Buddy, The Mighty Lizard Hunter - Suspected Pituitary Macro Tumor

Seriously why aren't these vets educated on cushings, I feel so bad for you and your pup, hang in there, sending hugs!!!

We've seen others with ACTH test results take a couple days to come back too.
I think mine takes a couple days usually. The lucky ones get it back the next day.
Hang in there and deep breaths. :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

I'm have to make this quick because I am about ready to start my Math groups. The doctor called with the ACTH numbers. She said that Buddy was doing well and does not need a change in his Trilostane at this time. Retest in 30 days.

Here are the numbers: pre draw 8.4
post draw 15.2

I'll forward his Low dose eight hours test numbers later today. I don't have them with me right now. Let me know what you think? I don't know what any of the numbers mean.

Thanks, Kathy and Buddy:)

Hi Kathy,

In the long-run, you will want Buddy's post-ACTH number to be at least as low as around 9 ug/dl with his overt clinical symptoms under good control. But experience has shown that cortisol tends to continue to drop during the first month or so of treatment, so that's why the general recommendation is to hold off on making a dosing increase until you've had enough time to accurately judge the maximal effect of the current dose. So I agree with your vet as far as sitting tight for the time being.

Here's a link to Dechra's monitoring chart that will give you a more complete framework for dosing decisions. I think it is easier to read if you physically print it out and fit the pages together. You'll see that they do allow for the possibility of a small dosage increase at this point in time if clinical symptoms remain severe with no improvement and a "post" reading that exceeds 9.1. But from our experience here, we really have seen significant further "drops" during the first month even when the dose is unchanged. So as long as there is even a bit of improvement in symptoms, I'd tend to leave things alone until the next testing.

http://www.dechra-us.com/files//dech...ate_3_2_ps.pdf

Marianne

Thank you Marianne,
Buddy has made vast improvement. He is now running around catching lizards and barking at birds. His allergies are finally under control. His stomach has settled with no further problems and he's happy and carefree. Basically, the same little busy body he was before! His stomach is much less tender and doesn't appear to be rounded as much. He is drinking far less water and is no longer peeing a river. The only cushing symptom that remains is rear leg weakness.
He is running all over the place now, but is somewhat wobbly. He is a little stiff getting up after laying down awhile. I haven't seen him quite this active in a long time! Before the meds, it was difficult to get him out of his bed long enough to go potty. He would immediately come back in and go right to his bed where he would stay for hours. Now he is everywhere, right in the middle of everything. It is wonderful!!
Thank again for all of your help. My questions never end I am afraid:confused:

Kathy and buddy:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Budster's Mom

I haven't seen him quite this active in a long time! Before the meds, it was difficult to get him out of his bed long enough to go potty. He would immediately come back in and go right to his bed where he would stay for hours. Now he is everywhere, right in the middle of everything. It is wonderful!!
Thank again for all of your help. My questions never end I am afraid:confused:

Kathy and buddy:)

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It is wonderful that Buddy is feeling much more himself, I am so happy for you both!!

There will never come a time when one has asked too many questions. We are here to help in any way we can. ;) You are doing a great job!!

Love and hugs,
Lori

Hi all,

Pre-diagnosis Low Dose Dexamethasone 8 hour test - I just got a copy of it. Please let me know if the numbers are consistent with a Pituitary-dependent Cushings Diagnosis. His ultrasound is posted in a very long message toward the beginning of my thread. I don't think there is much doubt about Buddy having Cushings, because he has responded so well to the medication. Here are the numbers:

Cortisol - Pre Dex. 13.4. 1.0-6.0. ug/dl

Cortisol - 4 hr Post Dex. 2.9 ug/dl

Cortisol - 8 hr Post Dex. 4.0. ug/dl

Many thanks!

Kathy and the Budster:)

What a great update. So pleased your little fella is starting to feel and act like himself

Mel
Xxxxx

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Budster's Mom

Thank you Marianne,
Buddy has made vast improvement. He is now running around catching lizards and barking at birds. His allergies are finally under control. His stomach has settled with no further problems and he's happy and carefree. Basically, the same little busy body he was before! His stomach is much less tender and doesn't appear to be rounded as much. He is drinking far less water and is no longer peeing a river. The only cushing symptom that remains is rear leg weakness.
He is running all over the place now, but is somewhat wobbly. He is a little stiff getting up after laying down awhile. I haven't seen him quite this active in a long time! Before the meds, it was difficult to get him out of his bed long enough to go potty. He would immediately come back in and go right to his bed where he would stay for hours. Now he is everywhere, right in the middle of everything. It is wonderful!!
Thank again for all of your help. My questions never end I am afraid:confused:

Kathy and buddy:)

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Awesome to hear that Buddie is feeling pretty good these days. :) yippeeee
Yes, your LDDS test is consistent with Pituitary dependent cushings.

Slow steady exercise can help to build the muscles back. Sounds like he's feeling good enough now that slow and steady might be hard to do, little rascal is going to want to go all out. hahaha :)

Yep, we don't mind questions around here at all. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

NICE!!!!!!!!

Great news for Budster!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Budster's Mom

Buddy has made vast improvement. .......The only cushing symptom that remains is rear leg weakness........I haven't seen him quite this active in a long time!........Now he is everywhere, right in the middle of everything. It is wonderful!

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I haven't posted to you before and don't get on here as often as I would like, but I have followed your journey. The girls have given you the best information and I could not possibly add to it. I know the target number is around 9.0 (it used to be much lower), but please do not chase numbers just for the number's sake. If Buddy does best in the lower teen numbers, so be it. You have to be the judge of how well he is doing. So far the improvements have been just short of a miracle, and the leg weakness will probably be the hardest to improve, but time and exercise could take care of that. As Marianne said, the numbers could drop a bit still in the next month and that may also help the weakness. But with the improvements so far, I think you have the luxury of waiting for time to tell!
So congratulations on being the best advocate for Buddy.
Great Job!
Hugs~Mary Ann

Hello Mary Ann,:)
Thank you so much for following my thread and for your wonderful words of encouragement. Yes, Buddy has been ill. When I took him to the emergency hospital, I really didn't think I was going to be able to bring him back home. He is doing miraculously well. It is due to the divine intervention of the wonderful canine Cushing's angels, and the tough little bugger Buddy is. I have received help and support from this group in a way that I never have before. It warms my heart in a way that I can't even clearly explain. It is people just like you that take your time to pop in and provide answers and words of encouragement. I appreciate it. :)

Kathy and Buddy

Such great news about Buddy!! So happy he is doing so well and getting back to his usual little self!! :D:D

Barbara

NEWSFLASH HOT OFF THE WIRE!!!!!!!!:D:D

Buddy's hair is starting to grow back on his stomach. It has been bare since his ultrasound. Another Cushing's symptom bites the dust!!!!:D

Let us all have a moment of silence for this momentous occasion! Ha!

This is an example of what you have done for me. I went from scared, overwhelmed, frantic and frustrated, to being able to see a little humor in a real tough situation. It is due to all of you. Thank you for EVERYTHING!! Having said that, I can't guarantee that I won't return to those dark places. When I do and probably will, I know where the light shines the brightest!

Kathy and Buddy:)

Why, I think this is hot news indeed and calls for a group toast:)


Our drink of choice is usually Chocovino;););)

Keep up the good work;)

We love great news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WooHoo Buddy!!! You're doing a Great job, Kathy!!!

More good news about Buddy!! :p So nice to hear! This board has been a life-saver for many, myself included!! Here's to Buddy's good news and good health...I'm toasting with my iced tea! :D
Barbara

Whoo hooooo Buddie! I'll toast to that with you!!
Excellent news.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Go Buddie Go, great job keep improving, you are doing swell!!!
Blessings
Patti

Hi all,:)
Once again I probably should know this, but regretfully I don't.
Where on the dog do they draw blood? As you know, Buddy just had his first ACTH test done a few days ago. Today when I was checking his paws for stickers, I noticed that he had some blood on the bottom of his right rear paw close to the pad. Could that be where they draw the blood from? He has been lizard hunting a lot since he's been feeling better. He could've stepped on something (hopefully not a bee!) or gotten some kind of scrape that way. Thanks,

Kathy and Buddy:)

Hi Kathy,
Don't know if all vets draw blood from the same place but when Trixie had a check up and they took blood it was on her leg above her paw...just before the knee joint if I remember correctly. Maybe the injury to the pad is a small cut from something outside? I hope it's not bothering Buddy. How's the little lizard hunter been doing??
Barbara

Ladies,
it depends upon the blood test which I never knew until recently.

Once, the vet took Daisy in another room and I overheard him tell the tech to take the blood from her jugular.

Harley got his ACTH stim tests taken from his neck, I believe because that vein was always so easy to see and get to.

Hi Kathy,

Haven't posted to you before as I have been a bit absent of late :o but it sounds like you are really on the right track with Buddy! It's great to hear that things are going so well for you both at the moment, his energy is back up and the fur regrowth is fantastic!

I too am a teacher and fully understand the hassle of taking a day off work to visit the vet, but I've come to terms now with the fact that my my boys are more important to me and as long as I can get a decent sub, the kids will cope. :p It has to be done! (i took friday off last week for an ACTH in fact!)

So just wanted to stop by, say Hi, well done and keep on hassling that vet. I caught mine in a serious blunder that she refused to admit, finally took the issue to her boss instead (after transferring treatment to an IMS) and she was told in no uncertain terms that she stuffed up. The fact is, they do stuff up if they aren't willing to admit they don't know everything, so as I said, keep on at her. It's worth it in the long run.

So on that note, good luck and I'll look forward to hearing about more of the little milestones Buddy recovers in his journey :D

Hi Naomi,:)
Thank you for the support, kind words, and teacher's perspective.
Yes, you are right!:D The kids were absolutely fine! I was just feeling guilty because it was only the second day after I returned from spring break. I had planned to get it done during break but, a series of errors caused the change.

Hugs to your boys. I hope that your little Cush pup doing well,

Kathy and Buddy:)

Hi Kathy, the paw blood could be from stepping on something or maybe he got lucky and caught one of those lizards even. Give it a good wash down and then see if it starts to bother him at all. Make sure no pine needles broke off in there (that happened to molly once). If he licks at it you'll know it's bothering him, it he leaves it alone then its probably just fine.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi,:)
I've asked before, but I'm going to try again. Since Buddy's liver numbers are so incredibly high, and his liver is very large, I am interested in starting him on Denamarin or just Milk Thistle. I did ask his vet, but as usual it was of very little help. She said that Denamarin was to help with liver disease, not for Cushing's related treatment. I can get milk thistle without an RX. My concern is Buddy's allergies. Do any of you have Cush pups with allergies and are using either of these supplements? I finally got his allergies under control since his cortisol dropped. I am concerned about milk thistle causing a problem all over again, or him having an even worse reaction. Thank you,

Kathy and Buddy:)

Hi Kathy,
Trixie is on Denamarin. Did your vet say no to prescribing or just didn't really respond to your concern?
Trixie went on this after her first blood test showed high liver levels. It lowered her levels after just 5 days. She was off it for about 8-10 days and her levels went back up..this was prior to our Cushings diagnosis. Once we had a positive on that the vet put her back on the Denamarin and he said it was fine to take along with the Trilostane. The vet said it's very good for the liver.
I have seen info online about making a tea of the milk thistle or getting capsules but I would think it best to have the prescription stuff so you know the dosage level is right. Maybe ask again and perhaps the vet would know about allergic reactions to milk thistle or is that hoping for too much?
I just looked online and Nutramaxlabs.com has an "ask a vet forum" on their site--they make Denamarin so maybe you ask there about possible allergic reactions.
Hope Buddy is feeling good!

Barbara

Hi Kathy,

According to Holistic vets Susan G. Wynne and Barbara J. Fougere in Veterinary Herbal Medicine, those with allergies to the Daisy family of plants (Family Asteraceae) may have an allergic reaction to Milk Thistle. David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG in Medical Herbalism, the Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine states no reported side effects or drug interactions. However, Milk Thistle can reduce the amount of insulin required for diabetics. Denamarin contains silybin which is part of the active component of silymarin in Milk Thistle that works on the liver.

Milk Thistle can do wonders for liver toxicity and improve function for those who can take it - Squirt cannot even tho she has never had allergies until recently. It has always made her vomit no matter which form or method I tried. She is in a very small group of pets who sadly cannot tolerate MT.

Hope this helps!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Thank you Leslie and Barbara. :)

Allergies have always been a challenge for Buddy. He has Skin, food, some medications and environmental allergies. I am concerned about Denamarin and milk thistle because he is so highly allergic. That is my dilemma. Do I try it? It could greatly improve his liver function, but at what risk?

Kathy and Buddy:)

Hi all, :)
I am normally very mellow, but I totally lost it today!:eek: I was being asked about how Buddy was and was trying to explain Cushings to a couple of people. I was asked about whether the tests, medicine and everything else were expensive and would it cure him. When I responded that there was no cure and yes it was expensive, I was asked why treat then. I said it was to give him a better quality of life for whatever time he had left, that you don't give up on family members. I was told he was just a dog and easily replaced. That's when I lost it! :eek: NOT ONE OF MY BETTER MOMENTS!:(

Kathy and Buddy:)

And that is EXACTLY why Buddy is so lucky to have you as his Mommy!!! Give him some belly rubs from his friends who understand the love you share.

Hey kathy, just a dog, I have sure heard that before, I want to say back well your'e just an idiot but I don't, they are just stupid and you can't fix stupid!!!! Hang in there!!!

Hi Kathy, I understand how you feel...I ad a vet tell me to put Norman down because it is so hard on the dogs and the expense...A VET :mad::mad: Come on Man... this is my boy, No one loves me like him and put him down....

Buddy is so lucky to have you. Out pets are family. i always tell people so if a relative got diabetes would you tell them oh dont do treatment... Treatment can bring quality of life back to our pups... and Life all of life is about quality of life... So we do what we can for them and when we can't any longer it doesnt make it any easier to say good bye... We love them, almost as much as they have taught us to love and all the great lesson of why God made Dog. We are blessed and Buddy is blessed to have you. Hang in there, You're doing great!

Peace and Mercy....I say - father forgive them for they know not what they do or say... We know what is best for our pups... Bless you!

Hugs and smiles with a few licks from millie and norms too,

Sharon =)

Pfffft just a dog. Well, they are just a person, not always one of creations brighter ones obviously. Hmppphhh

*passing the chocovino over to you.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Kathy,

whoever said that can bite my shiny, round butt!!!!!!
That is deplorable and I pray to God that they don't have pets!

I don't blame you for losing it. I surely would have.

They're ignorant, and if they actually researched Cushings they would learn how wrong they are.

Thanking my lucky stars that my fiance loves Daisy as much as he loves me (almost).

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and words of encouragement.:o
I am surrounded by people that don't understand what I'm trying to do. Not only is all of my attention, resources and energy going to Buddy's care, I'm continuously having to justify it to someone or another. That's why I melted down today. I can't take it anymore.:(
If they can't show some kind of support, they need to shut up or stay out of my way, preferably both! I look at Buddy and he stares back at me with those big brown eyes. At that moment, I know that he is all that matters, but it's hard to do it alone.

Kathy and Buddy:)

You ain't alone, honey. Next time someone is dumb enough to say something like that to you, just remember you have a whole host of angry angels right behind you givin' 'em the stink eye! ;)

Kathy, just remember, you simply do not have to justify anything to anyone except to yourself and Buddy. End of story. I know it is hard when people say things and they sometimes dont realize how it hurts.

It is hard to stay calm when faced with insensitve people. They'll give up offering their insights once you just ignore them, hard as that is.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Budster's Mom

If they can't show some kind of support, they need to shut up or stay out of my way, preferably both! I look at Buddy and he stares back at me with those big brown eyes. At that moment, I know that he is all that matters, but it's hard to do it alone.

Kathy and Buddy:)

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You go sister!! We are here for you and Buddy, you are never alone.

Sending tons of love and hugs, Lori