Overwhelmed Newbie: Lulu, 9 yrs Boston Terrier

[Jaqueeta]

My Boston Terrier was diagnosed back in March with Cushings. She had ACTH done. However due to her other ailments the treatment of Cushings had to be put on back burner. In March she had to be hospitalized b/c of bleeding in her GI tract, anemia and kidney disease. Over the past 4/5 months she is back to normal besides slightly elevated kidney levels and of course the Cushings. We have a new vet specialist b/c the one we had moved out west. This new vet is in the same practice and has been updated on Lulu's history. He started her Trilostane a little over a week ago. She was on 30mg once a day. We stopped giving it to after 6 days. She was a mess. It broke my heart to see her on the medicine. Her symptoms pre Rx where excessive drinking and urinating, bloated belly, hair not growing back from where shaved, a couple of skin growths, twitching and increased appetite. On Rx she had all those plus lethargy, zoning out, not eating anything, could barely walk and just seemed miserable. Since stopping Rx she is back to her normal self. She goes for long walks almost every day and is eager to do so. Besides a few of the Cushings symptoms you wouldn't think she has anything
wrong.
Now here is the issue what do I do for her now? I feel like the drugs are too much for her right now and also the cost of everything is expensive. Back in March we spent thousands on her to get better. When I say we, it is my grandmother, aunts and uncles taking care of her. I couldn't do it in my own. I have heard that changing diet can help the symptoms a little bit. Anyone know anything about that?
There is so much more I could say and ask, but I'll end for now.
Thank you for any support. It helps to know there are many pet owners out there in similar situation.
~Jacquie

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Jacquie,

Welcome to you and Lulu! So sorry for the circumstances that brought you here but glad you found us.

It would help us a great deal if you could get copies of all tests that were done on Lulu and post any abnormalities that are listed along with the units of measurement and reference ranges...as an example, ALT 120U/L (25-100)...Thanks!

Also, if any Cushing tests were done, we would really like to see those results too.

As far as Lulu's reaction to the Trilostane, it could be that the dose is too high, how much does Lulu weigh? Although I do understand how tricky it can be in treating a dog that has Cushing's and kidney issues.

Please know you are not alone on this journey as we will help in any way we can.

Love and hugs,
Lori

[Jaqueeta]

Thanks Lori. I'll do my best to get all that info.

[mytil]

Hi Jacquie and Lulu,

Welcome from me too.

I wanted to pass on this link on Trilostane http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185 of which provides a lot of information on the dosage and treatments.

Some dogs are sensitive to Trilostane. What has the vet mentioned on this?

As Lori mentioned, please post those test results.
Terry

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Jacquie and welcome to you and Lulu! :)

Was Lulu tested for Cushing's while her other issues were in play, while she was sick from something else? If so, the test results may be skewed, inaccurate. Here is why - the tests for Cushing's measure the cortisol level in their body but when that body is under any kind of stress, like from an illness of any kind, the cortisol can rise naturally in response to the stress. The tests can't tell WHY the cortisol is high, just that it is. Therefore, we can get false-positives on the testing if our babies are sick with an unrelated illness - like kidney disease. ;)

My Squirt tested positive on five different cushing's test but come to find out, she had a tumor on her spleen. When the tumor was removed, her cortisol level returned to normal. It was the tumor causing her cortisol to be so high which caused false-positives on the tests. So the timing of Lulu's tests could be critical to her diagnosis of Cushing's. So if you can tell us more about what was going on when she was tested and diagnosed with Cushing's, as well as posting the test results, that will help us help you better.

For now, just try to breath and relax, and know you are not alone on this journey.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Boriss McCall]

Hi Jacquie and Lulu..

Welcome to the cush crew. Sounds like Lulu has been thru a lot. :(

You will find lots of helpful people here. I started my BT on a lower dose than the vet wanted because I know how sensitive he is to meds. If Lulu does have cushing's for sure maybe your vet can start her off lower as well.

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcomes. Sounds like the Trilostane might have been too high, or as mentioned previously, the results could have been off due to some other problem. It's hard to figure out and a real roller coaster.

Anyway, glad you found us.

hugs,
Sharlene

[Jaqueeta]

So I got the paperwork on Lulu and here is what I have so far. I think if you all need more, I'll have to get copies from vet.
LULU'S Dx: Cushing's Disease (pituitary dependent), chronic kidney disease and protein-losing nephropathy, hypertension.
LULU'S Rx's: Benazepril 5mg 1/2 tab once a day, Amlodipine 2.5mg 1/2 tab once a day, Famotidine 10mg tab once a day, Epakitin 2 scoops twice a day.
Dexamethasone Suppression-
Pre Dex: 14.6
Post 4 hr Dex: 4.5
Post 8 hr Dex: 7.8

I talked with the vet today and we agreed to keep Lulu off Trilostane for now. He wants to see her in a few weeks and run some tests. He says if she is doing better off Trilostane than on then that's fine for now. He said some dogs are sensitive to it. He also said in a few weeks depending on how she is doing we could give her much lower dose than 30mg. The vet also said to continue you her on her medicines and her diet of Renal LP. For awhile she was eating that alone and fine with it. Then in order for her to eat it we had to mix with Alpo. Now she won't eat LP at all. Vet said to try different brands. Anyone have advice on that?
Thank you,
Jacquie & Lulu

[Jaqueeta]

Btw, Lulu is about 19 lbs. I realized I had a voicemail vet left on 9/10/12 with results from last testing. However, he didn't give numbers. He said: "Lulu's kidney levels are a little bit from Junes test, her 1 liver value is slightly elevated, cortisol ACTH pre and post test both values were elevated. Urine is dilute with protein. I'm thinking I should call and get copy of the superchemistry panel, CBC and ACTH tests.

[Harley PoMMom]

I'm thinking I should call and get copy of the superchemistry panel, CBC and ACTH tests.

Hi Jacquie,

Please do get copies of all tests that were done and post any abnormalities that are listed, we also need to see the reference ranges along with the units of measurements...Thanks!

Also, is Lulu's blood pressure under control?

Does Lulu like carbs such as rice, potaoes, or noodles? If so, adding these things (cooked in with skinless, boneless chicken breasts) may start Lulu eating her food again.

Here is a link to a website that has a wealth of information about canine kidney disease: http://www.dogaware.com/health/kidney.html

Hope this helps.

Love and hugs,
Lori

[Steph n' Ella]

Welcome! No need to feel overwhelmed! Get your blood work organized and posted and there will be lots who will come by to help you and your little guy. The depth of knowledge on this forum is very deep and we help eachother make the tough decisions as we go about treating our doggies!