Tonight I sit here feeling like a sh*t dog owner, not capable of looking after a goldfish.
I had to take Suki to the vets on Wednesday as she had yet another sore on her rear end. I have already managed to heal up two on her leg which she has caused by constantly licking it. We have to keep her muzzled when we are not about as she will just pull it open again.
I explained to the vet what the problem was and told him of her incontinence, stiffness in her back legs and hair loss. Explaining that we thought the incontinece was due to Cookie arriving on the scene and then it becoming habit as it wasnt constant. The rest we felt was old age. He wsn't at all happy with her breathing and took two blood -*test*-('")s. They phoned the results through today, they think it is either Hyperthyroidism or Cushings disease. She has to go back for more blood -*test*-('")s tomorrow.
The OH is trying to point out the financial implications of all this as we have had some hard times recently, so I feel totally cr*p
Sorry to offload on you guys, I have to go now as I cant see to type anymore.

Oh hun how worrying for you

Wishing Suki all the best xxx

Sorry to hear about Suki . . . .have pm'd you

So sorry to read this but please don't feel c*** as I do too for possibly similar reasons as will be expained shortly.

You will manage to do what is needed because if you need help or advice you will ask - WON'T YOU , in this financial climate we are all finding we need to switch priorities but we will all do our best for those dependant on us.

Poor you, so sorry to hear Suki's not good, it must be a real shock for you.
Sending you & of course Suki good wishes xxx

Canine hypERthyroidism is really rare. It is usually caused by thyroid carcinoma - a tumour on the thyroid gland.
Here's some links you might find helpful

http://pethealth.petwellbeing.com/wiki/Dog_Hyperthyroidism

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.js...tm/bc/40604.htm


Cushings disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is far more common and has some similar but some different symptoms. Weight gain as opposed to weight loss - both diseases can affect the coat. Dogs usually appear pot bellied and are slow with hair loss. HypERthyroidism usually results in hyperactive dogs that are skinny.

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.js...tm/bc/40502.htm

I know how you feel, we had a Border Terrier bitch who started being incontinent, drinking voraciously from any puddle, and she looked a bit thick round the middle, we just thought it was her age and were horrified when she was diagnosed with cushings. As you say we were also worried about the financial implications as she would need to be on medication for the rest of her life. I researched the internet and found if the vet gave me a prescription i could get the drugs online, unfortunately before we did this poor Jen took a turn for the worse, and didnt respond to the medication. She was so ill we took the decision to let her go.

Please dont worry about Suki though, I wasnt meaning to upset you, most dogs respond well, the nurse at the vets had a dog with cushings who only had to take medication when the cushings was bad, and in between times was absolutely fine.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.
x

sorry to read this. But you're in the best place here, some of these members really know their stuff and it looks like you're already getting some fab advice.

Hope you find out soon and can start getting it sorted.

Hi all, thank you for your kind words and advice. Thanks Kelly for the links.

Took her to the vets again on Friday to have her bloods -*test*-('")ed through out the day, they now think that she has a blood clotting problem as well.
He thinks that she has calcification in her chest.
She seems a bit better and brighter today, they took a swab from her sore and it showed infection. She is on a long course of antibiotics.
The blood -*test*-('") results are back sometime this week so we will hopefully know which direction we are going in.
The vets have said not to worry about the cost at present as they will discuss options with us when we know more.
I will let you know what the results show when I receive them.
Debbie

I'm sorry she sounds so poorly still and hope they work out what it is really soon.

Sorry to hear Suki isn't well - I hope you get some results and better news soon.
Thinking of you all.

Had a phone call from the vets today, the first of the blood results are back and have confirmed Cushings. We are still awaiting the Thyroid -*test*-('") results back and the vet feels that there is more to her condition than the Cushings Disease. I have to see the vet to get medication and stuff sorted out.

Aww hun I'm so sorry x

Sending positive thoughts your way and hope you can get to the bottom of what has caused the Cushings.

x

So sorry, how is she?

So sorry to hear this.

My parents in law's Bichon Frise has cushings and was diagnosed about 4 yrs ago.

I get their meds from VetUK as it costs a lot less than the vet was charging.

Stay positive. Thinking of you all.

Cath x