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Hi Everyone:
Got all geared up for Tippers tests today, only to get to the Vets and find out he just got called out on an emergency. Geez oh man!!!! Oh well we rescheduled for next Wed. Will let you all know what happens. Hope everyone has a good week, and God Bless all of us and the babies.
Too bad you had to make the trip and then not get the tests done. Like you said, you get all geared up for it then... Hopefully the vet was able to help what ever the emergency was and they are OK. Have a good rest of the day.
Hugs to you and Tipper.
Oh man.. that stinks! I guess everything happens for a reason. Tipper gets a break from vets until next week.
Guess it happened for a reason but a pain none the less.
Next week it is then. Some things are just uncontrollable. Nice to know that in an emergency your vet will go.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Addy:
I read in one of your writings that your dog had glaucoma. How was that discovered, what were the symptoms, and did you go to an eye specialist or what. Was Cushings the cause? I am curious because several months ago I noticed a change in the appearance of Tippers eyes. My Vet checked them and told me she is just getting old, not too sure I ever believe him without checking things out somewhere else. She has not exhibited any sight problems, but I was just wondering how this was detected in your dog. Thank You and God Bless
Not sure if my case was different. but, I had a bulldog who got glaucoma. I think your vet would know for sure if that is what it was. It is very painful for the dog. At least in my case. There was lots of pressure on the eye. But, he was also in the throws of meningitis. :(
Good Morning Everyone:
Very cold morning here in the East. Hope it warms up as Tipper needs to walk, and because of her heart I only take her when it is above 32. She has been very naughty this week because she cannot understand why she is not walking. She is such a high energy breed that she has to burn off the excess, or there will be consequences!!! She has walked miles every day since she was a puppy, and she seems to think she is being punished, and keeps running to the door begging to go. I wanted to ask opinions on this subject as it will be coming up for Tipper in March. It's the old vaccine question. Are you still continuing to vaccinate your Cush dogs? I have read so many thing against it- especially the flea protection. I am concerned however since we live in kind of a country setting that has wildlife roaming, about Tipper picking up something when not vaccinated. I guess Distemper is a big worry. I also read, I think on here, about people vaccinating their dogs and the dogs passing not too long afterward. Tipper will be due for shots in March so I need to make an informed decision. I know she can have a titre done for rabies, but don't know what to do about the others. Also I found towelettes from Vetri Science with all natural flea repellents, which I will use now. Just wondering how everyone feels about this? Tipper is going for the Stim tomorrow, blood panel and urine, so okeep her in your prayers. God Bless all of us and the fur babies. Looking forward to some input on these vaccines.
Good luck for the Stim tomorrow! Hope the results come in exactly whre you want them.
I will also be very interested to see what others say about the vaccine situation. Obviously vaccines differ between countries, but it's still an interesting question.. I have no idea what the US vaccines are like so I can't comment, but will face a similar question myself in May. Especially as Fraser is allergic to one one them! :eek:
Hi there! Since you are asking about vaccination, here is a link to another member's thread in which we had a pretty extensive conversation last spring. If you start with the reply in the link and then keep scrolling onward (even onto the next page in the link because there are several more related replies there), I think you will get a variety of opinions and information which should be helpful as you make up your own mind as to what is best and safest for Tipper.
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/show...2003#post72003
I wrote a couple of long relies that you'll see in that link, so I'll not bore you by repeating my comments here. But for me, the bottom line is that there is no single answer that is the best for every dog -- Cushpup or not. You need to factor in your dog's age, overall health, lifestyle, geographic home, and vaccination history. These are all factors to discuss in detail with your vet in order to weigh the risks/benefits of any given vaccine for your baby. I will add, though, that for any vaccines that are given -- do check to see whether there is a multi-year version available (for instance, 3-year rabies and 3-year distemper/parvo). If possible, it seems decidedly preferable to lessen the frequency of vaccination whenever possible and to avoid annual shots when you can. Some vaccines just don't confer immunity for any longer than that, such as shots for the bacterial infection, leptospirosis, or for kennel cough. But ongoing research is demonstrating that many other vaccines confer immunity for a longer time period than originally believed.
Marianne
You can titer more than rabies, ask your vet which vaccines he can titer Tipper.Quote:
I know she can have a titre done for rabies, but don't know what to do about the others.
hugs,Quote:
Distemper + Parvovirus,MLV (optional = titer)
Hi Everyone:
It's a freezing cold blustery day here in the Northeast, but the Vets office just called with Tipper's test results. My regular Vet is out of town so I got the substitute. Her ACTH was Pre- 2 and Post- 3.5 so she is at a really good place finally. I guess the answer to my question about whether the cortisol or the Vetoryl was causing her tremors at night is answered. It has to be a side effect of the Vetoryl. Also he said the blood work was "all fine", whatever that means. I will wait until I get the hard copies myself, and then post them and we can determine if he is right according to the forum. Also, her urine was perfect, she is concentrating it, no crystals or protein. Because this disease can cause kidney problems from the medication etc. I am starting her on a renal support supplement today, and some powder to keep her PH low in her bladder. I believe in being proactive to situations instead of reactive. That method has always served me well. Tipper will be getting about 8 supplemental products a day. I checked with the Vet and there are no adverse side effects for long term use for any of them, and he did approve of all of them. I know from my Lupus that after I started taking supplements to support my organs that my blood work would come back much better. So I know they do work. I will continue using them as long as they are keeping her in a "good place." Usually I am so depressed about my Tipper that I am crying all the time, but today I cried because I was so happy with her results.I just had a big cry fest!! She will not have to have that rotten ACTH for 3 months- yahoo!!!!!! I will however be taking her the week after next for an ultra sound to see if her adrenal glands are back to normal. This will be her third time for this, and I am hoping for good news with this also. It is nice to be able to take a breather for a day, and not be crying and petrified something bad is going to happen! I hope you are all doing well, and keeping warm if you are in the Northeast. God Bless Us All, and Our Babies.
nice to read your tipper is doing well,your doing a fantastic job taking care of your litl one.best regards,patty(milo)meka xoxox
Oh, I'm so happy to read your good news, too!!!!!!!
I see you're planning to repeat the ultrasound, though, and I just want to warn you that, because of its mode of action, trilostane treatment itself is typically associated with enlargement of the adrenal glands. So I'm afraid you cannot judge Tipper's treatment progress on the basis of her adrenal imaging. Unless there is some other reason why you want to have the ultrasound done, I'd encourage you to save that money for other medical needs.
Here's a related link:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14703251
Marianne
Marianne:
When Tipper first got diagnosed her adrenal glands were so enlarged, the second time they were down considerably. I assumed we would need to repeat to see if they are normal. Are you saying they will never return to normal size? If so I may opt to spend the money more wisely. Thank you so much for the help.
Yes, I think it's very possible that her adrenals will never return to their original size. I've just now added a link to my earlier reply that you may want to take a look at.
Hi,
Hope your week is going good. My IMO sent paperwork to the city for me stating that Boriss will no longer have vaccinations do to his illness.
Did you decide what you are going to do for Tipper?
Amy
This is fabulous news!!! I couldn't be happier for you and Tipper.
One day when you have the time and feel like it, could you just do a simple post, called Supplements that I give Tipper and list all of them and what they are specifically for?
I think this could be very valuable information to be able to see clearly for many members and even those who never become members but read the forum to try and find information/help for their babies.
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Amy:
I am glad you asked about the vaccines. I have decided that Tipper will no longer get them. I hope and pray that is the right decision. I am going to limit her exposure in the common areas where we live, and keep her on the road out of the grass where other animals go. My only real concern is Parvo, because in the state she is already in that would be the final straw. I am glad Boriss is doing better on the split dosage. It is so hard to get them where they need to be with their numbers. I too am scared to death about the macrotumors. Just a few nites ago Tipper displayed that circling behavior, but when I called her she looked at me. It only lasted for a few seconds. It just scares me to death and is always in the back of my mind also. I saw a dog with inner ear problems and they exhibit the same behavior, so I am trying to make myself believe it could be that or I will go bonkers. God Bless you and your sweet Borris.
I am definitely no longer doing his rabies shot. I wonder if I should be doing the other shots? Anyone else on here have input on that?
Hi Guys,
I personally would see which vaccines your vet can titer and then decide on the risk for your pup. Koko only needed a rabies shot this year and Zoe doesn't get any vaccines anymore nor do I titer her.
It is such an individual assessment for each dog. I don't think it is a one size fits all answer.
very true! I feel good about not getting Boriss any shots since he is home most all of the time not around other dogs. He never goes to the kennel or the dog park. Mainly just hangs around people & his sister.
Please take a look at the Dr. Dodds' suggested vaccine schedule. You'll note that duration of immunity for Parvo vaccine is 7 years and probably lifetime. There is some controversy regarding the usefulness of titers; however, the experts on immunology like Dr. Ronald Schultz and Dr. Jean Dodds recommend them in lieu of administering an unnecessary vaccine.
http://www.weim.net/emberweims/Vaccine.html
Glynda:
Thank you. I have been thinking about you, and hope you are doing well. Tipper and I will keep you in our prayers. God Bless You.
Hello Everyone:
I said I would post Tipper's numbers when I got the hard copy. So here we go:
Alk Phos was 36 the range was 10-150
Alt was 23 the range was 5-107
Triglycerides are still way up there at 609 range 20-150
HGB 20.2 range 12-18
HCT 59.0 range 37-55
Reticulocyte 158 range 10-110 [ this is concerning to me was 153 last time]
Her urinalysis was all good and she is concentrating her urine, but the Bilirubin said 1+ and the range is Negative.
I am over the moon that she has a good report for once so I will just have to suck it up on the things that were high. Does anyone have any thoughts on the Reticulocyte going up a few? I am not sure why this is high does anyone have any ideas? I thanked God a million times over for my girl getting such a good report. We have truly been blessed this time around. My Vet called the Vet at Dechra, and gave them the results. Don't know if you all knew this but Dechra keeps a file on your pet. Any time I have any reports, or questions I call and get or give info. It may help other dogs when they compile results so I keep them informed. The Dechra Vet was elated with Tipper's results. Of course my Vet took all the credit, and thinks he's super Vet now! Mean while I am the one who researched and did everything!!! Oh well I don't care as long as my precious girl is doing ok. I hope with all my heart that I can keep her going on this path. I am hoping that all of your babies can get some good results, and are feeling good for the coming spring. Since Tipper now has that heart problem from this I have to look into a "cooling vest" that she can wear while walking, as this affects her ability to cool her core down . I will only take her in the early morning and evening. She will have to learn to stay indoors when it is too hot or humid,l and I know that will kill her as she wants to be out all the time in the summer. God Bless Us All and all our babies.
Yay!! good news is always great to hear. ;)
Sharlene;
Per your request I am doing this list of supplements that I give Tipper every day.
I give her 1/2 tsp. of Manuka honey in the morning. She has had some acid reflux in the past and this helps. It is an antibacterial, antinflammatory. I only use the Manuka from New Zealand and there are different strengths that determine bacteria killing power. They go from 1-20. I use 15-18 because anything after that has been processed with heat. I give it to her right of a spoon, she loves it. Do not put on bread and give them as it is so sticky they could choke.
Coconut Oil- about 1/2 tsp to 3/4 tsp. Start out low, as this can make greasy stool until they get used to it. This is for her heart, fights bacteris and viruses, lowers triglycerides, and is good for overall stress.
Vitamin E only 150 mg per day. If over that it is too much per the Vet. This is for the skin, can reduce arthritis pain, and really helps the immune system especially in cold months.
Fish Oil- For the omega 3 fatty acids, lowers Triglycerides, and helps the immune system. My Vet said only twice a week for this.It also promotes weight loss in dogs.
Renal Essentials From Vetri Science- Very important with these dogs because of all the drinking and urinary tract infections. It supports the immune system function, helps with detoxification.Use as directed on the bottle. I have checked this lab out thoroughly, and they put out top notch products. I smash this up and put in her food.
Hepato Support. It is milk thistle and helps support the liver and its functions.
Cardio Strength from Vetri Science. These dogs all get muscle wasting, and the heart is a muscle. I know first hand as Tippers heart was affected by this. It supports the cardiovascular system, and its circulation. It contains CoQ10. My Vet had a dog that was so ill from heart problems and congestive heart failure and the owner used this. The dog is still alive 2 years later.Use as directed. I won't lie, this is a larger capsule, and hard to give. You have to find the right delivery system, I use a piece of chicken, and sometimes it takes several tries to get it in.
Glycoflex. I use this because of Tippers trachea problem. I know there are a few people on here who have dogs with trachea problems. Well Tipper never had one until this Cushings started. It made fat around her trachea pressing on it making it hard for her to breathe. This rebuilds cartlidge, which is why the trachea collapses, from the cartlidge rings being weak in the windpipe. After she got this I noticed she was trying to sneeze and couldn't. This is called inverted sneezing and goes along with tracheal disease. I have noticed that Tipper is now able to sneeze, so something is working!! I smash this up in her food.
I use Slippery Elm Bark in Tipper's food each time she eats, it has really cut down on any stomach distress she has had, by lining her stomach and intestinal walls, it is great.
I also give Tipper missing link it is very supplement for what all is lacking in their diet. Use as directed and keep refrigerated after opening as it lasts longer that way.
I know this seems like a lot, but when you are talking about the big picture of your dogs life, it is worth it. It is sure working for Tipper by supporting her organs. It is a lot easier to be proactive, than wait until a problem starts and try to back peddle and fix it. I believe in supplements because they have helped me with my Lupus. You need to buy good quality supplements- go to Amazon or somewhere to buy them cheaper.
Lastly I have purchased Vetri Science Repel. They are all natural cloths to rub your dog down with for fleas. I will no longer put flea meds on Tipper because of the immune system problems from this disease. Since they are all natural the dog cannot be harmed by licking them.
Please take away from this what you think will benefit your baby, as I have thoroughly researched each and every one of these products. I have also checked with the Vets, and these products have no long term side effects known.
If this helps just one person manage their babies care I will be happy, so good luck to you all. God Bless Us All, and our Babies
Great info! Thanks for sharing that with us!
When Scoop was 6 1/2 YO he had 2 mast cell tumors removed. Right around that time he had gotten his vaccines. Shortly after his tumors were removed he saw an oncologist. She recommended that he not get any more vaccines. So Scoop hasn't had any shots since then but he wouldn't really go too many places anyway. I was a little worried about not getting the rabies shot because it is a law but I still didn't do it.
Where do you get the Renal Essentials from Vetri Science? I just found out Scoop has protein in his urine. Do you think something like Renal Essentials would be good for that?
Here ya go, Vicki -
http://www.vetriscience.com/index.php
Vicki:
I got the Renal Essentials from Amazon. The products from here all have good expirations dates and I get them quickly. You can call Vetri Science and ask them about the protein in the urine, and they will be glad to help you. Good Luck and God Bless.
Everyone:
I forgot when I listed the supplements I give Tipper to mention I use a vaporizer every night with her. I also let her smell Eucalyptus Radiata on a kleenex. It is very good for breathing problems, some use it internally which I would never do. It does help open up the nasal passages. My Vet said it is safe to put some on her, but if Tipper got a foreign smell on her she would go bonkers trying to get rid of it. I have seen a big improvement in Tippers snoring by using the vaporizer. I have a parrot who cannot smell Eucalyptus or I would have put it in the vaporizer.
Thank you.
Thanks for putting together the list of supplements that you are using with Tipper. I think that it will help others who are looking for supportive supplements in addition to treating for cushings or even something else. Not everyone who reads the forum is comfortable with being an active posting member, they just want to find out as much information as they can. Some do go ahead and become active members, but that doesn't matter as much as having information available to anyone to help them with their furbabies.
I think the numbers are looking pretty good and Tipper is obviously feeling pretty good too. :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Sharlene:
Thanks for the info on Tipper's numbers. I am cautiously optimistic at this point. I pray to God she continues to do well. I have never prayed so much before in my life. I am totally into posting to help others, as that is how I got my information from others helping me. God Bless All of Us and our wonderful furbabies.
Hi Everyone:
I wanted to post this information in case anyone has had any experience with this. I have been noticing Tipper's back, so much muscle is gone. She has an area that has become convex on her spine. She looks sway backed sort of, for lack of better terminology. I have heard others mention this. I discussed it with my Vet- wondering if I could put something light weight over her to hold up her belly. I am assuming this pot belly is pulling on her back since there are no muscles left to hold her up. I thought maybe that is why she keeps moving around at night to get comfortable. He said putting anything on her to support her abdominal area would only weaken what muscle she has left as it would not work to hold her up because it was being supported by something else. So I asked him about the cold laser therapy. He recommended me to a therapist licensed in this. It is about 40 miles away and I would have to go 2x a week for 3 weeks. I talked in depth to the therapist about Tipper's situation, to see if she could help her. She is not one for just wanting to take you for your money, so I was glad of that. She told me that we would know after 5 treatments if it is helping. I also told her about the muscle contractions in her rear legs. She said she would work on them also. I am scheduled to start her on March 4th. It is a 20 minute session. If anyone has tried this and had success or not please let me know before I take her. I am trying to solve her issues of constantly moving around the bed at night, so she can get better rest. Her cortisol is definetly under control so it is not that at 3.5. Any feed back would be appreciated. Thank you in advance, and God Bless us all, and all our babies.
Julie used it on Hannah's back problems and thought it was beneficial to Hannah. I'll go look for her thread for you and be back.
I also noticed you asked about eyes on Scoop's thread. Zoe has quite a few things wrong with her eyes, one problem is assumed to be related to her Cushings and that is crystalline keratopathy which is basically mineral like deposits on her cornea. She is also developing cataracts and has corneal degneration along with her dry eye disease. She developed an eye ulcer last spring and it did not resolve so we took her to see an opthamologist. Yikes, we were not prepared for the list of problems with her eyes. :( Funny thing is, she never had any eye ulcers or eye problems until I lowered her cortisol. I still dont quite understand that and I guess I never will.
I'll be back with Julie's thread
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/show...t=3134&page=30
ask Julie about it, she'll be glad to help you.
Hi Everyone:
Last night I was restless and got little sleep. A thought crossed my mind I wanted to run past everyone. Who on here has the longest surviving baby with Cushings? I just wondered if that person would give us some advice that may help the longevity of our babies??? Any type of different things they tried or had luck with. Just a thought.... thanks.