Re: Otis has Cushing's - Started Vetoryl today
Hi Mike,
Welcome to you and Otis!
Based on the signs, the ACTH results, and the appearance of the adrenals on the ultrasound, it does sound reasonable that Cushing's is the culprit here. YAY, huh? Not to worry - you are in the very best place to get reliable information based on science and personal experience, support you only dreamed of before, and the opportunity to learn more than you thought possible about canine Cushing's and it's treatments. We are very glad you found us and I look forward to hearing more as time passes.
The new starting dose for Vetoryl is 1mg per pound so at 18 lbs, 10mg is a tad low but better to start too low than too high every time! But don't be surprised if you don't see a lot of changes right away. Otis may require a dose increase in a month but we will see how things go. He should have an ACTH 2 weeks after starting the Vetoryl and that will tell us a great deal, as will any changes in his signs over the next few weeks. One thing to learn right now - it is not acceptable to raise the dose in the first 30 days because of the way this drug works. It can and usually does continue to lower the cortisol for those first 30 days on the initial starting dose. So no dose changes are recommended for that first month.
Even tho the dose is low there is always the possibility for problems so keep an eye out for the following signs. If you see ANY of these stop the Vetoryl and call the vet. Otis may need an ACTH and to have his electrolytes checked. These signs indicate the cortisol has dropped too low, which is a life threatening situation. So watch for:
nausea/vomiting
loss of appetite
lethargy
And typically loose stools/diarrhea - but since this is an ongoing issue for your sweet boy this sign will not be reliable for you. If it gets worse, tho, I would stop the Vetoryl then talk to the vet.
About that diarrhea. My little Trinket had colitis and it is SCARY when it comes on bad. All that blood! But we started using herbs called Slippery Elm Bark and Marshmallow. SEB is the one most well known and the one most here have used but Marshmallow has the same properties and has worked just about as well as SEB when I have used it. I will say for the really stubborn cases the SEB is what I use. These herbs work as a sort of bandaid throughout the digestive system, seeking out, finding, and healing that whole track from mouth to rectum. Here are some links about SEB and one where you can purchase safe herbs of any kind (Mountain Rose Herbs).
https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/is...es/5455-1.html
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/slippery-elm
https://healthypets.mercola.com/site...-diarrhea.aspx
https://www.thepossiblecanine.com/sl...e-differential
https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/pr...powder/profile
I always use the powder from with my animals because you can so easily make anything from a thin soup to a thick gruel - what the case calls for. You MUST give the SEB/Marshmallow 2 hours before or 2 hours after all other meds, supplement, herbs, etc because these herbs will prevent the absorption of other meds. Just in case you weren't aware - diarrhea is one of the side effect of the Zonisamide so that may be having a bearing on this issue too. I think the SEB/Marshmallow is worth a shot for your precious baby boy. Be patient and give the herb time to work in his body.
I would not attempt the Milk Thistle right now. It can cause digestive upset and will the diarrhea Otis is experiencing now I don't think MT would be a good thing to add right now. There are some other liver protective herbs that may be easier on the digestive system. I can look into that for you if you like. As for the Adrenal Harmony - it is not going to do anything for the Cushing's or the cortisol but for most dogs it wouldn't hurt to try because of the herbs in their current formula (PetWellBeing is notorious for changing formulas!). However, Otis isn't most dogs. His diarrhea/Colitis would also cause me to forego trying this just now. I would not start any omegas now either for the same reason (but the Grizzly is a good product for omegas!). My focus would be on the diarrhea first and foremost. When that is under control then we can look at adding some supporting herbs and supplements if you like.
If the Hill's doesn't seem to help his diarrhea, you can look into home cooking if you are so inclined. I can recommend an excellent canine nutritional consultant to work with you and Otis. It looks like I am going to be once again cooking for my old gal, an 18 yr old Chihuahua who's tummy is getting very sensitive.
I think I've rattled on enough for now. I am sure others will be along soon to chat with you as well. Prowl around the forum, get to know your new home - because you, Otis, and his mom are now part of our little family here at K9C. Check out our Helpful Resource section to get your education started. Reading the threads is another great way to start learning. If you have any questions never hesitate to ask and we will do our best to help you understand.
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/foru...Cushing-s-Dogs
Hugs,
Leslie
"May you know that absence is full of tender presence and that nothing is ever lost or forgotten." John O'Donahue, "Eternal Echoes"
Death is not a changing of worlds as most imagine, as much as the walls of this world infinitely expanding.