Attila-Calcinosis cutis, starting treatment w/ Lysodren..(Attila has passed on)

Hi and welcome to the forum. You mentioned a bloated belly, which causes discomfort when pressure is exerted. Have you had an ultrasound done, to ensure there is nothing else going on with any organs? It is expensive, but definitely a good idea.
There are many knowledgable pet parents on here who will help you get through this.
Tracey

I understand what you're feeling. I'm about to start my Boston on Lysodren in two weeks, and I'm terrified. I keep thinking, what if I don't see the signs that she's had too much? What if I hurt her? I would never forgive myself. :(

But I know that many people here have gone through loading and done just fine, and my vet advocates a very conservative loading dose--about 125 mg per day for a 13 lb Boston.

Praying things go very, very smoothly for you.

I have not done an ultrasound, but if it's necessary, I will, especially if its still sensitive after losing some bloat - funny, how after spending so much money on Attila up to now, spending more doesn't seem to matter as much. For Boston "grapey", I will keep a diary as suggested and keep you posted on Attila's progress w/Lysodren. He took his 1st dose and is still alive and well....oh, and I bought cream cheese for the pill.

Good girl. Its scary at first but trust me it will become a no brainer and you'll know it's saving her life. I'll be out of town tomorrow but will check in on Sunday morning. You will be fine. Kim

Day 1 success! :)

It'll get easier as time goes forward and you know how Atilia reacts to the drug, how fast the load goes and then we hope, smooth sailing on maintenance. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

MISSION ABORTED: Attila woke me up twice in the middle of the night. He had peed and pooed (solid) indoors (on his paper) and needed to be let outside to go some more. About an hour later he scratched on my door and I found diarrhea (light in color) and he had vomited his undigested dinner. He drank lots after vomiting and vomited a little more. No energy change, but now he's sound asleep. I called the vet on duty and she said not to give him a prednisone tablet since this was probably not an Addison's reaction, but he is just not tolerating the Lysodren in his system. She did say to continue with Lysodren tomorrow as planned, but I am going to wait to speak with my prescribing vet before doing anything. FEEDBACK?

Has anything changed other than starting the Lyso? New food, treats, bedding, cleaning products, yard sprays, etc?

No, Nothing has changed. However, Im thinking I didn't give his gastro intestinal tract time enough to heal from his previous system upset 2 weeks ago.

He stopped his holistic meds 2 days ago, but I've been told that should not adversely affect himAlso, he is still on a bland diet of sweet potato, oatmeal and whitefish (and fish oil). Maybe not enough fats to help with absorption of medication? Ill be at work today, but checking this thread periodically. Thanks

Stopping the holistic meds may not have bothered him but the combination of stopping something the body is accustomed to and starting something new at the same time may have caused a problem. I'm just not sure. The fats in the feed are probably pretty low. It helps if you give the Lyso does in something like cream cheese or peanut butter. His system may not be quite up to par from his recent bout, like you say. AND your vet is right - there are pups who simply cannot handle one drug or the other and have to switch but I think it's too early and there are too many other possibilities to make that determination just yet.

If I were you, I would stop the Lyso for now and let his system settle really good. I would wait until he has solid stools for a day or so and his appetite is strong. If he is still nauseated or has diarrhea when you get home today, I think I would have him checked just to be sure the diarrhea isn't rearing it's head again or he doesn't have another infection of some sort. I would also talk to the Holistic vet and ask about this just to get their take on it.