SUNNY UPDATE - SHOUT HALLELUJAH!

Box_Of_Frogs

Box_Of_Frogs

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Oh my god, what a day. I honestly thought Sunny was dying because of the state of his lungs. But the blood results came back today and HE'S GOT CUSHINGS!!!!!!!! Vet said normal ACTH levels = 40, Sunny is 200. I bet not many people almost pass out with delight that their horse has got Cushings! But Cushings can be controlled for years with Pergolide (Prascend) so I think Sunny has a few more happy years yet, with a good quality of life. Vets said we may have to tweak the dose a bit and from what I've read so far, as the seasons change, his Prascend dosage may have to as well. How it's gone unrecognised in Sunny for so long is down to his stoicism. He's the world's bravest equine patient! The thing for everyone to note is that whilst symptoms like curly coat/drinking and peeing lots is easy for owners to recognise, some of the other early symptoms may easily be missed. What I took for lack of oxygen to his brain and/or blood sugar problems because of the worse-in-the-morning, better-later symptoms is directly attributable to Cushings and the over-production of cortisol. Harder-to-spot Cushings symptoms include lethargy, cyclical changes through the day, increased susceptibility to infection, reduced efficiency of the immune system, minor shedding changes, skin sensitivities and odd liver problems. Stir in confusion and Sunny's a pretty text book case.

Thank god it's not the end yet. Thankyou to everyone who sent supportive messages and don't worry, I'm a paid up member of the Better A Week Too Soon Than A Day Too Late Society. Sunny is a very special horse and although I know I rescued him and changed his life around, I could never explain how much he has rescued me right back so he deserves the best I can give him.
 
Well they say horses make fools of us and this is very much the case here.

I do hope the meds kick in quickly and he soon returns to normality.

What good news you must be over the moon.
 
Glad you've got a definitive diagnosis, and that the problems can be treated.

Let's hope Sunny has a few more happy years with you and that the medication starts working quickly :)
 
Great to hear that you've got a specific diagnosis. Keep us updated on how he responds to treatment, I have my fingers and toes crossed for you both :)
 
My little welshie was also diagnosed with the early symptoms a couple of years ago, her count was 587. She's been on pergolide ever since with seasonal adjustments and has been the brightest ever in that time, just made me realise how rotten she must have been feeling. Good luck with Sunny, lets hope you have the same great respnse!
 
I'm so pleased you have got a diagnosis, and that you can get the meds started asap. I have to admit that those symptoms would never suggest cushings to me, I shall read up more! Must be a huge relief. Yahoo groups has a group called metabolic horse with a wealth of knowledge for those with cushings/IR type horses, might be a handy place to hang out?
 
Great news that you know what you are dealing with. You must be so relieved.

Agree with The Pony - Metabolic Horse Yahoo group is a great source of information and support. All the best to you and Sunny!
 
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