Buddy, The Mighty Lizard Hunter - Suspected Pituitary Macro Tumor

Buddy no longer has a suspected macro tumor. It is pretty much a certainty now. The Trilostane/Prednisone combination will keep him mobile and comfortable longer. It will not stop the tumor's progression. The prednisone is helping him to walk, run and balance, at least for now. It is all unfolding exactly the way I thought it would. I already knew and made my choice as to course of treatment. Then why is it so devastating? I thought I had cried myself out and was moving forward, but there are still plenty of tears left.

What the head knows, logic, how things will progress, has done the research, is nothing compared to what the heart knows... love.

hugs,
Sharlene

I copied this quote off of another thread. It was written today.

"Most important a vet wouldn't put a dog with cushing's on prednisone because that would make it worse! Seriously - prednisone is = to cortisol which is what causes cortisol. It is 100% equivalent to giving a diabetic dog a box of sugar to eat. Makes no sense whatsoever."

Is this what all of you are thinking about Buddy's drug trial? It is being monitored closely by a neuro-surgeon, my regular vet and me. It is being implemented on Dr. B's recommendation. Be honest. How many of you think it makes no sense?

Kathy

Hi Kathy,
If you were to ask me that a few years ago, maybe even last year, I would have been doubtful. After reading some, and understanding what you and the Budster were going through. I am behind you 100%.

I do think it takes a caring vet, and owner to get it right. You have both:) Knowing what Buddy has been through and seeing your reports on Buddy puts a big smile on my face and a heart full of happiness. :D

I wanted to add that this is not the norm but seeing the troubles some of our cush pups have, it may become the norm. We learn as we go.

Kathy,
there is no such thing as a one size fits all treatment plan. That's what makes Cushings so difficult to treat. Daisy and I are STILL trying to find the correct dosage of Trilo that works for her without making her "butt explode".

Also, you love Buddy and he loves you. No amount of research or advanced planning is going to make it easier. They are our family and the thought of losing them is devastating enough, let alone knowing that it is a certainty because of the tumor.

Please know that you are doing what is best for him, and the research will help you and the vet to work as a team in Buddy's best interest and that is what it is all about for every one of us here on this forum.

We do our best, find the best to help us, and love our furlets while they are here with us. Since there is no cure for this disease, the fact that we have learned so much is something to take pride in and to always remember that no matter what happens, we did our absolute best.

(Wow, now the tears are flowing.....)

HUGS!!!!!

Kathy,
I wish I had the right words. You have been doing great and this is just all so difficult. To get more definitive word from the doctor today just opens the wound once again. The combo meds are helping Buddy with his neuro symptoms and that's so good. You have been doing a great job getting this treatment all worked out and thankfully you have your vet back. One day at a time...
We're all here for you!
Barbara

So true one day at a time, thats all we can do for our pups...and seeing that Buddy's running around well now is good news, no matter what he has to take....its whatever works for him, you a great Momma!!!

Hi Kathy

I doubt anyone questions what you are doing for Buddy, different drugs are used for different reasons in different situations. Our doggies need individualised plans for treatment, so don't be worrying about any of that sort of stuff or worrying what people think. If they think that all that is needed is a little education that is all.

You have professionals helping you along this path who have the best interests of the Budster at heart, plus you have YOU, the single best advocate for our lizard hunter! Plus you have us, cheering you along every step of the way!

I am so pleased to hear his neuro symptoms are improving on the Prednisone, that was the aim of this treatment and it is working by the sound of it. Even though with that comes the realisation that you are most likely dealing with a macro which I think is what is tearing at your heart, but with this medication we are going to keep that sucker at bay as long as possible! Hope your feeling better and can get through your last few days at work then phew summer holidays and lots of time with your boy!

Lots of hugs for you today Kathy :) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Oh my gosh Kathy! No!

On that same thread, I had made a statement that said, there are only certain instances where you would use prednisone with a cushings dog. Your case would be one of them. Prednisone does act like cortisol, it also acts to reduce swelling and that is why you are on a very small amount, and working towards that very fine balance to get it right of what will control the tumor and not cause the cushings symptoms to get out of control either.

This isn't new here on the forum. We've had macro tumors before where prednisone was used. Saying that, with no neurological symptoms, and no macro suspected, then prednisone is not a good idea, especially when cushings hasn't been diagnosed and the vet is giving prednisone and then testing for cortisol levels. That just won't work.

You want to know what you have going on before you start giving drugs. So far on that thread, we have no diagnosis and no clarity for why the various drugs were given. None of that is the same situation as yours, or any of the others who have used prednisone to get some control of macro tumor symptoms.

I hope that helps to clarify things.

You know that if any of us thought it wasn't a good idea that we would mention it right? :) No shrinking violets here. LOL

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Kathy:
I am glad Buddy's mobility issues are lessening. I am so sorry the Dr. confirmed a macro, nobody ever wants to hear that. I know you still have tears left, and believe me when I read that about your dear Buddy I shed a few. You are doing a wonderful job, and will be out of school soon. You can spend all your time with you dear Buddy then. After all the mighty lizard hunter has to get up to speed here or the lizard population will be on the rise. The lizards are probably wondering when Buddy will be on the prowl. I know it is hard to go thru the day knowing this because as I told you before if it were Tipper I would just melt into a puddle. God Bless you and Buddy we are praying for a miracle for him.
Patti