10 year old female beagle just diagnosed with Cushings - Ginger has passed

Please do an ACTH stim test on Wed. as I'm very worried that Ginger's cortisol may be getting too low. I wasn't comfortable with her very low, blunted ACTH numbers from early Dec. and the subsequent maintenance regimen soon after.
Reading your post this morning was like you were describing how my Ginger was during and after her adrenals were being destroyed too much late last year except for my Ginger was already too weak to do anything by then. Eating was the only thing she did well before treatment but soon after her treatment had started she'd come to her food bowl like she wanted to eat and smells it (or just stands there) and then walks away... they still break my heart thinking about it.

Today is already Tues. so I wouldn't even bother with anymore Lysodren until tomorrow's test just to be on the safe side and it wouldn't surprise me if she ends up needing a break from Lysodren after her test results.
I wish you and your Ginger good luck tomorrow and hope you will get her to eat better soon. Hugs, Song.

So I took Ginger to the vet yesterday. Talked to her about her symptoms and all. She suspected her numbers were probably getting too low. Rather than do an ACTH test(which they need a weeks notice for to get the medicine in anyways) She did a complete blood work up. She said by checking certain levels that would be indicators her numbers were low. She checked her temp, eyes, ears, mouth, teeth and felt her all over. I took in a urine sample, but did not get much and did not know I needed to keep it cold. But they tested it and said it was clear but very diluted. So They called late today and said that her sodium to potassium levels were low(I believe) and that I was to stop the Lysodren and come pick up a script of something called a mineral condrindicator(or something like that). Sorry I do not know the exact wording. He said it will be 1 pill twice a day for a week and they will check the sodium/potassium levels then and if we have to increase, it would be 2 pills 2 time a day. She has not had a Lysodren since Monday morning as she did not eat enough Wed. for me to feel comfortable giving her one.(which now I am thankful for). So I will get the script tomorrow and we will go from there. Thank you all for your support. I just want to make sure that I do the best I can for her and that any problems that arise and not due to my neglect, or oversight. I'll keep you posted.

Did the vet say anything about giving some prednisone, too? If Ginger's sodium/potassium balance is off, there is every chance that her cortisol level is also too low. If she does not perk up quickly, I would question your vet about giving some prednisone in addition.

Marianne

If I had the pred, I would be giving it. ;)

I'd get prednisone ASAP if these pills are only to bring sodium and potassium levels. Talk to the vet.

It's possible that the vets included a resting baseline cortisol in yesterday's bloodwork (that doesn't require the stimulating agent). And if the resting cortisol was high enough, they may not think that pred is necessary right now. But I would definitely call back and clarify that today.

Marianne

So I picked up the pills about 1:00pm Friday. I bought a chicken strip from the deli and took it out to Ginger. She ate a little chicken first and then she took the pill in a small piece of the chicken. That was all she wanted. Then we went over to my parents to see them. About 4:30 Ginger walked into the kitchen and stood there, so I offered her some more chicken and she ate more. Took her across the street and she seemed to have a little more energy. She tried to get their dog to play a little bit, but he was not interested. We stayed for about 45 minutes then went back to Mom and Dad's. As I got my plate of food and sat down to eat all of a sudden I heard a little whine! There was Ginger wanting a bite of my supper! The first time in quite a while. I was thinking these pills are doing the trick and her being off of the Lysodren! Well today was a different story. She barely ate her breakfast of boiled chicken, enough I could give her another of the fludrorotisone. She slept some, but then wanted out I don't know how many times today. She drank normal and peed normal. She did poop good. And then a few minutes later poop again, a little softer stool. So we came back in. Within 10 minutes she wanted out again so I took her and all she walked to do was walk, walk, walk, even though she didn't seem like she felt that good. So I did and she poop a bit more looser, but not diarrhea. She finally came in and settled down for a few hours. Come supper time I tried everything to see if she would eat, but nope. She finally had a few bites of a hot dog. And then about 8:00 pm she was in the kitchen again so I gave her a small milk bone. She ate. The vet is closed until Monday. I could call the emergency number, but... I read a little moron the fludrocortisone and it really just sounds like a pill to balance her sodium/potassium and not much to raise her levels some. So I remembered that I had some prednisone from months back for her allergies. It is 20 mil. So I just gave her 1/4 pill. She has to eat!!! I pray I have made the right decision and will call the vet on Mon. (feeling scared for my Ginger).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by labblab

Did the vet say anything about giving some prednisone, too? If Ginger's sodium/potassium balance is off, there is every chance that her cortisol level is also too low. If she does not perk up quickly, I would question your vet about giving some prednisone in addition.

Marianne

---

Marianne is spot on here, I think giving her the prednisone was absolutely the right thing to do. The standard rescue dose of prednisone is 0.25mg/kg. With her weight of 30lbs that would calculate out to 3.4 mg of prednisone so the 5 mg you gave her should perk her up real soon. Keep us updated.

Hugs, Lori

I'm glad you gave Ginger prednisone if the pills are only to bring sodium and potassium up and not her cortisol level as I think that must be very low. I think she will perk up from prednisone and she might need it for a few days at least. If I were you I'd do an ACTH sooner rather than later.

So I called the vet and left a message. They finally called back and they said that was fine to have given the prednisone to Ginger. It made a difference the very first day, and has since I gave her one on Sat. I have not given her another since and she continues to eat, maybe not as much as is normal, but she eats!!! And I can give her the fludrocortisone! He said if she continues to eat and take the fludrocortisone then bring her in next week to check her sodium/potassium levels. If she does not bring her in sooner. Thank you all so much for your support, input, understanding and encouragement.

I'm so glad to hear that Ginger is feeling better. Hang in there! You are doing a great job.

You are a great Mom in trusting your instincts--so glad Ginger is feeling better!

Just a quick update on Ginger and adding some new pictures to her album.
Her electrolyte number have come up! She is still at the low end of normal. I only had to give her 1/4 of a 20mg prednisone twice. Since then she has been doing wonderfully! eating well, Playing a lot and sleeping very good at night. She has not had an off day since, for which I am very grateful! It sure puts a smile on my face when I take her outside and she just wants to run and explore!
Thank you all for everything.Hope you all are having a great weekend!

Thank you for letting us know! I am glad she's improving and pray the trend continues!

What a huge relief that your Ginger is doing so well!
I hope she continues to do well, and that you're able to keep everything at good levels.
Ginger's lucky to have such a great mom as you :)

Hello everyone. I hope your spring is going well! Allis okay here in Indiana. Just wanted to share a bit about Ginger. Since she has been on the fludrocortisone so has been doing pretty well. She has some days she doesn't want to do much, but I have to remind myself that she, like all of us, is getting older. She will be 12 this Sept. Also the heat here is more than what she is used to compared to Colorado. I try to get her out early mornings and evenings more than through the heat of the day, but unfortunately that is when the ticks like to be out also! (I am not a fan of them for sure!!). I have her treated for those with Frontline Plus. Always in doing a little reading up on things it seems that Ginger has kind of gone from Cushing's to Addison's. Am I correct in assuming this? Or at least she is following treatment as such. My question is, I sounds like it is not uncommon for her to "store" fat in her tail and around her neck. I guess this is for protection from stress since it is hard for her to manage stress. What can I be doing to help that not get out of control? I do not feed her any more than usual and she is walking more than she ever has. And with summer coming her walks will get less because of not being able to regulate body temperature. She has gained a little weight back since they found her electrolytes to be low and the medication has got her doing well. But she is still on the heavy side and I just do not want to contribute to that if at all possible. Thank you.

Well it is very hard to keep weight off with any kind of steroid whether it be cortisol making them ravenouos or steroids to keep them balanced. I think as they get older they tend to put on weight in certain areas, much like humans do. A well balanced diet, with not a lot of carbs or sugars, greenbeans and items like that for snacks, might be work for her.

Okay, Thank you. Yes, I do know any type of steroid will contribute to the weight. She does not seem ravenous, which is a good thing, and she seems fine most of the time with the amount of food I have been feeding her, which is a reduced amount. I will add some green beans and items like them to her food or possibly try to use them as snacks. She is so loving regardless of how she is feeling! I will also look at the carbs and sugars in anything I am thinking of getting her. True, the older we get the more weight we can put on in certain areas. I am living proof of that! LOL Thanks so much. Wishing you all the very best with your journeys!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gingerbread

Always in doing a little reading up on things it seems that Ginger has kind of gone from Cushing's to Addison's. Am I correct in assuming this? Or at least she is following treatment as such.

---

Since she is still on the Fludrocortisone, I would also assume the vet believes she is Addison's. Has a chemistry blood panel been done recently to check her electrolytes? And how about her cortisol?

Not recently. It was in late Feb. I believe. He said if we did not have any problems or see any signs that Ginger was not doing well that he would see us in May or June. She has seemed pretty well since starting on the fludrocortisone other than gaining some weight and her tail getting thick(LOL, I have read that is a symptom). She has a good appetite, good intake and outtake of fluids and almost always is ready to go for a walk. She sleeps very well and is always ready to greet anybody we meet happily! If she is Addison's is it okay if I remain in your group? I would like to at least keep you up to date on Ginger. Thank you

I'm glad to hear that Ginger is doing well...YAAA!!! And of course you can stay here, you both are family and always will be. ;) We very much want to know how you both are doing, ok?

Hugs, Lori

Absolutely stay! It is great that she is energetic and seems to be feeling well.

Thank you both so much! I was hoping it was alright. You all have been such a help, comfort and blessing to me and Ginger!
Have a question for all of you. Do any of you have any thoughts on a good supplement(s) or anything that I might ad to Ginger's food to help with mental cognitively? Sometimes Ginger just seems a little lost or like her thoughts are a million miles away. And she wanders at night like she is either restless or can't get comfortable. Also any thoughts on adding glucosamine to help with mobility? I just want her to feel the best she can for as long as she can. She does have energy and wants to get out and explore, but I do notice in the mornings she is a little slower in getting around. thanks so much!

Novofit is what some have used for cognitive issues. A
I use a come treat form of glucosamine msm chromditome for mobility.

Definitely supplements can help

Okay sounds good. I will look for both when I am out. Appreciate it very much!

Novifit is one that I have seen mentioned on the forum for canine cognitive dysfunction...LOL Sharlene and I think alike!!

This article talks about the supplements, among other things, that may help a dog with arthritis: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/iss...s_15910-1.html

I strongly recommend Novifit right now as it has a better chance making a difference especially in the early stage of a dog's cognitive disfunction written in their pamphlets. I've been using them on Ginger for many many months who's in more advanced stage of dementia and I now believe it makes a difference when off, subtle but I do think I see a difference. They come in three different sizes depending on their weight. I hope you give it a try at least for 2-3 months as that's how long it took for me to notice something. Here's the link.

http://www.countrysidepet.com/

My Squirt took Novifit and it was a miracle for her. It worked quickly and without doubt beneficially. I have noticed that it seems to work differently in each dog - Squirt responded fast while Ginger has been much slower and some never responded. But it is worth a shot for sure. No prescription needed either! ;)

So if no prescription is needed where to you get it? Like PetSmart? Or Tractor Supply?

You would need to buy it on-line. Countryside Pet has it for $36.50 with free shipping (for 30 tablets for medium sized dog -- 22-44 lbs. which I assume is the range Ginger falls in). Although you don't need a prescription, I would definitely suggest that you let your vet know that you are planning on administering it. Also, if you are giving Ginger any other supplement that contains sam-E, you would need to be very careful about over-dosing.

Greetings! Happy Fourth of July weekend to all! Ginger is doing so well! The fludrocortisone seems to be doing her just fine with no visible side effects! She has a good appetite and is usually eager to walk. She does have her days that she is a little off, not wanting to walk as much or snuggle, but just re;ax in her bed with mom and dad near by. But she is almost 13, so I do take that in to consideration. It is not very often, so I am not concerned however, I do keep track to make sure I do not miss anything. I know with the Addisons she can not regulate her body temperature or stress, so we do not go out in the heat of the day, or if it is extremely humid, we make a short trip outside so she can do her business and sometimes relax in the cool grass underneath a shade tree. All in all she is doing quite well. Just wanted to touch base since it has been a while. We have been busy with Mom and Dad as dad's dementia progresses so I am needed there a little more often. I will try to add a few new pictures of Ginger tonight in her album. Blessings to you all, Colleen

So glad she is doing good!!!! Thank you for keeping us updated! Love the new photo - she has the most incredibly sweet face.
Sorry to hear your dad's condition - I know it is rough.

Continue to keep us posted and Happy 4th.
Terry

Good evening everyone. I pray this finds you all doing well. All is pretty good here with me. Ginger has had a few bad days. I took her in last week and they checked her electrolytes.They were about the same as the last test, but since she was not eating they bumped her medication up to 1 and 1/2 pills twice a day instead of just 1 pill twice a day. It has seemed to help some. She has had a very hard time with allergies. She has been miserable. I have tried the Benadryl and it dos not seem to do much. I started giving her a lower does of the prescription medication, which has a small amount of a prednisone type of medication in it and it has helped some. It also helped her appetite a little today. The heat has made it bad to get her out much except for her normal short walks. She is more comfortable just laying under the bed where it is cool and dark. I am hoping tomorrow she will feel better. She(we) celebrated her 13th birthday on Sept. 1st!!! It was too hot to do much, but hopefully once we get some cooler days I can make up for it. I had wanted to take her for a nice walk down the shady trail and treat her to a special meal, but it was too hot and she was off a bit. So resting is what she got to do and seemed to need. I am posting another picture to her album. It was taken a few years back, but I just found it and wanted to share. I will keep you posted when I can. Thank you all.

P.S. I also posted a picture of the custom license plate I had made for my car!!! It is beautiful!

I love the license plate! She is just so darn cute and photographs well. The shot of her with the baby is precious. I hope with cooler weather on it's way she will start to feel better and want to do a bit more.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

I agree the license plate is soooo adorable. Love the pictures of Ginger too. Such a cute little girl.

I do hope once the weather cools off a bit that she will feel better.
My molly isn't too keen on the heat either. She'd rather be inside having snoozes that taking any walks in the heat.

Thank you both so much. She is something!!! We did get some rain and it dropped to about 73 degrees so we took a nice walk for about 20 minutes. Then she was ready to come back in. She is now snuggled by my side and it is the greatest feeling in the world!!!! She did seem to feel better today! I am so thankful for that!..... it's the little things!

It really is the little things. :) I couldn't agree more.

A happy belated birthday to Ginger! I love looking at her photos--the mid-howl one with the baby is so cute. I switched Abbie from benedryl to zyrtec for her allergies and it is working well.

Oh okay Zyrtec. Is there somewhere to find out how much I can give Ginger? A chart or something? The baby is one of my grand nephews! He was pretty impressed with Ginger and that howl! LOL