Buddy, The Mighty Lizard Hunter - Suspected Pituitary Macro Tumor

Kathy, you already know I don't think you're crazy, because I'm the one who suggested the trilo/pred combo in the first place! ;) :)

Just as the others have said, every dog's situation is unique. Prednisone can be both a miracle drug and also a problematic drug, depending on why and for how long it is being used. But there is a specific rationale for Buddy's treatment regimen, and I am delighted that it seems to be helping with the neuro issues.

(Having said that, I do understand why the improvement is bittersweet since it seems to be confirming the macro diagnosis. :o)

So if you are crazy, make room on the loony-bus, because I'm sittin' right beside you...! :rolleyes: :D

Me too, I boarded about 4 stops back

We would have considered it if our circumstances had been different.

Hope you both are having a good day today.

Mel
Xx

It is bittersweet.. :( But, I am glad Buddy is doing better. I hope you can block all the fears & horrible ugly things from you mind & enjoy your days together. I know that is easier said than done. I would be throwing up & crying everyday. I just want you two to have many many many good happy fun days together.
I don't think what you are doing is crazy at all. I know others on the board used preds with their babies & macro tumors. What ever makes Buddy happy & feeling good is def the way to go. hugs..

Oh, Kathy,

No one thinks that at all. The biggest problem with Cushings is there is no one size fits all for treatment. Heck, Dr. Peterson told me 3 years ago I could try loading Zoe with Lysodren and give her prednisone for her IBD at the same time. ;);)

And they are still talking about basically that for Zoe if we need it as an option only swapping out the pred for Budesonide.

We are not here to judge anyone and we all are rooting for the mighty lizard hunter and his wonderful mom.:):):)

BIG HUGS

Kathy:
We are hoping the mighty lizard hunter is still doing well, and that his mom will have the strength needed to guide her thru all of this. You are AWESOME Kathy, and Buddy knows it.
Blessings
Patti

Hi Kathy

Just wondering how you and the little man are?

Hope you are both having a good day

Big hug, kisses to Buddy

Mel
Xxxxxx

The good news is........Buddy is doing well today with excellent mobility. He has been running and walking normally with no face plants. Right now he is chasing and yapping at the birds who have the nerve to fly over his air space!:D No head tremors or reactive hypoglycemic attacks in the last 2 1/2 weeks. :)

Now for the bad news......My car went out on me after work and had to be towed in. It looks like the transmission is shot:( I've already spent all of my summer money on vet bills and then some. Summer was going to be lean as it is. They are still assessing the damage, but I don't have the money to fix it anyway.:( Really, did my car have to die with only 5 work days left til summer break?:( I guess I wasn't stressed enough!!:o

Hugs,
Kathy

Oh dear...that just stinks about your car!! :mad: When it rains it pours, right!!? I am certain you didn't deserve car trouble...sorry!! I hope it ends up being a simple and cheap fix!!
On to the good news about Buddy's excellent day! :D So, so happy to hear the little guy is out playing and that his mobility is so good. Sounds like he is having fun and able to be a happy, active pup! Guess that prednisone is doing what it's supposed to do. :)
I have to say that my mother has had a great reaction to prednisone too! She needed it for a terrible rash of unknown origin but with her Parkinson's and her general mental demeanor we were so afraid that she would have agitation, sleeplessness and other bad side effects. Meanwhile it was just the opposite! The prednisone seemed to actually make everything better while also eliminating the rash. She is still being weaned off of it but it really has helped her.
Sorry to go off on that tangent, but I'm happy this drug has had such good effects on Buddy like it did for my mother!
I know how upsetting it was to watch those neuro symptoms and here he is running around and after those lizards and birds!! YAY! :D
Buddy-the mighty lizard hunter and bird alert expert!! heehee :D
I'll keep my fingers crossed for good news about your car!:rolleyes:
Barbara

Oh no Kathy! What is with these dang cars lately. :( Do you have good public transportation in your area?
I like your good news though. Way to go Buddy. You are doing so excellent with him. wooot wooot!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi Kathy,
I've read most of your thread (sorry not all due to size) but I am so sorry to hear about the tumor. Doc had a macro adenoma (pituitary tumor verified by MRI). We chose to do the stereotactic radiation (we did 5 times) and we have had tremendous success in shrinking the tumor. After the radiation they put him on prednisone to reduce swelling that the radiation would cause. It worked extremely well for Doc and really it did not make the cushings symptoms any worse in the long run, but he seemed to improve right away. (He had increased peeing and drinking the first few days, but that subsided as his system got used to the pred). However, when we were talking about all of our options, we talked about what we would do if we did not pursue radiation treatment. They (UF) recommended the prednisone, but also Chinese herbs for cancer (contains mushrooms, milk thistle, etc.) along with Stasis Mansion of the Mind. I know that it is considered "alternative" but the neurologist at UF told me that is what he would do for his dog if radiation was not an option. I can't tell they work for sure, but they seemed to help immediately (in the interim time between diagnosis and radiation treatment). I still have him on them.

Basically, I just want you to know that I'm so sorry you are going through this! I also wanted to answer your question about prednisone. It was a miracle drug for Doc so I think you are doing the right thing. As for the Chinese herbs, I just wanted you to be aware of them. You and Buddy are in my prayers.
Jessica and Doc