Recent diagnosis; lab test recheck and dosage change

[labblab]

Hello and welcome back to you and Bean! As far as additional bloodwork, we’ve been told it is always a good idea to have a basic blood chemistry panel performed alongside monitoring ACTH tests for dogs taking Vetoryl. This is because, in addition to lowering cortisol, Vetoryl can also lower the production of another adrenal hormone named aldosterone. Aldosterone controls the balance of sodium and potassium in the body. If the aldosterone level gets too out of whack, then the sodium/potassium balance can be thrown off as well. This can cause Addisonian problems. So it’s a good idea to run a basic blood chemistry panel that includes sodium and potassium.

As far as Bean’s February ACTH results, I believe this was after you had increased his dose to 10 mg. in the morning and 5 mg. in the evening. If next week’s results are similar, I do believe you could consider increasing his dose again since he still suffers from some unresolved symptoms.

The desired therapeutic post-ACTh reference range for a dog being treated with Vetoryl is 1.45 ug/dl - 5.4 ug/dl, going as high as 9.1 ug/dl if clinical symptoms are resolved. The range that’s listed on your labsheet is the diagnostic range that’s given for a normal dog without the disease. So in Bean’s case, the goal is different than the numbers on that sheet, and another dosing increase may be reasonable if he’s still having symptoms and his cortisol level remains at the level that it was back in February.

Definitely let us know what you find out next week, OK?
Marianne

[TheBean]

Thanks so much Marianne. That is very helpful. As much as I try to read everything I can on cushings, it is somewhat confusing at times regarding these details. Thank you for taking the time to respond and help!

[TheBean]

The Bean had his bloodwork and I am attaching the results. The chemistry looks out of normal range in several areas. Hematology- less things appear out of normal range. It's still greek to me, and is frustrating as I struggle to help the Bean. As I learn more about cushings, I hope to be able to better understand and recognize what things are most important to understanding this disease and the impacts it (or the trilostane) may be having on his health and well-being. Thanks for your continued input as we move forward. Attaching the bloodwork once i figure out how to upload photos. The ACTH is scheduled for next week. Have a good weekend. And thank you.

Lab results:


https://www.k9cushings.com/forum/att...9&d=1714195277

[labblab]

Thank you so much for giving us all these test results! I apologize that I haven’t yet had the chance to look things over in detail. But I’m having some extensive yard work done this week and my mind is swimming with all the decisions. I’m cringing right now as I see the crew digging trenches through my nest of underground cables — hopefully I’ll still have live internet by the end of the day………………

Anyway, I *will* return, but in the meantime wanted to thank you for giving us this info.

Marianne