Lucygoo - Pit. macroadenoma, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, trans-oral approach

[lucygoo]

Hi everyone...
I brought Lucy to the vet today, since she still hasn't eaten, even though she's been off trilo since sunday, and the water consumption is way up again, as well as the urination. So they checked her electrolytes, said everything is really good, although she was a little dehydrated, so they gave her fluids, which perked her up, gave her something for her stomach, and sent me home with baby food for her to eat tonight, as she's having a fasting sonogram tomorrow. She licked at the baby food a bit, but still seems really hungry, so I gave her some pieces of chicken breast, and she liked that. That's the disturbing thing....she seems hungry, and wants something to eat, but then doesn't.
The vet I have is very experienced w/cushings and I trust her completely....she saw lucy today in the middle of doing surgeries all day herself...and took the time to call her friend in the endocrinology dpt. at USC about Lucy. (Apparently loss of appetite with dogs on trilo is not all that uncommon, and it's not always because of too low cortisol levels.) She showed me her electryolyte tests today, and explained why prednisone won't help at this point, but I'm so exhausted I can't remember why.

I forgot to get what her last ACTH stim results were in Feb, but they were in line with when I posted on the cushings' forum about a year ago, and everyone said they were great.

She's concerned about the slight cognitive changes as well, so we're taking it one step at a time right now. She wants to get her eating again so we can get her back on trilo and do another stim test. She said this could be as simple as pancreatitis...I hope that's all it is, although she's not vomiting at all, but does have slight diarrhea.

Here we go again....I'm going through all this again when she was first diagnosed. They explained how expensive everything was going to be again today, and asked me what I wanted to do...fortunately I'm able to afford this, but I told them I don't want her to suffer needlessly.....I'm so focused on her now. I guess we'll see what the results of the sonogram are tomorrow and go from there.

Thank you all so much for your kind thoughts and advice. I can't tell you how much it's helped me. I don't have any kids of my own, so she's my baby. I'll keep you posted as soon as I know more after the sonogram....Thanks Gina

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Gina,

Sounds like your vet is on top of things for Lucy and I am glad to know that. She is correct in that appetite loss seems to be fairly common in Trilo pups, that is what I have seen anyway and it's good to hear a professional feels the same way. Maybe a smidgen of my mind is left!

Do let us know what you learn from the sonogram and how Lucy is progressing.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls

[Roxee's Dad]

Hi Gina,
I am a fairly new Trilo user dad. Roxee had a huge appetite, when the trilo kicked in, her appetite diminished. Then it got to the point that she would turn her nose up at food. Especially if it was bland.

She was still hungry and we figured out she will only eat what smells good to her. So even today, we have to mix soft food with her treats.

Treats are a home made recipe made by Roxee's mom. We got so tired of all the scares and recalls and lousy ingredients that she decided to make her own. I don't know the recipe but it contains organic ground chicken, some veggies and fruits. But it's kind of bland tasting (yeah, I ate one to check it out) so for Roxee we mix it with some smelly dog food. Trying to keep weight on her. The other 3 pups will eat just about anything

Hope all went at the vet and you get this all figured out.
Belly rubs to Lucy.
John (Roxee's Dad)

[lucygoo]

Hi everyone...

Well, I guess it's good news and bad for Lucy...her ultrasound looked great, they showed me everything, her cortisol is definitely high again, so we have to start her on trilo again...we're starting just 60mg a day now....but she still won't eat! Even chicken! It's like she starts to and then forgets what she's doing and walks away. If I hand feed her she'll eat it to a point. The vet's definitely worried that something's growing in her head. She's sending me to a specialist in West L.A. I don't know what to do at this point. I'm going to go see the specialist, but what if he wants to do an MRI? I hate to subject her to any more of this shit, you know? Her weight is down to 45 lbs now, down from an all time high of almost 80. Sometimes I think she's trying to starve herself to death....and me in the process!

Anyway, thanks to all for listening....and if anyone has any advice on the appetite thing, I'd appreciate it. I've tried every kind of food you can imagine, I think. Take care, Gina

[Roxee's Dad]

Hi Gina,
I know there is some kind of high protein paste that is available to help with pups that won't eat and keep losing weight. When I had to use it for our Chainsaw (yes, that was our pups name back in the 80's, we called her Chainy for short) it came in a tube like toothpaste. it's really only for temporary use. Sorry I can't remember the name of it but Debbie mentioned it on cc.net so I can't go back and look it up.

Hoping and praying for the best for Lucy.
John (Roxee's Dad)

[lucygoo]

Hi John...thanks. I love the Chainsaw name. I'll try anything at this point. My fear though is that it's neurologic somehow. It's so disappointing because everything else looks so good on her ultrasound and blood tests...I was almost hoping it was some kind of pancreatitis or something. I'll keep my fingers crossed that she'll snap out of it...thanks again

Gina and Lucy...aka Goo

[SachiMom]

Hi Gina,
I'm sorry that Lucy is have an appetite problem. It can be quite worrisome. I think the "toothpaste" stuff that John was referring to is called NutriCal. Pups usually like it quite well. Another trick you might try is adding a bit of water from water-packed tuna to some chicken & rice. It is kinda smelly and keeps their attention!!!

I am not sure where you are located in So Cal, but I just want to pass on a place that I would highly recommend. Southern California Veterinary Referral Group in Irvine. In particular, Dr. Berry. Sachi was completely paralyzed and he performed a miracle that allowed her to walk again. He also treated another member's Rosey, but she had an irreversible genetic brain problem that she was born with and eventually took her. He was recommended by my vet, on whose dog he did surgery and he also has donated numerous hours to rescue groups. http://petsurgery.com/ You don't need a referral, you can make an appointment by yourself, just have copies of all the tests, etc that have been done.

One thing that was particularly helpful in Rosey's case, was that the owner video taped the worrisome behavior and was able to show the doctor, instead of just trying to describe it. An MRI is an expensive venture, so if you can get answers from a video. all the better.

And I fully understand the reluctance of putting Lucy through more tests. Sue, Zoe's mom, opted to not do an MRI. Recently I had opted to not do the MRI for Sachi as she had too many other things going on. It might have given me a definitive answer as to what was going on inside her brain, but it would not have been to her well being. Others have done the MRI and treated the tumor with radiation. So it is a big decision, but a personal one.

However, seeing a specialist is an excellent idea.
Just another thought. Even though the cortisol levels are high, it might be better to hold off on the trilostane until you see a specialist. Lucy might be having a reaction to the trilostane. And if she is only 45 lbs, it could be too much. Zoe weighed considerably more and if I recall, she could barely tolerate 30 mg. Each dog is different. Cortisol does its damage over a period of time, so holding off a bit wouldn't hurt. If trilostane is causing Lucy problems, being off since Sunday is not long enough to recoup. It could have upset her tummy and will take more time. Also, if they find that Lucy needs to switch to Lysodren, you will be ahead of the game by holding off.

Keep us posted.
Healing prayers for Lucy.
~ Mary Ann

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Gina,

I don't think I would give the Trilo again until this appetite thing is figured out and she is eating again. Trilo can take away the appetite and she certainly doesn't need that right now. Did your vet say anything about an appetite stimulant for Lucy? Has her mouth/throat been checked to be sure there isn't a problem there causing her not to eat?

The Nutical is great product. It will provide all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals she needs and most pups love the taste. Some other things you might try if you haven't - eggs, cooked or raw; cottage cheese; baked or boiled sweet potatoes; tripe; using the tuna juice or sardine juice over food; fresh grated Parmesan cheese over food; baby food that is just meat and broth; cook everything to a mush and put it in the blender so she doesn't have to chew anything; chicken broth only or broth and gooey rice. If I find any good suggestions, I'll pass them on. Meantime, that Nutrical will help her keep her strength.

Praying for the best,
Hugs,
Leslie and the girls

[lucygoo]

Hi All....
Thanks so much. I'll get the Nutri-cal today. Hopefully I can just buy it at the pet store. She still won't eat anything this morning. She ate some chicken pieces last night and some of that Natural Balance lamb roll, but only if I hand feed it to her. She won't eat it out of the dish..but this morning...nothing.
I'm in Los Angeles, Los Feliz/Hollywood area (by Griffith Park and the sign, if you're familiar with area) The specialist I was referred to is Dr. Bruyette, in West Los Angeles. My vet told me he's the best in the area, and you can even e-mail him any time you want. Who knows...maybe he's got some tricks up his sleeve.

I agree with you about not giving her the trilo yet, and my vet said only give it to her if she's eating. I don't consider the few pieces she's taking "eating" yet, but I am getting concerned about her water consumption. Had to get up twice last night to let her out.

Thanks everyone for your help,
Gina and Lucy

[Roxee's Dad]

Hi Gina,
I hope Lucy is or will be doing better soon. I was just checking and trying to find any test results that you may have posted. Maybe I missed it but did you get copies of Lucy's bloodtest and stim test? If yes, it would be great if you could post them.

I'm still trying to learn and absorb as much info as I can and test results are always helpfull.

Thanks, and keeping good thoughts and prayers for you and Lucy.
John (Roxee's Dad)