September 2011 - Moss Rouse
Moss is a female, 12 year old, Old English Sheepdog cross. Her owner had noticed that she had been urinating more often and had the occasional episode of urinary incontinence. The veterinary surgeon thoroughly examined her, and her owner handed in a urine sample from Moss to run in the practice laboratory. No abnormalities were detected in the urine sample, other than being very dilute, so Moss was placed on antibiotics and her owner was advised to return if the urinary incontinence continued.
Moss and her owner returned two weeks later, as Moss was still urinating frequently and in turn was drinking more. The veterinary surgeon took blood samples, which were inconclusive. A further urine sample was requested which contained blood and was even more dilute. The vet advised a particular blood test called an ACTH stimulation test to investigate for the hormonal condition Cushing’s disease.
The results came back as positive for Cushing’s, and Moss was placed on medication to supress the production of cortisol and aldosterone.
Ten days after her treatment had started, Moss was admitted for another ACTH stimulation test, to check that she was on the correct dose of medication. The results showed a normal response, and the vet asked for a further ACTH stimulation test a month later. These results indicated that Moss’s medication needed to be increased slightly, and she is due for a re-test in 2 weeks time.
For more information about Cushing's Disease please click here
