Eddie, 14 y/o Jack Russell - Sweet Eddie has passed

[Judith]

Hi - I'm a very new member, and this is my first post. I have a beautiful, much-loved 14 year-old Jack Russell, Eddie, who has just been diagnosed with Cushing's Syndrome. This is his 6th day of treatment, and he seems to be responding well - less drinking, less panting, and he's generally more relaxed. He also has arthritis, particularly in his hind legs, which seem stiffer since we stopped hydrotherapy recently - he didn't have enough stamina because of his Cushing's symptoms, which weren't identified as such until the vet took blood tests. He still has his Cosequin.
I should also mention he has had blood in his stools for some time, and the present treatment is zitac, amoxyl with clavulinic acid and metronidazole, as the vet can't identify if the trouble is in the large intestine or the duodenum (he has been scanned, but we're told that ulcers are hard to spot). I'd greatly appreciate any advice about the use of Vetoryl and Zydol together. Many thanks - J.

Hi Judith, I have manually approved your post. Please check your spam or inbox for an email from K9C. You will need to reply to the email in order to keep your posts from being held up in moderation. Thanks!

[labblab]

Judith, your membership has now been approved, so you should have no problem with future posts. :)

Marianne

[StarDeb55]

Judith, welcome to you & Eddie! It appears from some quick research that Zydol is what we know in the US as tramadol. I don't believe the use of 2 together should be an issue, but since I have never used vetoryl, so some of the trilo parents will need to offer their opinion. I did take a look at the trilostane package insert & nothing was said about tramadol. If Eddie has been on tramadol for awhile, this shouldn't be a problem. I will tell you though that several members including myself have had pups have pretty severe reactions to tramadol at the dosage vets suggested. The pups would literally act like they were "stoned". All of us cut the dose in half & the pups seem to be fine on the smaller dose. Is the tramadol being used to control arthritis pain? I ask since you don't mention that it's being used to help with the GI issues.

We would love to hear more about Eddie's history, if you want to tell us. What were his symptoms, tests that were done to diagnose Cushing's, length of time using trilostane,etc?

We are hear to help in anyway we can.

Debbie

[littleone1]

Hi Judith,

Corky and I want to welcome you and Eddie to a wonderful group of very caring, supportive, and knowledgeable people. Corky is taking Trilostane, and has taken Tramadol for pain when he's had any surgery done. He was never on it for a long period of time, so I don't really know if there would be any problems with it over an extended period of time.

Terri

[Judith]

Many thanks, Debbie, for your quick and kind response. The Zydol (tramadol) was given some months ago for Eddie's arthritis, along with Cosequin and hydrotherapy. He then started getting infections (tracheobronchitis), for which more antibiotics were given. Blood tests then showed that two liver enzymes were abnormal, and this gave a clue to Eddie having possible Cushing's. He had the two Cushing's blood tests both of which were very positive, and this is his 6th day on Vetoryl (the only licensed drug in the UK for Cushing's). Because his natural cortisone level has fallen with the treatment, I suspect he is in more pain than usual with his legs, and this evening I 'risked' giving him half a Zydol. Up to a couple of years ago he has been a very fit boy, and even now he seems in great shape; people can't believe he is 14. We have to return to the vet on Monday, day 10 (as you'll know), and have the test repeated when I shall have a better idea of what is happening. We don't yet know if it's adrenal or pituitary. Do you think this matters greatly? Thanks again for your concern - Judith

[Judith]

Hi, Terri - Thanks so much for your response. I hope Corky is doing OK. Thanks for your welcome; it's great to be in touch with like-minded people. I think Trilostane is a similar drug to Vetoryl (the only licensed Cushing's drug in the UK). Because Eddie's little hind legs have stiffened up since beginning Vetoryl 6 days ago, I did risk giving him half a tramadol (Zydol to us!) this evening, (he's been on it for a while), and he doesn't seem to have had any ill effects. Once he has had Vetoryl for a longer time, I think we could go back to hydrotherapy, but as we've never had a dog with Cushing's before, I was being cautious with the drugs mixture. Good to know that it seems OK to use both together, as you have shown, if only for short periods. Many thanks again - Judith

[labblab]

(Administrative Note: Judith just posted this message on her profile page. I have placed a copy of her message here, so that we all can join in honoring Eddie and offering our support to Judith.)

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DARLING LITTLE EDDIE

This is the last of my few posts on this wonderful website. My beloved little Eddie died peacefully on Tuesday this week. He had Cushings, which was well controlled by our superb vets, but a nasty infection last week was more than he could take. After so much courage over the last few months, his hind legs wouldn't work any more he fell peacefully asleep. He was my loving, and loyal, beautiful, courageous little dog and my best friend for 15 years. We are all heartbroken.

[mytil]

Oh Judith,

My heart is breaking with you - I am so very very sorry.

((((hugs))))
Terry

[Squirt's Mom]

Dear Judith,

I am so sorry to hear about your sweet boy. I know your heart is broken along with the rest of Eddie's family. Being allowed to spend 15 years with your companion is wonderful and proof of what a loving, caring home he had. I can well imagine how empty you feel today, tho. :(

There is no doubt in my mind that Eddie knows how much you love him and that he is so grateful for all you did for him over the years, not the least of which was to simply love him. Today, he is once again as he was when a puppy - strong and whole, running in the Rainbow Fields with all his new friends. From there, he will watch over you always until you are reunited for all time.

Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Squirt, Trinket, Brick and our Angels, Ruby and Crystal


Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gently autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circles flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

[k9diabetes]

Judith... I'm so very sorry to learn of Eddie's passing. It is really hard when you fight for them for so long and then something happens you can't fix. The bond you built with Eddie through all of those struggles I'm sure was a special one.

Godspeed to your little boy,

Natalie

[Cyn719]

Judith

So sorry for the loss of Eddie. You loved him so much and cared for him all these years.... and he loved you in return.....words will not help your heart heal right now but try to hold on to knowing he had a wonderful life with you and you will always have the beautiful memories you shared ith him.

Sending you lots of love, support, strength and prayers

Hugs xoxo

Run free Angel Eddie

[bgdavis]

I'm so sorry for your loss of precious little Eddie. He was welcomed at the Bridge by many other Cush dogs.

Bonnie and Angel Criss Ann

[Judith]

Dear Terry

Thank you so very much for your beautiful words on my Eddie's death. You are so kind.

(((((hugs))))) Judith xxx

[Judith]

Dear Terry

Thank you so very, very much for your beautiful words on the death of my little Eddie. You are so kind.

((((hugs)))) - Judith x

[Judith]

Dear Cindy and Pebnny

How kind you are - and so understanding of how we feel during these, the saddest of days.

We have been so moved by your quick response, and the love we feel from members of this wonderful website helps so much.

Thank you

((((hugs)))) - Judith xxx

[Judith]

Dear Natalie

How wonderfully kind of you to send me such a lovely message.

It has helped me so much.

(((hugs))) Judith x

[MBK]

Dear Judith,

We've never "met", but my heart is breaking for you. I have 2 JRTs, a 14 year old female with cushings and a 12 year old healthy male. They definitely own your heart with their quirky personalities. How painful to watch such a happy and active one's health decline.

Eddie was as fortunate to have you as you were to have him. Take care of yourself and I hope time helps and you can remember the good times you had together.