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During the last couple of years, we were both diagnosed with Cushing's Disease or Cushing's Syndrome. Since this disease is not contagious or hereditary, our Doctors were very surprised to find out that we had both come down with the ailment. Fortunately, treatment is going well and our quality of life is good. We control our Pituitary-Dependent Cushing's Disease with Lysodren Therapy. Our doctor must closely monitor us by administering ACTH stimulation tests. We visit our Doctor every month for these blood examinations. We study very hard so that we can pass our tests. We also enjoy visiting with our friends at the Doctor's office, so we really don't mind when it's time for our tests.
Besides blood tests, we must take prescription medication for the rest of our lives. Tara's Lysodren dosage is normal for Westies our size, but Emma's disease has been more difficult to manage. You know how people say that Westies are large dogs in small packages? Well, Emma's dosage is large enough for a Rottweiler! Emma also takes medication for arthritis (a remnant from Emma's debilitating bout with Lyme disease), and we both take a wide variety of nutritional supplements. Mommy says that it takes longer to prepare our dinners than it does to prepare her own, but she doesn't mind. We also have to undergo ultrasound testing every few months. The Radiologist has to shave our bellies for this procedure. It spoils our pretty haircuts, but we get a lot of sympathy and attention from it. For more information on Cushing's Disease, link to the following sites: Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado Dog Owner's Guide - Cushing's Disease Mar Vista Animal Medical Center To visit Emma & Tara's other pages, click on the links below: Emma & Tara Home Page New House Emma Puppy Pictures Tara Puppy Pictures Picture Archive Emma & Tara's Guestbook Screendoor & Ramp
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