Buddy, The Mighty Lizard Hunter - Suspected Pituitary Macro Tumor

My IMS did mention using pred and vetoryl together but Tia had cc so decided against it. Am sure if they are suggesting that as a course of action over here that it should be an option for you.

One day at a time, good news he hasn't had any more head tremors, long may that last.

Woo hoo for summer break makes me jealous :D

Hope some lizards come out to play today but that none end up in the graveyard :D

Big hug to you and kisses to the wee hunter

Mel
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Kathy or Mel, have you found any published info re: the trilo and predisone combo? I'd love to actually read something something official. I mentioned it because I remembered it being suggested in the past (especially in conjunction with lymphoma treatment for one of our Cushpups here). But as I say, I've never read the formal rationale or dosing suggestions and would love to find something about it.

I'm so glad Buddy is ready to launch back into the hunt! :)

Marianne

Marianne,
I have been reading many articles trying to make sense of it all. Most of them were being read in the middle the night when I couldn't sleep and my brain power was diminished. I did find the Trilo and Predisone combination and the theory behind it discussed in a couple of places. Most of the articles either recommended no treatment, or laser treatment. Surgery is not an option at this time. Laser treatment was not recommended if the dog was already showing neuro signs, as they probably would not live long enough to finish treatment. Macro-tumors are aggressive. As for the Trilostane and Prednisone combination, it has been tried as a last ditch effort to slow down the tumor's growth. I don't remember reading about dosages. I'm sorry that I don't have links for you to read. I should have thought to bookmark those pages. If I find anything as I continue to read, I will bookmark them for you. Nothing read was encouraging. It is very odd that I can discuss this now from a research point of view and not get emotional. The research had helped me see the bigger picture and information is power.

Hugs,
Kathy

I was just looking as I never kept any info. Can't find anything about combined treatment. Can find bits about pred treatment on its own. Will keep looking.

I did stumble across this

http://dogaware.com/articles/newscushingssurgery.html

I know the link mentions surgery but if you scroll right to the bottom it says they are trailing a new oral drug to shrink the tumour. Might be worth asking a bit more about this

Big hug

Mel
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So glad to hear that Buddy is doing a little better today, and you too:)

Kathy, that's perfectly OK that you didn't bookmark anything. This is something that I've wanted to research, myself, for a while. So I'll take a look when I have some free time.

Another thought just struck me, though. I don't know whether you are near L.A., but you might want to consider arranging a consultation with Dr. David Bruyette at the West L.A. VCA Hospital. He is a nationally-known Cushing's expert, and has pioneered experimental canine pituitary surgery in conjunction with UCLA surgeons at Cedars Sinai. In fact, one of our very own members here was the first dog to have successful surgery performed under Dr. Bruyette's oversight in order to debulk a debilitating macrotumor. Even if surgery is not an option for you and Buddy, I'm willing to bet that Dr. Bruyette is extremely knowledgeable re: any other cutting edge macrotumor treatment options available in southern California. I'd think his feedback re: medication manipulation would also be very valuable.

Just a thought, but maybe once school is out and you have more freedom of time, you might wish to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bruyette. As far as we know, he maintains a regular clinical practice. And even if you can't arrange to see him personally, perhaps he'd be willing to consult with your vet via phone or email.

Marianne

I think he is the one trailing the drug I just linked too :)

Good job, Mel!!! And yes, indeed, that is Dr. Bruyette and "our" own beloved Lucy who is pictured! :) :) :)

I'll try to come back later and post a direct link to her thread. Dr. Bruyette is actually a registered member here and added a few informational replies a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, he has not been posting recently.

Marianne,
I live San Diego County. LA is about a three hour drive in very heavy traffic. I could drive up the night before and spend the night somewhere nearby, then drive home after the appointment, when the traffic is lighter. I don't know if Dr. Bruyette would see Buddy without getting an MRI first and that's $3500 at the Specialty Hospital. I'll run this by our vet after he has conferred with the neurosurgeon. Maybe I can get my vet to contact Dr. Bruyette. If he can arrange an appointment for a consultation, I will find a way to make it happen. There is no way that I could afford the surgery though. Thanks.

Kathy

I definitely understand about the cost of the surgery. The combined costs of an MRI and radiation were daunting to us, and were a big factor as to why we didn't press for further diagnostics for Barkis.

If nothing else, though, I'm thinking it might be helpful for one of your vets to ask Dr. B about the trilo/predisone question. I'd be curious as to his feedback on that one.