New diagnosis - Feeling overwhelmed and hopeless (Blue has passed)

[Bluester]

Sorry it has been a while since I posted.

Blue has been up and down the last few months. Showing less symptoms of cushings but has loss weight, is sleeping more and is losing her hearing and sight.

She had her quarterly blood test a couple days ago and she has high blood pressure, elevated blood platelets, is dehydrated and her liver and kidney enzymes are a lot higher.

Today I started her on enalapril and also simplicef for the next 10 days incase there is an infection.

Hoping she starts feeling better soon.

[Harley PoMMom]

When was Blue's last ACTH stimulation test done?

[Bluester]

When was Blue's last ACTH stimulation test done?

In Sept her post was at 12. Her Dr didn't want to increase her dosage due to stomach issues.

[Harley PoMMom]

Was her Vetoryl given with a meal and then the ACTH stimulation test done 4-6 hours after that?

[Bluester]

Hello everyone! An update on Blue who should be turning 14 next month.

About a week ago Blue's abdomen started to distend quite a lot I took her to her vet and was told she was accumulating a lot of fluid and had ascites. I asked if we could drain the fluid and what to do next and was told it was too late to do anything that either her heart or liver were failing and that draining would either put her in more stress or would immediately return. I was then told it was time to make a decision because she probably only had a few days left. Was also told to discontinue all medication since there was no need for it.

We spent the rest of the day crying and family coming over to say their goodbyes. Blue loved the attention and endless snacks.

After a couple days I called her vet and because 2 years ago when she was diagnosed with cushings she told me to make a list of 5 things that represent her or she loves to do and when she can no longer do 3 of them then it was time. Well she is still doing 4 of these things so I am not ready to give up on her. I know she is old and has some issues but I just don't believe she is ready to give up. She is still eating and drinking normal, wagging her tail, following me around anywhere I go and not having any accidents. She still has a lot of gas and week in the limbs but that has been going on for a long time.

Has anyone experience ascites and if so did you get your pup treatment? I don't know if I should seek another opinion, get an ultrasound, put her on a diuretic treatment or if I am just in denial and this will just stress her out.

Laura

[molly muffin]

Oh Laura what a tough position to be in. Poor little Blue.
I don't have any experience with ascites, but it seems that the underlying cause is the most important factor as to how to proceed. Is it liver failure or heart failure. How is her breathing? If heart failure, then I'd think that the breathing would be effected. Any vomiting, etc? Cough? Pale gums, trouble breathing?
I think the main thing is that you don't want Blue to ever be in any distress. So if it ever comes to a point where it looks like she might be, then I'd make the call.
You could go to a specialist and maybe they could determine for sure the cause and if it is liver or heart failure, then there isn't much I think you could do. If it is some sort of bacterial thing, then they would prescribe antibiotics. I have just done some quick lookup reading for information, but like I said, have no personal experience.
Big hugs. It's a horrid position to be in and am sending all my best to you both.

[Bluester]

Thank you for the kind words and advice Sharlene, means a lot.

She does have pale gums and high blood pressure but no trouble breathing, cough or vomiting. Does have diarrhea so I did take her off the vetoryl as suggested. She is still on the enalapril for her high blood pressure which was diagnosed in December and she has a heart murmur which was diagnosed in September I believe.

[Harley PoMMom]

A diuretic may help. Sending huge loving hugs to you both.

[Joan2517]

I'm so sorry,, Laura. I think if you don't feel it's time, then just enjoy her until it is. You know her best and will know when the time comes. Hugs to you and Blue.

[DoxieMama]

My heart goes out to you. Please give Blue a scratch behind the ear and a belly rub from me (if she enjoys them).

My boy Visuddha had ascites, though we didn't realize it until too late. He declined over a week or two, though it seemed like overnight. He was a voracious eater (even before Cushing's) but one day did not want to eat or drink much of anything. His breathing was very labored and as much as I wanted to deny it, I had to take him in. The vet said it was congestive heart failure.

I hesitate to share this, but hope it helps you somehow.

So many hugs.
Shana