Another Day, Another Dollar at the Vet



For years, we've been very good patrons of the V-E-T. First, with Heather and Mr. K's bouts of mysterious illnesses (for which we still don't have answers four years later). Then, we discovered Heather had liposarcoma. Still yet, there were visits to control high liver values, remove benign growths and even a few cases where it turned out I was just a worried Scottie Mom and everything was fine. In all, I've spent thousands on Heather and Mr. K's veterinary care over the years.

Recently, we returned once more to the V-E-T. This time, we were going for annual vaccines, well visits and to consult with a V-E-T about why Heather constantly gnaws at her bottom these days. At a previous visit, we learned there was a small growth and we've kept an eye on it but the problem persists. We've tested for urinary tract infections among other things but have yet to relieve Heather of this issue. So, I turn to you, fellow Scottie Moms and Dads: have your Scotties experienced this?

This latest examination was something of a reality check. As I detailed recent behaviors and small changes I had noticed, it dawned on me that I had an aging gal on my hands. We've known she has a bit of arthritis for a while but haven't had to do anything until now. Heather doesn't enjoy long walks anymore, preferring slow, short steps outside to take care of business and hurry back into the house. She has had trouble with the stairs so we've moved bedrooms to allow easier access to the backyard. I've even invested in a stroller so she can still experience things alongside Mr. K.

I was nervous what the blood test results might uncover. Was it cancer again? A thyroid issue? Something new, different and not so exciting to add to the laundry list of health issues we've overcome? Fortunately, most everything came back beautifully. The thyroid levels were on the higher end of what is considered normal and her liver values are creeping up again. Scottish Terrier ALP values will worsen with age, according to one of the many V-E-T-S we've seen through the years. What was different this time? Her ALT liver value is up...which happens when Cushing's is present.

Years ago, Heather was tested for Cushing's after she recovered from that mysterious illness. Fortunately, test results were negative. This time, I don't have much confidence she'll test negative once more. In fact, even the V-E-T told us that she was certain Heather has developed Cushing's and that she would be very surprised if Heather tests negative once more. Still, I try to remain cautiously optimistic as we wait for the test next week as well as remind myself that Heather has been through so many health issues and has proven time and again that she is a fighter.

8 comments:

  1. My Scottie, Charlotte, was gnawing at her bottom not long ago. The V-E-T determined it was a yeast infection. To test for this, I held Charlotte upright while the vet gently scraped some area of dryness around her female area onto a microscope slide. It was positive for yeast. She got an antibiotic and external wipes and was soon back to normal.

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  2. I feel for you, Scottie Mom. We have spent many thousand on vet bills, surgeries, medication, etc. for our crew over the years. I hope Heather does not have Cushing's. We had a Westie years ago that had Addison's disease, similar to but on the opposite end of Cushing's if I remember right. She use to get lots of yeast infections too, so maybe that's what Heather's chewing is about. Sending lots of good thoughts your way for all of your sweet pups.

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  3. My prayers are with you all. Have you done any more pondering on the BARF diet? There are some good stories from other Moms out there on the effect a RAW diet has made with Cushing's. I just Googled Raw diet Cushings disease and there are some great testimonials. I made the switch more than 20 years ago, and I will never go back to kibble. If you want any info, please just let me know.

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  4. Please, PLEASE try SAM-E a supplement you can buy at Wal-Mart. It truly helps with the elevated liver enzymes. 1 pill a day. I gave it to my beloved Maxie for 3 years when his liver went south & it kept him from seizing & from getting worse for a long time.

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  5. Not good. Kyla had Addison's disease where a hormone isn't produced. Cushing's is when too much is produced. Kyla had to have a shot every 25 days and 100 days supply was $215.

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  6. Well, knock on wood, we haven't had any problems....yet. But we'll keep our paws crossed. We don't like to hear about our friends being sick.

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  7. My last Scot, Half Pence, had Cushing's it was diagnosed when he was five and with quarterly visits to the vet for blood tests and medication he lived seven more years with a beautiful coat and happy and energetic. Yes it was expensive Lysodren even became in short supply but Scotties are worth more than money.
    Thanks for being a friend
    Sweet William The Scot

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  8. I had two Scots that were diagnosed with Cushings at age 9. One lived to 14.5 and the other to 16.5. Medicine kept it under control. The liver values are higher for Scots. I gave mine milk thistle and Sam-E for it and it helped. It is basically the same as the vet Denamarin,but it costs a whole lot less. CVS and Walgreens always has BOGO's My vet does shots every three years. Ask for a titer test to see if they really need annual shots.

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