Buddy, The Mighty Lizard Hunter - Suspected Pituitary Macro Tumor

[molly muffin]

Loopy Pet Parents

We usually try not to round them up and just let them run wild for a bit. They always seem to show up for dinner.

Putting oatmeal in the dog bowl is no worse than pouring ice tea into your coffee instead of milk. (I've done that, also poured orange juice into the coffee, mornings are not my best time obviously)

So did Buddy end up having oatmeal for breakfast?

Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[labblab]

Well, the good news is that we can cross toads off your list of worries!

I just thought to mention it because we do have toads around our yard, and I've started to wonder whether they may be causing some problems for us. Both my girls have had weird episodes of excessive drooling, and one night Luna started pawing madly at her mouth before her head swelled up in an extreme allergic reaction.

The toads may have nothing to do with it, but I've tried to clear away some of the gutter troughs and other areas in our yard where they like to hang out to stay cool and moist. We do have a few small lizards around here, too, but they are way too quick for my girls who seem almost hypnotized when they see them! Maybe it's the difference between a retriever and a terrier -- my Lab girls look like they're wondering, "And exactly where am I supposed to carry that thing????"

Marianne

[Budsters Mom]

Marianne,
I have some questions about the ACTH test numbers. Buddy had his first ACTH since starting Trilostane on 4-9-13. To refresh your memory, I waited a week longer than the standard time because I was dosing him on an empty stomach per vet's instructions. I dosed him properly for a week before his ACTH.

His numbers were 8.4 ug/do. Pre draw
15.2. Post draw
No changes were made in medication.

His second act was done yesterday on 5/18/13. 39 days after his last ACTH test.

I picked up a copy of Buddy's last ACTH Test when I was the vet yesterday. What confuses me is the reference range given by the lab.
I assume these numbers are what they consider to be normal levels?

Canine
2 - 6 Pre- ACTH (resting cortisol)
6 - 18 Post -ACTH Cortisol
I thought we were targeting 9.1 or below??

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I should have his new numbers tomorrow. Thank you,

Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy

[Harley PoMMom]

I assume these numbers are what they consider to be normal levels?

Canine
2 - 6 Pre- ACTH (resting cortisol)
6 - 18 Post -ACTH Cortisol
I thought we were targeting 9.1 or below??

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I should have his new numbers tomorrow. Thank you,

Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy

Not Marianne, just me!! I can help you with that, those reference ranges (2-6 & 6-18) are for a dog that does NOT have Cushing's disease.

You are correct in that you want Buddy's post number to be between 1.5 ugdl - 5.4 ug/dl, with a post as high as 9.1 ug/dl if clinical symptoms are controlled.

[Budsters Mom]

Thank you Lori for clearing up my confusion once again.

Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy

[Harley PoMMom]

We are here for you, Kathy, ask as many questions you want!!

[Trish]

Hi Kathy and Budster, a bit YAY for you two! No further tremours is such a good thing. Such a strange thing to happen and scary too, hope you get to the bottom of it soon. That was a good idea about toxic lizards and toads... I know in Australia they have nasty toads that are poisonous so happy to hear you do not think that is the probem. Budster would have been upset if you curtailed his hunting! Hope your day is good tomorrow, think you have the day off or is it back to work? Trish xx

[Budsters Mom]

Yes, I'm back to work today.. Buddy has been released from his cone prison. He no longer looks like a desk lamp when he sits down. LOL
No tremors since Thursday! Three day weekend ahead! YAY!
ACTH test results coming today or tomorrow!

Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy

[Mel-Tia]

Hey Kathy

How are you and our little lizard hunter?

Any news on the ACTH results?

Bug hug

Mel
Xxxx

[Budsters Mom]

Hi Mel,
The mighty lizard hunter was great all weekend, no head tremors.
I watched him like a hawk! I am still pretty stressed and feeling the pressure, but otherwise okay. I have you guys to keep me semi-sane! Thanks for checking up on us!

No ACTH results as of yet, either today or tomorrow I suspect. I am more concerned about Buddy's head tremors than his ACTH numbers right now.

Hugs,
Kathy and Buddy