Diabetes and Cushing's Disease

My miniature poodle is named Tommy. He was 10 years old when all this began. Tommy was given Rimadyl for his arthritis by a western veterinarian. A series of blood tests were performed after he had first been given the drug, which showed increasing levels of three important liver enzymes. We were told to stop the drug, and asked to come back in a couple of months. The liver enzyme levels were even higher than on the first test. After an x-ray, an ultrasound and a liver biopsy to determine the extent of the liver problem, I was told Rimadyl was toxic to him and had caused major damage to his liver. The vet could offer us no treatment. Tommy was going to die of liver failure. I took Tommy to another veterinarian for help. Within days, he had the lab work reviewed and had ordered some other tests. In addition to the serious liver damage, he discovered that Tommy tested borderline positive for Cushing's disease and was also diabetic. I was devastated! But this vet was determined to help us. He recommended that we work on the diabetes immediately, so we learned how to give insulin injections. He recommended Dr. Signe Beebe for the treatment of his liver failure, Cushing's disease and diabetes with Traditional Chinese medicine. Thankfully, she agreed to see Tommy. Two weeks later we were in her office in Sacramento, a two-hour drive from our home. After interviewing us and evaluating Tommy's condition, we embarked upon our partnership. We went home with Chinese herbs, instructions and hope! We visited our western vet several times each week for blood glucose tests as we struggled to get Tommy regulated. Two weeks passed, and the next lab test showed the liver enzymes (including the Cushing's) much improved! We returned to Dr. Beebe so Tommy could have acupuncture and more Chinese herbs. He slowly and steadily improved over the next few months. This all happened in the fall of 2002. Thanks to the partnering of western with traditional Chinese medicine, we've regulated the diabetes, we've seen no clinical signs of the Cushing's, and while his liver will never be normal again, it has regained plenty of function and he is really doing well. We keep him on an excellent diet and regular exercise, and he receives insulin injections and Chinese herbs twice a day. We keep in close touch with Dr. Beebe and his western vet for regular checkups and lab work. We are true believers in the integrative approach -- it saved our dog! ~ Lindy Miller

Return to Client Testimonial Menu