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

I'm crossing mine too, Mary Beth!!!:D:D:D

Hugs,
Addy

Hello,

My Maisie was diagnosed with Cushing's disease in the fall of 2009 following a tooth being pulled.....surgery. The diagnosis was directly after the surgery and we always felt it was somehow linked. My baby passed away 3 weeks ago. I am so devastated. Words cannot describe the loss and my sadness.
I read that your dog Alivia was diagnosed after two teeth being pulled. I wonder if the stress of the surgery brought on the Cushing's. Maisie was on Trilostane. Whether the tumor grew on her pituitary from a micro adenoma to a macro adenoma or else a new brain tumor grew they could not tell me. She was so weak from the disease from having it almost 2 years I opted out of an MRI. The doctors said it would have told them what they already knew anyway.
Where did you hear that Trilostane can make tumors grow faster? Could you please let me know your resource for that information?

I am so sorry for your Avilia.

take care,
jani

Hi Jani,

I just wanted to let you know that I have copied your post here to a new thread of your own. In this way, the members can discuss the questions you asked here and you will be able to keep up with all the info in one place.

You will find your thread at this link in the Questions and Discussions (same section as this):

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3385

I am glad you found us and hope we are able to help answer some of your questions and ease the pain of your loss.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Hi Mary Beth,

Stopping by to thank you for your support and to see how Alivia is doing. It was a hard day for me yesterday, hearing someone else say how high Zoe's coritosl is. I started doubting myself. I think it scared me because I was worried I waited too long. Not about starting treatment but that I did not start it soon enough.

You will like Dr. Peterson. He is really nice. Carol in his office is very nice too.

Happy Memorial Day:D

Hugs,
Addy

Hi, Jani.

I just wanted to welcome you and thank you for your post here, but I will respond in more detail on your new string.

Hi Addy -

Glad you are feeling better about things today. What is Zoe's cortisol level? Just curious as to what it is in relation to Alivia's. Carol is who I spoke to at Dr. Peterson's office and she was very nice!

Hi, everyone!

Just finally getting to posting an Alivia Update. She had a re-check last night with the IMS (the first since her 5 day hospitalization for pancreatitis). Her abdomen was not swollen and she had no pain! Her color was good; temperature normal. Her weight had dropped from 18 lbs. to 16 lbs. since she was not able to eat or drink for 7 days. It is now up to 17.5. They did complete blood work with a chemistry panel so I am waiting for those results. So far, so good.

Surprisingly, her Cushing's symptoms seem milder. I asked about whether I should consider starting treatment and got this response, "She has Cushing's because of the adrenal tumor. Surgery would cure that. Since you don't want the surgery, if her symptoms aren't bothering you, there's no reason to start treatment. Lysodren can create its own problems." First of all, Alivia's symptoms NEVER "bothered" ME, other than me worrying about HER health. It seems with this doctor it is surgery or nothing and I don't agree with that for multiple reasons: 1) Alivia is 13+ and has had other health issues, 2) The adrenal "tumor" is not clearly diagnosed and I am not 100% convinced that is what it is, and 3) Whatever is there is on her right adrenal, making surgery even more risky. On the other hand, I never want her to suffer through another bout of pancreatitis and if that takes medication, I'll have to get over it.

Why do I doubt the original diagnosis? It will make this post super long and I apologize in advance, but I would like some opinions on the "Assessment" in the ultrasound report prepared by an independent vet, specializing in ultrasound.

"Assessment: Continue to detect adrenal asymmetry with suspected nodule in cranial pole of the right adrenal gland. Normal appearance to left adrenal gland and caudal aspect of right adrenal gland suspicious for autonomous nodular function (adrenal adenoma). Cannot rule out atypical nodular hyperplasia since LDDS did reveal suppression. Recent onset of abdominal discomfort and fever suspicious for flare-up of pancreatitis. Cannot rule out concurrent or inciting cholangitis secondary to bile clumping. Visualization of “meaty” pancreas, hyperechoic peripancreatic fat, and trace of regional effusion all support inflammatory disease (pancreatitis/cholangitis). Hyperadrenalcorticism likely contributing to predisposition for pancreatitis.”

His recommendations were for the immediate hospitalization and treatment of the pancreatitis and then when she was recovered to “…continue endocrine work up with plasma ACTH level. Presence of potential complications associated with hyperadrenocorticism (pancreatitis, cholangitis) suggests that HAC should be managed more aggressively with Mitotane(rather than trilostane)if suspect macronodular PDH, or Lysodren/adrenalectomy if suspect adrenal adenoma.”

So, as usual, nothing is ever clear cut with my Alivia. I think the next step is to get her ACTH level tested then get all her records together for the consultation with Dr. Peterson I had planned on before the pancreatitis crisis. I don't want her to ever have to suffer through another attack of pancreatitis.

Sorry for the extra long post, but I wanted to hear if any of you had any thoughts on the ultrasound report, Also, I should mention that there is a bit of discrepancy between this u/s report done by a vet who specializes in u/s and Ali's regular IMS who simply said, "I don't see what he's seeing". :confused:

Oh Mary Beth,

I wish there was a clear cut answer out there and why do these vets seem to differ so much....I never had an ultrasound done on Maddie because she had Cushings no doubt about it and I just wanted her to get comfortable again. The lyso did help and she had no side effects so I was grateful. I just wish we could have seen the cancer coming, but that was a surprise and then it went so fast.

You are doing a great job and I think talking with Dr. Peterson like Addy did will help you figure it out. You will make the right decision for Alivia!!!:)

Things really are so much more confusing when the vets are in such disagreement. I had actually talked with Dr. Peterson's office about the consultation a few weeks ago and then the pancreatic crisis occurred, so it was postponed. I do think that is my next step. Although, since Ali seems to be doing so well, I think I will give us a bit of a break! This recent hospitalization took a lot out of both of us!

I forgot to post that I just added Milk Thistle to Alivia's routine. I found an alcohol-free Milk Thistle extract on The Vitamin Shoppe's website for only $9.99 and got her IMS's blessing on it. She calculated the dosage for me and gave me syringes to measure it more accurately, since Ali's dosage is pretty small. Ali's doctors are all for using human grade products as much as possible because they are better regulated.

It is confusing when things are not clear cut. I do know Dr. Peterson has written that a serious illness can also enlarge the adrenal glands.

That blog was one of things that spurred me on about Zoe and rethinking the lysodren and wanting to talk to him. Not that I doubted Zoe's diagnosis. It was just that all her tests were not conducted in a optimal way which left me uncomfortable to some degree. Her cortisol was too high to doubt it.

She was post 32ug in June 2010 and after her illness at the end of the year she was post 44ug:eek::eek: Dr. Oliver did say her illness could have contributed to some of that but the number was way too high to contribute all of it to a concurrent illness.

All her UTK tests are marked :Significant adrenal activity yet she started with just hair/coat problems and looked like a hypothyroid dog not a Cushing dog when we started this journey. The hind leg weakness came on fast. The appetite got huge the last few months and she also started drinking more water though not buckets, she does not drink more than normal but more than she did which is alot for her.

I waited for stronger symptoms and wanted to give her time to get strong, she had been so sick. I had hoped to change her food but I ran out of time:) we only made it to 2 teaspoons:(

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, Mary Beth. My husband made me promise, when all this started, not to look back and blame myself. The decisions I make are the best I can do and whatever the outcome, I did the best I could.

You will do the best you can for Ali, you always have. Go with your gut and don't look back.

When I started this journey, Zoe's colitis bothered me more than her Cushings. We have tried to fix that as best we could. Now we work on the Cushings. I could have fixed the colitis better but I ran out of time.

Love,
Addy

Addy - You have a very wise and kind husband.

The GOOD news: I missed a call from Alivia's IMS yesterday to tell me the results of her most recent blood tests. (Actually she called my home number when I am at work all day even though they have my direct dial work number, which always annoys me) Anyway, her message was, "Nice results!..." Her Amylase is about 300 above normal - she wasn't concerned. Her Lipase was normal. And, "there was a slight change in one of the liver enzymes". She didn't specify which, but said she wasn't concerned and that Alivia needed nothing further than to come back in 6 months for routine twice a year exam.

The CONCERNING news: Why does it seem like good news is short lived? Went to bed feeling really good that Ali was improving...only to be up worrying about her most of the night. She was panting almost continuously and very restless - the way the pancreatitis started. :( She allowed me to pet her belly, which you couldn't do during her pancreatitis flare up. It was much warmer in my house than it has been but my other JRT, Maxwell, was not effected at all. I gave her a pain pill in a pill pocket, which she readily accepted (and looked for more). When she had pancreatitis she refused EVERYTHING. She fell asleep soon after and seemed more comfortable. I had given her a different canned food for dinner and the fat content was a bit higher. I wonder if that bothered her a bit.

Always something!

Lipase and Amylase can be normal even when a dog is suffering from pancreatitis. One time with Harley I had the Lipase and Amylase checked along with a Spec PL test and his Lipase and Amylase were both in the normal ranges but the Spec PL test results were 464 (0-200).

The pancreas is such a fickle organ and it can take a while for it to heal. Also, pancreatitis can elevate the liver enzyme levels and it may take some time for those liver enzymes to come down.

Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Love and hugs,
Lori

Lori - Any dietary tips or other suggestions to keep Alivia from having another full fledged episode?

Just had her most recent blood results faxed to me and there have been many improvements. The only things outside the normal range are:

ALK Phosphatase 341 (5-131 U/L) 2 weeks ago this was 628 and then 2 days later went up to 665! :)
GGTP 15 (1-12 U/L) Was <5 2 weeks ago-I'm not familiar with this one? :confused:
Phosphorus 6.6 (2.5-6.0 mg/dL) 2 weeks ago was 5.5
Amylase 1474 (290-1125 U/L) 2 weeks ago was 1785!
WBC 16.9 (4.0-15.5 10^3/uL) was 11.5
Platelet Count 652 (170-400 10^3/uL) was 75!
Absolute Neutrophils 11999 (2060-10600 10^9/L) was 10350

A lot of other values have improved into normal range! :D Overall these are really good results for Alivia, especially considering what she's just been through. Her IMS was quite pleased. I think I need to be more vigilant with her diet.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MBK

"Assessment: Continue to detect adrenal asymmetry with suspected nodule in cranial pole of the right adrenal gland. Normal appearance to left adrenal gland and caudal aspect of right adrenal gland suspicious for autonomous nodular function (adrenal adenoma). Cannot rule out atypical nodular hyperplasia since LDDS did reveal suppression. Recent onset of abdominal discomfort and fever suspicious for flare-up of pancreatitis. Cannot rule out concurrent or inciting cholangitis secondary to bile clumping. Visualization of “meaty” pancreas, hyperechoic peripancreatic fat, and trace of regional effusion all support inflammatory disease (pancreatitis/cholangitis). Hyperadrenalcorticism likely contributing to predisposition for pancreatitis.”

His recommendations were for the immediate hospitalization and treatment of the pancreatitis and then when she was recovered to “…continue endocrine work up with plasma ACTH level. Presence of potential complications associated with hyperadrenocorticism (pancreatitis, cholangitis) suggests that HAC should be managed more aggressively with Mitotane(rather than trilostane)if suspect macronodular PDH, or Lysodren/adrenalectomy if suspect adrenal adenoma.”

---

Hi Mary Beth,

First off, I am so sorry that you had another uneasy night. And I surely understand your continuing uncertainty over which path to choose regarding Ali's diagnostics and treatment. I know you had asked earlier for thoughts about her ultrasound results and the related recommendations. It took me a while to be able to look them over (and think them over), but here's the little bit I can offer.

First of all, this may be what you had already planned, but I do believe the ultrasound specialist is recommending that Ali have an "Endogenous (Plasma) ACTH" performed as opposed to an ACTH stimulation test. I did not have the chance to completely read through your entire thread, but I do believe that she has already exhibited elevated cortisol per the ACTH stimulation component of the UTK adrenal panel. The Endogenous ACTH is an entirely different test, is somewhat challenging to accurately perform, but can aid in differentiating between pituitary and adrenal Cushing's. And right now, that still seems to be the question for the ultrasound specialist: trying to confirm whether or not that adrenal abnormality is actually an adrenal adenoma.

Even though Ali's 8-hour LDDS result was not consistent with a Cushing's diagnosis, it does not definitively rule out the possibility of PDH because up to 10% of dogs with PDH will score within the normal reference range. However, the fact that she exhibited suppression at both the 4 and 8-hour marks would seemingly rule out ADH: dogs with ADH typically never exhibit cortisol suppression on this test. But then, we have the ultrasound imaging which does demonstrate an abnormality of some sort limited to the right adrenal gland. So how to resolve the inconsistencies? I do believe that is why the "Plasma ACTH" is being recommended -- to further aid in differentiating whether Ali may be suffering from PDH or ADH. Because that information, in turn, may affect your treatment of choice: both the type of medication and the aggressiveness of treatment. And I definitely do "get it" that both he and you are wanting to move forward with Cushing's treatment if it is warranted and if it will stave off future pancreatitis attacks.

But there is some additional confusion from the standpoint that now Ali's behavioral Cushing's symptoms seem to be improving, but during the same time period that she has suffered from this life-threatening attack of pancreatitis. Even if you wanted to also perform a repeat screening ACTH stimulation test at this time, I don't know whether it might show residual elevation simply as a result of Ali's pancreatitis.

The bottom line is, I think these are all really good questions to discuss with Dr. Peterson. I am also thinking that you may not want to invest any more money in additional testing until you have had the chance to talk with him. Ali's situation is truly complicated, and I think it may be really helpful to have his feedback before moving forward. I know you will pay any price to keep her healthy and happy. But perhaps he'll be able to help you prioritize and focus on what the very best "next steps" will be.

Marianne

Dear Marianne -

Thank you, thank you , THANK YOU! For the time you spent on that wonderful analysis and well thought out explanation! You just clarified a lot of confusion for me and validated my feeling that the cause of her Cushing's is not so clear cut! I have been saying her symptoms have come and gone to various degrees for YEARS! Maybe there is some other explantion - a congential defect in her adrenal gland perhaps that casues fluctuations in the hormones? Alivia has never been a clear cut case with ANYTHING. When she had IMHA - the vet at Ohio State University actually said she did things that they couldn't explain and that were not even medically possible (or so they thought!). She had u/s way back then - I think I will try to get those reports. It would be interesting to see if there were any comments on her adrenal glands.

The doctor that did this u/s ONLY does ultrasound and has an extremely good reputation. The vet that works for the Trilostane manufacturer, Dr. Allen, even told me he knows this guy and that he was very good. Yet, her IMS basically dismissed this report by saying she didn't see what he saw and that Ali has an adrenal tumor and could be cured with surgery! She did not mention the LDDS supression and I did not specifically ask her to explain that, though.

I "talked" to Ali's regular vet last night by email. He agrees that the best way to proceed is a consultation with Dr. Peterson and that he will be happy to oversee her care and do whatever is best for Alivia. I appreciate him so much. He has already saved Ali's life multiple times.

Your post really put the inconsitencies of Ali's test results together in a much easier to understand way. It's also immensely reassuring that I am not going crazy (at least not about this) and not the only one that saw all these things that didn't add up!

Thank you so MUCH!!!! I can't even begin to tell you how much the support from ALL of you here has meant to me and Alivia. Happy Memorial Day weekend to you!

Hi Mary Beth,

I hope you have a good conference with Dr. Peterson and will be able to get some positive answers.

I hope you also have a good Memorial Day weekend.

Thanks, Addy! Same to you! About the good weekend, I mean! I REALLY need a long weekend right about now. My patience is shot! On days like this I think a bottle of ChocoVine in my desk drawer would be a good thing! :rolleyes:

I think this roller coaster ride of stress and worry is catching up to me.

Mary Beth, I have been following your thread and just want to let you know I am sending lots of positive thoughts your way. I hope you can get off the roller coaster for awhile and have a relaxing weekend.. Try to let go of some of the stress and just enjoy your time with Alivia.

xoxo,
Cindy, Alex and Bear

Thanks, Terri....I am sooo looking forward to the long weekend! I hope you have an awesome one, as well.

Thanks for the message , Cindy. I appreciate it! I just checked out your pictures - so sweet!!!


My goal for the weekend is for it to be COMPLETELY uneventful. I'd like to spend some time outside and take some quiet walks with Alivia and Maxwell. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Ali has the same plan! :p


A safe and happy Memorial Day weekend to all of you, my dear friends!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MBK

Lori - Any dietary tips or other suggestions to keep Alivia from having another full fledged episode?

Just had her most recent blood results faxed to me and there have been many improvements. The only things outside the normal range are:

ALK Phosphatase 341 (5-131 U/L) 2 weeks ago this was 628 and then 2 days later went up to 665! :)
GGTP 15 (1-12 U/L) Was <5 2 weeks ago-I'm not familiar with this one? :confused:
Phosphorus 6.6 (2.5-6.0 mg/dL) 2 weeks ago was 5.5
Amylase 1474 (290-1125 U/L) 2 weeks ago was 1785!
WBC 16.9 (4.0-15.5 10^3/uL) was 11.5
Platelet Count 652 (170-400 10^3/uL) was 75!
Absolute Neutrophils 11999 (2060-10600 10^9/L) was 10350

A lot of other values have improved into normal range! :D Overall these are really good results for Alivia, especially considering what she's just been through. Her IMS was quite pleased. I think I need to be more vigilant with her diet.

---

Hi Mary Beth,

GGTP is an enzyme associated with the liver. With her Phosphorus elevated I would really keep a watch on this and maybe ask your vet about adding a Phosphorus binder. Elevated Phosphorus levels can lead to a host of other problems especially inappetence.

With Harley and his pancreatitis I would feed him small meals throughout the day (3-4 meals). I made sure that when his pancreatitis was causing him discomfort that he got a pain pill to relieve the pain. I fed him proteins like skinless, boneless chicken breast, eggs and/or fish. I added carbs like rice, potatoes, noodles and/or barley. His diet was formulated for his pancreatitis/cushing's.

Hope this helps and if I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask.

Love and hugs,
Lori

Thanks, Lori.

I was on the right track. I had just bought a bunch of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and am cooking them in the pressure cooker right now. Got the rice ready, too. I figured I would cook them all in advance and use my Foodsaver to pack them into serving size portions. I wouldn't have thought of the eggs, though! I'll scramble some and add them to the chicken and rice for some variety.

I have Tramadol for Ali and a prescription for more. I will definitely give it to her if I think she is in pain. I think it is cruel for people to NOT treat a dog for pain!

Thanks for the info on the GGTP. I will have to read up on it and also on the phosporus levels.

I appreciate your help!

Dear Mary Beth,

I am here if you need anything. I'll be around all weekend if you need to talk. I'll check in on you and Alivia.

It sounds like you are going to be cooking up a storm:D:D Pour yourself a glass of Chocovin and have at it:D:D:D

It would be like a cooking for dogs pilot TV show. Can you picture it? Mary Beth in an apron with puppies on it, drinking a glass of Chocovin and her two pups in the kitchen watching Mom as she explains the recipe for dog food chicken and rice:D:D:D

It would be a hit:D:D:D:D

Love ya,
Addy

I probably could do a cooking for dogs show! I must have 10 dog cookbooks. I've been making Ali and Max treats for years, and friends' dogs, too. Alivia gets excited when she sees the rolling pin because it means I am making them treats. She will sit in the kitchen and wait for them! I try to not give them much wheat so I even started grinding my own rice and oat flour to use in their treats. I always think how fun it would be to open a dog bakery. But, since I am single and have an expensive little dog to support, I certainly can't give up my day job! ;)

I might as well cook their main course, too! I don't even cook for me! The thing is Max will want what Ali is having so I will have to cook for him, too, to avoid any grumbling. I'm thinking I might as well make enough that we can all eat the same thing! :D Would I be eating dog food or would my dogs be eating people food?? :cool:

Addy, I don't think it is a good idea for me to mix lack of sleep, a hot stove and ChocoVine! All kinds of things could go wrong with that combination! :rolleyes: As of now I have no plans for the weekend and I am really happy about that! I am truly hoping to be home ALL weekend, so I'll check in here every so often. I just hope Alivia read the memo that we are going to have a calm, UNEVENTFUL weekend!

Hi Mary Beth,

If I was closer, we could make that dog food/treat thing happen together! :D I spend at least 3 days a week cooking my babies menus and love every minute of it. My three also stand right under my feet the whole time as they know Mom is a klutz and will drop things from time to time. :p

Squirt and Trinket eat nothing but home cooked while Brick eats a combination of kibble and fresh food. In time, he will more than likely go to home cooked, too. For now, we are still figuring out what he likes and what he doesn't. Sweet potatoes are right up there at the top of the list for him! :D He didn't care for salmon BUT when I mixed it with sweet potatoes, that made it much better. :p He loves the cod, SP and quinoa mix that Trink eats...which has done wonders for her colitis.

I hope Ali enjoys her meals!

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Hi, Leslie,

I've been making treats for years, but last night I experimented with a "main course". I cooked about 8 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts in a pressure cooker, then chopped them up and mixed it with about 2 cups of cooked brown rice; scrambled 8 eggs mixed with non-fat dry milk, water and ground flaxseed meal and added that to the chicken. Then I steamed baby carrots and chopped apples and blended them in my Vitamix, along with one can of drained green beans, about a cup of fresh kale and 2 Tbs. of honey (fresh kale is full of nutrients, but can be a bit bitter) and some of the chicken broth with the fat skimmed off. It was the consistency of thick, dark green gravy; then mixed this into the chicken/egg/rice mixture. There was enough to thoroughly coat everything.

It came out a "lovely" lime green color (:rolleyes:) but both my dogs LOVED it!! Alivia can be very picky and I can never get her to eat any kind of veggie by itself, but apparrently I disguised them pretty well! This made enough for both my dogs to eat for a week, so I packaged it up in serving size portions and sealed them with my Foodsaver. I tried to get a variety of nutrients into this: protein, calcium, fruit, veggies, antioxidants, flax, fiber, etc.

I had checked to make sure every ingredient was not only "dog safe", but had a beneficial nutritional value (even the honey in small amounts). Next time, I'd probably use fresh or frozen green beans, but I didn't have any. Anyway, since this is my first attempt, any suggestions?

Hi again, :p

You are right on the mark about the canned stuff. They can contain things that are not particularly good for our babies - like onion and garlic for seasoning not to mention the salt content. Fresh or frozen is always best!

Kale is from the Brassica family of veggies which can cause problems with the thyroid. So if you have a baby who already had issues with the thyroid, this family is best avoided. When I first started cooking for Squirt, I went to a Holistic vet who specialized in canine nutrition. She made up a diet for Squirt that gave me options of what to use - a list of meat, veggies and fruits - but no measured quantities of the ingredients. The list included kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. After she was on this diet for a bit, I had labs run and she came back as hypothyroid. When I took her off that diet, her values returned to normal. So I know from experience that these veggies can cause problems. Use them sparingly.

I don't use any processed ingredients in the menus I fix - everything is fresh/frozen. Mostly fresh. I will spend days cooking squash and sweet potatoes, then measure out the amount for a weeks worth of food and freeze the portions. Cooking as much ahead as I can and freezing helps when it comes time to make the food - not as much has to be cooked all at once. And I use several ingredients in Squirt's menu - turkey, beef liver, sardines, sweet potatoes, butternut or acorn squash, brown rice, quinoa, green beans, low fat organic yogurt, and lentils (I think that's all! :p) When I cook Trink's cod and Squirt's liver, the whole camper stinks! :D

Rice needs to be well cooked - to the consistency of wallpaper paste - to aid in digestion and absorption. That was easy for me since that is way I like to eat my rice! ;) Loose grains make me gag. :o

White meat has less fats than the dark meat, and fats are something you want to watch with our cush pups - pancreatitis, as you well know. Cook skinless poultry, boiled or baked. Squirt gets the white turkey meat and Brick gets the dark so it works out well to cook a whole turkey breast for us. Before Brick came along, I ended up using the dark meat for our meals.

You are doing a good job and I know you will learn more and more as you progress. Canine nutrition is a passion of mine these days; I love my studies and especially love to see my babies eat with such obvious pleasure when I know they are getting really good food.

Keep up the good work!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Hi Mary Beth,

I must say that you are an adventurer in the kitchen. I never would have come up with such a concoction. If I had half the energy you have, I might try to duplicate that recipe but without the milk. I think all of my crew would love it.

I've discovered over the years that most of my dogs have been very dairy intolerant. When I was growing up, we had a miniature poodle who slurped down ice cream cones in record time and it didn't phase him one bit. I tried that in later years with a few of my furbutts and the fallout was pretty awful. I'm lactose intolerant and my dogs were even more intolerant and experienced much worse side effects than I ever did. I ended up at the vet's office so between the bill and the vet telling me no ice cream or milk for my dogs was enough to keep them lactose free. Thank goodness the cream cheese I wrap around Lulu and Jojo's mitotane doesn't bother them.

Leslie - Thanks for the tips. The green beans I used were low sodium and unseasoned, plus I rinsed them. Still not optimal, I know. Next time I will use fresh or frozen. Alivia has never had any thyroid issues, so she should be okay with kale in moderation. I make my own yogurt and sometimes give them a bit of that as a treat. Love quinoa, so maybe next batch I will try that! Right now, on the heals of the pancreatitis attack, my primary concern is to keep it low fat.

Glynda - You could easily leave out the milk. I actually wanted to use almond milk (which is soy and lactose free and just all around good for people), but wasn't sure if that was okay for dogs. I'll have to research that unless Leslie or someone else here knows. And, I WISH I had energy! I was recently diagnosed with RA, so between work, taking care of a house and everything else, I am usually pretty exhausted! Plus, stress seams to really take a toll on me so Alivia's recent crisis took a lot out of me. But on the positive side, Alivia seems to be doing well! It's a holiday weekend and for a change it is NOT raining in Pittsburgh!!!

Hi Mary Beth,

I am not familiar with almond milk so I did a bit of research....and found conflicting info. :rolleyes: I did find this response from a vet on Just.answer Dog Veterinary:

Quote:

---

Question - Can I give my dog almond milk?

Answer - Hi there, I am Dr Christelle and I would like to answer your question. :)

Almonds are known to be toxic to dogs - the kernel inside the pit is toxic. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pains, seizures, lethargy and coma. The toxin is related to cyanide.

It all depends on how the milk is produced, and if any of the kernel gets incorporated into it. I would stay away from feeding my dog almond milk just as a safety precaution - I would guess that they would have to ingest quite a bit for it to be toxic and it all depends on how it was manufactured (I don't know anything about the standards or procedures for human consumption, but humans and dogs are very different regarding poisons). I would not take that chance though.

---

- JustAnswer http://www.justanswer.com/dog-health...#ixzz1NgNi6eR2

Another site made a distinction between bitter almonds and the almonds that are sold for food in the US, saying that it was the bitter almonds that contain cyanide, not the ones we can purchase in this country (USA).

I will pose the question to my nutrition group and see if I get a better answer. If I do, I will pass it on asap.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Dang, Im a gettin' mighty hungry with all this talk of food!!!!!!

Forget the dogs, how about cooking for ME???????:D:D:D:D

Mary Beth, I don't know how you do it. I work full time, have an elderly mom to watch out for, the house, the yard, the dogs, two grandchildren and I am exhausted most of the time. I don't know how you keep up.:) You go girl!!!!!!!!:D:D:D:D:D:D

I hope Alivia is resting, is pain free and enjoying Mom's wonderful food. I'm telling you, a cooking show for dogs!!!! It would be a hit!!!!;););)

Love,
Addy

Leslie - Thanks for checking on the almond milk. I did a very quick search, too, with similar results. I hate when people post answers to questions on the internet when they really have no clue what they are talking about!! Seems like there was a lot of that when it came to almond milk! I won't chance it until I know. It's not all that important since my dogs have never had a problem with dairy products. I am curious now, though.

Addy - We have much in common! I work full time, have a house and yard to care for, 2 dogs and two beautiful grandkids, too! My elderly father passed away in October. :( Trust me....I am exhausted most of the time, too! Believe me, I have lowered my standards on a lot of things! I used to be a neat freak, but apparently I have gotten over that! :o

We had an "episode" early today. Ali and Max were in the backyard. I heard a lot of birds squaking and Ali barked the bark she does when she is telling on Maxwell. Max had caught a baby bird that had just left its nest. Needless to say, the tiny little thing did not make it. Max was quite proud of himself and really wanted to bring it inside. I finally convinced him to drop it and was left with having to get it off the deck....:eek:

Alivia LOVED her homemade food this evening and seems to be doing well today. I still am terrified that she could relapse with the pancreatitis...so, I feel like I am on eggshells watching her every move. I gave her a bath today and her fur seeems to be getting thicker! I think it is even starting to grow on her belly and shaved legs!! I wish I could have some type of gauge installed on her that would tell me hour by hour what her cortisol level was!! Wouldn't that be helpful for all of us?!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MBK

I still am terrified that she could relapse with the pancreatitis...so, I feel like I am on eggshells watching her every move.

---

I remember how nervous and panicky I was when Harley was dx'd with pancreatitis especially because he never showed any symptoms of that illness.

Every 3 months from his initial dx of pancreatitis I would have a Spec PL test done. I did this for almost a year and then seeing his Lipase numbers dropping I only did the Spec PL test when I thought Harley might be having problems with his pancreas.

You're doing a great job!

Love and hugs,
Lori

Lori -

I can understand why you would have the tests done. With Ali it was very evident there was something wrong. I had never seen her in so much pain and I never want to see that again. It was awful. It came on so suddenly. It really scares me to think it could happen again. She seems to be doing well, so hopefully with time I'll be able to relax some....at least that is what I am hoping!

Thanks for the kind words.

RE: Almond Milk....so far, the consensus is to use goat's milk as a substitute. Will pass on more as I get it! :)

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Got this via email just now -

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5595045_nu...mond-milk.html

Hi Mary Beth,

I am sorry if it seems that I am pushing you to get the Spec PL test done on Ali. This is not true at all and if I have made you feel uncomfortable in any way, I truly apologize.

I am hoping, with this post, that I can clarify my reason as to why I had Spec PL testing done.

Harley's pancreatitis was first seen via an ultrasound. To confirm the severity of his condition I had a Spec PL test done. I also had other Spec PL tests done to verify that what I was doing did not further antagonize his pancreatitis, especially since Harley did not display any symptoms.

The first Spec PL test results were in the 500's and later on we were able to get that number down to 303. The Spec PL test is a diagnostic tool for pancreatitis but it can be used to monitor pancreatitis as well, much like how an ACTH stim test is performed to analyze how well the Cushing medicines are working.

Wishing you and Ali the best.

Love and hugs,
Lori

Leslie - Who knew info on Almond milk would be so difficult to find?! Goat's milk?! I see that is listed as an ingredient in some store bought treats I recently got them. Personally, I will just stick to good old cow's milk in limited quantities!

Lori - No worries. Nothing to apologize for! I did ask her IMS about that test and she didn't think it would tell anything we didn't already know at this point. But, may have it done at some point. Glad you told me about it so that I now know it is available.

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday weekend!!!

Spent the weekend worrying an watching BOTH my dogs. Maxwell, my JRT who will be 11 years old in August, suddenly stopped eating completely. He killed a baby bird Saturday morning (but did not eat it); ate dinner fine on Saturday and that was the last he's eaten. Sunday around noon, he drank some water and threw up a little clear liquid. I never saw him drink any water after that. He had no interest in anything and was very lethargic - not at all himself. He is usually happy go lucky and full of energy. Max has never been sick a single time in his entire life, nor has he ever refused a meal or a treat. He didn't seem to be in any pain, but I started imagining cancer and all kinds of awful stuff. Took off work to take him to the vet's and, of course, he perked up there! He had a slight fever, 102.7, but nothing else obvious. The vet said it could just be a bug and gave him an antibiotic for 5 days, and I am to call him if he's not better in a couple days. He is still refusing food - I couldn't get him to take a pill pocket - and is back to sleeping.

These dogs are really going to age me!

Alivia still seems pretty good...I think. Her cushing's symptoms still seem pretty mild. She was very clingy this weekend, which concerned me because that's how she was right before the pancreatitis. She doesn't have the stamina to be running around chasing me from room to room and upstairs and down, so as a result, I spent a lot of time not doing much of anything. She does not seem to be in any pain, but there is just something about her...she just doesn't look happy anymore. :( Sometimes I feel like I am holding my breath waiting for the next crisis.

I sorry Mary Beth that you are the roller coaster again!!!! It just doesn't seem to end sometimes. Snoop got ahold of a rotten rabbit the week before last and gobbled down a good portion of it when she saw me coming. I kid and call her a "reverse muchausen by proxy pup"!

Sometimes, I think they want to get sick for all the attention. I spent the next few days waiting for the other "shoe to drop". Thankfully, it didn't...just really bad gas for a couple days!

Good thoughts coming your way for some relief and good times with Ali and Maxwell!

Rene & Snoopie

We all seem to be on a merry go round lately. A friend always used to say "you know dogs, always something":D:D

I hope Maxwell starts feeling better soon. Sometimes they just know to fast themselves.

I'm thinking we should have a case of Chocovine at work, not just a bottle:rolleyes::rolleyes:

Hugs,
Addy