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View Full Version : New here - question regarding taking dog off vetoryl



cathy133
09-06-2013, 01:43 AM
Hi Everyone,
My 11 yr old dog Vinny was diagnosed with Cushings about a year ago- He was tested due to all the regular symptoms- excessive thirst, hunger, lethargy. At the time I remember the vet said he tested positive for it but a very weak positive. She put him on 60 mg of Vetoryl and he had one more follow up test which she said was fine. His symptoms did disappear as well. We just had him retested to renew his medication and his levels were too low 1.1 pre test 1.7 post- she said normal was 1.5 pre 9.0 post. so she put him on 40 mg instead- and tested again -still his tests were low 0.9 pre 2.6 post. She said we should lower the dose more because the meds were supressing his adrenal glands too much- I asked about taking him off entirely and she said yes that we could and see how he does. I would love to do this as I hate him being on this med- but am worried all the same- does anyone else have a similar experience- also what are the best "natural" things I can do if I take him off the meds and why do you use those things -ex- what is flax seed for- thanks so so so much in advance

Harley PoMMom
09-06-2013, 02:23 AM
Hi and welcome to you and Vinny,

So sorry for the reasons that brought here but glad you found us.

Unfortunately I don't know of any natural or homeopathic treatments that will lower a dog's elevated cortisol.

With Vinny's pre being too low you and your vet have done the correct thing in stopping the Vetoryl and starting with a lower dose. With his most recent ACTH stim results it does show that his post number is increasing, however, his pre is still too low and again the Vetoryl would need an adjustment downward. How is Vinny feeling, does he seem to be acting like his normal self? Any vomiting or diarrhea? Was a blood chemistry panel performed and are his electrolytes ok? Does he take any other herbs/supplements/medications?

We do have a member that is treating with homeopathic remedies, here is a link to their thread: http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4702

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

Love and hugs, Lori

cathy133
09-06-2013, 03:21 AM
Hi Lori

-Thanks for the response! Vinny has been better since starting the Vetoryl- more himself- he is old - and big (80llbs) so he is acting old- slightly arthritic - not very active, sleeps a lot but nothing out of the ordinary for an older dog. He does seem to have lost a lot of muscle mass.... He is also on thyroid medication (soloxine) because his thyroid was lowish - and I give him a glucosamine supplement I am considering lowering the dose rather than taking him off completely - wish I knew what the right answer was!!!!

LtlBtyRam
09-06-2013, 05:29 PM
Hi and welcome. I'm new here too. The folks around here are PAWSOME!
Angela