New Member Needs Help for Coco Joey

[coco joey's mom]

4/26/2013
DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESION
Pre 3.3
Post 4 HR 0.7
Post 8 HR 3.5

[coco joey's mom]

6/7/2013 7/20/2013 8/26/2013
ACTH CORTISOL ACTH CORTISOL ACTH CORTISOL
Pre 5.3 Pre 2.9 Pre 5.4
Post 6.8 Post 1.3 Post 13.4

[coco joey's mom]

7/20/2013 8/26/2013
SPEC cPL SPEC cPL
842 443

[frijole]

4/26/2013
DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESION
Pre 3.3
Post 4 HR 0.7
Post 8 HR 3.5

OK thanks. This is the low dose dex suppression test (LDDS). It is done to diagnose cushings. These 3 numbers are consistent with cushings and in particular pituitary type cushings.

We also need to see acth test results. That is a 2 hr test that is done sometimes before testing but ALWAYS after you have begun treatment. It measures the cortisol levels so you can see if the drug is working or not. YOu do it shortly after starting the drug and you do it if you think the cortisol has gone too low and you do it PRIOR to making any changes in dosing. You also do it periodically for life just to make sure the dose is still accurate.

Have you had these tests done? You mentioned a change in dose so I am assuming so. Thanks Kim

[frijole]

never mind... good girl.

[frijole]

6/7/2013 7/20/2013 8/26/2013
ACTH CORTISOL ACTH CORTISOL ACTH CORTISOL
Pre 5.3 Pre 2.9 Pre 5.4
Post 6.8 Post 1.3 Post 13.4

It looks to me like you made a dosage change between the 2nd and 3rd tests (July 20th and August 26th). You are right - the July results are very low - not what we call Addisonian but had you stayed at that dose you would probably have had trouble.

The problem is in August you are so high the symptoms are not controlled. What was the dosing at the time of the first test? Those results are actually the best. Thanks, Kim

[coco joey's mom]

Still trying to get the hang of posting on a forum. Did some handy dandy little spreadsheets to try and make it easy ... didn't paste in that way LOL!

• We started Vetoryl 60 mg around 5/5 or so
• We stopped Vetoryl around 7/20 after her test results
• She was off Vetoryl until 9/7
• We started Vetoryl 30 mg on Sat 9/7

Thanks!

[coco joey's mom]

never mind... good girl.

Your quick Kim ... I'm typing and your already asking questions

[coco joey's mom]

Your quick Kim ... I'm typing and your already asking questions

Hopefully I will get quicker with practice!LOL

[coco joey's mom]

So today, at my persistent insistence my vet started Coco on treatment for pancreatitis. I know it's a shot in the dark, but her numbers are high, she is barely eating and super lethargic. As long as it can't hurt her, I thought it was worth a chance. I would like to really get her eating waiting for the Vetoryl new dosage to kick in. We have her on Amoxi Tabs, Tramadol & Pepcid. Think I was silly for asking him?