I got a call from one of Molly’s doctors late last night. They made quite a breakthrough yesterday. We are finally making progress!
Molly’s liver is enlarged and the appearance is abnormal. Two biopsies were taken. They showed no signs of cancer or inflammation. The docs are speculating that the abnormalities are due to the fact that the liver is working extremely hard, which would be the case if Molly has Cushing’s Disease. On a good note, Molly’s liver values have dropped significantly after stopping the medications that were recently prescribed. They are still high, but much lower than they had been. Apparently, one or more of the medications caused a serious reaction in her liver. The anti-fungal pill is the suspect, and the doctors noted that she is never to take that medication again.
The kidneys and the rest of the urinary tract are normal – no problems. The protein in Molly’s urine is most likely a result of the liver problems. The gall bladder is also normal. One of the adrenal glands is enlarged.
The tickborne diseases were ruled out by a blood test. The Lepospirosis test showed slightly high values, but upon consultation with the makers of the vaccine (which Molly has received each year since I’ve had her), the vaccine can sometimes cause slightly high results on the Lepto test. It is possible that Molly has been exposed to Lepto at some point, but if so, her body has fought it off. The doctors will recheck the Lepto values in a few weeks, just to make sure that they haven’t gone up. The doctors are fairly certain that, even with the slightly high values, Molly does not have Leptospirosis.
The doctors feel that they have ruled out everything but Cushing’s Disease. It will be a few weeks before they can test for the disease.
Cushing’s Disease causes the body to produce too much of its own steroids, in effect poisoning the body. The disease is caused by a tumor in either the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland. The fact that one of Molly’s adrenal glands is enlarged may indicate the presence of a tumor. If we do get a Cushing’s diagnosis, I am hopeful that we can cure, or at least treat, the disease. If the tumor causing the disease is located in the pituitary gland, it cannot be removed, but there are treatment options that can improve the quality of life. Tumors in the adrenal glands can be removed, essentially curing the disease.
At this point, we are playing the waiting game. Once the Cushing’s test is performed, we can move forward with treatment if a positive diagnosis is given. If the test is negative for Cushing’s, Molly will be referred to the University of Tennessee, and they will attempt to make a diagnosis of her condition.
Thanks for all the kind thoughts and prayers for Molly. I will keep you all posted on her condition!
February 14th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
I’ll say a prayer for Molly and send good thoughts for both of you. Happy Valentines Day!
February 14th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Sorry about your pup. It’s awful when pets are sick. I hope she gets better soon!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
BT ~ Thank you! And Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Lori!
Biscuit ~ Thanks so much for the well wishes! Happy V-Day to you too!
February 14th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
Happy VDay to ya! Need me to give Brico some flower instruction??
February 14th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Have a wonderful V-Day!
February 14th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Os ~ Happy V-Day! Thanks for the offer, but I think Brico is going to be well educated in all things floral when his readers are done with him! *LOL*
Lecram ~ Happy V-Day to you too!
February 14th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Happy Valentine’s Day to you also!
I am glad they figured out the medicine was causing a problem and stopped that. Hopefully they will get everything fixed soon.
February 14th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
Awwww poor Molly! She’s going through so much! I hope an answer is found soon, and your vet bills don’t get TOO high!
Happy Valentine’s Day hun! Thanks for the anniversary wishes!
February 15th, 2007 at 12:14 am
SCH ~ Thanks for the kind words!
Dana ~ Thanks for the nice thoughts! Enjoy your V-Day and Anniversary evening!
February 15th, 2007 at 9:53 am
im keeping my fingers crossed that while youre gone in the day shes just licking up some of that cherry scented love oil i gave you and THATS whats causing all the problems. you said you dont remember how the bottle got half empty. i wish you would take it (and all the oils you have stocked) out of your bedside table and put them in the hall closet. i know its onconvenient when you wake up first thing in the morning and call me but your dogs health is at stake after all!!
February 15th, 2007 at 9:54 am
i thought you were going to get rid of that word verification that always takes me 3 times to decrypt properly!!!
February 15th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
hey tish, just wanted to check in. happy v-day and i hope your dog gets well soon
xoox
February 15th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
It seems like they are on the right track to help your sweet Molly. That’s wonderful:-). It’s so hard and stressful when an animal is sick. Like children they just can’t tell you where it hurts..
February 16th, 2007 at 8:10 am
This is some very encouraging news Tish, thank you for the update.
I’m reminded of the time and expense we used when I found Howie by the freeway and he had to have a major operation to amputate his rear leg.
He is one of the most special cats I’ve ever had and worth every penny..err dollar.lol
Thank you for your kindness to your beautiful Molly. I pray she will recover fully.
hugs
tc
February 16th, 2007 at 8:11 am
btw, thank you for your Valentine’s Day wishes, it brought a smile to my face.
I hope you had a beautiful Valentine’s Day, someone we know is very lucky to have you for a Valentine.:)
tc
February 16th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Wowsers! I sure hope you figure out what is happening with her soon. Best of luck in this whole process. Puppies are so wonderful.
February 16th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Still sending good thoughts Molly’s way. I’m veryyyy glad to hear that it looks like progress toward a diagnosis is being made.
February 17th, 2007 at 9:37 am
Sounds like you’ve got a good vet. They are doing all they can to diagnose the problem. I hope the Cushing’s test come back SOON!