Coco is sick...

pookiesboo

My dog Coco is 9 and for a while now she has a lot of weight on her belly which we thought was fat. Put her on a diet of Burns High Oats and tried to walk her more but she seems to have given up on exercise.Yesterday after a walk she started breathing very strangely and I was up all night with her last night praying each breath wouldnt be her last:(. Took her to the vet this morning and he said that it wasnt fat and when I said shes been drinking a lot of water he took blood tests and said he'll be testing her for Cushings disease as well as cancer etc. Now I've been looking at the symptoms on the internet and shes seems to fall into the Cushings disease category, weight gain, peeing in the house even though shes house trained, hairloss, increased water and food consumption etc. Her breathing is very heavy now and I have to bring her back down at 5 this evening for results of test. Im really scared because I've never seen her like this. Im worried that its been left too long, has anyone had a dog with this before, I cant bear the thought of her not making it. Cushings disease would be the only positive result we could get looking at her symptoms...

DBB

That's horrible news op.
But until you have a definitive diagnosis, try to keep Google at arm's length. It's no harm to have a bit of a background knowledge so you can ask you vet the pertinent questions this evening, but until you know for sure what you're dealing with, try to limit over-analysing.
Let is know how you get on.

pookiesboo

DBB wrote: »

That's horrible news op.
But until you have a definitive diagnosis, try to keep Google at arm's length. It's no harm to have a bit of a background knowledge so you can ask you vet the pertinent questions this evening, but until you know for sure what you're dealing with, try to limit over-analysing.
Let is know how you get on.

I know I'm my worst enemy when it comes to googling diagnoses. Will let ye know, fingers,toes everything crossed

dave1982

Scary reading this OP I have just went through exactly almost to the t.Vet 1st tested for under active thyroid the result came back inconclusive one was positive other was negative as it was a hormone test vet advised us to put him on treatment and see how he goes.Sadly there was no change so he tested him for cushings disease he wanted to certain so he asked to have Mackey for the day to take bloods at different times tests came back negative.

I don't want to worry with rest of the story as every dog is different

but if it is cushings it is treatable

Edit I done the extra walking less feeding bought special diet food advised by a nutritionist

pookiesboo

dave1982 wrote: »

Scary reading this OP I have just went through exactly almost to the t.Vet 1st tested for under active thyroid the result came back inconclusive one was positive other was negative as it was a hormone test vet advised us to put him on treatment and see how he goes.Sadly there was no change so he tested him for cushings disease he wanted to certain so he asked to have Mackey for the day to take bloods at different times tests came back negative.

I don't want to worry with rest of the story as every dog is different

but if it is cushings it is treatable

Edit I done the extra walking less feeding bought special diet food advised by a nutritionist

I'd never heard of Cushings Disease until this morning, but its so common apparently. Her breathing is terrifying me. Its going to be the longest 3 hours till I get the results.

DBB

pookiesboo wrote: »

I'd never heard of Cushings Disease until this morning, but its so common apparently. Her breathing is terrifying me. Its going to be the longest 3 hours till I get the results. Let me know how you get on.

The breathing is laboured because the mass in her abdomen is putting pressure on her lungs. Is she eating? Keep the meals tiny so that her tummy isn't causing any more undue pressure.
I've dealt with Cushing's a few times, usually resulting from use of steroids in the past for other medical conditions. It is treatable, I know one person who's dog lived for years post-diagnosis.
The tests are done an hour or so apart from one another.
However, you'll know more later. Getting a diagnosis at least helps you to galvanise yourself for what needs to happen next.

pookiesboo

DBB wrote: »

The breathing is laboured because the mass in her abdomen is putting pressure on her lungs. Is she eating? Keep the meals tiny so that her tummy isn't causing any more undue pressure.
I've dealt with Cushing's a few times, usually resulting from use of steroids in the past for other medical conditions. It is treatable, I know one person who's dog lived for years post-diagnosis.
The tests are done an hour or so apart from one another.
However, you'll know more later. Getting a diagnosis at least helps you to galvanise yourself for what needs to happen next.

Her appetite has gone down a lot in the last 18 hrs and she is passing water quite frequently. Its scary how quickly she has gone down. She had a few bits of chicken a couple of hours ago but shes not going near the water which is strange for her considering how much she drinks usually. I have her wrapped up in a blanket by the fire but shes not sleeping. This waiting lark sucks.

DBB

Could you call the vet and see could she be seen sooner? Maybe it's not an option, but if you can, do.

pookiesboo

DBB wrote: »

Could you call the vet and see could she be seen sooner? Maybe it's not an option, but if you can, do.

I was thinking the same, if the bloods were done at 11.30 am this morning would they be in by now though?

pookiesboo

pookiesboo wrote: »

I was thinking the same, if the bloods were done at 11.30 am this morning would they be in by now though?

Just rang there and they said they'll ring me back

dave1982

To test for cushing I think vet must take blood at different times for a concrete result, they're testing hormones so they can change during the day they could test now and it be negative but test in a hour it could be positive.My vet told me this.

pookiesboo

dave1982 wrote: »

To test for cushing I think vet must take blood at different times for a concrete result, they're testing hormones so they can change during the day they could test now and it be negative but test in a hour it could be positive.My vet told me this.

Well the vet rang me back and she tested positive for Cushings disease. I brought her back down so they could give her a heart tablet because I was concerned about her breathing. He said that he reckons shes had it for at least 12 months and all her body muscles are collapsing so I wont know for a couple of weeks of treatment if shes responding. They have decided to keep her overnight to observe her. Shes like a child, dont know what we'll do if she doesnt get better...

dave1982

Thank God Cushings is totally treatable, I'm delighted for you

I hope She'll pull through and be home soon

pookiesboo

dave1982 wrote: »

Thank God Cushings is totally treatable, I'm delighted for you

I hope She'll pull through and be home soon

I hope so! She really had me worried today the fact she went down so quickly. Hopefully tomorrow morning she will be getting better, will keep ye posted!

kinkygirl

pookiesboo wrote: »

I hope so! She really had me worried today the fact she went down so quickly. Hopefully tomorrow morning she will be getting better, will keep ye posted!

I hope with all my heart, that your little girl gets better. The worrying and waiting is excruciating, but God willing, she is now on the road to recovery. Having one of my fur babies get sick, is one of my worst nightmares. Get well soon Coco...little angel.

Stheno

pookiesboo wrote: »

I hope so! She really had me worried today the fact she went down so quickly. Hopefully tomorrow morning she will be getting better, will keep ye posted!

Just having that diagnosis is such a big step, it means she will be getting the exact treatment she needs.

Very best wishes for a good recovery for her, you'd be surprised how quickly getting the treatment she needs will do her good

pookiesboo

kinkygirl wrote: »

I hope with all my heart, that your little girl gets better. The worrying and waiting is excruciating, but God willing, she is now on the road to recovery. Having one of my fur babies get sick, is one of my worst nightmares. Get well soon Coco...little angel.

Stheno wrote: »

Just having that diagnosis is such a big step, it means she will be getting the exact treatment she needs.

Very best wishes for a good recovery for her, you'd be surprised how quickly getting the treatment she needs will do her good

Thanks guys, hopefully tomorrow will bring better news xx

dave1982

hope the night went well OP:)

Mollywolly

OP, I really feel for you and hope everything is alright with Coco.

I understand completely what you said about the waiting because Tuesday/Wednesday were the worst two days of my life worrying about my Molly, who also had breathing problems. It got so bad that I was preparing myself for the worst

Thank god, she pulled through and is now sitting by me snoring her little head off as though nothing has happened, so I'm really hoping that you have a happy ending too.

Hugs

pookiesboo

Unfortunately yesterday morning Coco didnt make it. To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. I havent stopped crying in over 24 hrs, its just too painful. Thanks for those who asked about her.

dave1982

pookiesboo wrote: »

Unfortunately yesterday morning Coco didnt make it. To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. I havent stopped crying in over 24 hrs, its just too painful. Thanks for those who asked about her.

:mad: going mad for you, I know exactly how you feel I lost my fella on Wednesday, today my 1st day starting to come round mentally it is a horrible experience.My fella had exactly the same as coco symptom.I feel so sorry for you

pookiesboo

dave1982 wrote: »

:mad: going mad for you, I know exactly how you feel I lost my fella on Wednesday, today my 1st day starting to come round mentally it is a horrible experience.

I always imagined it would be hard when she went but this is something else. I wouldnt wish feeling like this on anyone, sorry to hear about your little fella. If they only knew how much they meant to us, well I hope they did anyway..

kinkygirl

pookiesboo wrote: »

Unfortunately yesterday morning Coco didnt make it. To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. I havent stopped crying in over 24 hrs, its just too painful. Thanks for those who asked about her.

I am so very sorry. I have been checking on here constantly for news of Coco. So many of us understand the pain you are in right now, God help you.

Please take care of yourselves, and know you did the right thing for your baby girl. RIP little one, rest with the angels.

pookiesboo

kinkygirl wrote: »

I am so very sorry. I have been checking on here constantly for news of Coco. So many of us understand the pain you are in right now, God help you.

Please take care of yourselves, and know you did the right thing for your baby girl. RIP little one, rest with the angels.

Thank you x

Mollywolly

So sorry to hear of your sad news

I'm sure Coco knew how much you loved her so please don't worry yourself about that. Mind yourself and take comforted in the knowledge that she's running around at Rainbow Bridge with all the other angels.

jimf

im pretty sure people are on reading this thread thinking whats all the fuss its only a dog

but they dont understand we loose part of our family our best friends our little precious 4 legged buddies that have given us joy companionship and undying love for years

its hard for you now but it will get easier think of the good times and all your fond memories its clear from your posts you were a good loving owner and will be again in time

DBB

Oh no :-(
I'm so, so sad to read this awful news pookiesboo. Whilst I felt her condition was very advanced from your posts, I didn't think for a moment you'd be saying goodbye quite so soon.
I'm so sorry.

Midnight Sundance

Aw in so sorry to hear that your dog passed away. I was reading your posts and I was sure that the next one would be good news.
They really are like children and its terribly hard to say goodbye.
Please take a small bit of comfort knowing that everyone that has read this will be sending on love to you and coco

ABajaninCork

Aww, I am so sorry for your loss . You did all you could for Coco, and I'm sure she knew that...

Night, night Coco.

pookiesboo

Mollywolly wrote: »

So sorry to hear of your sad news

I'm sure Coco knew how much you loved her so please don't worry yourself about that. Mind yourself and take comforted in the knowledge that she's running around at Rainbow Bridge with all the other angels.

jimf wrote: »

im pretty sure people are on reading this thread thinking whats all the fuss its only a dog

but they dont understand we loose part of our family our best friends our little precious 4 legged buddies that have given us joy companionship and undying love for years

its hard for you now but it will get easier think of the good times and all your fond memories its clear from your posts you were a good loving owner and will be again in time

DBB wrote: »

Oh no :-(
I'm so, so sad to read this awful news pookiesboo. Whilst I felt her condition was very advanced from your posts, I didn't think for a moment you'd be saying goodbye quite so soon.
I'm so sorry.

Midnight Sundance wrote: »

Aw in so sorry to hear that your dog passed away. I was reading your posts and I was sure that the next one would be good news.
They really are like children and its terribly hard to say goodbye.
Please take a small bit of comfort knowing that everyone that has read this will be sending on love to you and coco

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Aww, I am so sorry for your loss . You did all you could for Coco, and I'm sure she knew that...

Night, night Coco.

Thanks for all these lovely messages, they're very comforting. For the past couple of days, ive been tending to her grave, its starting to look like Graceland
Its still hard to believe that shes gone, the house is so quiet without her. Shes missed.

jimf

did you just have the one dog if yes its so much harder

pookiesboo

jimf wrote: »

did you just have the one dog if yes its so much harder

Yes just the one. She was a pure child, we got a pup a couple of years back hoping that it would be company for her but she couldnt take to her at all so had to give pup back.
Everywhere we went she came with us, whether it was long drive or a short.
Ive gotten a lot of "get a new one straightaway" since she died but I couldnt, not a hope. Id feel like I was betraying her unless one of her long-lost relatives arrived at door! We got her from the pound as a pup and she looked exactly like a fox, same face, tail etc. Once I got stopped when I was walking her by an angry fella saying "I shouldnt have a fox on a lead". She was one of a kind in lots of ways. Id put up a picture of her on this but its too soon to go through them.
This sucks.....

jimf

pookiesboo wrote: »

Yes just the one. She was a pure child, we got a pup a couple of years back hoping that it would be company for her but she couldnt take to her at all so had to give pup back.
Everywhere we went she came with us, whether it was long drive or a short.
Ive gotten a lot of "get a new one straightaway" since she died but I couldnt, not a hope. Id feel like I was betraying her unless one of her long-lost relatives arrived at door! We got her from the pound as a pup and she looked exactly like a fox, same face, tail etc. Once I got stopped when I was walking her by an angry fella saying "I shouldnt have a fox on a lead". She was one of a kind in lots of ways. Id put up a picture of her on this but its too soon to go through them.
This sucks.....

you see people dont understand they think just get a new dog and everthing will be ok if only it was that easy but in time you will you will know yourself when the time is right and the pounds have such a selection its so hard to pick one

kinkygirl

pookiesboo wrote: »

Yes just the one. She was a pure child, we got a pup a couple of years back hoping that it would be company for her but she couldnt take to her at all so had to give pup back.
Everywhere we went she came with us, whether it was long drive or a short.
Ive gotten a lot of "get a new one straightaway" since she died but I couldnt, not a hope. Id feel like I was betraying her unless one of her long-lost relatives arrived at door! We got her from the pound as a pup and she looked exactly like a fox, same face, tail etc. Once I got stopped when I was walking her by an angry fella saying "I shouldnt have a fox on a lead". She was one of a kind in lots of ways. Id put up a picture of her on this but its too soon to go through them.
This sucks.....

Your heart is so raw now, the pain so excrutiating. In 2004, when I lost my two fur babies, just months apart, I thought I would never smile again and I hated the world for carrying on as normal.
Most people said "get another one" as though our beloved fur kids were cans of beans.

I swore 'never again' would I put myself through that pain. Months later, a little pup in need of a loving home found us, she told us the time was right, and went on to help heal our broken hearts, making our empty house a home again. Last year,she was joined by the crazy Alfie, it didn't take her long to put manners on him...though he's still crazy.

You might not adopt again, give yourselves time for the healing to begin. And if the time comes and you feel ready to open your home to another doggie, what a very lucky little one he/she will be.

It sounds as though Coco's place of rest will be beautiful, what a lovely memorial to your little girl. Bless her soul. x