Bailey, 14 yrs. (5 years of successful treatment w/Trilostane)

[zoesmom]

Thank you for sharing Bailey's story with us. I wish there were something I could say to make your loss easier, but I know there really isn't. I lost my Zoe girl two months ago, after 4 years on trilostane. So she and your Bailey are both testament to the fact that trilo is an effective drug against cushings. Hope you'll come back and tell us more about Bailey. Sue

[Escondido]

I can't tell you all how much your notes have meant to me and have been helping me get through this rough time. Some of you have asked if I would share a little about Bailey, so I'll give it a try..He was a mixed breed (Austrailan Cattle Dog/Miniature bull terrier). He became a part of our family when he was 9 weeks old back in 1996. He had a really engaging personality and was really inquisitive and intelligent. When he was 9 he began to have the symptoms of Cushings (excessive thirst, frequent urination, fur loss). Our regular Vet referred us to a specialist (California Veterinary Specialits) here in San Diego County who confirmed he had Cushings. The vet there recommended Trilostane which was a relief to me...I had been researching treatments and that seemed like the one for us. So from 2005 until 2009, we imported Vetoryl from Masters International in England. Then last year when importing was no longer allowed, we got Trilostane compounded from a pharmacy in Arizona. Bailey did really well on Vetoryl/Trilostaneright from the beginning..within the first 3 days of starting to take it, he had a dramatic improvement. So we were able to pretty much keep things manageable for him over the past 5 years with Vetoryl. Towards the last six months, he started having a little trouble again with leakage when he was sleeping, but nothing like prior to being diagnosed.

A few years ago he also started to develop some lumps and bumps but our regular vet felt that that were fatty tumors and not to worry about them. It wasn't until we took Bailey for his most recent ACTH test at the specialist about 3 weeks ago, that they felt he also had lymphoma. Unfortunately, right after that visit, he went into a rapid decline. His back legs started to fail him, he spent more time lying down, needed help getting his back end up, and he began to tremble which we found out was an indication of pain, although he never cried as if in pain. As difficult as it was, we knew the time had come to spare him any more pain and put him down. We contacted a Vet that comes to your home (www.peacefulpassingpets.com) and spared him the ordeal of going to the Vet's office (he really hated going to the Vet). Doing this in our home also allowed our other dog, Sheila, who is 12 years old, to see/sniff Bailey after he was put down. Some vets say that it helps the surviving dog to do that...others say not really. In her case, I do think it helped her.

I have to say that the hardest part of all of this is seeing reminders of Bailey everywhere we turn. I know eventually we'll be able to remember him with smiles instead of tears, but right now, it just hurts because we miss him so much. - Joyce

[Lulu's Dad]

I can imagine the loss you and your family are going through with Bailey's crossing over, but Bailey is in a good place now.
It is commendable that Trilo bought his 5 years and I am so glad you acknowledged that for all the other Pups that have been recently diagonalized and are on Thrilo. This forum has been like a family to me since my Lulu was diagonalized last year and we all feel for you deeply.
Do keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Lulu's Dad

[Harley PoMMom]

Oh Joyce,

I realize that this was very painful to do and we are honored that you have chosen to tell us more about Bailey. From the pictures in your album I see Bailey was indeed a beautiful and handsome boy. And one can tell from your posts that you love Bailey very deeply.

We have an adage here that is very true: "The release from pain is theirs only when we choose to make the pain ours." It takes deep love, devotion and courage to let them go because we know of the terrible pain we are facing from the loss of our best friend.

We are here for you, Joyce. We are here to offer you comfort and support as you mourn his loss. We understand your pain so please do not hestitate to reach out to us, ok.

Love and (((hugs)))
Lori