14 year-old Shih Tzu With Recent Cushing's Diagnosis

Hi there,

Just a quick update on my Hannah girl. She got her Bordetella vaccine today and they also drew blood to monitor her liver (ALKP), as well as her other organs. Everything (as far as organs go) was NORMAL! :D:D:D Even the ALKP, which most recently was down to around 400, but which had been over 1700 last March! The Denamarin is working amazingly well! I am so thrilled! She has a few little things just out of the normal range, but he said none of those are concerning and have always been a little off with her. It was so nice to get some good news about my girl for a change! Just wanted to share with you.

Hopefully I'll have more time to check in on everyone tomorrow; it's a busy week this week!

Julie & Hannah

What a wonderful update on sweet Hannah!! I am so happy for you both! You're doing an amazing job, time to celebrate! ;):D

Love and hugs,
Lori

Great update on Hannah, Julie you must be so happy and relieved about her liver values!!!!!:D:D:D:D:D

Thanks for the advice on the eye drops. I think about you and Hannah quite often too. I thought it ironic the derm vet did not think Zoe's allergies were that bad and that it was more ocd but the er vet thinks her bloodshot eyes are allergies besides the scuff. I hope you have better luck with the derm vet if you go that route.;);)

Have a wonderful day!!! Hope you are enjoying Spring Break!!!:):)

love,
addy

Julie, this is wonderful news! Thank you so much for sharing it with us -- you've made my morning! :) :) :D

Marianne

yay! way to turn the corner Hannah and Julie!!

Congratulation Julie and Hannah on a job well done. Great update and great way to start my day!

Thanks everyone!

Does anyone know about using Atopica (Cyclosporine) for allergies in a Cushing's dog? I have not gone to a derm vet because my regular vet posted on a forum where she can get info. from derm vets. One said Atopica works really well for dogs with a lot of allergies and it would not have any effect on Cushing's. Another option was Claritin and I had not heard of the last option. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Julie & Hannah

I am wondering the same thing Julie, so share any scoop you may find:D:D:D You always do, thank you.:):)

For some reason I thought one of Glynda's pups was on Claratin. Maybe I am remembering wrong. I thought I read you cannot give it though if the pup has liver or kidney disease, which Hannah does not have.

I always wonder what happens when they give warnings like that. What if you don't know your dog has kidney disease, then what?

Anyway, some of the IBD dogs on my IBD forum take the Atopica. And all I can remember and it may again be a false memory but something about a side effect of possibly having the gums grow funny.

But since I am on day five of an insomnia attack, who the heck knows what I am talking about:eek::eek::rolleyes::o:o:o

LOL Julie, sorry I am so weird.:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

love,
addy

Hi Julie,

My non-Cushpup, Peg, takes Claritin for her allergies. It is just another type of over-the-counter antihistamine, like benadryl, so it is basically benign. I wish I could say it has done great things for Peg's itching, but not-so-much. But neither has benadryl or chlortrimeton, which we had tried first. Not a huge percentage of allergic dogs respond to antihistamines, and you sometimes have to run through several in order to find one that does work. I feel like I may see a bit of improvement with Peg on the Claritin, so that's why I go ahead and give it to her during her itchier time periods.

Atopica (cyclosporine) is a whole different ballgame. It is a drug that suppresses the immune system, and is therefore used to treat conditions when the illness or problem is caused by an overactive immune system that is attacking the body's own cells. Human transplant patients take cyclosporine to keep their immune systems from attacking ("rejecting") their transplanted organs. Long-term use in humans has been linked to gum overgrowth and more seriously, certain cancers like lymphoma.

Having said that, I do think it is has been used successfully to treat dogs with severe allergies. Whether it's such a great idea for a Cushpup, I cannot say. Since Cushing's already tends to suppress the immune system, I don't know how desirable it is to add cyclosporine into the mix. Maybe if the Cushing's is being well-controlled, it wouldn't be an issue. I would really want the advice of a derm specialist as to that question, which is what it sounds as though your GP vet is trying to find out. Maybe it would be OK to use on a short-term basis.

I believe that Debbie ("StarDeb55") used Atopica with one of her Cushpups. I'll send her a message to see if my memory is correct.

Marianne

Julie, my first boy, Barkley, was treated with cyclo by my derm vet as he preferred not to use steroids. I PREFERRED he not use steroids. There was a second drug that was used in conjunction with the cyclo, but I do not recall what that was at the moment. I will say that this treatment did truly remarkable things for B's allergies. He was easily averaging 3-4 major ear infections yearly. After treatment started, he had an ear infection maybe once per year. At the time the derm vet started seeing him, he told me that B was not a candidate for allergy injections because of his Cushing's. Over the years, Dr. Lewis made the comment more than once that if he had it to do over, again, that he probably would have tried skin testing/allergy injections before putting B on such high powered drugs.

Marianne was spot on about the drawbacks of long term cyclo use. B had 2 strikes against him when it comes to a compromised immune system, the severe allergies & Cushing's. He did, indeed, develop lymphoma for which he underwent successful chemo. I have discussed this with the derm vet more than once since I lost B, along with the fact of losing Harley to some type of cancer. I think our babies immune systems are already compromised because of the Cushing's, & I would hesitate to use such a powerful immune suppressant drug ever again because of that. In the short term, it may not be an issue, if you simply want to try to get Hannah some relief. In the long term, you really want to think very carefully about this, & most definitely get the input of a derm vet.

Marianne is also right about OTC antihistamines. Not all of them will be effective for a pup. I used to have a list from the derm vet for the OTC meds & dosages, he always said to allow about 6-8 weeks on one of them before you decide it's not working, & move on to the next one. For Barkley, I had pretty good success with kid's Benadryl twice per day. Benadryl did nothing for Chewy, but Zyrtec does seem to help Chewy quite a bit. He gets the some dose that I take, one tablet daily. Of course, please check with your vet before you try anything new.

debbie

Hi there,
I need some help. I think I'm going to try Hannah on Claritin. Does anyone have experience with this? My vet said Hannah, at 12 lbs., could take 5 mg twice a day and that doesn't sound like it could be right if humans take 10 mg. I'm going to talk to the vet who does laser treatments on Hannah tomorrow. I thought someone on here used it so I wanted to check.

I'm holding off on Cyclosporine for now bc the side effects mentioned here made me a little nervous and it would be $75 per month. My vet did not tell me of any side effects. Hannah is really itchy the past 48 hours so I am stressed out. My other option is the steroid spray but she itches all over the place so I'd need a lot. What are your thoughts on that? I am dog-sitting at my parents' house this weekend and they have 4 dogs and I have my 2. It's crazy over here. One is blind, two are old, three have high needs. It's gonna be a looooong weekend.
Julie & Hannah

Hi Julie,

I think Marianne knows about the Claritin. I am sure she will stop by.
I will have to most likely make the same decision about Zoe and the oral cyclosporine. I have not yet researched it. The opthamologist brought it up and I freaked and he did not think I should freak about it.
We are using the cyclosporine eye drops.

Dog sitting sounds fun!!!! Just put some good music on!!!!

I am sorry to hear of Hannah being so itchy. Hoping the Claritin will help.

love,
addy

Hi Everyone-

I know I've kind of dropped off the planet. Things have been really busy with the end of the school year coming, the fact that I was debating switching teaching positions, and because I am having our end of the year staff party at my house. Plus, Hannah has been an itchy mess and Izzy was due for her dental, so we've been making lots of vet trips too.

I switched Hannah to Claritin this past Sun. I haven't noticed much of a difference yet. I am still doing baths, but my vet told me to decrease to once a week so I don't dry her out too much. He also recommended that I add Omega 3 to see if that helps her skin at all. I bought something called Missing Link and it's a powder I add to her food once a day. I sent an email to the IM vet on 4/16 and have called three times since and have not heard a thing back. I wanted her advice on allergy treatment for Hannah (I wanted her opinion on Cyclosporine). I only saw her once (last summer) and have only talked to her twice since, but I am really irritated by this.

Lately Hannah has been really licking her genital area, and not necessarily the entire area, but right around her vulva, or whatever that is. It looked a little irritated and I was going to take her to the vet today, but the Chlorhexidine wipes I tried seemed to help a little. She has been previously irritated in that area and it doesn't look like a skin infection at this point. I also don't think it is a UTI because she is showing no other signs. We decided to give it a day or so and take her in if needed.

I also put in a call to the vet where she got acupuncture to see if it can help at all with allergies (or if they had other ideas, since they do a lot of holistic treatments). They said it might help and that I could make an appointment to discuss some options and maybe do acupuncture. The vet said she would recommend trying some oils, or other more natural treatments. I haven't decided if I am going to pursue that now.

I can usually keep her busy chewing on a rawhide (in order to keep her from licking/itching) but I have to watch her like a hawk because I worry about her choking (which she did once and it was HORRIBLE). It turns into me cutting off the gooey part every 5-10 min. but at least it keeps her happy and occupied.

She has been doing pretty well with her back but we got a laser treatment last weekend because I thought she seemed a little sore and reluctant to put her feet up on me when I put on her leash, which she usually does. She seems a little perkier now, and is doing well, so that is one success.

We're still not treating Cushing's and she has shown no increase in symptoms in the last year. She is not drinking or eating any more than she was a year ago, coat looks good, no panting, no pot belly...just the little bit of back leg weakness and the skin issues from licking. I still sometimes think about testing further to see if she has Cushing's, but for now it's not my biggest concern...

I still try to get on here and check in fairly often; I'm sorry for not posting more, but it has been a stressful time. I'm hoping things will calm down--hopefully soon, but definitely when the school year ends. I just wanted to let you all know I haven't fallen off the planet. :D

Hannah and Julie

brave woman hosting the staff party!

over on the diabetes forum, Patty gets deer antlers for her dog instead of rawhides, just a thought for something less soggy, let me know if you want me to search for the link.

there has also been a lot of allergy discussions over there and some folks have had luck with Chlortabs.

Just thought I'd throw more options out there for you!

When I met with Dr. Husbands he said he had been doing acupuncture on his 18 year old lab for a few years. He thought he was going to have to put his lab down this week as it was time. but he definitely is open to alternative healing methods and saving a buck. Cancer is his specialty though

hugs, Judi

HI Julie,

The dogs at worked used The Missing Link. It has good stuff in it. I hope it helps Hannah's skin.

A stuffed Kong wont help distract her? A lot of people freeze them to make it harder to get the food out.

Hosting a staff party sounds like fun!!!!!!!!!! Dont worry about the forum, you have a lot on your plate.

I have read a few things about Oral cyclosporine because we are facing that too somewhere down the line. I still am not sure how I feel about it.

The allergies are so bad this year, I am suffereing terribly myself and now the mosquitos are out and they are the size of a bird:eek::eek:

Good luck with the party,
love,
addy

Hi Julie,

Sorry to hear about Hannah and her allergies. It is a wicked allergey season. I was thinking abou asking IMS about the anthihistamine you are using.

Have you given any more thought to the Atopia? I have not wanted to think about it either. I did not increase Zoe's eye drops to the 2% cyclosporine either. I have that battle June 2nd.

I know how stressful it is when they are itchy and you cant sleep. Lack of sleep just makes everything more difficult to deal with.

Think about you all the time. Hugs and love,
addy

Hi Julie,
I just wanted you to know I am here and thinking of you.

For the rawhide, there are lamb's ears as well. They are smaller and it might be worth a try. Plus I picked up something....I don't remember its name, but it looks like a 6" stick of wood. That keeps Bailey occupied for quite some time. Finally, I freeze creamy peanut butter in Bailey's little Kong. I don't know that it slows her down, but it does make it very handy when you need something and it's right there in the freezer for you....all prepared.

-Susan

Hi Everyone,

I'm just writing quick to ask for some good vibes and/or prayers. Hannah seems to be having a disc flare-up of some sort. I noticed that when she turned around quickly her walk was sort of "off" and it kind of reminded me of last Sept. when her walk was way off. I think they call it ataxia-it looks like a drunk walk.

I tried the reflex test where you turn their paws over and see if they correct. She did it immediately with her right back foot, but took at least 2 or 3 seconds with the left. I tried a few more times and she didn't even always turn it over completely. This sent me into a panic.

She is walking normally and at a normal speed and is not showing signs of pain like she did in the past. I called the ER vet and they agreed I could just start Metacam and call my vet tomorrow, unless she gets worse, and then I should bring her in.

I texted my laser vet and plan to call the acupuncture vet tomorrow too. I have a meeting tomorrow morning to teach summer school, and also am supposed to teach a class to 30 other teachers tomorrow afternoon, so this is not good timing. I am a nervous wreck, but trying to remain calm.

Please keep us in your thoughts...

Julie & Hannah

Hi Julie,

I am sorry to hear about Hannah. I hope it is not the same as last time. You always have my thoughts and prayers I think about you both a lot and actually was going to ask you how her eye is doing.

I hope the Metacam helps.

thinking of you and Hannah and hoping it resolves quickly. hugs, Judi

Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers and hoping Hannah is feeling like herself real soon.

Love and huge hugs,
Lori

hey friend
do you give massage therapy to her? or in her diet give her cosequinn ds sprinkle tablets? have also heard adequinn injections work well. though i would do those when other things have not worked. but the supplement has worked fairly well for my girl. and i know i site that sells it online for fraction of cost. if you do any sort of massage techniques and stretches for her it may help but careful of the selection of strecthes for her. :)

Hi Julie,

I hope this is nothing major and Hannah is bouncing around real soon. Let us know what the vet says and how she is doing.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Thanks, guys. I took Hannah to get an exam yesterday and acupuncture if they felt she needed it. We saw the third of the three vets who perform acupuncture and I really liked her. Hannah's reflexes were fine, and she felt that she was not suffering from a new issue, but thought she could use acupuncture. She watched Hannah walk around the room and felt that she has more weakness in her right back leg and wanted to support her hips and her back.

The acupuncture did NOT go well. Hannah has never really liked it, but yesterday was terrible. She was flailing around and even whipped her head back to bite (not a person, but where she tried to put the needle). That spot happened to be the right back leg. The vet was unsure if it was really painful, or if Hannah was just so aware of the needles that she was tense and panicked. She ended up doing okay for the 10 min. we sat with the needles in, but we never had one in that back leg. It was rather traumatic for me and even for my mom (she came with to help hold Hannah). She was fine last night and today, and I am finally feeling a little better too.

The vet yesterday loved that I do laser treatment with Hannah and recommended that I do it in about 48 hours and suggested that I try to maintain her comfort with laser based on yesterday's experience. I'm not sure if Hannah didn't like the touch of this vet, or if something really hurt, or what. She never liked it, but was never reacting like that. I'm not sure if the leg weakness is more due to Cushing's or a back issue. Anyway, we have a laser treatment tomorrow at 5:30 so I hope that will provide her some relief.

She also recommended I try a fish oil to help with her allergies and also her joints. We will see how that works, and then may add some Chinese herbs to help her allergies. That would only cost me $18 per month, so I am open to it since traditional medicine has not relieved her.

Julie & Hannah

Hi Julie,

I hope the laser treatment helps Hannah. The only problem I found with Chinese herbs is you need to know any side effects and it is not always easy to find out what is in the Chinese medicine. I even called a manufacturer and emailed because it was written in Chinese on the bottle and they would not tell me. Zoe was on Shen Calmer and I wanted to know if anything in it worked like a diuretic, etc. The holistic vet assured me that it would not be a problem to use with Cushing drugs and really could not discuss what was in it. Made me nervous. Hopefully your vet will be more knowledgeable and read Chinese:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Sending lots of love

I'm sorry the visit didn't go too well. Jenny suddenly decided she hated getting her insulin shots so I can empathize too well with how Hannah was acting. I hope the laser goes well.

And only Addy would be translating Chinese for her dog! lol

Quote:

---

Actually I probably worry about everything with her these days. I have been having a really tough time lately and have been doing a lot of crying and worrying that my time with my girl is limited. I am trying to accept it, and just embrace the time with her, but it is so hard to do. Then she'll bounce back and seem great. She, like Zoe, is still very happy and interactive with me, and she can move faster than Izzy when food is involved

---

me too, Julie, seems like we are in the same place right now. zoe made it home, they only kept her for 2 1/2 hours instead of the usual four- hubby gave everyone a big tip:D:D

I hope Hannah's back is better, Zoe slips alot now on the hardwood floors.

I don't know... something about huskies and needles... they never even flinch at them. Kira has no problem with acupuncture. Poor Hannah. Give her a hug for me.

Hey Julie,

I posted Zoe's eye stuff on my thread for you. How is Hannah's back? When it rains it pours.:(:(:( I know you are upset, we are so alike;);)

I mentioned on my thread that it may be allergic conjunctivitis as that is what they suspect Zoe has though I think it is immune related.

The fluriprofen was to help inflammation and we had also had to use the higher dose of cyclosporine. We went from .2% to 1.%. Eye vet wanted to go to 2%, I said not yet try 1% first. He hoped that would help her eyes stay well lubricated. He said there is a small window to work with as far as dry eye is concerned and if we cant control it well (she had a mild case of it but the crystals posed a problem) the gland atrophies and then you cant produce tears with the cyclosorine.

We compound the cyclosporine (in coconut oil) froma company in NC. I pay $40 I think and it lasts almost 3 months.

The fluriprofen is pricey because we were going through a bottle every eight days and it was about $15 but then we cut a discount card for Pet drugs so we pay I think about $10 for a bottle. It should last us a bit longer as we cut back to one drop each eye twice a day.

I hope your vet can help until you get in to the eye vet.

Hang in there. Lots of love and prayers for you and Hannah

Hi Addy,

I saw your reply-thanks! I called my regular vet this morning as well, to see if they wanted to see her, and my vet said he would call the opthamologist vet to see if he could get us in faster-but that I would probably pay more. I said that was fine since at this rate I would pay to see two vets anyway. I guess they take emergency appointments and my vet said he wanted her seen this week. We got in TODAY! I had to pay $95 instead of $59, but I would've paid more if I had to go to my other vet and then this vet, so that's fine. I just had to go and be prepared to wait until he had some time. They ended up getting us in right away-like a 5 min. wait. They are wonderful.

Anyway, I was right. She is having big issues with a dry eye. There were no ulcers and the pressure was fine, but her dry eye is getting worse. He mentioned the same thing about the window of time before things deteriorate rapidly. My parents dog was really bad when they adopted her and the drops didn't help her. He said that as the eye gets worse they have less feeling on their cornea which makes them blink even less, and then things just get worse. He said I could try Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus drops, but that he recommended Tacrolimus because he thinks it works better-95% of dogs have success. I am to use it in her left eye only once per day. He said that within two weeks I should see less mucus on her eye and it should have a shiny appearance again.

I am also supposed to use NeoPolyDex ointment in both of her eyes daily. (He said if we are gone all day or any time she is going to be inactive and sleeping I should give it and then give it at night as well). If I am home I should use Genteal or other moisturizing drops to keep her comfortable. I guess the NeoPolyDex also keeps them moist. I used it a few times on her about a year ago and can't remember why I stopped. Of course I realize there is a steroid in it, but he and my regular vet said it won't affect Cushing's. He just said I need to be sure she doesn't develop an injury because then I need to stop it immediately and start with antibiotic drops.

I brought my whole bag of doggie eye meds with and he added the Tacrolimus. It was $49 but I only need to use one drop per day in her left eye and he is going to have me get it through Meds 4 Vets after that. I am hopeful that she will be feeling better soon since I feel like I caught it early and was able to get in. I'm very grateful to my vet and to the specialist for the rush, even if it did cost more.

Her back seems okay. No one was ever able to determine if there even is an issue with her back. They seem to think it could be more of an arthritis issue or leg weakness in general. She got laser treatment Thurs. and we now include her hips. That vet said that Hannah doesn't really show any muscle wasting or hair loss or pot belly, and she usually feels that the back end weakness comes on with the other muscle wasting issues, so she was more inclined to think it could be arthritic. I paid for three laser treatments so and will use the other two when I feel like she needs them. We have been going for our short walks and she is doing fine. I just notice that she sits more to eat...but again I am watching more so maybe she has done this for a while. For now I am hoping that things are okay and that they'll stay that way for a while. Thanks for checking!

I'd love to hear if you have heard of this med that I got for Hannah. Maybe it's something Zoe could try too, as an alternative for Cyclosporine. I also searched it online and didn't see anything scary.

Stay cool!

Julie & Hannah

Im so glad Hannah was seen.

I asked eye doc about Tacrolimus, he said he uses it when cyclosporine doesn't work for the dog. Many of the IBD dogs used it. A few had a problem because it was suspended in corn oil and they had trouble with the corn oil but otherwise no one reported any other issues. I hope it helps Hannah.

The other med I don't know but since Zoe has the crystals and the divet, he is weird about what to use on her. Right now Zoe's eyes look pretty good. She sees eye vet in 2 weeks.

Funny, I had wondered if her eyes look better because it seems like her cortisol may be going higher- but who knows!!!!

Good to hear about Hannah's back improving. Sweet thing:):):):)

Hi Julie,

How is Hannah?

Keep cool:D

Thanks for checking on us, Addy!

Hannah seems to be doing well. I feel like the Tacrolimus/NeoPolyDex combo worked almost immediately, but I really think I caught the worsening of her eye right away. It already looks wet and shiny most of the time, and is no longer red. It looks like her other eye, which has not been the case for a while. I am glad to see such an immediate difference. He thought it would be a couple of weeks, but it has been noticeable even in a few days!

We are trying hard to stay cool, but it's been tough! I avoid the outdoors except for early morning and evening. It's been tough to find time to take our short walks. Hannah was extra perky with that pep in her step last night on our walk, so I loved that! Any time she looks good makes me thrilled!

She has been scratching her little cyst-like growths lately because they are in her "itchy spots" of course, so I don't like that much. I have been using the chlorhexidine wipes and antibiotic ointment as needed, and it seems to work, but I wish we could get the itching under control!

I haven't noticed a difference with itching since starting the fish oil, and they did call me back to ask about Chinese herbs, but I wanted to give it a couple of weeks. Plus now I want to do more checking on what side effects the herbs might have.

Anyway, we're hanging in there and things are good for today!

Julie & Hannah

Hi Julie,
Your words are tobe taken to heart. I to have been worrying so much about Apollo's deteriating health and not trying to focus on his happiness. how is our little girl Hannah doing. We need to take one day at time and enjoy the moments we still have . But it is hard. I look back at all the joy, laughter, mischieve ,Apollo gave me and I love him so much it hurts.
Hugs Sonja and Apollo

Hi Julie,

Stopping in to say hi and to see how Hannah is. I hope her eyes are okay. The eye vet told me he was concerned that if I dont control Zoe's dry eye that she will keep getting ulcers so she is on Tacrolimus in her ulcerated eye and cyclosporine and Tacrolimus in her left eye. Her tear production was down again Friday.:(:(

The weather has cooled off and it feel so much better, doesn't it?
The drought is terrible though. It has been weeks since we have had any rain.

Enjoy your week!!

Hi All,

I need some input/clarification from you all. I took Hannah into the vet yesterday because of a yucky looking "hot spot" of sorts (on her chin) from all of her scratching/rubbing. They shaved the area and gave me an antibiotic and told me to use my chlorhexidine wipes once a day and to try Gentaved once a day. (I have an expired bottle from my parents that my vet said was fine to try. I'm not too thrilled about it but did put on a tiny bit yesterday).

While I was at the vet, I asked lots of questions to cover all of Hannah's issues:

*allergies (lots of itching and biting and a few small scabs from it). The holistic vet said we could try Chinese herbs and at this point we have tried everything else so he agreed we should. I picked it up today and she took her first one. It is Si Miao San. Is anyone familiar with this? It is supposed to help with "heat in the body." I did remind them of her Cushing's, as well as all of her other meds, and they assured me it would be fine. From what I read, it seems like it should be okay, and apparently is sometimes used in dogs with Cushing's because it can help with inflammation and weakness. At this point I just hope she does okay on it, but I would be thrilled if it helped her allergies! There is another formula she would like us to try, but for now she thinks this will help with the hot spot, small wounds, etc.

*possible senility (wandering into closets and recently getting stuck between the end table and the wall in our living room)

*hind leg weakness (anything to do to build muscle). I didn't get much of an answer, other than trying some gradual hills like the woman who does the laser treatment suggested.

*teeth--should she get her dental next month (in April he thought we should probably go ahead and do it and yesterday he looked in her mouth and said her teeth look okay and he wouldn't do it. I'm not sure what to make of that. Does he think she has limited time so why do it? Does he really think they're fine? She's had tons pulled from issues in the past)

*Cushing's check-in--should we continue as we are? Is there any point to checking her cortisol, etc.?

Now for my questions:
1. Is there any benefit to checking Hannah's cortisol level? Does it give me any indication of how "bad" her Cushing's is? My vet wavered between baseline cortisol level and an ACTH, and also mentioned a UCCR. He said we would probably get the most info. from an ACTH, but really didn't answer my question about what, if anything, it would tell us. It is $192. I also called the IM vet and left a message with the same question for her to call me back.

2. Has anyone heard of DermaPaw? I found it from that link that was posted about paw licking by breed and it looks like it could be promising. It's some kind of paste/salve that you put on the areas your dog licks/bites/etc. The people who created it seemed to study different combos and found the best one. I ordered it. My mom wants to try it on her collie who licks his paw really badly, usually in late August. I can't wait for it to arrive. My vet thought it looked good.

3. Anyone else know anything about Si Miao San? Or have you used any Chinese herbs with your dog with any success? (Or issue). It is pretty cheap, and I would love to give her some relief, but am always nervous about something new. It took me about 15 min. to finally give it to her. ;)

That's it for now. We're off to get Hannah's sweet little face trimmed.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Julie & Hannah

Hi Julie,

I have only used Shen Calmer with Zoe so I have no experience with Chinese herbs. Zoe's holistic vet switched her to a turkey diet a few years ago because she was "hot" and turkey was cool or neutral, I cant remember which.

The ACTH will tell you her current cortisol levels. Zoe was sky high in the beginning with not all symptoms and I wonder if her unresolved allergies could contribute anything to the cortisol levels? Maybe Glynda or Marianne will have an idea on that.

I know Marianne tried different products on her Peg for her allergies and chewing. Maybe you could check her thread. I cant remember if Dermapaw was one of them. Is that the product that shows you how to make the sock suspenders?

I am so sorry Hannah is having issues. It is always so hard to know which path to take.

Thinking of you both and hoping someone else has input.

hugs, hugs, hugs

Hi Julie,

I looked up the Four Marvels and didn't find anything in my books on it...but I can't locate one of them and it is the best bet...of course. :rolleyes: What I find online is the same you have found, I'm sure...which didn't tell me a whole let either! :D

Is Hannah showing any signs of her cortisol being off?

Hope the herbs works! Let us know!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Good Luck with the herbs Julie. They do sound promising! I've never tried any of the Chinese herbs, so really curious to see how they work.

Poor little Hannah, feeling so itchy. :( The heat probably doesn't help any either.

Hugs,

Sharlene (and molly muffin)

Hi Julie,

Aside from skin issues and weakness, which I'm not certain is cushing's related, is Hannah displaying any of the more typical cushing's symptoms? If she isn't, then if it were me, I wouldn't incur the expense of checking cortisol levels. Lack of symptoms is reason enough not to start treatment but my concern that is even if Hannah had symptoms, I would be hard pressed to start treatment, given her itchy skin and the onset of doggie dementia. Both could get worse with reduction of cortisol. Is Hannah still on Anipryl?

Glynda