New to forum (13 y/o Beagle mix)

[sharper]

Hi everyone my 13 year old Beagle mix was diagnosed with Cushings last week. He has the symptoms panting, pot bellied look, drinking water all the time,sleeps all the time, and he has a hard time jumping to get in the car. Scout was given the blood test that confirmed Cushings. The next step is on Tuesday.He is taking the 8 hr. blood test that will tell us whether the Cushing's disease is being caused by an abnormal adrenal or pituitary gland.
I am concerned about the treatments, wondering if they are worse than Cushings. It helps to read the posts in the forums.
Thanks

[Budsters Mom]

Hello and welcome:)
I am sorry for the reason that brought you here, but so glad you found us.You have come to the right place! There are many K9Cushing's angels standing by to help and stay with you every step of the way. They love details, test results, any information you can get your hands on. The more the better. We will do all we can to help. Others will be popping in to welcome you also. So again welcome to you and your precious fur baby.

Hugs,
Kathy

[frijole]

Don't be afraid - My girl Haley was treated for almost 5 yrs with cushings. She passed unrelated to cushings at the ripe age of 16 1/2.:D With an experienced vet, an involved owner and meds your dog can lead a normal life. Kim

PS get copies of all tests and post them here so we can better help you.

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Do you happen to have the test results of the ACTH test that was done and any labwork and urinalysis?
If so could you post those results here. The ACTH and any abnormal with ranges on the blood work?
Sometimes the initial testing numbers can tell us quite a bit.

It is quite possible to treat cushings and for a dog to live out a normal lifespan, as Kim just said about her experience. That is also the experience of many here. The main factor is you gaining as much knowledge as you can about the disease and having a vet who is experienced with cushings, medicine and testing protocols that is willing to work with you as a team.
You will always be the most important part of any equation though and this is totally doable. :)

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[sharper]

I do not have the test results. I didn't think to ask. My vet told me the results over the phone. I will ask for copies of the results on Tuesday.

[mytil]

Hi and welcome from me as well. Sorry you and your boy are having these troubles. (He looks very sweet).

I just wanted to add these links - http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180. They are great primers in understanding Cushing's, the testing and treatments.

And reiterate what Kim said - it is very important that your vet is experienced in successfully treating Cushing's. Remember you are your boy's advocate and your knowledge is power in helping him. And of course, we are all here to help :)

Keep us posted
Terry

[goldengirl88]

Hello:
Welcome to you and Scout. Sorry to hear your baby has troubles. I was scared to start treatment with my Tipper, and I can say that she would probably not be here today if it weren't for the Vetoryl. She has very severe symptoms, and I would have never let her suffer like that, she was miserable. God Bless you and good luck with Scout.
Patti

[gabelle1995]

Hi and welcome. I'm also a beagle mix owner. It's probably a good thing I didn't know about this site when Dudley was diagnosed with Cushing's or I would have worried myself to death about treatment. :D

With that said, he was miserable before we started treatment. He was panting all the time, could not get cooled off (and it was December). He drank buckets of water. He would wake us up at 4 am barking for his breakfast. He had to pee constantly and had accidents in the house. At that time he was 12. And other than an issue with a herniated disc and a lifelong low thyroid, he was healthy. So I opted to treat. He's 14 now and while he does sleep more than when he was younger, he still enjoys his walks, his food, and occasionally running around like a goofball.

It is not an easy decision to make but if you have a vet who is good and who knows about this disease, it makes it easier, I think.

[sharper]

Picked up Lysodren today. He is going to start it on Saturday 6/29. He weighs 53 lbs. The dosage is 1 tablet 2x a day- for 7 days. On the 8th day one in the morning then I have to bring him in for the ACTH test.

I have Prednisone in case of a crisis. I am hoping he responds well to the Lysodren.

[Harley PoMMom]

The dosage seems appropriate to me but there really is not a set time frame for a dog to load on Lysodren, it could take 3 days, 4 days, etc. The important thing to remember is when a sign of loading is seen, such as any hesitation with food, drinking less water, or the dog just not acting them self, the Lysodren should be stopped and an ACTH stim test needs to be performed within 36-48 hours.

Here is a link from our Resource Thread with loads of info regarding Lysodren: Lysodren loading Instructions and related tips. (http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181) I strongly recommend that you read this info and please feel free to print any of it out. If you have any questions at all, please do ask, ok?

Keep us updated ;)

Love and hugs, Lori

[mytil]

Hi and a belated welcome from me as well.

Firstly, we are all here for you during this loading period with Lysodren. :)

As mentioned, and when you get the chance, post the results here of the tests performed to diagnose Cushing's.

Please take Lori's advice. Also, in some cases when you start the Lysodren (with a few days) Scout may act a bit "off or down" -- Scout's system has been so used to the high cortisol levels that it may take a bit to get used to the lowering cortisol levels. You can talk with your vet about this as well.

Keep us posted.
Terry

[sharper]

Update on Scout
He is finished the loading phase :) I did ask for test results today, but I didn't notice until after I left the results were only for today's ACTH STIM test- not his previous tests-oops
@ 9:44 AM he had 4.0 @ 12:05 PM he had 4.6
My vet was happy with the results. Scout's new dosage is Lysodren 2x a week. He is much more active and has not had any issues so far with the Lysodren.

[frijole]

Awesome news. I just want to confirm that the total amount you are giving in a week is the same that you were giving daily during loading. Please confirm.

Also I'm not sure any of us confirmed that you have prednisone on hand just in case of emergency. I never had to use it but even after loading it is a safety net should the cortisol go low.

Not sure what you were told but while you are loaded (less than 5) you are at the high end. You need to make sure you maintain that level and don't slowly eek up or you have to do another load. So you should have another acth test done in 30 days just to make sure. I know its a pain but its better than having to reload. :)

Kim

[sharper]

The total amount for the week is the same as the daily dosage. He is going to get his meds on Monday and Thursday. I do have a supply of prednisone for an emergency. My vet told me about going back next month for another acth test.
Thanks for the advice. He is not eating as much or as fast as before. I know this is a good thing, I guess I need to start feeding him less.

[frijole]

Wonderful news. Sounds like you have an experienced vet which is a great thing. Keep us posted on how it's going! Kim

[sharper]

Problem..... Scout threw up tonight. Tomorrow is suppose to be his first day starting the maintenance phase. It is not unusual for him to have stomach issues. He had a sock removed last March. I don't think he ate anything as in a sock. I learned my lesson the hard way. I don't think Blue Buffalo agrees with him. I bought it because I thought it was the best, I was feeding him Nutro Max. He is acting normal doesn't seem sick at all. I texted my vet, but I haven't heard back. I am sure she' ll text or call in the morning. I am just feeling overwhelmed.

[Roxee's Dad]

I'm not a Lyso dad, but if he seems normal otherwise, appetite, no lethargy, no diarrhea, keep an eye on him and hopefully your vet will respond before it's time for his first dose. If not, I would call first thing in the morning.

[frijole]

Rule #1 - never give lysodren to a sick dog. So withold it for today and prepare to give tomorrow instead. One day won't make a difference and it'll give him time for the tummy to mend. I always gave lysodren wrapped in cream cheese - it helps coat the stomach. Hang in there Kim.

[Harley PoMMom]

Lysodren is known to cause gastric upset, so giving Scout Pepcid ac 20-30 minutes before the dose of Lysodren might help, I would ask your vet about this.