15 yr old Dachshund just diagnosed - struggling to decide

[monika7714]

My 15 year old dachshund Fritz was just diagnosed with Adrenal Cushings. The tumor is inoperable. My vet laid out the options in a way that left me with no real recommendation. Right now the only symptoms are drinking and urinating, otherwise he is generally enjoying life as he always has. According to the vet, the meds are a tough route and may make him feel bad and are tough on me as well. I read some posts on the site and everyone seems to opt for meds. It seems impossible for me to give up on Fritz and watch his health decline, but I'm also aware of the fact that at 15 he will likely pass in the coming years of something. I just don't want to see him ever suffer - he's been such a sweet, loyal dog.

I realize no one can make the decision for me, but I'm interested in hearing a) how the meds affected older pets quality of life in those last months/year and b) anyone who decided not to opt for meds, did you regret it...how did you come to your decision?

[littleone1]

Corky and I want to welcome both of you.

Corky is 13 1/2 and also has an inoperable adrenal tumor. He has been taking Trilostane for over a year now, and his quality of life has really improved. He is acting like he was before he was diagnosed with adrenal cushings.

I know the decision is totally up to you as what to do, but I just wanted to share Corky's success with his treatment.

Terri

[Casey's Mom]

Hello - Casey and I would like to welcome you as well. My girl was diagnosed two years ago at 13 and is on Lysodren. She improved so much and is enjoying life to the fullest. We have a lot of great information on this site if you check out our resources section.

Many members on here with lots of experience but be prepared for 20 questions - the more we know about your dog, which tests were done to determine cushings and the test results the more we can help you. If you have copies can you post the results or if not can you get copies from your vet?

Hugs,

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Fritz from me and my boy Harley. Cushing's Disease can be a frustrating, scary and confusing thing to get one's head around, believe me I know! ;):)

When a dog has Cushing's, their system is making too much cortisol. This excessive cortisol, if left untreated, will wheck havoc on the dogs internal organs and can cause many other health problems, most of them severe.

Trilostane/Vetoryl and Lysodren/Mitotane are usually the life saving medicines used to treat dogs with Cushing's Disease.

IMO, either medication is safe when monitored appropriately and with owner observation and each med can have similar adverse effects. So "owner observation" is always a crucial component of treatment.

One or the other may work better for an individual dog.

Another important consideration is the degree of experience your vet has with whatever treatment he/she chooses. Cushing's requires a good partnership with one's vet.

My boy Harley has Cushing's and he was recently dx'd with kidney disease. As of right now I am not treating his Cushing's because of the kidney problems. Harley is 14 years old and if he did not have kidney disease I would be treating his Cushing's Disease.

We are here for you and Fritz, so please ask all the questions you want.

Love and hugs,
Lori

Here are some links that I hope will be useful:

Helpful Resources for Owners of Cushing's Dogs
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10

Medical complications associated with untreated Cushings Disease
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=195

[monika7714]

Thank you so much for the kind words and information. During the "loading" period of medication would you say it is necessary for me to take off from work and monitor Fritz daily, or in your experience would a morning, mid-day and then all evening monitoring period be considered adequate?

I plan to consult with my vet tomorrow on the topic as well, but was curious if when your pets had full time supervision during that period..

Thanks!

[apollo6]

Dear Monika
I am Apollo's mom. Apollo is a 12.5 year old dachshund. If you read my thread you will see what I went through. I will not give up on my little man until it is time. Many on the site have older dogs. If your baby is healthy other then the cushing it has to do with quality of life.
Apollo probably had cushing for years. It took me months to decide on medication as I saw his quality of life go down. I did finally decide to do the medication with much improvement. It is a personally and financial commitment. Only you can decide what is best for your baby.

Before you decide on starting medication let us know. Apollo is on Trilostane, weighs 10lbs and started very low with 10mg. I listened to my gut feeling and not the higher dose the vet wanted to start him on.
HOw much does your baby weigh?
For me I want my Apollo to be here as long as possible. We are hear to support you.
this is a brief run down on cushing
http://www.kateconnick.com/library/cushingsdisease.html
HUgs Sonja and Apollo.

[monika7714]

Just read your threads. Apollo is so cute - love dachsie's. I'm getting copies of the results from my vet. Fritzis is 20 lbs. My son is home from college next week so I will talk to the vet about possibly starting "loading" while someone is home all day to keep an eye on our boy. Thank you for taking time to respond - I'm sure you know how comforting it is to get information from someone who has been through this.

[Harley PoMMom]

Before Harley's kidney disease dx, I did try loading him with Lysodren. I felt more comfortable being at home all day with him...I'm such a worry wart!!

Here is a link from our Resource Thread which I hope you'll find useful:

Lysodren loading Instructions and related tips
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181

Please keep us updated, as we really worry about our family. ;):)

Love and hugs,
Lori

[Buffaloe]

If Fritz has elevated cortisol levels, then treating his adrenal cushing's with medication would most likely be helpful. Not all dogs with adrenal tumors have high cortisol levels.

A few years ago, the prevailing opinion was that Lysodren was superior to Trilostane for treating a dog with an adrenal tumor. That is not the case today. Many Internists now prefer Trilostane, many still prefer Lysodren. There is a loading period with Lysodren. There is no loading with Trilostane.

Good luck with Fritz. I believe that if his cortisol levels are elevated, treatment with either Trilostane or Lysodren would help him.

Ken