Lukas was diagnosed with Atypical Cushings in late March, 2018, when his adrenal test – which was sent to the University of Tennessee – came back positive.  His symptoms started in November… went to the vet for his heavy panting while running in the weave poles (something that had never happened before); in January… for his excessive drinking of water; in March for his loss of hair on both sides of his shoulders.

I started him on melatonin initially – no lignans (as I didn’t realize I needed to start both).  Got a call from the vet regarding where I was getting my lignans (for another client)…  told them I hadn’t started that yet.  Read again – found out I should have been.  Thank God for the call – my guardian angel strikes again!!  On April 6, 2018 – he started on both Melatonin and Lignans (plus supplements… vitamins, omega 3, etc.).

We were on everything for two months before “Nationals” in June.  His drinking had lesson some.  His hair was thin…  but regrowing.  His skin is still thin.  His panting had not improved at all and his muscle mass… seemed a lot.

At Nationals – although it may have been due to heat – he was slow and lethargic through most the trail.  We did not q on a standard due to time faults.   This had never happened before.  Was it his Cushings or was it the heat?

Made an appointment at the vet for Tueday, June 12, 2018.  Shared the information.  Although the melatonin and lignans seemed to be making a dent… he still wasn’t “right.”  We decided to add Lysodren – 250 mg – every three or four days.  I went with every four days.  His first dose he received on June 13, 2018.  His second on June 17th.  His panting was still extreme.  Panted all night… all the time.  His third dose came on June 21.  I began to see changes.  His panting slowed and all but disappeared (panting at “appropriate” times).  At the trial June 23-24, he ran much better – more with energy.   Not like his old self… but with more energy (maybe it was me who was also running with energy).  He got home from the trial and actually started playing with Kaiden.  He hadn’t done that in a while.  He wanted to “wrestle” with me.  His look is different… more attentive.  Maybe the old Lukie was returning!!  I could only hope and pray!

Two people asked me – as I was stating my concern at the trial on June 23-24, 2018 – have you ever thought of retiring him or taking some time off.  I talked of his C-ATCH runs… I talked about how he loves running with me.

I wasn’t completely truthful.  Bottom line… it is me who loves running for the C-ATCH record and most important – it is that I love running with him.  I love knowing he almost can read my mind when we are on the course together.  I loves that connection!  It seems ever so selfish…  but I love being with him.

I will continue to monitor his progress.  Hopefully we are on the right track!!  Lukie I love ya…

Update:  Gave the fourth (4th) dose the evening (7:30p) of June 25, 2018.  His panting seemed to have reoccurred… at least for the moment.  He has slowed now (9:00p).