This weeks DogWorld (Sept.28th) carries an item about Autoimmune Disease and anecdotal evidence.

The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, Cambridge University is conducting a survey which hopefully will shed more light on this issue. It is hoped that the results of the survey will give vets valuable information to further investigate the causes of these diseases.

If you have a dog suffering from an immune mediated disease and would like to assist with this study, contact Jo Tucker at [email jo@cimda.fsnet.co.uk] Canine Immune Mediated Disease Awareness[/email] for more information. Phone : 020 8368 9148.

Leigh

I have taken part in this valuable survey. Having lost a dog to Addisons disease less than a year ago I would urge people to take the time to complete the survey. Already, the initial anecdotal evidence indicates to me that my dog had Addisons about three months before he died. Had I had this information I may not have put vague and sporadic incidents to just one of those things. Had I asked for a test for Addisons during those three months or had the vet suggested one, he would still be with me. I will carry that guilt all my life.
Diane

Diane

Please do not feel guilty about Addinsons going undiagnosed in your dog - it is a VERY rare condition for even Dr's to consider with our language abilities let alone in a dog.

I have suffered both Addinsons and Cushings due to an injury to my Adrenal glands. The only reason I am still alive is due to the fact that only one of my glands was destroyed in an accident and not both. During the year that I was affected by Addinsons I suffered 3 'Crisises' warranting serious emergency treatment etc but thankfully my body recovered spontaneously once it had recognised the crisis and the adrenaline they give you when you go bradycardic helps too. The only reason I was eventually diagnosed was my own GP made an appointment for a renal scan that found my injury once it was 18mths old. I am now recovering from Cushings as my body has overcompensated for the lost gland and I just have to wait it out until things regulate themselves and I can hopefully then deal with my weight gain.

Prior to my diagnosis I was seen by a Cardiologist, Orthopeadic, Endocrinologist (who diagnosed fainting fits!) ENT, Nuerologist, Gynie, psychiatrist and a lung specialist. I spent time hospitalised, underwent numerous Nuclear scans, CT scans MRI scans and Ultrasounds - 24 hr urine, heart and steroid testings with various suppressions etc to aid diagnosis. I am now down to waiting for my hopefully last MRI of my brain and neck to check for a brain trauma they believe I suffered in the same accident, MS or Vestibular Nerve Damage and a CT scan of my adrenal gland to check that my mass has not grown any larger.

So even with our ability to communicate effectively it's hard to pinpoint this rare condition down it mimic's so many others - it becomes a process of elimination.

I wouldn't mind taking part in this survey, my oldest dog has cushings and somehow three years after diagnoses and treatment is still going strong. She has increased appitite and thirst and lower immunity and a bad heart murmur but otherwise is fine. All tests since have been OK. She shattered her femur when just running and after surgery to fix it they tested as the fur wouldn't grow back and it was possitive for cushing. (ACTH tests). How can I take part in the survey I don't get any canine papers.

Welcome to the forum Woodley :-)

Give Jo Tucker a ring. Her telephone number is listed in my original posting above.

Leigh

Yep Isaw it after I'd sent my original message.<vbg>