Miss Cruella had an oncology appointment last week at UT. It had been two months since her last checkup there. The doctors did x-rays, ultrasounds, biopsies, and all sorts of blood work to look for recurrence of cancer. I am happy to report that there were no signs of cancer for the second checkup in a row!
You may recall that Cruella’s liver enzymes were elevated when she was at UT in May, and she had extremely high cholesterol. She had put on 6 pounds since recovering from peritonitis, and for the first time ever, was “chunky”. Her doctor mentioned that there was a possibility of thyroid problems, and that she’d need to fast before coming in for her next appointment. So, fast we did.
Her appointment last week once again showed elevated liver enzymes and cholesterol. A thyroid panel was run, along with a test for Cushing’s Disease. I just got the results yesterday. Negative for Cushing’s. Positive for Hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is easily treated with very inexpensive synthetic thyroid hormones. I started Cruella on the hormones yesterday. The doctor expects her symptoms (skin and coat problems, weight gain, elevated liver enzymes, etc.) to go away with in a few weeks. I have to take her back to UT in a month to recheck her thyroid levels to make sure that the dosage she is taking is working for her.
I have a feeling Cruella will feel like a brand new dog in the near future!
July 31st, 2007 at 1:26 pm
I’m so glad you found out what was going on, and that’s is very manageable. I bet you feel so much relief!!!!
And thanks for stopping by and wishing us well. We are still a bit sore, but moving up and on!!!!!
Licks,
Johann
July 31st, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Tish,
So glad to hear that it is easily treated and inexpensive, to boot! I hope she feels better soon!
July 31st, 2007 at 2:51 pm
I’m glad that it wasn’t anything too bad. And it helps that it doesn’t cost too much. Some of that medicine for dogs can be just as expensive as it is for humans, I know, Buffy sometimes costs me a fortune.
July 31st, 2007 at 9:29 pm
hopefully this will finally do the trick and your dogs will be as happy and healthy as you want them to be. and that psycho stalkers stay away once and for all for criminey’s sake!
August 1st, 2007 at 5:50 am
[...] Nile Virus Contact the Webmaster Link to Article cholesterol Diagnosis: Hypothyroidism » Posted at The Kat House on Tuesday, July [...]
August 1st, 2007 at 10:51 am
Very glad to hear that things are on track for Cruella!
August 1st, 2007 at 11:50 am
[...] Nile Virus Contact the Webmaster Link to Article hypothyroidism Diagnosis: Hypothyroidism » Posted at The Kat House on Tuesday, [...]
August 1st, 2007 at 1:09 pm
I’m glad Tish, I think I will have little sister tested, she has gotten fatter over the past 7 months, I mean enough to where I have noticed!
August 1st, 2007 at 2:32 pm
She’ll definitely feel better! Pooh King is on thyroid meds… He had to get his dose doubled a few weeks ago (his thyroid used to function some, but now is totally kaput) and he’s doing great! He lost 4 pounds in two weeks and definitely has more spring in his step. He’d like to welcome Cruella to the cool kid gang.
August 1st, 2007 at 9:56 pm
I hope the stress of all this is OVER now that you’ve got an answer. Thankfully it’s very treatable!!
August 1st, 2007 at 11:19 pm
Johann - Thanks for the kind words! And yes, I’m very relieved! Glad you’re starting to feel better!
Geneva - Thank you! I hope your new pup stays happy and healthy!
John - I know what you mean. I’ve spent a fortune this year on my dogs. At least this issue is easily treated and inexpensive! I hope Buffy is doing well!
Brico - Thanks! And speaking of psycho stalkers, you know the persistent one I haven’t talked to in probably two years? He’s still at it! Left a message for me today! Arrrghhh. Some people never learn.
Andi - Thank you!
Judy - Definitely get her checked. An unhealthy weight can cause all sorts of problems. And sometimes it’s only a symptom of problems that are already there! Good luck!
Tiffany - So glad to hear the meds are working for Pooh King. Thanks for the kind words about Cruella! I will keep you posted on her progress!
Flat Coke - Thanks for the kind words! Love ya!
August 4th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
My late dog Cubby had hypothyroidism. He ALSO had Cushings (adrenal, the more difficult kind), diabetes, frequent ear infections, and allergies. The thyroid hormone, along with chemo, insulin, and benadryl, did wonders. The Cub lived another 5 years after being diagnosed with all this stuff. Just keep up with the meds.
Ironically, my cat now has hyperthyroidism - the exact opposite. Go figger!
August 4th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Ah, is this a dog - right?