Miss Millie Mayhem (Eng Bulldog) - NEW Dx: Cushings PDH and AWFUL Calcinosis Cutis

Kerry, you can also try using coconut oil on her skin. I use it on Peety and it does keep the skin moist. Make sure to get pure coconut oil. I have Peety on omega3. I bought on line at 1-800-petmeds. It's a capsule, that I puncture. I like the idea that Tina has a liquid. But this works ok, maybe next time I order I'll look into that. Aloe Vera is also good. The one I have I got at the pet store and it is especially for dogs. There's a lot of things you can use. I try to stay as close to natural as I can. When his sores were real bad, I would bath him in Hibiclens and then put Neosporin on the sores. It was a while before I could use anything else. You will get very good at knowing what is good and what makes her feel better. And as the disease gets better you will even change your routine again. Right now, though just focus on keeping her clean and free of infections. That's real important. You're doing great and your love for her will also help you make right choices for her.

Hugs, Pat and Peety

Hi Kerry,

We used a couple of things along the way with Sabre... we started off supplementing with Fish oil .... and then we then tried EPO (evening primrose oil). There are some research studies on the use of EPO for skin issues in dogs but last time I searched I had difficulty finding them!!! We also added Flaxseed oil to his food. Sabre was fed a raw diet.

Angela and Flynn

Thanks for all the input! I just emailed our Dermatologist and asked her what her thoughts on Cocunut Oil and Fish Oil given Millie's condition. I am so happy my Derm is not ready to kill me yet with everything I email her way...oh well - gotta do what we gotta do :D!

I will ask about EPO and flaxseed in my next email to her. Thanks again to all of you.

Was also just told about a vet who also practices acupuncture and has a mobile veterinary hospital (and is located only about 50 minutes from us). She came highly recommended and I thought wow, this is interetsing. Looked up vet and saw:

Dr. Betz offers several types of alternative medicine such as acupuncture and “veterinary” chiropractic. She has completed over 200 hours of coursework in acupuncture and recently graduated from the only U.S. Department of Education accredited Veterinary “chiropractic” school.

Any one have anythoughts on cushings, calcinosis cutis and acupuncture (as a supplement to everythig else we are doing)?

xoxox,
Kerry

Hi Kerry and Millie,
I mailed tons of stuff to my vet, because they didn't know diddly squat about Cushing's protocol. My personal vet was the only one that knew, but he was on leave at the time.:o You are protecting your baby. That is a mother's job! Do not ever worry about contacting them with questions or concerns. That is their job! You are doing a terrific job Kerry! If they mess up, it's not gonna be with your baby!XXXXX

Several of our members have used acupuncture. I know Jackie has used it with Ugga, a french bulldog with cc also.

this is her thread:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3956

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi Kerry. I don't get on here as much as I'd like but your thread caught my eye so I wanted to pop in and say hi. I am so sorry you are going through this with your girl. My frenchie, Ugga, has CC as well. He takes Vetoryl (30mg BID) and I take him for acupuncture. The acupuncture has done wonders for his skin, it's really quite fascinating. He doesn't look and feel like an alien anymore, he actually has hair! Most people think I'm nuts for taking my dog for acupuncture but I don't care, it works. I did post some pics on my profile, some of them are pretty gross so if you do look, do so at your own risk ;). Some other things we've used are: ketochlor shampoo, humilac spray, and an herbal salve (I think i posted some pics of that as well). The super stinky brown chinese herbal salve worked the best (in conjunction with the acupuncture). Best of luck to you and Miss Millie Mayhem :)

Hugs,
Jackie and Ugga

Thanks everyone, I very much appreciate the input!

Jackie - what a sweet frenchie - how soon did you start taking ugga to an acupuncturist? Did you wait until open sores were cleared up?

Also would appreciate any words of advice or input - I take Millie Tuesday for her ACTH test (it will be 11 days since her first does of Trilostane. Are there other things that I should ensure are tested at this point - I've read electrolytes (can someone explain?), potassium? Other? Want to make sure while she is there that I get every possible thing done that will help us to continue to manage! THANK YOU ALL!

xoxox,
Kerry

Give Millie her regular does of med in the morning with a bit of food. The ACTH test needs to be completed at about the 4 hour mark, start, redraw an hour later. Completed all together within 4-6 hours of that first dose.
Electrolytes, like sodium and potassium is one of those things that can get out of wack if the cortisol gets too low or anything. Just a good idea to train your vet to do those every time they do the ACTH test.
Have a good weekend.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Thanks Sharlene - so I should just make sure that when dong the ACTH test, my vet also tests for potassium, sodium and electrolytes? Correct? Would these be tested through a blood sample before the ACTH test is done?

Just ask for electrolytest to be checked too. They do the blood draw for that prior to the ACTH test.

You'll be just fine you have all your ducks in a row so to speak.

Remember to get copies of all test results, past and future, train them to just give them to you, so you have them. We all basically keep files on our furbabies these days. It is soo much easier and the couple times I have had to go to the ER for various reasons for Molly, I go with file in hand. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin