CUSHINGS forum?

[MarleneG]

I don't understand why there are no posts in this forum actually addressing Cushing's Disease.....
I now have a dog with juvenile cataracts, which is why I found this site. My first Boxer, Katie (waiting at the bridge) had Cushings which is why I read everything I find on the subject.

[Blinddogs.net]

Hi Marlene

There were several posts to the Cushing's forum that should have been made within other forums, so I've moved them. Some of the forum topics have been added fairly recently, and don't have many posts yet.

If you would like to share your previous experiences with Cushing's Disease here, that would be terrific!

Also, for anyone else that is looking for information/help with Cushing's Disease (as well as a number of other illnesses), there is a wonderful and supportive forum at Yahoogroups:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Cani ... mmuneCare/

Description of this group from the Home Page of Yahoogroups:

Mission: To promote optimal health and improve our pets' quality of life via a holistic lifestyle, preventive nutrition, integrative medicine and shared learning.

CCAC is an international community of lay people and veterinarians who have an interest in hyperadrenocorticism/HAC (Canine Cushing's syndrome), endocrine-immune imbalances, hormone abnormalities and associated medical complications (e.g., liver disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, GI disorders, IBD, kidney disease, bladder stones, chronic infections, UTI, incontinence, heart disease, CHF, hypertension, euthyroid sick syndrome, hypothyroidism, muscle atrophy/weakness, myotonia, bone/joint diseases, alopecia, skin/coat problems, SARDS, blindness, dry eye, cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia, pituitary/adrenal tumors, seizures, pituitary macrotumor, iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's), atypical Cushings, Alopecia X, hyperestrinism, congenital adrenohyperplasia-like syndrome, etc.).

We offer a wide range of resources, including the support and experiences of other caregivers, the expertise of veterinarians, a guest speaker program and an educational website. We strive to present information that is current, factual and balanced. Discussions focus on the etiology, signalment, clinical signs, laboratory findings, diagnosis, medical/surgical treatment options and long-term management of HAC (PDH, AT, Iatrogenic, Atypical) in dogs and cats.

Other topics include evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, lifestyle/environmental risk factors that can adversely affect endocrine and immune systems, vaccination practices, nutraceuticals, therapeutic nutrition and homemade diets. Scientific studies, peer-reviewed papers, journal articles, conference proceedings, genetics, K9 physiology and HAC in other species are also examined. Come join us!

[EllenR2]

I have a problem with Cushings. They have done 2 test on my Bischon and both come back "borderline". They can't tell me if she has it or not. She has symptoms when you look at her at times but not always.

I don't really understand Cushing and what it can do to my dog. She is already diabetic, cataract's and now has glaucoma

They tell me it could be the Cushing's pushing the diabetis As she has not stabled out with her blood sugar.

Boy I am confused. They are still running test and scales. What a nightmare..

[EllenR2]

Does anyone know about Cushings? or delt with it? I have looked on google and can't find anything I understand. I need some help. They are talking about starting treatment for it. And I don't know what to expect.

They just did another insulin cuve (24 hours) and the first part was good then she shot up to 600 to 700. They don't even understand.

Help?

[Blinddogs.net]

Does anyone know about Cushings? or delt with it? I have looked on google and can't find anything I understand. I need some help. They are talking about starting treatment for it. And I don't know what to expect.

They just did another insulin cuve (24 hours) and the first part was good then she shot up to 600 to 700. They don't even understand.

Help?

I would suggest a group on Yahoogroups that has great info on cushings and other health issues at this link: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Cani ... mmuneCare/
I haven't been on the list for awhile, but it is very active and LOTS of great support and help can be found there!

[EllenR2]

Thanks. I have tried to set up a Yahoo account and I don't understand what they want. They don't like my email addy and it's very confusing.

Thanks anhow.

[Blinddogs.net]

Thanks. I have tried to set up a Yahoo account and I don't understand what they want. They don't like my email addy and it's very confusing.

Thanks anhow.

I'm so sorry you're having trouble with getting set up to access that group! There is just a ton of info in their files section that can be downloaded and read... so it's a real shame!

Here are a couple of other support/info websites for Cushings if you haven't seen them:
http://www.cushings-help.com/pets.htm
http://www.io.com/~lolawson/cushings/cushlinks.html

I hope these will be helpful!

[EllenR2]

Thanks so much for those links. Looks like I will do alot of reading tonight.
Thank you again for responding so soon.

I am at the point I need a Psychiatrist. All that has happened has been in a short 3 months. It just gets too much at times.

Sorry for the sob story. Going to read now.

[Blinddogs.net]

I hope you are able to find the information you're looking for at those links. I wish we could figure out why you are not able to get signed up for the Yahoogroup... that is so frustrating... because I know you could really benefit from the list there.

I know you and Samantha have been through so much these past 3 months.. and especially hard to be going through all of this during the holidays.

Hang in there you two... there is light at the end of the tunnel... so I will just have to post this picture that someone sent me... I know will make you smile

[EllenR2]

Karen, that is so funny. Gee, it almost looks like some of the things they have done on Sam. Thanks for the laugh as I need it.

Still trying with Yahoo.

I think I posted her Cushing Med's should be here Mon. or Wed. Pray for us that she has take them.

Thanks again for the laugh. Can't wait to show my husband.

[EllenR2]

It's been awhile since I posted. But I wanted to let you know our Samantha crossed the bridge Friday April 11, 2008. We had to after 9 months send her on her new jurney.

It seems like it was more than cushings, but they could never get her blood sugar regulated and she seemed to be spending more time in the hospital than at home. But she loved it there too. They were wonderful to and with her.

Her little body could not take anymore. She fought a great fight and I don't think she ever realized she was blind. LOL. What a doll and she is so missed

But a wonderful side of her passing was that after all these months of nothing but UCK dog food for the diabetics, the girls in the back brought her a huge piece of Strawberry pie with whipped cream. Boy did she did into that. We were able to feed her the last meal and she loved it, and I love them for doing that. Her little white face turned pink and all fluffy from the cream. She had one Strawberry hanging out one side of her mouth and crust on the other. She LOVED it and it made us feel so good we could do that for her.

I want to thank you all for the support throughout this board. All my Vets have this board checked for further patients.

Again thank you all so much for being there.

[Blinddogs.net]

Dear Ellen,

I'm so very sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet Samantha. The story about her enjoying that strawberry pie so much just put a huge smile on my face... and what a wonderful memory for you to hold onto! She did fight such a good fight.. and I know she knew how much you loved her.

Please take care... and visit when you can... we would still love to hear from you!

((Hugs))

[EllenR2]

Thank you Karen. And if I can EVER be of help to anyone please let me know.

Again you will never know how much this board has helped me and meant to me and Bruce and Samantha. You all helped me help her through some rough times.

I love you all for being there.

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi ya'll,

I currently have a baby with Cushing's, Squirt. She was diagnosed early in '08 and is doing really well! I belong to a great group called K9Cushings and it can be found at http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/index.php. If I can help anyone with questions about Cushing's, I am more than happy to do so.

The most important thing to remember is that Cushing's does NOT mean death! It can and is handled daily by many, many moms and dads. It can be very confusing, frustrating and frightening at the beginning and I know this oh so well - I was a basket case when Squirt was first diagnosed but the more I learned the more confident I became.

So keep the faith if your vet throws the word "Cushing's" at you! If they tell you something like the life expectancy is only 2 years, LAUGH in their face - I know of several babies who have lived 10+ yrs with proper treatment. There is a world of hope!

Hugs,
Leslie

[Blinddogs.net]

Hi ya'll,

I currently have a baby with Cushing's, Squirt. She was diagnosed early in '08 and is doing really well! I belong to a great group called K9Cushings and it can be found at http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/index.php. If I can help anyone with questions about Cushing's, I am more than happy to do so.

The most important thing to remember is that Cushing's does NOT mean death! It can and is handled daily by many, many moms and dads. It can be very confusing, frustrating and frightening at the beginning and I know this oh so well - I was a basket case when Squirt was first diagnosed but the more I learned the more confident I became.

So keep the faith if your vet throws the word "Cushing's" at you! If they tell you something like the life expectancy is only 2 years, LAUGH in their face - I know of several babies who have lived 10+ yrs with proper treatment. There is a world of hope!

Hugs,
Leslie

Thanks so much for sharing the link to the Cushing's forum support Leslie!