Phoebe, my 8 year old Cavalier has crossed the Rainbow Bridge

[PhoebesDad]

Hi, my name is Ken and my baby Phoebe a 8 year old King Charlse Cavalier recently diagnosed with cushings. Like many I was devastated to hear about this, 3 months ago my girl seemed ok, now she is a different dog. She has muscle weakness and can't get up sometimes and when standing she loses her balance every once and awhile. It truly breaks my heart to see her like this and I hope and pray the medicine Vetoryl does the trick and returns her to a dog that enjoys life. I love my vet and she is very conservative and cautious with her treatment methods and truly has phoebes best interest at heart, I'm blessed to have her. I read horrible side affects to the treatments on the Internet and it FREAKED me out!!!! I was soooooo happy to find this forum, everyone seems so nice and supportive, just what I needed as I take this journey with my special girl, please send prayers out to her that this treatment is a success, we would greatly appreciate it!!!!

Thank you for having us- Phoebe & Ken

[accentmonkey]

Hi Ken,

I'm another newbie with a middle-aged cavalier, just recently diagnosed. In our case his symptoms were already in place when we got him, so I've never known him when he wasn't falling down or looking bewildered, and I can't imagine how hard it must be to see that change. I'm glad to see your medical professional is inspiring confidence in you (so far, anyway), that is always a big plus when anyone in the family is embarking on a long course of treatment. Fingers crossed for you and Phoebe and I hope we'll be able to compare positive cavalier stories soon.

Trish

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Ken and welcome to you and Phoebe! :)

Yep, most of us entered the doors here freaking out, bouncing off the walls, stumbling numbly over our own feet, tears coursing down our cheeks, screams whistling through our teeth....so you found the right place! :D And I'm glad you did.

Cushing's is not a death sentence. It is a manageable condition that requires a few changes in your life. The majority of cush pups do just fine on treatment and live out their normal life span - or beyond because cush parents are the BEST! ;) We come together out of love for our babies and a deep desire to learn all we can to make their lives the happiest possible - and they reap the benefit.

Now we are gonna play 20 Questions so we can learn about Phoebe. How much does she weigh?

What dose of Vetoryl is she taking and how many times a day?

What prompted the testing for Cushing's in the first place?

What signs were you seeing prior to starting treatment other than the muscle weakness and loss of balance?

What tests were done to diagnose the Cushing's?

Does she have any other health issues? If so, what?

Is she on any other meds, supplements, or herbs? If so, what are they, for what conditions, how much and how often dose she take them?

That will get us started and if you could get copies of the actual test results for the diagnostic testing done and post them here that would be wonderful. Please include the units of measurement and normal ranges for each value - similar to this (fake results for example only) -

ALT - 2567 - 150-425 mnol/L
BUN - 35 - 7-23 u/g

(You would only need to list those values that are either too low or too high)

Any information given on the LDDS or ACTH or ultrasound that is written in the comments will help as well.

The more we know about your sweet girl the more meaningful feedback we can offer. Don't worry about the length of the post - we LOVE details! ;)

Did the vet tell you what to look for that indicate the cortisol is dropping too low? Just in case - if you see loose stools/diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, stop the Vetoryl and call the vet asap to have an ACTH and check of her electrolytes done immediately. Did they give you any prednisone? If not, ask that they do - it is important to have pred on hand when using either drug - Trilostane (Vetoryl) or Lysodren (Mitotane).

When did they tell you come back for a follow-up ACTH? It should be done at the 10-14 day mark after the first dose. Do not fast for the test even if the vet says to - fasting will skew the test results with Trilo (Vetoryl) and not all vets are aware of this fact. Here is a link to our Helpful Resource Section about Trilo -

Trilostane info
http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=491107&pageID=1&sk=&date=

I look forward to learning more about Phoebe and you as time passes. Know we are here any time and we will walk this journey all the way with you.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[addy]

Hi Ken and Welcome to you and Phoebe,

I must tell you that I adore KCC's:D:D:D:D I spent a year on Pet finder trying to adopt one.

It is hard to watch our pups change. I know I went through what I can only call a mourning period until I came to terms with things.

The support and knowledge you will find here is like no other and I am so glad you found us. The road is sometimes filled with bumps and even big pot holes but the wonderful people here will always be there for you no matter what.

I am anxious to learn more about your Phoebe and hope you will share more details.

Hugs!!!

[jmac]

Hi Ken,

I just wanted to welcome you and Phoebe as well. You are right that you found a wonderful place, with knowledgeable, kind, helpful, and supportive people. We are like a little family and we stick together!

Please don't hesitate to ask any and all questions you have, and if you ever need our support, let us know that too. We will be there!

As Leslie said, the more we know about Phoebe, the more we can help. I'll look forward to hearing more about her, and I certainly hope you'll see the old Phoebe back in no time! :)

Julie & Hannah

[molly muffin]

Hi Ken and Phoebe!

I'll throw my voice of welcome in with the rest of the gang. :) WELCOME!

It's awful scary and freaking out is pretty much the normal reaction when you're told that. Freaking is what made me find this forum.
So glad you found us and we can't wait to get to know you both better and hopefully have a journey with not too many bumps in it along the way.

Hugs,
Sharlene

[PhoebesDad]

Hey Squirts Mom! Thank you so much for the info and kind words. Ok, let me try to answer your questions in order
She is taking 10mg of Vetrol every 24 hours
I first noticed weak back legs and panting and excess thirst
I just purchased Nuvet supplement for cushings- it's supposed to be 100% safe
Yes, I have a ACTH test scheduled 10 days after 1st dose
Thank you again Leslie, look forward to hearing from you!

Ken & Phoebe

[PhoebesDad]

Sharlene, Julie, Addy, and Trish
Thank you all so very much for the warm words and encouragement, only those who go through this can truly understand! I will most definitely keep everyone posted, we will start the Vetoryl Thursday AM, keep the positive thoughts and prayers comming that we have fantastic results!!!

XoXo, Ken & Phoebe

[addy]

All paws are crossed, Ken:):):):):):)

[PhoebesDad]

Hello Friends! Well, we started Trilostane today, I took the day off from work to spend with her to make sure she reacted ok to meds. We go back in 10 days to check her levels, I will get the numbers and post them for feedback. I pray for this drug to have as much success as possible, I just want her happy again!!!

We will post updates soon!
Phoebe and Ken

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Ken,

The follow-up ACTH is correctly scheduled, which is wonderful in itself! That indicates her vet is on the ball and we are always so glad to see those signs from our medical professionals! :) Not sure of her weight, but 10mg sounds like a fairly low dose, which is also good. Starting low and building slowly as needed is the best way to approach treatment with Trilostane (Vetoryl).

Did the vet tell you what to look for that would indicate the cortisol is too low? Just in case - loss of appetite, loose stool/diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, lethargy, weakness. If you see any of these signs, stop the Trilo and call the vet. Trilo is great in that it has a very short life in the body so IF there is a problem, the drug is leaving the system fairly rapidly. However, I am sure you and Phoebe are going to sail right along!

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

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[molly muffin]

Good luck! We will all be waiting to here how things are going!

Hugs,
Sharlene

[PhoebesDad]

Hi everyone! just a quick update on how we are doing! Phoebe started Vetoryl Thursday AM, and has had NO bad side affects so far!!!! Phoebe is also amazingly starting to show slight and small improvements in this 5 day period!!! She is way more alert, she seems as if the fog has been lifted!!! Also, she is walking a bit faster and with more balance and control!!! she does not fall nearly as much as she had, still can not go up a stair- but she tries!!! eating and drinking at great rates, not too much, just enough!! I am needless to say THRILLED at the progress so far, i hope this is the start to us getting back to some normal and happy ways and that she can have quality of life again!!! Thank you again for all of the support and prayers- it is working!!!!

Ken & Phoebe

[addy]

Great news Ken:D:D:D:D:D:D:D


Just keep an eye on her. When is the ACTH scheduled for?

[molly muffin]

I'm very happy to hear that Phoebe is doing so well. You'll have to keep an eye on her like a hawk to make sure that she stays at a stable rate and doesn't drop down at any point. ACTH should be within 10 - 14 days of starting the dosing.

I hope you are both on that road to a better quality of life too. :) It's what we all dream of.

Hugs,
Sharlene

[PhoebesDad]

Hey Addy!
Oh yes, I will totally watch her like a hawk, I know we have a long way to go and it's still a battle- its just nice to see her get a bit better and have some hope. Our test is scheduled for Monday the 27th, I will be sure to get the results so I can post them and get feedback. Thanks again for checking on us, hopefully we will have more good news!!!!
Ken & Phoebe
XoXo:p

[PhoebesDad]

Hey Sharlene!!! We have our test Scheduled and I will post the numbers for sure!!! You are so right, we all have the same goal in this journey, too see our baby's as happy and healthy as possible!!! Thank you for keeping up with us!!!!
Ken & Phoebe;)
XoXo

[addy]

woooohoooooo, hoping for more good news on Monday!!!!:D:D

You are doing a great job. I know it is so exciting to even see a small improvement. It is what we live for and they cant come soon enough.

Keep up the good work!!!!

[Squirt's Mom]

Wonderful report, Ken! :) ALWAYS good to hear that things are progressing as desired! ;) Of course, Phoebe has a great dad who cares a great deal about her welfare and that goes such a long way when dealing with Cushing's.

Keep in touch as you can and let us know how things are going! So far, sounds really good!

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[molly muffin]

Hi, just popping in to see how things are going. Hope Phoebe continues to do well.

Hugs,
Sharlene

[PhoebesDad]

Hey Sharlene!!!
So far so good!!! We are having our test on Monday, this will be the 12th day of treatment. She is eating and drinking at normal rates, overall improvement I would say is 25%! I continue to have hope that we continue on this path of improvement, she is such a trooper!!! I will post the results of the test and let y'all know what the doctors say as well. Thank you so much for checking in, it means allot!!!

Ken & Phoebe xo

[Boriss McCall]

Hi Ken & Phoebe!
I am new here as well. I haven't started my dog on treatment yet. We are still in the testing phase. But, your story makes me happy. :)
So, glad to see things are on the up for you & Phoebe.

Amy & Boriss

[PhoebesDad]

Hey Amy!!! The story of how I ended up on this sight is by total accident, but soon I learned I was ment to be here!!! I felt so stunned by the diagnosis and knew NOTHING about cushings, I just knew I was in for a fight and had no idea what the battle was. When I found this sight I read all of the stories, some happy- some sad, but the compassion and concern and understanding was the common factor in every thread I read!!! I learned so much- and I'm still learning every step we take, I also have a vet that is fantastic and patient with me and that helps also! It makes me happy that Phoebe and I can give you a little hope and inspiration at the start of your journey, the beginning is always the scariest!!! I hope and pray you have fantastic results and I'm in no way an expert on this in any way- but I can give you support as the two of you get through this!!! Good luck with everything!!!

Ken & Phoebe

[addy]

We'll be waiting for the news with all paws crossed!!!!!!

I am so glad our little Cavalier is feeling more like a princess should, go Phoebe!!!!!!:):):):)

We get by with a little help from our friends;););)

[addy]

I'm thinking someone has a stim coming up:D:D:D

Paws crossed for Phoebe!!!

I hope everything is okay, Ken.

[Boriss McCall]

Hey Amy!!! The story of how I ended up on this sight is by total accident, but soon I learned I was ment to be here!!! I felt so stunned by the diagnosis and knew NOTHING about cushings, I just knew I was in for a fight and had no idea what the battle was. When I found this sight I read all of the stories, some happy- some sad, but the compassion and concern and understanding was the common factor in every thread I read!!! I learned so much- and I'm still learning every step we take, I also have a vet that is fantastic and patient with me and that helps also! It makes me happy that Phoebe and I can give you a little hope and inspiration at the start of your journey, the beginning is always the scariest!!! I hope and pray you have fantastic results and I'm in no way an expert on this in any way- but I can give you support as the two of you get through this!!! Good luck with everything!!!

Ken & Phoebe

Thanks Ken & little Phoebe! I got lucky & found this forum just from helplessly searching the net trying to wrap my head around what Cushing's is. I feel so lucky & relieved to have found this place. I think without it my mind would have been blown by now.:D

I am not as scared as I was before. Still scared to death though..:eek::D:eek:

Knowledge is power & that makes me feel better about the situation.

I babysit a couple of kids who have a Cavalier. It is one of the sweetest dogs I have been around.

Can't wait to hear about Phoebe's check up.

Amy & Boriss

[PhoebesDad]

Hi everyone!!! Well we had our ACTH test Tuesday and we received results today. The vet called me at home after work to tell me the results and I will get exact report with all the numbers to post them when I see her Monday. I did ask for the cortisol levels when first diagnosed and the current levels after the ACTH test, here they are-

Levels First Diagnosed:
Pre- 15.3
Post- 52

Levels 14 days later after ACTH test:
Pre- 8.21
Post- 7.78

I am happy to say the treatment is working!!! She has improved sooooo much, almost all symptoms have improved 75%! She still has a little muscle weakness, but the vet says that's from muscle wasteing and in time she will build some muscle back and it will get a bit better. Eating and drinking are normal and urination is normal as well. I know this is not over and we will be treating and managing this forever, but I'm happy and hopefull that things are looking and getting better and most importantly Phoebe is happy and enjoying things she hasn't been able to in a LONG time!!!! I will never take walks for granite again, to see her walk without falling down makes my heart full, to see her get up on her own and not completely collapse is a joy!!!! Thank you all for sending the good thoughts and prayers, they are definitely working!!!! I will post proper results and levels after I receive them Monday.

Thank you Friends for your support and concern for us!!!
Ken & Phoebe XoXo:D

[Boriss McCall]

yay!!! so happy for you & your girl.

[molly muffin]

Hey, I'm thrilled to hear that it was good news today and that Phoebe continues to do really well. I'm happy for you both!!!

Hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Squirt's Mom]

Mornin' Ken,

What a great update on our sweet Phoebe! :) I am so glad the treatment is working well for her and she is starting to show some of her old personality again. Don't that just warm the cockles all the way through? :D I will never forget seeing my Squirt pick up a stuffed toy and play with it again after YEARS of ignoring them. Oh, the joy that brought to my old heart will ever remain and I am so glad you got to feel the same joy.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[addy]

way to go


hurrah



good news is sooooo great

[PhoebesDad]

Hello friends, I have not been on in a while and just wanted to update.
My heart breaks to tell you that Phoebe lost her battle with cushings. She fought so hard and so bravely but in a matter of 7 months from being diagnosed the fight ended. I have never seen something take over so fast, one day I had a healthy beautiful dog and in half a year later she was gone. She was amazing right to the end, as sick as she was she never gave up until she became so tired she just couldn't fight anymore.
It is overwhelming to think of how much love one small creature can put into your heart, she will always have a special place there. I will never forget my beauty and will love and miss her until we see each other again.
Thank you to everyone who gave advice and support, I truly appreciated it and will never forget there was a place to go when I was so lost in this crazy world of cushings- thank you.

Phoebes Dad- Ken

[Boriss McCall]

oh Ken.. I am so sorry to hear about Phoebe. She was a cute little precious girl. :(

hugs..

[lulusmom]

Ken, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I am shocked that your last post was so positive just six months ago and now this very sad report. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Glynda

[NoonelovesmelikeNorman]

Hello Ken, I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to you on the loss of Phoebe. May God surround you with peace, comfort and mercy.

Love, Norman (Cushings) and Millie's Mom

[infoviewer]

So sorry for your loss Ken. Phoebe is running free at the Rainbow Bridge and free of pain. Losing a beloved dog is so painful. My heart goes out to you. Hugs, JoAnne

[apollo6]

Dear Ken
It breaks my heart to hear about your beautiful Phoebe. May she rest in peace and watch over you. There are no words to comfort you at this dark time. Know we are hear for you to support you through this difficult time. They weave their way into our hearts and we are never the same. The love they give can not be replaced.
Hugs Sonja and Angel Apollo

[molly muffin]

Oh Ken, I am so sorry to hear this. Phoebe was such a darlin and tried so hard. I too was surprised after thinking that she was doing so much better. I really hate this disease.
It seems so strange to me that some get better and maintain for years on medicine and others end up having such a difficult time and losing the battle :(
My heart just breaks for you. I know that she will live on in your heart though and that is what counts the most.

hugs,
Sharlene and molly Muffin

[scoora]

Ken, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet girl Phoebe. My heart breaks to read this. You and your beautiful Phoebe are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and big hugs.

[mytil]

Oh Ken,

I too am so very sorry! My heart is with you. Your sweetie pie girl will always be watching over you 'til you meet again.

We are all here Ken.

Always in loving memory of your beautiful girl.
Terry

[Jenny & Judi in MN]

I am so sorry. She was a beautiful girl. Judi

[Squirt's Mom]

Dear Ken,

I, too, was shocked to hear of Phoebe's passing after such a great last report on her. I am just so sorry. You did all you could for her, I'm sure, and she left this old Earth on wings of your love.

Our deepest sympathy,
Leslie, Squirt, Trinket, Brick, Sophie and our Angels, Ruby, Crystal and Tasha

[addy]

I am so very sad to read this news. Sending love and prayers to you and your family. I cannot even imagine how devestated you are when things seemed to be going so well. Phoebe will stay in your heart foever so you really have not lost her.

If there is anything we can do, please come back and let us know.

[Roxee's Dad]

Dear Ken,
I am so very sorry for your loss.

Rest in peace sweet girl, Tonight you are our newest and brightest star in the sky.....

[Mel-Tia]

Ken

Sorry you have lost you sweet girl Phoebe. Scamp free little one

Mel and Tia xxx

[Trish]

Oh no, I was not here when you arrived with Phoebe but just read her story. What a lucky girl she was to have you in her corner. But what a hole she will have left in your life. I am so sorry to read this. Thoughts are with you and sending big hugs at this sad time
Trish

[jackiev]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Ken. Sending big hugs.
~Jackie and Ugga