Beanie Can See!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iN1-cFLE4k&app=desktop Please click on the link above to view the video about Beanie's experience with SARDS! His owner, Dan Murphy, contacted Dr. Plechner right away and started following his protocol. 60% of Beanie's distant vision came back and 10% or near vision came back and is back to being his little happy self after previously being diagnosed as completely blind by specialists. Such great news for Beanie and Dan

Dr. A.J. Plechner's Case Chart - Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS)

------SUCCESSFUL RETURN OF VISION IN 10 CANINE SUDDEN ACQUIRED RETINAL DEGENERATION SYNDROME (SARDS) PATIENTS Author: Dr. A. J. Plechner DVM Email: drplechner1@gmail.com Abstract 33 cases were diagnosed, by board certified veterinary ophthalmologists with canine patients that have Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS). Request was made, for the convenience of publication, to reduce the number of SARDS cases to only 10. I have listed those 10 cases but have also listed the other 23 cases that indicate the same endocrine immune imbalances and WHY canine SARDS happens. Initial diagnosis of the 10 cases of canine SARDS, was followed by an endocrine immune blood panel. The study reflected High Total Estrogen in all 10 canines. Eight of the canines had high cortisol (defective or bound but often being diagnosed as Cushing’s syndrome) and low T3 and T4. IgA levels were initially below 58 in 9 canines, causing malabsorption of oral nutrients, supplements, vitamins and medication. IgG and IgM levels were low also in all 10 cases. Once endocrine immune replacement supplementation was begun, endocrine immune levels improved again in all 10 canine patients. Vision was restored to all 10 canines initially diagnosed with Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome. INTRODUCTION At this time, the veterinary profession has not identified the cause of SARDS in canines. However, veterinary researchers agree that SARDS is an autoimmune disease (2,3). Anti-retinal antibodies are not present, so the retinal destruction may be caused by a T- lymphocyte that is no longer regulated by an imbalanced endocrine immune system (2). This endocrine imbalance appears to allow the T- lymphocyte to lose recognition of self-tissue and cause cellular damage to the retinae. An electroretinogram (ERG) is the diagnostic tool of choice once the canine develops a SARDS blindness (4,5). The ERG is usually flat lined with a SARDS canine patient, however there are some very early non-verified reports that once vision has been reestablished in a SARDS canine patent, the repeat ERG may still remain flat lined. If my research data is correct, then either one or more of the sight layers of the retina may be involved as well as the rods and cone, since vision can been restored (1). My clinical studies indicate that the effects of canine SARDS comes from an imbalanced cortisol that is produced by the middle layer, zona fasciculata, of the adrenal cortex (5, 11-15, 18-22). Research has led me to realize that the endocrine system regulates the immune system in canines. My findings show that imbalanced cortisol not recognized by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis leads to a lack of funding of the negative feedback mechanism to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. When this occurs, the hypothalamus continues to release its corticotrophin hormone, which in turn stimulates the release of the pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). When the cortisol imbalance is due to a deficiency or due to the production of a defective cortisol, the negative feedback mechanism to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis does not function (23, 24). The continued production of ACTH causes the inner layer adrenal cortex, zona reticularis, to respond as a positive feedback mechanism, which produces an excess amount of adrenal estrogen and adrenal androgen. THIS PAPER DEALS SPECIFICALLY WITH THE INCREASED AMOUNTS OF ADRENAL ESTROGEN. When damage to the production of cortisol occurs from the middle layer adrenal cortex, an elevated amount of adrenal estrogen is produced and I have found the following changes occur: 1) The elevated adrenal estrogen binds the receptor sites for Triiodothyronine (T3) and (Thyroxin) (T4) (6-11-15, 21). 2) The elevated adrenal estrogen deregulates the immune system (5, 6, 9). The effect of which is the T-lymphocyte ceases to function in protecting the patient from viruses and fungi and a loss of recognition of self-tissue occurs, which may lead to autoimmunity, including canine SARDS. The deregulated B-lymphocyte also loses its ability to protect the patient against bacteria and production of proper antibodies in response to vaccines. At the same time, the B-lymphocyte production of immunoglobulins is diminished and as the mucous membrane antibody Immunoglobulin A (IgA) falls below 58 mg/dL, malabsorption of oral nutrients, supplements, vitamins and medication, including steroids may additionally occur (8, 11-15, 18, 22). Unless the IgA level is at 58 mg/dL or higher, replacement hormones will not be absorbed properly by the canine SARDS patient. For the successful diagnosis and return of vision in all of my patients with canine SARDS, it appears to depend upon three events: 1) How well the canine deals with and hides their developing blindness. 2) How soon the owner of a SARDS canine realized that their pet was suffering from reduced vision. 3) How soon the canine SARDS was diagnosed and how soon I was able to correct the patients’ endocrine immune imbalance. MATERIALS I have found that an ERG and a simple blood test help diagnose canine SARDS, along with the other accompanying clinical signs. The ERG was accomplished by referring my SARDS canine patients to veterinary ophthalmologists. If the veterinary ophthalmologists confirmed SARDS, a simple blood serum test was indicated. The blood serum test must include the following: 1) Total estrogen 2) Cortisol (no special time of day is needed to do this test) 3) Total T3 (Triiodothyronine) 4) Total T4 (Thyroxin) 5) Immunoglobulin A 6) Immunoglobulin M 7) Immunoglobulin G METHODS I followed these procedures, as instructed by the veterinary laboratory: 1) The blood sample was taken after fasting from food or medication for 3 to 4 hours. 2) If a repeat test was indicated at a later date, the blood sample was taken at the same time of day. 3) If alcohol was used at the blood draw site, it was made sure the blood draw site was dry before taking the blood sample, otherwise the alcohol would cause hemolysis of the erythrocytes. On a side note, the presence of alcohol with any blood draw will cause hemolysis of the serum sample. 4) Once the blood draw was been completed, the blood tube was laid on its side in a refrigerated unit for 15 minutes in order to help increase the surface area of the sample and enhance clotting. 5) Once this procedure was completed, the blood sample was centrifuged for 10 minutes and refrigerated immediately. 6) In the event the blood sample was not spun down, the sample was sent to the lab only refrigerated, not frozen. 7) In the event the blood sample was spun down and the serum was clear, the sample was frozen. 8) If the spun down serum was hemolyzed, the sample was only refrigerated, not frozen. At this time, I have found only one veterinary laboratory in the United States that tests for total estrogen (a). RESULTS When hormonal therapy was administered to 10 SARDS canines, the endocrine immune values improved, as they regained their sight (Table 1). Detailed information on the actual treatment for SARDS canines is available (b). DISCUSSION The diagnosis and successful treatment of the SARDS canines depended on how rapidly diagnosis was made and treatment plans were begin. I have been involved with enough SARDS canines worldwide to realize that canine SARDS is an autoimmune disease that is caused by an imbalanced or deficient cortisol that is produced by the zona fasciculata of adrenal cortex which leads to the production of excessive adrenal estrogen from the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex. This increase in the production of adrenal estrogen causes a binding of the receptor sites of the thyroid hormones and also deregulates the immune system. I believe a true pivotal point in the development of canine SARDS comes from the use of monthly insect chemicals. This is not to say that the chemicals are primary in the development of SARDS, but it is to say, the monthly insect chemicals may be a trigger for the imbalance to occur. Abnormal alteration of cortisol production may occur due to altered genetics; exposure to estrogen mimicking chemicals (xenoestrogens); exposure to plant estrogens (phytoestrogens); and exposure to chemical insect repellants, stress, vaccines, anesthetics, toxins, damaging heavy metals, radiation, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and much more. I personally believe that the Achilles tendon of the body is the middle layer adrenal cortex and its ability, or inability, to produce adequate amounts of active regulatory cortisol. Many of the SARDS canines had elevated amounts of cortisol, but without comparing how the cortisol affects the negative feedback mechanism to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, it was not determinable whether the measured cortisol level was active or inactive and was utilized by the canine SARDS patient (Figure 1). Cushing’s syndrome produces excess active cortisol. Active cortisol is used to treat autoimmune diseases, including SARDS. Therefore, if a canine patient has Cushing’s syndrome, the patient will not have SARDS. When I diagnosed a case of canine SARDS, there was no reason to perform an ACTH Stimulation or Dexamethasone Suppression Test for Cushing’s syndrome. If the amount of measured cortisol is elevated, and if the cortisol is in an inactive state, it cannot be used by the SARDS canine patient (Figure 2). Once proper hormone therapy was provided, the endocrine immune regulation did return to normal and vision was restored to these 10 SARDS canine patients (Figure 3). I refer to this canine syndrome as Atypical Cortisol Estrogen Imbalance Syndrome (ACEIS).   FOOTNOTES a. National Veterinary Diagnostic Services, 26856 Clark Rd, Waller, TX 77484, http://national-vet.com, email: info@national-vet.com, phone: 281-661-4292 b. Atypical Cortisol Estrogen Imbalance Syndrome Protocol, http://drplechner.com/get-help-for-your-pet/test-procedures-info/atypical-cortisol-estrogen-imbalance-syndrome-protocol * The sooner canine SARDS is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance that viable retinal tissue still remains. Because canine SARDS has been recognized as an autoimmune disease, even if sight does not return, proper replacement supplementation helps stop the development of other autoimmune diseases, including cancer.   REFERENCES 1. Miller P, Galbreath E, Kehren L, Steinberg H. Photoreceptor cell death by apoptosis in dog with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome. Am. J. Vet Res 1998: 59: 149-152. 2. Keller R, Kania S, Dendrix D, Ward D. Evaluation of canine serum for the presence of anti-retinal autoantibodies in sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome. Vet Ophthalmol 2006: 9: 196-200. 3. Grozdanic, Sinisa, Harper, Mathew M, Kecova, Helga. Antibody-Mediated Retinopathies in Canine Patients – Mechanism and Treatment Modality. Veterinary Clinics of North America. Small Animal Practice. March 2008; 38; 361-387. 4. Electroretinography. U.S. National Library of Medicine. April 2006. 5. Brown M, Mamor M & Vaegan. ISCEV- Standard for Clinical Electro- Oculography (EOG) 2006 at Documenta Ophtlamologica 1133; 206-212. 6. Plechner AJ. Cortisol abnormality as a cause of elevated estrogen and immune destabilization: Insights for human medicine from a veterinary perspective. Medical Hypothesis 2004; 62: 575-581. 7. Plechner AJ. Reproductive Failure in Adrenal-Thyroid-Immune Dysfunction. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. December 2008; 80-82 8. Plechner AJ. Importance of IgA. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. November 2005; 268; 88-91 9. Plechner AJ. Do Adrenal-Immune Disturbances in Animals and Common Variable Immunodeficiency in Humans Have a Common Cause? Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. 239; 122-123. 10. Plechner AJ. An Innovative Cancer Therapy That Saves Animals, Can It help Save Humans as Well? Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. February 2004; 110-118. 11. Plechner AJ. Treating Unrecognized Cortisol Based Imbalances Offers Major Healing Benefits for Multiple Disorders. American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. 2004; 22 (4); 9-14. 12. Plechner AJ. An Effective Veterinary Model May Offer Therapeutic Promises for Human Conditions. Medical Hypothesis. 2003; 60; 309-314. 13. Plechner AJ. Unrecognized Endocrine Immune Defects in Multiple Diseases. Medical Hypothesis. March 2003. 14 Plechner AJ. Preliminary Observations on Endocrine - Associated Immunodeficiency In Dogs - A Clinician Explores The Relationship of Immunodeficiency to Endocrinopathy. Modern Veterinary Practice. October 1979; 811-815. 15. Plechner AJ. Theory of Endocrine Immune Surveillance. California Veterinarian. January 1979; 12-15. 16. Plechner AJ, Shannon, Epstein, Goldstein & Howard. Endocrine Immune Surveillance. Pulse, June July 1978. 17. Plechner AJ, Shannon M. Canine Immune Complex Diseases. Modern Veterinary Practice, November 1976; 917. 18. Jeffries MK. Safe Uses of Cortisol Third Edition. Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Ltd. Springfield. 2004. 19. Marik PE. Adrenal-exhaustion syndrome in patients with liver disease (abstract). Intensive Care Medicine 2006; 32: 275-280. 20. Selye H. The Stress of Life Revised Edition. McGraw-Hill, Incorporated: New York. 1976. 21. Hart JE. Endocrine pathology of estrogens: species differences (abstract). Pharmacology Therapeutics. 1990; 47: 203-218. 22. Blum M, Zacharovich D, Pery J, Kitai E. Lowering effect of estrogen treatment on immunoglobulins in menopausal women (abstract). Revue française degynecologie et d’obstetrique. 1990; 4: 2078. 23. Bayarri, VM, Sancho S, Campos R, Faus R, Simon JM, Porcar E, Tormo C, Hernandez A. The euthyroid sick syndrome in severe acute illness (abstract). Presse Medical. 2007; 36: 1550-1556. 24. Cohen J, Ward G, Prins J, Jones, Venkatesh B. Variability of cortisol assays can confound the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in the critically ill population (abstract). Intensive Care Medicine. 32; 1901-1905.   ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 1: This diagram shows normal relationships and feedback activity between the adrenal cortex and the hypothalamus and pituitary, and in turn, a healthy regulatory influence on the immune system. Figure 2: Genetic and toxicity factors can interfere with cortisol production, triggering excess ACTH and estrogen release. Cortisol deficiency is aggravated, thyroid function affected, and the immune system destabilized. Figure 3: Correction of cortisol deficit with cortisol replacement therapy restores normal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal relationships and immune system integrity.   CLINICAL CASE STUDIES OF RETURNED SIGHT IN 10 SARDS CANINES WITH EARLY ENDOCRINE IMMUNE REPLACEMENT SUPPLEMENTATION * All Patients Began Treatment With Flat Line ERG’s By Dr. A.J. Plechner, DVM Case Breed Sex, DOB Collection Date Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Female (Normal Values) Male ( Normal Values) Units of Measurement 30-35 20-25 pg/ml 1-2.5 1-2.5 ug/dL 100-200 100-200 ng/dL 2-4.5 2-4.5 ng/dL 100-200 100-200 mg/ml 1000-2000 1000-2000 mg/ml 100-200 100-200 mg/ml 1 American Dingo Female 9/19/06 1/23/14 3/27/14 35.17 35.11 3.10 0.86 64.53 109.58 0.82 2.65 53 59 712 843 72 85 2 Maltese Male 10/15/03 10/27/14 12/19/14 25.19 25.15 4.63 0.68 108.11 86.99 2.39 1.64 51 55 716 768 70 76 3 Miniature Poodle Female S 3/15/93 2/01/09 4/18/09 35.29 35.13 7.51 1.74 89.94 134.72 1.22 4.65 48 58 816 941 83 96 4 Bearded Collie Male 7/03/03 10/17/14 10/18/14 11/21/14 12/18/14 1/22/15 2/05/15 25.21 25.19 25.13 25.11 25.12 25.09 4.29 4.01 0.82 0.94 0.82 0.72 56.84 77.15 143.94 77.68 88.57 107.14 0.73 1.27 4.70 0.98 1.53 2.33 50 51 57 59 58 61 712 720 802 842 832 868 70 71 79 83 83 87 5 Yorkshire Terrier Female 10/15/08 4/25/13 8/30/13 5/30/14 35.14 35.06 34.98 0.82 0.87 3.06 78.94 138.61 135.57 1.30 4.39 3.94 56 64 73 753 894 1082 74 90 105 6 Jack Russell Terrier Female S 1/28/04 6/07/13 7/26/13 8/23/13 12/4/14 35.17 35.13 35.14 35.11 6.15 0.83 0.87 0.85 84.94 95.24 72.97 168.94 1.55 1.92 1.03 5.69 53 57 56 59 768 803 782 832 75 79 77 81 7 Cocker Spaniel Male 4/16/05 4/01/14 5/09/14 6/20/14 25.21 25.18 24.17 6.38 0.77 0.58 47.31 53.74 54.05 0.51 0.58 0.59 49 52 53 684 736 740 68 72 73 8 Dachshund Male N 1/01/07 9/07/13 9/24/13 11/5/13 2/12/14 4/08/14 11/4/14 25.18 25.14 25.10 25.08 25.03 25.05 7.97 0.62 0.65 0.74 1.04 0.68 56.22 67.83 115.58 86.54 132.14 137.82 0.69 0.97 2.62 1.40 3.75 3.96 52 56 60 62 67 65 729 774 843 861 968 927 73 76 82 85 97 93 9 Wirehaired Dachshund Male N 4/01/06 5/02/14 5/16/14 25.07 25.04 1.83 1.35 98.43 133.92 2.03 3.85 63 66 901 942 89 93 10 Maltese Female 3/09/03 11/07/14 11/29/14 12/20/14 35.20 35.15 35.12 7.54 3.51 1.51 57.89 127.64 78.52 1.13 3.39 1.03 50 55 58 706 784 815 69 77 80 CLINICAL CASE STUDIES OF RETURNED SIGHT IN 33 SARDS CANINES WITH EARLY ENDOCRINE IMMUNE REPLACEMENT SUPPLEMENTATION * All Patients Began Treatment With Flat Line ERG’s By Dr. A.J. Plechner, DVM Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Units of Measure pg/mL ug/dL ng/dL ug/dL mg/dL mg/dL mg/dL Normal Values M Low 20.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 25.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 F Low 30.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 35.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 Breed Sex DOB Collection Date Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM American Dingo F 9/19/2006 1/23/2014 35.17 3.10 64.53 0.82 53 712 72 3/27/2014 35.11 0.86 109.58 2.65 59 843 85 Maltese M 10/15/2003 10/27/2014 25.19 4.63 108.11 2.39 51 716 70 12/19/2014 25.15 0.68 86.99 1.64 55 768 76 Maltese F 1/21/2003 9/27/2012 35.15 3.03 162.11 5.61 55 783 77 10/17/2012 35.13 1.65 166.24 6.67 57 816 81 11/29/2012 35.09 1.81 150.16 4.63 61 861 86 1/18/2013 35.04 0.92 146.19 4.35 66 936 94 2/21/2013 35.03 0.98 141.58 4.21 67 958 96 3/21/2013 35.02 2.46 148.92 6.24 68 981 98 8/16/2013 35.02 1.96 159.82 7.34 68 987 99 10/18/2013 35.01 2.88 152.03 5.48 69 1002 99 3/20/2014 34.98 1.45 109.94 2.45 72 1061 107 Min Pin F 3/01/2003 3/14/2013 35.13 2.20 56.14 0.57 57 830 82 5/02/2013 35.10 0.82 60.13 0.78 60 864 85 11/15/2013 35.06 0.93 122.15 2.92 64 938 92 8/15/2014 35.03 2.35 139.68 6.97 67 952 95 Terrier Mix F 1/08/2009 4/29/2014 35.17 2.86 78.59 1.16 53 742 73 5/23/2014 35.14 0.59 82.57 1.32 56 779 78 6/05/2014 35.10 1.19 81.16 1.25 60 843 82 6/27/2014 35.06 2.68 126.42 2.99 64 931 92 7/18/2014 35.03 0.92 131.58 3.92 67 962 96 8/08/2014 35.01 1.10 152.16 6.07 69 989 99 8/29/2014 35.00 2.17 148.22 5.71 70 1013 100 9/19/2014 35.01 2.91 147.92 5.70 69 994 100 10/10/2014 35.00 2.35 145.16 4.97 70 1015 100 10/30/2014 35.01 0.74 136.84 3.57 69 989 100 11/20/2014 35.01 0.69 113.52 2.76 69 984 99 1/08/2015 35.02 0.86 107.25 2.29 68 984 99 2/05/2015 35.04 0.81 82.14 1.23 66 943 95 Min. Poodle S 3/15/1993 2/01/2009 35.29 7.51 89.94 1.22 48 816 83 4/18/2009 35.13 1.74 134.72 4.65 58 941 96 Maltese N 6/09/2006 1/27/2012 25.17 1.88 56.12 0.67 52 781 79 8/01/2012 25.13 1.43 66.27 0.89 57 884 87 8/06/2013 25.07 1.75 109.89 2.37 63 926 94 4/02/2014 25.09 1.77 78.91 1.26 61 882 87 1/10/2015 25.04 2.02 62.03 1.01 66 937 94 Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Units of Measure pg/mL ug/dL ng/dL ug/dL mg/dL mg/dL mg/dL Normal Values M Low 20.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 25.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 F Low 30.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 35.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 Breed Sex DOB Collection Date Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Greyhound M 6/01/2011 3/18/2014 25.20 6.20 51.22 0.47 49 694 70 4/04/2014 25.18 0.67 53.61 0.52 52 718 71 Greyhound N 6/01/2011 2/25/2014 25.18 2.62 51.12 0.48 51 731 72 3/18/2014 25.15 0.82 63.84 0.91 55 772 76 4/04/2014 25.14 0.86 58.67 0.73 56 788 77 Malamute/Shep S 6/21/2008 8/16/2013 35.13 1.97 86.24 1.66 57 784 77 9/11/2013 35.10 1.59 82.05 1.43 60 836 84 10/11/2013 35.09 0.88 126.84 3.36 61 868 87 1/31/2014 35.05 1.09 124.16 3.14 65 938 94 8/15/2014 35.03 3.20 132.91 3.93 67 972 96 11/21/2014 35.02 1.47 87.89 1.57 68 968 97 Yorkshire Terr. F 10/15/2008 4/25/2013 35.14 0.82 78.94 1.30 56 753 74 8/30/2013 35.06 0.87 138.61 4.39 64 894 90 5/30/2014 34.98 3.06 135.57 3.94 73 1082 105 Chow Mix N 8/25/2002 5/07/2013 25.17 0.53 128.94 2.99 53 741 73 8/02/2013 25.13 0.62 109.89 2.21 57 816 82 2/25/2014 25.06 0.78 143.22 5.24 64 921 93 Dachshund N 1/01/2006 4/05/2014 25.17 1.86 57.63 0.63 53 742 72 8/01/2014 25.13 0.68 110.64 2.80 57 773 78 2/05/2015 25.07 1.92 143.67 5.48 63 906 89 Dachshund S 1/14/2005 12/13/2014 35.18 5.38 84.62 1.54 52 736 73 1/27/2015 35.15 1.32 72.04 0.91 55 762 75 2/13/2015 35.11 0.96 94.27 1.83 59 843 85 Jack Russell Terrier S 1/28/2004 6/07/2013 35.17 6.15 84.94 1.55 53 768 75 7/26/2013 35.13 0.83 95.24 1.92 57 803 79 8/23/2013 35.14 0.87 72.97 1.03 56 782 77 12/4/2014 35.11 0.85 168.94 5.69 59 832 81 Schnauzer N 4/16/2006 1/30/2014 25.19 0.60 64.91 0.87 51 726 72 9/09/2014 25.03 1.46 112.49 2.71 67 958 96 Bichon Frise S 6/18/2009 10/17/2014 35.18 6.12 137.94 4.00 51 723 71 11/11/2014 35.15 1.74 89.92 1.36 55 764 77 Wolf/Malamute Mix M 5/01/2002 10/8/2008 25.37 1.45 56.92 1.58 43 712 56 11/1/2008 25.31 47 11/13/2008 25.19 60 1/17/2009 25.07 1.54 89.52 1.69 62 953 87 6/28/2009 25.03 3.01 142.13 4.67 66 994 97 8/19/2010 25.04 1.93 83.26 2.37 64 961 97 3/17/2011 24.98 1.33 113.92 2.38 71 1085 103 3/15/2012 25.04 0.79 109.97 2.41 66 972 98 3/14/2013 25.03 1.38 78.12 1.31 67 982 99 11/21/2014 25.02 0.82 101.03 2.01 68 984 98 Wirehaired Dachshund N 4/01/2006 5/02/2014 25.07 1.83 98.43 2.03 63 901 89 5/16/2014 25.04 1.35 133.92 3.85 66 942 93 6/13/2014 1.33 72 Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Units of Measure pg/mL ug/dL ng/dL ug/dL mg/dL mg/dL mg/dL Normal Values M Low 20.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 25.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 F Low 30.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 35.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 Breed Sex DOB Collection Date Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Cocker Spaniel N 4/16/2005 4/01/2014 25.21 6.38 47.31 0.51 49 684 68 5/09/2014 25.18 0.77 53.74 0.58 52 736 72 6/20/2014 25.17 0.58 54.05 0.59 53 740 73 Maltese S 3/09/2003 11/7/2014 35.20 7.54 57.89 1.13 50 706 69 11/29/2014 35.15 3.51 127.64 3.39 55 784 77 12/20/2014 35.12 1.51 78.52 1.03 58 815 80 Bearded Collie M 7/03/2003 10/17/2014 25.21 4.29 56.84 0.73 50 712 70 10/18/2014 25.19 4.01 77.15 1.27 51 720 71 11/21/2014 25.13 0.82 143.94 4.70 57 802 79 12/18/2014 25.11 0.94 77.68 0.98 59 842 83 1/22/2015 25.12 0.82 88.57 1.53 58 832 83 2/05/2015 25.09 0.72 107.14 2.33 61 868 87 Westie S 5/13/2004 5/17/2013 35.17 0.56 58.93 0.92 52 731 72 7/24/2013 35.15 0.66 68.22 1.36 55 761 75 9/04/2013 35.14 0.73 68.37 1.38 56 767 76 10/25/2013 35.09 0.68 129.88 3.49 61 854 86 12/4/2013 35.10 0.62 135.12 4.08 60 831 82 2/07/2014 35.08 0.78 143.67 4.95 62 894 90 5/09/2014 35.03 2.01 108.99 2.47 67 943 93 Aruba Island Dog S 6/01/2003 7/03/2013 35.20 0.53 52.07 0.46 50 689 69 8/08/2013 35.16 0.62 117.58 2.76 54 761 75 8/28/2013 35.14 0.68 116.99 2.76 56 778 78 10/11/2013 35.12 0.67 136.64 4.43 58 804 79 11/27/2013 35.13 0.65 141.93 7.06 57 784 77 7/31/2014 35.06 2.65 68.68 1.09 64 889 87 Brussels Griffon N 7/25/2007 2/17/2014 25.15 3.12 87.62 1.72 55 743 73 3/07/2014 25.11 0.67 124.44 3.29 59 792 78 4/04/2014 25.13 0.64 101.89 2.03 57 771 76 4/25/2014 25.13 0.62 82.31 1.43 57 780 77 5/16/2014 25.11 0.65 100.84 1.99 59 789 78 5/30/2014 25.10 0.72 94.31 1.86 60 814 80 6/27/2014 25.06 0.91 152.94 6.39 64 924 93 7/25/2014 25.03 5.01 178.61 8.86 67 968 97 9/26/2014 25.01 2.81 153.61 4.81 69 984 99 12/5/2014 25.08 8.65 184.49 6.84 66 894 88 12/12/2014 25.04 2.36 173.22 6.73 67 952 95 12/31/2014 25.03 3.64 142.13 3.06 67 968 97 Chihuahua Mix S 1/01/2005 7/11/2013 35.13 2.77 94.64 1.92 57 791 77 10/17/2013 35.09 3.44 169.47 10.68 61 852 85 1/24/2014 35.06 2.62 162.14 10.03 64 922 91 4/11/2014 35.04 0.53 153.91 7.71 66 948 95 9/18/2014 35.02 1.08 154.05 7.34 68 978 98 Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Units of Measure pg/mL ug/dL ng/dL ug/dL mg/dL mg/dL mg/dL Normal Values M Low 20.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 25.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 F Low 30.00 1.00 100.00 2.00 70 1000 100 High 35.00 2.50 200.00 4.50 170 2000 200 Breed Sex DOB Collection Date Total Estrogen Cortisol T3 T4 IgA IgG IgM Dachshund N 1/01/2007 9/07/2013 25.18 7.97 56.22 0.69 52 729 73 9/24/2013 25.14 0.62 67.83 0.97 56 774 76 11/5/2013 25.10 0.65 115.58 2.62 60 843 82 2/12/2014 25.08 0.74 86.54 1.40 62 861 85 4/08/2014 25.03 1.04 132.14 3.75 67 968 97 11/4/2014 25.05 0.68 137.82 3.96 65 927 93 Jack Russell Mix N 6/20/2005 3/12/2014 25.19 3.54 61.23 0.68 51 706 70 4/18/2014 25.15 0.80 82.14 1.49 55 768 77 6/11/2014 25.09 1.53 152.13 4.49 61 843 83 10/23/2014 25.03 1.80 104.64 2.20 67 971 96 1/27/2015 25.05 0.68 112.13 2.74 65 943 94 Maltese F 2/02/2006 7/24/2013 35.20 0.44 114.38 2.54 50 703 69 9/09/2013 35.22 0.98 129.94 3.30 52 731 72 9/12/2013 35.16 0.84 94.67 1.87 54 753 74 10/10/2013 59 1/16/2014 34.98 1.35 135.34 3.83 73 1105 109 6/07/2014 35.06 0.78 130.15 3.25 64 932 94 Maltese M 10/15/2003 10/27/2014 25.19 4.63 108.11 2.39 51 716 70 12/19/2014 25.15 0.68 86.99 1.64 55 768 76 Pug S 6/27/2005 1/21/2014 35.18 0.68 67.94 1.28 52 739 74 2/19/2014 35.16 0.73 77.86 1.51 54 761 75 3/25/2014 35.11 0.89 142.66 5.08 59 854 86 Shih Tzu F 7/11/2004 5/10/2014 35.19 2.52 66.84 0.83 51 739 72 6/13/2014 35.16 0.83 68.98 0.87 54 772 76 BviHany M 9/17/2006 9/19/2014 25.18 3.47 51.77 0.54 52 734 73 10/15/2014 25.15 0.87 82.13 1.42 55 772 76 11/7/2014 25.10 0.64 109.89 2.67 60 843 85 11/26/2014 25.06 0.75 138.96 4.65 64 928 92 1/09/2015 25.04 0.85 134.66 4.01 66 958 96

Shasta is more playful than ever and does have some vision!

On January 4th, a long-time friend of Shasta's had come to visit for 3 weeks. He is a little Bulldog named Tucker who Shasta used to play with when they were both puppies. I may have mentioned that Shasta has become somewhat picky in who she plays with as she has gotten older and isn't necessarily as submissive as she used to be. So I kept her apart from Tucker until all three dogs got comfortable. As I put Shasta outside while the other two dogs played in the kitchen, I saw Shasta looking through the sliding glass window and her head and eyes followed the other two dogs as they played and moved across the kitchen floor. I was very excited to see this, although I know myself that there have been instances and proof that Shasta can still see in the distance as she does things on walks and when we are outside that I can tell she can see something. I was more excited for my husband to witness it! She has gone from laying around and being a little mopey from when she first lost her vision, to now playing with her sister, even playing keep away with her ball, teasing me by pulling on my shirt when she is tired of me working in the afternoons. Shasta has always loved the water. She has gone to lakes, rivers, beaches, swimming pools, baby pools, and bathtubs without apprehension. When she first lost her vision though, she became apprehensive of getting into the bathtub. I think mainly because it was a shower tub and had the sliding door which made her entry a little more difficult. After some coaxing though she would always climb in with some assistance. Well the other night after we all went to bed, I heard some rumbling around in our bathroom. I told my husband I think that Shasta had climbed into the bathtub and he was sure I was wrong. I turned on the lights and she had climbed in and layed down in the tub. She used to do this when she was a puppy as she liked to lay in the cool tub. Also, the other day I had turned on the shower for myself and walked away just for a second. Shasta thought it was a clear indication of her bath time and jumped in before I could tell her no! So she got an extra bath! : ) There are many things that she does now that a dog or a human just would not do freely if they could not see at all. I will try to post more as they occur. When I go to clean her ears and use a flashlight, for awhile she would not flinch or look away from the light coming at her, but the other day she did. I'm no longer devastated that Shasta has lost some vision as she is a very happy dog and that's all that really matters, however, knowing that she is not totally in the dark and that she even has some distance vision gives me peace of mind. If it weren't for trusting Dr. Plechner, I don't know what kind of condition Shasta would be in today and I'm thankful every day that I contacted him when I first discovered Shasta had SARDS.

It's Always Something - November 2014 - calcinosis cutis???

I was petting Shasta and felt something like a scab on her skin. I checked it out and it definitely looked like a scab at first. Then it kind of looked like a rash. Her skin looked dry. The next day when I checked it out it had spread pretty rapidly on her back close to her spine area. I was freaking out. I put Animin Clay on her back for about a week and by this time it had spread all down her back.

It didn't bother her at all, she didn't lick or scratch at it. But I was freaking out trying figure out what this was. I sent pics to Dr. Plechner and he had his ideas as to what it was, but sent me to my local vet who confirmed it was calcinosis cutis, which can be caused by steroids. The vet said the skin would not heal and would always be rough. I had shaved Shasta's back so I could clean it better and keep it from getting infected. The vet said her hair would not grow back in those areas and there is no treatment for the calcinosis, but advised to lower the dosage of Medrol presribed by Dr. Plechner. Instead I got another blood panel done (EI-1 panel) and sent the results to Dr. P. Shasta's thyroid had significanly lowered in the past month so we did not decrease her Medrol dose, but increased her Thyroxine by just a little bit and she started acting like a spring chicken immediately after. Dr. P also prescribed DMSO as a topical treatment for the calcinosis. I couldn't find this anywhere in local stores so I bought the gel from Amazon online. This stuff worked like a charm! It does stink pretty bad and the dogs will try to lick it so I had to put Shasta's water vest on her to prevent that. : ) I then had to bath her every coupld of days and get all the dead skin that peels off her from the DMSO, but she didn't mind at all. After a few weeks her back has cleared up and her fur has grown back where I shaved her as well. It is rare that calcinosis cutis occurs in a patient that has been shown to be cortisol imbalanced, but if it does happen, the cortisol replacement definitely needs to be continued so the original disease does not reoccur. The local areas of calcinosis cutis, need to be treated daily with DMSO topically,.until the lesion is no longer present. Again, I really do love my local vet and I know they have Shasta's best interest, but I will always go to Dr. Plechner for final advice and opinion as this man knows his stuff and would never suggest anything that would harm animals.

Life is Full of Little Suprises! July 2014

Right after Shasta's surgery and the day before we left for vacation in San Diego, we got a call from my step son's girlfriend. Her brother had adopted a little Husky puppy, but didn't realize how much work it would be to take care of her and really did not have an appropriate home for her. She ended up breaking her leg while tied up in the backyard and was now in need of medical attention. We had been thinking of getting Shasta a little sister, but were very worried about a young dog, especially a puppy, being too hyper around Shasta and were fearful of her safety and how she would take to the situation. This little girl looked so small and helpless though we had to take her in and get her leg fixed. But we were leaving for San Diego the next day... So we took her in and had the surgery done (4 screws and 2 pins in her back leg) and my step son and his girl friend took care of her during that week while we were gone. It was very difficult to be away while we knew she needed us, but she was in good hands, and pretty sedated for the most part.

When we got home from San Diego, Roxy was hobbling around and very excited to see us. She was very interested in her new big sister and Shasta was excited to meet her too. But while her leg was broken, it was best to keep them separate via Roxy's new kennel (in the house) and Shasta would lay next to it to keep her company. We still did not know how this would go once the cast came off and Roxy was going to be newly free, hyper little puppy. The cast stayed on for 8 weeks, then it took another week or so for the area to heal from the screws and pins. But once those two were actually able to play together, they loved each other at once. Shasta took quite awhile to really unleash her playfulness on Roxy. I think SHE was nervous she was going to hurt HER! and my fear was the Roxy would unintentionally hurt Shasta since she was blind. As Roxy has grown to almost the same size they play all the time. Shasta couldn't be happier.

Shasta's Trip to San Diego July 10, 2014

Shortly after Shasta's surgery to extract the stuffed animals she ate (June 10, 2014), we were going to San Diego for a softball tournament/vacation. Shasta usually loves the beach and she really loves softball games! We took her absolutely everywhere as San Diego is one of the most dog friendly cities around. We shopped at Seaport Village, went to Ocean Beach and even to the boardwalk. Shasta got lots of attention. People came up to her frequently and I had to tell them she was blind as it really isn't very noticeable. Some people even asked if they could get their picture taken with her and she was obliged. : ) She is one of the most loving and best travel

companions there is.

Shasta's Ravenous Appetite got her into some Trouble

Shasta had been doing quite well on her raw food diet, although depending on what she would get into would determine her overall health. Shasta is very tall and can reach countertops and trash cans. We try to be diligent in putting things away and out of reach, but it is not always possible with kids, guests, etc. I had noticed that her determination to get to human food had become very strong in recent months and have had to reach in her mouth to grab something she shouldn't be eating quite a few times, but I NEVER thought at her age (5 at the time) that I would have to keep her stuffed toys away from her. One day I took her to visit my parents, who have a little dog and lots of toys that Shasta loves to play with. She literally has a field day and gramma and grampa's house! Well all the sudden she went from squeaking one of the toys to suddenly devouring it before I could stop her. I was advised to feed her 2 pieces of dry bread a few times a day between meals (because she takes her meds and enzymes with meals and we don't want her absorbing the stuffed animal), for several days and to watch her stool. Several days and weeks, and even a month or two had passed and never saw anything in her stool. She acted normal so I figured the acids in her stomach had dissolved it or something. One night she suddenly started vomit and was having very dark, runny stool. I took her to the vet and the Xrays showed an obstruction. Low and behold there were actually 2 stuffed animals in Shasta's tummy and had to be extracted.

This not only cost more than a pretty penny, but was a very invasive procedure for Shasta. She handled it like a champ though. The procedure was successful and she had immediate relief. The doctors were very nervous of the fact that she was on long term steroids and therefore were apprehensive about doing the surgery right away. Dr. Plechner confirmed that their fears were not necessary and we had them proceed. Shasta bounced back right away! We ended up increasing her dose of Medrol after another EI-1 panel and this helped to alleviate her ravenous appetite!