Zoe By My Side- Our Journey with Cushings

Thank you Glynda, Sonja and new mom Marie:)

I needed to know so I don't look misinformed when I speak to the IMS. I never checked that trail because it never occurred to me to. My whole discussion with him, as stated to him directly, was about getting unbiased information. I think I see now the likelihood of that occuring for me is slim. The trail led to seeing Dechra sponsoring most of the Veterinary Conferences, including those where Dr. Peterson was a featured speaker. I just wished I had known prior to the consult. I would have asked different questions.

How much weight I allow that to have on our consultation and his recommendations has been a four hour discussion with hubby.

I know this may seem insignifcant to some but I have been misdiagnosed, overdosed and been given drugs with black box warnings. I am skittish and very wary of the medical community. I need to make my own decisions knowing that drug companies influence doctors.

We will proceed as planned but I may cancel IMS appointment and go directly to the new IMS. I will decide today with hubby.

Hugs,
Addy

Addy, my friend, I hope you are able to make a decision soon that you are comfortable with. With Zoe's cortisol level being so high, it would really help her if you could treat her.

Hang in there. I know we second guess ourselves as to what is the right thing to do. Sometimes the more information we get, the worse things seem to be.

(((HUGS)))

Addy -

So sorry to hear you are now second guessing the advice given by Dr. Peterson due to his connection with Dechra. I completely understand your worries about this. I looked at some of Dr. Peterson's articles and they don't seem to always favor Trilostane. http://animalhospitalofmtpocono.com/...20and%20Rx.pdf The manufactrurer of Lysodren is Bristol Myers, so they are not exclusively a veterinary company. Perhaps that is why there is no obvious connection with Dr. Peterson. It makes perfect sense to me for a Veterinary drug company to sponsor a veterinary conference, and also for one to ask a veterinary endocrinologist to speak about their product.

Is it possible you are overthinking this (something I do often!)? You seemed pretty confident in your decision a few days ago because the Trilostane would potentially be easier on Zoe's colitis. If it is only the connection with Dechra, for what it's worth, I don't think that is a big issue. I think it is natural for one of the top canine endocrinologists in the country to be quoted by Dechra.

Hope you were able to relax a bit this weekend!

I am not rethinking our decision. Hubby and I have alreay waded through those waters last night. We are going forward to treat her, we really can't wait any longer.

The only thing we are rethinking is to go our current IMS and tell her of our consultation with Dr. Peterson or cancel that appointment and schedule with the new IMS who uses the drug which we may have to do anyway because she may say she will not treat Zoe with Trilostane. I may be pushing her outside of her comfort level.

But what I did not want was to go to her and tell her of the consultation and me not know all the facts and have her enlighten me to them. Meaning, I did not want her rebuttal to be the connection with Dechra. I did not want to hear that from her, which is why I needed to know prior.

It is hard to explain. My husband's family are all doctors. It is hard for me to explain here.

Love,
Addy

I think I understand...I've heard that dismissive tone before from a vet/dr. when you bring up something that is not necessarily what they have suggested. Tough decision...stick to someone you know who doesn't seem to be comfortable with Trilostane or start over with someone new. There are so many things to consider it makes your head spin, doesn't it?

I know you'll make the right decision for Zoe...seems like you always do!

Dear Addy
My heart goes out to you. Listen to what your instincts tell you. I agree about the medical community, often times it is black and white, they forget about the grey area. If I had listened to doctors , I would be on 4 medications. That was 15 years ago and I am not on any and I am still here.
No matter who you choose for Zoe , they should be aware of all the options available and be willing to work with you on what you decide.
Hugs Sonja and Apollo

Thank you Mary Beth and Sonja,

I am just tired and my mind is racing so it is sometimes hard for me to explain my thoughts. Her groomer is bothering me about her rabies waiver, it is expired, not sure if IMS will take care of that, her holistic vet did last year. I have not seen her for a year.:o

She needs her flagyl script refilled and am trying to take care of that today with IMS in case I have to cut her lose tomorrow:rolleyes:
Have not heard back yet.:rolleyes:

I have to straighten out the treatment issues with IMS tomorrow or call immediately to new IMS for appointment this week.

She had been walking like a drunken sailor again last week so have had to cut back a bit on the flagyl to see if it helps. It did last Christmas but i am taking a chance with treatment starting.

In the mean time I am beginning to think Koko may have a UTI and his gums have been a bit sticky off and on. I have been making his Embark soupier but I still see the sticky gums sometimes.

It all makes my mind go really fast sometimes and I can't write it all down in a cohesive way.:o I get impatient with myself.;):o

All this strategy planning wears a person out:rolleyes:;):p

Hugs,
Addy

Slow down Addy and take a deep breath. Step away from everything for a short time. You're burning yourself out. I know you're doing everything you can possibly do, and you will do what's best for Zoe and KoKo.

There always seems do be something new that pops up. You'll get through this.

(((HUGS)))

I second Terri! :D

What THEY said!