Mulligan has been admitted to the Hospital-pheochromocytoma?
He was drinking like crazy, pacing and peeing all night. He was shaking a bit. I palpated his belly and it was tender in one spot. He's having trouble with stairs, likely due to the pain. Rushed him to the Tufts University Foster Hospital for Small Animals Emergency Department (try saying that for directions) at 5 this morning. After exam bloodwork, ultrasound and history, he has fluid around one kidney, and an elevated heart rate and is not in kidney failure. He needs more blood work and more ultrasound for a diagnosis, but the doc is saying the word pheochromocytoma a tumor of the adrenal gland as a possibility, even though it doesn't show on the ultrasound or xrays taken yet. Anyone have a dog that has had one of these tumors removed? Sounds like a difficult surgery and my boy is pushing 13. |
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| Sending positive thoughts Ron x |
I have no knowledge of such a tumour, but wanted to wish you guys well, I hope that they can sort this without having to resort to anything too invasive.  |
Thanks. Joan and I are as worried as the Dr... He wasn't smiling.  |
| Sorry Mulligan isn't feeling well, I hope they find something less serious and that he's feeling better soon... |
| sending positive vibes your way today- Poor Mulligan and poor you and Joan! Hope everything turns out well!!!! |
that sweet sweet boy... Hoping you get some good news out of this. Also never heard of this.  |
| Hi Ron, Pheochromocytoma are common in dogs with ADH (adrenal dependent hypercoticism or ADH). ADH is the much less common version of Cushing's disease. Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) in dogs is a condition that results from the chronic overproduction of too much glucocorticoid in the body. In the normal dog, the pituitary gland produces a hormone called ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce the glucocorticoid hormones necessary for the function of many systems in the body. If something goes wrong in the pituitary gland or adrenal gland and too much glucocorticoid is produced, then Cushing's disease develops. The adrenal-based form of the disease is usually a result of an adrenal tumor that causes an oversecretion of glucocorticoids. Adrenal tumors are responsible for around 20% of the cases of Cushing's disease. Symptom's of Cushing's disease include: - polydipsia (increased thirst/drinking) - polyuria (increased urination; both in frequency and amount/duration) - polyphagia (increased appetite) - enlarged belly (pot belly) - alopecia (hair loss); especially along the flanks. Testing includes: - Urine Cortisol:Creatinine Ratio: In this test, the owner generally collects a urine sample at home (where the animal is not stressed). The sample is sent by the veterinarian to a special laboratory for testing. Most dogs with Cushing's disease have an abnormal result. However, there are other diseases that can also cause abnormal results. So if this test is abnormal, further diagnostic testing should be performed. - Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test: The low dose dexamethasone suppression test is useful in diagnosing Cushing's disease in dogs. When given low doses of dexamethasone, normal dogs show a marked decrease in blood cortisol levels when tested 8 hours later. Most dogs (more than 90%) with Cushing's disease do not have a decrease in cortisol level after being given dexamethasone. The results can sometimes help determine which type of disease is present. - ACTH Stimulation Test: This is another test that is commonly used in the diagnosis of Cushing's disease today. It will not distinguish between the two types of hyperadrenocorticism, but it may aid in the diagnosis in difficult cases. It is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy. - Abdominal Ultrasound: Abdominal ultrasound is helpful in three respects. First, it is a good test to evaluate all of the abdominal organs in the dog. Secondly, it is used to study the size and shape of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands in pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism are usually normal in size or enlarged. If a tumor is present however, one adrenal gland is often abnormally large or of uneven shape. Finally, if a tumor is suspected, ultrasound can help identify any metastasis to other organs. Treatment includes: Treatment consists of several different options. Depending on the type of disease, surgery can be performed. If an adrenal tumor is identified, then surgical removal may be a viable option. There are several different forms of tumors that can invade the adrenal gland and their treatment will be based on the particular tumor type. Nonsurgical treatment is the most common treatment for canine Cushing's disease. Non surgical treatment is the most often used treatment for most cases of canine Cushing's disease. About 80% of the cases of Cushing's disease in the dog are of the pituitary type, and since both the adrenal and the pituitary type will respond effectively to some of the oral treatments, many veterinarians do not perform the diagnostics necessary to distinguish between the two different forms. There are currently several different oral medications being used to treat canine Cushing's disease. - Lysodren: Until recently, Lysodren (also known as mitotane, and o,p'-DDD) was the only treatment available for pituitary dependent Cushing's disease. It is convenient to use and is relatively inexpensive and is still probably the most widely used treatment. The downside of this drug is that it can have some serious side effects and regular blood-monitoring needs to be performed. During the initial phases of the therapy, the dog must be very carefully monitored, and there must be close communication between the veterinarian and the owner. The use of Lysodren is somewhat like chemotherapy. It works by destroying cells of the adrenal gland that produce the corticosteroid hormones. As the number of corticosteroid-producing cells is reduced, even though the pituitary gland continues to produce excess ACTH, the adrenal gland is less able to respond, so the amount of glucocorticoid being produced is reduced. The problems arise when too much of the adrenal cortex is killed off. The animals may then need to be placed on prednisone, either short or long term. The Lysodren is initially given daily while the animal is being monitored for a decrease in the symptoms (water consumption, appetite). On the 8th or 9th day of the initial therapy, the dog needs to be examined and an ACTH stimulation test is performed to determine if the drug is working. If the goal is achieved, maintenance therapy is started. If the goal has not been reached, then the dog generally remains on the daily medication for 3 to 7 additional days and is rechecked until the proper results are achieved. If the dog becomes lethargic, vomits, or has diarrhea, or if the treatment does not work by 30 days, then the treatment plan is reevaluated. If treatment is successful, then symptoms should resolve within 4 to 6 months. A certain percentage of dogs will relapse and need to undergo the daily therapy again at some point in their lives. If a dog ever becomes ill while on Lysodren, the Lysodren should be stopped immediately and the dog should be examined by a veterinarian. If the therapy is successful, the dog will need to be on Lysodren for the rest of his life. - Trilostane: Trilostane is a newer treatment that is used to treat some dogs with Cushing's disease. It is more expensive, but may be an alternative treatment for dogs with adrenal tumors. As with Lysodren, the dog is reexamined repeatedly during the initial phase of treatment, and ACTH stimulation tests are performed. In many cases, after several months of therapy the dose needs to be increased. It seems as the ultrasound is the next, best step. You need to confirm the tumor on the adrenal gland, then determine if it's benign or malignant, determine if it has spread, and then determine course of action. Even though Mulligan hasn't been diagnosed with Cushing's, there are similarities in his initial diagnosis and a Cushing's diagnosis. I suggest you join this FB page: Cushing's Disease Awareness For Dog Parents and check out this website: http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/ The people on these 2 sites are WAYYY more knowledgeable about this topic than I. They can help answer questions and allay concerns. There are members whose dogs had to go thru adrenal gland removal. I hope this helps. Please keep us posted on Mulligan's progress. If there's any way I can help, just let me know. |
| Sending my best thoughts for Mulligan (and Ron and Joan). |
I have been following this all day on Facebook, and am just catching up with it here. I hope Mulligan feels better tomorrow, poor boy!  Thanks, Mark, for the in-depth description of Cushing's symptoms and treatments. Very good information to know! I have a friend who's had 2 dogs (Scottie's) who had Cushings - not fun. Hugs and prayers to Joan and Ron!  It's always so hard when your baby is sick. |
| Hi Chris, While Mulligan hasn't been officially diagnosed with Cushing's disease, 20% of the dogs that are diagnosed with Cushing's have the adrenal dependent version. Which really means a tumor on one of the adrenal gland. Which sounds like what Mulligan has. And one of the treatments for a tumorous adrenal gland is surgical removal. So there are some parallels. Add some of the symptoms that Ron listed (polydipsia & polyuria) and it becomes clear that the Cushing's groups could be a helpful resource for Ron. There are often threads about pheochromocytomas on k9cushings.com Ron, Here is a link to a pheochromocytoma search I did on k9cushings.com: http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/search. ... hid=533490 |
| Thinking of you. Mim |
| So sorry to hear about Mulligan. I hope he is doing okay. Mark, thank you for the information. We will keep Mulligan in our thoughts. Laurie and Oscar |
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| Mulligan at Tufts Foster Small Animal Hospital Emergency Department Intensive Care Unit. I'm sure they spent more time saying that on the phone that day than they did in actually caring for Mulligan's needs. His bedding was soaked and his haunches were bloodied and scraped clean of fur.  Sleeping with Mulligan in the living room  Actually giving "Intensive Care"  This is how Mulligan's haunches looked when we freed him from their neglect. In a day while he was drugged into oblivion... about a day. Wtf did they do, drag him around?   At first we really couldn't understand why we delivered Mulligan to them with what turns out to be probably pheochromocytoma, how he comes back to us nearly unconscious and completely unable to stand. I'll save the long story but it dawned on me late last night that they likely manhandled him so severely, likely during xrays and/or sonogram and/or "walks" that his arthritic hips were so painful he couldn't stand. We are concentrating on his needs, dealing with dressings and pain meds and we have him back on his feet (tenuously) but we WILL be dealing with this later. |
| What the hell have they done to the poor lad give him a massive hug from me . |
| We have decided not to put our senior, arthritic dog through the rigors of such an extensive surgery. The mortality rate of the surgery is listed as "up to 50%" but given Tufts' abilities, it was suggested we assume one third mortality rate even at our dog's age and condition. The survival longevity estimated at only 1-3 years. That plus the expense would likely have topped $10,000. We are giving him blood pressure meds and will likely start some pulse rate lowering beta blockers next week, and we'll see how he is tolerating the drugs and how is his quality of life, including after dealing with his new hind quarters pains and the pain meds and gastric protection meds for that. Thanks for caring everyone. It means a lot to us right now. |
| Hugs to you all xx |
Sounds like a lawsuit to me!!  Poor, poor Mulli!!  Gentle, healing hugs to the big guy, and hugs and prayers for you and Joan, Ron. |
| I'm with Chris on this one. That's lawsuit material. I can't believe they did that to him. How did they explain it? I'd be furious if he were my dog. Poor Mulligan. I hope the care & meds you provide him give him some comfort. Gentle hugs. |
| Thank God he is back home. Please give him cuddles from me. |
| So sorry to read about his problems and the bad treatment he got, hope he is feeling more comfortable. |
OMG,,,i am at a loss for words,,,,this happened at a vets hospital???  who ever was working there obviously does not need to be working with animals. I hope you are able to talk to managers/vets/techs to see who treated this poor baby like this and why??? there should be no vet bill at all, they should suck it up and apologize and fire those awful people that did that to your baby.....yes, lawsuit sounds like a plan....your nerves must be shot and feeling guilty as well....I am so angry at those people ...Hope your baby is doing better being at home with his loving parents. I have slept on the couch and floor with my babies as well, many a night. I am sending you all lots of love and hugs that things get better soon. |
| Thank you for sharing my/our outrage at his mistreatment. Mulligan is a little better today. His heart rate is still running between 120 and 144, with one time last night down to 110. I'm checking it sporadically every 3 or 4 or 6 hours. Whatever. I really wish it would slow down before he has a heart attack. His hips on the stronger dosage of deramax seem to be doing a lot better. Not quite back to pre-TuftsTorture but I'd say 80%. He no longer needs a towel support under him to walk or to go up a step or two. He has been sleeping and sleeping and sleeping. When not sleeping he's been peeing and drinking. That has slowed down as well. A couple of hours ago he was standing with his head hanging low, so I suggested to Joan that she give him a little walk. He had a good sized movement, a medium length walk. Saw some friends and then went for a car ride. He came back mentally happy... But it's time for the bp medicine again, which I think is causing a lot of the lethargy. I suspect there's an acclimation period to the bp lowering med, but I don't know how long it is. I can't tell whether his improvement in mental status is a result of acclimation or more time off the sedation and/or pain meds given at TuftsTorture. Soooo, unfortunately Mulligan bears the brunt of my lack of experience and learning curve. Jake had the Sertoli tumor in a cryptorchid at age 11 that his medical records said had already been removed when he was neutered as a pup. That took a lot of expensive hormones blood work and then an ultrasound to figure out before surgical removal. Mulligan has eaten a cellophane/mylar type wrapper which of course can't be seen, he's had his nose turn pink and sore which has gone away after 4 weeks on anti-biotics twice... (It has returned a third time.) "Never seen that before" kind of issue. Now this... I asked my primary vet why "my dogs always seem to get mystery and complicated diseases and not ripped toenails, I feel cursed I mean jinxed" and he just said "you're not cursed or jinxed" but he didn't answer the question. There's no human answer to that question. |
| So sorry you're all dealing with this. There's nothing more disconcerting that watching our puppers in such a state. Sending hugs and good thoughts for Mulligan to improve. |
| Oh Ron! I am so so sorry you are all having to go through this. I am furious on your behalf about what appears to be some sort of mistreatment. Don't they say first do no harm or is that only with people doctors? I am feeling no excuse will be sufficient to erase this huge error. You and I know what kind of force it would require to do such damage and I don't like the reality of that. I really hope Mully is feeling much better today and that he is beginning to heal. We are all thinking of you guys. Keep us posted Shellove and Vic d'man |
| Those wounds on him are completely unacceptable! Did you ask them what happened? How did they explain that? |
| It breaks my heart to see his injures from 'vet care', to cause more suffering to this beautiful boy? I would be DEMANDING answers from tufts and if not forthcoming, threaten to show the media what compassionate care Mulligan received. Keeping everything crossed   for Mulligan and you and Joan. I too have a older boy and I would raise complete hell if I saw injuries on him or my younger one. Hoping for a more positive result for Mulligan.I don't know about Tufts, but I do know, anyway in the past, the after hour emergency clinics here, charged commission. The tests the vet did, the more money they made. I never left my dogs there and made sure unnecessary tests/charges were not made. Keep us all posted regarding Mulligans progress. |
Pills? What pills? |
| I haven't addressed his legs yet. It is what it is, we are concentrating on moving forward with him right now with our regular vet. He won't be returning to TuftsTorture. |
| Poor Mulligan, how could they treat him like that. No excuse for that at all and if he was having trouble standing they should know it and be prepared to handle it humanely. |
| I've always thought of Tufts as the best place, for sure it has dropped, no plunged, in my esteem. I'd sure as hell want to know what happened. Vet Med School........I'd question their compassion. Maybe just money oriented. |
| Mulligan lost his battle. We were blessed with a young, energetic puppy, healthy right up until he took ill at 12 3/4 years of age. Run free, Mulligan. Go for lots of rides and walks and enjoy every cookie in sight. 10/25/2002 - 07/28/2015  |
A few of my favorite images   As I was going through the pics looking for our favorites to post, I found one of our all-time faves. Joan and I both broke into tears when we looked at the date: 7/29/2005, exactly 10 years ago today.  Same day, same dusty doggie park. It was hot in Maine!  |
| Ron and Joan, I'm so sorry about Mulligan. Another light gone out. I remember when you got him. Run free Mulligan. Say hi to Bob when you see him. |
| RIP Mulligan. We hardly knew ye. Ron and Joan, you have our deepest sympathies. Lee, Jen, Zoey and Caitlyn...... |
| My heart breaks for you both. I am so sorry. |
| I'm heartbroken for you both. RIP, Mulligan - rest easy. |
| Ron and Joan, so sorry to hear this. Tears and hugs.... |
| So sorry to hear of Mulligan's passing. |
| Oh, I am so very sorry. We had hoped for a different outcome...... Laurie and Oscar |
| Very sorry that he crossed the bridge. |
| I'm sorry about Mulligan, it was rough for him at the end. Looking at the pictures though, he was a spry guy, full of energy, much loved.......and really a handsome Dude. Continue enjoying his life pictures and remember the pup that brought you so much love and joy. The end just stinks.....always does. My condolences to you both. |
I am so very sorry for your loss of precious Mulligan.  I, and most of us here, know all too well the feeling of helplessness, pain, grief, and even despair when we lose one of our babies. Your memories of the good times will keep him alive in your hearts, and I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve. Run free, Mulli, and keep a watchful eye out on the rest of our sheepies - until you meet with Mommy and Daddy again. |
| I am so sorry for your loss. Mulligan was such a handsome boy and brought you so much joy. |
| So very sorry for your loss. Mulligan was a handsome guy with such a sweet smile. Special thoughts for you and Joan during this painful time. |
| I am so sorry I couldnt read all this thread. I cry at anything last few weeks, lost my 40 year old son suddenly. Mulligan is now out of pain, and playing with our furbabies with angel wings. I feel for your family, and my thoughts and love are with you xxx |
| I'm sorry to here of your loss. Wishing you happy memories. |
| So sorry to hear about this, cherish those memories of him, and he shall live forever in your hearts and minds. |
| My heart goes out to you . Although your hearts are breaking, Mulligan is running free, no longer in pain and will be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge. You have beautiful memories and pictures. Above all Mulligan loved and was loved. |
| If only we could have them longer.. Ron and Joan I am so so sorry. It is so hard to lose someone. Shellie |
KTB wrote: I am so sorry I couldnt read all this thread. I cry at anything last few weeks, lost my 40 year old son suddenly. Mulligan is now out of pain, and playing with our furbabies with angel wings. I feel for your family, and my thoughts and love are with you xxx I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. I can't imagine the pain your heart must be in. |
| I am so sadden to hear of the passing of sweet Mulligan. He was the heart of the oes.org family. My heart goes out to the both of you in your time of loss. Angel kisses Mulligan. |
| We are so sorry to hear about Mulligan. Our condolences to you and Joan. Cathy and Larry Howard |
| I'm very sorry about Mulligan |
| Ron and Joan, I'm so very sorry about your sweet boy Mulligan. I hope all the wonderful memories you have will help you through this. Mulligan will always be in your heart. Cheryl |
| I'm so sorry to hear about Mulligan. Run free sweet boy. Cindy |
| I am so sorry to hear about Mulligan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. |
| I'm so sorry to hear of Mulligan's passing. |
| Ron, just saw this thread. My heart goes out to you. I know how difficult it is to lose such a beautiful companion. I also know that you have always done your very best to give Mulligan the best life possible. There really are not words that take the sting of the loss away. But those pictures of Mulligan's big grin, with his tongue too big for his smiling mouth say it all. He knew he was loved and cared for. Big hugs. |
| Dear Ron and Joan, My deepest sympathies! Mulligan was a beautiful precious boy. I was struck by his Beautiful and bright face. It was apparent he was living a happy life. I always enjoyed when you'd post about him. I hope you can find comfort in the days ahead. You provided him with a wonderful life and gave him the best loving care when he needed it most. I'm so sorry his time has come to an end! And I hope it brings you comfort to know others support you in your grief. |
What a lovely dog he was, Mulligan.  He had a long and good life living together with you. A wonderful life with lots of joy, keep the good memories and let him go. Wish they lived at least twice as long as they do - so hard to let them go. |
| Ron and Joan~~I just saw this post~~I just wanted to tell you what a special pup Mulligan was. Everyone here on the forum loved him like our own. I am so sorry for your great loss.. Sweet Mulligan, run fast and pain-free to Rainbow Bridge where there will be many to welcome you home. This is one of the poems that one of my sheepie friends sent to me when Heart crossed to Rainbow Bridge. It gave me comfort and I hope it will do the same for you. now that I am no longer here. I realize how much I was loved and how all of you did care. I know it will be hard at first when you look around for me. Expecting to find me in my bed or beside my favorite tree. Someday you will begin to see, Although it’ll take some time, the happy times you shared with me, the memories are yours and mine. I’ll remember you my family, and how much you meant to me. So please don’t grieve and don’t be sad, it was just my time to leave. |
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