Be Careful to Understand Your Breed and Related Health Issues

[Lake Girl, Lizette]

THIS IS FOR ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE A DOODLE THAT HAS HEALTH PROBLEMS,  and this may help you save money and many heartaches, constant conflict, and sleepless nights, such as we have experienced.  We have experienced overwhelming anxieties concerning our sweet Molly.   Doodles are not super hybrids resilient to disease, but unfortunately, as I have learned dogs that can carry the genetic disorders of every co-mingled pedigree in their line. So, know the positive and negative traits inherent in your dog's line.   Know the potential for disease that can be found in your dog's pedigree and breed.  Knowledge is a tool and resource for making the right choice in selecting your forever pet.   Addison's disease is a very serious disease and your pet could die if left undiagnosed and untreated.  It is very expensive to diagnose and treat, but treatable.   Note a labradoodle or goldendoodle can inherit the genetic problems common in both breeds instead of just one.  My goldendoodle Molly, was diagnosed two week's ago with Addison's Disease.  Please note the health issues my Molly experienced for 5 years before being diagnosed, and only when her condition worsened with time.   We came really close to losing her in July, 2013.  She was continually sick throughout the years.   When we got her she showed signs of stomach issues.  She was only 10 weeks old, and like my vet, we thought it might have been her trip and the change in her surroundings initially.  We realized something was amiss when time did not ease her symptoms.  They came and went, and she always seemed to get stomach bacteria infections.  I cannot tell you how many times she was on antibiotics. Our vet diagnosed GI issues with possible autoimmune deficiency in a letter to her breeder.  Her symptoms were as follows:  vomiting, lack of appetite, muscle weakness/tremors, constant chewing and scratching, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), and getting bacterial stomach infections.   We had blood work done  a lot, numerous fecal tests, exploratory surgery, x rays, etc.   We had intervals when she would be fine, and then she would get sick again.  We have had her IV'd for dehydration and hospitalization when she was very ill.  This went on for 5 years.  This also affected my relationship with my husband.  We would be at odds with each other about her symptoms, treatment, costs, food, etc.  I spent a fortune on food...even cooking it from scratch as well.   We were forced to change travel plans, outings, etc. when Molly got ill.    Recently, we were notified that Addison's runs in her pedigree, and so I contacted the vet and he immediately scheduled her for an ACTH test. Two days later I got a call late in the evening from my vet with the diagnosis, I was shocked and upset. She had an abnormal ACTH test result.   I didn't sleep all night, but was researching and trying to understand what she had.  We finally got an answer to her health issues. I was torn between relief in knowing it was nothing I was doing wrong, being extremely upset and angry, and some trepidation of what the future would have in store for us.   As my former posts will relate from the the onset...I had DoodleKisses members mention allergies, food issues, etc.  We came within minutes of losing her this past summer.  We also learned that stress, holidays, leaving, all manner of  life circumstances could upset her and trigger Addison's Disease resulting in her getting ill.  My dog showed symptoms from the moment we got her.  For many dog owners, the crisis is their first sign that something is wrong.   About 30 to 35 percent of dogs with Addison’s are initially diagnosed during a crisis. Dogs treated in time with intravenous fluid therapy and glucocorticoid steroids show such rapid improvement that it seems a miracle cure, though some have to be monitored and treated for several days before their condition stabilizes. The cure is temporary, for without appropriate maintenance care, another crisis will follow.  My point is...be aware of Addison's disease.   Be aware it is prevelant in poodles...regardless of size...and your doodle breed which is part poodle.   This disease was first noted in dogs in 1953 according to Wikipedia.   Good luck to all of you who have a pet that has health issues in seeking resolution.  I pray you resolve them much more expeditiously then I did.  Note a labradoodle or goldendoodle can get the genetic problems common in both breeds instead of just one.    

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I'm sorry you've had such a hard road getting to a diagnosis but I hope that Molly will be doing better now and that you will have many happy years together. Finn was tested for Addison's about a year and a half ago.  Muscle tremors, lack of appetite, diarrhea and lameness after periods of stress. Thankfully his tests came back negative although they did find he had mild HD. The rest remains a mystery but he's done much better GI-wise on Acana. Still, we all need to be aware of Addison's. Thank you for your post.  This is important information so thank you for sharing your story.  Hugs to you and Molly!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I hope you are able to stabilize your Molly and keep her on an even keel now that you know what has caused all these issues over such a long period.  Thank you for sharing your story to hopefully keep someone else having to go through that nightmare.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am sure this has been very hard and scary for all of you. Thank you for sharing this information with us. I hope Molly is doing better since the diagnosis and wish for her many more years to come.

[BG and Gavin]

Back a few years ago when Gavin was having febric episodes, he was tested for Addison's.  I did not know what that meant at the time, but looking back I am glad my vet was proactive.  Sorry you have gone through this with Molly.  Educating everyone is important and I am glad you have done so.

[Leslie J]

I hope that you're able to keep Mollie feeling better now that you know what's going on! Thanks for informing us about this.

[Jersey, Jasmine, Jypsy and Diane]

So sorry you are going through this. I'm glad you finally got answers but wish it had been sooner. Keeping Molly and you all in my prayers.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

thank you for your post and education. Honestly, I've heard of it many times on DK but had no idea the symptoms.

I'm sorry you did not know and could have helped your Molly much earlier.  Thank you for all you have done throughout the years for her. She would not have lived if not for you.

May she have many more years with you