It's Happening: Sharing Skye's Health Scare to Hopefully Enlighten Others
By Julie Perine on February 19, 2023 from It’s Happening
Just over a year ago, I wrote a blog about the dogs that have paraded through my family members’ lives and hearts. The newest member of our canine.jpg)
camaraderie is Skye the goldendoodle, who I introduced in that January 2022 blog. Just a few months later, she became very ill. She is still with us and is dong great, but I wanted to share her story in case it might help someone else diagnose their beloved pup.
In May of last year, she started vomiting after getting into some graduation cake. I took her to the vet, who wasn’t convinced it was the cake, but treated her for nausea. She did bloodwork, just to be safe, but ruled out pancreatitis and other potential threats to Skye’s health. As the days rolled by, Skye wasn’t getting better. In fact, she became lethargic and wasn’t interested in eating or playing. Her meds were switched up and we tried her on a boiled chicken and rice diet. She did seem to be feeling somewhat better and was even playing some fetch early one evening. But later that same night, she was unable to walk or even stand without falling. Jeff and I loaded her in the truck and headed for the emergency clinic in Fairmont.
I imagined she had a stroke or even a brain tumor. I was very afraid we wouldn’t be bringing her home. And at her first look, the vet thought perhaps she had gotten into some poison or medicine. After an examination and thorough bloodwork, the vet told us she suspected Skye had experienced an Addisonian crisis. She had Addison’s disease. Just like the human version, the disease happens when adrenal glands aren’t producing adequate levels of aldosterone and cortisol, steroids that play an important role in regulating internal organs and body systems. Skye spent the night at the emergency clinic and remained on IV fluids and meds. Early the next morning, I took her to Grace Animal Hospital, where her diagnosis was confirmed, and she remained on an IV for much of the day. Dr. Joe told me that with proper treatment, Skye could live a normal, happy life.
The treatment consists of replacement of the missing hormones. Every 25 days, she receives DOCP (Desoxycorticosterone) injections which like aldosterone, helps the kidneys absorb sodium and excrete potassium. She also takes daily prednisone which mimics cortisol, helping with regulation of glucose in the bloodstream and other bodily functions.
So, how did she get Addison’s disease? It is quite rare in dogs affecting 0.06 to 0.28 percent. Not only is it rare, but it usually presents itself when dogs are older; the average age of diagnosis being 4. She was barely a year old. Though any breed can get it, those predisposed to the disease include Standard Poodles, West Highland White Terriers, Great Danes, Bearded Collies, Portuguese Water Dogs, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.
Skye is a generation F1B goldendoodle, meaning that she is 25 percent golden retriever and 75 percent poodle. I checked her lineage and neither of her parents had the disease nor did any of her many siblings.
We are grateful that Skye is doing so well. She takes her oral meds and shots
like a champ. Because of the steroids, we have to watch her weight and though her vet warned the meds may change her personality somewhat, she is still – most of the time - her very same chill self. She’s very cuddly and loving and loves being with family and others who give her attention.
like a champ. Because of the steroids, we have to watch her weight and though her vet warned the meds may change her personality somewhat, she is still – most of the time - her very same chill self. She’s very cuddly and loving and loves being with family and others who give her attention.
I might also suggest that you consider looking into health insurance for your pet. We did not and we ended up with some pretty hefty medical bills. Skye is worth every penny, but it wouldn’t hurt being prepared, just in case.
All our best to you and yours,
Julie and Skye
Skye is pictured living her best life with her sister Shasta and her human - and canine - nieces and nephews.
