Using Vetoryl on 6 year old Sheltie

[shelties4ever]

You know, the vet never talked about Bonnie's thyroid levels. I have sent her an email, to ask her to explain those results to me.
Thanks for the heads up.

[labblab]

I'm glad you'll be asking about that. Your vet may decide it is worthwhile to pursue another round of more extensive blood testing that may give you an indication as to whether the low thyroid response is a primary problem in its own right, or whether it is secondary to another endocrinological problem such as Cushing's. If it is the former, you'll probably want to go ahead and treat. If it's the latter, successful control of the Cushing's may normalize the low thyroid function as well. That may be what your vet is assuming right now, and may be the reason why she hasn't discussed it with you. But it will be good to know for certain as to what your vet is thinking.

Marianne

[shelties4ever]

Bonnie has had her ultrasound and both adrenal glands were slightly enlarged, so looks like pituitary cushings. The scan also showed an enlarged gallbladder with possible immature mucocele. Vet prescribed 425 mg denamarin 1x per day, 0.3 mg thyrozine 2x per day, 30mg vetoryl 1x per day, (vet wanted to start at 40mg, but he listened to my concerns and the fact that Bonnie has no appetite and has been losing weight, now 32 pounds (lost 5 pounds in 2 months ). She has been on medications for past two days and seems fine. Enjoys her walks, but still no appetite. Only enjoys chicken jerky (made in the U S) and my dry corn cereal. Tried poached chicken,eggs, pumpkin, steak.....any suggestions would be appreciated!

[molly muffin]

The gall bladder could be affecting her appetite and if it is even a small mucocele, then perhaps she should be on medication to get that cleared up. It can also affect the ALKP numbers, making them soar.
Just a thought you might want to talk over with your vet.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[shelties4ever]

The Denamarin has been prescribed to help break down the mucocele. Are there other supplements that would be helpful to the health of the gallbladder?
Thanks for your imput.

[goldengirl88]

My Tipper and my cat both have gallbladder sludge which can form stones. They are both on Ursodiol, it is expensive, but it works. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

We have another dog on the forum with the same issue and she is on Ursodiol too.

Sharlene and Molly muffin

[lulusmom]

Hi and a belated welcome to you and Bonnie.

Canine Canine cushing's is difficult to diagnose and it is one of the most misdiagnosed. Based on Bonnie's breeding and the information you have provided, my very non-veterinary professional gut tells me that her cushing's diagnosis should be questioned.

Shelties are the number one breed mentioned as being predisposed in everything I've ever read about mucoceles. They are also at the top of the list of breeds predisposed to hypothyroidism. Conversely, they are not a breed we usually see here or read about as being predisposed to cushing's. Mucoceles are linked to cushing's but they are also linked to hypothyroidsm and inflammatory bowel disease.

In my layperson's opinion, Bonnie's symptoms, as well as the lab abnormalities point more to the profile of a dog with low thyroid and mucoceles than a dog with cushing's. As for the adrenal enlargement on the ultrasound, not all dogs with enlarged adrenal glands have cushing's. Any chronic disease can put great stress on the body and the adrenal glands respond to that stress by dumping cortisol and other adrenal hormones. Constant stress creates hyperadrenal activity, which enlarges the adrenal glands.

If Bonnie were my dog, I would absolutely not feel comfortable with starting treatment for Cushing's but would want to get Bonnie on Ursodiol and possible thyroid supplementation. If you can afford it, I would highly recommend that you have Bonnie seen by an internal medicine specialist and let him/her reconfirm the cushing's diagnosis before starting treatment with Vetoryl (Trilostane).

Glynda

[shelties4ever]

Thanks for your feedback. I will be putting Bonnie on ursodiol next week. I have a talked to two other vets (none of them internal specialists) and they all think bonnie has cushings. I will see what happens with the 14 day blood work check on Dec. 5th, and mention your post to them.

[shelties4ever]

The web site Dr. Foster and Smith sell ursodiol in 300mg formulation. Has anyone bought this product from them and any advise for the dosage of a 32 pound dog?