CUSHINGS-PETS Digest 20
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) Cushings: new addition to the Gallery
by Leslie Lawson <lolawson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
2) Re: Cushings: new addition to the Gallery
by Jeri <kurvenal@ameritech.net>
3) Update on BJ
by SheltyLove@aol.com
4) update on bj
by "robert c. floyd" <floyd@zianet.com>
5) Re: Cushings: new addition to the Gallery
by "Dillon Pyron" <dillon.pyron@amd.com>
6) Re: update on bj
by DAOsborn@softart.com
7) CUSHINGS: Long term prognosis
by "Dillon Pyron" <dillon.pyron@amd.com>
8) Re: Cushings: new addition to the Gallery
by Jackie Siniard <siniardj@email.uah.edu>
9) Re: update on bj
by hilbro@juno.com (H. Brown)
10) Cushing's: Anipryl question
by Leslie Lawson <lolawson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
11) Update on BJ
by L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
12) Atta Boy!
by L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
13) Update
by L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
14) Re: Update
by Jackie Siniard <siniardj@email.uah.edu>
15) Re: Update
by Leslie Lawson <lolawson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
16) FWD: Re:Cushing's: Anipryl question
by Leslie Lawson <lolawson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
17) Ebony update (long - sorry)
by kathleen richards <krichard@acme.csusb.edu>
18) Ebony
by Jackie Siniard <siniardj@email.uah.edu>
19) Re: Ebony update (long - sorry)
by Ruthann Peterson <rppete@execpc.com>
20) Re: Cushing's: Anipryl question
by UltraBill@aol.com
21) Anipryl question
by L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
22) Ebony update
by L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
23) BJ's 3 week checkup
by SheltyLove@aol.com
24) homeopathic vets
by kathleen richards <krichard@acme.csusb.edu>
25) Re: homeopathic vets
by Jeri <kurvenal@ameritech.net>
Date: Mon, 02 Feb 1998 17:39:29 -0600
From: Leslie Lawson <lolawson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Cushings: new addition to the Gallery
Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.19980202173929.0076d0c4@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hi Everyone-
I've just added a picture of Linda and David's 90+ lb. "baby",
Schonus, to
the Cushing's Pets Gallery
http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~lolawson/cushings/gallery.html>.
Check him out--he's a real cutie!
As always, fodder for the FAQs and other photos are welcome.
-Leslie
Date: Mon, 02 Feb 1998 18:36:38 -0800
From: Jeri <kurvenal@ameritech.net>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: Cushings: new addition to the Gallery
Message-ID: <34D682B6.2276@ameritech.net>
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Leslie Lawson wrote:
> I've just added a picture of Linda and David's 90+ lb. "baby",
Schonus, to
> the Cushing's Pets Gallery
> http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~lolawson/cushings/gallery.html>.
> Check him out--he's a real cutie!
Leslie:
How do I send you a photo to include? I can send one that has
2 Cushings dogs, in their Christmas outfits--but I can't
scan a photo, so it would have to be via snail mail....
Jeri kurvenal@ameritech.net
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 22:02:21 EST
From: SheltyLove@aol.com
To: wellpet@listservice.net, Cushings-Pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Update on BJ
Message-ID: <7d273385.34d688bf@aol.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit
Hello all...
Glad to be writing to say things here are better. BJ (Cushinoid) seems
to be
holding his own these days - between the natural diet and the homeopatic
remedies. His hair is growing back at a rapid rate. His attitude has
improved and he's initiating hard play with our 2 year old. Not to say
he
doesn't still have his so-so days... I try not to get my hopes up, but
to be
hopeful at the same time. It's an emotional roller coaster sometimes!
We go back to the vet this Saturday for tests and to update his remedies,
so
I'll find out alot more then.
These lists are so much of a help to me... thanks for being there!
Lori and the "goobers"
:>)
Date: Tue, 03 Feb 1998 09:26:07 -0700
From: "robert c. floyd" <floyd@zianet.com>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: update on bj
Message-ID: <34D7451F.4EA4@zianet.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
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Dear SheltyLove:
I was very glad to receive news that BJ is holding his own, and maybe
getting better. Our Cybil was recently diagnosed, but since we live in
a small, rural area with only two vets in same office who have no actual
experience with cushings, information and support is very limited.
I have been frantically searching for information on natural diet and
homeopathic remedies for cushings, but have found none. Cybil and I
would be most grateful if you would share BJ's diet and remedies with
us.
PLEASE, if anyone else is using a natural diet and homeopathic remedies,
I would really appreciate receiving that information.
Also, since we are new to this group, I would greatly appreciate hearing
for all of you with your story of symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and,
of course, success of your cushings' dogs.
Our Vet has not yet started Cybil on any treatment, since they can't
seem to find out about the newest drug out for treating pituatary
custings. Have all of your dogs been diagnoses as either pituatary or
adrenal? I wonder if we are loosing valuable time by delaying
treatment.
I would very much appreciate input for all of you as we feel very much
alone.
Thanks in advance.
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 10:27:16 -0600
From: "Dillon Pyron" <dillon.pyron@amd.com>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: Cushings: new addition to the Gallery
Message-ID: <9802031027.ZM12180@dvorak.amd.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Such a cutie!!!
Good/bad news from the vet. Ivan is going to live forever. It appears
that
his severe, pathological heart murrmur is less pronounced than a year ago.
His
lungs are clear, his eyes reasonably so, his deafness seems to be "selective"
(can't here words like NO) and his blood chemistry (other than the Cushings)
is
quite in the mid-line. In fact, he's in such good shape that the vet wants
him
in for some dental work, and forsees no problems, although they have also
switched to a gentler anesthesia protocol and will use the oxygen monitor
on
him.
Dr. Riddle says he has one Border that is 21, and over 20 other dogs
that are
15 or older. So vet science keeps our loved ones with us longer, and happier.
--
dillon pyron
dillon.pyron@amd.com
PADI OWSI-54909 USPSA TY-26031
Think of dogs as well armed two year olds.
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 11:49:22 -0500
From: DAOsborn@softart.com
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu, "robert c. floyd" <floyd@zianet.com>
Subject: Re: update on bj
Message-ID: <000004FB.1408@softart.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Content-Description: cc:Mail note part
Hi there and welcome to the list. I have a 11 1/2 year old scottie
who was diagnosed with Cushings last July. He has pitutary and has
been on the lysodren treatment since diagnosis and doing very well
with the Cushings.
I also would like some help from this list--now that I have gotten
over the shock of the initial diagnosis, what can I expect from this
disease? My vet initially said with proper maintenance on the meds,
he should live for two years, but I haven't really discussed what
happens during the next few years. I know it may be really hard for
some list members to re-live their experiences for those dogs who have
gone over the bridge, but I would like to know what to expect.
Thanks
Doreen
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: update on bj
Author: "robert c. floyd" <floyd@zianet.com> at Internet
Date: 2/3/98 9:26 AM
Dear SheltyLove:
I was very glad to receive news that BJ is holding his own, and maybe
getting better. Our Cybil was recently diagnosed, but since we live in
a small, rural area with only two vets in same office who have no actual
experience with cushings, information and support is very limited.
I have been frantically searching for information on natural diet and
homeopathic remedies for cushings, but have found none. Cybil and I
would be most grateful if you would share BJ's diet and remedies with
us.
PLEASE, if anyone else is using a natural diet and homeopathic remedies,
I would really appreciate receiving that information.
Also, since we are new to this group, I would greatly appreciate hearing
for all of you with your story of symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and,
of course, success of your cushings' dogs.
Our Vet has not yet started Cybil on any treatment, since they can't
seem to find out about the newest drug out for treating pituatary
custings. Have all of your dogs been diagnoses as either pituatary or
adrenal? I wonder if we are loosing valuable time by delaying
treatment.
I would very much appreciate input for all of you as we feel very much
alone.
Thanks in advance.
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 10:59:39 -0600
From: "Dillon Pyron" <dillon.pyron@amd.com>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: CUSHINGS: Long term prognosis
Message-ID: <9802031059.ZM13558@dvorak.amd.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
When Ivan was diagnosed, we were told that the average life expectancy
was 2-3
years from _onset of symptoms_. When meant about 2 years from diagnosis
for
him. That was in August of 1994. Now our vet says we should be making
plans
for his 15th birthday, in October.
Work with your vet, make sure he is consulting with a vet endocrinologist
(Ivan's vet just happens to be one of two in Austin, our luck) and keep
testing. Watch the diet, watch for symptom changes, and try to keep him
active.
And love him a lot!!!
--
dillon pyron
dillon.pyron@amd.com
PADI OWSI-54909 USPSA TY-26031
Think of dogs as well armed two year olds.
Date: Tue, 03 Feb 1998 11:45:15 -0600
From: Jackie Siniard <siniardj@email.uah.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: Cushings: new addition to the Gallery
Message-ID: <1.5.4.32.19980203174515.006f2508@email.uah.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Great News about Ivan, I love to hear news like that, love him for us.
Jackie and Sunny
At 10:27 AM 2/3/98 -0600, you wrote:
>Such a cutie!!!
>
>Good/bad news from the vet. Ivan is going to live forever. It appears
that
>his severe, pathological heart murrmur is less pronounced than a year
ago. His
>lungs are clear, his eyes reasonably so, his deafness seems to be "selective"
>(can't here words like NO) and his blood chemistry (other than the Cushings)
is
>quite in the mid-line. In fact, he's in such good shape that the vet
wants him
>in for some dental work, and forsees no problems, although they have
also
>switched to a gentler anesthesia protocol and will use the oxygen monitor
on
>him.
>
>Dr. Riddle says he has one Border that is 21, and over 20 other dogs
that are
>15 or older. So vet science keeps our loved ones with us longer, and
happier.
>
>
>--
>dillon pyron
>dillon.pyron@amd.com
>PADI OWSI-54909 USPSA TY-26031
>Think of dogs as well armed two year olds.
>
>
Jacqueline P. Siniard
Staff Assistant, Graduate Studies
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Materials Science Building Room C206
Huntsville, Alabama 35899
ph: 205-890-6002 Fax:205-890-6349
e-mail: siniardj@email.uah.edu
Date: Tue, 03 Feb 1998 13:05:20 EST
From: hilbro@juno.com (H. Brown)
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Cc: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu, floyd@zianet.com
Subject: Re: update on bj
Message-ID: <19980203.130215.9983.6.hilbro@juno.com>
On Tue, 3 Feb 1998 11:49:22 -0500 DAOsborn@softart.com writes:
> Hi there and welcome to the list. I have a 11 1/2 year old
>scottie
> who was diagnosed with Cushings last July.
> over the shock of the initial diagnosis, what can I expect from
>this
> disease? My vet initially said with proper maintenance on the
>meds,
> he should live for two years,
That would make him 13 1/2, a pretty senior dog. I had 3 scotties
(Barberry Knowe). They lived to be 11 (lymphoma), 13 (bowel cancer), and
15 (CHF). None of them had Cushings. My current Cushings guy, 13 yo
doxie mix rescue, was dxed and loaded 4 years ago, been on Lysodren ever
since, and exhibits excellent health --outplays, outcharms, and will
likely outlive my non-Cushing's dogs. A friend's 14 yo old Cocker
Spaniel was very near death when finally properly dxed Cushings at Penn
nearly 5 years ago. On Lysodren since then, recently underwent a
lymphoma chemo protocol (modified to exclude contra-indicated steroids),
is in remission, still on Lysodren with Cushings the least of his
troubles. "Prognosis" means a forecast of possibility or probability.
Like the weather forecast. How accurate it is sometimes depends on what
channel you're watching and exactly where you live! Good luck!
Hilary
_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
Date: Tue, 03 Feb 1998 16:09:12 -0600
From: Leslie Lawson <lolawson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Cushing's: Anipryl question
Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.19980203160912.006fcdfc@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
The following question was posted to the rec.pets.dogs.health Usenet
Newsgroup. I thought some of the Cushings-Pets Forum members might be able
to offer up some insights on Anipryl.
Please respond to both cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu and to Wilma-m
at afzbdlto@campbell-emh5.army.mil
-Leslie
Wilma-m wrote:
>I have a question about Anipryl used for CCD (CCD Canine Cognitive
Disfunction)
>I am looking for the Upside & Downside of using this drug for my
17 year old
>Yorkshire. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>
>Thanks in advance
>
>Wilma-m
>
>afzbdlto@campbell-emh5.army.mil
>
Date: Tue, 03 Feb 1998 18:34:45 -0400
From: L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
To: "Cushing's e-mail" <CUSHINGS-PETS@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu>
Subject: Update on BJ
Message-ID: <34D79B84.34A7CF8E@warwick.net>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Lori....
I know what you mean about "emotional roller coaster"! It's
always good
to hear "good" news. This place has been a backbone for me for
the past
few months! Wishing you more good news!!!
Linda and Schonus
Date: Tue, 03 Feb 1998 18:52:09 -0400
From: L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
To: CUSHINGS-PETS@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Atta Boy!
Message-ID: <34D79F98.7D10068E@warwick.net>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
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Dear Ivan....
Just wanted to pass on an "Atta Boy" to you. Me and my mom
have been
having a rough time lately but "good news" always seems to give
her a
brighter outlook. Keep up the good work.
Schonus and Linda
Date: Tue, 03 Feb 1998 18:54:20 -0400
From: L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
To: CUSHINGS-PETS@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Update
Message-ID: <34D7A01B.BB4F51FB@warwick.net>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
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Jackie & Sunny....
Was wondering how Sunny's test results came out? You're in our thoughts
and prayers!
Linda & Schonus
Date: Wed, 04 Feb 1998 11:10:50 -0600
From: Jackie Siniard <siniardj@email.uah.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: Update
Message-ID: <1.5.4.32.19980204171050.006f3f50@email.uah.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Thank you so much for the concern, we are still waiting, the wait is
always
the longest, we did get the CBC back the next day, she is very much
borderline with diabetes and her liver enzimes are not good, her white count
is also not to good, we just hope and pray that the ACTH will be better
results. Thanks for your prayers. Jackie and Sunny.
At 06:54 PM 2/3/98 -0400, you wrote:
>Jackie & Sunny....
>
>Was wondering how Sunny's test results came out? You're in our thoughts
>and prayers!
>
>Linda & Schonus
>
>
>
Jacqueline P. Siniard
Staff Assistant, Graduate Studies
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Materials Science Building Room C206
Huntsville, Alabama 35899
ph: 205-890-6002 Fax:205-890-6349
e-mail: siniardj@email.uah.edu
Date: Wed, 04 Feb 1998 11:22:06 -0600
From: Leslie Lawson <lolawson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: Update
Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.19980204112206.006baf34@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I recall our vet telling me that most dogs who have had long-term exposure
to steroids (including Cushinoid dogs) have elevated liver enzymes, but
that it's not necessarily indicative of liver problems. Perhaps Dr. Mason
can step in and confirm or correct my understanding...
More well-wishes for Sunny and the rest of the Cushing's pups,
-Leslie
At 11:10 AM 2/4/98 -0600, Jackie Siniard wrote:
>Thank you so much for the concern, we are still waiting, the wait is
always
>the longest, we did get the CBC back the next day, she is very much
>borderline with diabetes and her liver enzimes are not good, her white
count
>is also not to good, we just hope and pray that the ACTH will be better
>results. Thanks for your prayers. Jackie and Sunny.
>
Date: Wed, 04 Feb 1998 17:51:10 -0600
From: Leslie Lawson <lolawson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: FWD: Re:Cushing's: Anipryl question
Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.19980204175110.00733e68@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 16:31:52 -0500 (EST)
From: "Victoria Neff" <vln@icpsr.umich.edu>
To: afzbdlto@campbell-emh5.army.mil, cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: (Fwd) Cushing's: Anipryl question
> >I am looking for the Upside & Downside of using this drug
for my 17 year
old
> >Yorkshire. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
My 16 year-old Pembroke Corgi was on Anipryl for the last few months
of her life (for cognitive dysfunction).
I feel it made a significant improvement. She no longer "slept
like the
dead", she seemed more interested in interacting with us. It didn't
work
miracles (she certainly wasn't her old self -- still did a LOT of pacing,
for example), but it helped.
I wish I'd been able to get her on it sooner.
The only downside I know of is the expense.
-- Victoria Neff (vln@icpsr.umich.edu)
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 00:16:35 -0800 (PST)
From: kathleen richards <krichard@acme.csusb.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Ebony update (long - sorry)
Message-ID: <199802050816.AAA04222@acme.csusb.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Weeelllll, Ebony has been through heck over the last few months. She
seemed
to be doing better as far as outward Cushings symptoms went (less water
drinking, eating less, weight dropped back some, more restful). We took
her
up from 5 mg Anipryl to 6 mg (first three 2 mg tablets and then a 5 mg and
half a 2 mg daily). The whites of her eyes had been red for a long time
-
maybe 6 mos. The vet and the dog ophthalmologist were at a loss and they
decided "allergies" (of which she has many to pollens and molds),
so they
gave me pred. cream for when her eyes seemed to be bothering her. The cream
didn't do a thing, so we stopped using it. About a month ago she started
having weird sort of "body cramps" where she'd get stiff in her
legs,
wobbly, and fall over. We made a vet appointment - she seemed to be fine,
completely fine, as soon as we picked her up after one of these. There
was
no residual at all! Then we took her with us on a short car ride; suddenly
she couldn't get comfortable, 'kept moving around, couldn't seem to sit
or
lie down comfortably. When we took her out on the leash she limped and
eventually collapsed again. We rushed her to the vet (our regular vet's
fill-in because regular vet was out of town). He couldn't find anything
wrong at all, 'took bloods; looked for broken bones or back problems and
really couldn't find a thing! The dog was by now shrieking and snapping
if
you tried to touch her leg or hold her. He gave her pain meds, pred. and
antibiotic (just in case) and sent her home. This was Christmas Eve. We
babied her all Christmas. By the second day after Christmas she was fine
(she ate Christmas Eve night some, but you had to bring her her food and
water - she wouldn't move and she peed as she lay - we just changed the
bedding afterwards). Fill-in vet was pleased with her progress; diagnosed
pulled muscle after the fact.
Then on New Year's Eve she began the stiff-legged falling over again.
She
also began panting weirdly and eventually hyper ventilating. We rushed
her
to the regular vet. He diagnosed meningitis and put her on sulfa drugs,
pred. and more Lasix (diuretic). She improved slowly, but surely and
lo-and-behold, the whites of her eyes turned white again (from red) and
have
stayed that way!
She has had two more episodes of this horrible panting and falling over
stiff since then. The first of these times I stayed with her at the vet's
all day while he worked on her to slow her breathing and try and keep the
fluid in her lungs under control. The second one occurred this last weekend
and she was in the emergency vet hospital for two nights under observation
and in oxygen (they weaned her off the day she came home). They have no
idea what is causing this. When she had the last two "attacks"
(for want of
a better word) her temp spiked to 104.2 (way too high), but it came down
pretty quickly and then dropped to below normal for a day or so. The fluid
that starts to build up in her lungs is apparently the result of her frantic
breathing during the "attacks". She was treated with
anti-inflammatory(sp?), oxygen and Lasix each time. She responds well,
but
all three vets (the fill-in, the regular and the ER vet team) say her
elderly (17-19 years) body can't take many more such bouts.
1) The ER vet we talked with the most seems to feel it likely that this
is
a bad reaction to the Anipryl (he claims to have seen three dogs with really
bad reactions to the drug, all different from each other - problems that
cleared up when taken off Anipryl).
2) The fill-in vet seems to think it might be Cushings caused problems
related to clots being "thrown".
3) The regular vet's best guess is some sort of CNS pressure causing
a
seizure that is centered in the part of the brain that handles autonomic
functions such as breathing and body temp. maintenance.
All three brought up the possibility of brain tumor. All three agree
it
would be helpful to get an ultrasound (I'm saving for that now - around
$1,000 they said...). If it *is* a brain tumor, there is absolutely nothing
they can do for her. If it is not a brain tumor, then there is another
mystery to be figured out.
Regular vet increased her Lasix from once to twice daily, and dropped
her
Anipryl from 6 mg to 5 mg and eventually to 4 mg over the course of a week.
He will be gone for 3 weeks to a conference and then vacation. We had her
records copied and sent to the ER vets because we have more faith in them
than the fill-in vet. The fill-in vet and the regular vet seem to be having
some sort of "turf war" or "I'm more professional than he
is" argument. It
makes us nervous when they criticize each other's treatment of our dog to
us. Everybody agrees she is not a good candidate for Lysodren, so I don't
know where that leaves us. As a sort of weird/sad note - this last attack
seems to have taken the last of her eyesight (although she still sometimes
seems to catch light and movement), and she is having to learn to adjust
to
being blind. She seems to be adjusting ok, but I need to stop gulping each
time she bumps herself...Ron says she is learning "nose and forehead
Braille"!
Sorry this is so long... we have been a bit out of it.... last weekend
I
was sure she was dying and then she recovered so well even the ER docs were
surprised. I don't know what to think.
Thanks for listening.
--
>--------------------------------------------<
~Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug!~ -dire straits
kathleen richards -- krichard@acme.csusb.edu or kilty@tstonramp.com
Date: Thu, 05 Feb 1998 08:46:42 -0600
From: Jackie Siniard <siniardj@email.uah.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Ebony
Message-ID: <1.5.4.32.19980205144642.0070666c@email.uah.edu>
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Kathleen, I am so sorry that you have been through it for the last few
months, but I feel from your recent e-mail that things have gotten a bit
better for you and Ebony, I know that all this has been very trying for
you
both, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, somewhere
all of us have experienced something along these lines, I sometimes feel
that our babies are being tested to there extreme, which is not fair as
they
have given so much to us and we do not want them to have to suffer any more.
Know that we love all of you. Jackie, Randy and Sunny ( I seem to always
forget my husband, and I do not mean to do that, Randy is always there for
this as well.)
Jacqueline P. Siniard
Staff Assistant, Graduate Studies
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Materials Science Building Room C206
Huntsville, Alabama 35899
ph: 205-890-6002 Fax:205-890-6349
e-mail: siniardj@email.uah.edu
Date: Thu, 05 Feb 1998 11:00:14 -0600
From: Ruthann Peterson <rppete@execpc.com>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: Ebony update (long - sorry)
Message-ID: <34D9F01E.26DC355E@execpc.com>
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Kathleen -- You and Ebony are in my parayers , I'm lighting candles to
all the
doggy gods for you -- Be strong -- Ruthann
kathleen richards wrote:
> Weeelllll, Ebony has been through heck over the last few months.
She seemed
> to be doing better as far as outward Cushings symptoms went (less water
> drinking, eating less, weight dropped back some, more restful). We
took her
> up from 5 mg Anipryl to 6 mg (first three 2 mg tablets and then a 5
mg and
> half a 2 mg daily). The whites of her eyes had been red for a long
time -
> maybe 6 mos. The vet and the dog ophthalmologist were at a loss and
they
> decided "allergies" (of which she has many to pollens and
molds), so they
> gave me pred. cream for when her eyes seemed to be bothering her.
The cream
> didn't do a thing, so we stopped using it. About a month ago she started
> having weird sort of "body cramps" where she'd get stiff
in her legs,
> wobbly, and fall over. We made a vet appointment - she seemed to be
fine,
> completely fine, as soon as we picked her up after one of these. There
was
> no residual at all! Then we took her with us on a short car ride;
suddenly
> she couldn't get comfortable, 'kept moving around, couldn't seem to
sit or
> lie down comfortably. When we took her out on the leash she limped
and
> eventually collapsed again. We rushed her to the vet (our regular
vet's
> fill-in because regular vet was out of town). He couldn't find anything
> wrong at all, 'took bloods; looked for broken bones or back problems
and
> really couldn't find a thing! The dog was by now shrieking and snapping
if
> you tried to touch her leg or hold her. He gave her pain meds, pred.
and
> antibiotic (just in case) and sent her home. This was Christmas Eve.
We
> babied her all Christmas. By the second day after Christmas she was
fine
> (she ate Christmas Eve night some, but you had to bring her her food
and
> water - she wouldn't move and she peed as she lay - we just changed
the
> bedding afterwards). Fill-in vet was pleased with her progress; diagnosed
> pulled muscle after the fact.
>
> Then on New Year's Eve she began the stiff-legged falling over again.
She
> also began panting weirdly and eventually hyper ventilating. We rushed
her
> to the regular vet. He diagnosed meningitis and put her on sulfa drugs,
> pred. and more Lasix (diuretic). She improved slowly, but surely and
> lo-and-behold, the whites of her eyes turned white again (from red)
and have
> stayed that way!
>
> She has had two more episodes of this horrible panting and falling
over
> stiff since then. The first of these times I stayed with her at the
vet's
> all day while he worked on her to slow her breathing and try and keep
the
> fluid in her lungs under control. The second one occurred this last
weekend
> and she was in the emergency vet hospital for two nights under observation
> and in oxygen (they weaned her off the day she came home). They have
no
> idea what is causing this. When she had the last two "attacks"
(for want of
> a better word) her temp spiked to 104.2 (way too high), but it came
down
> pretty quickly and then dropped to below normal for a day or so. The
fluid
> that starts to build up in her lungs is apparently the result of her
frantic
> breathing during the "attacks". She was treated with
> anti-inflammatory(sp?), oxygen and Lasix each time. She responds well,
but
> all three vets (the fill-in, the regular and the ER vet team) say her
> elderly (17-19 years) body can't take many more such bouts.
>
> 1) The ER vet we talked with the most seems to feel it likely that
this is
> a bad reaction to the Anipryl (he claims to have seen three dogs with
really
> bad reactions to the drug, all different from each other - problems
that
> cleared up when taken off Anipryl).
>
> 2) The fill-in vet seems to think it might be Cushings caused problems
> related to clots being "thrown".
>
> 3) The regular vet's best guess is some sort of CNS pressure causing
a
> seizure that is centered in the part of the brain that handles autonomic
> functions such as breathing and body temp. maintenance.
>
> All three brought up the possibility of brain tumor. All three agree
it
> would be helpful to get an ultrasound (I'm saving for that now - around
> $1,000 they said...). If it *is* a brain tumor, there is absolutely
nothing
> they can do for her. If it is not a brain tumor, then there is another
> mystery to be figured out.
>
> Regular vet increased her Lasix from once to twice daily, and dropped
her
> Anipryl from 6 mg to 5 mg and eventually to 4 mg over the course of
a week.
> He will be gone for 3 weeks to a conference and then vacation. We
had her
> records copied and sent to the ER vets because we have more faith in
them
> than the fill-in vet. The fill-in vet and the regular vet seem to be
having
> some sort of "turf war" or "I'm more professional than
he is" argument. It
> makes us nervous when they criticize each other's treatment of our
dog to
> us. Everybody agrees she is not a good candidate for Lysodren, so
I don't
> know where that leaves us. As a sort of weird/sad note - this last
attack
> seems to have taken the last of her eyesight (although she still sometimes
> seems to catch light and movement), and she is having to learn to adjust
to
> being blind. She seems to be adjusting ok, but I need to stop gulping
each
> time she bumps herself...Ron says she is learning "nose and forehead
Braille"!
>
> Sorry this is so long... we have been a bit out of it.... last weekend
I
> was sure she was dying and then she recovered so well even the ER docs
were
> surprised. I don't know what to think.
>
> Thanks for listening.
> --
> >--------------------------------------------<
> ~Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug!~ -dire
straits
> kathleen richards -- krichard@acme.csusb.edu or kilty@tstonramp.com
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 17:35:08 EST
From: UltraBill@aol.com
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Cc: afzbdlto@campbell-emh5.army.mil
Subject: Re: Cushing's: Anipryl question
Message-ID: <4618d64d.34da3eab@aol.com>
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We've just had an unsucessful experience with Anipryl for our Cushnoid
Shih
Tzu, Rocky, who is 10-1/2. He was diagnosed with Pituitary dependent cushings
in November after abnormalities appeared in his blood workup done for an
unrelated reason. He had only modest degrees of several of the usual
symptoms, so it might have been some time before we would have otherwise
realized his illness (and we probably caught it early). Unwilling to start
him on chemo without trying the (safer?) alternative, we put him on Anipryl,
knowing that if it helped the Cushings symptoms, it might also slow down
or
stop any CCD (canine cognitive disorder) that might be starting at his age.
We gave him a standard dose for nearly 2 months, and then doubled the dose
for
nearly another month. While he had numerous 'good days', and often 2-3
in a
row, his 'bad days' always outnumbered them, days when he was extremely
lethargic and would often just stare off in space. We've now had to give
up
the Anipryl treatment in favor of the chemo we'd first wanted to avoid.
We
recently took him for a second opinion and then on to an internal medecine
specialist from the vet school at CSU. Both felt, in light of Rocky's
continuing symptoms and the still poor results of blood tests, it is time
to
give up on the Anipryl (which admits to a 20%+ failure rate for PDH). I'm
sure our original vet would agree at this point, tho he hasn't seen Rocky
real
recently while we were going elsewhere. The internest did indicate he'd
had
quite good success with Anipryl for CCD, but little success for Cushings.
I
can only hope now the chemo therapy isn't as difficult as we first feared.
We'd love to have our Rocky around for many more happy years. He's also
known
as "Puppy Wuppy" since he acted like a puppy most of the time
til this caught
up with him. We'd appreciate knowing of other experiences with this drug.
Bill & Louise
Date: Thu, 05 Feb 1998 18:57:11 -0400
From: L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
To: CUSHINGS-PETS@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Anipryl question
Message-ID: <34DA43C6.649E3E1E@warwick.net>
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Bill & Louise.....
Just finished reading your message and feel like I was re-reading my
words of several months ago!! I have a 6 y.o. Lab/Ret mix who was
diagnosed in May with pituitary dependent Cushing's. Because he has so
many drug/food/environmental allergies, my Vet decided that Anipryl was
the "safer" drug. We started him out on 45 mgs of Anipryl for
the first
month. He had all the symptoms...distended belly, weight gain (went up
to 102 pounds!!), was drinking over 2 gallons of water a day and hair
thinned out terribly. When we started him on the Anipryl the only
improvement was his "playfulness". He was then increased to 90
mgs. but
still no luck.
Like you two, I was scared to death of the Lysodren but after six months
of being on Anipryl, I finally had to face the fact it was time for
Lysodren. I had put so much "false hope" into Anipryl as I wanted
to
believe that it was working but deep in my heart I knew it wasn't.
Schonus had absolutely no side effects of Anipryl. I was so afraid that
he wouldn't be able to "tolerate" Lysodren and was a wreck during
his
first loading phase.
The worst thing I did was open my PDR to read about Lysodren. I nearly
fell apart. It was then I started "searching" for a site like
this and
when I did it was like finding the end of the rainbow. If it were not
for the help and encouragement of the people here, I would probably
still have my dog on Anipryl.
Schonus had to go thru back-to-back "loading phases" but he
did better
than I did!! He is now on his maintenance dose and has improved
greatly. I only wish I hadn't been so afraid of the Lysodren and had
gotten him started earlier.
I have often wondered many times myself....On the paper that comes with
the Anipryl prescription it says that there is an improvement in 80% of
dogs? I was just wondering if anyone has any luck with Anipryl??
Linda & Schonus
Date: Thu, 05 Feb 1998 19:08:14 -0400
From: L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
To: CUSHINGS-PETS@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Ebony update
Message-ID: <34DA465D.50A26E35@warwick.net>
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Kathleen.....
So sorry to read about Ebony but it sounds like she still has a bit of
"fight" left in her!! Our hearts are with you both.....
Linda & Schonus
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 1998 16:57:47 EST
From: SheltyLove@aol.com
To: wellpet@listservice.net, Cushings-Pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: BJ's 3 week checkup
Message-ID: <ccb718ed.34dcd8dd@aol.com>
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Happy Saturday all!
We went to have BJ's (Cushinoid) 3 week checkup with the homeopathic
vet
today. She was just as excited as I have been with BJ's improvement. She
said if she didn't know better, she'd've thought I snuck a different dog
in on
her! She had planned on doing a CBC this time, but felt she didn't need
to;
his improvements are clearly visible.
She added one more supplement to his regimen... it's a beta carotene.
I'm really so surprised at the fast improvement in him with homeopathic
remedies... I really thought it was take *much* longer to notice a difference.
Needless to say, we're happy today!! :>)
Lori and the "goobers"
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 1998 15:54:01 -0800 (PST)
From: kathleen richards <krichard@acme.csusb.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: homeopathic vets
Message-ID: <199802072354.PAA07861@acme.csusb.edu>
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Does anyone know of any good homeopathic vets in the Upland, Rialto,
Ontario, Montclair, Pomona, San Bernardino area of CA? It sounds like it
is
worth trying - even though we have to be fairly careful altering Ebony's
regime. Maybe we could *add* homeopathic stuff to the mix?
Thanks.
--
>--------------------------------------------<
~Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug!~ -dire straits
kathleen richards -- krichard@acme.csusb.edu or kilty@tstonramp.com
Date: Sat, 07 Feb 1998 21:18:57 -0800
From: Jeri <kurvenal@ameritech.net>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: homeopathic vets
Message-ID: <34DD4041.33C4@ameritech.net>
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kathleen richards wrote:
>
> Does anyone know of any good homeopathic vets in the Upland, Rialto,
> Ontario, Montclair, Pomona, San Bernardino area of CA? It sounds like
it is
> worth trying - even though we have to be fairly careful altering Ebony's
> regime. Maybe we could *add* homeopathic stuff to the mix?
While a recommendation from someone who has used the vet is probably
the
best way to find a vet, the following might help. And, most alternative
vets are willing to talk to you before you set up an appointment, and
discuss with your their approach to treatment, what experience they
have in treating your pet's particular problem, what kind of success
they've seen in treating it, etc. You might find that you're not
comfortable
with one vet's approach, but very comfortable with another vet's
approach--
there are a variety of styles among alternative vets, I think.
If your "regular" vet is willing to work with a holistic vet,
you might
want
to make sure that the holistic vet you use will be willing to work with
your regular vet too.... Kurvenal has 2 vets that he sees--allopathic
("regular"), and holistic (mostly acupuncture). Both work with
one
another
to help treat Kurvenal, and also are willing to work with me when I take
Kurvenal to a doctor of Chinese medicine too. We use a mix of things to
treat Kurvenal--whatever works best for his situation at the time.
The following web site lists people who are
various practioners of alternative veterinary medicine:
http://www.altvetmed.com/toc.html
The area code listed for Kurvenal's vet isn't right, though--
area code split in this area quite a while ago--so I don't know
how accurate all of the posted information is. It's a
starting point, though!
For a holistic vet:
American Holistic Veterinary Medicine Association
Phone #: (410) 569-0795.
For vets who can perform acupuncture:
IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society)
P.O. Box 2074
Nederland, CO 80466-2074
Phone: 303-449-7936
Fax: 303-449-8312
Contact Person: Donna Watkins, Assistant
Jeri kurvenal@ameritech.net