Hi Glynda-
You'll see from my summary that Palmer did indeed have 31.9 post on 3/11. I don't have any idea why that one is so high and none of the others are. Also-in addition to the Trilostane we are doing the Melatonin and the lignans. (I've mentioned this before, but thought it might be helpful to mention it again.)
It is very strange that Palmer had two stims done, one by your vet and one by UTK and the post numbers were vastly different. The UTK panel would indicate that Palmer is strictly atypical; however, post of 31.9 blew that assumption all to heck. 
As of today-and we go for a test in one week-Palmer's panting is greatly increased. The thirst is still large. The eating is down in quantity....more times than not. [Today I think feeding him a whole pig would not have satisfied him!] The belly is getting larger....almost to the point where it may be starting to inhibit his ability to move around - just a bit. (Or he may be getting lazy -er and likes being lifted up onto higher surfaces instead of doing it under his own power!
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Like I said previously, this could be explained by cortisol still not being controlled or the intermediate/sex hormones are creeping up due to the Trilostane. I assume that the test you mention is an acth stim test? If so, the results will help your vet determine why Palmer's symtoms are not improving.
I know nothing about Pomepoo's predisposition to anything.
I didn't go back through your old thread and verify this but I believe that I mentioned that Pomeranians are part of the Nordic Breed family and they have a predisposition to adrenal imbalances. i also mentioned that Poodles are another breed that are greatly over represented. Palmer's utk panel, reflecting elevations of one or more of the intermediate/sex hormones, pretty much confirmed that he is true to his breeding.
This is only my third dog ever and the first two were mostly without issues.
Being a lover of toy breeds, I would have to say that my experience is the opposite. It's more like 2 out of ever three dogs I've ever loved had more medical issues than you could shake a stick at. The first one was a small, mix breed (mutt) and the last one was Pekepoo. We had some eye issues with the Pekepoo, but that was when she was getting pretty old. She lived 17.25 years.
Wow, 17.25 years is quite a testament to the fabulous mom you really are. Congratulations.
Also-If I remember correctly you have spoken of Lulu's loss of hair.
Lulu lost all fur on her body before being diagnosed. She grew a fuzzy coat after being treated with Lysodren but unfortunately, I made the mistake of switching an atypical dog to Trilostane. She lost the fuzzy coat a year into Trilo treatment. We are hoping that at some point, she might sproud some fuzz again but I'm not going to hold my breath. Palmer's hair seems noticeably thinner "suddenly." He usually gets clipped every 4 weeks (because he minds the heat so) and he's due to go in next week, I think, and there's not much there to clip. He's not bald-but the usual thickness is not there. (But then that has been my complaint for myself, as well!!
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I here ya. I've got a fraction of the hair I used to and it really burns me up that what I lost must have been all brown because I find it hard to believe that I lost any gray hair at all.
In addition to all of the above, Palmer seems to need to be with me all of the time. I used to be able to get him to stay by my husband for awhile, but no more. It really slows down productivity! And his arthritis is bothering him a lot. Usually, once he gets moving for a few minutes, he is fine. There have been a few times when we had to cut a walk short due to his limping.
If Palmer's cortisol is still too high, I doubt that what you are seeing is arthritis as excess cortisol is a superb anti inflammatory. It is usually not until the Trilostane effectively brings the post stimulated cortisol down to within the acceptable range of 1 to 5, 6 or 7 that arthritis really rears its ugly head . Has your vet manipulated Palmer's joints or xrayed his hips and knees to confirm that arthritis is evident?
I find myself feeling like I'm watching him slip away. He's only 12.25!
Susan, I know it is difficult to see our babies feeling so yucky and looking decripit but do not lose hope. I am telling you that once you get the cushing's controlled, Palmer will feel and look a hundred times better. Hang in there and we'll get there together.
Oh-by the way-exactly what are the "intermediates?"
Looks like Lori got back to you with this information. Palmer was diagnosed as aytpical because one or more of his intermediates, also known as sex hormones, were elevated. It was also these elevated intermediate hormones that concerned many of us because Trilostane always increases one or more of the intermediate hormones with long term treatment.
Can someone remind me which readings I should pay special attention to? I still get confused on this stuff.
It takes a while to get your arms around the disease, the treatments, the testing and all the big words that make your head feel like it's going to spin off of your neck. Just keep reading and trying to absorb everything and the light bulb will come on.
That's it for today, Monday & Tuesday, July 13th and 14th, 2009. Goodnight, or good morning wherever you are!!
-Susan
Re: Have I finally found my friends??!! (Palmer)
Originally Posted by Palmer's Mom
