Miss Millie Mayhem (Eng Bulldog) - NEW Dx: Cushings PDH and AWFUL Calcinosis Cutis

I have done some reading and apparently in one case it was caused by leptospirosis. Usually they are vaccinated against this but might be worth an ask especially in light of what Lori thinks about the tests

Mel
Xxxxx

I will definitiely look into that. We have always been very good with vaccinations, etc... I think that in addition to the tests, all of the symptoms she had also helped support diagnosis. I just worry so much when placing faith in another individual (such as vet since I am not one) that every i is dotted and every t is crossed. I am sure in her medical record, they have a star at the top of the page that says "Millie's mom is crazy watch out for her." I would really be curious if anyone else who pops into this thread has had similar ACTH and LDDS results.

You are in good company. We all probably have notes of a similar ilk at our vets :D

I did read about Peety and the questions re: atypical cushings (can only be diagnosed through certain lab measuring the additional hormone levels...I believ I just wrote that correctly). In light of that I also though read that treatment would be the same for atypical and typical? I am just hoping that the doseage is right and if there are any additional questions I should be asking, that I do so!

PS - FYI Millie did have lepto vaccination

xoxox,
Kerry

Appreciating all the input!

Oh I am so confused...just read post in Peety's case that treatment is not the same between typical and atypical cushings...wondering if I need more testing cause her baseline cortisol was not overly elevated.

That was what Lori was getting as the vetoryl lowers cortisol, if it's not that elevated then it may cause Miss Millie other issues. Atypical s treated by melatonin and flax ligians I think.... Sometimes lydrosen as a maintenance dose

It's so tough as her skin needs a solution but I think if it were me given her cortisol isn't that high I would speak to the vet again. Are you scheduled for an ACTH in 10 days?

Yes - we are scheduled a week from Tuesday - July 9th. Neither vet (general and derm) were concened about this even when I brought it up! Hoping to get IMS perspective tomorrow - he did ultrasound.

When did she have the vaccine?

Good idea the the IMS, I think you have to ask questions just in case

It's stupid o'clock here so I must sleep, am sure others will be along to input soon. I will be back tomorrow to see what the IMS says

Big hug

Mel
Xxxxx

Not sure exact date - will check with vet tomorrow...I have it written down from old vet before moving...4 years ago, but I also think this was something she may have had recently as well? Going to check on this - is this vaccine given more frequently (like a distemper/parvo booster)? Shes not showing general symptoms of this either. Thanks for all of your brainstorming and questions! Nite-Nite

Glynda, one of our Administrators, has searched for other conditions besides Cushing's that can cause calcinosis cutis and appartenly Hypoparathyroidism, systemic blastomycosis, leptospirosis and paecilomycosis are disorders that can be the reason for CC.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by khockman

Both vets said that cortisol have hit peaks and valley throughout the day depending on when the baseline is taken? I also brought up my concern of Addison’s given too high of a dose. Understanding both UC Davis and Dechra protocol (because of this GREAT forum), it looks like the 60 mg falls at the low end of Dechra given her weight of 55 lbs. What else can CC be caused from…any thoughts :confused::confused::confused:?

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Unfortunately there is no test that is 100% accurate at diagnosing Cushing's. When other non-adrenal illnesses are present the LDDS test can create a false positive result.

With the ACTH stimulation test, although it can also create false positive results, it is more unlikely to do so.

There are two blood draws that are taken for the ACTH stim test. The first one is the pre or baseline blood draw, which can fluctuate. The second blood draw is called the post, this is when the dog is injected with a small amount of the synthetic form of ACTH and it stimulates the adrenal glands to produce Cortisol.

Trilostane inhibits the production of cortisol, so when one is giving a prescribed dose to their dog every day the production of cortisol from the adrenals will be limited.

Since a dog with Cushing's has an overabundance of cortisol running through their system, the goal of therapy is to keep the amount of cortisol produced limited to within the therapeutic ranges.

Millie's post cortisol is already in the normal ranges and the Trilostane will lower it more. Signs of too low cortisol are: diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and/or the dog just not acting them self. If any one of these is noted than the Trilostane needs to be stopped, and in some cases prednisone should be administered.

Hope I haven't confused you more.

Love and hugs, Lori