Blaidd49

Diet is not a major concern with Cushings though there is anecdotal evidence that dogs seem to do better on raw/fresh/homemade diets and surley shrimp would fall in to that category - Misty's challenge is indeed the kidney aspect - lots of good vibes coming her way Pam

Our friends have noticed the same with their boy (non-grey) with kidney disease. He will go for a few days doing quite well then won't want to eat until later in the morning and prefers something dry - almost as though anything "smelly" turns him off. Is there any pattern to her eating that ties in with either the days she gets the Lysodren or the prednisone? Pam Thank you for thinking about Misty, we had a few good days but she wouldn't eat this am. Maybe later. this seems to be a trend, she'll eat for a few days, then not, she's sending hugs to the Flashman

That's what I was afraid of Been there done that You can be sure we will be thinking of the Flashman Pam

Was the tooth broken?? If not it is a darn pity it wasn't loose enough to do a quick grab with their dental pliers - probably would have stressed him less than the blood draw (I have seen my vet do this on a couple of occasions with a small loose premolar and with a very loose molar - dog didn't realise what was happening until it was over) Sending lots of good vibes Pam

No Problem I understand there is still controversy regarding Trilostane (my vet does not use it but supports my right to "be different" - a specialist at the veterinary college near us does recommend it as a better first option) Many of the failures with trilostane seem to have been due to starting on too high a dosage and there were also reported compounding problems which is why some folk used to get it directly from England (It is much more widely available now) Our two first-hand successes with trilostane stabilized on 1/4 and 1/8 of the recommended daily dosage. Our only success (and this was second-hand) with Lysodren was also a much lower dosage than expected and needed to be reduced again after a crash which occurred in later years - the good news is that the dog in question was diagnosed at age 8 and lived to be 17. Is Misty also low thyroid?? Misty is lucky to have such a dedicated and persevering owner Pam Pam, I appreciate your input and your experience. There has been much debate on Lysodren vs Trilostane. All I can say is that my vet prefers the Lysodren and its success rate is much higher than Trilostane. I have had this discussion with 2 other very Grey savy vets and they too suggested the Lysodren. Currently, my vet is treating 12 cases of Cushings, however Misty is the first GH with it in the practice. As for the Pred, she's on a very very low dose and it's only given on Monday and Tuesday. We do the ACTH Stim test on 12/9. Once again, I really do appreciate your input and your concern!

Hi I tried to PM but could not do so Also, sorry to be coming in "late" on this and hope my questions will not be an annoyance. Was there a particular reason for going with Lysodren vs Trilostane I have first hand knowledge and very close second hand knowledge with both drugs. If she has to have prednisone on a regular basis then I seriously wonder if Lysodren is appropriate in her case. Please understand this is not intended as criticism but is simply observations from dealing with Cushings and a desire to help in any way I can. Sincerely Pam QC Canada jansim@allstream.net

Please remind me - what is Misty being treated with for the Cushings Pam QC Canada

Is the recipe in one of the forums?? Sending good vibes to Stormy Pam

This sounds horribly like an episode I had with an elderly Border Terrier female 10 years ago - we did not find a cause at the time and lost her six months later to peritonitis. In hind sight we believe it was a serious bacterial infection (which for some reason did not result in a fever) Aside from the great advice you have already received I would consider a bacterial cutlture of the stool - also checking (or treating) for giardia and coccidia The dark stool is indicative of upper GI bleeding or peritonitis Sending lots of good vibes Pam <<The other night we thought that we were loosing him. He had some sort of episode where he was un-responsive and wasn't breathing. We all believed that it was the end and were readly to let him go. His breathing became very shallow and he only took little breaths that were very few and far between. After a while of this his breathing started to regulate and by the next morning there was no signes that he had the episode the night before. We all believe that he shouldn't be alive today but he is.>>

I also have a PDF of an article printed in our Border Terrier newsletter that is a easy read if anyone would like it Just email me at jansim@allstream.net Pam

My guys (non-greys) go to shows and events all over the place but we crtainly do not do every year shots - even our vets in town where there are a lot of dog parks have joined the three year recomendation. We do Rabies and DHPP boosters 12 months after their puppy shots, then Rabies every three years and DH2PP at 3-4 yrs, 7-8 yrs and maybe 10 yrs - if I was concerned about an older dog I would do titres Pam

The greatest gift may be the hardest one to give May you draw strength from this poem Pam Goodbye Author unknown If it should be that I grow ill or weak, And pain should keep me from my sleep, Then you must do what must be done, For this last battle cannot be won. You will be sad - I understand, But then don't grief let stay your hand, For this day more than all the rest, Your love and friendship stands the test. We've had so many happy years, What is to come holds no fears. Take me where my needs they'll tend, Only stay with me until the end And hold me close and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you too will see It is a kindness that you do for me Although my tail it's last has waved, From pain and suffering I've been saved. Don't grieve so that it must be you Who has decided this thing to do We've been so close we two these years Don't let your heart hold any tears.

The eyes darting back and forth is a classic sign of vestibular rather than a seizure Pam Does this make a difference to being a seizure or not?

I have to agree on the tooth removal, the odds are the abscess will return. Having had dentistry done on 16 and 17 year-old terriers and surgery done on 13-14 year-old sighthounds, I admit it is downright scary. It is generally the pre-meds and any pain meds that are the issue not the actual anaesthesia gas - you could talk to your vet about "masking her down" This simply means administering enough gas via mask to "knock her out" then intubating really quickly (and I mean quickly). This is incredibly safe (though it requires a very dexterous vet or vet-tech) only downside is that dogs handled this way also come round very fast and need the owner or someone who can be calm and collected when they do as they are wide awake and usually a "tad" upset. Pam QC Canada

This chart gives gives degree of chocolate toxicity based on the weight of the dog and the type of chocolate consumed. http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/...nteractive.html In the event that a dog has consumed, or may have consumed, a harmful quantity of chocolate, vomiting should be induced using hydrogen peroxide. (Providing the dog is not already vomiting or showing other symptoms of chocolate toxicity.) In the event of a serious amount of chocolate having disappeared and there being more than one possible culprit - dose everyone (though in some cases, the smell of chocolate on the breath will indicate the ringleader.) Pam QC Canada

Something like Anipryl may well help though it doesn't happen over night It is always hard to quantify quality of life - there is our perspective and then the animal's perspective and that is where it gets difficult - we are making a life or death decision for another creature and the only input we are getting from that creature has to be interpreted to the best of our ability. What is the right time for one dog and owner may not be the right time for another. Pam I have not read everyone's responses, but from what you describe it seems to me he could have something along the lines of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, go to this link. Sending positive thoughts, deciding on what is in your dog's best interest is a hard thing to come to terms with when euthanasia seems the best option.

My sincere thanks to the Greyt folk who rallied to help this little guy - Only wish everyone's efforts could have been rewarded with a happier ending What a tragedy. Pam