Another Mystery Illness - Stella *2/3 New Update*

[Guest KennelMom]

She doesn't have the characteristic "barrel" look of a Cushing's dog.

Misty never did develop that sausage look. I would think they would do an ACTH to rule out both Cushings and Addisons.

Misty had them trembling too

I thought that was what Heather was referring to when she said cortisol test. If not, I would definitely do the ACTH test.

 

Hmmmm...I'm not really sure what he's doing. It's only a $50 cortisol level test, so I'm guessing it's not the ACTH. From a previous thread that looks like a pricier test. I'll ask tomorrow when he calls. That sounds like something I want to have them do...even if they don't really think it's Cushing's, I'd like to do everything to rule it out.

 

We did do an ultrasound...the report says: liver, spleen, intestines, pancreas and adrenals appear to be normal. Both kidneys were bright and there was some dilation of the renal pelvis (pyelectasis).

 

Then it goes on to talk about glomerulonephritis.

[TheFullHouse]

If I remember right, Emmy's ACTH test was over $300.00. I hate mystery illnesses!

[CaliforniaGreys]

The ACTH Stim is expensive, but if there's any possiblility that this could be Cushings or Addisons, it's necessary.

 

There are different schools of thought on the testing process. Some vets, including my own, do the ACTH Supression test to Dx. They need to be at the vet's office for 8 hours.

Then the ACTH Stim is done to monitor the progress.

 

Then some vets, use the Stim to Dx which is only a 4 hour test

 

I know you mentioned Kidney failure, but her Creat just isin't that high. And depending on her BUN, it's not really high enough for Kidney disease. At least I don't think so.

 

Whatever it is, I'm hoping for a quick dx and an easy comfortable fix, for both of you

[greymomnc]

Awww, she looks so sweet. Well, some of her symptoms sound like diabetes, but obviously that was ruled out with her blood tests. I hope you find the answer soon, I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers. . Get Well Soon Miss Stella!

[Guest KennelMom]

The ACTH Stim is expensive, but if there's any possiblility that this could be Cushings or Addisons, it's necessary.

 

There are different schools of thought on the testing process. Some vets, including my own, do the ACTH Supression test to Dx. They need to be at the vet's office for 8 hours.

Then the ACTH Stim is done to monitor the progress.

 

Then some vets, use the Stim to Dx which is only a 4 hour test

 

I know you mentioned Kidney failure, but her Creat just isin't that high. And depending on her BUN, it's not really high enough for Kidney disease. At least I don't think so.

 

Whatever it is, I'm hoping for a quick dx and an easy comfortable fix, for both of you

 

What worries me about the ACTH is that if she has to be there for 8 hours, could she possibly work herself into enough of a stressed out frenzy to skew the test results. They kept her for a half day to monitor her blood pressure and it was so high they were extremely concerned. They sent us home with the BP cuff and it was normal at home.

 

Judy - you might remember how freaked out Stella was at your house when we visited. She does *not* do well in any place other than home. Even taking other dogs with her, she starts the freak out process in the van and it just builds and builds. Her cortisol levels are probably out of whack just form her nature of being a spook.

[CaliforniaGreys]

My guess is you have a good relationship with your vet. If he just does the Stim, maybe you can bring her in, bring her home, and then have her back in 4 hours and bring her back home again

[TheFullHouse]

I do remember, you had to chase her down in the back yard she was so afraid. Poor thing was in a strange house with strange dogs. Her being stressed can skew the results because cortisol is a natural response to stress. Unfortunately to do the more extensive test she has to be there all day. I often wondered if that might have been what happened with Emmy because she was blind and had no idea where she was. This was all after thoughts unfortunately on my part.

[tbhounds]

Most vets are using the stim test to diagnose now. It's now a one hour test. You draw a pre blood sample- inject the cortrosyn-(not the gel type)- then get a one hour post sample. The low dose dex test suppression is a 8 hour test-- pre sample- inject dex sp then post samples are drawn at 4 & 8 hours.

[Batmom]

Certainly worth continuing to test, but all of the symptoms you're describing could easily be caused by glomerulonephritis . Was a simple abdominal x-ray done, just to rule out other oddities?

 

Scritchies to your sweet girl.

[CaliforniaGreys]

Most vets are using the stim test to diagnose now. It's now a one hour test. You draw a pre blood sample- inject the cortrosyn-(not the gel type)- then get a one hour post sample. The low dose dex test suppression is a 8 hour test-- pre sample- inject dex sp then post samples are drawn at 4 & 8 hours.

 

Wow, one hour now? It was just a year ago Misty was going through the Stim tests and they were 4 hours.

Is it as accurate? If so, what a great improvement.

[Guest KennelMom]

Certainly worth continuing to test, but all of the symptoms you're describing could easily be caused by glomerulonephritis . Was a simple abdominal x-ray done, just to rule out other oddities?

 

Scritchies to your sweet girl.

 

They didn't do an xray, though that's usually my 'go to' request...they (the specialist that did the ultrasound) said that the ultrasound should have showed them what was there and an xray would have been extraneous. I may ask for one just in case. Besides, it's been a month since the ultrasound and things can change.

 

Our vet said that sometimes you can never get the excessive pee'ing/drinking under control with glomerulonephritis...does that jive with what y'all know? I hate to put diapers on her, but that may be what we have to do if we're looking at a lifetime of not being able to go more than 2-3 hours w/o peeing.

 

Good news about the stim test! I'll definitely be asking about it this morning.

[GeorgeofNE]

It sounds like Cushing's to me too.

 

My last dog had some issues, and he was tested for it--I had to leave him there for the day. I had to withhold food and water for (I think) 12 hours, then deliver him and his first morning urine to them. Then I think they fed him, and waited a certain length of time and did another urine test. He did NOT have it, but I wonder if it's possible your girl might?

[maggiespet]

No experience, no advise. But I can pray for your sweet girl. Hoping the vet can solve the mystery.

[Meandmy]

No advice here either, just letting you know that I'm thinking of you and your girl. What a cutie

[NeylasMom]

Certainly worth continuing to test, but all of the symptoms you're describing could easily be caused by glomerulonephritis . Was a simple abdominal x-ray done, just to rule out other oddities?

 

Scritchies to your sweet girl.

Something of a side bar, but I thought glomerulonephritis was basically a name for the kidney symptoms you see, but not a "real" diagnosis in that it can be caused by many underlying diseases/issues, is that incorrect? I am honestly asking, I did a little reading when my friend's dog started having similar issues and they suspected Cushing's and that was what I got out of my reading. Like you can have glomerulonephritis from _______ (insert any number of things) or else if you can't figure out the "from" you just say the dog has glomerulonephritis. Am I way off base?

[Guest greyhound1]

Sending prayers!

[Guest KennelMom]

Certainly worth continuing to test, but all of the symptoms you're describing could easily be caused by glomerulonephritis . Was a simple abdominal x-ray done, just to rule out other oddities?

 

Scritchies to your sweet girl.

Something of a side bar, but I thought glomerulonephritis was basically a name for the kidney symptoms you see, but not a "real" diagnosis in that it can be caused by many underlying diseases/issues, is that incorrect? I am honestly asking, I did a little reading when my friend's dog started having similar issues and they suspected Cushing's and that was what I got out of my reading. Like you can have glomerulonephritis from _______ (insert any number of things) or else if you can't figure out the "from" you just say the dog has glomerulonephritis. Am I way off base?

 

You are correct. From the report sent home with Stella after her ultrasound:

 

Based on the lab findings and ultrasound, glomuleronephritis is the most likely diagnosis. The underlying cause of the glomuleronephritis is rarely found. Common causes would be hw disease, amyloidosis, leptospirosis, erlichia and auto immune mediated disease. Most often it is idiopathic in nature. When the protein:creatinine ratio is between 1-2, it is recommended to repeat the test 3 times in one month due to the natural fluctuations in protein....

[TheFullHouse]

My gosh Heather, your life is beginning to sound like mine! I've got both your girls in my prayers. Hope you find some answers for Stella.

[Batmom]

Something of a side bar, but I thought glomerulonephritis was basically a name for the kidney symptoms you see, but not a "real" diagnosis in that it can be caused by many underlying diseases/issues, is that incorrect? I am honestly asking, I did a little reading when my friend's dog started having similar issues and they suspected Cushing's and that was what I got out of my reading. Like you can have glomerulonephritis from _______ (insert any number of things) or else if you can't figure out the "from" you just say the dog has glomerulonephritis. Am I way off base?

 

 

You often don't know what causes glomerulonephritis, but it is a real diagnosis -- less symptom than actual physical changes in the kidney, usually not reversible.

 

 

[nyGreys]

Sending prayers & good thoughts.

[CaliforniaGreys]

Hoping for some good news

[Guest MnMDogs]

I'm just catching up on this. I hope you get some answers for sweet Stella, and Peanut's spay goes smoothly!

[GreyPoopon]

for some answers soon.

[kickchick2000]

Prayers for Stella.

[Guest GreysAndMoreGreys]

I go on vacation and this is what I come back to read?

My gosh girl, do you ever get a normal problem/issue with your hounds?

 

I wish I had some words of wisdom, but on this one I haven't a clue.

On Peanut, lots of prayers for her spay. When is that happening?

 

I'll give a call out tomorrow. But for now

lots of :hope