has Dr. Morgan every seen Peety? Gather up all your files to take with you so you don't have to retest anything.
Hugs Pat, I think you are doing a good job. Just do a quick review of those labs that we talked about last month, because there were some values on there that need to be addressed by a vet. okay~ you're doing wonderful! Just hang in there!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
No, She has not seen Peety. I left all the test results from other places so they can review them before the appt. Oh, BTW, Sharlene, I did leave a few pieces there, I was so mad. :D:D:D Yes, this was the place where she is only there 1/2 days and it took 2 weeks to get an appt. Apparently she spends those 1/2 days in the back drinking coffee....or whatever....
There are not a lot of IM Dr's around here. Sadly, though, he not only needs an IM Vet, he needs a good overall vet that can address all issues. You know he is almost 12. So life threatening or not he has normal needs that a vet normally tends to. I know Dr Morgan will be a good person for him. And if she has to refer me to someone else, she will be very involved in that referral. So tomorrow I am looking forward to Peety meeting Dr. Morgan.:)
Good for you Pat!!! I'm just really irritated with them on your behalf. grrrrrrrrr
I'm really looking forward to hearing what tomorrow brings and hoping for some good discussion between you and the vet and a plan! You're right, Peety deserves the best.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Me too. I have wonderful memories of her and previous fur-babies. I remember one time, I had a 17 y/o daschund, she had treated for years and she was having seizures and it was the weekend and she called me to see how we were doing and we sat and cried on the phone together. And my Libby that had lymphoma, she had previously delivered 11 puppies for her, then later treated her for cancer. So we go back a ways and she has just the biggest and best heart in the whole world. Can't wait to see her again.
She sounds like good people, good vet.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Grrrrr sometimes I feel like charging them for my time, we are busy people too! That is so rude if she is out the back drinking coffee... hope all goes well with your visit tomorrow.
I have been meaning to tell you that Manuka Honey has been on the news here recently in NZ, someone was in trouble for packing it up and sending heaps overseas for a profit as it was so expensive to buy, I think they sent it to Japan! Seems it is quite an industry posting it overseas :) I still find it funny that we grew up putting it on our toast and now it has all these great medicinal properties, glad to hear it is helping Peety :)