Ginger, my mixed breed - Trilostane questions

[AshMye]

Hi everyone, I was so happy to find a forum to talk about Cushings. My mutt Ginger, was just diagnosed last week and I have to admit I was pretty upset, but now am starting to feel better about it. From everything i've been reading, if its treated properly, its not a death sentence. The vet I have been going to (and that diagnosed ginger) encouraged me to go to a specialist. So I went home, did some research and have decided to go the holistic route. I got Ginger from a pound 6 years ago and I estimate shes around 10 years old or so. Other than eating and drinking alot and sleeping like any older dog would do, she seems to feel fine. I would hate to put her on medication that can cause some awful side effects and see her worse than she is. Has anyone else out there gone the natural way to treat this? And if so, how is it going for you? Im going to an holistic vet this week to see what she says. Im more concerned with her quality of life, than her longevity.

[mytil]

Hi Ginger's Mom,

Welcome to our site. I am sorry your Ginger is having these troubles.

I do have a few questions. Can you let us know what tests were performed to come to this diagnosis? Also post the actual results of all the tests so we can see the numbers.

Cushing's is a difficult disease to diagnose as there are many other conditions out there that have the same symptoms - such as thyroid problems, diabetes and liver conditions.

Here is a great link (just in case you have not seen it) that describes more on Cushing's, the tests, diagnosis and treatment - http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180 and http://www.kateconnick.com/library/cushingsdisease.html I am glad your vet encouraged you to seek out a specialist.

As far as I know holistic approaches are not successful in actually reducing the excess cortisol production; they just cover up the symptoms. There are some ingredients in holistic medicines that are actually not good for dogs.

I know it is scary, these medicines and yes they are strong, but Cushing's is not a kind disease. Cushing's is a slow progressing disease so you have time to decide.

Keep us posted
Terry

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome from me too.

I'm glad that you found us. As Terry said, cushings is not a kind disease and not keeping the cortisol in a healthy balance can be problematic too and cause more problems. It's a darn if you do and darn if you don't sometimes. However, even though the meds are scary, they can be very beneficial too. For one thing you want to determine what is or has caused the cushings. Pituitary, Adrenal tumor or steroid medicines.
Then you want to treat accordingly. There could be a healthy, long life to look forward to.

What has your holistic vet said? It would be interesting to many to probably know that. Basically what you would like to optimally do is get the cortisol into a range, where they live their lives out comfortably. Sure it takes some tweaking to start with, but it is doable.

Sharlene

[AshMye]

Hi everyone, I just got back from the vet today , and they put my dog on a very low dosage on Trilostane for my dog Ginger. Im a bit of a worrier and hypochondriac :-P and when I read the human warnings on this medication, I started to freak out a bit. They tell you to wear gloves while giving this drug to your dog, is it really that serious? It makes me scared to even touch the box. Should I be this worried? I plan on calling the vet tomorrow to double check, but i have another dog who is healthy, is it ok if my healthy dog shares the water bowl with my dog who is on the medication? Just want some piece of mind, thanks guys!

[mytil]

Hi and welcome to our site. Glad you found us.

Yes, this medication is strong, but it needs to be. It is recommended you wear gloves and never split or open any capsules. Many here have not worn gloves and just washed their hands good after giving the medicine. If you are pregnant, most certainly wear gloves.

I see no reason why there would be a problem sharing the same water bowl between your two.

We tend to ask a lot of questions :) so here goes.
-You mentioned a low dose - can you tell us how much you are giving and the weight of Ginger?
-Tell us about what tests were performed to come to this diagnosis?
-What symptoms prompted your vet to come to this? (increased thirst, ravenous appetite etc)

Keep us posted
Terry