Re: Frida, Blue Heeler Mix, Just diagnosed with Cushings
Here's a late welcome from me, to yu & Frida! Hopefully, I can address some of your questions in your last post. Let's address how the drugs work first. Lysodren has a loading or induction period because you are selectively eroding enough of the adrenal cortex where cortisol is produced to bring the cortisol down to a more healthy range. Once the pup is loaded, meaning his cortisol is, now, between 1-5 ug/dl, you then go to maintenance dosing where the drug is given several times per week, not daily. This is to maintain the level of erosion of the adrenal cortex so excess cortisol can't be produced. Remove the lysodren, the adrenal glands will begin to regenerate, & the result will be the excess production of cortisol. Some pup's adrenals seem to regenerate in the blink of an eye, almost, others will take longer, but with no medication, the adrenals will eventually regenerate.
Trilostane is an enzyme blocker. This means that it effects the biochemical pathway in the adrenal glands that produces cortisol, thus slowing down cortisol's production but does not stop the production, nor does trilostane have any direct effect on the tissue like lysodren does. Remove the trilostane, you have unblocked that pathway, & excess cortisol production starts up, again. The other big difference is trilo loses effectiveness in the body in about 8-12 hours. Lysodren reaches maximum effectiveness at about 48 hours after giving it.
There are a lot of different opinions in this group when it comes to the use of a compounding pharmacy. I have used Diamondback Drugs for years to have a number of my dog's meds compounded as the standard doses that were available were much to big for the little guys that I usually have. Diamondback is well know in the vet community in Arizona & S. Calif., & has a great reputation. None of my vets have ever had a problem with me getting any of my boys meds from them. I'm pretty sure they will ship anywhere in the country for a standard fee. You can do a "google", & easily locate them.
I hope this helps.
Debbie
Mom to 2 Cushing's angels