Re: How long should it take for the Vetroryl to reduce the symptoms?
Hi and welcome to you and Buddy!
First I am going to ask a few questions - what dose of Vetoryl is Buddy taking?
What were the results of that 2 week ACTH?
There were no changes in his appetite, no hair loss or failure of hair to regrow if shaved? Any panting for no reason or pot belly?
What tests were done to determine he has Cushing's? Would you please get copies of those test(s) and share the results with us? That will help us give you more meaningful feedback. Include any testing that shows things like BUN, CHOL, ALT, etc. - btw it is unusual that all the results in this test will be normal in a dog with Cushing's so your comment that all other tests were normal is bit concerning to me.
Does Buddy have any other health issues that you are aware of?
Is he taking any other medications and if so, for what?
The more you can tell us about your sweet boy the better we can help. We LOVE details so don't be shy!
As for when to give the med, mornings are best unless his vet can see him at night. The ACTH must be given 4-6 hours after the pill has been given. The pill MUST be given with a meal, not a snack, a meal. If your vet tells you to fast Buddy for the ACTH then that test will not be valid and can put him at risk so never ever fast him for the ACTH. If his vet questions that tell them to contact Dechra, the manufacturer.
As for how it takes to see improvements, some are almost immediate and some take time...and some never completely resolve in some dogs. The drinking and appetite are usually pretty fast in most pups while the return of muscle mass can take a long time in some dogs. Time is the best thing to see resolution of the signs...time, an accurate diagnosis, and the correct dose of medication is what is needed to see improvements. A caution - do NOT restrict his water. A cush pup doesn't pee so much because they drink a lot - it is just the opposite. They drink so much because they are going to pee a lot regardless. Restricting water will cause them to quickly dehydrate so don't withhold or restrict water. Look into a belly band if he is having accidents but make sure he always has plenty of fresh water available.
I'm glad you found us and look forward to learning more soon!
Hugs,
Leslie
"May you know that absence is full of tender presence and that nothing is ever lost or forgotten." John O'Donahue, "Eternal Echoes"
Death is not a changing of worlds as most imagine, as much as the walls of this world infinitely expanding.