Cushings Lab mix having trouble with Lysodren

[Budro'sBuddy]

Budro was diagnosed with Cushings about eight months ago. He actually seemed very healthy for 13 aside from ravenous hunger, thirst and frequent urination. We did fine with the loading doses, but when we started getting to the once a week dose, he would get nauseous or have diarrhea for that day. Over time, he lost some weight. He used to be very easy to give meds to. Now he won't take them wrapped in anything. I'm trying to learn to use a pill shooter.
About two months ago we did another blood test and found that he was only 5 points away from normal on his cortisol levels. Liver enzymes were elevated. My vet increased the lysodren by 1/2 a pill on the once a week dose. I did this for three weeks or so. The fourth were he became very I'll. He didnt eat almost the whole were. Vomiting, and other tummy upsets happened when he did eat. He became very weak, and lost even more weight. My vet reduced the disr, but to be honest, I haven't managed to get one whole dose down him since then. I've tried giving just 1/4 of one pill, but he will visit within hours of taking it. Vet suggested one pepcid with it, but I can't get him to swallow much to anything unless he wants to. With weight continuing to fall, I have been cooking several things for him trying to find what he will eat. Broth, salmon, hamburger, scrambled eggs, canned tuna, canned dog food...some days he will eat, some days not. Last weekend, he sent two days in the doggie hospital of a ve I took him to or a second opinion. They gave him IV fluids, pepcid, antibiotics and Denmarin liver support. He didnt eat the entire time. Basically, they gave me no knew information or advice. My current vet and I decided to give hima few days before trying anything else. He ate lots of tuna when he got home,but I avert been able to give him meds. I'm at wits end and would appreciate any help!

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Budro. Could you post the results of his ACTH stim test/s and the time-lines. Did your vet do a full Chemistry blood panel to see if his electrolytes were alright or did he just check the liver enzymes?

How much does Budro weigh and what loading dose of Lysodren was he on?

The Cushing's medicines, Vetoryl and Lysodren, should not be given to a dog that is ill. So if it were me, since Budro is not eating and is vomiting, I would not be giving him any Lysodren.

Please know we are here for you and Budro and we will help you in any way that we can.

Love and hugs,
Lori

[lulusmom]

Hi and welcome to you and Budro.

I am sorry for the circumstances that brought you here but I'm glad you found us. It sounds like your boy is not having an easy time with Lysodren. It would really help us help you if you can please round up all of the tests that were done by your vet to diagnose Burdro and post the results here. Laurie has already asked you for the CBC and acth stim tests but I'd also like to see any other testing such as the LDDS, abdominal ultrasound findings, UC:CR, urinalysis, etc.


Budro was diagnosed with Cushings about eight months ago. He actually seemed very healthy for 13 aside from ravenous hunger, thirst and frequent urination. We did fine with the loading doses, but when we started getting to the once a week dose, he would get nauseous or have diarrhea for that day.

In addition to the mg of the loading dose Lori has asked for, can you tell us how long he loaded, how long after the last loading dose was a stim test done and what were the results of that stim test. I see that your vet has prescribed a once a week maintenance dose. This isn't always the best approach, not the least of which is that it can cause stomach upset. What is the current maintenance dose and how long did you wait after the last loading dose to give him his first maintenance dose?

Sorry for all the questions but we have to put all the pieces together so we can try to figure out what's going on with your boy. A lot of us have been around the block a time or two with Lysodren and have seen how amazingly effective it is. Yes, there are side effects but those are usually minimized or eliminated completely if proper protocol is followed. Your answers and posting test results will help us understand what protocol your vet has been following.


About two months ago we did another blood test and found that he was only 5 points away from normal on his cortisol levels. Liver enzymes were elevated. My vet increased the lysodren by 1/2 a pill on the once a week dose. I did this for three weeks or so. The fourth were he became very I'll. He didnt eat almost the whole were. Vomiting, and other tummy upsets happened when he did eat.

Normal cortisol for a cushdog is not the same as a healthy dog. The goal for a dog on lysodren is to get the post stimulated cortisol number in the therapeutic range of 1 - 5 ug/dl. If Baby's post cortisol was 5 points above that, then the post cortisol had to be approximately 10 ug/dl. If that is correct, then it is highly unlikely that an increase in maintenance dose will be effective in getting the cortisol down to where it needs to be. We've seen that failure a lot here.

As Lori has already mentioned, Lysodren should not be given to a sick dog and a cushdog who is not eating normally is sick. Most certainly a dog who is vomiting whether they have cushing's or not is sick. When Baby became very ill on the fourth week of maintenance, did you take him in for an acth stimulation test and to check his electrolytes? If so, can you please post the results of that acth stim test?

In my opinion, if a current acth stimulation test results show that Baby's issues are not being caused by too low cortisol levels, your vet needs to find out what is going on. Considering that the loading dose is massive in comparison to a maintenance dose, it seems very odd to me that Baby was able to handle the loading phase but got sick on the maintenance dose. :confused:

Again, sorry for asking so many questions and requesting so many things but without more information, we won't be much help to you or Baby. Looking forward to getting to know you and Baby.

Glynda

[Budro'sBuddy]

Thank you so much for your responses! It's a relief to connect with people who know what I'm talking about. I will gladly get the info you have asked for. I do know that the electrolytes were not checked. This was was one of the goals of the second opinion vet, but their machine to test that was not working. Apparently they called around, but couldn't get it repaired while he was there.

I would also love any tips on what to feed a dog who is possibly exhibiting lysodren anorexia. To make it more difficult, Budro is allergic to chicken, rice, corn and lamb. Thanks again. I will get you the numbers ASAP.

[lulusmom]

Did your vet give you some prednisone? If so, call your vet and ask him if it is okay to give Budro a dose to so see if it helps. I'm glad you're going to get the test results and post them for us but can you tell me if an acth stim test was done when Budro got really sick?

As far as trying to get your boy to eat, it sounds like you have given it your best shot. Whenever one of mine is not eating normally, I boil boneless, skinless chicken breasts, add some rice and some of the chicken broth. That usually works unless there is a serious underlying condition like pancreatitis or advanced kidney disease that is making the dog sick. Has either of the vets who have seen Budro after he got sick told you why they think he got sick and stopped eating?

[Harley PoMMom]

I would also love any tips on what to feed a dog who is possibly exhibiting lysodren anorexia. To make it more difficult, Budro is allergic to chicken, rice, corn and lamb. Thanks again. I will get you the numbers ASAP.

Beef broth baby food (with no onions), eggs (fried or boiled), cod or tilapia, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on his food, tripe...The trick is to get the nose interested, so usually the stinkier the food the more interested the dog is in eating.

Love and hugs,
Lori