Cushing's Just Confirmed (Sassy) 10 y/o Jack Russell Terrier [Archive] - Canine Cushing's Information and Support Forums

addy

07-18-2011, 09:17 PM

Hi and Welcome,

I am glad you found your way to our forum and we will try to help in any way we can. My Zoe has just started Trilostane. She is on her 5th week and doing well.

We ask quite a few questions to get a better understanding of what is going on with Sassy. If you could post her test results that would be great. Did she have a UC:Cr urine test or an ACTH test or a low dose dex test, an ultra sound?

What symptoms lead you to taking Sassy to the vet?

Did you have any blood work done? Could you post any abnormal results along with the normal values listed?

We sometimes see dogs being treated when the disease is not really confirmed so we ask lots of questions.

How much does Sassy weigh? Did your vet suggest a dose yet? What is the dose?

Learning everything you can about the disease helps you be a better advocate for your pup. Our resource section has a wealth of information in it and is a good place to start.

Well, I asked you quite a few questions, so now it is your turn.:):)

Hugs,
Addy

Roxee's Dad

07-18-2011, 10:01 PM

I join Addy in welcoming you and Sassy and look forward to learning more about Sassy's diagnosis.

ThreeJacksMom

07-19-2011, 07:29 PM

Thanks for the kind words - I know I am at the right place on here. :)

Sassy was being treated for heartworm when we adopted her, but has not had any other health issues in the six years we have had her, until now.

The first thing we noticed about Sassy is that she was struggling to jump up on the bed and furniture and sort of tripping over her back feet. She likes to jump on the bench at our dining room table, then get up on the table and sit next to us while we eat dinner. Luckily, all our friends are dog lovers and don't think we are too crazy!

Then we noticed excessive drinking and urinating, which is not that uncommon during the summer months, as we live in Florida. She went in for her regular senior citizen bloodwork and physical. All the bloodwork came back normal, but the urinalysis was out of whack. Put her on 10 days of antibiotics, did two more urine tests, then one where they drew it directly from her bladder. Urine still not concentrating, put her on 4 doses a day of Desmopressin. Helped just slightly, with her producing less urine. Test results stated Cortisol 7.4 and Creatinine 47.2

Just last Thursday, we had the ACTH test done and I don't have a copy of that report yet, but the vet said her level was 36 and it should be below 20?? Should be getting a copy of that report tomorrow.
He suggested the next thing to do is get an ultrasound to see if the adrendals are swollen, then after that get her on the Trilostane.

She weighed about 10-11 pounds for years and now she is up to 14 pounds. She does have a greatly increased appetite.
She does not have any skin issues, though, and hasn't lost any hair.
She went through about 10 days last month where she seemed very depressed, lethargic, and was just not herself. Now she seems just about back to normal personality wise.

It's even more stressful right now because we have already spent quite a bit of money and my husband is currently unemployed. The vet said the ultrasound will be $300 and that the Trilostane is expensive. Plus the continual monitoring. Not sure what kind of monthly cost to expect - I was guessing several hundred dollars?? I however, will spend every last cent I have to treat my babies. They are my kids and my life, and I will do whatever is in my power to give them the best care they can get. I just don't want Sassy to lose her quality of life - that's the part I am most concerned about.
Thanks for listening,
Lauri

MBK

07-20-2011, 12:15 AM

Lauri, I just wanted to welcome you and Sassy. I have two JRTs myself, so I definitely have a soft spot for jacks! Alivia is 13 years old and has intermittent cushing's symptoms and a "mass" on her right adrenal gland. She has some other issues as well so we are still trying to get her diagnosed and properly treated. I am pretty new at all of this, too.

The people here are very supportive and very knowledgeable...not to mention just plain wonderful.

ThreeJacksMom

07-20-2011, 08:33 PM

I am overwhelmed at the love and support everyone shares on here. Such a blessing to have found this site and to have an invaluable learning resource. Sassy is sitting on my lap watching me type and I am telling her about all her new friends.
Trying to get her ultrasound scheduled for next week.

jmac

07-20-2011, 10:44 PM

Welcome to you! I am also fairly new at this. My dog, Hannah, was diagnosed in March. We have seen an increase in drinking (and a slight increase in urinating) as well as an increased appetite. She was in for her yearly dental and her blood work showed an elevated ALKP level, which led the vet to do the LDDS test, which confirmed it. We also went ahead and had the ultrasound so they could see her adrenal glands and liver and everything looked normal.

Just a few days ago she suddenly became resistant to jump up onto the bed. (She has a little stool she has used for years, and acted very hesitant about how to get on it). She hasn't jumped up on anything since Sun. and my vet thinks she may have hurt her back and wants me to keep her from jumping/doing stairs for a week and then see. Did Sassy's leg weakness come on that quickly? It was basically overnight for Hannah, if that's what this is. She otherwise moves normally.

Hannah is on Anipryl right now, as her symptoms were/are very slight, but my vet would move onto Trilostane if/when needed. I have also spent a lot of time reading on this forum, and would not have made it this far without the wonderful resources, and the kind, caring, wonderful people on here. This has truly been what kept me sane, and where I can go when I am nervous or worried about my girl.

I'm so glad you found this site, and I know you will find it to be amazing. All of these wonderful people will help you through this confusing time.

Best of luck to you!

Julie & Hannah

Harley PoMMom

07-20-2011, 11:27 PM

Hi Lauri,

A belated welcome to you and Sassy! So glad you found us and we will help you and Sassy in any way we can.

Since Cushing's can be so hard to get a confirmed diagnosis usually the major expense is in the diagnostic phase. Both Lysodren and Trilostane can be compounded so this brings the price down a lot.

If your vet is using Cortrosyn as their stimulating agent for the ACTH stimulation test then this quote will be very helpful:
Cortrosyn is supplied in vials each containing 0.25 mg (250 μg) of synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin) in powder form. Because the dose of Cortrosyn used to perform an ACTH stimulation test is only 5 μg/kg, small to medium sized dogs require only a fraction of the ACTH contained in each vial. You can find this information and more here:http://endocrinevet.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-extend-your-supply-of-cortrosyn.html

Please know you are not alone on this journey as we will help you and Sassy with every step on this path.

Love and hugs,
Lori

ThreeJacksMom

07-21-2011, 11:34 PM

Thanks Julie and Hannah - nice to meet you. I am glad to hear Hannah is doing well on the Anipryl.
Sassy's leg weakness came on gradually. We noticed her jumping up but not quite getting where she wanted to be. It takes her three or four tries to get up on the bed now. We have been giving her a lift when we see her struggling, but I am wondering if that will make her legs even weaker, if we get in the habit of picking her up all the time.
Lori, thanks for the welcome and info on Cortrosyn. There is so much to learn about Cushing's - I had no idea. I want to read everything I can get my hands on and hope I can make sense of it all!

Eskimo'sMom

07-22-2011, 05:05 PM

Ah, so it's Cushings. I have been placing all my thoughts and questions in this forum from the beginning of it possibly being diagnosed as Cushings to treatment.

I did a lot of research and went through the process of thinking whether I should treat or not. Read them; it will probably seem familiar to your own thought process.

Some things you will read, are :

should I treat or not? Compound vs Veteroly (sp?), Is it really Cushings or not? Should I go to specialist or stay with reg vet? Which tests will ultimatly confirm she has Cushings? Who is the best Compound pharmacy? What excatly is Compounding meds?

MBK

07-26-2011, 01:45 PM

Hi, Lauri -

Were you able to get Sassy scheduled for an ultrasound, yet? Just checking in on you both (or, I should say ALL!) to see how it's going.

Your question about whether helping Sassy when she is trying to jump will make the leg weakness worsen was an interesting one. I had never thought of that before and I don't know the answer, but I suspect it wouldn't make much difference. Alivia's rear leg weakness seems to be better at times and worse sometimes. Jack's are such good jumpers that it is really hard to see them struggle with this. Ali seems to look confused when she isn't able to jump like she could - it's heartbreaking to watch. :(

Anyway, just thinking about you and checking in.

ThreeJacksMom

07-27-2011, 03:52 PM

Hi Mary Beth and Alivia! Hope you are having a good day and thanks for checking on us :)

This whole diagnosis is the strangest thing.
We took Sassy in for her ultrasound yesterday (a specialist had to come in) and she tried to bite him when he tried to shave her (yikes!), so we muzzled her and sent her back in.

The ultrasound came back perfectly NORMAL. Her adrenals are normal shape and size, liver is fine, nothing is cancerous, all clear.
We were all relieved to say the least, but also very perplexed.

The vet said no way is she getting on Trilostane and even went as far as saying she probably doesn't have Cushing's. All the prior tests she had certainly indicated that she did have Cushing's.

Sassy had also been on Desmopressin for a month to see if her urine would concentrate and we could get a diagnosis of diabetes, but the Desmopressin did nothing.

So, for now, we have put her on 3 weeks of Ketoconazole to see if that will help with the symptoms. I don't want to blow the whole thing off and think nothing is wrong, b/c she still has symptoms.

It's all very strange to me, but I am happy right now. I put a little stepstool at the foot of the bed, so she hops up there and can at least get where she wants to go.

Will keep you posted on the progress.

jmac

07-27-2011, 04:38 PM

Hi-

I just wanted to mention that my Hannah's ultrasound was also completely normal. I also was relieved, but confused. She has some symptoms-increased thirst, urination, eating. She recently seems to slow down on walks and suddenly (and I mean like all of a sudden a week ago) stopped wanting to/being able to jump up on the bed (or furniture), even WITH the stool I have for her. No idea if that is Cushing's related or not. She had the LDDS test after a high ALKP level in a blood test, and that is how she was diagnosed.

We are seeing a specialist on Friday to see what they think and where to go from here. I sort of know how you're feeling, even though I still feel like this is probably what she has. They thought maybe it is just early on.

Glad to hear nothing looked serious on the ultrasound! Keep me posted about how Sassy is doing and what else you find out.

-Julie & Hannah

ThreeJacksMom

07-27-2011, 07:39 PM

Hi Julie & Hannah! Thanks for checking on us!

That is so odd that you have almost the same situation. I agree with you, I am not ruling out Cushing's. No matter what the vet says, I know my Sassy girl and know something is just not right.

We noticed her not wanting to jump before we paid attention to the drinking and peeing. She has been struggling to jump for a couple of months now.

I am curious - what kind of specialist will you see? Maybe that should be my next step, too, if the med she is on now doesn't do anything.

Keep me posted.

Have a good evening :)

jmac

07-27-2011, 08:14 PM

Hi again!

I am seeing an Internal Medicine specialist. You can search for one in your area, or ask your vet for a recommendation, too. There is a link somewhere on this site for the site, but you can also search veterinary internal medicine specialists and it will take you there. For some you need a referral, and others you don't. My vet thought it was a good idea to get a second opinion now, and to figure out what is the deal with Hannah's sudden lack of jumping. I am also concerned about meds we can give to Cushing's dogs, and am hopeful that if she does have some sort of inflammation or sore muscle, that the IM will know what she can take safely. I'll definitely post my experience and results on Friday afternoon. It might not be a bad idea to look into it. They have more experience with Cushing's, and it will just be nice to have another opinion, and to have the option to contact them with questions and have them work with my regular vet too.

Keep in touch!

Julie & Hannah

MBK

07-27-2011, 11:14 PM

Lauri -

So happy that Sassy's ultrasound was normal!! That's definitely good news! That seems to rule out an adrenal tumor, but I'm not sure how that rules out pituatary based cushing's which would not show on u/s and is actually the more common cause of cushing's. :confused:

The good thing is if it is cushing's, it sounds like it is early and they really do not suggest treatment until the symptoms get worse. For now you can just keep an eye on her for any changes. You know your dog better than anyone, so if you don't see any improvement and are still worried you could take her to a specialist to ease your mind.

My jack is still confusing me with some of her test results, symptoms, etc., so you are not alone! Cushing's seems to be hard to definitively diagnose and with my Alivia, the symptoms seem to come and go. For now, enjoy that good report!!!

ThreeJacksMom

07-29-2011, 10:21 PM

You are right, it's very confusing. I am trying to keep good notes, but that's hard, too, when talking to the vet. She said something to the effect that if it was pituitary, the adrenals would be enlarged or one bigger than the other. If it was adrenal, they would actually be able to see a tumor from the ultrasound. Has anyone else heard that?
If I don't see any improvement after three weeks and our next vet visit, I am considering getting a second opinion.
Sassy does seem perkier the past couple of days, though.

frijole

07-29-2011, 10:34 PM

If it was adrenal, they would actually be able to see a tumor from the ultrasound. Has anyone else heard that?
.

You are right but it depends on the imaging... not all machines are high resolution. Also not all readings are accurate. I had an ultrasound done on my Annie and they could only see one of the two adrenals. The one they couldn't see had a small tumor on it. I had a 2nd ultrasound done - this time by the Univ of Kansas Vet Med School and they spent a great deal more time and film.. and discovered the tumor. So if you suspect there might be one then it might be worth going to another location to have one done. I paid $150 for the one at K State and $400 for the one at a vet clinic in Omaha. Go figure. :D Kim

lulusmom

07-29-2011, 11:26 PM

Hi Lauri,

If as dog has pituitary dependent cushing's, the adrenals can be normal size, if early on in the disease, but most often, both glands are equally enlarged. If an adrenal tumor is involved, unless there are bilateral tumors which is very rare, only one adrenal gland is enlarged and the other is either much smaller or completely atrophied. I'll try to explain how this whole mess works and how cushing's screws up a perfect communication system.

Picture this. The pituitary gland is just hanging around in a dog's head with a cortisol meter in it's hand waiting for it to beep. When that meter beeps, the pituitary gland says, "oh it's time for more cortisol and releases acth hormone. The adrenal glands get jolted awake by the acth and obeys the pituitary gland by releasing a good shot of cortisol. That's how it works in a perfect world in a normal dog.

If a dog has a pituitary tumor, the pituitary gland gets all screwed up in the head and can no longer operate the meter correctly. The tumor is evil, like that little devil that stands on your shoulder and tells you to do bad things. :D Well, the evil tumor tells the pituitary "hey we need more cortisol dummy" and the pituitary says duh, okay boss and keeps releasing a steady stream of acth. The adrenal glands have no idea what is going on up in the head so they just do what they are being told to do and release cortisol in response. So now we have the pituitary gland that is dumping acth like crazy and the adrenal glands are dumping cortisol like crazy. So after this mayhem goes on for a while, the dog is floating in a sea of acth and even worse, a sea of cortisol and then all heck breaks loose. The dog starts peeing everywhere, drinking like crazy, panting (like me going up one flight of stairs) losing hair (like me under stress), sucking up food like crazy (call me Hoover), develops a pot belly (like me, a big fat sea cow after chinese sodium overload) and thinning skin that bruises easily (yeah, yeah, yeah also like me). No, I don't have cushing's, I'm just old and infirm with a huge appetite. :D

If a dog has an adrenal tumor, the adrenal tumor could care less about the pituitary gland and lets loose a whole bunch of cortisol and/or one or more of whatever sex hormones it darn well feels like dumping. Remember that the pituitary gland is perfectly healthy and is operating that meter just fine. When the adrenal tumor releases cortisol, the meter never beeps so the pituitary gland is thinking "cool we got cortisol so I'll just hang around here and do nothing. Well that's just great but the adrenal gland that doesn't have a tumor is sitting around on it's butt doing nothing while its evil twin is over there going "bwaahaaaahaaa, I don't need no stinkin acth. It starts shooting out adrenal steroids like it's a gatling gun and with so much cortisol in the blood, it effectively turns off the pituitary gland. So the pituitary gland goes idle, there is no more acth to jolt the poor normal adrenal gland and it starts to shrivel up and atrophy from lack of use. Kinda like most of the muscles in my body. :(

So that's my story and I hope it helps you understand why most of us cushparents are screwed up in the head. It's the evil pituitary and adrenal glands' fault.

frijole

07-30-2011, 09:37 AM

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Glynda... I loved that explanation... you should sticky that and put it in the reference section for all new members to read... so much easier to follow.

jmac

07-30-2011, 10:08 AM

I loved the explanation too! :D

Harley PoMMom

07-30-2011, 01:25 PM

Oh Glynda! That explanation is wonderful, it is easy to understand and humorous, which I believe a new member needs when they first find out about their furbaby having Cushing's. I agree with Kim that it should be a sticky!!

Squirt's Mom

07-30-2011, 01:34 PM

Amen! I copied and pasted for my files, as a matter of fact! :p

apollo6

07-30-2011, 04:58 PM

Dear Lauri
Welcome you and Sassy
I have attached two links which explain cushing and the three types they are. My Apollo has had cushing probably for 3 years now and last year I started him on Trilostane. He weighs between 10-11 lbs. and is on 10mg. To many vets start off too high on the dosage. Before you do decide on which is the right medication and dosage, please post so we can give you input. Apollo will be 13 in October and he still is very happy dispute his disabilities which come with this disease. We are here for you.
Hugs Sonja and Apollo
http://www.vetinfo.com/canine-cushings-disease.html
http://www.kateconnick.com/library/cushingsdisease.html
It is smart for you to learn all you can. This is a very difficult disease to diagnose and can mask other problems.

ThreeJacksMom

08-01-2011, 12:37 PM

Glynda,
Thanks for the awesome explanation! It gave me a much better understanding and a good laugh - both just what I needed. I had a migraine all weekend, can't imagine why, lol :D

Back to reading - checking out the other links that were posted.
Thanks to each of you!

ThreeJacksMom

08-16-2011, 06:20 PM

Well, after three full weeks of Ketoconazole twice per day, the vet just called and said Sassy's urine is still not concentrating at all.
I was so hopeful this was going to actually do something to help her, but no luck :(

The vet said she has called an internist for a second opinion and is awaiting a call back. She now is thinking that b/c Sassy has a tiny nodule on a kidney, that is what is causing the problem, but she wants to hold off doing anything for a couple of days until she talks to the other vet.

I am even more confused now than when this whole thing started.
Does anyone have any input on what could be next? If it's a kidney issue, I am worried that's going to be worse than Cushing's.

MBK

08-16-2011, 10:30 PM

Lauri -

I'm so sorry to hear that three weeks of Ketoconazole did nothing for Sassy. :( So, disappointing when you desperately hope the least scary treatment will help. Believe me, I know that feeling very well. I am sure waiting to here back from your vet is not easy, either. Hang in there!

Try not to get ahead of yourself about the kidney thing. I know that's easier said than done because my mind ALWAYS goes to the worst thing first! :o I don't know much about this specifically, but I am pretty sure "tiny nodules" can be insignificant. I hope that is the case for Sassy.

Keep us posted when you hear back!

aka TwoJacksMom :)

Squirt's Mom

08-17-2011, 11:36 AM

Hi Lauri,

I know you are disappointed the Keto didn't work but that isn't really surprising. I don't recall any pups here who tried this route being successful on it. :( Keto is very, very hard on the liver so it really isn't a "kinder" treatment, either, tho many vets think it is.

Getting an IMS on board is an excellent plan. They will be able to give you a better idea about the nodule present on the kidney as well as hopefully have more experience with Cushing's than you GP vet. Please understand that is not a judgment against your vet. It has been our experience here that many, many GP vets are over their heads when it comes to Cushing's. In school, they are taught it is an incurable disease that most "owners" either won't or can't treat so the dog dies within 2 years. A few years ago I called several vets, 14 I think it was, and of those only one would even see Squirt since she has Cushing's. They all told me they either wouldn't/didn't treat or they sent the dogs to Memphis - the closest IMS. The GP vet we use now point blank told me he knew nothing about the condition but he has been a champ at learning and working with us. ;)

I think you are wise to withhold going to Lysodren or Trilostane until that nodule is more closely examined. One, non-adrenal illnesses can cause the tests for Cushing's to come back with false positives. Second, if Sassy does have some sort of kidney condition, that will affect the treatment. So finding out about her kidneys first is the place to start.

Please keep in touch and let us know how things are going.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls

ThreeJacksMom

08-20-2011, 02:20 PM

To Trilostane or not to Trilostane? That is the question.

The IM vet did confirm Cushing's, so my regular vet said she would recommend Trilostane, at a very low dosage to start out with - 12 mg per day. Sassy is up to 14 pounds now - she gained 3 since she has developed her symptoms. The vet said she would have to have it formulated, so I am guessing 6 mg twice per day.

Sassy seems much perkier and is getting around just fine, so I asked the vet if she would perhaps wait a bit longer before we started the Trilostane - she said that would not be a bad plan to wait. My thinking on that is why start her on something so harsh when for the time being she is doing really well.

I told the vet I would make a decision in the next week or so if I would start Sassy now or maybe try to wait another month or so.
My concern is that I don't want to wait too long and then some other issue comes up.

Any opinions are very much welcomed! Thanks to all of you for your input. I am really struggling with a decision on this.

lulusmom

08-20-2011, 02:43 PM

Hi Lauri,

Can you tell us what the IMS based his diagnosis on? With bloodwork normal, liver and adrenal glands normal and dilute urine being the primary symptom, it seems like the diagnosis was confirmed on one test, the acth stim test. I'm speculating here but if Sassy has enough cortisol in her system to mess with the kidneys ability to concentrate urine, I would think there would have been at least a few blood abnormalities. Has her appetite increased, any panting (aside from the usual from walks and heat), any coat and skin issues, does she seek out cool places to lie on, like tile floors?

Do you have copies of the blood chemistry? If not, can you get a copy and double check to make everything was normal? You mentioned that the vet did two or three urine tests. Can you get copies of those also and post the results here? Do you know if a urine culture was done? Was bacteria found and did your vet do a follow up culture after the antibiotics to make sure the infection was gone?

At this point, unless you are really bothered by the peeing and drinking, I think waiting to start Trilostane is wise.

Glynda

Squirt's Mom

08-20-2011, 02:49 PM

Hi Lauri,

Did the IMS discuss the nodule on the kidney? Did they think her kidneys are healthy?

What signs are you seeing Sassy at the present? You say she is doing well so I wonder if she is presenting with any signs at the moment and if not, then holding off on starting the Trilo is the best idea. The signs are critical in monitoring treatment and a cush savvy vet will not start treatment until the pup has several strong signs. When was the last ACTH she had? Would you mind posting the actual results?

The dose your vet is suggesting is fine but pups are typically started with once a day dosing.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

ThreeJacksMom

08-20-2011, 06:04 PM

Her bloodwork was done on May 24th and (I hope I am posting this correctly) everything was in the normal range except for:
Phosphorus 2.1 (Low) 2.5-6 is reference range
Cholesterol 370 (High) 92-324 is range
Triglycerides 509 (High) 29-291 is range

Urinalysis clear, colorless, no bacteria present
Specific gravity 1.007 (Low) 1.015-1.050 range
PH 7.5 (High) 5.5-7.0 range

Then she had urine drawn directly from her bladder. Test was done on June 13th:
Cortisol 7.4 5-55 range
Creatinine 47.2 (Low) 100-500 range
Ratio 49 (High)

The ACTH test was done on July 14th:
Cortisol Sample 1 3.4 1.0-5.0 range
Cortisol Sample 2 36.0

Ultrasound on July 26th, with adrenals and kidneys all normal size, shape, no cancer detected, and that's when they mentioned a very tiny nodule on the kidney, but said nothing looked abnormal, it could have been there for a long time.

Then she got on the Keto for three weeks and the urinalysis was just about the same result as the first one, but I did not get a copy yet.

Early in the week,my vet sent all Sassy's test results to the IM vet and they both went over everything and my vet called me last evening to say they felt the next thing to do is get on Trilostane.

Thanks for your help!!

ThreeJacksMom

08-20-2011, 06:25 PM

Oh, I forgot - the symptoms she has now:
Drinking and peeing like crazy, about 2-3 cups of water per day. She hasn't had an accident in a couple of months, we have just adjusted by putting newspaper down if we have to go out and letting her out more often. She can pee all over the place if I can avoid putting her on Trilo.

She has some weakness in the back legs, but it's not as bad as it was two months ago. She can still jump up on the furniture, and a step stool helps her get on the bed.
She doesn't pant except when she goes outside. We are in Florida and it's 90 degrees every day.
She does lay in her tummy, legs out behind her on the tile floor, but she has always done that.
She eats more, has gained three pounds since all this started back in May.

The other two weird things that the vet didn't have any answer for is that sometimes when she is sleeping, she breathes very loudly, like she has a stuffy nose. Not a snoring noise and not all the time, just sometimes. Her lungs sound clear though.

And, she also has a tender spot right around her ribcage/sternum area. Sometimes when we pick her up and touch that spot just right, she will yelp and try to bite us. The only thing I can think of is that area is bruised because a couple of times she hit flat on the floor when she jumped off the bed before we could set her down.

Harley PoMMom

08-20-2011, 07:58 PM

Hi Lauri,

With all of Sassy's symptoms and high cortisol, it does sound like it is time to start the Trilostane. We will be here for you and Sassy, ok?

Love and hugs,
Lori

addy

08-20-2011, 08:19 PM

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2231

I found rereading this article while I decided when to treat my Zoe helped me put things in perspective.

When to treat or not is an individual choice we all make based on our pups and our circumstances.

What scares you the most? Sometimes hashing out those things that frighten us so helps clear our heads.:)

We are here for you whatever your decision may be and for whenever you may make it. Zoe's IMS has always told me it is important that I am comfortable with the treatment. I pass that on to you.:)

Hugs,
Addy

ThreeJacksMom

09-23-2011, 10:31 AM

We finally got some sense of order back in our household after my husband's bicycling accident and got Sassy started on Trilostane this morning. Keeping my fingers crossed! Hope everyone is doing well - hugs to all the precious pups!

addy

09-23-2011, 01:42 PM

Hi,

I am so glad your hubby is better after his accident. It is always so hard to juggle all these things.

I am just wondering, what dose did you start Sassy on and what does she weigh?

A long time ago, I had the sweetest golden retriever, nicest dog you every wanted to meet. Her name was Brandy Sassafras Manhattan, she was a pure bred. We called her "Sassy" so I have a fondness for Sassy Girls.:D;)

Keep us posted, if you get nervous, just come here and ask whatever you want to, even if it is for a hug.

Hugs,
Addy

Cyn719

09-23-2011, 07:13 PM

Lauri Glad your husband is better - hoping all goes well with the trilo - Penny is on trilo - she is doing good right now - just the bad legs and muscle weakness which it seems all cush dogs have - let us know how it is going with the trilo - thinking of you and Sassy:)

jmac

09-24-2011, 12:55 PM

Hi Lauri,
I hope things go well with Sassy on the Trilostane. I am still holding off on starting my Hannah on anything besides Anipryl because she has no really strong symptoms, except her back legs are really weak. It is so tough to decide when, but it sounds like you made the right choice for Sassy.

Julie & Hannah

MBK

09-28-2011, 01:37 PM

Hi, Lauri -

I haven't been here for over a week and just read that Sassy began Trilostane treatment. I hope she is doing well. I will keep you both in my thoughts and hope that things improve without complications. Jack Russells are tough little ones!

Hang in there!

ThreeJacksMom

09-30-2011, 08:23 PM

Today was Sassy's 8th day on Trilostane. The vet had it compounded, 50mg, and she is getting .9ml once per day. She weighs 14 lbs.
So far, it doesn't seem to be doing a thing, but at least it hasn't made her sick. I guess it takes a few weeks to start seeing any changes, but I was really hoping I would notice a difference by now.:confused:
The good news is she loves the chicken flavor and is practically chewing the syringe to get it all out. At least I don't have to fight with her to take it.

The vet originally told me it would be about $60 per month for her dosage and this first bottle came in at $113! Once the prescription is filled, is it possible to order it myself from the pharmacy - (I think it's called Diamondback) at a less expensive price?

She goes Oct. 10th for her ACTH follow up.

Thanks to all of you for the well wishes and support - I can not tell you how much I appreciate everyone's input.