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...

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

I am sorry to hear about Cody.   He sounds so dear and special to you.    I can only hope and pray that soon Cody's condition will be diagnosed and he will be on the road to recovery.

[Tobi Brenner]

Thanks everyone...  We tested Cody for Addison's today, but won't know anything until Monday.  The vet did give him some prednisone (used to treat addison's) to help him feel better if that is in fact the issue.  I don't think that is it given his lack of response thus far, but I guess we'll know for sure Monday.  Monday he will further test for other liver dysfunctions.  I will definitely keep everyone posted.  Thank you all so much for the support!!  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Hoping for good news....

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

My goodness.  My heart goes out to each of you who are dealing with your very precious doodle's illnesses.   I hope they all to return to the best of health soon and hope to hear good news shortly.  

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Tobi, I don't have any medical information to share, but want to send you my support while you wait for Cody's diagnosis.

[Tobi Brenner]

Hi everyone...  They only did one test today and that was for Addition's...  They couldn't do the  liver function test today as the two could interfere with one another so we'll do it on Monday even if the Addison's comes back positive.  However, we did put him on a low dose of prednisone (used to treat Addison's) in the meantime. I am happy to say he is showing signs of improvement tonight, but I not getting my hopes up yet. 

Thanks to everyone for your support and no worries about highjacking this post at all!  :)  My heart goes out to those of you struggling with an undiagnosed illness as well. The feeling of helplessness is overwhelming.  

I will continue to keep everyone posted and pray for those also trying to find some answers.  

Thanks again!  Tobi

[Karen & Maple]

Nice, I'm sure, to have some relief. I hope it continues. Tobi- What a good doodle parent you are! Maybe you should write a blog about Cody's experience. It's crazy how much you've been through thus far in such a short time! Just curious, have you been with the same GP vet or are you seeing a specialist?

[Tobi Brenner]

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 help and 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...

Read more here: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am so sorry th hear that Cody has a Porto-systemic shunt. I hope surgery is an option. You have many hard decisions ahead of you.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Tobi, I'm sorry to hear this. We have a member here named named Martha whose dog Cooper was diagnosed with a portosystemic liver shunt a couple of years back. She's been successful in managing his condition and giving him a good quality of life. She's a very kind person and I know she would be happy to share her experiences with you and give you some advice and support. Search under Members for "Martha & Cooper" and send her a friend request. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so sorry to hear this news.  I know you must be heartbroken, but I'm still hopeful that surgery will be an option and that Cody's condition will be controlled.  Sending a "virtual hug". 

[Lynda Kamrath]

Oh, it can all be so confusing and depressing.  My heartdog was Hondo and he died in 2010 of liver disease.  He had two surgeries and after the second the vet said his liver was "gone" and he would need to be on meds and special diet the rest of his life.  I said fine because I was already used to that but he died that night.  He was seven years old.  Then Groucho Too died in February of cancer.  That was a little easier because we knew it was coming.  After that Harpo had systemic poison oak and they thought he might have Addison's but it turned out he did not.  I told the vet that it really wasn't fair and she agreed.  We get these wonderful dogs and then they die too early.  So now we have a little rescue dog and he will probably live to be fifteen.  Life isn't fair, and it is so important that you really check out your breeder and that they do all the testing on their breeding stock.  I guess that is all you can do.  I, of course, keep in contact with my breeders when a dog dies so they can keep up with the health issues.   Good luck with Cody.  Addison's isn't the worst diagnosis, but you can also live with liver disease if you keep on top of it.  Hondo lived for two years with liver disease.