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...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm very sorry to hear that Toby has such serious health issues at such a young age. I hope you can get some answers and some help for Toby.

In the event that he does have Addison's Disease, here's a link to a great website with tons of info, resources, and support for owners of Addison's Dogs: http://www.addisondogs.com/

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am really sorry to hear about Cody. I hope you find some answers and that he can be helped.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I'm so sorry to hear of Cody's problems and hope you and your vet get to the bottom of his issues very soon. I know how difficult it can be when your puppy is suffering. All you want is to know how to treat it and make him feel better. Please keep us informed as you learn more. You're both in my thoughts.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I have nothing to add medically speaking but just wanted to add my support to you in such worrying times. To have such serious issues in such a young puppy is very difficult. I do hope you get answers and help very soon.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

I'll be thinking of you and Cody and wishing you the best...

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I know exactly how you feel, and I'm so sorry for you and Cody.  I'm waiting for Addison's test results myself...hopefully later today.  Hugs....

[F, Calla & Luca]

Oh no. On you or a doodle?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

On Murphy F.  He's been really sick.  We got the results today and it isn't Addison's so it's likely IBD.  We'll have the results of the GI panel mid-week and then he'll likely need a biopsy. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am so sorry to hear this. I hope that the tests will all be normal.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Sorry to hear about Murphy. I know he will be in your great care though, Jane. Wishing him the best!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Jane, I am so sorry to hear that Murphy is ill.  I am glad it isn't Addison's and hope it isn't IBD.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks everyone....I don't want to hijack Tobi's discussion.  I'll post a separate one when we get a little more insight about Murph.