Introducing Doccy question about radiation

[frijole]

Thanks for the info. I know from reading here that the U of FL has an AWESOME group of vets/surgeons. I am relieved they are involved. Kim

[molly muffin]

Oh yes, I agree with everyone else, very glad that you are having this done at U of F.
It's also true, that you don't know if there will be any cushings symptoms afterwards or not. It depends on how much the radiation shrinks the pituitary tumor and how active that tumor was involved in cortisol production.

It's a good start that things are moving fast since the initial findings last week.

Sharlene and MollyMuffin

[Doccy]

Glynda, thanks for posting the thread about Tess. While she went through a lot, it really was positive to read and Dottie was a hoot. Doc and I are headed to UF tomorrow for the catscan to start the radiation plan and then if all goes well for radiation Monday through Friday. I'm so so so nervous, but in my heart I feel I'm doing the right thing. Thanks to everyone for caring and I'll keep everyone updated with Doc's journey. He's my brave, little bubby.

[molly muffin]

Good Luck!!! We'll all be hoping for the very best!!!

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Doccy]

Hi Guys,
Doc and I joined here a couple of weeks ago. We were just diagnosed with a pituitary tumor (macroadenoma). We decided to undergo radiation. He had stereotactic radiation. 5 doses. Everything went well last week. Doc had no issues with anesthesia and he was even really pepping up on Thursday. He tore out his IV chewed up the bandages and put all pieces and IV in his water dish. Then when they opened his kennel on Friday, he threw the water dish at them. Now that is my Doccer. I picked him up on Friday and they really are quite surprised at how well he is doing. They are very optimistic. They have put Doc on prednisone to combat the swelling from radiation. He is responding well. He will be on that for 1 month at the current dosage (20mg 1x/day). Doc weighs 50lbs. Then if everything is going well, we will wean him off the pred over the following 2 months. So...he will be on it for at least 3 months. The want to do the ACHT (not sure of spelling) test after he is off prednisone. They are fairly certain the tumor is functioning, but they feel his Cushing's will be mild. But time will tell that. We get another MRI in three months to see if the radiation was successful at shrinking tumor. Sooo....on to my question. He is really drinking, eating, and peeing ALOT. What do you guys do to mitigate this? At night, he is up 2-3 times during the night to pee (he's never done this before) and he pants and seems a little restless (unless he's just eaten). Do you give snacks in the middle of the night? I don't want to make him gain too much weight, so I have taken his normal food amount and I feed him 3x a day with a snack in the evening. Should I give him a snack right before bed and then one of the times he wakes me up? Should I pull his water at some time in the evening? It just seems mean to pull water if he is so thirsty. Not sure what to do here. Also, will this throw off his electrolytes? Thanks for any input. I know being on prednisone seems counterintuitive for cushings, but they said he would need it for the radiation swelling. Thanks everyone and thanks for caring about Doccy.

[labblab]

Just wanted to let you know I've added your newest reply to your original thread. This way, all your history and treatment info will be housed in one place.

Marianne

[NoonelovesmelikeNorman]

I just want to say welcome to the group. It sounds like Doc's surgery went well, however, the symptoms sound very cushing like. I am too new and not qualied to give any advice or suggestions, I will leave that to the others who are more qualified than me. Just wanted to welcome you to the forum. It is such a wonderful supportive group with a wealth of knowledge.
Hoping you find the answers and a good solution so Doc may get back to being a healthy happy pup.

(((Hugs)))

Sharon, Norman and Millie

[Doccy]

Thanks Marianne. I wondered about that and wasn't sure if I needed to do a new thread or not. Thanks Sharon, Norman, and Millie. He is so much more himself that I truly feel blessed and I'm just living in the joy of having my pup back no matter how long or short it lasts. :-)

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Guys,
Sooo....on to my question. He is really drinking, eating, and peeing ALOT. What do you guys do to mitigate this? At night, he is up 2-3 times during the night to pee (he's never done this before) and he pants and seems a little restless (unless he's just eaten).

For the increased urination, would pee pads be adequate?

Do you give snacks in the middle of the night? I don't want to make him gain too much weight, so I have taken his normal food amount and I feed him 3x a day with a snack in the evening. Should I give him a snack right before bed and then one of the times he wakes me up?

You could give some low fat snacks such as carrots and/or frozen green beans.

Should I pull his water at some time in the evening? It just seems mean to pull water if he is so thirsty. Not sure what to do here. Also, will this throw off his electrolytes? Thanks for any input. I know being on prednisone seems counterintuitive for cushings, but they said he would need it for the radiation swelling. Thanks everyone and thanks for caring about Doccy.

One never wants to restrict water, dogs that have Cushing's or that are on prednisone do have increased thirst and urination because the kidneys are working harder. Since the kidneys are doing more work (peeing) the dog needs to drink more water to keep up.

Glad to hear that Doc is doing well and you both will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Love and hugs,
Lori

[Doccy]

Hi Lori,
Thanks for the reply. I have a washable pee pad and I will try to see if he'll use that. He's always been adverse to getting on anything like a towel or bed, but I'm sure I could train him to the pee pad. Right now, I'll just get up at night as needed and let him out. Thanks for the tip on the carrots and green beans. I'm not pulling his water and he seems to be "thirstier" some days. He also drinks more at work (he goes to work with me) than at home. We're just adjusting to our new schedule. Hopefully when they start backing him down, this will get better. Thanks again!