Snickers, Newly diagnosed beagle girl

[mathornton]

I have a beagle girl named Snickers, who is somewhere between 11 and 13 years old (she was a rescue dog). Last week she was diagnosed with pituitary cushings, based on a urine test, blood work and an ultrasound.
The bloodwork showed elevated levels and the ultrasound showed 2 enlarged adrenal glands.

The vet and I talked about her options and decided on using vetoryl.
The vet says we caught her condition early. Right now her only outward sign is too much drinking, which is what prompted me to bring her to the vet. She was drinking twice as much water for her size.

I would like to join this group to find out more about cushings and how to treat it.

I should also note that Snickers is also being treated for hypothyroidism with levothyroxine, for which she was diagnosed 2 years ago.

I am going to pick up the medication tomorrow (Thursday) and have another discussion with the vet.

I am quite nervous about the induction period. I have a 3 year old son and 2 other senior beagles, so life is hectic!

Please give me any advice, tips, information. I have googled cushings to death, talked to the vet several times and spoken to friends, but i truly believe that knowledge is power!!!

Melissa

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Melissa,

Welcome to you and Snickers from me and my boy Harley! I am sorry for the circumstances that brought you here but so very glad you found this forum.

My Harley has PDH cushings and just started Vetoryl at 10mg. I was wondering if you could tell us more about Snickers so that our feedback can be more beneficial. Some of the details that are helpful for us to know are her weight and what test/s were done to diagnose her Cushings. Also what dose of Vetoryl did the vet rx to Snickers? And is it once or twice a day? Did Snickers have a chemistry/CBC panel done and if so could you post anything on there that is marked abnormal with the reference ranges and the units of measurements.

Please know we are here for you and Snickers, ok, so ask all the questions you want and we will answer them the best we can.

Here are some links to get you started:

Trilostane/Vetoryl Information and Resources
http://http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185

Links to Cushings Websites (especially helpful for new members!)
http://http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180

Love and hugs,
Lori

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Melissa and welcome to you and Snickers! :)

Has Snicker had her thyroid levels checked recently? Hypothyroidism can cause many of the same signs as Cushing's so just double checking that her meds are still sufficient.

Another point I wanted to clear up with you concerning the "induction" you mentioned. With Trilo, there is no loading, or induction, phase. That is done with Lysodren. With the Trilo, you will start with, hopefully, a low dose then gradually build up if needed. It is a daily med for the rest of her life unlike Lyso where once the load is reached, Lyso is given 1-3 times a week as a maintenance dose. So no need to fear a loading period with Trilo. ;)

I'm glad you found us and hope to learn more about the both of you in the future. You and Snickers are in good hands here, part of our family now. Ya'll are not alone; we will be here to help you in any way we can.

Keep your chin up!
Hugs,
Leslie and the girls :D - always

[gpgscott]

Welcome Melissa and Snickers,

We have never treated with Trilo, (vetoryl) so I will leave the treatment commenting in the capable hands of others.

Sounds like you have a good diagnosis but I also am a little concerned about the use of the word 'induction' in reference to the treatment.

Many members use this forum as their treatment diary putting notes about all Dr. visits and lab results here. That way everyone can see them and help you make sence of them and you have a record all in one place wherever you have internet access.

Welcome again. Good luck as you proceed with treatment.

Scott

[apollo6]

Welcome
I am Apollo's mom, Sonja.
A little run down on cushings
http://www.kateconnick.com/library/cushingsdisease.html
Apollo has the pituitary cushings also. He started on Vetoryl/Trilostane in June he weighs 10lbs was on 10mg now on 12.5 mg to see if will help with muscle weakness in hind legs.
How much does Snickers weigh and what dosage does vet want him on?
Rule of thumb 1 mg /1kg or in lbs
The UC-Davis current recommendation is to initiate trilostane therapy at 1 mg/kg once daily. That dose is continued for about one week until a veterinary re-check can be completed.
1 kilogram = 2.20462262 pounds
Hugs Sonja and Apollo