The Kat House

After much thought and many conversations with Cruella’s doctors, I have decided to try the Lysodren, a chemotherapy drug. There are major risks involved, but if I do nothing, I already know what the outcome will be - and it’s not a good one. Cruella’s doctors are very optimistic about her treatment, and [...]

I had the veterinary consult for Cruella on Friday. Her doctor talked with me about alternatives to the Lysodren, and there really isn’t anything that addresses the real problem. The other drugs out there merely treat the symptoms. Dr. Devlin explained the progression of the disease and the fact that it’s a [...]

Perhaps you’ve heard of Dr. Marty Goldstein. He is considered to be America’s foremost holistic veterinarian. Critically ill animals from all over the world are taken to his veterinary hospital in New York. Dr. Marty actually practices integrative medicine, which combines both conventional and alternative therapies. One of his most [...]

I’ve always followed the vets’ advice when it comes to Molly and Cruella. No matter how expensive the treatment, I have done what the doctors have felt was best for my dogs. And thankfully, things have always turned out well. The consultation with Cruella’s doctor is on Friday, but in the meantime, [...]

I got Cruella’s test results back today.  The tumor causing her Cushing’s Disease is located in the pituitary gland, so surgery is not an option.  The disease has to be managed with a chemotherapy drug called Lysodren.  The induction phase will last from 1-3 weeks and will require daily meds.  After induction, Cruella will go [...]

I think today was one of the worst days of my life.  It all started when I took Cruella to the vet for the repeat of her test that got botched last week.   I always have trouble getting her out of the car when we get to the vet hospital, and I can understand why.  [...]

I just got a call from the vet. Remember the full day of testing Cruella underwent yesterday? It has to be repeated. It turns out that one of the techs forgot to freeze and submit the final blood draw, which basically voids the entire series of samples. Cruella will be going [...]

Many thanks to those of you who have written, called, and commented to pass along your best wishes for Cruella! She spent today at the vet hospital undergoing testing to determine the exact location of the tumor causing her Cushing’s Disease. I should have the results next week. We will then decide [...]

Cruella was diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease today. The doctors have suspected it for some time, but she has always tested negative in the past. The disease is caused by a tumor located in an adrenal gland or the pituitary gland. Depending on the location of the mass, treatment will involve surgery or [...]

I’ve been certified in Adult First Aid and CPR for the last eight years, going through a recertification class each year. Fortunately, I’ve never been in a situation that required me to use my skills on a human, but I was able to save one of my dogs when she choked last year. [...]