Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 15

Thread: New member Cushing diagnoses (9 y/o Jack Russell)

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Dickinson, Tx
    Posts
    4

    Default New member Cushing diagnoses (9 y/o Jack Russell)

    *Our 16 pound 9 yr old Jack Russell BB was diagnosed with Cushing's disease today. *they did and ACTH stimulation test to diagnose. symptoms are excessive thirst, frequent urination,and weight gain. *she also jerks a lot while she sleeping. It is similar to hiccups. *My vet has prescribed veteral, starting with 15 Mgs a day. she is hypersensitive to all drugs, has reactions after vaccinations and when taking flea medications. I do not have blood test results but will request copies tomorrow. She had high liver enzymes and was given meds. Don't remember what medication was. *Will get that info tomorrow also. Urine is dilated, negative for diabeties. *Very concerned.

    Leigh Ann

    Moderator's Note: I have manually approved your first post so other members can start responding. Please check your e-mail, especially your junk or spam folders, for a note from k9cushing's which you need to answer, so we can get your membership approved. I have also removed you personal e-mail address as the administrative team feels that it's not a good idea to post it in a public forum that anyone, including spammers can gain access. We do have a PM system in the forum that you are more than welcome to use to privately talk with other members.
    Last edited by StarDeb55; 03-01-2012 at 10:22 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    6,593

    Default Re: New member Cushing diagnoses

    Hi and welcome to the forum.

    What symptoms did your dog have that lead you and the vet to suspect cushing's? With dilute urine, I am assuming excessive drinking and peeing but would like to know if there are other symptoms like voracious appetite, panting, thinning coat, skin issues, muscle wasting and hind end weakness?

    The acth stimulation test does not tell you if the dog has pituitary or adrenal dependent disease so am wondering if your vet did an abdominal ultrasound to make that differentiation? Cushing's is very difficult to diagnose, which makes it the most misdiagnosed canine disease. If any of the tests were 100% accurate, we wouldn't have to pay so much to have several done. The acth stim test is less likely to yield a false positive result than the low dose dex test but it is possible so we are always concerned if a diagnosis is made solely on the results of one diagnostic test.

    Looking forward to hearing more about your baby and seeing the results of all testing. With respect to the blood chemistry, you need only post the abnormal values and please include the normal reference ranges.

    Make sure that your vet does an acth stimulation test no later than 14 days after starting the Vetoryl. Give the dose with food the day of the test and get your pup to the vet within 3 to 5 hours after the dose.

    We're here to answer any questions you may have so ask away.

    Glynda

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    792

    Default Re: New member Cushing diagnoses

    hello and welcome. you have come to a wonderful place for support and there are loads of experiences and knowledge here. You will never walk alone in this journey, the angels will flutter near by always.
    will be standing by to see labs as well. did it say what her USG or BUN levels are?
    Stormee (Skye)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Dickinson, Tx
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: New member Cushing diagnoses

    I have an ultra soud scheduled for Wednesday. Symptoms were lethargic and sensitivity to touching of stomach. She was drinking and peeing a lot. Visit to vet, blood test with high liver enzymes. Meds given. She has really put on weight.. Seems to me all of this occurred in a few months. No hair loss, no panting, she is hungry. Licks the carpet constantly. Starting to not want to jump up on furniture.

    Is it unsafe to divide capsules of veterol? Have 30mg tablets and was told to give half dose once a day for week to she how she reacts.

    Thanks!


    How can I use her picture as my icon?

  5. #5
    mytil's Avatar
    mytil is offline Administrator and always In Loving Memory
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Posts
    4,349

    Default Re: New member Cushing diagnoses

    I have just a sec but wanted to let you know it really is unwise to split the capsule - some do but have a specific pill splitter for it and wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.

    Here is information on Vetoryl - please do read through the information - http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185.

    Please make sure you read through this regarding adverse reactions and what to do in case your dog experiences them. Has your vet discussed any of this with you?

    Here is the link to instructions on how to upload your photo -
    Profile Pictures (or called avatar) read the posts in this link http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2018

    Terry

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Posts
    7,965

    Default Re: New member Cushing diagnoses (9 y/o Jack Russell)

    Hi and Welcome,

    Did the vet give you any other input? Did the vet tell you to give the vetoryl/Trilostane with food?

    I am a bit concerned that you were given pills and told to split them. I mean, some members have done that and perhaps your vet did not want to look into compounding the drug.

    Some of the symptoms you list are consistent with Cushings. It is a hard disease to diagnosis as no one test is perfect.

    Please keep a close eye on your pup and if at any time in the next week she seems unwell, withhold the drug. Our motto is when in doubt withhold the drug. Look for vomiting, loose stools, lethargic behavior, not wanting to eat.

    Others will be along soon.

    Ask as many questions as you can.

    love,
    addy

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Georgia
    Posts
    15,292

    Default Re: New member Cushing diagnoses (9 y/o Jack Russell)

    If you are using brandname Vetoryl, it also comes in 10 mg. capsules. It seem as though that would be the better and safer way to go if your vet wants you to start out slowly on a lower dose. We have heard of a few vets who have instructed members to open the capsules, but it seems to me that it would be very hard to dose very precisely that way. Plus, the manufacturer has a specific warning against doing so:

    Wash hands after use. Do not empty capsule contents and do not attempt to divide the capsules. Do not handle the capsules if pregnant or if trying to conceive. Trilostane is associated with teratogenic effects and early pregnancy loss in laboratory animals. In the event of accidental ingestion/overdose, seek medical advice immediately and take the labeled container with you.
    Even though it means added expense to purchase a box of 10 mg. capsules, at least they will not go to waste even if you do "up" her dose to 30 mg. Plus, that way, if necessary you can gradually increase from 10 mg., to 20 mg. to 30 mg, etc.

    Marianne

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Bloomington, MN
    Posts
    959

    Default Re: New member Cushing diagnoses (9 y/o Jack Russell)

    Hi, and welcome from me as well.

    You have already been given a lot of good advice, and asked the important questions that will help us to help you and your dog. As others have mentioned, Cushing's is a difficult disease to diagnose, but with a competent vet and the knowledgeable and helpful people on this forum, you will be in good hands.

    It does sound like your dog has some Cushing's symptoms, but it is tricky because many diseases have similar symptoms. I am glad you will be getting an ultrasound done. The LDDS test is also helpful in determining the pituitary vs. adrenal form of Cushing's.

    Others have already mentioned the possible concern about splitting the pills, so please be careful, watch your dog carefully, and talk with your vet about this. Please continue to ask us questions and let us know how we can help. You are not alone.

    Julie & Hannah

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Dickinson, Tx
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: New member Cushing diagnoses (9 y/o Jack Russell)

    My vet is the one that told me to split the dosage. Does anyone recommend natural products as treatment or to help in addition to prescribed meds. Is there a way to keep track of my thread? Confused about website.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    6,593

    Default Re: New member Cushing diagnoses (9 y/o Jack Russell)

    Hi Leigh Ann,

    You aren't the first person who has trouble finding their thread. Once your thread drops off the first page, it's not easy to locate. I bookmark my thread or save it to favorites. You can do the same using the url for your thread which is

    http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4018

    If you don't know how to do that, then copy and save the above url into a word or excel document. When you want to come back to your thread, simply copy and paste the url into the address bar.

    As far as natural treatments, I've found that 1) there are none that have ever been properly tested for safety and efficacy and 2) they really aren't necessary. Symptoms resolve and blood and urine abnormalities usually normalize once you have the dog stabilized on treatment. However, some of our members prefer to give liver support such as milk thistle and/or SAMe.

    With respect to opening capsules and splitting, as others have already told you, it isn't recommended. Compounding pharmacies can package into smaller doses for you. That would be optimum so check pharmacies in your area. and if you insist on opening the capsules and splitting them yourself, then please make sure you wear gloves and be very fastidious in cleaning up any residual powder.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •