[sophie]

I just wanted to updated everyone on Sophie and the Cushings.

She went in yesterday for an ultrasound of the abdomen and to have another acth stim test done.

The ultrasound showed bilateral enlarged adrenal glands. So the vet said we are looking at pituitary cushings disease.

Her stim test results were:

CORT 1.7
baseline cortisol

CORT <2.5
acth stim (cush selected)

So, the meds actually dropped her cortisol way too low. They changed her over to 20 mg of trilostane once a day.

I was hoping she would have lost some weight, but she actually gained a couple of ounces!!!

The vet said that there are two different types of cushings pituitary tumors and that the one they see in small breeds is the least damaging of the two. And, with her being on the medicine she should live a long healthy life - still need to get the weight off of her to ensure that, but they said it can take a while for the meds to have an affect on that.

We have opted not to do an MRI since they are so expensive ($2,000) and it wouldn't make any difference in the treatment plan at this point. I just need to watch for any neurological signs which the vet said shouldn't happen because she is going to be just fine as long as she is being treated.

Oh, and they shaved her almost up to her neck so she is really enjoying laying belly down on the tile floor where it's cool.

Please keep her in your prayers - I so worry about the weight affecting her other organs.

Thanks,

Linda

 

[sophie]

well, that sounds pretty good, right, Linda?
Hugs to your sweet little girl.

Thanks, Sue!

I AM SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU POSTING!!!!! :chili::chili::chili:

Linda

 

[sophie]

Awwww I'm glad that with the meds she will be able to live a long happy life. Please try not to worry, youre doing everything you can to help your precious fluff. She definitely has a lovely, caring mama that's for sure. Sending you positive thoughts and I hope your baby's health continues to improve .

Thanks! I'm trying not to worry, but it is so hard. I'm a natural worry wart for sure.

Linda

 

[sophie]

Linda, that sounds very positive, thank goodness. Will the meds take the weight off or will you need to put her on a diet or both?

Still praying every day for little Sophie and for Annie too. I know how much she loves her sister. Hugs to you and kisses for Sophie and Annie.

I'm not exactly sure how it works. I just know that Sophie is always hungry - starving all of the time. Although she doesn't get any more food than Annie gets in a day and Annie's weight hovers around 5 lbs. The vet said that sometimes it takes a while for the meds to kick in before we see a weight drop. I told him that after the first stim test Sophie was even more hungry than usual. I don't give her any more food, but it really is pitiful to see her begging and I know that hubby will give in to her, but he's usually real good about just giving her their romaine lettuce. And, as Marj mentioned I've been giving her a lot of steamed green beans.

Well, that sounds pretty good all things considered.

Lady had gotten really overweight before she was diagnosed with diabetes. Green beans were our salvation. I got the weight off her and have kept her at a good weight for eight years.

Marj, how many green beans did you give to Lady when you were getting the weight off? Did you substitute them for her kibble? I sometimes worry that I'm giving Sophie too many green beans when she is hungry or at breakfast/dinner time.

Linda

 

[sophie]

Linda - :smheat:Relieved to read your post and see that it was more on the side of best case scenario rather than worst. Sounds like the doctor is feeling really good about this so with your love, medication and a diet that works Sophie should be terrific. It's always a kick in the gut to get medical news about an illness or disease but after the initial diagnosis you know what you're dealing with and can proceed forward. It will all become second nature.
Sending thoughts and prayers to sweet Sophia and if you want her to lose some weight threaten her with Jillian from Biggest Loser. She'll be trim before you know it and she'll be lovin' those green beans.. :smrofl:

She scares me!!!! :smrofl:

 

[sophie]

Linda I'm glad Sophie is diagnosed and soon she will be on the road to recovery. She's getting the best treatment possible and will live a long happy life. U know u can message me any time!

Aw, thanks Jaimie! You really are a Godsend - because of you I actually sound like I know what I'm talking about when I go to the vet! Miss seeing pics of your babies!!! Hint! Hint!

Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and well wishes. I honestly don't know what I would do without all of my SM family. Well, I'd probably have a nervous breakdown without y'all! :w00t:

Linda