I got a call this morning from Missy's vet at the specialty clinic. The results of the blood tests are in. Results for thyroid and immune system are normal. However, her liver enzyme and cholesterol levels are elevated, and they would like to do another specialized test to rule out Cushing's Disease.
Cushing's Disease is a condition where the body produces excess amounts of cortisol. The causes are generally either an adrenal tumor, a pituitary tumor, or overuse of corticosteroid medications.
There's MORE... if you are interested... otherwise, you can wait here with us for the call from the clinic where we schedule Missy's next appointment :) . She is in good spirits and now that the last few unseasonably hot days have passed, she seems more comfortable doing what old dogs do best... napping while their people do stuff.
UPDATE noon: Missy's appointment has been scheduled as a Monday drop-off; I'll drop her off before 9:00am and pick her up after work. You can read more about the ACTH stimulation test they are doing in the link under MORE...
The special diagnostic test for Cushing's Disease was not really indicated during the original appointment; Missy was not exhibiting many of the usual early symptoms of Cushing's Disease. Some of those symptoms would be increased appetite accompanied by weight loss or at least no weight gain, excessive thirst with or without excessive urination, and a sparse hair coat. As you know from earlier blog entries, her appetite has even been a little picky as of late.
However, the bloodwork results, plus the weakness in the rear which was our main reason for bringing her to the vet, show that Cushing's Disease is a possibility.
My reading for today will start with the Pet Owner's Crash Course in Canine Cushing's Disease. Some of it is rather depressing and scary, dealing with tumors and radiation and such. But I won't get ahead of myself until we actually have this test done and get the results back!
Wow...That's a lot of information on the subject! There's a lot there that I don't understand, but I was so happy for you and Missy when I saw the word "treatable" I'm saying a prayer for you two! Good luck!
Wow, Kathi. Missy and I have a lot in common at the moment. I was just tested for Cushing's (and a few other things) and I will get my test results next week Friday. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for Missy that all is well! :)