Liver issues/Addison's disease?

[Tobi Brenner]

Hi everyone...  Tomorrow Cody will be 15 weeks and I have had him for 7.  From almost day 1 we have had a variety of issues, mostly digestive, until this week.  Things like diarrhea, gassy tummy, cough, which may have been indigestion, that kind of thing.  This week he started walking as if he were drunk. There has always been an issue with his walking a bit hunchy and I have asked the question multiple times if there are any issues with his hind legs and/or back and there are not. But this week that got worse and he started walking almost sideways.  He was sort of shaking and when he was sitting he was leaning toward the left.  I have been in the vet at least once a week since having him and on Wednesday I was there for 2.5 hours having blood work and exrays done. We saw that he had an extremely gassy tummy and I gave him some gas-x and he was fine until this morning.  This morning it started again and I was back at the vet again. They tested his glucose level and it was fine.  I am taking him in again in the morning after fasting him and he will be tested for addison's and for liver dysfunction.  

Does anyone have any experience with these sort of symptoms or with Addison's disease/liver issues.  I am finding that Addison's is actually somewhat common in dogs, but not normal diagnosed as a puppy. After reading further about it, it kind of makes sense and explains many of the digestive issues.  That said if all these tests come back normal, my next step is a neurologist.  

He has eaten great today and he is peeing so his kidneys still appear to working properly.  The drunk walk hasn't been that severe since we left the vet today, but outside of eating/restroom, he has slept most of the day.  

I was a total wreck today at the vet and pretty much haven't left his little side since we left there today. I have always felt there was something off since about week 2 that I've had him and now I know I am not crazy, but am so upset because I just want him to feel better.  He is such a good dog and such a love and am just hoping for some answers soon! 

Thanks for any thoughts or input!  

Tobi and Cody

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1/6/2015

I wanted to give everyone an update on Cody's condition. He does have liver disease.  Below is a link to the more clinical name and explanation of the disease, but suffice it to say toxins have been building up in his blood causing much of the other issues I have seen. Honestly at this point I don't know what the prognosis might be. We are doing an ultrasound this week which will tell us if surgery is even an option. If it is there are no guarantees his liver will begin to function properly. If not, he can be given medication to reduce the amount of toxins in his blood. I don't really how I will go at this point. Thanks again to everyone in this group for your support. I think I am honestly in shock right now, but absolutely heartbroken. The poor little guy will just be four months old on Saturday.

This is definitely worth the read as poodles, labs and goldens can be at a higher risk for this disease. 

http://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/disease-inform...

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

We'll be thinking of you, and rooting for good progress for little Cody! ((Hugs))

[Tobi Brenner]

Just to let everyone know...  Cody is still responding so well with meds and diet changes.  Almost too well...  I am pretty much having to start over on training issues at this point... :)  But it's so great to watch him run around here almost as if to say "Look mom!  I feel better!!".  It's so cute.  It's actually hard because I now have to go back to disciplining him when I wasn't having to do that when he wasn't feeling well. I have to stop coddling him now. :(

That wasn't my point however... ;)  Cody is scheduled for surgery on the 15th. The surgeon has assured me that the success rate of this particularly surgery is very high and they perform them on a pretty regular basis.  They actually did 5 this week!  I will definitely keep you all updated on how it all goes.  Thanks again for all the well wishes and support!!  

Tobi and Cody

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's great that you have a surgeon who is very experienced with this procedure and feels so confident about it. We'll be sending positive thoughts for Cody and for you.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

That is such great news and I'm so happy to hear it! Cody can be the puppy he was meant to be now. Best wishes for a successful surgery and fast recovery!

[Tobi Brenner]

Hi everyone...  Just another quick update.  I talked to Cody's breeder today and she was fantastic.  Completely unprompted she offered to refund the entire purchase price for Cody and she is making sure the other puppies in that litter are being tested. That tells me a lot about who she is as a person and my faith was a bit renewed today.  :)  I honestly didn't expect it, but am grateful and happy that she is not only committed to the animals, but also to doing the right thing.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Wow, that certainly says a lot about her as a breeder and as a person! Quite a recommendation! 

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

Glad hear Cody is doing better.  And it is wonderful to hear his breeder is honest and sincere.  Seems a rare thing these days.