10 Year old Westie/Pomerian Mix Diagnosed with Cushing

[molly muffin]

Those are good numbers for the monitoring test. Yay!! The range though is not correct for the post, when you are on trilostane (vetroyl) then it is like 1.8 up to 9. ug if the symptoms are controlled, and 5.0 if it isn't. So, really he isn't low at all on the post number. It's right where he needs to be.

Sharlene and molly muffin

[jetsdrog]

Brady continues to do well with his treatment plan. He has lost 1 and 1/2 pounds so far! We are very happy with his progress, his energy levels are way up.

[jas77450]

yeah'!!!!!!L

[molly muffin]

That is wonderful!! You're doing great!

hugs

[jetsdrog]

I forgot to post Brady's last ACTH results:

Coritsol Sample 1: Results 4.3, Reference Range: 1.0-5.0
Coritsol Sample 2: Results 6.0 (LOW) Reference Range: 8.0-17.0

[addy]

Not sure what that reference range is, perhaps this lab has a different range.

Normally those numbers would be fine as long as symptoms are controlled and it sounds like they are.

Good job!!!

[labblab]

That reference range refers to the expected "normals" for dogs without Cushing's when the ACTH is being used as a diagnostic test (instead of as a monitoring test after treatment has begun).

Marianne

[jetsdrog]

So we had a little set back in regards to Brady's latest ATCH test (I don't have a copy of the results yet), his levels were up and my vet was concerned and consulted with another vet. They decided to up his trilostane to 15 mg. We will be doing another ATCH test in two weeks. We have noticed some of the cushing symptons returning: hiding under the bed, increased panting and drinking, ravenous hunger. He did lose another 1/2 pound though which is good, he now weighs 23.4, I will post his numbers as soon as I pick up the test results.

[jetsdrog]

I haven't posted anything on this site for quite some time. My Brady (10 years old) has been using Vyterol (sp) for the past 3 years and his Cushings has been under control with a few minor medication adjustments over the years. We went to a new vet last month (his moved out of state) and his Alkaline Phosphate Liver enzyme was over 2000 the vet said over 200 is high, so his is off the charts. The vet took an x-ray and his liver is extremely large and his gall bladder is enlarged as well. The x-ray showed some crystallization, which could be from his gall bladder or liver. Next step is do an ultrasound and most likely a biopsy. The vet said that since his cushings has been controlled over the last 3 years that these test results are not normal. She consulted with a internal vet specialist. I was wondering if anyone in the group has had this happen to their cushing dog and what the diagnosis was. We are trying not to worry but it sure doesn't sound good to us. Sounds pretty serious. Thank you.

[labblab]

Welcome back to you and Brady, although I’m very sorry about these new worries. You’ll see that I’ve merged your new post into your original thread about Brady (and I’ve updated his age in the thread title, as well ;-).

Can you tell us what dose of Vetoryl he’s currently taking, as well as the results of the most recent monitoring test of his cortisol level? It’s been our experience here that even after being treated for Cushing’s, the Alk Phos level may never return back into normal range. It’s true that 2000 is elevated, but I’d wonder where that stands in relation to previous testing. Has it remained pretty consistent at that level for these past three years, or has it recently started rising even higher than it had been before?

I cannot argue with the value of performing an ultrasound in order to check things out. But if Brady is behaving normally and has not sprouted any visible symptoms of new illness, I do wander whether these findings are simply consistent with abnormalities that were caused by Cushing’s and have been present for quite some time. In other words, I’m thinking they may not be a new, sinister development. But the ultrasound should help provide additional clarity, and we’ll surely be anxious to learn what you find out.

Do keep us updated!
Marianne