Buddy, The Mighty Lizard Hunter - Suspected Pituitary Macro Tumor

[Simba's Mom]

Seriously why aren't these vets educated on cushings, I feel so bad for you and your pup, hang in there, sending hugs!!!

[molly muffin]

We've seen others with ACTH test results take a couple days to come back too.
I think mine takes a couple days usually. The lucky ones get it back the next day.
Hang in there and deep breaths.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

I'm have to make this quick because I am about ready to start my Math groups. The doctor called with the ACTH numbers. She said that Buddy was doing well and does not need a change in his Trilostane at this time. Retest in 30 days.

Here are the numbers: pre draw 8.4
post draw 15.2

I'll forward his Low dose eight hours test numbers later today. I don't have them with me right now. Let me know what you think? I don't know what any of the numbers mean.

Thanks, Kathy and Buddy

[labblab]

Hi Kathy,

In the long-run, you will want Buddy's post-ACTH number to be at least as low as around 9 ug/dl with his overt clinical symptoms under good control. But experience has shown that cortisol tends to continue to drop during the first month or so of treatment, so that's why the general recommendation is to hold off on making a dosing increase until you've had enough time to accurately judge the maximal effect of the current dose. So I agree with your vet as far as sitting tight for the time being.

Here's a link to Dechra's monitoring chart that will give you a more complete framework for dosing decisions. I think it is easier to read if you physically print it out and fit the pages together. You'll see that they do allow for the possibility of a small dosage increase at this point in time if clinical symptoms remain severe with no improvement and a "post" reading that exceeds 9.1. But from our experience here, we really have seen significant further "drops" during the first month even when the dose is unchanged. So as long as there is even a bit of improvement in symptoms, I'd tend to leave things alone until the next testing.

http://www.dechra-us.com/files//dech...ate_3_2_ps.pdf

Marianne

[Budsters Mom]

Thank you Marianne,
Buddy has made vast improvement. He is now running around catching lizards and barking at birds. His allergies are finally under control. His stomach has settled with no further problems and he's happy and carefree. Basically, the same little busy body he was before! His stomach is much less tender and doesn't appear to be rounded as much. He is drinking far less water and is no longer peeing a river. The only cushing symptom that remains is rear leg weakness.
He is running all over the place now, but is somewhat wobbly. He is a little stiff getting up after laying down awhile. I haven't seen him quite this active in a long time! Before the meds, it was difficult to get him out of his bed long enough to go potty. He would immediately come back in and go right to his bed where he would stay for hours. Now he is everywhere, right in the middle of everything. It is wonderful!!
Thank again for all of your help. My questions never end I am afraid

Kathy and buddy

[Harley PoMMom]

I haven't seen him quite this active in a long time! Before the meds, it was difficult to get him out of his bed long enough to go potty. He would immediately come back in and go right to his bed where he would stay for hours. Now he is everywhere, right in the middle of everything. It is wonderful!!
Thank again for all of your help. My questions never end I am afraid

Kathy and buddy

It is wonderful that Buddy is feeling much more himself, I am so happy for you both!!

There will never come a time when one has asked too many questions. We are here to help in any way we can. You are doing a great job!!

Love and hugs,
Lori

[Budsters Mom]

Hi all,

Pre-diagnosis Low Dose Dexamethasone 8 hour test - I just got a copy of it. Please let me know if the numbers are consistent with a Pituitary-dependent Cushings Diagnosis. His ultrasound is posted in a very long message toward the beginning of my thread. I don't think there is much doubt about Buddy having Cushings, because he has responded so well to the medication. Here are the numbers:

Cortisol - Pre Dex. 13.4. 1.0-6.0. ug/dl

Cortisol - 4 hr Post Dex. 2.9 ug/dl

Cortisol - 8 hr Post Dex. 4.0. ug/dl

Many thanks!

Kathy and the Budster

[Mel-Tia]

What a great update. So pleased your little fella is starting to feel and act like himself

Mel
Xxxxx

Thank you Marianne,
Buddy has made vast improvement. He is now running around catching lizards and barking at birds. His allergies are finally under control. His stomach has settled with no further problems and he's happy and carefree. Basically, the same little busy body he was before! His stomach is much less tender and doesn't appear to be rounded as much. He is drinking far less water and is no longer peeing a river. The only cushing symptom that remains is rear leg weakness.
He is running all over the place now, but is somewhat wobbly. He is a little stiff getting up after laying down awhile. I haven't seen him quite this active in a long time! Before the meds, it was difficult to get him out of his bed long enough to go potty. He would immediately come back in and go right to his bed where he would stay for hours. Now he is everywhere, right in the middle of everything. It is wonderful!!
Thank again for all of your help. My questions never end I am afraid

Kathy and buddy

[molly muffin]

Awesome to hear that Buddie is feeling pretty good these days. yippeeee
Yes, your LDDS test is consistent with Pituitary dependent cushings.

Slow steady exercise can help to build the muscles back. Sounds like he's feeling good enough now that slow and steady might be hard to do, little rascal is going to want to go all out. hahaha

Yep, we don't mind questions around here at all.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[doxiesrock912]

NICE!!!!!!!!

Great news for Budster!