Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

It sounds like you are beginning to find a little peace. ;) I know it took me a while to get there as well.
It makes things so much easier with a little less stress off the shoulders.

Patti,

That all sounds good so far! Let's hope it is not a macro and all your worrying about that has been for nothing. That is great that you have your vet's cell phone number in case of emergency! I am sure that is a huge relief for you. Tipper sounds so much like my Alivia! Her doctors always comment on how sweet and well behaved she is and say she is unlike most JRTs. Her IMS says she'd get a JRT if she could get one just like Ali. My Maxwell, on the other hand, is as sweet as can be at home, but can be a handful when I take him anywhere. Ali is always good. There is something about her soulful eyes and beautiful gentle spirit that makes her really special. I think you know exactly what I mean because it sounds as if Tipper is the same.

Anyway, so happy to see you had a good visit and some good news!

MBK:
Thank you for the kindness you always show me. These JRT's are a special breed, and the bond I have with my Tipper is deep. This disease has taken part of my soul, but I will get up every day and fight the fight with my precious girl. I hope Alivia continues to due well, and that maybe she could become symptom free again. The people on this forum all deserve an award for the way they hang in there and battle this disease. God only knows it is not easy!

Hi Everyone:
Hope you are all well, and that your babies continue to improve. It is getting cold here in the North East, and I am glad. Tipper was having a hard time at the end of the summer dealing with the heat. I did read this disease makes them heat sensitive. She had a wonderful walk yesterday, played with her toys, and had an over all good day. Tipper always slept in bed with me, right next to me with her head on the pillow like a person. When she first started with the symptoms, she would go and sleep in her crate. Maybe it was too hot in the bed. I am happy to announce she came to bed last night, and snuggled up right beside me like old times. I was so happy I cried. I never want the feeling of her warmth, and to go away. I continue to pray that she stays on the path she is on, and all goes well. Could anyone tell me the answer to this. Will she stay on the 10mg 2x a day forever- or does this turn into some kind of maintenance dose where it is not given as often- I have seen people talking about this, and don't understand it fully. Thank you all in advance for your help. I am enjoying every second I have with Tipper. It is a blessing that I found this forum, you have all been so helpful and uplifting.

Hi,

So glad to hear that Tipper is back in bed! :) I understand what that means to you because my Squirt did the same thing and it was sooo nice when she wanted back in the bed.

The two drugs used to treat Cushing's work differently and are used differently. The two drugs are Vetoryl (Trilostane) and Mitotane (Lysodren).

The drug Tipper is on, Vetoryl (Trilostane), will be given every day for the rest of her life. The dose will more than likely have to be changed as time passes - this seems to be inherent with this drug...the dose does not remain consistent over time and the pup will probably need a higher or lower dose. With each dose change, an ACTH has to be performed.

With Mitotane (Lysodren), the other choice, the pup goes through what is called a loading phase in which the drug is given twice a day for a short period of time, then there is a short waiting period, and then the pup goes on what is called a maintenance dose that is given 2-4 times a week, not daily. Lysodren seems to require less dose adjustment and therefore less testing.

So this is why you see folks talking about differing dosing schedules - they are using Lysodren, not Trilostane like Tipper.

Hope that helps you understand the difference but if not, keep hollering! :D

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Leslie:
Thank you so much now I understand the difference. There are just so many things that come up that I would be lost without this forum!

Hello everyone:
It's about that time, that I ask another question!! Tipper takes a split dose of Vetoryl, 10mg morning, 10mg night. For about the last three weeks I noticed when she is sleeping, that she is twitching, her flesh is like rippling on her side, and her leg jerks. I called the 800 # and the rep. at Vetoryl said it is not the medication. Since my Vet is not real well versed on Cushings I am asking you guys what it could be. She does not do this during the day that I have seen. I think I read something about tremors somewhere??? I would appreciate your input on this. Thank you as always. Hope all the babies are having a good day.

I'm very surprised that the rep you spoke with at Dechra said it isn't the drug. Muscle tremors are absolutely a side effect of Vetoryl so the rep is either ignorant of the drug he's supposed know about or he is splitting hairs and defining muscle tics and tremors as two different involuntary muscle movement. We have had many members report that their dogs have muscle tremors/tics, primarily when they are at rest.

HA! I did the same thing...I didn't envision twitches and rippling looking the same as tremors. Twitches and rippling looking like a horse with a fly; tremors looking like weak muscles. :o

lulusmom:
Thank you for confirming my suspicion. I thought it was rather funny that the person I spoke to said Vetoryl does not cause this. Tipper never did this until she went on the Vetoryl. Is there any harm from these tics and tremors? Sometimes when she does it really bad I shake her and wake her up, as it scares me to death. I am wondering if inexperienced people are fielding these calls at Dechra? Otherwise why would someone (Theresa) tell me it was not from the drug? If others are experiencing this, I am surely not the only one who called it in to them!! I don't know what to make of this, as during the call I asked her if the cold weather would affect her circulation or anything else while on this drug, and she said no. Tipper is a walker and loves winter. I never leave her outdoors, but we can be out there in very cold weather for 30-40 minutes walking. To deprive her of this would kill her as when she sees snow, she wants out in it. Is anyone able to address this question? Now I am not trusting in what I am being told by Dechra, and that is not good.