Test Results Say...

Here we go again! The vet called on Saturday to advise that Indy's tests do not indicate Cushing's Disease, though she added that it's possible he could be so early in the disease that it doesn't show up yet.  She suggested three possible options:

1. We can be referred for an ultrasound to see if anything appears to be amiss.

2. We can be referred to an internal medicine veterinary specialist for evaluation.

3. We can monitor things and see how he does.

H'mm. I can't imagine a disease showing symptoms before it shows up in lab work. Symptoms typically come after a disease has advanced. Therefore, I don't think it's Cushing's.

Suppose after even more tests we don't have any answer? It doesn't make sense to keep looking for something that may not exist. Indy is his normal self in every way, except he drinks and potties more than most dogs. Perhaps it's simply normal aging. Besides, the urgency to drink seems to have slowed a bit...it could have come from the hot days of summer.

In any event, I've decided to monitor things for now. Like most of Indy's peculiarities, we might not be able to pin this one down, either, and vets don't always have the answers. Instead of running to another vet and paying yet another bill, we'll wait this one out.

On to other topics. We attended a barbecue that turned into a sort of weekend affair. The band played on and on as people ate, drank, and made merry. Many spent the night on Saturday. In fact, so many tents were pitched on the grounds, it looked like a Tent City!

Indy attended the festivities, and was quite helpful as the thermometer dipped.

The temperature made for a perfect one dog night!

Indy Update...Sort Of

"Whatta ya mean I don't get breakfast?"

Indy spent today at the vet's office being tested for Cushing's Disease. The test requires fasting, so he was quite offended when Bogey got yummies this morning and he did not. However, he happily leapt into the car for his trip and was only a little disappointed when he discovered our destination. A rousing sniff-fest ensued, with Indy investigating every fascinating smell he could find. I signed permission forms, then headed to work.
The vet took a baseline blood test then injected him with a hormone (I think ACTH). This stimulates the adrenals to release cortisol. Several hours later, another blood test is done. If it turns out that he has Cushing's, a large amount of cortisol will be detected in the second test, which is considered to be about 70-75% accurate in diagnosing Cushing's. His blood work is being sent to an outside lab, so we won't know results for a few days.

We left the vet's office with another whopping bill to add to Saturday's tab. I'm sure they'll put the money to good use. Maybe an addition to the clinic. Some pricey new equipment. A fancy vacation?

I'd feel better about the bills, if we only had some answers.

Another Day at the Vet's

Indy drinks a lot of water. Far more than the average dog. Years ago I asked the vet about it. Tests were run, with nothing conclusive.

Recently his water consumption has gotten even higher. He's literally frantic to reach his water bowl, which needs filling several times a day. Not surprisingly, Indy is peeing a lot. Often in the house. Now it isn't unknown for him to have an accident from time to time. But it's happening much more often.

I wondered if he might have a urinary infection of some type, so on Saturday Indy went to visit his good buddy, the vet. She ran routine blood work and urine tests. No infection, though white blood cell count was up slightly. Another reading that can relate to endocrine function (can't remember what she called it) was also slightly elevated.

Indy's appetite is fine, no signs of digestive distress. He acts same as normal, ready to play or nap, depending upon what everyone else is doing...just drinking and peeing like crazy.

The vet would like to run more tests, as she suspects Cushing's due to his age (10), the symptoms, and his breed. Confirming this will apparently require so much more intensive testing, that she'll call me next week with an estimate. I interpret "estimate" to mean "really, really, expensive". Especially with Indy's weird little auto-immune issues.

There are so many knowledgable dog people out there. Anyone have experience with Cushing's? Indy doesn't have some other symptoms I've read about, like hair loss or pot belly. No excessive panting. He doesn't seem to feel bad at all. Once in a while, when excited or stressed, I've noticed a little shaking in a back leg.

Any ideas?  I have a feeling we may be getting ready to build another addition to the veterinary hospital.

Sure wish this country had universal pet healthcare. Right now we could use it!