Buddy
Rein is a purebred Pomeranian, 11 years old, and is 30.2 pounds
regularly. He has been in the family since he was the size of a tennis
ball, and has had regular veterinarian check-ups. In February 2015 he
was diagnosed with Cushing's disease, after the family noticed he was
drinking a lot of water.
WHAT IS CUSHING'S DISEASE?
Cushing disease is caused by a tumor or excess growth (hyperplasia)
of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is located at the base of
the brain. A type of pituitary tumor called an adenoma is the most
common cause. An adenoma is almost always benign (not a cancer).
With
Cushing disease, the pituitary gland releases too much ACTH. ACTH
stimulates production and release of cortisol, a stress hormone. Too
much ACTH causes the adrenal glands to make too much cortisol.
Cortisol is normally released during stressful situations. It controls the body's use of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and also helps reduce the immune system's response to swelling (inflammation).
HUMANS TOO?
Yes! After
researching this problem, or disease, I found out that Buddy was at
risk, and he was placed upon a human medication that also works in
canines. It works as a cortisol suppressor, but is still in its testing
phase.
Our Story. Buddy is a precious and caring dog, part of the
family, and while being the biggest purebred pomeranian in the world,
he is still a medium sized dog that believes he's the biggest dog in the
world. He has his own Facebook page (Buddy Rein), and even is on film
in several homemade movies. His size stems from a recessive gene, and
for $4000 dollars it better be.
We are waiting for blood tests, and while this story is incomplete, I hope you can say a prayer or good wish for Buddy Rein.
