New Member - Dog just Diagnosed

[DThalasitis]

My name is Deb and I am here with Doby, an 11 1/2 year old white shepherd/akitka mix (a giant breed; normal weight is 115). He started with increased panting and thirst this past summer, but we are in Arizona (the mountains, but still hot), and he's always panted. The Vet wanted to do the two pronged blood test for Cushing's and his initial numbers came back 6 before the Cortisol and 22 after the Cortisol. They started him on 60 mg of Vetroyl once in AM (he weighs 100 lbs) and Marvels two tablets twice a day. He's developed significant diarrhea. We have relocated to Tucson and his new Vet advised us to stop the Vetroyl for a few days and see if diarrhea improves. It has not. We are now titrating back on the Marvels--new Vet's second step. We are restarting the Vetroyl at 30 MG one time per day on Sunday (he hasn't had any Thurs, Fri or Sat)/ The new Vet feels like his initial dose of Vetroyl is super high. When he was tested after being on the Vetroyl for a month, his pre cortisol number was 1 and post was 6. I am wondering if the Marvels really do any good and if they could be causing the diarrhea. I also read your article about dosing Vetroyl for large dogs and shared it with the new Vet. Doby is also losing clumps of hair since he started the medications and has a lot of skin flaking. He also has a tumor on his heart (non-malignant--has not grown, which was DX when he was 5 years old). We know, as a giant breed, his days are numbered, but we want to be sure he stays as comfortable as possible. He still hikes a mile to a mile and a half every day and goes for an additional walk as his second walk. He's got a lot of pep in him for an old giant dog.

[labblab]

Hello Deb, and welcome to you and Doby. Thank you so much for all the introductory info that you’ve already supplied, and I apologize in advance for pestering you with additional questions. But it’ll help guide our path forward if we get a few more answers.

First, in addition to the diagnostic blood test that your first vet performed, do you know whether Doby has exhibited abnormal readings on any other blood or urine panels? It sounds as though your first vet performed an ACTH stimulation test, and if so (and depending on which lab analyzed the result), a post-ACTH result of 22 is generally a “borderline” result between normal and a likely Cushing’s diagnosis. So I’m wondering whether Doby exhibits other lab abnormalities that are also consistent with Cushing’s. If so, this would make me feel more comfortable that the Cushing’s diagnosis is actually accurate. For instance, Cushpups typically exhibit elevated liver readings (ALP, ALT), and their urine is very dilute. In addition to increased thirst, does Doby also pee excessively? How about his appetite— Cushpups typically exhibit excessive hunger as well as excessive thirst. Aside from increased thirst and panting (and the new hair loss/skin flaking) are there any other outward symptoms that you are noticing?

Leaping ahead, though, if we assume the Cushing’s diagnosis is indeed accurate, I’m very glad that his Vetoryl dose will be reduced. However, I’d personally feel more comfortable if you wait until his diarrhea has resolved to resume the Vetoryl at any dose. I’m not familiar with Marvel medication, and have not heard of it being prescribed as a treatment for Cushing’s. From a quick Google search, it looks to be an herbal supplement, and like you, I’d worry that it may be the cause of the diarrhea. So if it was me, I’d want Doby to be completely off the Marvel and also to see if his diarrhea resolves before restarting the Vetoryl. That way, you’d have a clean slate with which to judge any future ill effects from Vetoryl treatment itself. But bear in mind that I’m not a vet, and these are just suggestions that I’d make from my experience here.

I’ll go ahead and close for now. But once again, we’re so glad you’ve found us. And we look forward to learning more about your sweet boy.

Marianne

[judymaggie]

Welcome! I am so glad you have found this group to help guide you with Doby's issues. There are many members who have extensive experience and knowledge with both diagnosis and treatment of Cushing's. I am here with my third Cushing's beagle and have relied on everyone for support and guidance. Be sure to share all those little details that you think might not be important. Looking forward to hearing more about Doby!