Dad of Lulu - sweet Lulu has crossed The Bridge

So glad to hear Lulu is doing so well! That is fantastic!

My Hannah has only mild symptoms and is doing pretty well, so I also have chosen not to treat at this point.

Thanks for sharing the great news!

Julie & Hannah

So glad you gave an update on Lulu. Sounds like she is doing good for all she has gone through....way to go Lulu:)


Keep us updated...nice to hear good news

Thanks for the update on Lulu - and what a great update it is! :D

If her signs are not obvious and she seems strong and happy, I would hold off treatment, too. I think you are taking a wise approach. ;)

Please to check in and let us know how she is doing.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

I see that I haven't posted on this thread in a year, and we have been lucky in having Lulu another year. She had a long overdue retest of her Cushing Disease and the 8 hour Low Dex test the vet surprised me with a week ago Tuesday. Well I was glad to have this test, and at 96 dollar, send the results to Michigan State that was money well spent, a bargain! Well the results were high after 8 hours, normal before, with a result of 140 with 0-30 the norm. The doctor has okayed the Trilostane, a powder that would be put into 50 capsules for just over 200 dollars, I believe 50 days worth. Now I am not sure the directions of the vet, will have to make sure I check. I know after a week she is to have an ACTH check. Now I read that the drug is Vetoryl. I'm not sure how much more it would be. Does anyone have experience with either of these. I believe the doctor said the dosage would be started low. We do have a person that is going to pay for this, at least until I get started working again full-time. This is a big cost. I do want the quality of Lulu's life to be better. She is handling pretty well, but she definitely come back with classic symptom. Fur that doesn't grow back quickly, water drinking, very hungry and panting. She has a bit more weakness in her legs, so even though she is 12 years old she has been a very strong dog, still shows she is tough, but we see that she needs the proper medicine.

I just wonder as the vet wants to put her on Trilostane, have others had good results with this? Is the cost that much more with Vetoryl?

Just going to say hi here. I haven't posted much on Lulu, but she has been on Trilostane since July 7, 2012. Wow, it seems longer than a month. But she is doing much better. She doesn't pant as much and her eating is down. She still has some trouble with her back legs, but I think there is improvement. I have her on Dasuquin glucosamine, chondroitin with MSM. I highly recommend it to all senior dogs that are having a bit of trouble with their limbs. I will call the vet this week to schedule a one month recheck of her two hour ACTH test. :)

So glad to hear that Lulu is doing so well. I was just wondering if you could tell us what dose of Trilostane Lulu is taking and could you remind us of her weight?

Trilostane is the active ingredient in Vetoryl. Many members use a compounded form of Trilostane and are having great success with it plus it does cost a lot less that the brand-name Vetoryl.

Has Lulu had a stim test done after being on Trilostane for 10-14 days? If so, could you post those results, thanks! Did your vet tell you to give the Trilostane with food and that the stim test needs to be done 4-6 hours after the dosage of Trilostane?

If you have any questions please feel free to ask, and here's a handy link to Trilostane info: Trilostane/Vetoryl Information and Resources

Love and hugs,
Lori

How are the hot spots doing? Let us know what you learn with the ACTH! This isn't the first one since starting the Trilo is it? Lulu should have had one at 10-14 days....if not, you may want to get her in soon. ;)

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Really quickly now, at a job site, but Lulu pre ACTH test was 3.3 ug/dl and Post-ACTH 1.8 ug/dl. Reference range is 2-6 pre and 6-18 post. So the vet was happy with results. Lulu was scheduled for another ACTH test but we are postponing for a month. I am switching pharmacies for the 100 mg. trilostane. We got 50 pills for 240 dollars total 20 miles away very convenient, but still expensive. We ordered the next 50 from a place in Kentucky and will start her on these within a week. Lulu weights about 81-87 lbs. She appears to be doing much better. Her hind leg(s) does give her some problems, but seems to be getting better. She seems less Cushing's but she still has her moments. Seems to be a quieter dog more. I have stopped giving her morning melatonin for the moment. I am wondering if that might be adding to her more docile nature. But all and all she is more like her old self again.

More later. Hope I answered most questions. I do give Lulu her trilostane about half hour after breakfast and roll it in some sliced cheese. I didn't know about having the 2 hour ACTH 6-8 hours after getting trilostane. I will ask Dr. Booth/ Dr. Wilson about that.:)

hi Lulus dad,

so glad to hear your girl is doing well on her treatment. you may want to price out several online vet pharmacies and end up with a ton of savings. I know I did. Here are two.

Valleyvet.com 800-419-9524
Diamondback 866-578-4420

BTW, i give my girl her Vetoryl immediately with her morning meal. I've learned here it is best to give with food for better absorption and to avoid tummy upsets. As to the stims, This is the 2nd thread I have read indicating having the test performed within 2 hours after dosing, wherein I have always been recommended to do 4 to 6 hours post pill. That is how I've always had her stims done. Hope someone can reconfirm this for us.

good luck to you and Lulu and may I add my gratitude to your uncle for his sacrifices for our country. My husband is sgt 1st class US Army, deployed 1 yr in Iraq in 2004.

Warm regards. Jeanette and Princess

Quote:

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but Lulu pre ACTH test was 3.3 ug/dl and Post-ACTH 1.8 ug/dl. Reference range is 2-6 pre and 6-18 post. So the vet was happy with results.

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The reference range seems high to me, how long has Lulu been on this new dose?

We have never done the 2 hour ACTH test. We have always done the one hour test 4-6 hours after the dose. The first draw is done for the pre, injection of stimulating agent is done and second draw for post is done hour later.

Hopefully our administrators will be along soon to clarify.

Glad to hear Lulu is feeling better. I am just a tad nervous with her post at 1.8 and no more stims for a month but I am sure the experts will chime in on all of this so hang in there. They know far more than me:):):):)