Attila-Calcinosis cutis, starting treatment w/ Lysodren..(Attila has passed on)

[Thirsty Frenchy]

My 8 yr. old French Bulldog, Attila, was diagnosed with Cushings over a month ago. (I do not have his blood levels, but we've done the ACTH stim test twice) I tried holistic meds for a month to no avail. In fact, his cortisol levels were higher in the ACTH stim test at the end of the month. My holistic vet insists Trilostane is safer, while my regular vet has been treating Cushings for 20 years with Lysodren (and warned me that there have been sudden death cases w/ Trilostane). After much research and a few sleepless nights, I realized they both have dangers and decided on Lysodren since my regular vet will be treating him. Attila's only health issue through his life has been severe skin allergies which have been periodically treated with steroids (which could be what caused the Cushings). Last month (before any holistic treatment) Attila had two bouts of a few days of bloody diarrhea for which he eventually had to be hospitalized for 2 nights. They couldn't find the cause, but he got back to normal with antibiotics and bland food.
I have some questions: 1) Has anyone's dog had irregular bowel movements since getting Cushings? 2) Is there food that will help Attila tolerate the Lysodren better? 3) I'm scare of destroying the boy's adrenals, so any support as I start the induction phase tomorrow is much appreciated. Grateful to have found such a knowledgeable and gracious group.

[Roxee's Dad]

Hi and welcome to you and Attila,

I have never worked with Lyso, but we have plenty here that have. Please let us know how much Attila weighs and the amount of lyso you are going to give for the induction phase.

Please also tell us what led the vet to test for cushings. Normally if a pup gets cushings from steroids, it is called iatrogenic cushings, and the cushings symptoms should go away after the pup is slowly weaned off the steroids.

Looking forward to hearing more about Attila.

[Thirsty Frenchy]

Thank you for responding. Attila is normally 26 pounds, but ballooned up to 34 lbs. with his swollen belly (he now looks like a pot bellied pig). I got him tested not only because of his weight gain, but he started to make little groans when any pressure was put around the belly when picked up. He started wanting water all the time and peeing much more which was clear color. He even had 2 accidents at work (he came to work with me to act as an unofficial therapy dog in the office). He had a bigger appetite and was panting more. He would only get steroids at most twice a year when his itching and red bumps got too severe.
I will be giving him 1/2 of a 500mg. tablet of Lysodren with his breakfast and dinner.

[Thirsty Frenchy]

At present he wants to drink constantly and can't make it too many hours without peeing.

[Roxee's Dad]

While we wait for some of the Lyso moms to check in, here is a link for Lysodren loading Instructions and related tips in our helpful resources section.

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181

[Trixie]

Welcome to the board. I can't help with the Lysodren as I'm using Vetoryl (Trilostane), but there are really knowledgeable people here who have experience with Lysodren and will help you through.
My dog started treatment last April and we're just now getting some good control. It is quite a relief when all that drinking starts to wane..it's taken awhile for us but finally the water dish is not constantly empty! My dog (age 9) is still active and getting better everyday.
She had a very bad gastro bout, including bloody diarrhea the summer of 2012. It turned out to be a clostridium overgrowth but they didn't find it for about 4 months. So it was off and on all that time. We didn't see Cushings symptoms until maybe Feb or March of this year. It could have been brewing before that but who knows?
Since Cushings she has had only a few bad poops, nothing like when she had the bacterial thing, but gastro upsets are common talk on this forum. Don't know if that's a Cushings thing or just a dog thing.

I'm sure others who know more will be posting soon to give you some good advice on the Lyso.
We all started here feeling terribly worried and upset but things really do get better!


Barbara

[frijole]

Hi I am a lysodren mom. My girl Haley used it for over 4 yrs with no problems. Key is to have an experienced vet and to follow dosing protocols and instructions carefully... keep an eye out for any changes whatsoever in eating/drinking.

Measure water intake BEFORE starting so you can tell if it is reduced.

I do want to question one thing about the dose - do you mean 1/2 of a pill in the am and 1/2 in the pm? Or do you mean 500 mg in am and 500 mg at night? (that's a pill each meal)

Trying to figure out if it's 500 or 1000 mgs a day. 500 mgs is within recommended dosing range but 1000 mgs would be too high. Max for your dog (starting dosage) is 772 mgs.

I think the dosage is ok but just want to double check.

Here is info that helped me. Read it over and over. Never give a pill if your dog is sick regardless - just wait. The drug continues to work for TWO days after the last pill so when in doubt withhold the dose ok? Always give the pill AFTER the dog has eaten so you can see if there was food left over or if the dog's eating pattern is slower. Any hesitation - just don't give it. You can always ask us and we'll give you our thoughts.

Give the drug wrapped in cream cheese - it's easy to hide the pill, dogs love it and the fat in the cheese helps coat the tummy and absorb the drug.

Don't change the diet during the load because signs of overdose are vomit and diarrhea and you won't know if it 's the new food/treat or the drug.

ARe you off of the steroids or not? This concerns me a bit if not. Tell us more about that. Also how long ago was the bloody diarrhea?

Start a diary as you watch for all signs of load and water intake so you can track changes. AGain watch your dog eat and drink PRIOR to loading so you can more easily spot changes while loading ok?

You will be fine. Oh and make sure your vet gives you prednisone to have on hand in case of emergency. Kim

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181

[Karen_Izzy]

I can't help with the Lysodren either as my Isabel is on Vetoryl (Trilostane). But I wanted to say hello and tell you the support on this forum is wonderful. I think everyone started scared but with the info here and moral support (at all hours!!) will really help you. I am still at the beginning (only 13 days in) and I already feel better than I did on day one. My heart goes out to you..I know how you are feeling. You aren't alone!

Karen and Izzy

[Thirsty Frenchy]

Thank You for support. To Frijoles mom - I will be giving 250 mg (1/2 a pill)in the morning and 250 mg at night. His diarrhea ended a week and a half ago. He has not been on steroids for several months since his Cushings cleared up his skin. Thank you for the feeding and watering suggestions. My husband will be the one who will have the most time to monitor him so I will relay all this info. I must sound like a broken record to him, but he knows I've been worried and woken up very early every morning by Attila wanting more water..again, Thank you.

[goldengirl88]

Just wanted to welcome you. I am not versed in Lysodren so I cannot help you with that. Please keep a doggie diary, you will use it many times to reference things. I write in mine first thing in the morning so I don't forget anything. Hope all goes well with the treatment. If you are vigilant about watching you dog will do fine. Blessings
Patti