New here, 11 year old sweet JRT mix just diagnosed with CushingÂ’s

[Mia’s Momma]

Hello again. It seems like I only hop on the forum when a new problem emerges…and here we are again. Mia has been doing great with her cushings and heart condition: all symptoms controlled, happy, energetic, good appetite and as sweet and loving as always, if slower. Then, 2 weeks ago she started exhibiting new symptoms: staring into space/walls, walking around in circles seemingly disoriented and confused, restlessness and pacing (including for long stretches during the night), and not responding/hearing when she’s called. Seems like it might be dementia, which I know is not uncommon given her age. But I also wonder if it could be related to her cushings? Also wondering what you all thought about anipryl (for possible CCD, knowing it may have implications for cushings as well…esp since she’s already on trilostane)? As you may recall, it’s nearly impossible for us to do any testing (aside from basic blood work) and also hard to procure meds, so appreciate any insights you may have. As always, thank you!!

[labblab]

Hello again, and we totally understand that we don’t hear from you as often when things are going well — that makes perfect sense. However, here we are again, and I’m afraid my speculation about Mia’s problem this time is not good. Back when you first joined us and I introduced myself, I spoke a bit about my own Cushpup and the fact that we lost him to what we assume was brain damage caused by enlargement of his pituitary tumor. We never performed imaging to confirm that this was the case, but his symptoms were consistent with brain inflammation/encroachment. Unfortunately, most all of the symptoms you describe with Mia are ones that we also saw in our boy. I don’t believe you’ve ever had access to testing that could differentiate whether Mia likely suffers from a pituitary tumor vs. an adrenal tumor. However, pituitary tumors are much more common. And as I say, her new symptoms are consistent with the effects of an enlarging pituitary tumor. Before going into a lot more detail about that here, I’m going to direct you to a thread on our forum where members have shared their experiences and knowledge about these “Macroadenomas.” I go into a lot more detail about my own boy in a couple of replies that I’ve posted there myself.

https://www.k9cushings.com/forum/sho...-Macroadenomas

Unfortunately, I know this won’t be cheery reading for you. After all the treatment hurdles you’ve survived so far, it will seem incredibly unfair if this turns out to be Mia’s problem. And perhaps it’s not — perhaps it is instead dementia as you’re wondering. But go ahead and take a look at this thread, and then we can talk more about the possibilities either way, including medication treatment since I know that surgery/radiation would not be an option for you. For instance, I do think Anipryl could perhaps be added if dementia turns out to be the more likely diagnosis. If a macrotumor instead seems more likely, then Mia might benefit from a steroid to reduce the inflammation (as crazy as it sounds to give a steroid to a Cushpup). So do have a read, and then we can talk more.

Marianne

[Mia’s Momma]

Hi Marianne,
Thank you, as always, for your quick and very helpful response. As I read the macroadenoma thread, it became very clear to me that this is what’s going on with Mia as well. As you noted, all the symptoms are there - and several more I hadn’t mentioned previously (head bobs, tremors, mouth not working properly to drink/eat). It was heartbreaking to hear of everyone’s experiences (including yours with Barkis) and to know that’s the fate that awaits little Mia. (So far, her appetite is still great and her bowel/urinary movements all normal and controlled, so we are grateful for that).

Unfortunately, we don’t have the option of mri or ct scans, or treatment with surgery or radiation (or maybe we’re fortunate not to have those options, as the decisions regarding which path to take can be agonizing). I’m going to discuss prednisone with our vet, though the trick will be balancing that against her trilostane without testing to help us track levels. But, as from the beginning, we will rely on clinical signs.,.and the very helpful insights and suggestions provided on this forum. (He has also given her melatonin in the past to help calm her down when stressed/anxious…I wonder if this might help her sleep?)

I’m saddened to know this is what’s happening, but I’m glad to be armed with info so we can take care of Mia as best as we can and give her some comfort. Thank you for all the kind and loving support.

[labblab]

I am so very sorry about little Mia’s situation. She has been so brave and you have been such a loving advocate for her throughout all her challenges — it broke my own heart to send you to read that thread. But I know you’ll continue to do everything you can to keep her comfortable for as long as possible. Please come back anytime you wish, even if it’s just to tell us how you’re doing yourself. We are always here for your whole family, and I know how challenging this journey can be…

Sending gentle hugs to sweet Mia and huge hugs to you,
Marianne

[Joan2517]

Poor Mia...our 17 or 18 year old Chihuahua is going through doggie dementia and it is so sad to see her so confused. We tried the Anipryl for a while and it did not help. She has been on Gabapentin for a while for arthritic/old age issues and we just started her on Galipent as well since she gets really restless at night...so far not seeing too much improvement. She still knows her Dad and just wants to sit with him all day, but getting her to eat is challenging. She won't eat her dogfood anymore unless I mix beef or chicken in it, but will scream for any kind of meat I am cooking for us. I wish I knew what to do to make things better for her, but I don't. We just roll with the punches and try to keep her as happy as we can...that's all we can do as furparents.

[Mia’s Momma]

Dear Marianne and Joan,
Thank you for the kind words. I’ve so appreciated the support from the wonderful people on this forum. I don’t know if Mia would’ve made it this long without it. I know we all do the best we can for our little ones, and I’m so glad we have this community to help us do that.
Take care and wishing you all the best too.

[Mia’s Momma]

Hello,
Since it’s November 1, I thought I would just send a little check-in update…with some happy news. Our resilient little fighter is still going strong, despite all the odds. Mia has been living with Cushings for two years now, and congestive heart failure for much of that time, and either macroedemas or dementia more recently. But her signs of confusion have abated lately and she’s not going around in circles/panting/digging, etc. She seems almost her happy sweet Mia self, with a good appetite and energy, though with lots of head bobbing. Grateful for every day with her, and for all the support on this forum.

[labblab]

Omigosh this is such good news, and *we’re* so grateful to *you* for returning to tell us!! Reading this has brightened my whole day!! Hopefully we were totally off the mark with the suggestion of the macro. But no matter what, this update is a joy to see.

Please give sweet Mia a ton of hugs from her family here, and continued best wishes to you all.

Marianne

[Mia’s Momma]

Omigosh this is such good news, and *we’re* so grateful to *you* for returning to tell us!! Reading this has brightened my whole day!! Hopefully we were totally off the mark with the suggestion of the macro. But no matter what, this update is a joy to see.

Please give sweet Mia a ton of hugs from her family here, and continued best wishes to you all.

Marianne

Thank you, Marianne! I don’t know how to account for it, but I’ll take the minor miracle for as long as it lasts! (I’m adding a recent picture of her to my profile; the contrast from the worse days of her CC is striking). Hope you’re well.