If a dog is vomiting or sick, not feeling well, then with hold the vetroyl.
With vomiting, diarrhea, these are common signs of too low of cortisol. Also, did they mention pancrease episode possibly?
Is there any way at all to get an ultrasound if needed? If this is a possibility both location and financially, then I would probably go for it.
Did they do the ACTH or are they just not giving you the results yet? It is very important that an ACTH be done due to the symptoms Bella is currently experiencing. Electrolytes also.
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Sharlene and the late great diva - Molly muffin (always missed and never forgotten)
Stop the Vertoryl.
Valerie
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❤ ♥
Daisy Bella
"My sunshine doesn't come from the skies, it comes from the love in my dog's eyes." - Author Unknown
So we'll all be on the same page regarding Bella's dosing, 8 kg. equals approximately 18 pounds. So at 80 mg. of Vetoryl daily, this equals a formula of 10 mg. per kg. (Dechra recommends an initial range of 2.2 - 6.7 mg. per kg.), or 4.4 mg. per pound (Dechra recommends an initial range of 1 - 3 mg. per pound).
So it is a higher dose than we are accustomed to, but whether or not it has been appropriate really depends upon the results of the previous monitoring ACTH testing during this past year that she's been taking the drug. We'd surely be interested in the actual numerical test results, though.
First things first, though, and I definitely agree that Bella needs to be seen by the vet and her Vetoryl withheld for the moment. But if her cortisol was actually too high last week, it seems to me that you really do have to wonder about pancreatitis as being more likely than low cortisol, though. Just want to warn you that a specialized blood test (cPL) is really necessary to rule out pancreatitis. My own dog is living proof that lipase and amylase may appear normal on lab results even in the midst of an acute pancreatic attack.
Marianne
Last edited by labblab; 12-29-2013 at 07:29 AM. Reason: To add.
Happy new year
We took Bella back to the vet as mentioned and she was given maxalon shot to help settle her stomach. Took her home and was back to her happy self again. I wonder if the vomiting and diaherra can be stress related as she typically does this after a visit / overnight stay? The vet on didn't seem to think so, but normal vet agrees with us when she's stress and come homes she 'sick' again.
It's a public holiday here today, but will call the vets in the morning as to what to do regarding vetroyl and try to get copies of the last ACTH test. At this stage yes she is still on it as we are doing what we were told by the vet.
The past week or so Bella has been very itchy, we gave her a soothing bath yesterday but has not helped 100%, is this the cortisol levels playing up?
Hope everyone has a safe and happy new year
Proud mum of two Miniture Dachshunds Bella and Frankie and a cat Grey
Ok got the last ACTH test
0-94
1-194
Still looking for orginal ACTH test will post when find
Proud mum of two Miniture Dachshunds Bella and Frankie and a cat Grey
Okay I am guessing that this is in nmol? is that correct? And do you have the dates for each test?
converting to ug/which most here are use to viewing, it would be as follows
1st ACTH
pre - 100nmol (3.62 ug)
post -714nmol (25.87ug)
2nd ACTH
pre - 94noml (3.4 ug)
post - 194nmol (7.03ug)
If this is correct, and please verify that the unit is nmol and the dates, then this is on the right track. Dechra says that results if symptoms are controlled can be up to 9.0ug, if not controlled then to bring the post number to under 5.4ug.
How is Bella now? Is she still itchy? Any more vomiting or diarhea?
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Sharlene and the late great diva - Molly muffin (always missed and never forgotten)
Hi,
Sorry I don't know how to convert for US .
The 1st ACTH with the result 714nmol was at first diagnosis 28 August 2012.
2nd one of 194nmol was 13 December 2013.
I did look at previous results when all was being controlled and the post was around 52nmol which vet told me is excellent control so being on the same dosage doesn't always remain the same .
Yes, Bella is still extremely itchy, thankfully no diaherra or vomiting . we have another ACTH test booked for tomorrow as the specialist from the lab wanted to double Bella's medications and I am wary of doing that as last time we went to 65mg twice daily, Bella got really sick.
Fingers cross her levels are back to 'normal' tomorrow
Proud mum of two Miniture Dachshunds Bella and Frankie and a cat Grey