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Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 522
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 11:32 am: | 
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Took one of our dogs to have his rabies shot updated at Dr. Levine's office on Valley. There's a new doctor, Dr. Cricket (sp?) who examined my dog and gave him his shot. Upon examination, Dr. Cricket tells me that he'd like to run some blood work because my dog's gums looked pale and eyes looked weak. He left a message for me today that I should call him because he thinks that our dog may have Addison's Disease and on the message proceeded to explain why he's come to those conclusions. I'm awaiting a call back from him to follow-up, but in the meantime, I've been online and looking up Addison's in dogs. My dog doesn't seem to exhibit any of this behavior. He's a big breed, but has always been thin, and he's not ultra energetic, but he's always been that way since a pup. We call him an oversized house cat :-) He has not demonstrated vomitting, diarrhea, depression, lack of appetite, or any of the laundry list of problems which are red flags for Addison's. The doctor also stated that our dog needs new tests which if are positive (he believe they will be), means he'll have to be on a lengthy treatment regime of cortison and potassium (I think that's what the message stated). Should I get a second opinion? I want to hear what Dr. Cricket has to say, but I'm jarred for sure. Also, I'm sure that these treatments will be quite costly. Anyone have this problem? |
Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 151
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 12:33 pm: |
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Kibbegirl, I am so sorry that your pup might have a problem.
Absolutely listen to what the vet has to say, but don't be afraid to get a second opinion. You might want to let him run the tests, and then when the results are in,you may want to consult with another vet for a suggested protocol and course of treatment.
If he were my dog, I would call either The Animal Medical Center in NYC (don't know the address, East 60s I think) 212-838-7053. This is part of NYU veterinary school, so it is a teaching hospital,or UPenn's Ryan Veterinary Hospital 215-898-4680. Ask to speak with a canine endocrinologist.
I prefer UPenn,but they are both excellent hospitals.
Good luck---sending good and healing thoughts your way.
Calli |
Joanne G
Citizen
Username: Joanne
Post Number: 76
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 5:56 pm: |
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Kibbegirl, you'll have noticed there is a support group in the uSA for people whose dogs have Addison's. I'd contact them to see what the proportion of 'silent' sufferers there are - you know, dogs with atypical symptoms. That way you'd have even more info when speaking with the vet. There must have been something in the vet's experience to make Dr Cricket (what a lovely name for a vet!!)think of Addison's.
Slight thread-drift: our aging kitty is usually picked on by vet folk for being overweight, greedy etc where the truth is, she just doesn't move much any more. Finally a vet saw her (yesterday, for a different matter) who said 'that's just her - her weight doesn't change, all her bloods are fine, she knows what she's doing so don't rock the boat'. Our vet will always answer - in plain easy English - ANY question we ask about the need for tests or treatment. He's also our Mayor, I guess people trust him so much and he is ethical and open.
You seem pretty intelligent and balanced to me, from what I've read over the years - be assertive. Don't be afraid to say to Cricket: 'He doesn't show the symptoms I've read about. What makes you think he's got Addison's???'
Good luck! |
Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 523
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 6:49 am: |
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Thanks everyone for your support. We have an appointment (10+ hours!) Monday a.m. to run tests, take blood, etc. I'll let you know the outcome. In the meantime, is there another vet you guys use, trust and like inorder for me to get that second opinion? |
Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 155
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 9:30 am: |
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Good luck Kibbegirl!
I would urge you to contact a canine endocrinologist. Most local vets are outstanding,but sometimes you just need a specialist. If you are not comfortable going to UPenn or NYU, then please consider looking into the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. http://www.rbvh.net/services/internal.htm
They are a state of the art facility with a wonderful staff. A couple of years ago I took a 7 month old foster dog, a "purebred" Lab (from a puppymill)with juvenile cataracts there. The canine opthamologist (whose name escapes me at the moment) was wonderful, and treated this abandonded puppy ,like he was the most valuable dog in the world. As a result, in what was deemed a hopeless case, some of his vision was restored and he is a healthy and happy (although visually impaired )dog today in a brand new loving home.
All in all, it was a great experience. I wouldn't give up on the little guy , and neither would they. The facility is cutting edge and the staff is wonderful. It is definitely worth exploring.
Calli |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 7334
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 9:59 am: |
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When we lived in the City, we always took our cat to the Animal Medical Center, mainly because they were within walking distance of our apartment. Over the years I came to hear amzing stories about their successes. I would definitely consider going there for that second opinion. |
Shawna
Citizen
Username: Lucies_mom
Post Number: 116
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 1, 2006 - 9:04 pm: |
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That's strange, Kibbe. I don't have an opinion, but I do want to tell you that I took my girl to Levine when she was sick and he thought she had Addison's. She did have syptoms of vomiting, diarhea, lethargy...The test came back negitive. |
Ponsonby
Citizen
Username: Elizabeth_s
Post Number: 57
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - 1:09 pm: |
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My dog has Addisons. He was diagnosed about 4 months ago by Dr. Boen at West Orange Animal Hospital after we had all given up a year ago and decided it was kidney failure. (Ironically, I went to Dr. Levine for a second opinion, and he never suggested Addisons!) The strange thing is that Addisons is often not detected because it appears to be so many different diseases. My understanding is that if the test is positive for Addisons, then there is not much room for debate. You've paid for the expensive test, so wait now for those results, and if positive, speak with Dr. Levine and if you want get a second opinion on treatment options which are EXTENSIVE.
As for treatment, I did research online and found a pharmacy in Westfield that produces the generic version of one of the drug options. Where I feared paying over $120/month for my 65 lb. dog, I in fact pay around $30. He is a changed dog since on the drugs, and I'm so grateful to Dr. Boen for discoving the Addisons.
Feel free to PL me if he tests positive. It is highly treatable!
Elizabeth |
Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 526
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - 1:15 pm: |
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I could not remember the new doctor's name @ Levine's office. His name is "Crick" not "Cricket" :-( I'm still awaiting the results. Whereas my dog has been very upbeat prior to the rabies shot and mini-diagnosis, when I took him back to the vet yesterday for the Addison's testing, he now is extremely lethargic and very sad. He doesn't even meet me at the door anymore :-( My heart is breaking, but I'm holding tight 'til the results come in.
Ponsonby, I would love to contact you after the results to get the online med info. According to Levine, his treatments may run $95/month! What to do? It's like not giving meds to your child, right? If a generic is available, then I'm all for it.
Thanks all for your wonderful support and advice -- as usual! :-) |
Ponsonby
Citizen
Username: Elizabeth_s
Post Number: 59
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - 1:26 pm: |
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This article is very interesting and addresses the various medications to consider, but I would wait to read it until you know, don't get yourself worked up until you know what you're dealing with!
http://www.addisondogs.com/addisons/quicklinks/articles/addison.pdf
That website http://www.addisondogs.com is very helpful.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
Elizabeth |
Ponsonby
Citizen
Username: Elizabeth_s
Post Number: 60
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 4:16 pm: |
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Kibbe, what's the status?
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