Help please

[Dawndunn]

Hi there
I am a very new member and am based in the uk. I am writing about my sisters dog called holly. She is a patterdale terrier and is 10 yrs old.
She was diagnosed 2 yrs ago with adrenal cushings and started on 30mg. She had all the regular blood tests etc and dosage was gradually increased until her levels were regarded as back to normal at a daily dose of 70mg . Nearly all the symptoms subsided and she was almost herself. Then she stopped eating and started to lose weight. She went back to the vets and they said she is anorexic and took her off the meds until she gained some weight.
She has started to eat but all the symptoms returned too with the excessive thirst, urinating, panting etc.
The tablets were resumed after 2 weeks off. Now 3 days into the reintroduction of the meds and she is vomiting.
Any advice greatly received.
Thanks
Dawn and sarah

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Dawn and Sarah,

Welcome to the forum to both of you and sweet Holly.

It really sounds like Holly's cortisol has gone too low and then restarting the Vetoryl at the same dose which is too high is causing these ill side effects. Did Holly have an ACTH stim test done before the Vetoryl was restarted? If not, I urge you to stop the Vetoryl and have an ACTH stim test done ASAP. Along with her cortisol going too low her electrolytes could be unbalanced and they need to be checked as well.

So for now, if this were me, I would stop giving Holly the Vetoryl and have her cortisol and electrolytes checked, this is vital for her well being.

Could you get copies of all tests that were done on Holly and post any abnormalities that are listed, we are especially interested in the results of all Cushing tests with their timelines.

Is Holly taking any other herbs/supplements/medicines? How much does she weigh?

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

Love and hugs,
Lori

[frijole]

I agree with Lori. Sometimes dogs go low after being on it a while so this is not all that unusual. I suspect when they told you the dog was anorexic it was really low cortisol. Rather than stop you could have done the acth test to see where you were - take a break to allow cortisol to rise and then START back at a LOWER dosage.

We won't be able to help unless we have the results from any acth testing that was done. If none were done then shame on the vet. It is a must. More love from me! Kim

[Budsters Mom]

Hello and welcome,:)
You have come to the right place! There is a huge arsenal of K9Cushing's angels to help and stay with you every step of the way. They love details, test results, any information you can get your hands on. The more the better.
So again welcome to you Holly:)

Kathy and Buddy:)

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome from me too.

All I can say is that Lori and Kim are right on as to one of the first things to suspect in this sort of situation with a dog who has been on and is on vetoryl is low cortisol. Dogs can develop anorexia, and just in case I will give you a link to read about it a bit, but the first thing to have checked is the cortisol level currently via an ACTH test.

http://www.vetinfo.com/managing-anorexia-in-dogs.html

Welcome to the forum
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Simba's Mom]

Welcome Dawn, Sarah and Holly, so glad you found this site...you will get power with the knowledge on here and lots of encouragement too...settle in and take care, we are here for you!!!!

[mytil]

Hi and welcome from me too.

I too agree - I would stop the Vetoryl for now, especially with the vomiting. And your vet should have performed an ACTH test to see the where the levels of cortisol actually are. For her to suddenly stop eating has me suspicious that either the cortisol levels fell below the safe range or there is something else going on - or both. Has any new food been introduced? Did your vet mention anything about pancreatic problems?

How much does Holly weigh right now? I did a quick check on the net and the average weight is 11 - 13 pounds (5 - 6 kg). 70 mgs

Terry

[molly muffin]

Checking in to see how Holly is doing. Hope that she is doing better.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[NoonelovesmelikeNorman]

Hello and Welcome Dawn, Sarah and Holly. You have found a terrific and supportive forum for pups going through what Holly is experiencing. Others - the "K9 cushing angels" are way more knowledgeable than myself and have given great advice for Holly. Try to get the labs and post them along with how much Holly weighed before and now.

Praying for you, your sister and Holly.

Peace and Mercy,

Sharon, Norman (almost 12 yr old cushings doxie and Millie 12.5 yr old mini yorkie pooh.