Jack, my 32lb Cocker Spaniel

[rlmays]

Diagnosed with Cushing's I have just spent 4 days on an increased dose of Vetoryl from 60mg to 90mg and he seems to be crashing. I will be taking him into the Vet's in a few hours. I have been giving him
Pedialyte to keep him hydrated, but he is very week. I have given him the prednisone that the vet gave me in case of trouble, but I am afraid that . . . . well, I just hope I can get him there in time. I am skeptical of the increase in dosage, no matter what the tests showed. For a few weeks I seemed to have a happy dog back and now in just a few days I feel like I have poisoned him. I read something on this forum about a UC Davis study that recommended only 30mg for a 30lb dog. I would like to know more about that.

Thanks for being here.

[Trish]

Hi
Do you have a 24 hr Emergency ED you can take Jack to now? He sounds like he needs immediate care and tests to check his electrolytes. Hopefully he will start feeling better now he has the Prednisone on board, it can take a few hours to work. But he will need the ACTH and also electrolytes tested as they can get out of whack as well as his cortisol going too low. You sound very worried so if I was you I would take him in now if you have a facility like that available. How long ago did you give the Prednisone and what dose did you give him?

When you get a chance can you add in here a little more of his history, symptoms, age testing done and include all acth, LDDS tests done to diagnose and monitor his dose changes. Also his other test results, just abnormals with the normal reference range. Also how long he was on vetoryl and when dose was increased. Then when the others wake up they can give you better advice if they have that info available.

I am not one of the experts on managing dogs on vetoryl but I do know that a starting dose of 1mg per pound is recommended in the first instance, but it does sound like Jack has had testing done and subsequent dose increases, but it does sound a high dose for a dog his size.

I would get him in and seen to asap and do not give anymore vetoryl in the meantime until you get this sorted out especially until the other more experienced members get here. Hope he is feeling better soon.

[labblab]

I'd stop giving the pedialyte. Dogs who have been overdosed with trilostane may have abnormally high levels of potassium due to oversuppression of aldosterone in addition to cortisol. Pedialyte has a lot of potassium in it and may worsen this problem which can trigger cardiac arrhythmia.

Pedialyte can be helpful to offset general cases of dehydration, but when Addisonian issues are suspected it is probably best to hold off on any mineral supplementation until the blood chemistries can be tested in order to assess the exact balance of sodium and potassium.

Marianne

[frijole]

You are right - UC Davis led the way to lowering the recommended dosing amounts and actually Dechra is now recommending starting at the lower dose as well - they haven't changed their packaging instructions and not all vets know about the change and we see alot of pups in distress as a result. The dose needs to be lowered and I'd go with the lowest possible. But first you need to have the acth test done and the electrolytes checked. Keep us posted!! Kim

[goldengirl88]

Hello:
Sorry to hear about your Jack. I always try to tell everyone that is new on here to start low. It gives the dogs body a chance to adapt to the drug. Some of the vets not familiar with this dosing blast the dogs with a higher dose, and many dogs get sick from it or crash. Please go to an emergency as your dog is probably crashing like you said. I agree with not giving the Pedialite for the reasons given, and also because it will skew test results because of the potassium. Good luck and I hope Jack feels better. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

I hope when you next post it's to say Jack is doing okay and coming out of the crash situation! Sending positive thoughts your way.
Barbara

[Squirt's Mom]

We are waiting anxiously to hear how your sweet Jack is doing. Let us hear from you when you can and know that many here are keeping you both in their thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[goldengirl88]

Waiting to see how your baby is. I hope everything turned out ok.
Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Checking in to see how things went with Jack.
If you got him to the ER, with the prednisone in his system, he should be able to come out of this. Lets get his fixed then we can talk about what went wrong, where or what is going on.
Hang in there, we are all waiting anxiously for an update and hoping for the very best!!

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Hi:
Just wanting to know how you did with your baby and praying everything went well for him. If you get a chance please post as we are all anxiously awaiting word on Jack. Blessings
Patti

[Budsters Mom]

Hello and welcome from me too.:) I'm sorry that Jack has been having such a hard time.:o Sending strength, hugs and prayers your way. :)

[goldengirl88]

Please if you can take the time to post how you dear Jack is doing, we would really appreciate it. All of us are very worried about you and him. Hoping that all is good. Blessings
Patti

[goldengirl88]

Hi:
I am very worried for Jack since we have not heard a peep from you. Would you please let us know what is happening? We are all family on here and really do care about one another. When left hanging like this we get really worried for you and Jack. Please just post a quick note of how Jack is doing. Blessings
Patti

[goldengirl88]

Please , Please post us a quick note as we are worried about you and Jack, Blessings
Patti