Buddy, The Mighty Lizard Hunter - Suspected Pituitary Macro Tumor

Kathy, you are doing a fantastic job taking care of sweet Buddy, and I am so proud of you. Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Sending huge and loving hugs, Lori

Hey Kathy

Just checking in to see if you are both ok?

Tight hugs for you and big kisses for buddy

Mel
Xxxxx

I picked up Buddy's RX for Prednisone after work today and filled it at Walmart. The neuro-surgeon from the specialty hospital (that did Buddy's neuro consultation) is overseeing Buddy's Trilo/Prednisone trial. I can't afford to go there, but I can definitely pick her very large brain!:D That is the place with the $3000 MRI!:( My vet is implementing her instructions as to protocol and dosage. I will be reporting to my doctor, who will then relay the findings to her. The dosage on the bottle for the 3 week trial is ......
5 mg. tablets. 1/2 tab. Twice a day with food for two weeks
1/2 tab. Once per day with food for one week Evaluate toward the end of the third week and adjust dosage as needed. Monitor closely and report to vet weekly or immediately if there are any questions or concerns.
I am not going to start the trial until Saturday when I can be home.
Hugs,
Kathy

PS Ah Mel, Hugs and kisses to you too!!

Does anyone know about Prednisone as it relates to allergies. I was reading the product information (that nobody reads) that came with Buddy's pills. It stated that Prednisone is used for severe allergies, arthritis, asthma, skin conditions, and other conditions determined by you doctor. Since Buddy is starting the Prednisone/ Trilostane trial, does this mean he may not need Benadryl for his allergies while he is on Prednisone. What do you think??

Hugs,
Kathy

When Scarlett was five, before she started on cyclosporine, she took temaril-p, which combines trimeprazine, an antihistamine, with prednisone. Her vet at the time said it was more effective than prednisone alone. When she took cyclosporine, she took benadryl as an antihistamine as trimeprazine is hard to find by itself. If Buddy is very itchy, as Scarlett's atopy made her, I think he might feel better on both prednisone and an antihistamine.

Hi Kathy, nice that you get the benefit of the specialist without having to actually to be a patient. That is very cool of your vet to work with them.
All I know is that I gave my Golden Tasha, prednisone for allergies, most of her life. From the time she was 2 she had very bad allergies. So, it could help. You'd have to see how he does without the benadryl and then add it back in if needed.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Think of prednisone as cortisol because that is what is imitates. So cush dogs with high cortisol have less problems with arthritis, some have skin itching but not all, increased water intake/urination... just be prepared. I have no ideas about allergies. God bless you girl - you are just doing such a great job with all this. Organized as heck and using the resources so well. Proud of you. Kim

well, I'm not sure about dogs but my mother is on prednisone for a severe rash of unknown origin. So in her case it is definitely being used for an allergic reaction.
Buddy may not need the benadryl while on the prednisone but I'm sure your vet would have instructions on that.
I hope the combo of meds does the trick to keep any tremors at bay while still keeping Cushing's in check.
Glad you have the neuro on board without the fees!!

Barbara :)

I'm pretty much a newbie to this Cushings stuff, so I have no advice for you... but I wanted to send healing vibes and hugs to you and Buddy. You are doing such a good job with Buddy, he is a lucky doggie to have you.

Hi Kathy and Budster
Just popping in to say Hi and so pleased to hear of that speedy reply to your email! That's amazing for such an expert to get back to you, warms the heart :):)
Hope your day is going brilliantly! xx

Kathy:
I can tell you first hand from Tipper's allergy history that prednisone was used on her and she did not need the Benadryl. It is for inflammation, rashes, etc. Tipper did well just from using the pred. I am praying that Buddy does well on his new meds and that this is the answer. Tipper used the liquid pred. I wish you were close to me and Buddy could have the MRI for 950.00. Good God where do they get these prices?? Maybe Buddy could hitch hike over, and Tipper would take him for the MRI?? Just tell Buddy ahead of time Tipper is requesting he bring a lizard, so she can catch one too! Although he may get stopped by the border patrol for carrying a native species across state lines. I am sure Buddy with his feisty attitude can handle it. I would give Buddy the pred. and check his allergies the next few days with no Benadryl given. You are doing a wonderful job with Buddy, and his will have the best chances of beating this because of your diligence. Blessings
Patti

Hope the new meds help Buddy, the lizard population is getting out of control...hugs and prayers....

So true Letti, The lizards have been sniggering at Buddy lately.;) no head tremors for 11 days now. I am not sure what's going on there:confused:

Hugs,
Kathy

I am glad Buddy is getting the help he needs. so sorry you are dealing with a macro. :(
It sounds like you are going to be able to keep him comfy & happy which is a good thing.
hugs to you & Buddy!

Wow...no tremors for 11 days?
How about the other neuro symptoms...have you noticed anything the last couple of days? Seems like no tremors for that long is good news. I hope Buddy is having a great day and you too!! :D :D
Barbara

Hello angels, :)
Thank you for your continued support and love. As for the suspected macro, it is what it is.:(If it is not a macro, then it's a brain tumor. Either way it's bad news! All I have control over is my reaction to this turn of events. I was devastated at first and unable to function well. I went several days without sleep and became a zombie on autopilot. I have processed the news now and am able to view the bigger picture as to what is next. Obviously, the no sleep thing wasn't working out. I am sleeping now, but still not well. I hear every little noise during the night and still get up to check on buddy. I am no longer worried about him passing in his sleep, while I am sleeping. Yes, I will be devastated, but that would be a peaceful way for him to go. I potty him and we have massage and cuddle time before bed. I tell him how much he is loved, how proud I am of him and that he's the best friend ever. In the morning we have a good morning cuddle and another massage to start his day. If he passes during the night or while I'm at work, he will know without a doubt that he was truly loved. My mission now is to keep him happy, pain-free and mobile for as long as possible. His neuro symptoms are worsening, so I don't know how long that will be. I was recently advised by a very smart angel (You know who you are!:)) To enjoy every minute, take pictures, videos, and make memories. I am trying to do that. I let Buddy do exactly as he pleases now and make as much noise as he wants. He was spoiled before. Now he is spoiled rotten!;) He gets all the attention that he can possibly handle. When he wants something, I stop whatever I am doing to make it happen. He will be my focus for us long as I have him. The journey continues.

Hugs,
Kathy

Kathy--hugs to you and Buddy! He's a special boy :p and you're a special mom to him. xo Barbara

Hi Kathy, hugs to you and Buddy. I hope that you had a good day, and there was some lizard hunting going on. :)
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Keep spoiling, smiling and hugging girl! :D Kim

Kathy:
I am glad that Buddy has had no head tremors for 11 days. The way you put things about Buddy passing in his sleep is how I feel with Tipper. I did not always feel that way, I always thought I wanted one last time to tell her I love her. I tell her every night before we go to bed, when we have our one on one time and I tell her everything on my mind. I would be devastated, but would be hysterical if she was passing and I could not help her, so maybe that is best. I think the Dr. is awfully full of herself to make me wait until next week to find out about Tipper, or is it that she just doesn't know what is wrong?? You are doing a wonderful job with Buddy. I am interested in knowing how it is going on the prednisone? When you have the most special friend in your dog that you have ever had, it is so hard to deal with something that is going to take their life. You have handled all this exceptionally, and I hope that I can be as strong as you when I am faced with Tipper's situation. This disease bankrupts you financially, morally, spiritually, and emotionally, it needs to be eradicated off the face of the earth. It has taken it's toll on far too many people and dogs. I pray for a miracle for our babies every day. Blessings
Patti

Starting 3 week Trilo/prednisone drug trial tomorrow morning (Sat.)
I am a little nervous about it. What should I expect to see?
8 work days til summer break!:)

We are all hoping that this is the answer :D Your cush family will be here with you and Buddy in spirit :)

I hope this combo is just what Buddy needs. His trilostane dose stays the same right? Yay for being so close to your summer break! I bet Buddy is super happy about that too!!!
:) Barbara

Barbara,
What is happening with the storm and how is Trixie?
Yes, Buddy's Trilo dose will remain the same. We'll see how it goes. I might stay home Monday to monitor him an extra day, we'll see.

Hugs,
Kathy

Hi Kathy,

Honestly, I don't think you have much to worry about :). Probably the main negative thing that could happen is that you'd see a rebound of some of Buddy's Cushing's-like symptoms due to the action of the prednisone. But if so, and if the neurological benefit doesn't seem worth the trade-off, you can always return to status quo by weaning back off the prednisone.

Marianne

Thank you Marianne,:)
That is probably the reason for the three week trial. To see if adding the prednisone helps the neurological symptoms. Two doses per day for the first two weeks then one dose per day for the third week. Report and reassess during the middle of the third week. That's the plan.;) The Neurosurgeon is supervising the trial. It is being implemented through my vet. That way I am not having to pay for a specialist, but still get the input from one.:);)

Hugs,
Kathy

hi Kathy,
It's raining like crazy! Torrential downpours all day. Trixie has been hiding in various locations around the house! :eek: Right now she's under the kitchen table. Poor little girl. The rain is noisy and she doesn't like it but because there's no thunder she's not shaking or panting which is a relief..so even though she's hiding out she's not too stressed.
Crossing my fingers that the drug combo tomorrow is helpful to Buddy! :)
Barbara

Good luck with the trial of both drugs. Hoping for very positive results with the combo.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Thanks guys.:) Buddy hasn't had any head tremors for 13 days now. :confused:None since before his Hypoglycemia episode. Ever since then,I have been feeding him smaller amounts more often, several times per day. That is really hard when I'm working! However, he has not had any head tremors since I started feeding him more often. The head tremors could be related to the hypoglycemia. Any thoughts?
This doesn't explain his neuro deficits, which continue to worsen. I'm going ahead and starting the trial in the morning.

Hugs,
Kathy

Hi Kathy,

I really don't know, but when I just looked it up, a couple pages list "head tremors" as appearing before a hypoglycemia attacks. So it is possible that they are associated. It also mentioned that it could cause head tremors or hind leg tremors.
I'm sorry that the neuro deficits have gotten worse and sincerely hope that the prednisone will help with that.
The small meals several times a day must really be helping if he has gone this long without an episode. That is really good Kathy. You're doing awesome. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Ohhh I cannot remember but did they test Buddy to see if it was in fact related to hypoglycaemia? Pleased to hear it has not been a problem for nearly a couple of weeks yahoo :D:D That's the news we like to hear! I have fingers crossed the Pred does the trick too at reducing any inflammation and settles his neuro symptoms even further.

I like your style Kathy, your keep calm and carry on is the best possible approach to handling Buddy is so impressive, you aren't letting your own anxiety and stress impact on him!! Way to go you... I try and do that, hard as it is but I just wanted to say how much I admire you and how your care for your little darling, who knows what the next days, weeks, months, years are going to bring and all we can do is keep enjoying the time we have left with our babies and creating many many more good memories... You Rock! :D:D xxxx

Trish,
The doc's don't know if Buddy's head tremors are related to his reactive hypoglycemia or to brain swelling. He has only had one bout of full blown Hypoglycemia. That's when his legs gave way and he started walking like he was drunk, then couldn't get up at all. I gave him a little sugar water, which he lapped up greedily. Within a half hour he was up walking normally. The only way that they can hundred percent be sure of the hypoglycemia is to do a blood glucose level when the attack is actually taking place. That is next to impossible because it's dangerous to wait if low blood sugar is suspected. Neuro issues continue to escalate. His front legs buckle a lot more when he walks and his back legs don't work well. I massage his legs, which does help him move better. Thank you for the compliments Trish. I can't fix Buddy. The only thing I can do is to try to keep him happy, comfortable and mobile for as long as possible.

Good morning

Just nipping in to say hello and to see how you both are today?

Hope it's lizard hunting weather today, so the wee man gets to have some fun.

Big hug, kisses for Buddy

Mel
Xxxxx

Kathy:
Tipper is sending Buddy big hugs, and hoping he does exceptional during his trial period. We are continuing to pray for a miracle for Buddy. I am sorry to hear the neuro signs are worsening. You handle all this with such grace, and your Buddy knows you are keeping calm for his sake. God Bless You Both
Patti

Mel,
The lizards are hiding. We haven't seen any for days!:eek:;)

Hugs,
Kathy

They know the mighty lizard hunter lurks around the corner. :)

hehehe,
sharlene and molly muffin

Hi Kathy,
How is Buddy doing today? Any noticeable effects from the med combo? I hope he is feeling fine tonight. :p
Barbara :)

Big improvement in mobility and balance with just one dose. Neural deficits diminished. I just gave Buddy his second dose of prednisone with his dinner. No noticeable changes in Cushings symptoms as of yet, except Buddy seems to be drinking more water today. It's really too soon to tell. Right now he is barking at something out the front door. He has been engaged in all activities today.:)

Kathy

So far so good, Keeping fingers and paws crossed that this is the answer for "The Budster" :)

That's such good news...so glad you see a difference already! :)
Barbara