Update on Sparky

[Sue and Kids]

Davet wrote a reply about Sparky's leg condition in my post below. On the day I wrote the original post, I also put in a prayer request for Spark. If you're interested in what's happening with him, the "Prayers for Sparky" post will fill in the gap between the posts here on Canine Centric.

On April 28th, Sparky had another ACTH test to see how he is doing on the Lysodren. His cortisol enzymes were lower (at the "high" end of "normal'), and my vet is going to do another test in about two weeks. If his cortisol levels are down close to the "low" end of "normal", Sparky's dose will be reduced to one dose a week (he takes two doses a week now).

I did get the booties, as Traci suggested. However, they won't stay on when he goes up and down the four steps we have to use, to go outside. He just goes outdoors to go "potty" and for his daily walk. Otherwise, Sparky is an indoor doggy. I think I will use them later on.

Before Sparky gets his next ACTH test, I want to have the basic blood tests done. I'd like to make sure he doesn't have diabetes (although he didn't before) and to make sure he doesn't have any other problems. To be honest, I don't know if his back leg condition is due to Cushings or if Sparky does have arthritis. My vet doesn't want to give him any arthritis medication until his liver enzymes are normal (or close to).

I had thought about an ultrasound or X-Ray's, but to be honest, I don't think I could bear to know for sure if he has a brain tumor. There wouldn't be anything that could be done, even if I knew he had one. I know I would be very sad and depressed, and Spark is very quick to "pick up" on that. So I guess, in my case, "ignorance is bliss". I want him to be a happy doggy as long as he can be, whether he has a tumor or not.

I do want to have the blood tests done, so that if there is anything else that needs to be and can be, treated, I can have it done. I hope no one thinks I'm a "monster" because I "passed" on the ultrasound...

Sorry - I didn't mean to "write a book". I just thought I'd give a short update on Sparky to anyone who might be interested.

Sue (and Kids!)