Frodo, Border Terrier (Update: Frodo has passed)

[isy]

Hi
Frodo my 10yr old Border Terrier has only just been diagnosed today with Cushing's. My vet cannot confirm how long he has had it but I would think or some time now. I had noticed over the past 2 or 3 months he had been drinking loads and was prone to 'dribbling' when he needed to wee. Then out of the blue last week his limbs just gave up and he has no energy and just wants to sleep. Over the last 3 days he will not eat anything and he has started to vomit several times a day with blood in it.

The vet has prescribed vetoryl tablets for him but I am having real problems trying to get him to take them. Because he will not eat I cannot disguise them in any sort of food so I have resorted to opening the capsule and adding it to his water........ am I doing the right thing????
Any advise would be really welcome.

[lulusmom]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I don't have a lot of time but was panicked when I read that your vet has instructed you to give Vetoryl to Frodo. You should never, ever give Vetoryl to a dog that is not eating and especially not to a dog that is vomiting. Vomiting is not a symptom of cushing's and with now vomiting blood, your vet should be trying to figure out the cause right now. I'm sure that others will be along shortly to ask questions and provide you with their feedback.

Glynda

[StarDeb55]

First of all, I'm very sorry that Frodo is having such a hard time. I would like to welcome both of you to are group & must warn you that we will play "20 questions" with new members. All of the questions simply help us to give you the most appropriate feedback available from the group's collective experience.

A couple of things before I start the questions. Please immediately stop opening the trilo capsules. This is very dangerous. Here is a direct quote from the drug company's insert on trilostane.


Wash hands after use. Do not empty capsule contents and do not attempt to divide the capsules. Do not handle the capsules if pregnant or if trying to conceive. Trilostane is associated with teratogenic effects and early pregnancy loss in laboratory animals. In the event of accidental ingestion/ overdose, seek medical advice immediately and take the labeled container with you.

Next, please never, ever give a dog who is ill or under the weather in any way, including inappetance, either of the 2 medications that are used to treat Cushing's. Giving trilostane or lysodren to an ill pup is a recipe for disaster. You need to notify your vet ASAP that Frodo is ill. Had Frodo been given any trilostane prior to the diarrhea starting? Bloody diarrhea is a clear indication of a serious problem that needs to be addresses by a vet ASAP. If Frodo has had trilostane, do you have any prednisone available? If you do, please try to give him some pred. We need to get Frodo feeling better is the first goal.

Can you tell us what specific diagnostic tests were done to make the Cushing's diagnosis, including the results of those test? Was labwork like a senior wellness panel or superchem panel done? Can you post just the abnormal results from those tests, including reporting units & normal ranges? If you don't have copies of Frodo's tests, your vet should be happy to provide them. Most members do keep files on their babies at home. You have given us a good start with some of Frodo's symptoms, but has he had anything else like skin/coat issues, or repeated infections that are difficult to heal? Has diabetes & thyroid problems been ruled out? I ask about these 2 things as they share a lot of symptoms in common with Cushing's. Does Frodo have any other medical problems? Is he taking any medication or supplements?

Right now, I'm very concerned about Frodo. Please do not give him any more trilostane, & IMO, he needs to be seen by a vet ASAP.

Debbie

[isy]

Hi Debbie
Thankyou for your quick reply and warm welcome.
I only got the results from the vet today by word of mouth, I was not shown any paperwork, they where from a blood test that was carried out. I will call him in the morning to see if i can get a print out of them.

I only started giving Frodo the trilstane today, he has has 2 x 30mg.
I have no other medication for him. I did tell the vet about his vomiting and the blood also his loss of appitite but he said that was one of the signs of cushings.
Frodo has not had diarrhea, the blood is in his vomit.
He has had a lot of hair loss and there is a large bald patch appeared under his chin, he is very wobble on his feet and cannot climb any steps.
Thanks for your help.

[isy]

Hi Glynda
Thankyou for your welcome and your advise.

[AlisonandMia]

Hi and welcome from me too.

Vomiting, lack of appetite are not normal symptoms of Cushing's. Cushing's dogs are more prone to infections and an infection could cause those symptoms but beyond that Cushing's is not associated with those symptoms - rather the opposite actually. Most Cushing's dogs have a ravenous appetite.

Even if the Cushing's has resulted in an infection which is producing these symptoms the infection would need to be treated and the dog basically "well" before starting on cortisol-lowering medication (Vetoryl). I believe that the cause of his current acute sickness needs to be found and treated urgently before starting on treatment of the Cushing's. Blood in the vomit is almost certainly a sign of something very wrong. It sounds like your little fellow is in need of emergency care at this point.

As the others have said a sick dog, particularly one that is vomiting, should not be given Vetoryl.

Good luck and please keep us posted on how Frodo is doing.

Alison

[isy]

Hi Alison

Thankyou for your welcome and I will be back at the vets first thing tomorrow morning.

[littleone1]

Hi and welcome to you and Frodo from Corky and me.

You have received some very good advice. The members here are very caring, supportive, and knowledgeable. They have alot of experience in dealing with Cushings.

I hope Frodo will be okay.

Terri

[Roxee's Dad]

Hi and welcome from me too, :)

Please do not give Frodo anymore vetoryl. Please understand that vomiting blood is not a symptom of cushing's. You have been given some really good advice from members who have years and years of successfull experience with Cushings's.

Please obtain the results of the test that led your vet to believe that Frodo has cushing's. Ask the receptionist to provide you with all copies of all the test that were performed and post them in your thread. Cushing's is not a death sentence and it takes time for the damage to occur. Take a step back and let's ensure that Frudo really has cushing's. It wouldn't be the first time that one of our pups has been misdiagnosed. :(

Does your vet have any experience with cushings's? I am really worried that you pup is vomiting blood and you may want to consider taking Frodo to and emergency clinic if possible.

[StarDeb55]

I'm so sorry, I misread your post as diarrhea. Vomiting blood is a very serious situation, possibly indicative of some type of serious GI upset at a minimum, even bleeding in the GI tract which, in worst case scenario, may be life-threatening. IMHO, this can't wait until tomorrow to get to the vet, I firmly believe Frodo needs to be take to an emergency clinic.

As Alison has already said, inappetance & vomiting are definitely not signs of Cushing's disease. These symptoms could very well be signs of some type of infection that needs to be addressed, now. Treating Cushing's disease can be put on the back burner until you get to the bottom of this & get Frodo feeling better. Cushing's is a disease that progresses literally at a snail's pace, literally taking years to do its damage to a pup's internal organs. I, too, am very concerned about your vet's level of experience in treating Cushing's, if he told you to give trilostane to a pup who is not eating.

Debbie

[sunimist]

Hi and welcome from me too.

I just this moment read your post about Frodo and I couldn't help but remember these same symptoms when my girl was diagnosed with ulcers. Is the blood bright red or more of a brown? Does it by any chance look like coffee grounds?

There is also a disorder called HGE (Hemorrhagic GastroEnteritis) that presents the same symptoms. My little one also had this at one time, and it is very scary and needs prompt medical attention.

http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/dogdiseasesh/a/HGEindogs.htm

IMO, It sounds to me like Frodo is in some kind of distress unrelated to cushings disease and needs medical intervention right away. If I were you, I would not give anymore trilostane for sure, and would get a complete and thorough blood work-up (CBC) with super chem and urinalysis done by tomorrow. Be sure and get copies of test results, and if need be, get a referral from your vet to a specialist. This is just my personal opinion. Only your vet could test and diagnose accurately the cause of internal bleeding.

Hoping for the best for little Frodo and please keep us posted.

Shelba and Suni

[Squirt's Mom]

Hello and welcome to K9C,

I am in a state of total panic at the moment for Frodo. :eek: Please, please stop the Trilo (Vetoryl)...do not give any more...none.

If you have an ER facility close at hand, I would be on my way there now. Blood in the vomit is nothing to take lightly.

Again, do not give any more Trilo to your baby.

I would like to offer a more positive welcome but right now I am very, very concerned about Frodo....and the ability of your vet to treat him if he does have Cushing's. The diagnosis itself is in question simply because of Frodo's current state of health.

If you cannot get him to an ER tonite, please take him to another vet asap in the morning and have the vomiting addressed. Then you can look at Cushing's later.

Please keep us informed as often as you can and know we are going to be here to help you both. You are not alone now or at any time in the future. You and Frodo are family and we care for our family a great deal.

Hang in there and give Frodo a comforting belly rub,
Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[jrepac]

take Frodo to a new vet...fast!

vomiting and no appetite are the exact opposite of what a cushings dog would experience....

clearly, it is possible that something else may be wrong with Frodo...even if your vet diagnosed cushings correctly (which may be questionable)


Jeff

[Casey's Mom]

I agree with the others, please take him to another vet and soon. He should not be taking any cushings meds when he is sick.

Hugs to you,

[isy]

Hi
Thankyou all for your advice and concerns.
Frodo passed away in his sleep we think about 3am to 4am (UK time) this morning and we are all completely devastated!!!!
I really do not know what else to say...............apart from once again thankyou all for your support it was very much appreciated.

[Kelly_Louise]

Oh isy, I'm terribly sorry to hear of Frodo's passing. I can imagine your devastation. I hope you have many wonderful memories of him to keep in your heart forever, and bring a smile to your face again.

Rest in peace Frodo.

[BestBuddy]

I am so sorry to hear Frodo has gone to the bridge.
Keep the memories of the good times.

Jenny

[Spiceysmum]

Isy,

So sorry to hear about Frodo, you must be heartbroken. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Linda and Spicey

[littleone1]

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please take some consolation in knowing that Frodo is no longer in pain or suffering and that he crossed the bridge peacefully while he was sleeping.

[Casey's Mom]

Isy I am so sorry to hear about Frodo, my heart breaks for you. . . .

Love and hugs,

[frijole]

Prayers sent to you and yours. RIP dear Frodo. Kim

[Roxee's Dad]

Dear Isy,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[StarDeb55]

I am so terribly sorry for your loss!

Debbie

[sunimist]

Dear Isy,

I am so very sorry that you lost your precious baby. It is always so heartbreaking to see any of them go, but the ones like Frodo are especially hard for me. R.I.P. sweet boy.

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you seek comfort, solace, and some form of understanding and peace.

Please come back when you feel like it and tell us Frodo's story in our "In Loving Memory" forum where he will always be remembered with love. You will always be a part of our family.

Shelba and Suni

[Squirt's Mom]

Dear Isy,

This just breaks my heart. :( I am so, so sorry for your loss. Even tho we have only known you and Frodo for a short time, his passing is keenly felt.

As much as your heart is aching, I hope you can find some peace in knowing that Frodo is now well again, pain-free and full of strength. He is chasing butterflies and racing the wind across The Bridge with so many new friends.

Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Squirt, Goldie, Crystal, and our angel, Ruby

[mypuppy]

Dear Isy,
Although words are not enough, I am deeply sorry for your great loss. May the memories of your precious Frodo sustain you for the road ahead. Thinking of you. Tight hugs, Jeanette

[gpgscott]

Isy,

I am sorry to learn about the loss of your Frodo.

Thank you for reaching out to us. I am sorry we were not able to help you much, but am still greatful for your postings about your dear little one.

Scott

[Harley PoMMom]

Dearest Isy,

My heart goes out to you at this time and I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Frodo.

Please remember we will always be here for you...always.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Lori

[mytil]

Isy,

I too am very sorry to read about Frodo passing. We are all here for you.

((((hugs))))
Terry

[maggiebeagle]

I'm sure you are lost without your Frodo. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Virginia and Angel Maggie

[ChristyA]

Isy,
I am so sorry to read of Frodo's passing. As the other members have said you must be heartbroken at your loss, but on the other hand you also know he is no longer miserable in his earthly life. He will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge one day. In the meantime I am sure you will soon all of the pleasant memories will be replacing the heartache you are going through.
If you need to talk to us we are always here for you, and we do understand the strong bonds between our furry friends and us.
Take Care,
Christy

[Carol G]

I am so sorry for your loss.

Carol

[zoesmom]

So very sorry to read about Frodo's passing. You must miss him terribly. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Sue

[Franklin'sMum]

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jane
________
EXTREME Q VAPORIZER (http://extremevaporizer.info)

[lleigh]

Sending prayers and hugs from me too. I am very sorry for your loss and wish for you that fond memories will soon fill the emptiness.

Lyn

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

I am so sorry that your sweet baby Frodo has passed. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace sweet Frodo.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Louise

[clydetheboosmom]

So very sorry to hear this news....:(

((hugs))

Lynne, Clyde & Bailey

[ladysmom06]

I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.