Help Please!

[Cushings Newbie]

I'm so excited that I was able to find a forum for this issue. Our dog Bandit was diagnosed last week with cushings. I feel like a bad dog "mom" that I don't know all his numbers, but he is a 33 lbs. cavachon that is only 7yrs old. He started showing symptoms of a uti and the vet treated him for such, but when the drinking and urinating in the house didn't stop we took him for a second opinion. He was diagnosed and put on trilostane 60mg. After a week his panting has stop and pot belly seems to be getting smaller. I'm sure that you all have encountered this drug, what should we be looking for and what are some of your outcomes been? So scared for my little bandit, we didn't think he was going to make it through the night due to breathing problems last weekend(which have stopped since being on the drug)
Thanks
Newbie:)

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Bandit,

So sorry for the reasons that brought you to us but so glad you found your way here.

Strong symptoms are a huge part of making the diagnosis, and a Cushing's savvy vet will not initiate any treatment without strong symptoms and a proper diagnosis. Could you tell us exactly what symptoms Bandit is displaying.

Could you get copies of all the tests that were done on Bandit and post any abnormalities that are listed here, please. Does Bandit have any other health issues? Is Bandit taking any other herbs/supplements/medicines? Sorry for all these questions but the more information we have about Bandit the better our feedback will be, ok?

For Bandit's weight of 33lbs the 60mg starting dose seems a bit high to me. We have seen less side effects when a dog is started at the lower end of the dosing scale. Signs of a dog's cortisol going too low are but not limited to: lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or the dog just not acting them-self. If any one of these adverse reactions happen the Trilostane should be stopped and an ACTH stim test done ASAP. Has your vet rx'd prednisone in case of an emergency?

Did your vet have an urine culture and sensitivity test done to make sure that the correct antibiotic was given for Bandit's UTI?

One thing I want you to know is that Cushing’s is a treatable disease. Delivery of competent and humane medical care by a skilled GP and/or specialist experienced in the diagnosis and management of Cushing’s has a significant impact on patient survival and well-being. With proper medical management, close monitoring and owner observation, most Cushingoid pets can live to their full life expectancy, with complete or partial resolution of clinical signs, and good quality of life!

Please know we will help in any way we can so do not hesitate to ask any and all questions.

Love and hugs,
Lori

[goldengirl88]

Hello:
I just wanted to welcome you and tell you what great people are here to help you thru this. It can be overwhelming, so just stick to the advice on here and you will do just fine. They will be asking for your test results so they can better understand what is going on with your baby. You will find many people on here willing to help you. I am newer so I will leave that to them. God Bless you and your baby.
Patti

[Simba's Mom]

Hi and welcome, I used to have a bandit, great dog and name...This is a great place to be when you have questions or just a hand to hold..take care, we are here for you!

[gabelle1995]

Hi Newbie. I just wanted to say welcome. It looks like you got some good advice from Lori about what to watch out for with the Vetoryl if things start to go bad, including having prednisone on hand.

Dudley also weighs about 33 pounds and is on 60 mg of Vetoryl. He has been taking that for a year and three months now.

And don't feel like a bad mom just because you don't know his numbers. There will be a lot of numbers. ;)

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome. I'm glad you found us too. Lori covered all the basics, so I'll just say hello and if you have any questions please feel free to ask them.

How is Bandit doing?

Sharlene and Molly Muffin