Reference Range
|
16-Mar-11
|
30-Apr-11
|
15-Jun-11
|
4-Aug-11
|
4-Jan-12
|
25-Jun-12
|
|
Total Estrogen
|
30 - 35
|
35.19
|
35.15
|
35.11
|
35.06
|
35.04
|
35.05
|
Cortisol
|
1.0 - 2.5
|
8.43
|
7.03
|
0.97
|
0.82
|
0.68
|
1.4
|
T3
|
100 - 200
|
62.7
|
72.12
|
87.92
|
156.94
|
135.29
|
169.94
|
T4
|
2.0 - 4.5
|
0.87
|
1.15
|
1.6
|
3.99
|
3.21
|
7.17**
|
IgA
|
70 - 170
|
50
|
53
|
57
|
65
|
67
|
66
|
IgG
|
1,000 - 2,000
|
722
|
754
|
883
|
946
|
973
|
970
|
IgM
|
100 - 200
|
74
|
76
|
87
|
97
|
97
|
97
|
Estrogen is about the same as her last panel in January. It is possible that this number is Reo's "normal" now, being an older dog.
Cortisol is now within normal limits (I was a little surprised at this!).
T3 is normal, but T4 is quite elevated. I put two asterisks next to this number, as Reo was on a course of Clavamox (antibiotic) for her uveitis. Dr. V feels that the T4 is elevated due to this, and so is not concerned, especially as T3 is normal (T3 is the more "active" molecule in the body). We will retest her thyroid in another 6 months, so we will keep an eye.
Immunoglobulins are more or less where they have been for the past year, just slightly low. It's possible that these numbers are also Reo's "normal", as she is an older dog. I likely won't have these tested again, as she seems to be pretty consistent now, and can probably save a little money by only testing estrogen/cortisol/thyroid.
Overall, I feel just fine about Reo's results. As she is not symptomatic right now, I am satisfied that she feels good, has normal liver/kidney function, and reasonable hormone levels. :)
Hi there, I've spent hours reading through you blog posts (a few of them had me on the verge of tears I must say!), as my Bull Terrier has been suffering with terrible skin problems for over a year now. A few months ago I got Dr.P's book "pet's at risk" and felt like a light had been turned on as we had been getting nowhere with short term cortisone treatment.
ReplyDeleteMy first vet, like yours wouldn't entertain the idea and was actually very rude but I understood I was taking him out of his comfort zone so similarly parted ways!
The vet I'm currently with is much better, she has looked at the book, listened to what I have to say and after me signing a disclaimer was willing to give things a months trial. The only problem is that no one does the blood tests Dr.P specifies here (I'm in England), so we have only tested for T4 so far. When I converted the results however they did sit out of Dr.P's recommended range so that's at least a small indication he's imbalanced.
I'm also currently experiencing major skin and hair shedding as you have mentioned and I too believe this to be a form of toxic release through the skin. Also, worryingly he has been showing signs of Adrenal crisis - vomiting & fainting, at first I thought this was the T4 as it started occurring right after, but now I believe it to be me reducing his cortisone concurrently with the T4 supplant to mach what doctor P advises, as he was on about 2mg per 10 pounds, before hand. I'm not sure about this 'anomaly' as I was reducing it to avoid cortisone overdose that I thought the excess shedding may have been caused by but now it seems He's not getting enough cortisone so I'm going to have to bump it back up to prevent crisis! It's all very frustrating as I'm sure you know.
Anyway, any information or advise from yourself would be greatly appreciated and excellent job on documenting your experience - this blog has been far more useful than any official medical site I have been on!
Joe, thanks so much for reading! I love Bull Terriers! They're a more rare breed here in the US, but I think they are adorable! I'm glad that you can apply some of what Reo went through to your pup too. I have some ideas to discuss with you - please feel free to email me at cookypuss1 (at) gmail (dot) com. What food is your guy eating?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the reply! I've emailed you :)
ReplyDelete