enjoy your babyboy and try not to worry about your little cuty patooty molly...patty and milo xoxox
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enjoy your babyboy and try not to worry about your little cuty patooty molly...patty and milo xoxox
Have a fabulous time with your family Sharlene, how exciting to go and spend time with them. I will miss you terribly of course but hopefully I will have a healthy Flynn to present on your return... lots of hugs for Molly too xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sharlene, have a wonderful time with your family, and yes, your family here will sure miss you!
Love and hugs,
Lori
Hey Sharlene,
Have a great time and safe trip. Jasper and I will miss you too, of course! Hugs to you and Molly.
Sharlene, so sorry I missed you before saying "have a great time" with your little potato and family. Have a lovely and fun time. I gather you must from that spunk of yours. :D
Sorry Molly is hard to figure out, hate it when that happens...:mad: Hope someone figures it out soon.
Love ya and looking forward to some good stories upon your return.
xo Jeanette
ps. Missed something else here too. so, am I to understand that now the veterinary field feel it is wiser to still treat a dog with cushings although they are not symptomatic, in order to prevent all the potential complications of cushings? :confused: this has always been a concern for me with my girl when she takes her trilo breaks, and it brings me back to a very old post wherein we were breaking our minds wondering if "we treat the numbers or symptoms"?
Golly!:confused:
Belinda,
Sorry, had to say you made me LOL with your sand comment. haaaaaabaaahaaaaa...Come up north anytime and build all the snowmen you'd like in my yard, and bring a dump truck while you're at it too...we have snow coming out of our ears, and one can't be so selfish...:D
xo Jeanette
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bo's Mom
Have a great time Sharlene with your family.
Safe travels and have a great Holiday!
Terry
Missing you aleady Sharlene, but what a treat, a one year old grandson in the snow, hope Molly gets to go with you and play in the snow. That would really be a hoot, a one year old and Molly in the snow, beautiful pictures. I can hear the happy laughter already. Have fun. Love, JoAnne
Have a fun & safe trip! we will miss you.
Dear Sharlene
Enjoy your baby grandchild, and as Addy would say put the Cushings in the drawer and shut it closed for know.
Hugs Sonja, Angel Apollo and Arion, his little brother
Maybe this might help. Apollo was on allergy medicines for years unfortunately, which often times have steroids in them and so do other medications which can cause the cortisol to go up,also stress.
http://www.vetinfo.com/elevated-cort...s-in-dogs.html
Sent from my iPad
I'm baaaccckk!
Wow, you guys were busy on here! I've been typing my fingers off since getting home. :) Lots of snow, grandson was a hoot! Gosh they grow so much, he's got the cutest smile. I started calling him sunshine since his smile just lights up a room. :)
I can't pick Molly up till tomorrow. :( Our plane got in too late tonight. I Hate the silence in the house when she's not in it. So, not thrilled about that, but I'll live.
So, I get to the vets to drop her off and went over what I wanted to done. Lord have mercy, as they say, in for a penny, in a pound. I must have gone nuts and went for several pounds.
So, Molly is having complete blood work done, and a T4 panel . (might as well eliminate things)
A urinalysis. She's prone to crystals and I check for infections any chance I get.
Also she has had some small stones before (no need for surgery thank god) so she gets an xray thingee, to check for any stones, which they said, also shows organs. So, I'm like, yes, check it all. She gets these about once a year or year and a half I guess.
Now for the extra pound part. I went ahead and said they should do the LDDS now after all. I know I said I was gong to wait but with boarding, grooming, all the other tests, I figured, what the heck, lets go for the whole kit n' kabodle.
I don't know if I've left off anything else that I had done or not. The list seemed to be a mile long, or it could have just been price shock at the time. LOL Anything is possible. I'm pretty sure I left in a daze.
Anyway, not sure what results I'll have when but you can be they will be posted when I get them. Cross fingers that we are good on the test results!
Hugs all. Thanks for the well wishes. You guys are all just awesome! I'd be three sheets to the wind and bat crazy if not for everyone here. :)
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Yay welcome back Sharlene and a welcome home for Molly tomorrow, she will be so pleased to get back to her Mum and home!! xx
Hey Sharlene: So glad you are back. I know Molly will be so glad to get home. Hope all her testing is normal and you don't have a bill shock. Your baby grandson sounds so precious, human babies and dog babies just make us smile, not comparing the two, just loving the good feeling we get with all babies. Love, JoAnne
Welcome back!!!
Welcome back!
I think Molly is going to be giving you the ole stink eye after all those tests. lol:p
I am keeping my fingers crossed that everything comes back good & you can enjoy your holidays.
We missed seeing your happy post while you were away. Glad you got to have fun with your family.
Hoping for good test results!!!! I bet Molly was so happy to see you and go home!!
Well, test results are back and guess what, we are still baffled. LDDS, continues to suppress wonderfully. ALP continues to go up, ALT has gone down. Urine Gravity is good, concentrated.
So, I'll do the run down, because even I hate going through pages of this thread looking for past results.
Ready? Set. Go!
Ultrasound July 2012:
Liver: mildly enlarged, diffusely hyperechoic and margins rounded
gall bladder: moderate amount of echogenic debris present
stomach: moderate gas
left kidney: hyperechoic speckling in the cortex and mild derease in corticomedullary definition
left adrenal gland: mildly enlarged with caudal pole larger than the cranial pole
Urinary bladder wall: mildly thickened at the apex, although lumen is not fully distended.
Mucosa: mildly hyperchoic and irregular and two small calculi present
right kidney: similar in apperearance to the left kidney - small non obstructive calculi present
right adrenal gland: upper reference of size to mildly enlarged
lymph nodes: mildly enlarged
Test Histories:
ALT - 54 (10 - 118) May 2010
ALP - 518 (20 - 150) May 2010
Albumin 46.7 (26 - 44) April 2011
Protein 78 (51 - 72) April 2011
ALT - 110 (6 - 118) April 2011
ALP - 764 (5 - 141) April 2011
DEXA (LDDS) May 2011
Cortisol (Base) 82.2 (20 - 300)nmol 2.97ug
Cortisol (DEXA) - 4 hours 28.7nmol 1.04ug
Cortisol (DEXA) - 8 hours 35.1 nmol 1.27ug
Albumin 44.1 (26 - 44) (barely out of range) March 2012
Protein 76 (51 - 72) March 2012
ALT - 139 (6 - 118) March 2012
ALP - 1121 (5 - 141) March 2012
ALT - 152 (6 - 118) June 2012
ALP - 1003 (5 - 141) June 2012
ACTH (2 draws - this is due to the agent used by the vet) June 2012
Cortisol (base) 172 (30 - 300) 6.23 ug
Cortisol - 1 hour 924 33.49 ug
Cortisol - 2 hour 1014 36.75 ug
Lab states, that in a normal animal Cortisol will increase above 250 but not above 600.
The results are consistent with Cushings Disease; Pituitary-Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism
Albumin 46.8 (26 - 44) August 2012
Protein 74 (51 - 72) August 2012
ALT - 144 (6 - 118) August 2012
ALP - 1054 (5 - 141) August 2012
LDDS - August 2012
Cor1 - Cortisol (base) 30 - 300 nmol/L 2.86 ug
Cor34 - Cortisol - 4hrs < 27.59 nmol < 1 ug
Cor38 - Cortisol - 8hrs <27.59 nmol < 1ug
and finally Urine gravity 1.038 August 2012
LDDS - December 2012
Cortisol Base 87.2 nmol (30 - 300) 3.16 ug
Cortisol 4 hr <27.59 < 1 ug
Cortisol 8 hr <27.59 < 1 ug
Thyroid Mini Profile - all within normal ranges December 2012
Albumin 47.3 (26 - 44) - December 2012
Protein 73 (51 - 72) - December 2012
ALT 125 (6 - 118) - December 2012
ALP 1229 (5 - 141) - December 2012
Cholesterol 10.39 (2.50 - 9.90) - December 2012 (I was told to ignore this due to possible sm amount food in the AM)
Urinalysis all normal, no crystals
gravity - 1.035 (clear, dark yellow, concentrated) - December 2012
I notice I didn't receive a copy of any report on the xray for stones, etc that they did, but I was told, no stones (i only notice there wasn't a written report in my papers when I got home)
Vet is to call me later this week, she wasn't in today and she'll have a hard time reaching me
until maybe Thursday or Friday by my schedule. I was told, nothing was urgent, so don't worry, but
that we should go over where we are at with the blood work.
Basically the ALP continues to rise. We think the ALT might be going down in reaction to the
Heppato Support supplement.
I asked about doing a bile acid test, but was told that none of her other liver values have gone
out of range, as would normally be seen in a dog with liver cancer.
I asked about Kidneys, and they said they are fine.
Next stop? I don't know. Didn't show an adrenal tumor on the ultrasound. Something made her ACTH have
high results though and is keeping her liver and adrenal glands working. It just isn't a pituitary
tumor from the sounds of it. I don't think anyway.
I'll see what the vet has to say when we finally get together via phone. I already told the front desk that I'll be asking for all test results to be sent over to the IMS so that we can brain storm
and see if we can figure this out.
It is frustrating, that I can research and know the things I should know about cushings, the basics anyhow, but then when it comes to Molly I find myself clueless.
Thanks for listening and reading all. Yes, molly was very glad to come home and be with her pack. :) She is clipped down poor thing. Going to be a chilly month or so till that coat grows back in. Bit of miscommunication there.
Yep, there was definitely some sticker shock when I went to pick her up. But it's molly and we all know I work for her. :) ROFL!
hugs,
Sharlene
Just spoke to vet. As long as molly isn't showing any cushing symptoms we aren't going to do anything else. Just monitor her. At some point we might go with a full liver panel (bile acid, etc) to see how that is functioning, but right now the ALT is coming down on the Heppato Support. She said that it could be a very small, almost nonactive pituitary tumor, or not very active and that could cause the high ACTH and still suppress on the LDDS. So, again, monitor. She said that would also cause the liver to react as we are seeing with the higher ALT's, but they aren't alarming highs yet and she has always had a bit of a pot belly too, so we are just in further wait and see mode I guess. She said nothing showed abnormal on the xrays too.
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Yay Molly.. I hope she never ends up with "full blown" cushings. I know you feel the same way. You are such a good mommy. I know it is probably frustrating not knowing the exact reason why things are off. :confused:
sharlene you are such a good mommy and i was happy to read about molly.i am so happy she is not diagnosed with cushings.i pray she will be keeping you busy playing and snuggling.keeping an eye on you two.patty(milo)and meka xoxox:)
Sharlene: That is woderful that Molly does not have full blown Cushings. She may never get it, you are so good to monitor everything. That makes for a very Merry Christmas for you and your whole family. Give Molly lots of belly rubs and hugs for me and CoCo. Love, JoAnne
I hope not too. The vet keeps talking about a small pituitary tumor or an not always active small pituitary tumor. The cortisol is high, so we have to consider that something is causing it be that way. At the moment the plan is to continue to monitor her for symptoms. Which of course just makes me watch her like a hawk and doubt what I am seeing.
I know she sometimes grazes her food, eating some of a bowl in the morning and finishing later, other times she eats all in the morning and then wants more at night. The dog has Never said no to a treat, so no way to tell with that, although I'd like to move her to green beans and carrots, etc, solely. (hard to do when everyone wants to give her something and people come by with Christmas gift treats for her along with the toys) Yes it's true, we get drop offs just for molly.
If she doesn't have her SO food, she doesn't drink enough water. I've tried to see and sure enough, she won't drink as much as she does on the SO food, which has her at just where she should be. So that is very Non-cushings. She pees like a million times outside, but she's always done that since puppyhood, as she's an alpha marker dog. (or with her, more likely a prima donna marker)
She doesn't want to jump up because she knows if she looks cute and longingly she'll be lifted. Same thing at night if she is asleep before bed, then she has to be carried up, but if she's not she'll run up those stairs like her tail is on fire. So, it's hard to tell with her, she's such a little prima donna princess personality. (our fault I'm sure).
We'll just see what happens and what future tests look like. In the mean time, here I am :) LOLOL
hugs all,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
and we are all glad of that no matter what;):D:D:D:DQuote:
In the mean time, here I am LOLOL
Gosh that Molly is a mystery girl... hate not knowing what is causing her trouble though. When Flynn had all the cushings tests initially, they could not pinpoint anything and I remember his IMS saying often they have to wait for symptoms to really declare themselves before they can a reach final diagnosis. Soooo frustrating when you know your baby is not right, but things are just not adding up with the investigations. Good to hear she is having fun with her toys! Watch all that slippery ice outside you two!
Trish and Flynn xx
I remember that several others seem to have gone through a long period before a full diagnosis of cushings was made. It could be that at some point in the future, she'll stop being able to suppress, but until then I hate the thought of starting her on meds for cushings. Till then a mystery molly remains. A happy one at least :)
Right now she is having a blast, we just put the tree up and she's periodically wondering if she should attack it or take a nap under. *I vote for a nap.
Plus I just brought home groceries to make dinner tonight (Jambalaya and jalapeno bread) The smells of sausage, etc have her nose twitching like a runaway train, so fast I don't see how she can breath and sniff at the same time. I imagine it's going to kill her when I really get in there and start full out cooking. This btw, is suppose to inspire me to get motivated to decorate the tree, wrap gifts and in general be a merry elf. :)
It's a happy dappy merry holiday sort of day!
Happy Holidays
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
It's great news about Molly's test results and also that she's doing well.Quote:
Originally Posted by molly muffin
however attacking the tree gets my vote!!
uh oh, sounds like Molly has a partner in crime!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by mcdavis
ROFL
Sharlene
Absolutely ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by molly muffin
If a dog's getting up to mischief it usually means it's feeling well - the worst day of my life was when Hamish's arthritis got so bad that he refused to move, eat or misbehave.
You are absolutely right! A mischievous dog is a happy dog. Molly isn't quite as mischievous all the time as she use to be, now she has more like, spurts of trouble making. Then she needs the nap afterwards. :)
Well, tree is up and decorated!!
Molly seems to have a lot of presents this year. :eek::eek:
She can open her gifts, but she can only have 1 treat on Christmas morning (after a very reduced breakfast to take her Heppato pill). We learned that the hard way after her very fist Christmas with us, she nipped the daughter, and later we realized she was completely over stimulated after only being with us for about a month. Now she is limited on Christmas morning and we've never had another issues in all those years.
I swear her belly looks bigger. She's put on .4 of a lb between Sept and Dec. That's a lot for her. I thinks she is getting cataracts too. :( The vet didn't mention it when we picked her up after the last stay, but she goes back the end of January and I think I'll have them take a look at her.
After so many incidents of eye issues, I'm becoming paranoid!!
Okay, recap, good thing - Tree is up and decorated! Xmas shopping is completed!
We have to go out for a dinner, but wrapping to commence upon return!
No ice!
Happy Holidays
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Sending you happy wishes and a blessed Christmas
Hugs Sonja and Angel Apollo
Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years!!!!!!!
May all of your Christmas wishes come true...
May we all stay away from any and all cliffs,
Peace and Joy to all!
-Susan
Ho, Ho, Ho Sharlene and Molly
Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas all you wonderful people and furry friends (that's the animals you guys!!)
hahahahhaha
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
And a very Merry Christmas to you and Molly and your whole family, Sharlene!!! :) :) :)
My word, 2 1/2 pages of Molly Muffin posts!!! Such a good Christmas effort from you Sharlene, how lovely you are to everyone :D:D I am sending you some pavlova for your pudding :D:D Best you go to bed or you might stop Santa from landing on your roof and then Molly will be upset :D
You are just a treasure, the shiniest star on the tree! xxxxx
Merry Christmas to you and Molly. Have a wonderful day with your family!
Love and hugs from me, Jasper and Shelby
hahahah, Trish! We went to a Christmas Eve party at a friends house, then when we came home I started baking, so you guys all got me while I was making pecan tarts at midnight. LOL You know that wait between batches in the oven can be pretty long and I didn't want to miss anyone, although I'm sure I did. If so, know I wish you all a merry christmas. :)
Right now I'm here as we await cinnamon rolls, which is a holiday morning (although it's closer to noon but no one got up early today) tradition here. Then we'll all start cooking together for a family dinner this evening. Love the holidays!!
Oh yes, later on there Will be pictures of us and molly.
hugs all,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
And Molly's Xmas pics are up!
Sharlene