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Cushings disease?

6377 Views 12 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  coppers-mom, 
coppers-mom
Copper had to go back to the specialist (oncologist) for his lump. it is still diagnosed as an abcess/infection. She is keeping him on antibiotics (clindamycin 300mg 2X daily) for another 2 weeks and wants to recheck in 3 weeks. sooner if it recurs after he finishes the antibiotics.

She checked his thyroid last week and it is normal. Now she thinks he might have Cushings disease.
His ALP is elevated (300) and he had a dilute urine specific gravity (excessive drinking?). they recommend a ACTH test and abdominal ultrasound to check for cushings. I didn't even ask what that would cost. Right now I have to get his abcess healed and get him off the antibiotics. then I will see what other tests I can afford.

He also has a skin infection and needs to be bathed with chlorhexadine shampoo. I'll pick that up tomorrow.

On an up note - he loved going there and really enjoyed himself. They even reaspirated the lump and his tail just slowed down for a minute.

Does anyone else know anything about cushings? They keep hitting me with new stuff!!!!!!!
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coppers-mom
I have also heard of this in horses, but not dogs until today. When I asked the vet about the severity of the disease in dogs, she said it is not nearly as bad as horses and it does sound probably manageable.

Copper has had so many issues though that the treatment would even scare me, but I'd have to agree if it would give him a better quality of life.

She says that Deramax or Rimadyl are not a good idea due to his propensity to pancreatitis. She did think the GlycoFlex is a good supplement and I will get that for him. She did prescribe Tramadol for pain if he is having a bad day since he has tolerated that well before.

He also has a skin infection and I need to wash him in Chlorhexadine shampoo. That happened earlier this summer too and that is one symptom that is making her think he might have cushings.
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coppers-mom
Thanks Paula. I looked at that site, but still don't know what I think.
Incorrect treatment of cushings can cause Addison's disease.
Copper has trouble with many medicines now because of whatever........

He also has a poor hair coat, pants a lot, has lost a lot of muscle in his hind legs and probably drinks a lot. To be honest, how much is a lot????
These could be age issues or due to his other health issues this year.

I guess I'll find out how much the ACTH test is once this abcess/infection is healed.
the internal specialist gives him a big break on abdominal ultrasound, but it is still about $120.:doh:

I know where my christmas money will be going.:);):p: He is worth it.
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coppers-mom
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I keep thinking I sound like a crybaby whiner with all of these issues. It was terrible last week when I thought he had a mast cell tumor and even the oncologist was convinced of that until she did the aspiration.

BUT - Copper is a happy boy who gets around pretty well. He is still enjoying life and I am loving having him. I do not want to give the impression that he isn't just a truly happy dog who asks for nothing other than some chest rubbing and snuggling. thank goodness he actually likes going to the vet since he is there a lot. It mostly has hurt my wallet - not him.:p:

When he had his spleen and a stomach tumor removed last February, he was up and moving quite well 4 days later and went on a 3ish mile trail ride 2.5 weeks later. Just nothing gets him down and that is wonderful!!!!!

THESE PICTURES FROM LAST FEBRUARY - NOT NOW. It just shows how how nothing gets him down. This was only 3 days after his surgery.

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coppers-mom
He had his thyroid checked last week because of these symptoms. It is normal, but I don't know the number. I'll find out. I had my thyroid removed about 8 years ago so I am familiar with all the weird symptoms an off reading can cause.
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