Barkley 7 yr old boxer boy - Lysodren - Barkley has passed

[JackyB]

Greetings Everyone!

I have stumbled upon this site via Google which I am so very happy! I am a proud owner of a beautiful boxer boy named Barkley. Up until earlier this year he was a very healthy happy boy. At the beginning of the summer we noticed Barkley was loosing hair and didn't seem to have his normal spunky spirit. I brought him to the vet and amongst other things they did a complete blood panel which showed that his thyroid levels were off. They diagnosed him with Hypothyroidism and was placed on ThyroKare .6 mg bid. His thyroid was retested and after a month and they looked good. My vet indicated that it could take up to 6 months for Barkley’s hair to grow back but his other symptoms should go away quicker. What I started to notice was an increased amount of drinking and peeing. He was also loosing weight and was eating a ton of food. I also noticed that on his shoulder blades he was loosing hair and that he had some type of flaky, scaly rash. I brought Barkley back to the vet and they did another blood draw, while Barkley’s thyroid levels were within normal limits other things were out of balance. My vet referred me to the U of MN vet clinic to see a specialist. After having a dermo consult and a meeting with the internal med team where they did an ultrasound they decided that Barkley most likely has Cushings. I went home with Barkley completely devastated. Our regular vet made it seem like it’s a very hard disease to manage and that it is really expensive. I guess that is where I need advise. I don't really have the means to have continual ACTH tests done and I am also worried about how expense the meds are. I feel like I am watching my dog die because I cant afford to take care of him properly and it’s killing me.

Is there a way to treat this disease while also keeping the costs down? I am currently feeding Barkley a raw diet and using a holistic product called Cushings Crusher and I don't think it’s working... While he doesn't drink/pee nearly as much his calcinosis cutis is getting worse and I cant keep the weight on him. I feel like the clock is ticking for him and I need to do something.

Sorry this is soo long! Any help/advise would be greatly appreciated.

Jacky

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Jacky,

Welcome to you and Barkley!! I am so glad you found us and we will help in any way we can.

If you could get your hands on copies of all tests that were done on Barkley and post any abnormalities that are listed that would be of great help to us in providing you with more meaningful feedback. Also, we are especially interested in seeing the results of any tests for Cushing's.

Cushing's is a treatable disease but success is dependent on keen owner observation and a knowledgeable vet with experience at treating Cushing's.

The initial expense is during the diagnostic phase of Cushing's disease, once the dog becomes stabilized on treatment the cost does go down. Getting the medications for Cushing's compounded can save a considerable amount of money too. Here is a post from one of Administrators, Glynda, where she details another cost saving method:
Hi Kelly

The reason why the acth stim test is so expensive is because the stimulating agent, cortrosyn, is ridiculously expensive. There is good news for those with smaller dogs because studies show that while instructions on the .25 mg (250 mcg) vial is to inject the entire vial, only 5 mcg per kg of weight is necessary for an accurate result...

I have provided the url to instructions on how to split, reconsititute and store for future use. This info is brought to us by a highly published and well respected endocrine specialist, Dr. Mark Peterson. Either give the url to your vet or print out the article for him and ask for a revised quote.

http://endocrinevet.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-extend-your-supply-of-cortrosyn.html


Glynda

Please know we are here for you both and if you have any questions do not hesitate to ask them.

Hugs, Lori

[frijole]

I'm glad you found us too because there is no holistic 'cushings crusher' cure and I don't want you to waste any more money on that stuff. If there was a simple cure all we would all be doing it and avoiding acth tests.

Normally there is no rush to treat but when you are dealing with calcinosis cutis you really need to get the cortisol down and treat so that goes away - that may be harder on you (mentally) than the cushings. To find out what others have done you may want to do a search on the forum and you will find many others that have had to deal with it. Sorry I can't help you with the skin issues.

I do agree that the expenses for cushings is more up front and after the dose is obtained it is not so bad. It is NOT a death sentence so don't worry about that. Kim

[goldengirl88]

Welcome to the forum.
If you feel like the clock is ticking by for your dog then you need to forget the natural method you are using to try and help him. It does not work and you are wasting your money. There would be no need for this forum and everyone would be using it instead of paying the vet if it worked. There are only two ways to manage the disease. Lysodren or Trilostane ( Vetoryl). The diagnostic testing in the beginning is where most of the cost is. After that it will lessen a lot. You will then need monthly drugs and some ACTH testing afterwards. Everyone here has been through the initial phase of scraping money together. None of us can afford this either. You may get some help with Care Credit which you can use at your vets. They give you credit and let you pay it off over time. I would apply for it now so you have it. You can save by purchasing your drugs at the cheapest places which are not always the vets office. Most buy them online from a reputable pharmacy. If your dog has Cushings from evidence provided by more than one diagnostic test, then whatever you use to treat with you have to be vigilant in watching for signs of problems. Start you dog on a low dosage if using Vetoryl or Trilostene no matter what anyone tell you do not start high. It will let your dogs body get used to the drug. If you start high you are asking for trouble. Start at 1mg per pound. When you closely monitor your dog, everything will be ok. Make sure you get prednisone, in case you need it if your dogs cortisol drops too low. You will have to give your dog a tablet and go to the vet and have electrolytes etc. checked immediately. If you watch you dog and do as instructed your dog will be fine. So don't worry it will be ok. You are your dogs best advocate so you need to learn as much as possible so you know what to expect, and to monitor your vet. Do not ever put blind faith in anyone. Trust yourself and get educated, and your dog will benefit. Blessings
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Jacky and welcome to you and Barkley! :)

One thing to keep in mind is that Vetoryl (Trilostane) is the more expensive drug to use because it often needs the dose adjusted and with each dose change the ACTH monitoring testing schedule starts all over. However, in the recesses of my fragile memory, it does seem that Trilo is the drug of choice over Lysodren for calcinosis cutis but the derm vet would be the one to confirm or disprove this wandering thought. :o:D So I would ask the derm vet which drug, Vetoryl (Trilostane) or Lysodren is best for controlling the CC and that is the drug I would use.

There is very little in Cushings Crusher that will help Cushing's but nothing that should cause problems for a cush pup either. The Chaste Berry Tree is sometimes used to help with Cushing's but the rest will have no effect at all. In the face of his weight loss I think I would stop this product.

Weight loss is not typically part of the Cushing's picture - in fact most cush pups gain weight. Weight loss is typical of hypERthyroidism and diabetes. Have his thyroid levels been checked recently to make sure it's not too high? Have his blood sugar level been tested recently?

Hang in there! I know how scary this is - I think I cried for 6 months non-stop, totally terrified, when I first heard the word "Cushing's". But the more I learned the more comfortable I became and less fearful of what the future might hold. These good folk taught me what I needed to know in order to be a good advocate for my Squirt and the same education is here for you, too. You and Barkley are not alone on this journey. We will be with you the whole way. Anytime you need to ask a question or simply talk, we will be here.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[JackyB]

Thanks for the replies. Please tell me what lab results you are interested in seeing? I have them at home and can post them. I dont have the detailed report of the ultrasound from the U. Just the overall discharge paperwork with their finds.

Jacky

[Harley PoMMom]

Usually a chemistry and CBC blood panel are done, we only need those values that are abnormal with the reference ranges and units of measurement, as an example from a chemistry panel you might see: ALT 150 U/L (5-50)...a CBC provides important information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood, these values will look like: RBC , WBC, among others. If an urinalysis was done, could you post those findings also.

Hugs, Lori

[JackyB]

Thanks Lori for your input! Here are the high/low lab results:

Test Result Reference Range
ALK Phosphatae 398 10-150 U/L
ALT (SGPT) 251 5-107 U/L
GGL 25 0-14 U/L
TCO2 Bicarbonate 26 17-24 mEq/L
MCV 78 60-77 fL
MCH 27.5 19.5-26.0 %
Neutrophil Seg 88.0 60-77 %
Lymphocytes 6.7 12-30 %
Eosinophil 0.0 2-10 %
Abolute Lymphocytes 623 1000-4800 /uL
Absolute Eosinphil 0 100-1250 /uL

The ultrasound showed that his adrenal glands were both enlarged with no visible masses. His liver was also enlarged and diffusely hyperechoic(bright). However they said it was normal in echotexture and margination.

The dermo consult mentioned that Barkley had general hair loss and calcinosis cutis. The skin cytology showed occasional neutrophils( white blood cells seen with inflammation ). They also mention muscle atrophy. He is showing it on his head, down his back and legs.

That is all I have for now! I emailed the internal medicine doctor the link that Lori included in her post. I am hoping that she will read it and tell me her thoughts!

Again I want to thank all of you who have created this resource for all of us “newbies”! It is an amazing thing you have done!

Jacky

[JackyB]

I just noticed how the lab results look! They should have been listed more in columns... The first is the name of the test. The second is his lab result and the last set of numbers were the reference range! Hopefully that will help make sense of all that data.

Jacky

[JackyB]

Greetings everyone!

I am getting prepared to take Barkley in for his ACTH test tomorrow morning and I found out that the U of M doesn't carry Lysodren. I have called around to the normal "people" pharmacies and the prices are through the roof. I am wondering where everyone on this forum gets their medications? Is there a good reputable online pharmacy that you can recommend?

Thanks!
Jacky

[goldengirl88]

Hi Jacky:
I don't use Lysodren but Leslie does maybe she can tell you. I know you can try Lambert Veterinary Supply they are among the cheapest for Tipper's Vetoryl. Blessings
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

MODERATOR NOTE: I have merged your post about ordering Lysodren into Barkley’s original thread. We normally like to keep all posts about each pup in a single thread as it makes it easier for members to refer back to the pup's history when needed. ;) Thanks!

I sent you a PM but I get Squirt's from Drs. Foster and Smith because they don't require a credit card, which I don't use. If you do you use CCs you may can find it less expensive elsewhere but I've been pleased with their service.

[frijole]

I purchased it for years at drugstore.com (you need an rx but it's easy and they send out every month) MUCH cheaper online than at a vets!

Other choices are Costco.com and Walmart. Kim

[goldengirl88]

Hi Jacky:
I hope you found somewhere to purchase your Lysodren as the forum has lots of good ideas from so many different sources. I am hoping everything goes well for you and your Barkley. He seems so young to have to start into this so my heart goes out to you. Blessings
Patti

[JackyB]

Just got back from the U of M. I won't know the results until later today or tomorrow. The student mentioned that I will get a phone call. While I don't mind the call, I am one who needs everything in writing so I can hash and rehash everything. Is it normal to not have them send a written report?

Jacky

[molly muffin]

You can ask them to fax or email the results to you, or ask to go pick up a copy. Every place is different but once they know that you will want hard copies then they should be willing to work with you to get that.

I agree, hard copies are the best.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Jacky:
Hope everything is ok with Barkley. I am awaiting the results with everyone else. It will be ok, we will help you through all this. Blessings
Patti

[JackyB]

Thanks Patty! I still haven't heard anything yet. I was planning on calling them if I don't hear from them in an hour... They close at 4 or 4:30 and with my luck, I'll end up waiting until tomorrow!

Jacky

[JackyB]

I got an email from my vet that only indicated that Barkley had "very high post ACTH cortisol level which is consistent with Cushings". I have asked for her to send me the specifics, so hopefully she will send them quickly. She also wanted me to set up a re-check appointment to go over everything. So I need to get that set up. :)

Jacky

[goldengirl88]

Jacky:
Great that you got a response. You are doing a good job so keep up the good work. We are all awaiting the results post. Blessings
Patti

[JackyB]

Greetings! I finally got the results! They were:
Pre- 9.4 mcg/dL
Post- 42.5 mcg/dL

I will be working with my normal vet on a regular basis to keep the costs down and consult as needed with the IM doctor.. One question that came to mind based on a comment from my regular vet is this: Do you always use the 50mg of Lysodren per kg of weight during the induction phase? Or do you keep it in the 25-50 mg range? I thought induction was always 50 mg dose and the range of 25-50 would apply once they were in the maintenance phase... I just want to make sure I understand it all.... Thanks!

[Harley PoMMom]

With Lysodren the induction phase is usually started at 50mg/kg BID, other things such as an concurrent health issues might need to be considered when deciding on a loading dose.

The maintenance dose is generally what the loading dose was but is given in divided doses throughout the week. Example: If 500 mg of Lysodren was the loading dose than the maintenance dose could be 250 mg given twice a week. However, the Vet should also take into account how quickly the dog becomes successfully loaded. A dog that loads in 3 days might be started on a lower maintenance dose than a dog who took 10 days to load.

Any questions please do ask, we are here to help. ;)

Hugs, Lori

[goldengirl88]

Jacky:
I have no experience with Lysodren, but the ones that use that will be on to help you. Hope all goes well and that Barkley feels better on his treatment. Blessings
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

According to the protocol for Lysodren in the Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, S. J. Ettinger and E. C. Feldman, editors. 1995 -


...the loading dose is usually 50 mg Lysodren per kg of the dog's weight (50 mg/kg/day) and is given each DAY of the loading period.

To calculate your dog's weight in kg, divide the weight in lbs by 2.2 (example: a 22 lb dog weighs 10 kg)

Once the dog is successfully "loaded" (also called "induced") the maintenance phase of treatment will begin. The maintenance dose is usually 25 to 50 mg of Lysodren per kg of the dog's weight per WEEK (25-50 mg/kg/week) and can be given in divided doses. Example: 500 mg Lysodren per week can be given as 250 mg twice a week, or 375 mg per week could be given as 125 mg three times a week etc. The entire weekly dose is often the same amount as the dose per day that was given during the loading phase.

The weekly maintenance dose is usually determined by weight of the dog, but the Vet will also take into account how quickly the dog becomes successfully loaded, which may help to indicate the particular dog's sensitivity to the Lysodren. A dog that loads in 3 days might be started on a lower maintenance dose than a dog who took 10 days to load, for example.

[goldengirl88]

Hi Jacky:
Just checking in to see how Barkley is doing?? Hope all is well with the Lysodren loading. Blessings
Patti

[JackyB]

I haven't started the loading yet... I need to order the Lysodren online.

I found a website called vetrxdirect.com. Do any of you have any experience with this website? As soon as I receive it in the mail, I will let you all know.... I just hope that my boy will fly through this without any issues!!

[JackyB]

Greetings Everyone!

I just wanted to let you know that Barkley's Lysodren came in the mail today. I will be picking up his prednisone on Friday and probably start the loading on Saturday... I am so worried! I hope that the loading phase goes off without a hitch... I plan on taking Monday off of work, but I am wondering if I should work from home during the loading phase?? Normally the dogs are home alone for about 6-7 hours a day.. But I worry about leaving him for that long. I could also bring him to work with me, but I'm not sure if that will be to stressful... Any thoughts?

[Harley PoMMom]

Remember deep breaths! ;) And we are here to help, ok?

Not sure if the Lysodren link was posted so here it is: Lysodren loading Instructions and related tips (http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181) A lot of good information, feel free to print anything out.

What dose of Lysodren is Barkley loading with?

I think Barkley will be fine at home, always give the Lysodren AFTER his meal (in a blob of peanut butter or cream cheese), that way you can judge if he needs another dose because you can't take it back once it is given.

Hugs, Lori

[frijole]

You will be fine - but read the link Lori gave you as it is very helpful. I used it myself over 8 yrs ago!

Keep us posted and ask questions. You don't have to work from home but if you can then do it. I wouldn't take Barkley to work unless you've done it before simply because it may cause stress and he's better off in his comfy home.

Give lysodren with cream cheese or the like AFTER eating - never give it if you see any changes in water or food consumption - any tiny change can be a sign of loading. Never give it to a sick dog. When in doubt withhold it because it keeps on working for 2 days after the last dose (lowering cortisol).

Measure water intake before starting so you know what 'normal' is and can judge differences. I'm sure I've missed something but most is covered in that link. We will keep an eye out for updates. Kim

[Squirt's Mom]

You'll do fine, Mom! Read that link on Lyso, keep it handy, and remember we are always here.

The odds are, Barkley will be just fine at home while you work just as usual. If there is a crisis, they seldom come on out of the blue - typically we have some warning sign(s) that something is "off". You're a good mom so I know you will watch your sweet boy carefully and that you know him well enough to notice any changes - positive or negative. I have complete faith in you! ;)

We are here if you need us!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[JackyB]

Thank you so much for all of your well wishes! Based on what my vet said I will be giving Barkley 750mg of Lysodren twice daily. That is based on his weight being 64lbs… Here is what I am wondering about: Currently Barkley is getting about 14 oz of raw meat mixture plus about 5-6 oz of veggie mixture twice a day. That is a TON of food, but I have been able to maintain his weight by doing this… During the loading phase should I continue to feed that amount and just let him tell me when he is full? I just don’t want to be the cause of his stomach upset since the Lysodren might also cause the stomach upset.. Normally he can eat anything and it doesn’t cause him any problems unless he has been counter surfing and eats a whole loaf of bread… Then he is beyond gassy!! :) With regards to staying home, I guess I will just watch him to see how he's doing... I am pretty lucky that I can work from home or bring him with me...

Thanks again everyone!! All of your support is a wonderful thing!! I am truly thankful that you are all here!

[goldengirl88]

Wishing you and Barkley good luck hope he gets loaded alright. Blessings
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

That dose sounds just right! :) It works out to 1454.54mg a day based on his weight so this is alright.

As for his diet, I wouldn't change anything at all right now. You want to be able to notice changes clearly and changing the diet could cause some things that could be confused with a crisis - like diarrhea or nausea - and we don't want to cloud the picture while loading. Once the load is over and he is settled in the maintenance phase, THEN if you feel his feed needs to change you can work on that then. But first we want to get the Lyso working and know that it is working correctly. ;)

You're gonna do just fine, Mom, I KNOW it!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[JackyB]

Hey there! I started Barkley on the Lysodren on Saturday morning. So today is day 4 of the loading phase. Up until this afternoon he has been his normal self. I ended up working late tonight and when I got home Barkley didn’t greet me.. It’s dinner time right now and he also didn’t get up when I stated to change the water in the water dish which is the sign that dinner time is commencing.. It also looks like he is nauseous(boxer drool). I tried to feed him an ice cube which is his all-time favorite and he wasn’t super interested in that. I also noticed that the water level hasn’t changed that much from this morning.

I’m guessing that maybe he is “loaded”??

I don’t think I am going to give him his meds tonight…. I’m also making him some rice right now so he has something in his stomach. Do I need to call for an ACTH test for tomorrow? I’m worried about him and I don’t want him to get any worse..

[addy]

Dont give the pill tonite and you wait 48 hours to do the test.

Do you have prednisone? Did he get up yet?

[molly muffin]

Definitely sounds like he loaded. Was he normal this morning prior to his pill? Ate his breakfast?
No more lysodren though and call and book an ACTH for Thursday. That will be 2 days from his last pill.
The cortisol will continue to drop for the next couple days, which is why you do it then.

Is he okay now? Stood up at all? moving around okay?

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[My sweet Ginger]

Hi Jacky,
I'm pretty new myself here and I'm sure many more with tons of experience will give you much more advanced advice very soon but please do not give your Barkley any more Lysodren, period. I just finished a loading with my Ginger and that much I know from the knowledge I got from everyone here. Others moms and dads will come in shortly and explain further. I hope he eats something tonight. Song

[Squirt's Mom]

It sounds like he is loaded so don't give any more Lyso. If he is nauseated or if he vomits, has diarrhea, is lethargic, or refuses to eat, give him a dose of pred, which should perk him up within an hour, and call the vet. He may be nauseous as a side effect of the drug on the digestive system or his cortisol may have gone too low so keep an eye on him tonite. The pred will act like cortisol if he has gone too low so use it if needed. Remember, you know your boy best of all. Trust your gut. ;)

If all is well, you want the ACTH around 48 hours after the last dose so the level is checked at the drugs peak performance time. If his last dose was this morning then Thurs. morning would be ideal.

Hang in there! Sounds like the hard part is hopefully over.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[JackyB]

He is moving very slow... I gave him about 8oz total of rice, pumpkin and yogurt which he ate very slow.. It's like he is moving through molasses. I took him out after and he went potty and also went poop. I do have the prednisone, but my vet is closed. Do I give him the prednisone and just watch him? Or do I give him the prednisone and call the ER? He just went to lay down and doesn't appear to be in any distress...

[Squirt's Mom]

Was his poop normal? Not loose?

[JackyB]

His stool was fine... Not loose...

I just went to check on him and he feels warm, but he has started to shake. I gave him the prednisone will see what happens...

Thanks everyone for getting back to me while I am in the middle of this crisis.

[addy]

Hopefully the pred will make him feel better. let us know how he is doing, okay?

[Squirt's Mom]

Let us know how he is!

[molly muffin]

Checking in on you. The prednisone should kick in soon and he should start to feel better. Looks like you'll want to have the elctrolytes checked too. Call vet in the morning and let them know what is going on if you don't have the vets phone number to call now. Actually the vet should have given you a number as they should be available 24/7 during loading.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[lulusmom]

Lysodren has a cumulative effect so if it is low cortisol that is making Barkley ill, it will get worse in the next 24 hours so keep a very close eye on him. If he gets any sicker, do not wait until morning and get him to the ER. Prednisone will address the cortisol but if the Lysodren has necrosed too much of the adrenal cortex, the adrenals may not be producing mineralcorticoids and prednisone will do nothing for that.

Sharlene mentioned to you that your vet should have given you a number to call in case of emergency. Actually any vet that prescribes Lysodren should be calling their clients every day of loading, starting on the second day. Did your vet explain how important it is for you to monitor Barkley for signs of loading and did your vet tell you what those signs are? Did you observe him eating this morning and was there any change in his eating, and I mean even the most subtle change like pausing for a second or looking up before licking the bowl clean?

Glynda

[Squirt's Mom]

How is Barkley this morning?

[goldengirl88]

Hoping all is well with Barkley and that you have things straightened out with the cortisol. Blessings
Patti

[grapey]

Hope your boy is doing better today.

[JackyB]

Greetings everyone,

Barkley isn’t doing much better today… Still lethargic and weak. Last night when he started drooling I noticed that he had a slight reddish tint to his drool. Which was more pronounced overnight. He also was feverish with labored breathing. It ends up that his normal vet was out of the office and so they referred me to another clinic this morning. They found a sore/lesion/tumor under his tongue which is causing the bleeding. They put him on Tramadol and also amoxicillin. I will be talking with my regular vet tomorrow. As it stands, I have no idea if he was truly “loaded” since the mouth issue could cause Barkley not to want to eat or drink. If his mouth doesn’t get better then we will need to do a biopsy to see if it’s cancer. If it is, then we will need to make a decision on whether to prolong his suffering.

[molly muffin]

Oh dear, poor Barkley. That must have been bothering him. Did it just come up quickly? If so I wouldn't think cancer right off the bat, but I don't know for sure. Others on here might have a better idea about that. Tumor and not just a sore? I was wondering if he somehow poked himself with something.
Well, it is hard to say, if he is loaded or not, only an ACTH can tell you that and with this going on, you don't usually treat an ill dog and the ACTH might be higher anyway due to the fever and sounds like infection?
Once this is cleared up, he might be all better though and back to himself.
We had one of our furbabies, that got mouth sores and turns out he was getting them from where he was tearing up all his toys. He had to be on a toy restricted diet for quite a while to get them all cleared up too.

Hang in there! Hopefully the meds will kick in and he'll feel better. Try some soft food that doesn't hurt his mouth, maybe some rice/chicken mush for now

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[JackyB]

Sharlene,

Your thoughts are the same as mine… I am hopeful that it is just a sore and not something worse. What I am worried about now is that he isn’t eating at all. I wrapped his tramadol in a piece of turkey meat and he just sniffed it. I had to really work with him to get him to swallow the pill. I cooked him some scrambled eggs and he wasn’t into that either. His throat is also swollen( I felt that when I was rubbing his neck) so I am assuming that is why he isn’t interested in food, but I have been able to get him to drink which keeps me hopeful as well. I will talk with my regular vet tomorrow to see what he says. I hope it is an infection and the antibiotics will take care of this whole thing.

If anything changes I will let you know. I’m going to go veg on the couch for a few… I didn’t sleep at all last night and my eyes feel like I have 20 pounds of sand in them and the computer screen is doing me no favors!

[Squirt's Mom]

Mornin' sweetie,

If he's still not able to eat, you might want to try some NutriCal or NutriStat, something along that line. It comes in a tube and is a paste that has all the vitamins and minerals he needs. It is a life-saver when our babies are unable to eat. If he's able to drink ok, you can also make some chicken or turkey broth for him to drink that will provide a little nutrient intake as well.

I hope this is a bit or injury and the ABs take care of it asap. Let us know what the vet says.

Don't forget to take care of mom, too. ;)
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[JackyB]

Thanks for the good ideas Leslie... Barkley still hasn't eaten today but I was able to get him to drink after he took his meds... He then puked about 20 minutes later all the water... He's going to his regular vet at 1:00 today. I hope he will have good news for me... I'll be going alone without my husband and he is the calm one...

I'll keep you posted! And again for the millionth time, thanks for the support!

[molly muffin]

Checking in to see what the regular vet says. I don't like this not eating and lethargy so much. :(

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[JackyB]

Greetings everyone,

I brought Barkley into his regular vet yesterday and he thought that he has in the middle of an Addisonian crisis and that the sore under his tongue was actually a C. cutis spot… Which after thinking about it I would take that over cancer any day!

They did lab work again and they also did an ACTH test. His numbers were .2 pre and less than .2 after…

Before we left yesterday the dr gave Barkley 10mg of pred and slowly he has been coming round.. Today is actually greeted me at the door and was wagging his butt! He also is interested in food!! It’s like night and day! So the new plan is 5mg of pred twice daily through the weekend and also continue with the antibiotics and his thyroid meds. We will need to see if his adrenals are shot or if he will start with the cushings symptoms again. At that point evaluate starting up the lysodren again…

I really thought he was a goner. I have never seen any animal that sick and actually come back around.. I can’t describe how happy I am. Hopefully this is the first and last crisis he will have to deal with!( knock on wood!! )

[Squirt's Mom]

I'm so glad you took him in! :eek: Those levels are very low; no wonder he felt so bad! Keep in touch and let us know how he is doing.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[molly muffin]

Oh my gosh, that is very low indeed. Definitely an Addisons crisis.

The pred should definitely pick him up. He sure went fast. We have another member Tina, whose dog Jasper was on lysodren and crashed too. He is still Addison.
Her thread is here if you want to read it: http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4372

Hang in there, you are doing good!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[addy]

Thank goodness you now know what was happening.

Hope everything gets better

[frijole]

So glad you took him in and had the test. And now you know the symptoms of low cortisol - it's like they are dying. That is how critical having cortisol is to the body. You really did save your boy's life by acting as you did. Do keep us posted on the followup. Kim

[JackyB]

Good Morning Everyone! I have been reading thru Jasper's thread. I'm up to December of last year... Oh my Word! Talk about ups and downs! I haven't stated to read about Addisons yet, I'm just trying to get through this weekend on the prednisone. Barkley ate a normal breakfast this morning and it would appear that his drinking has gone back to his new normal of a lot! But he slept upstairs with us and woke me up at his normal time on the weekend so he getting better! Let me tell you, I do not recommend sleeping on a wood floor with only a thin cushion... My neck is killing me!
Now I get to play catch up with work and try to clean the house! No rest for the wicked!

[frijole]

One day at a time - dont' get overwhelmed as each dog is different but slowly get up to speed on addisons. It may also be that your dog's adrenals start to produce cortisol again. We've seen that happen too. Kim

[molly muffin]

Absolutely as Kim said, one day at a time. Some dogs are more sensitive to some medications and some are more resistant and you never know which it will be until you go down that road.
I agree, those floors are hard as can be. Yikes.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[addy]

I am hoping it all gets easier for you:):)

[molly muffin]

Happy Thanksgiving Jacky and Barkley.

Hope things are going well.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[JackyB]

Greetings Everyone,

I was wondering what people do with their left over meds after their fur kids pass on? Barkley was put down this summer ironically from Bloat and not Cushings and I had just bought a new bottle of lysodren... My vet isn't currently treating anyone else who would have need of it and I'm not sure what to do.. Any advise would be helpful.

Jacky

[judymaggie]

Hi, Jacky! I am not familiar with Barkley's story but certainly extend my condolences.
Here in Florida you can bring unused meds to any pharmacy and they will dispose of them.

[molly muffin]

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Barkley.

You can see if your vet has any patients who need the meds, you can also contact your local rescue groups and humane society.

Again my sincerest condolences on the loss of Barkley. No matter what the reason, the loss is awful and heart breaking.