Zoe has Cushings-now what do I do? (9 y/o Wheaten Terrier)

[mimi]

Hi everyone
I'm just new to the forum and I might already have posted a note but I'm not sure. I'm really just finding my way around the site. But I need your help. Zoe, my 9 year old wheaten terrier, was diagnosed last week with Cushings. She was drinking and peeing continuously so it was obvious that something was wrong. She has been placed on Trilostane. After 10 days of treatment there does not seem to be any change in this behavior. I'm taking her back to the vet tomorrow presumably for more blood tests to see if the medication is working. I would like to know if there is anything else that I might do to improve her well-being. She also pants a lot (which she has always done) and is becoming more nervous/anxious in normal situations. I would appreciate any suggestions and helpful advice that you might have. Thanks for your help and support.

[labblab]

Hi Mimi,

Welcome to you and Zoe. I'm very sorry for the reasons that have brought you here, but I'm very glad you've found us. You are right, you did post another reply elsewhere on the forum before your membership was formally approved (and for that reason, your reply was "hidden" from public viewing). But since it is basically a duplicate of your reply here, we'll just leave it "hidden" so that our members will be able to reply to you directly, here on your very own thread.

I only have a few moments to post right now, but can you please tell us some more about Zoe's health history? Any other problems along the way, and can you give us more specifics about her Cushing's testing -- what tests were performed and what the results were? Also, how much does Zoe weigh, and what dose of trilostane has she started off on?

Sorry for so many questions right off the bat, but your answers will help us to give you better feedback. And in the meantime, here's a link to a thread on our "Helpful Resources" forum that will give you more information about trilostane treatment and monitoring:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185

Once again, we're so glad to have you here!
Marianne

[lulusmom]

Hi Mimi and welcome from me too.

Marianne has asked the same questions I had so I'll just wait until you get back to us with your responses. If you don't have copies of the tests that were done by your vet to diagnose Zoe, s/he should be happy to give them to you. Most of us keep a folder with all medical records, tests, etc. and believe me, they come in handy if you ever have to go to an after hours clinic. The vets on call love having the up to date records at their fingertips. It also comes in handy for when we ask you to post the results of the acth stim tests.... and we will ask you. :D

Like Marianne said, the reasons that brought you here are not great but we're glad you found us. We'll all be looking forward to hearing more about your Zoe.

Glynda

[haf549]

Hi Mimi:

Welcome to the forum from Kira and myself.

You said that you haven't noticed any changes in Zoe after 10 days. Well, trilostane isn't that predictable. Sometimes it works within a couple of days and sometimes weeks. So hang in there.

The bloodwork that you mentioned, is it the ACTH stim test? That should provide some clues as to whether the medication is working or not. It will be very helpful if you could post any numbers you have received from tests already done. What dosage of trilostane is Zoe currently on. It might have to be increased. Your vet might have started Zoe on a lower dosage of trilostane and it might have to be tweeked. Personally, I'm a big advocate of starting on a low dosage and working it up gradually as needed. It means more stim tests in the beginning, but it reduces the risk of over-dosing.

I know the excessive drinking and peeing is exhausting for you and Zoe but hang in there. You might consider measuring the amount of water that Zoe is drinking in a day. Trilostane can cause SUBTLE changes to the behavior and having a record of the amount she is currently drinking will let you know if subtle changes are taking place. The symptoms are annoying, but Cushings isn't immediately life threatening, so you can take your time getting the dosage right. Is she also eating more than normal. If so, time the amount of time it takes her to finish her dinner.

Hang in there. Others will be along with more questions and suggestions. You're no longer alone in this journey.

Heidi

[recruiter]

Heidi's exactly right. We're new to the Cushings thing, too, and Mackie's vet said anywhere from two days to who knows.

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Mimi,

Welcome to you and Zoe! Or perhaps welcome back would be more appropriate! :)

Don't get discouraged just yet, honey. Trilo is not as predictable as Lyso IMHO and it might take a little while to get the dosage right for your pup. One day soon, you may very well see a dramatic change in Zoe's behavior, so just keep the faith. ;)

One possibility to keep in mind....there is a form of Cushing's called Atypical in which hormones other than cortisol are involved. If Zoe does not seem to be responding at all to the Trilo after a while, you may want to consider having her tested for this form. That would require stopping the Trilo for a bit to make sure it wasn't affecting the results, but it might give you some answers.

For now, just be patient and give the Trilo a chance to do it's job. We will be here anytime you want to talk...even if it is just to vent. We all understand how scary and frustrating this journey can be, especially at the beginning. You and Zoe aren't alone...we will be her with you every step of the way! Please ask any questions you may have and we will do our best to help you understand.

I am glad to see you and Zoe here and hope to learn much more about you both in the times to come.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

[jrepac]

Many of the treatments for cushsings and atypical cushings take time to work....perhaps from 2 weeks to 2/3 months, shockingly. Improvement can be fast or gradual; it just depends.

But, if you see no improvement using trilostane over time, you may want to get the Full Adrenal Panel ACTH test done from University of Tennessee....that will tell you if Atypical Cushings is present, which has symptoms that are similar to "regular" Cushings


Jeff

[mypuppy]

Hi Mimi,
Welcome to you and Zoe. We truly understand where you are right now since we have all experienced that initial uncertainty that comes with any new diagnosis. But as Leslie said, try to sit tight and don't lose hope because there is plenty of that to go around. You have taken the best step forward joining this group, and I can assure you everyone will try to lovingly guide you and your Zoe in the right path. My pup, (7 yr. old lab, Princess) was diagnosed with PDH (Cushings) back in October '09. It was devastating to say the least, but I can happily say today, my Princess has been in remission for 3 months now since she began treatment with the trilostane. I did see results within 3 days after starting the trilostane, but again as Leslie has pointed out several times throughout the forum, all pups are unique in how they respond/react to treatment. Mimi, all we I can possibly suggest for now is to stay on board--you will be receiving very valuable feedback from so many experienced people here, and at the same time you will be offered lots of support, love and concern. I look forward to reading on Zoe's progress and would love to learn of another successful treatment for her. Best regards, xo and Luv. xo Jeanette