10 y/o Boston terrier - Vetoryl treatment but doing poorly

Our 10 yr old Boston Terrier was diagnosed with Cushing's last summer. She has been on a 90mg dose of Vetoryl for most of that time (they started her on 30 mg and increased the dose until she was in therapeutic range). The poor baby is not doing well these days. She has lost almost all of her muscle tone and does not like to leave the house any more. My husband took her to PetSmart yesterday and she fell several times while walking around the store. Her abdomen is very distended. Even though she has lost several pounds and her shoulders and back are very bony, her tummy looks like she is pregnant. Is there anything else we could be doing for her? The doctor says surgery would be too risky and would put her under unnecessary stress. She is our vet's first Cushing's case and nobody in our circle has ever experienced it either. I welcome any and all advice.

Hello and welcome, although I am very sorry your girl is struggling right now. Can you please tell us more about your dog's overall medical history, and also the specific testing that led to the Cushing's diagnosis?

It will also help us a lot if you can post her actual numerical results for any monitoring ACTH tests performed since starting the Vetoryl, along with the dates. I apologize for asking so many questions, but this information will help us supply our most accurate feedback.

For instance, 90 mg. sounds like an awfully high dose for a dog the size of a Boston terrier, and I always worry about overdosing when I read about stumbling, lethargy, and lack of coordination. From what you've written, it sounds as though the monitoring testing supported the dosing increase, but it will help us to know the exact numbers and also how recently the last ACTH was performed.

Once again, welcome, and I look forward to learning more about your girl.

Marianne

Hi and welcome from me too.

Marianne has covered things but wanted to add that the a very distended belly could be associated with fluid build-up (which may or may not be associated with Cushing's).

Keep us posted
Terry

If I had to chose I'd have an ultrasound done to check the internal organs for as Marianne mentioned, any fluid build up or other issues.

I agree, the stumbling, etc is worrying.
In the ACTH (monitoring test) you are looking for a post between 1.5 - 5.0ug or up to 9.0ug if symptoms of cushings have resolved.

How is your furbaby doing now?