Chief - German Shepherd Dog, Passed Jan 29/16

[Chief]

Hi, My vet has given me a prescription for Trilostane (vetoryl) 120 mg. I am having trouble finding a pharmacy in Ontario Canada that carries it or can even order it in. Thanks. Cathy and Chiefy

[Squirt's Mom]

MODERATOR NOTE: I have merged your post about finding Vetoryl in Canada into Chief’s original thread. We normally like to keep all posts about each pup in a single thread as it makes it easier for members to refer back to the pup's history when needed. Thanks!

[molly muffin]

Usually a specialist can order it from a compounding pharmacy for you. Your vet should know one, if they don't call the local Vet ER, they should be able to point you to a compouding or online pharmacy.

We have another member in Canada, I don't know if she might be using Diamondback in the states. I think they ship to Canada.

Sharlene and molly muffin

[Junior's Mom]

I am in Ontario. I use Diamondback for my trilostane. They will not compound an amount too close to what is available as vetoryl, so you would have to change the dose somewhat if you want to use them. Your vet can fax the prescription. They are 1/2 the price of anywhere in Canada. I have it sent through the mail, as that is the cheapest shipping. It usually takes a couple of weeks.
Just make sure to stay on top of them processing your order. Twice now, they have forgotten to fill mine.
Tracey

[Chief]

Thanks. I have been in touch with Diamond back and just need to ask my vet to change the prescription if possible so that I can order more that one months supply at a time to keep shipping costs down.

Can anyone on here tell me what dosage they think a German Shepherd weighing 103lbs should be taking to start? There seems to be a difference of opinion between two vets.

I appreciate the help.

Cathy and Chief

[molly muffin]

Not over 1mg/1lb maximum to start.

What are the vets advocating?

Sharlene and molly muffin

[labblab]

Yes, if you are going to order a custom compounded dose, 100 mg. might be a good place to start. One word of caution, though, if you plan to order more than a 30-day supply: it is better to buy the drug in smaller dosage increments that can be added or subtracted in the likely event that the initial dose needs to be tweaked. Diamondback will compound the drug in capsule form and you cannot open the capsules and divide the contents. So starting out with 50 mg. capsules, for instance, might be a better way to order the drug. You can give two daily to begin with, but then add or subtract as the need arises.

Marianne

[Chief]

Vet says 240 mgs per day to start but I think that is too high for 103lbs. Perhaps half of that which would be 120 which is still over 1mg per lb. This vet is open for suggestions so this is not etched in stone.

Diamond back will also do a liquid version so increasing or decreasing amounts will be much easier. I do like the liquid version of metacam for that reason. Very easy to give a little less or more as needed and approved.

Anybody here used the liquid version from Diamond Back?

Thanks.

[Squirt's Mom]

Starting low helps lower risk of side effects. It easier to deal with increasing the dose than to deal with an over dose.

[labblab]

I would start at 100 mg. since 1mg. per pound is the starting dose now recommended by the manufacturer of brandname Vetoryl themselves, as well as many experienced specialists.

I think we may have at least one other member who is using liquid from Diamondback; hopefully they will stop by. I must be honest and tell you that, historically, our few members that used liquid formulations seemed to have more complaints about getting and keeping their dogs consistently regulated. I don't know whether that had to do with shorter shelf-life, or difficulty keeping the med evenly distributed within the suspension, or was just a coincidence and had absolutely nothing to do with it being in liquid form at all. But that was also prior to Diamondback coming onboard as a liquid supplier. Their general reputation is very good among our members, so if they say their liquid is as reliable as their capsules, then I'm hopeful they've done testing to establish that's the case. I would definitely make sure about specific instructions re: using the liquid, however, like should it be refrigerated, shaken before dosing, etc. And remember, no matter what form you give the trilostane, it must be dosed alongside a meal.

Marianne