Cushing's Disease/Syndrome | Electronic Forum Digest 23

CUSHINGS-PETS Digest 23

Topics covered in this issue include:

1) Test Results
by "Kathleen J. Spradlin-Miller" <kmiller@beowulf.mhsl.uab.edu>
2) Bad Day for Sunny
by Jackie Siniard <siniardj@email.uah.edu>
3) Re: Bad Day for Sunny
by "Dillon Pyron" <dillon.pyron@amd.com>
4) Re: Bad Day for Sunny
by DAOsborn@softart.com
5) Re: Bad Day for Sunny
by Leslie Lawson <lolawson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
6) Sunny, real snowy, Feisal update
by David & Irene Scott <dgscott@frontier.net>
7) Bad Day For Sunny
by L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
8) Test Results
by L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
9) Re: Sunny, real snowy, Feisal update
by Leslie Lawson <lolawson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
10) Poetry
by L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
11) Re: Bad Day for Sunny
by Sandy Hempe <dogdazed@sprintmail.com>
12) Re: Bad Day for Sunny
by Jean Spradlin-Miller <kmiller@beowulf.mhsl.uab.edu>
13) Re: Bad Day for Sunny
by HelenFW@aol.com
14) Re: Sunny, real snowy, Feisal update
by "Dillon Pyron" <dillon.pyron@amd.com>
15) Sunny
by Tom White <trw@virginia.edu>
16) Re: Bad Day for Sunny
by "David ROBERTS" <d_one_delta@email.msn.com>
17) Not to Sure
by Jackie Siniard <siniardj@email.uah.edu>
18) general replies
by Kathleen Richards <krichard@acme.csusb.edu>
19) Re: general replies
by "Dillon Pyron" <dillon.pyron@amd.com>
20) Loki
by Leslie Lawson <lolawson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
21) Re: general replies
by Jackie Siniard <siniardj@email.uah.edu>
22) Loki
by L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
23) Re: general replies
by floyd@zianet.com
24) CoCo's Tests
by "Kathleen J. Spradlin-Miller" <kmiller@beowulf.mhsl.uab.edu>
25) reply & update
by David & Irene Scott <dgscott@frontier.net>

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Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 08:19:46 CST
From: "Kathleen J. Spradlin-Miller" <kmiller@beowulf.mhsl.uab.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Test Results
Message-ID: <10425EC67BE@beowulf.mhsl.uab.edu>

Hello All!

The results came back from Auburn on CoCo's ACTH test yesterday, and
Dr. Weber said he was in the normal range, but a high normal. On
Thursday we're going in for additional tests. Maybe these will be
more conclusive.

CoCo seems to be doing okay. I did discover a lump on his side
Saturday -- Dr. Weber will look at it when we go in on Thursday. And
(it may be my imagination or paranoia) he seems to be sleeping more.
But when he plays, he plays just as hard, and he's just as picky an
eater as ever!

I guess I just need to be a bit patient and just wait
for the diagnosis.

Jean

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Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 11:04:48 -0600
From: Jackie Siniard <siniardj@email.uah.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Bad Day for Sunny
Message-ID: <1.5.4.32.19980224170448.006f74fc@email.uah.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Love doesn't make the world go 'round: love is what makes the ride
worthwhile. - Franklin Jones

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

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Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 11:53:06 -0600
From: "Dillon Pyron" <dillon.pyron@amd.com>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: Bad Day for Sunny
Message-ID: <9802241153.ZM6066@dvorak.amd.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Our love to Sunny. These can be trying times for her, and you.

All I can say is "chin up". Give her a stroke for us all.

--
dillon pyron
dillon.pyron@amd.com
Ivan Oct 12, 1983 - Feb 14, 1998
Fire in his eyes, a roar in his heart

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Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 12:52:48 -0500
From: DAOsborn@softart.com
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu,
Jackie Siniard <siniardj@email.uah.edu>
Subject: Re: Bad Day for Sunny
Message-ID: <000079C2.1408@softart.com>
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Jackie, we are thinking and praying for you and Sunny. Give her lots
of hugs and kisses. We live in Indianapolis, Indiana which normally
is freezing this time of year but today, it's sunny and in the 50s.
Really strange!! We normally get at least 25 snows and this year we
have only had 2! My scotties love the snow so they have really missed
it.

Good luck and let us know how you and Sunny are doing.

Doreen

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Bad Day for Sunny
Author: Jackie Siniard <siniardj@email.uah.edu> at Internet
Date: 2/24/98 11:04 AM

Hello everyone, what a lovely spring day today, I wish I could be at home
with Sunny, she would like it outside, we had our blood drawn yesterday for
another ACTH test, it was hard going for her, her veins would keep on
collapsing, she just did not have a good time, then we bombed out, we had to
give her a prednisone to get her back up again, she was not feeling at all
well yesterday, poor thing, its been 2 whole weeks of loading, we should get
her blood results tomorrow before COB, lets hope they are lower. Hugs and
kisses to all the babies. Oh by the way, do you think it would be nice to
know where we are all living, Randy, Sunny, Saphir and I (Jackie) live in
Huntsville, Alabama.

Love doesn't make the world go 'round: love is what makes the ride
worthwhile. - Franklin Jones

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

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Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 12:54:31 -0600
From: Leslie Lawson <lolawson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: Bad Day for Sunny
Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.19980224125431.006a9588@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Poor, sweet Sunny--sounds like she's having a rough go of it. I hope she's
feeling better soon and that the results of her blood work are optimistic.
Be sure to give her extra love from me today.

A semi-humorous aside: I remember when we were treating Melissa, the vets
had a horrible time with her veins, too. All the "good ones" had already
been tapped, so the vets were continuously having to search for new ones to
use. That required lots of spot shaving. Her coat was such a mess of bald
patches--she was so funny looking! But of course, how her fur looked was
the least of our concerns...

Leslie
(from beautiful, spring-like Austin, Texas)

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Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 16:21:00 -0700
From: David & Irene Scott <dgscott@frontier.net>
To: CUSHINGS-PETS@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Sunny, real snowy, Feisal update
Message-ID: <3.0.5.32.19980224162100.007972c0@frontier.net>
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Hello from a snowstorm in western Colorado. Feisal, Irene and I (Dave)live
about 30 miles northwest of Durango, Colorado, between Purgatory Ski area
and Telluride. The weather report is for 2 (yes TWO!!) feet of snow in the
next 24 hours. So I read with some envy Jackie's and Doreen's weather
reports. Oh well, the skiing will be wonderful once this blizzard is over.

I finally received the results of Feisal's liver biopsy today. The good
news is that there were no cancer cells present. The diagnosis is "diffuse
vacular hepathothy" caused by an accumulation of glycogen due to cushings
syndrome. The next step will be to do another ACTH level to confirm the
presence of a primary adrenal tumor. As I understand it, if the ACTH level
is high it would indicate a pituitary tumor, and if low it will confirm
what the vet suspects is an adrenal tumor. The vet recommends surgical
removal of the adrenal tumor.

This snow is starting to come down sideways, so time to log off and power
down.

Jackie, good luck with Sunny.

Dave

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Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 18:27:41 -0400
From: L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
To: "Cushing's e-mail" <CUSHINGS-PETS@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu>
Subject: Bad Day For Sunny
Message-ID: <34F3495C.F6373FEE@warwick.net>
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Jackie....

Schonus and I are putting Sunny and family at the top of our prayer list
tonite! Schonus did one loading phase...had a blood test....then had
another blood test done three days later...followed by another loading
phase...followed by another blood test. I felt the needle everytime he
got it!

Schonus and I hail from a snowy upstate New Yawk! We're up in the
Catskill Mountains. Just got about 18" of snow today and the wind is
really howling! Thought we were getting an early Spring but boy did
Mother Nature fool us!

Waiting for the good news!!!

Linda & Schonus

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Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 18:32:41 -0400
From: L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
To: CUSHINGS-PETS@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Test Results
Message-ID: <34F34A89.4664535A@warwick.net>
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Jean.....

What additional tests are you having done?

All my life I never thought of myself as a "patient" person but since
the Cushing's I have learned to become patient but my hair color
hasn't!!

Linda & Schonus

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Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 17:41:23 -0600
From: Leslie Lawson <lolawson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: Sunny, real snowy, Feisal update
Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.19980224174123.00709358@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Dave-

This may sound odd, but here's hoping for an adrenal tumor! As I
understand it, treating the adrenal tumor-induced variety of Cushing's is
typically easier and more successful than the pituitary variety. Of
course, that's not to say that dealing with a disease of any type is ever
easy....

Keep us updated on Feisal's progress. His situation seems like it may be
quite different from that of the rest of the Cushing's pups--promises to be
a great learning experience for the rest of us. I also hope you share with
us whatever information your vet gives you on Feisal's liver condition.
This may be something that could effect other Cushing's pups as well.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you and Feisal,

Leslie

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Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 19:17:16 -0400
From: L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
To: CUSHINGS-PETS@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Poetry
Message-ID: <34F354FB.980B2713@warwick.net>
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Dillon....

Just finished reading your poetry.....absolutely beautiful!!

Linda

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Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 18:02:30 -0600
From: Sandy Hempe <dogdazed@sprintmail.com>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: Bad Day for Sunny
Message-ID: <34F35F96.18E8@sprintmail.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Jackie -

We've got our fingers and paws crossed for Sunny.

Oh, and Vincent and I live in Missouri!

Best wishes,

Sandy and Vincent

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Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 22:21:48 -0800
From: Jean Spradlin-Miller <kmiller@beowulf.mhsl.uab.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: Bad Day for Sunny
Message-ID: <34F3B87C.1667@beowulf.mhsl.uab.edu>
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Hi Jackie,

I'm thinking of you and give you and Sunny my best.

You work at UAH . . . I work at UAB -- University of Alabama at
Birmingham -- at Sterne Library, which is the academic library. I'm
head of Circulation here. CoCo and I live in an apartment on the
southside of town. CoCo probably has Cushings -- alot of the symptoms
are there. He got a high normal on his ACTH test results yesterday.
We're to have more tests on Thursday.

My prayers are with you!

Jean Spradlin-Miller
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL

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Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 08:51:20 EST
From: HelenFW@aol.com
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: Bad Day for Sunny
Message-ID: <6ff5fcb.34f421db@aol.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Hello All, Sparky and I, live near Annapolis, Md. He is still on the
Anipryl and Drenamin. We will repeat his ACTH test soon but so far he seems
about the same. I was hoping the Anipryl would work but I have my doubts. My
Vet has suggested that we might try something homeopathically to help with his
panting. He pants for about two hours, only at night. Sparky has seemed more
energetic and playful since on the Anipryl, though. Good Luck to you all!

Helen and Sparky

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Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 10:32:14 -0600
From: "Dillon Pyron" <dillon.pyron@amd.com>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: Sunny, real snowy, Feisal update
Message-ID: <9802251032.ZM20151@dvorak.amd.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Dave, good luck with Feisal. I really hope everything comes off for the best.
Surgery is never a pleasant prospect, but if it gives him relief, it's what I
would do.

Hugs and kisses to him.

--
dillon pyron
dillon.pyron@amd.com
Ivan Oct 12, 1983 - Feb 14, 1998
Fire in his eyes, a roar in his heart

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Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 13:51:58 +0000
From: Tom White <trw@virginia.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Sunny
Message-ID: <55F7A36CCE@law1.law.virginia.edu>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
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Hi Jackie--

Give our very best to Sunny. We're pulling for her.

We're in Charlottesville, Virginia, where it was warm, almost balmy over the
weekend, then some more el Nino stuff, and today is March-like, bright but
chilly and blustery. The croci are in bloom and the daffodils will be early
this year.

Lots of hugs to Sunny. Tom, Maria and Clea.
Tom, Maria and Clea, Timmy and Little Rosti
E-mail us at trw@virginia.edu

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Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 12:32:43 -0800
From: "David ROBERTS" <d_one_delta@email.msn.com>
To: <cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu>
Subject: Re: Bad Day for Sunny
Message-ID: <0590c3429201928UPIMSSMTPUSR04@email.msn.com>

Helen,
We are the associates of Terrible Ted, our 6 years old Yorkie who
has been diagnosed with Cushings for three months. We live in sunny Delta,
south of Vancouver, in British Columbia, where I am a forensic
identification specialist with our local police department. As I type this
the sun is streaming in and the crocuses and dafodils are up. Blossoms are
appearing on the cherry trees and El Nino has altered our late winter.
Ted reacted to Anipryl well and the Drenamin seemed to help.
Although he is very perky, he still has his pot belly and drinks a lot, but
not to excess. His panting has almost entirely ceased at night and though he
snores terribly, it's a lullaby we have come to love.
He is almost at the last of his Anipryl so I will be consulting
the vet as to where do we go from here.
I don't know if anyone else has experienced a loss in hair
pigmentation with the thinning of the volume. He has become almost silver
and attracts much attention because of his 'elegant' looks. I would prefer
to see the old Ted, though.
Regards to all in the group.
Eileen and Dave ROBERTS
-----Original Message-----
From: HelenFW@aol.com <HelenFW@aol.com>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
<cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu>
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 1998 5:53 AM
Subject: Re: Bad Day for Sunny

>Hello All, Sparky and I, live near Annapolis, Md. He is still on the
>Anipryl and Drenamin. We will repeat his ACTH test soon but so far he
seems
>about the same. I was hoping the Anipryl would work but I have my doubts.
My
>Vet has suggested that we might try something homeopathically to help with
his
>panting. He pants for about two hours, only at night. Sparky has seemed
more
>energetic and playful since on the Anipryl, though. Good Luck to you all!
>
>Helen and Sparky

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Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 10:52:28 -0600
From: Jackie Siniard <siniardj@email.uah.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Not to Sure
Message-ID: <1.5.4.32.19980226165228.0072f780@email.uah.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hello everyone, it was wonderful to receive replies from most of you saying
where you lived and what the weather was like, we feel so much like a family
it is wonderful. Now for the news on Sunny, we had her ACTH results
yesterday, they are down considerably, Pre - 99( last on 205) Post - 182
(last one 406), but we are to load her again as of last night (Wed) until
Saturday morning and then do another ACTH test, she was not doing to good
this morning, had diahrea and felt down, bless her heart, I wish I could do
this for her, this will be her 3rd week of loading, but I do have alot of
faith in Dr. Chisholm from Auburn, she seems so concerned for Sunny, let's
just hope that we do not have to pop a pred., that's what always scares me,
her poor little system must be going thru hell especially that we had to
change her food to RD which is all fibre. Thanks for always being there for
us, its bad enough being 4000 miles from home sometimes, but to have all of
you is wonderful, I am so thankful to have found you. Lots of love to all
the babies from Jackie, Randy, Sunny and Saphir.XXXOOO

Love doesn't make the world go 'round: love is what makes the ride
worthwhile. - Franklin Jones

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Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 09:59:51 -0800 (PST)
From: Kathleen Richards <krichard@acme.csusb.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: general replies
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.95.980226093504.6684A-100000@acme.csusb.edu>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

Hi all - sorry I haven't been responding too often for a bit. It's been
hard. I have been reading though - and wishing everyone the best ...
'sending my best thoughts to all the puppy-dogs who are going through hard
times right now.

It has been *pouring* rain here off and on for days. Our streets were
flooded past the curbs and my truck cover leaked too. :( Anyone know
where I can get a good deal on a new GMC Sierra w/extended cab?

Um, someone has given me a puppy - male, part pomeranian (his dad) and
part terrier (his mom) - probably a silky or yorkie or some combination of
those two. He is only 7 weeks old. 'A little young to be away from his
mom, but I had no choice. The owner was giving them away at school where
I work, gave him to a young student who took him and THEN asked her father
with whom she lives and he said NO. Sooo, she was trying to find him a
new home quickly and I happened by and admired him and ~poof~. I hope I
am not jumping the gun; I didn't think first, not with my head anyway.
~sigh~ I hope Ebony understands. I still cry thinking about her. New
puppy helps, but doesn't replace. I named him "Loki", a Norse god of
mischief.

Is it too soon do you think? I haven't had a little puppy in almost 18
years. It's a lot of work! He has come to work with me for almost a week
now. I'll get caught eventually and have to leave him home, but hopefully
not before he's 8 or 9 weeks old. I'm building a "house-pen" to keep him
safe at home while I am gone.....this weekend I'll finish it and pad it so
he won't have wood to chew.

I'm tempted to have him checked for Cushings. Is it possible to do that
this early? I know it's too much to put him through ... I'm paranoid I
guess.

So, do you think I jumped the gun?
--
kathleen richards krichard@acme.csusb.edu
~Someday - we'll live like horses, free rein from your old iron fences.
There's more ways than one to regain your senses.~ B.Taupin/E.John

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Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 13:21:44 -0600
From: "Dillon Pyron" <dillon.pyron@amd.com>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: general replies
Message-ID: <9802261321.ZM19583@dvorak.amd.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

There will never be another Ebony, Ivan, Melissa, Floyd or Mandy.

But there is a Loki. Your heart told you when it was right. Don't feel guilt.
Feel joy for Loki, and remember the joys of puppyhood again.

So, welcome, Loki. May the spirit of Ebony guide you away for mischief and
harm.

--
dillon pyron
dillon.pyron@amd.com
Ivan Oct 12, 1983 - Feb 14, 1998
Fire in his eyes, a roar in his heart

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Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 14:33:16 -0600
From: Leslie Lawson <lolawson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Loki
Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.19980226143316.007035ec@uts.cc.utexas.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Kathleen-

I'm so glad you dropped a note to the group. I've thought of you often and
have wondered how the last few weeks have been for you.

Your new puppy sounds *wonderful*. With that mix of parentage, I bet he's
as cute as can be. You'll just have to send a picture! The Norse god of
mischief?!? How perfect!!

Of course the timing of a new pet is completely a personal preference. My
husband doesn't feel as if he'll ever be ready to welcome a new pup into
his heart, but I was ready almost immediately! I certainly don't believe
that his reticence equals a greater love for Melissa or a greater sense of
loss over her death than I feel, it's just a different way of dealing with
the situation. So, basically, if it feels right to you--and it must've
because you took in Loki--then the timing was right. Your heart knows what
it wants and what it can handle, so don't let anyone persuade you otherwise
and let go of your guilt!

Loki will never replace Ebony, but he doesn't have to. There's plenty of
room in our hearts to love more than one dog! And I feel certain that
Ebony understands. Just from what you've written in the past, I can tell
she loved you dearly and that she would want nothing less than for you to
be happy. I can understand why you're questioning yourself, but you really
do seem to be doing the right thing for you.

As for testing Loki for Cushing's, if it puts your mind at ease, then sure,
have it done. But, as I understand it, the likelihood is essentially zero
and I doubt that a vet would run the test for you on an asymptomatic puppy
(if they'd run it on a puppy at all, for that matter!). Perhaps instead
you could take the money you would have spent on the tests and do something
really nice for yourself and for Loki. Need silly ideas on how to spend
money? I've got plenty!!

Take good care of yourself and love on that puppy for me. Do know that I'm
incredibly envious!

-Leslie

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Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 16:06:28 -0600
From: Jackie Siniard <siniardj@email.uah.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: general replies
Message-ID: <1.5.4.32.19980226220628.00742cfc@email.uah.edu>
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Kathleen, do not feel guilty, some of us can open up our hearts to a new
baby straight away and some of us cannot, that does not mean we should feel
guilty, we always have love in our hearts for any baby and I know that Ebony
would want you to love another, she knows that no-one will ever take her
place, but she is glad that you can love on another, we must love all gods
creatures, no matter how great or small. Love to the new baby Loki from
Jackie, Randy, Sunny and Saphir XXXXXXOOOOOO

At 09:59 AM 2/26/98 -0800, you wrote:
>Hi all - sorry I haven't been responding too often for a bit. It's been
>hard. I have been reading though - and wishing everyone the best ...
>'sending my best thoughts to all the puppy-dogs who are going through hard
>times right now.
>
>It has been *pouring* rain here off and on for days. Our streets were
>flooded past the curbs and my truck cover leaked too. :( Anyone know
>where I can get a good deal on a new GMC Sierra w/extended cab?
>
>Um, someone has given me a puppy - male, part pomeranian (his dad) and
>part terrier (his mom) - probably a silky or yorkie or some combination of
>those two. He is only 7 weeks old. 'A little young to be away from his
>mom, but I had no choice. The owner was giving them away at school where
>I work, gave him to a young student who took him and THEN asked her father
>with whom she lives and he said NO. Sooo, she was trying to find him a
>new home quickly and I happened by and admired him and ~poof~. I hope I
>am not jumping the gun; I didn't think first, not with my head anyway.
>~sigh~ I hope Ebony understands. I still cry thinking about her. New
>puppy helps, but doesn't replace. I named him "Loki", a Norse god of
>mischief.
>
>Is it too soon do you think? I haven't had a little puppy in almost 18
>years. It's a lot of work! He has come to work with me for almost a week
>now. I'll get caught eventually and have to leave him home, but hopefully
>not before he's 8 or 9 weeks old. I'm building a "house-pen" to keep him
>safe at home while I am gone.....this weekend I'll finish it and pad it so
>he won't have wood to chew.
>
>I'm tempted to have him checked for Cushings. Is it possible to do that
>this early? I know it's too much to put him through ... I'm paranoid I
>guess.
>
>So, do you think I jumped the gun?
>--
>kathleen richards krichard@acme.csusb.edu
> ~Someday - we'll live like horses, free rein from your old iron fences.
> There's more ways than one to regain your senses.~ B.Taupin/E.John
>
>
>

Love doesn't make the world go 'round: love is what makes the ride
worthwhile. - Franklin Jones

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Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 18:54:35 -0400
From: L Boyce <lboyce@warwick.net>
To: CUSHINGS-PETS@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Loki
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Kathleen....

Wish you were here right now.....we have something very much in common.
One week before Xmas my kitty passed away from cardiomyopathy. He was
only 7 years old and we went everywhere together. I even flew him home
from Germany as that's where I got him. When he passed away I felt like
someone had ripped my heart out. For days all I could do is ask "Why"
and at nite I would cry myself to sleep. He was my first pet ever and
the first one to pass away. I cannot tell you how MANY guilt trips I
put myself thru...wondering if there wasn't something that I should have
noticed...something that I could have done. I couldn't eat or sleep
thru the nite. I kept waking up hearing him crying the nite he passed
away because he couldn't breathe. This all was in December but on Feb
8th I got another kitty. She's my little "Peanut". She was rescued. I
swore I would NEVER EVER get another cat. The day she was brought to my
house I went out to see her and she is a spitting image of my Mikey (the
one who passed away). Then the girl who rescued my new kitty, Kaylee,
said it was the week before Xmas!! I couldn't say no! Since I've
gotten her, I feel complete again. I know I can NEVER replace my Mikey
but Kaylee has made me realize one thing...I can love again!

I can really understand exactly how you feel...but love Loki with all
your heart. I still cry and miss my Mikey so much. It wasn't even two
months that he had passed and Kaylee came into my life, but she has put
the smile back on my face and brought out the love in my heart again. I
wish you all the luck with Loki....I think it's great he found himself a
wonderful Mom!! I believe it was meant to be for the both of you!!

Linda & Schonus

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Date: Fri, 27 Feb 1998 09:12:10 -0700
From: floyd@zianet.com
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: Re: general replies
Message-ID: <34F6E5DA.AB1@zianet.com>
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Kathleen Richards wrote:
>
> Hi all - sorry I haven't been responding too often for a bit. It's been
> hard. I have been reading though - and wishing everyone the best ...
> 'sending my best thoughts to all the puppy-dogs who are going through hard
> times right now.
>
> It has been *pouring* rain here off and on for days. Our streets were
> flooded past the curbs and my truck cover leaked too. :( Anyone know
> where I can get a good deal on a new GMC Sierra w/extended cab?
>
> Um, someone has given me a puppy - male, part pomeranian (his dad) and
> part terrier (his mom) - probably a silky or yorkie or some combination of
> those two. He is only 7 weeks old. 'A little young to be away from his
> mom, but I had no choice. The owner was giving them away at school where
> I work, gave him to a young student who took him and THEN asked her father
> with whom she lives and he said NO. Sooo, she was trying to find him a
> new home quickly and I happened by and admired him and ~poof~. I hope I
> am not jumping the gun; I didn't think first, not with my head anyway.
> ~sigh~ I hope Ebony understands. I still cry thinking about her. New
> puppy helps, but doesn't replace. I named him "Loki", a Norse god of
> mischief.
>
> Is it too soon do you think? I haven't had a little puppy in almost 18
> years. It's a lot of work! He has come to work with me for almost a week
> now. I'll get caught eventually and have to leave him home, but hopefully
> not before he's 8 or 9 weeks old. I'm building a "house-pen" to keep him
> safe at home while I am gone.....this weekend I'll finish it and pad it so
> he won't have wood to chew.
>
> I'm tempted to have him checked for Cushings. Is it possible to do that
> this early? I know it's too much to put him through ... I'm paranoid I
> guess.
>
> So, do you think I jumped the gun?
> --
> kathleen richards krichard@acme.csusb.edu
> ~Someday - we'll live like horses, free rein from your old iron fences.
> There's more ways than one to regain your senses.~ B.Taupin/E.JohnKathleen Richards wrote:
>
> Hi all - sorry I haven't been responding too often for a bit. It's been
> hard. I have been reading though - and wishing everyone the best ...
> 'sending my best thoughts to all the puppy-dogs who are going through hard
> times right now.
>
> It has been *pouring* rain here off and on for days. Our streets were
> flooded past the curbs and my truck cover leaked too. :( Anyone know
> where I can get a good deal on a new GMC Sierra w/extended cab?
>
> Um, someone has given me a puppy - male, part pomeranian (his dad) and
> part terrier (his mom) - probably a silky or yorkie or some combination of
> those two. He is only 7 weeks old. 'A little young to be away from his
> mom, but I had no choice. The owner was giving them away at school where
> I work, gave him to a young student who took him and THEN asked her father
> with whom she lives and he said NO. Sooo, she was trying to find him a
> new home quickly and I happened by and admired him and ~poof~. I hope I
> am not jumping the gun; I didn't think first, not with my head anyway.
> ~sigh~ I hope Ebony understands. I still cry thinking about her. New
> puppy helps, but doesn't replace. I named him "Loki", a Norse god of
> mischief.
>
> Is it too soon do you think? I haven't had a little puppy in almost 18
> years. It's a lot of work! He has come to work with me for almost a week
> now. I'll get caught eventually and have to leave him home, but hopefully
> not before he's 8 or 9 weeks old. I'm building a "house-pen" to keep him
> safe at home while I am gone.....this weekend I'll finish it and pad it so
> he won't have wood to chew.
>
> I'm tempted to have him checked for Cushings. Is it possible to do that
> this early? I know it's too much to put him through ... I'm paranoid I
> guess.
>
> So, do you think I jumped the gun?
> --
> kathleen richards krichard@acme.csusb.edu
> ~Someday - we'll live like horses, free rein from your old iron fences.
> There's more ways than one to regain your senses.~ B.Taupin/E.John

Absolutely not. I know Ebony understands and totally approves. With
all the little guys out there that need a home and love, I am sure that
Ebony is happy to share your home with the new baby, since I know she
knows she will always be in your heart and no one will ever replace
that. Love is a wonderful thing. It just keeps growing and there is
always room for more. Please don't feel that you have betrayed Ebony
because you have not. You've just added another family member that
needed you. You haven't taken anything away from anyone, especially
Ebony.

To all the rest of the group, I am sorry I haven't responded to much in
the last couple of weeks. We were out of town for a week and then the
day after we got back, and I was trying to catch up with Cybil and
everything else, I got a terrible cold, or flu or both, and have been
totally out of it since. Today is the first day for a long time that I
really feel like I might live. Will respond more in the next few days.
Our love to all of the babies and our prayers.

Patti & Cybil.

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Date: Fri, 27 Feb 1998 12:49:08 CST
From: "Kathleen J. Spradlin-Miller" <kmiller@beowulf.mhsl.uab.edu>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: CoCo's Tests
Message-ID: <150A5B06652@beowulf.mhsl.uab.edu>

Hello All!

CoCo had his additional tests done yesterday . . . they were to
measure Cortizone levels in his system (a tech told me this). Dr.
Weber is still open to the possibility that CoCo may have something
besides Cushings -- like his hair folicles just dying and leaving him
bald. Anyway, we should find out next week how these tests turn out.

We were stuck at Dr. Weber's for 45 minutes yesterday afternoon until
an awful storm let up. When we got home, poor baby slept until about
10:00 pm. Then, when I was getting ready for bed, he decided to get
amorous with his lambkin toy. I can't believe the dog is 13 years
old and still has a sex drive! My point, though, is that he can't be
that sick if he's still interested in sex!

Still keeping our fingers, and paws, crossed!

Jean, and CoCo

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Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 05:37:32 -0700
From: David & Irene Scott <dgscott@frontier.net>
To: cushings-pets@mcfeeley.cc.utexas.edu
Subject: reply & update
Message-ID: <3.0.5.32.19980226053732.0079ba60@frontier.net>
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At 05:41 PM 2/24/98 -0600, you wrote:
>Dave-
>
>This may sound odd, but here's hoping for an adrenal tumor! As I
>understand it, treating the adrenal tumor-induced variety of Cushing's is
>typically easier and more successful than the pituitary variety. Of
>course, that's not to say that dealing with a disease of any type is ever
>easy....
>
>Keep us updated on Feisal's progress. His situation seems like it may be
>quite different from that of the rest of the Cushing's pups--promises to be
>a great learning experience for the rest of us. I also hope you share with
>us whatever information your vet gives you on Feisal's liver condition.
>This may be something that could effect other Cushing's pups as well.
>
>Keeping my fingers crossed for you and Feisal,
>
>Leslie
>
>
Leslie,
Your wish for an adrenal tumor vs. a pituitary tumor is also my
understanding. Something of the lesser of evils, but given if we have to
choose we'll take the adrenal one. Since only one adrenal was visible in
the recent ultrasound, the upcoming ACTH test should give us more info. In
the interim, Feisal's appetite is much improved. Thanks to the group for
some tips from chicken broth to natural diets, all are helping. He remains
on a lowered dose of Actigall with occasional bouts of mild diarrhea, and
we have added some homeopathic remedies.
Thanks for your good wihes,
Dave & Feisal

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