Java Bean

Hi and thanks for the update.

I realize that you keep forgetting to get a copy of the acth stimulation test so can you please call the vet and ask them to give you the pre and post numbers and post them here? I doubt that Lysodren is the culprit for the skin problems you mentioned and in my opinion, you'd be more likely to see that problem as a result of high cortisol. Did your vet do a punch biopsy to rule out calcinosis cuitis? Calcinosis cutis results from high levels of serum calcium in the bloodstream due. Calcium deposits form, break through the skin and get badly infected. There is no way to know if cortisol is the problem without seeing the results of the last acth stimulation test and if Java's cortisol is high, the last thing you want to give him is prednisone. You really never want to give a cushdog prednisone unless absolutely necessary.

I'm always leary of the words "at the low end of normal" because this is usually a reference to the laboratory's normal reference range for a normal dog, not a cushdog. The desired therapeutic range for a dog being treated with Lysodren is 1 - 5 ug/dl. My own gp vet didn't know how to evaluate an acth stimulation test for purposes of monitoring treatment. I'll never forget the first time this particular vet did an acth stimulation test for both of my dogs. He was very concerned with the results for both and told me to quit dosing immediately. In actuality one was perfectly within range and the other was actually too high at 8 ug/dl. We had to up his maintenance dose to get it back down. I had to explain to the vet why he couldn't use the normal reference ranges and just in case he didn't believe me, I dropped off some reading material from Dr. Edward Feldman, a renown endocrine specialist. After that, the vet called me and gave me the numbers over the phone, with no commentary. :D That's not to say that your vet is not well informed but it's happened too many times here to dismiss the possibility. Getting those test results to us will really help.

Glynda

Ok, here are the results of Java's test:

OHr Cortisol Sa .09 mg/dl (range - 1.0-5.0)

1Hr Cortisol Sa 1.0 mg/dl (range - 8.0-17.0)

Hi Kelly,

Thanks so much for posting Java's ACTH stim test results.

The therapeutic pre and post ranges for a dog being treated with Lysodren are between 1 ug/dl - 5 ug/dl. Since Java's pre was .09 and her post was just at the low normal of the therapeutic ranges, I see now why the vet had the Lysodren stopped.

When a dog's cortisol goes too low on the ACTH stim test the Lysodren should not be restarted until Cushing's symptoms are obvious and the pre and post reflect that the Cushing's has returned.

Was Java's electrolytes checked also? Is she still being given the prednisone? How are her symptoms? Is she eating and drinking normally?

Let us know how Java is doing as soon as you can.

Love and hugs,
Lori

I went back and read and it seems as if you quit giving the lysodren about a MONTH ago right? So yes, your dog was as low as you dare go which is why you were giving prednisone.

By now you should have started back on the maintenance dosing. Otherwise the cortisol will rise and you will be back at where you started. Is it true you still have not given any more lysodren? Are you still giving prednisone? You shouldn't need it anymore but that said it is addictive and you cannot just stop giving it or your dog will 'crash' because it gives him a cortisol high.

Regarding the crusty scabs and the hair blow out - it happens sometimes as a result of the lysodren but not as a bad thing but as a healing thing. The hair goes away and is replaced with healthy new hair.

Please give us an update because I don't want you to lose the progress you have made with lysodren. Thanks. Kim

Hi All,
I started 1/4 pill of Lysodren on 5/1. I am going to start back at 1/4 every 4 days, and will go back for another test in about 1 month. No prednisone. She is eating and drinking normally. The hair is a nightmare! It's like the dandruff from hell! Huge flakes of skin and hair everywhere!! Oh well, a balding Bean who is happy, playful, and full of kisses is better than a sick one.

Alex, on the other hand has been eating poop! He NEVER ate poop before.:eek: He has been bringing in old hard pieces and leaving it on the floor - usually right after I vaccuum! (stinker!:mad:) I thought he was trying to get Missy in trouble until I caught him actually eating it! No more prednisone for him. I found a worm on his butt this morning - sheesh.......does it ever end?????????? Anyway, I am going to get some dewormer for him, after I get all the poop up!!

Kelly

Kelly, I am glad to hear that Bean is doing better (note my screen name :D) That said I am a bit concerned. I read back a few pages and it looks to me as if she was taking this same dosage before right? (1/4 pills 4 times a week = 500 mg a week) If so it makes absolutely ZERO sense to stay at that dosage because your dog will go right back to where she was - overdosed. Please confirm if I am right or correct me if not ok? This drug is serious stuff and you can't mess with it. How much does she weigh? Thank you! Kim

Hi Kelly,

How are you and Java Bean doing? Hope that all is going well.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin