Update on Chihuahua with bladder problem

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

Hey, I posted this awhile back:

help - 13 yr old Chihuahua having bladder trouble Thu Feb-12-09
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=243x38216

Here's today's update:

I took Katie to the vet today, and the vet asked some questions and
took some blood and urine to send off for analysis:

Examination/office visit . . . .$39.00
Urinalysis . . . . . . . . . . .$25.50
Geriatric Workup (CBC, Profile).$89.00
Total: . . . . . . . . . . . . $153.50

The Doc said that Katie's urine is clear, and so that doesn't likely indicate
diabetes. Doc is leaning towards kidney problems, which Doc says can be
treated but not cured. :(

Meanwhile, Katie is feeling good otherwise.
Her current symptoms:
Drinks alot of water at night (I even took up the water bowl last night arond 8:30),
doesn't seem to drink during the day.
Pees on the carpet sometime in the middle of the night.

What I am doing -
was feeding Katie Purina One, some deli turkey and some table scraps (no onions, no chocolate).
walking or letting Katie out regularly, first thing in AM, several times a day including lunch,
always right before bedtime.
(I work at home)

Katie seemed to get worse when I switched her to Nutro Senior, and someone here at Du gave
me a link that showed many people's dogs getting sick from Nutro.
Nutro has twice the amount of zinc in it that is recommended by vets, also seems to have
had some really bad batches.

I got some Merrick brand dog food, but Katie would not eat it.

We're back to Purina One - chicken #1 ingrediant for now.

Test results will be back Monday or Tuesday.

Will post update then.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

1. UPDATE - Feb 22 Vet called about test results

Our vet called today about Katie's test results.

She ruled out kidney disease.

The results do indicate elevated levels of alkaline phosatase,
an enzyme.

This elevation can indicate Cushings disease.

There are three types of Cushing's disease:
adrenal cortical tumor, pituitary tumor, and iatrogenic (veterinarian-induced).

It is expensive to find out which one it is, and then to treat and adjust treatment.

Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism is due to microtumors in the pituitary gland in the brain that produce excessive amounts of a hormone that causes the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. In this form, both adrenal glands are enlarged.

Iatrogenic Cushing's is produced by an excess of cortisol being given to a pet by a veterinarian, for example, to treat a skin disorder. The excess cortisol in the body signals the adrenal glands to decrease their normal production of cortisol, leading to a decrease in the size of the adrenal glands.

Our vet said that the treatment requires repeated testing and adjustment of medications, and
is very expensive.

**** The vet also said that sometimes dogs can have these elevated levels lf alkaline phosotase and
NOT have cushings disease.

[MiniMe]

2. Wow, what a lot to absorb all at once.

I'm glad you took her to the vet to have her checked out. I have no advice, but thanks for the update!

[livetohike]

3. Thanks for the update

That's great Katie does not have kidney disease :-). Are you thinking of going through with the Cushings testing? Did the vet say Katie looks like a Cushings dog? If you google it, you will see some typical Cushings external symptoms. I had a Cushings dog back in 2000 - Misty was 13.5 years old when diagnosed and was really sick. It's a long story....

Anyway, give Katie a big hug and I hope her symptoms lessen.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

4. There is a yahoogroup

for folks whose dogs have Cushings

http://groups.yahoo.com/phrase/cushings-syndrome

Maybe you can find some info there that will be helpful to you

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

5. thanks,

I've signed up and am awaiting approval of my membership to the group.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

6. UPDATE, she's doing fine now here's what we did

Katie's been doing great since we stopped giving her
Neutro and stopped giving her people food.

Neutro has had several recalls, and also puts too much zinc in their food. (About double what they should).

No more deli meat for Kati. Too much fat in people food of any kind.

She is not having "accidents" any more and seems to be feeling much better.

Even her face looks better - it has started looking old, but looks fuller now.

Thanks for all info.

[BrklynLiberal]

7. Great news!!!! Glad that Katie is doing better.

Too bad your vet could not have been more helpful.