Questions about Cushings - Charlotte has crossed the Bridge

[judymaggie]

Laurie -- as tough a diagnosis as it is, just having one can bring some peace of mind. The negative effects that the Davis vet mentioned are the primary ones to look out for -- if Charlotte demonstrates any of these, stop the trilostane right away and contact the vet. Did they give you any prednisone to keep on hand for an emergency dose? Since Davis is most likely a 24 hour establishment and they would want to see her right away, they may not have done so. That said, it would be a lot easier in the middle of the night to give some prednisone and head there in the morning.

Hang in there -- you and Charlotte will do just fine!

[LaurieS]

Thanks Judy! No they didnt give me any prednisone but now i wish i had asked for it. It would be nice to have it just in case. She had her first dose this morning and will continue with just once a day for the next 3 days. Ive noticed more trembling today but other than that she seems the same.

****UPDATE****I forgot to mention that Charlotte had diarrhea about 5-6 times during her last day at Davis while they were doing the low dose dex test. It started in the car ride there, she had diarrhea and vomited once. This was before any meds of course and they thought maybe it was the stress of all the tests. Ive been feeding her boiled chicken and rice since then. She has been very restless tonight and the trembling continues to be bad.

****UPDATE****This morning Charlotte had very loose stools and this afternoon she vomited. No blood in either. Called UC Davis and they don't think it's from the meds because she had diarrhea and vomited once the day of her low dose dex test, which was Wednesday, before starting any meds. I also asked about prednisone and they said they used to give that but they don't anymore. She seems to be acting fairly normal, was eager for her short walk and wants to eat. They said to continue the meds (only once a day, so that's 30mg which would be a half dose for her size) unless we see more signs. I have her on white rice, boiled chicken and cottage cheese and they suggested a probiotic which I just picked up from my local vet. Soon I'm going to be the one vomiting and having diarrhea! I'm a nervous wreck!!!!

Laurie

[LaurieS]

We just started Charlotte on her Trilostane, this is her 4th day. She seemed to be doing well yesterday after getting past some diarrhea and vomiting, which started before we gave her meds and while she was still undergoing testing at UC Davis. She is still on a mild diet and for the past few days has been given a probiotic. This afternoon she went outside to urinate and must have squatted 25 times after pretty much emptying her bladder. Im not seeing blood but she didnt even want to come in the house because she kept trying to pee. She is eating well, no diarrhea or vomiting yesterday or today. Any ideas of what might be causing this? Bladder infection? Side effect from meds? Davis is on emergency status only today and my vet isnt available either.

Laurie

[Gracie123]

Sounds like a UTI. My Gracie kept cleaning herself repeatedly because she kept having to pee. You'll have to take your dog in for a urinalysis/culture. She'll need antibiotics if it is a UTI.

Betty

[CalliesMom]

It definitely sounds like a UTI. Only a urine culture can determine which bacteria May be causing it. Which symptoms did she have that led you to her cushings diagnosis?
My girl has been suffering with recurrent utis for over a year now. If she seems to be in pain, you may want to try an emergency vet or be prepared for her asking to go out all night long. I feel your pain!

[Squirt's Mom]

MODERATOR NOTE: I have merged you post about Charlotte trying to pee into her original thread. We like to keep all info about each pup in one thread so it is easy to look back thru the history. Thanks!

[LaurieS]

Sounds like a UTI. My Gracie kept cleaning herself repeatedly because she kept having to pee. You'll have to take your dog in for a urinalysis/culture. She'll need antibiotics if it is a UTI.

Betty

Yes seemed like a UTI to me too but after a few hours she stopped this behavior and hasn't done it since. I expect to speak to the vet at Davis today so I'll ask about it. She may have a mild UTI that needs to be treated. My understanding is Cushings can increase chances of these infections.

[LaurieS]

It definitely sounds like a UTI. Only a urine culture can determine which bacteria May be causing it. Which symptoms did she have that led you to her cushings diagnosis?
My girl has been suffering with recurrent utis for over a year now. If she seems to be in pain, you may want to try an emergency vet or be prepared for her asking to go out all night long. I feel your pain!

I'm very tired of going to the vet, and so is my credit card! Not sure what was going on with Charlotte yesterday with the constant squating and peeing but she seems fine today. I will be watching her closely and will ask the Davis vet about it when she calls.

Symptoms that led us to the cushings diagnosis were: drinking a ton of water and urinating all the time (checked twice for UTI, before cushings tests started, but tests were negative), lethargic, loss of muscle and strength in her hind end, loss of hair, hyperpigmentation, trembling. After all the testing they determined she had the pituitary type and her condition was severe. She is on day 5 of meds and I've already noticed a difference. Less frequent drinking/peeing, more alert and active and less trembling. Hoping we are now finally going in the right direction!

[judymaggie]

Hi, Laurie! Sorry I haven't been around to follow up with you and Charlotte but have been without internet/phone for several days ... am sorry that you have been under so much stress with Charlotte but it does sound like she has turned the corner for the better. I do think it curious that Davis vet advised that they no longer prescribe it. Would love to know why ...

I have given my Abbie probiotics (I use Forti-flora) for several years and I do think that it has helped with her intermittent diarrhea/soft stools. I also now put pumpkin in with her food.

Hang in there -- you are doing great!

[molly muffin]

I used Forti-flora also with my molly.

How is Charlotte doing now after being on trilostane for a few more days. When does she get retested on the ACTH?