sending lots of love and hugs!
Sorry I can't help more. You have some very tough decisions to make. I know you will make the right choice for Zoe. With you on her side, everything is possible!
Kathy and Buddy:cool:
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sending lots of love and hugs!
Sorry I can't help more. You have some very tough decisions to make. I know you will make the right choice for Zoe. With you on her side, everything is possible!
Kathy and Buddy:cool:
hi Addy! Super big hugs. This is a lot to consider. They are very similar aren't they. One thing that bothers me is her not noticing the crud and didn't the new guy say there is yeast (skin) problem? Not catching that, even if skin isn't her thing, would bother me. The new guy, being the new guy might be worrisome a bit, depending on whether or not he is at all flexible in his "ideas" and just willing to work with you for what is best for Zoe.
I think that like Marianne said, this is the key, which one do you feel will work with you to do what is best for Zoe.
We love you and Zoe!!!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Hey you
So like everyone has mentioned at least the reports are consistent.
I looked back to see her last result before I made comment on increasing her dose and I can understand your reluctance considering it was 4.1.
If it were me, I would do a combination of what they are suggesting. I wouldn't increase her vetoryl for now but do another stim if her skin isn't any better by June to consider increasing it then, that way you have given the things you are trying 6 weeks.
I would monitor her kidneys also for now as both state it's mild. And I would look at getting the homemade diet/ nutritionalist to see if that improves everything overall.
Feel free to ignore me just wanted to support you :)
Big hug to you and kisses to the fur kids
Mel
Xxxxx
I would never ignore you, Mel. EVER:)
Hi Valerie,Quote:
Originally Posted by doxiesrock912
Can you give me a citation for the info you're reading re: Lysodren inducing pancreatitis? I'd really like to be knowledgeable about any possible relationship. We've had any number of folks through the years who have used Lysodren with great success for their Cushpups, but I've never before heard of any effect whereby Lysodren causes pancreatitis.
It is definitely true that dogs with uncontrolled high levels of cortisol are more vulnerable to pancreatitis, and that is one of the many reasons why Cushing's treatment, either with trilostane or Lysodren, can be such a benefit. But while both of those drugs have the potential to affect the tissue of the adrenal glands, I have never heard that either drug promotes pancreatitis. So this is information that I'm anxious to learn more about.
Thanks!
Marianne
I like Mel's ideas! They make sense to me.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
I haven't come across any literature that says that Lysodren causes pancreatitis or any contraindication with Lysodren and pancreatitis. I do know that Lysodren did make Harley's pancreatitis worse and I have seen that happen with other dogs on the forum but not every dog. I do think that the owner should be aware that this might happen not that it will happen.Quote:
Originally Posted by labblab
Marianne, I dont believe we are saying there are studies that link Mitotane to pancreatitis. What we are saying is it is possible it can have a negative affect on it depending on the dog, as in Lori's Harley as one example that comes to mind.
After reading the round table discussion on pancreatitis on the IDEXX site, there were thoughts by the vets participating about various drugs that can cause pancreatitis with mention of some chemo therapy drugs, various antibiotics, seizure medication but no exact mention of Mitotane.
Chronic pancreatitis from what I have read, can also be sub clinical and a result of IBD. Since Zoe has never shown any symptoms of pancreatitis, I have no way of knowing why it is showing up on her ultra sound. I can count maybe two times she has thrown up or seemed sick to her tummy and not wanting to eat in six years and it just never happened since her original ultra sound in 2010 and this one.
What I do know, however, is that my dog has inflammatory bowel disease and I would venture to hypothesize that if she indeed has problems with her pancreas it is from her IBD not high circulating cortisol.
Since I have read of Lysodren causing gastric problems for dogs here on the forum as well as it appearing as a prominent side effect, I am just simply stating, now, with the finding of pancreatitis on Zoe's ultra sound, I really don't want to go down the Lysodren road except as a very last resort. That and Dr. Peterson telling me her gastric system wont be able to handle the high doses required to load her after he reviewed her records which included her endoscopy.
Since I believe that some of these other problems of Zoe's can be contributed to her higher estradiol (her vulva growth, her enlarged clitoris) and Lysodren is not going to touch that, I would need to factor that in as well to any decision I make.
At least these are my thoughts today, I will continue to research what I can find about her kidney issues.
And if the masses on her spleen and liver are affecting her pancreas, that is a whole other discussion, unfortunately.
But thank you for the input.:):):)
Dear Addy,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write out such a thorough reply to my question. Given Zoe's situation, I have a much better understanding as to your reservations about her treatment options, and my heart goes out to you as you sift through the possibilities that will offer Zoe the very best quality of life.
My question really arose out of a general concern that members following this thread might fear that any history of pancreatic abnormality whatsoever would rule out Lysodren as a treatment option for Cushing's (or that Lysodren will cause pancreatitis in a dog who otherwise has no pancreatic issues). And if that were the case, then historically many dogs here in the U.S. would have been denied effective Cushing's treatment since a vulnerability to pancreatitis is a common consequence of the disease. However, as you have made clear, the specifics of each dog's individual situation needs to be taken into account when deciding upon the most safe and effective drug protocol.
As always, sending many hugs to you and your girl.
Marianne
Hi Addy,
I too am glad that two reports had a lot of similarities. I like that the new IMS addressed the skin issue also, especially since it is a big concern. I understand your reservations with the new guy since he is so green, but the other IMS has such a history of poor communication, and I know how unhappy you were with that. The new guy seems more receptive to your thoughts and concerns.
I don't feel that I have enough knowledge to comment on the Trilostane vs Lysodren question, it is very complex. As far as the proteinuria, I know that the fish oil that Jasper has been getting is a big part of the treatment for his kidney issues and protein loss, and it isn't a drug. I am wondering if this is something that could be helpful for Zoe, especially since her UPC only shows mild elevation, or would it be contraindicated due to her IBD? Just a thought, I didn't see that anyone had mentioned it.
It is so much to think about, but like everyone else, I know you will do what is best for your precious girl. You always do. You have all my support Addy. I just wish I could be of more help. :o Huge ((((hugs))))
Love,
Tina and Jasper