Bella is a 12 year old Yorkshire terrier that weighs 9.75lbs. She is a female and is spayed. She is up to date on all her vaccinations.
About two years ago, Bella was put on medication for her thyroid. The first indication was her hair loss and we brought her to the vet for bloodwork that determined she had a thyroid problem. She is on the following:
Levothyroxine Sodium (0.1 mg, per tablet) 1 tablet given by mouth twice daily
Diet: peanut butter with her pill twice daily, dry food at her leisure (hills older dog) throughout the day and rotisserie chicken at night.
A month ago Bella’s hair began to fall out and leave blotches on her back. She also has little spots. Bella lives with two other yorkies and was the dominant one but lately she has no tolerance for them and bites them from across the room for no reason (not even good to guard). She sleeps through the night without having to go to the bathroom and never wets in the crate if she is left for a few hours. She eats and drinks normally. The only clear indication was her hair loss and the vet recommended a complete blood count. They told us that her levels indicate cushings and they recommended a low- dexamethasone suppression test, a fasting test and an ultrasound after both those tests came back. We opted for just the low-dexamethasone suppression test.
Her original bloodwork makes me very nervous. The medications to choose from also make me very uncomfortable simply because of the side effects and the fact that she doesn’t have any symptoms but hair loss right now and I don’t want her feeling sick. I have read that many holistic methods: Lignans and melatonin are highly recommended and I would love to hear from someone that went down that path, if in fact she has cushings.
Total Blood Count Results:
A/G ratio 2.1 (high)
All Phosphatase 418 (high)
BUN/Creatine Ratio 52 (high)
Magnesium 2.9 (high)
Na/K ratio 26 (low)
Cholesterol 329 (high)
Triglycerides 3243 (high)
Precision PSL 163 (high)
Platelet Count 620 (high)
Platelet EST increases
Platelet Count 620 (high)
Neutrophils 59 (low)
T4 <0.5 (low)
Protein 3+ Negative
Blood: Trace high
Dex test:
Cortisol Sample 1: 8 High
Cortisol Sample 2 Dex: 4.6 High
Cortisol Sample 3 Dex: 6 High
I just don’t know where to go from here. The vet would still like to do another test to see if her diet is causing the triglyceride levels. I also don’t know if I should do the ultrasound given her age because if she does have a tumor, we wouldn’t opt for surgery given the statistics and outcomes, but with that said a part of my still wants to know how long I have with my little girl.
We also want to know the best direction to go in for medication. We have heard many bad side effects from the medication to help cushings. We have also heard that diet could make our dog feel better. My last question is how long does my dog have if we don’t give meds vs. meds and if she does have a tumor.
Also has anyone tried holistic approaches?
Thank you so much. I’ve had my little girl since college and she’s been with me through marriage and two kids. I want what’s best for her and for her to be healthy and not sick on medication.