Trixie - Schnauzer being treated with Vetoryl - Trixie has crossed The Bridge

[addy]

Try to keep that good feeling going

Hey, they cancelled our snow too

[lulusmom]

Hi Barbara,

Thank you for posting test results as this helps greatly in trying to help you figure out what is going on with Trixie's liver values. There are a few inconsistencies which need clarification. Can you confirm the normal reference range for ALT for the most recent test? You show (12 - 118) on the results you listed for the four month running results, April through November, but on most recent post, with comparison between August and November, you show (15 - 66). I'm hoping the latter is incorrect because that would change the severity of elevation from moderate to mild. Also the August and November comparisons for ALK are different than the four month running results. Can you please confirm.

Has your vet formally diagnosed Trixie with hyperlipidemia? Mini Schnauzers are the number one breed that is genetically predisposed to this condition. This condition, as well as cushing's predisposes them to pancreatitis, diabetes and gall bladder mucocele. By the way, it is much more likely that hyperlipidemia is causing Trixie's digestive problems, not cushing's.

ALK has three three isoenzymes that are triggered by different things....steroids, bones and the gut. I believe Trixie's elevations are due to cushing's and her gut due to hyperlipidemia's impact on the pancreas. I am surprised by your vet's nonchalant attitude and chalking up the cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities to Trixie's breed. Cortisol has gone down, yet Trixie's triglycerides have gone up which would indicate that that hyperlipidemia is probably not secondary to cushing's and you are dealing with primary hyperlipidema. If so, it is very important that you get her triglycerides below 500 and it is also very important that Trixie be fasted for her bloodwork. In my opinion, your vet needs to be proactive in pursuing diagnostics for a primary hyperlipidemia diagnosis and once diagnosed, he needs to get her on an effective treatment to try to bring down those triglycerides. She may be feeling great today but that can change over night. If Trixie were my dog, I'd want a consult with an internal medicine specialist.

Glynda

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I have been reading up on this condition as Tipper has had triglycerides in 600 range at times. She is now down to 394. I read a good pharmaceutical fish oil is the first thing to try. You must not over do it as the things it controls, it can also cause with too much. maybe that is why my vet told me only 3 times a week for my cat with the fish oil. If given too much it can cause fat in the blood, and make inflammation in instead of reducing these things. There is a company called Nordic Naturals which sells this for dogs. My only question is some have flaxseed and is this ok for Cushings?? I will have to check it out with Leslie. A lot of dogs that have Cushings have high Triglycerides. Blessings
Patti

[lulusmom]

Yes, many dogs with cushing's do have high triglycerides and cholesterol at diagnosis but elevations are usually mild and normalize once the cushing's is well controlled.

[goldengirl88]

Glynda:
Tipper's were really high before when she was first diagnosed in the 600's. Now she is in the upper 300's. I kept asking my vet about doing something about it and he said his usual don't worry about it to me. This really concerns me. Do you know of a good source for the fish oil? I read no more than 300-350mg dose, is that correct Tipper weighs 18lbs. Thank you for you help. I am glad I read this. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Hi Glynda,
I corrected the values that I copied incorrectly...I was trying so hard to be accurate and still made an error or two.
I just wrote a long response in regards to the hyperlipidemia and boom my post erased when I hit something by mistake.

I won't write the whole thing now...but yes, hyperlipidemia and pancreatitis have both come up time and time again over the years. Tests and panels were done a few times after various bouts of gastro issues but she was never diagnosed with either. We went to a low fat everything diet years ago anyway to be safe.

The triglycerides were over 1000 in April when she was just beginning to have cortisol controlled. At the end of May her Cushing's numbers went back up..and she was not controlled but her Triglyceride number dropped down to 578 on that test. Then up to 838 in August and now 877.

I would love to see a specialist and when we can afford to do that we definitely will. I also will make sure the next blood work is done on first thing before Trixie eats.
I will investigate further and talk to the vet about the whole issue and getting that number lowered in the best way as soon as possible.
I appreciate your advice, so thank you!! You too Patti..thanks for the input.

Barbara

[goldengirl88]

Barbara:
I ordered the wild salmon oil for Tipper. Even though she is only in the 300's now she did have some episodes in the 600's. I kept after the vet about this and he would say don't worry about it. Good thing I never listen to him. He has steered me wrong at so many intervals along this journey it is pathetic. I am hoping to get her in the normal range so it calms down her gallbladder, and liver. The cheapest I got is was from the Only Natural Pet Store it was cheaper than Amazon. I bought the kind recommended in the link Glynda sent me, it is cold pressed and has all the nutrients still in it. I will let you know on Tipper's next blood work if it is working for her. Blessings
Patti

[Simba's Mom]

Just wanted to say hi and hope things are well with you and your pup...

[addy]

Me too Barbara,

Hope you are not having freezing cold or any snow. The weather was crazy yesterday so it might be on it's way to your house, stopping off at Sharlene and Patti's first.

The other night Koko backed out of his harness in the dark when the snow was all crusted on the grass, for a minute I thought I had lost my little boy Wish I could find a harness that cant have that happen!!!!

Give Trixie hugs and rubs from our house, my pups say "woof Trixie"

[goldengirl88]

Hi Barbara:
Any wild weather there? It is supposed to be 40 today and then some 50's. Then next Wednesday into the teens. Tipper had a good nite last nite. She is so good at taking her shots, this dog has done every thing asked of her and more. Hope Trixie is enjoying the walks in this cool weather. I bet it took a lot of worry away that she had good numbers this time. Hope you are not working too hard at your mom's house. Blessings
Patti