Buddy, The Mighty Lizard Hunter - Suspected Pituitary Macro Tumor

That is sooooo funny. Who would have thought that would even be possible!

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

What a handsome pup Buddy is, and the haircut is adorable! I never heard of a pup falling asleep while getting buzzed, what a character he is....love the lizard stories!!!!!!

Kathy,
I can't believe Buddy slept through a buzz cut!! :D :D That is too funny! He looks so cute all sacked out with his paws hanging!!
I don't know about Frontline and Trilostane. I stopped using Frontline a couple summers ago. I had so many bouts of gastro problems with Trixie that I suspected the Frontline had something to do with it. My vet thought I was wrong but, well...I stopped using it anyway.
I bought an old fashioned flea and tick collar and when she is outside I leave it on and then I take it off inside the house and I do a good tick check on her, I supposed I'm taking chances but I try to really check thoroughly.
Buddy is all ready for the hot weather with his super cut! Trixie has to get to the groomer this week. I have been reluctant to take her but she really needs a clipping badly!
Barbara

Hooley Dooley! He slept through his cut? Wow, just goes to show how much love and trust he has in you :D

Anyway, as for the heat bit, just coming off a long hot summer (in fact, hottest on record for us), I absolutely noticed that Fraser was considerably hotter this year than he had been in the past. I ended up buying some cool mats for the boys to lie on, and once they worked out what they were for, they draped themselves over them every night and day. And this was when I had the aircon set at an ambient 24C too (which is really nice and comfortably cool for me) In previous years, this same temp was perfect for the boys but they both found it harder this year. I think in addition to the cushing's, as dogs get older their ability to stabilise their core temp starts to go too, so it just becomes doubly hard for our kids.

Buddy will definitely be cooler and more comfortable after his hair cut, a spritz of water on the back and belly can be nice too, but if he overheats still, I highly recommend looking into the cool mats. I bought the gel based one (neither of my boys are chewers though - that is something to consider) and they love it. (I have to admit, one particularly sticky night, I nicked it too :D)

As for the frontline, I am pretty sure it is safe, though I too don't use it. Oscar has a rinse after baths (cause it helps to control his skin itchy's, not for fleas) but fraser hasn't been flea'd in over a year. It's not something we have an issue with. Ticks aren't an issue here (unless you go bush - but we don't) and the parks we visit don't seem to be an issue for fleas either. It's either that, or Oz is covered by his rinse, and Fraser just doesn't smell right to fleas cause he hasn't had any in years!

You know, I reckon we should build a list of things that are safe and not safe to use with trilo and lyso. I've often wondered about various things like this. :p

Thanks for all the great ideas. Naomi, I am going to check in to a cool mat. Buddy is not a chewer either, so it would probably be perfect! :D I'm going to hold off on the Frontline until I hear from some of the other angels. Thank again.:)
Buddy has been having some head tremors again. I'm not sure what is going on with that.
Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Hey Kathy, could you explain what Buddy does when he has a head tremor, Sim is doing weird stuff too with his head, just wondered if it was the same....thanks

Hi Letti,
Buddy's head tremors started a few months ago. He became ill overnight and ended up at his vet, then the emergency hospital. I was told there that he was having head tremors. He ended up at a specialty hospital a few days later for a neuro consult. The tremors had stopped by then. The neuro consult was to determine whether's Buddy was even stable enough for Cushing's testing. At the time, he had difficulty walking and could barely stand up. He hasn't had any head tremors since then until yesterday. When Buddy has one, his head only will vibrate/shake. When I touch his head, it feels like a vibrator. The rest of him is still and stressed. Buddy panics when it happens and he unable to settle until it stops. The length of time varies with each tremor. Some last longer than others. I hope this helps!
Hugs and love to you and Simba,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Kathy, I don't know of any contradictions in using Frontline and Trilostane together, so I believe it would be safe. Darn those fleas!!!

Love and hugs, Lori

Hi Kathy, that is so very scary for you and for Buddy.
Did the neuro consult ever come up with a reason for the tremors? What is causing them?

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

There were two neurologists and one neurosurgeon at Buddy's neuro consultation. The emergency hospital recommended a neuro consult because of Buddy's overnight inability to stand or walk. They did spinal rads at the emergency hospital ruling out a disc problem in his back. His vet would not proceed with Cushings testing without a neuro consult because he was having so many issues. The head tremors had disappeared by then. The neurologist wanted to do an MRI to determine if Buddy had a stroke. That would've cost over $3500 just for that test. There is nothing I could do about a stroke anyway. Since they gave me the clearance to go ahead with Cushing's testing, I decided to do that, because at least that could be treated. I had already paid Close to $3000 in three days not counting the neuro consult. The neurologists thought that the head tremors were probably caused by Buddy's liver throwing off clots which can happen with uncontrolled endocrine diseases like Cushings. At that time, Cushings was suspected at all three hospitals, but had not been tested. The emergency hospital did an ultrasound which revealed a very large liver, extending over all the other organs. Yesterday afternoon and evening his head tremors returned. He also had a couple of them today. He is doing so well with his Cushing symptoms abating, now this! He was able to stand, then walk and even run within a few days of his neuro-consult. I don't know what to think now. I don't know if Buddy's vets know anymore about head tremors then they do about Cushings treatment.
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Aw, I feel so bad for you and Buddy, how scary....what next is right with our pups, praying for your Buddy that his head tremors get better and that you are ok too....hugs and thanks for explaining...

Tears are streaming down my face as I dictate this. When Buddy ended up at the emergency hospital because he was so ill, he was having head tremors at that time. He was so ill that he could not stand up by himself and was obviously in distress. A tumor was suspected because his liver look so large on the x-rays the regular vet. I had to leave him at the emergency vet so they could do an ultrasound and see if there was a mass. I had already started the grieving process expecting to have to let him go. I was determined not to let him suffer. I cried going out to the car carrying his Sherpa bag. I was unable to drive so I sat there in the car for a long time. I finally composed myself enough to drive home. Several hours later I was called to come pick him up. There was no mass, just a very large liver extending over the organs. They had fed him a couple hours before and he ate eagerly with no more vomiting. His head tremors had stopped. He wasn't ready to move on. We followed up with his vet a 2 days later. His head tremors had not returned. We left with the neuro referral and the rest is history. After getting his Cushings tested and controlled, the head tremors rear their ugly face again! I am back to square one. I don't want him to suffer. The head tremors obviously distress him. Will they stop again and for how long?:confused: It is all very sad. :( Yes, I am enjoying every precious minute that I have with him. Yes, I'm try not to look at what is yet to come, but it's hard. Especially hard when I thought the head tremors were gone. He is a perfectly fine, happy,little lizard hunter for the most part.i don't know what to do! :confused:

Have you ruled out a macro tumor (pituitary gland)? Obviously something is going on that they haven't figured it out. I'm kind of surprised that they thought treating the cushings would cease the head tremors. This isn't really something we see unless it is a macro tumor.

Perhaps you know all of this but just to be safe as I don't have time right now to read the entire history - most cases of cushings are pituitary tumors - very small near the brain. In about 1% of those cases the micro tumor becomes a macro tumor - it grows.

Have they done a cat scan of the brain? I know the last thing you need is more expense but I would think the neurologists would be focused on the head/brain vs the liver. But I'm not a neurologist.

You must be exhausted. I totally understand what is like to not have answers. Hang in there. Sending love, Kim

Oh Kathy,


Hugs and love,

the head tremors, they did not think it was some kind of seizure?
I have to wonder too about doing a cat scan as Kim suggested. I know money can be an issue, gosh, I cant believe what we have spent on Zoe in three years but if you could swing it----

Also, was Buddy tested for any tick borne diseases?


(((((((((((luv)))))))))))))))))))

I emailed the neuro-surgeon who did Buddy's consult to ask about a possible macro-tumor causing his head tremors. I copied part of it to share with you.......

Last Friday (May 3,) Buddy's head tremors returned. He had a couple of them on Friday, again yesterday, and one already this morning. His head vibrates/shakes when they occur. It feels like touching a vibrator. The rest of his body is still. He panics, whimpers and stays close until it subsides. A micro-tumor on his Pituitary gland caused his Cushings. Could it be growing into a macro-tumor causing the tremors? Would you recommend a cat scan of his brain to check for a Macro-tumor or do you think the tremors are caused by something else? Finances are an issue, so I would need to know how much a CAT scan would cost, Or whether it's worth even scanning for it under the circumstances.

Buddy is due for another ACTH test soon. That is another $300. His Cushings symptoms have all abated except for Rear leg weakness, which is better. He has been fine until the tremors started. I'm thinking that I need to focus on figuring out the tremors first and worry about the ACTH later.

Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Kathy:
So sorry to hear about Buddy's problem with the head shaking. That is not anything I have ever heard about on here before. I pray it is not a macro tumor. I do know that Tipper's CT scan is going to be 950.00 if that helps you. The worst part of getting a scan to see if it is a macro tumor is there is virtually nothing you can do, except radiation and brain surgery. They are both very costly. That is why I never had Tipper's CT for the tumor on her Pituitary. In a way I really don't want to know because if I found out she had little time to live, I don't know how I would make it thru the day, it would just killl me. I swear I would just have a massive meltdown. I am praying for Buddy. Blessings
Patti

Good girl for sending the email. Re prices - they are all over the map but often teaching schools are less. I don't have the options you do - I had to drive 5 hrs each way to the nearest specialist which happened to be K State Univ Vet Hospital for my Annie. She was there 2 days and they did all sorts of blood work, ultrasounds, MRI, cat scan and her total bill was like $1400. They did the cat scan to rule out a macro and pituitary cushings (she ended up not having cushings at all).

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there. Kim

Hi Kathy,
sorry to hear the head tremors are back. I am googling like crazy. :) So, anything seem to trigger the tremors? Such as an activity, running around, etc. Have they checked eyes and ears? Is the tremor movement, left to right, up and down? Does Buddy seem in any pain during this? Is Buddy alert during the tremor? Are you able to refocus him during a tremor, sometimes with a treat in front of them? Something maybe like peanut butter, honey or something sweet vs a regular treat. I'm throwing ideas and questions up as I am reading, so sorry if they are disjointed.

Quote:

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Tremors are fairly easy to differentiate from seizures because of their regularity. They can happen during rest or activity, but tend to worsen with excitement and lessen with rest. Owners often describe tremors as “shaking” or “shuddering”.

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hugs,
Sharlene

Kathy,

Daisy's head became wobbly one night when we first started the Trilostane. We lowered the dose, tested (ACTH) 3 weeks later and increased the dose to the original amount. She hasn't had them since.

Hope Buddy feels better soon!

Yes, Buddy is very aware of the tremors. He whimpers and stays close to me until they pass. His tremors are not caused by a high Trilo dose. He had them when he was so ill, before Cushings was discovered. They involve the whole head, no just one side. The movement is a vibration like a pager in a restaurant. Yes, they checked eyes and ears at all three hospitals, when they first started. They were clear. I don't know of any triggers. Friday was a normal work day. I was working out in the pool with a friend when one hit around 6:00 PM. He came over to the side of the pool and stood there looking helpless. I could see that he was having a tremor.He could have had others earlier in the day. I wasn't home. He had already had dinner, so he wasn't hungry. He had another one about an hour later. Yesterday, he had a couple during the day. He was groomed, but slept through most of it. He had another one this morning shortly after getting up. They don't follow a pattern. Their duration is varied. They can range from a few to several minutes. I don't know if Buddy is in any pain, but he's definitely aware and frightened. He is not distractible with any treats during a tremor. He looks at me with those big brown eyes begging for me to make it stop. He does best lying in his nest bed with me gently petting and talking to him softly until they pass. He appears stoic for quite a while after and doesn't leave his bed. That's about it. Thanks for helping me check it out.
Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Poor Buddy, I'm sure that it's scary when your body is doing something that you have no control over. I don't imagine that it hurts, just scary for him and you.

Daisy's was more of a head wobbly thing, like a child who is fighting to stay awake and their heads go from side to side slowly.

You are a huge comfort to him when they happen though. He knows that he's not alone and that you are there to help.

I would video an episode so you can show it to the vet. Annie had full body trembling which I now know was when her pheo tumor was active and that is why it came and went. If I hadn't taken the video the vet would never have seen it. I think it's worth doing so you can show what you are talking about. Poor baby. Sending hugs, Kim

Kathy
Keeping you and Buddy in my prayers.CT scan at Tufts plus preop blood work ran around 1200.So frustrating everything has to be so expensive!My friend's dog has a seizure disorder and presents very similar to what you described.Hope they can figure out the why this is happening.Hugs to you and Buddy.

Thank you all,:)
Kim -The video is a great idea and so easy. I can take it with my Ipod, then play it for them or email it to them. :) I will definitely do that!:)
There has been only one tremor so far today, around 7:30 AM. I have been watching Buddy closely yesterday and today. I have to go to work tomorrow as it's the first day of State testing. Testing runs for two weeks. I can't wait til Summer, so I can be home. I don't like having to leave him knowing that he may have a tremor while I'm gone and be alone.:(
Hugs to all,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Oh I know that is so scary to be worried about them when you have to be away.
Buddy has allergies I wonder if this is due to something he is allergic to. It might not be something that has been active for him again till now. I don't know if that would be something environmental or something in his food though. A question for your neuro team to look into. Also did they rule out virus possibility of some sort? These are a couple of things I've found mentioned around the internet searches I did earlier, in which a head tremor happens with no lose of conscious, etc.

Hang in there Kathy. You're doing okay and as long as this is something that he Does come out of, while it is scary for both you and him, it is hopefully not life threatening and is something that perhaps they can find a cause for.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

First off you are a great Mom to your precious Buddy, and second praying his head tremors go away, poor Buddy...what a scary thing to go through....sending hugs

Hey Kathy

Just sending you a big hug before work and a belly rub for Buddy

Must be scary for you both, I hope you get some response to your email today

Fingers crossed work flies and you can get home to your little man quickly

Mel
Xxxxx

HI Kathy
I hope you get some answers from your vet as to what is going on with your wee man. How scary for you and him. Hope all goes well when you head back to work. I wonder if he needs seizure medication? I think they need to check him out and think the video is a great idea.

Good luck with getting it sorted asap!
Trish

Kathy,
I hope today is going by quickly so you can get home to Buddy. I agree making a video could help so the vet could see exactly what happens.
Glad there was only one episode yesterday...and hoping for none today! How has he been doing since you've been home today? Thinking positive thoughts for Buddy!! :)
Barbara

HI Kathy,
just checking in to see how things are going today. I hope you & Buddy are both having a good day.

hugs

Checking in on you and Buddy Boy. How did it go today? I'm sure you were a mess of nerve. So, sounds like a good time to go home, cuddle with Buddy a bit and have a relaxing swim. Yep, that is definitely on the to do list. :) Hope that everything is good there and Buddy is okay.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

We are hanging in there. Thanks for all the love!:)
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Pleased to hear you are hanging in there! Hope your working day speeds by with no problems at home, I am sure we would all rather be at home when they are under the weather but unfortunately something has to pay the bills, so off to work we go :(. xx

Thinking of you and Buddy

Did you get any reply to your mail? Hope all is ok today and you are having a good day

Hugs

Mel
Xxx

Hi Mel,
So sweet of you to check on us. :) No response from my email yet, but hopefully soon. Buddy had one tremor yesterday, starting around 4:00PM. It started and stopped for about 15 minutes. He could have had some while I was at work. I just don't know. It is hard when I can't be there. :( He was acting normally when I got home.:) It rained yesterday, so no lizard hunting! Buddy was not happy about that!:D The rainy weather did help Buddy's allergies. He needed less Benadryl, so he was much more alert. That was nice!:)
Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Is Buddy getting a liquid Benedryl?

Leslie,
I tried changing Buddy's antihistamine to Chlor-timeton (sp) . It was from the list you gave me. It upset his stomach the first time I tried it, so I went back to Benadryl. Not always effective and causes drowsiness, but better than nothing. Now with the tremors, I'm afraid to make any changes. Buddy is on Benadryl tablets 25 mg. - he take half a tablet, usually twice per day. Can be taken up to 3 times per day, every 8 hours. Buddy weighs 16 pounds, so 12 1/2 mg. if fine.
He can have up to 16 mg. - 1 mg. per pound. Yesterday with the rain, Buddy only needed one dose.
Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Ok...some of the liquid meds like Benedryl have Xylitol as a sweetener which is toxic to dogs. One of the side effects is tremors so I was just curious if this might have some bearing. Just wool gathering. ;)

Thanks Leslie for watching out for us!:)
Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Just stopping by to check on you and Buddy.

(((((hugs)))))