Nora Gets a Good Report
On Monday, I took Nora for another ACTH Stimulation blood test and fully anticipated a good report. Nora’s been almost back to normal after a pretty rough few weeks following her diagnosis of Cushing’s disease. Things got so bad at one point, I didn’t know if she would survive long enough for the Vetoryl to work. The recent increase in dosage seemed to be just what she needed, though, because she has really improved.
The vet called on Friday and said that he was very pleased with her test result. With her current therapy, her value should fall between 1.45 and 5.4 and her number was 3.7! I couldn’t ask for better than that, could I? He recommends to keep her on the 40 mg of Vetoryl and to repeat the ACTH stimulation test in four to six weeks. If that test is good, she will still have to remain on the medication for the rest of her life, but the blood tests will be far less frequent.
Nora still gets winded on our walks. She can’t jump up on the bed like she used to. But, she’s also much less grumpy than she had been. She must be far more comfortable, because her face looks more relaxed and dare I say it? Sweet.
For anyone who’s kept a good thought for Nora or even said some doggie prayers, we truly appreciate it. Cushing’s disease doesn’t have the greatest prognosis, but it looks like Nora might be on the long side of the expected two to four years.
Finally, after reading that Bernese Mountain Dogs have a life expectancy of only six to eight years, I’m feeling far less terrible that Nora will probably not live the full life expectancy of a Cairn terrier (12-15 years). Since she’s already six years old, she’s doing at least as well as many other breeds.
Happy summer!
Ann Silverthorn writes about a wide variety of topics in numerous genres. She’s currently writing a biography on William E. Dimorier (1871-1951), the nearly forgotten poet and assistant principal of Academy High School in Erie, PA, who dedicated his life to the betterment of young people.
Twitter: @annsilverthorn
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