Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

An insatiable appetite is a hallmark of Cushing's, so I would have another ACTH done asap to see where the cortisol is now. It may well have continued to rise causing the hunger to grow.

I wonder if the cortisol is rising if that could have anything to do with the behavior change of acute paranoia and fear. I've never heard of it before, but you never seem to know with this disease. :(

Maybe you can make going to the vet a good thing. Treats when you get there, some play time with a toy in the car before you get out, something like that?

Keeping you in our thoughts and hearts.
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Thank you both for the help. My Vet is out of town, so I will call and schedule her test for Wednesday when he is back. I am scared to put her on more Vetoryl and crash her. Since she is at 11 do you think that is a possibility? I will do whatever I have to to get this in check, but I am petrified of this drug. I know it can escalate macro tumors, and I have been suspicious of Tipper having one, with all the paranoia etc. God help us both, as this is starting to overwhenlm me again. Thank you.

Cortisol is a sort of stimulant and can make them feel restless for sure so I don't know why anxiety and paranoia couldn't be seen with elevated cortisol as well. I know the times I have to take a round of pred it makes me very hyper in most areas and from the outside I could be pegged as nuts, paranoid, hyperactive, over-reactive, easily spooked, etc. From the inside, it feels like ants are crawling, like I have to keep moving even when I have no idea what I am doing, hyper-alert to every little thing, difficult to concentrate for long...but it makes my body feel really good otherwise - no pain, no constrictions. So I would think Tipper's behaviors could easily be contributed to rising cortisol in my feeble mind. :o

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Thank all of you for the input. I made her an appointment for Wednesday for another ACTH. I hope God is looking out for her, I am scared to death to up her meds and have her crash. This dog means the world to me, and I am trying to manage all this without upsetting her. Please all of you pray for her that she gets past this.

Since she still was restless at night, you may want to think about twice day dosing so her cortisol is more evenly controlled throughout the day. Every dog is different but when I left Zoe at 11 ug/dl last year, she drifted down to 9 but then went back up to over 12ug/dl. I never changed her dose during that time. It could be her cortsiol is drifting higher and it is causing a problem for her in the way of hunger and restlessness.

It is so hard for us to know what is going on with them.

Ususally, they up the dose maybe 25% then divide in two for twice day dosing. Maybe discuss with your vet.

Hang in there.

Tipper started on 10mg once daily but after Patti's vet consulted with Dr. Peterson, they put Tipper on 10mg twice daily. Her last post stim was 11 ug/dl and Dechra's response was because she is early in treatment and symptoms were improving, they didn't feel any adjustment to dose was approriate at that time. That was more than 30 days ago.

Patti, just a reminder to get Tipper to the vet within three to four hours of dosing and make sure she gets a small meal with her dose.

Glynda

Thank you for reminding me, Glynda. My adled brain got Tipper confused with our insomnia pup:o:o:o:o

Never mind:D:D:D:rolleyes::o

Thank you girls!!! I will get her to the Vets within 4 hours and make sure she eats a small meal. If she has to go on 30 I called Dechra today, and Dosha told me if she is post 11 or higher we would go to 30mg. She would get 20 in the morning and 10 at night. It makes it really more expensive because I have to buy the 10 mg boxes. That will make it 150.00 a month! Well I have learned to cut out a lot of things, and not buy things that aren't absolutely necessary, in order to afford to do everything Tipper needs. I don't care what I do without as long as she gets what she needs. It is surprising the money you learn you were wasting on things that did not need to be purchased. This has taught me many lessons. The most important of them, is that my love for this dog is greater than anything else in this world. I will do anything to save her life. Thank you all for the help and support, as every baby step with this is scarey. I am so glad to have you and all your expertise to guide me. My Tipper is still going today because of the wonderful kindness of the people on here. God Bless Us All and out Furbabies.

Ladies: I forgot something- my Vet had been doing Tipper's test at 6 hours- he said from 4 to 6 hours after her pill and food. Was that ok?? If not I am going to make him do it at 4 hours from now on!!! Thank You.