Shaking - Laci - 8 1/2 y/o - JRT

[missym66]

I am new to the forum and have a question.
Hello eveyone. My name is Missy and I have two Jack Russell Terriers, Boss and Laci. They are 8 1/2 years old and Laci was just diagnosed with Cushings on Friday 10/4/13. She weighs 21 pounds and the vet started her on 30 mg which seems to be a recommended dose. She has been on med two days and has been shaking, trembling , just a little and not frequently. Is this common? I am just worried about my baby. Appettite is good, and still appears normal except for the Cushing's sympotms. Thank you.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Missy,

Welcome to you and your furbabies! Sorry for the reasons that brought you here but so glad you found us.

In order to provide you with the best possible feedback can you tell us more about Laci? Such as, the symptoms she was displaying that led you or your vet to test for Cushing's in the first place? Could you get copies of all tests that were done on Laci and post any abnormal results that are listed? We are especially interested in the results of any monitoring and/or diagnostic tests that were done for Cushing's. Does Laci take any other herbs/supplements/medications?

Shaking/Tremors can be a side effect of Trilostane, is Laci vomiting or does she have diarrhea? Is she eating and drinking normally?

I am providing a link for you that has a lot of information regarding Trilostane/Vetoryl: Trilostane/Vetoryl Information and Resources (http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185) Please feel free to print anything out and if you have any questions, do ask. ;)

Hugs, Lori

[Budsters Mom]

Hello and welcome from me too.:)
If Laci has been started on Trilostane, the recommended starting dosage is no more than 1 mg per pound. Since she is 21 pounds, that is somewhat high.

Have you talked to your vet about the shaking and tremors? The more we can find out about Laci and her treatment, the better we will be able to help. Please post any and all test results, particularly the highs and lows, as soon as possible. Thank you,. And again welcome Missy and Laci.

[LtlBtyRam]

I'm sorry you had to look for us, I'm glad you found us, and the folks around here are PAWSOME!
Angela

[missym66]

Sorry I didn't include more info. She began about 10 days ago excessive drinking, urinating and becoming extremely possessive over her and her brothers food. I noticed that she had a "pot belly" appreance, and gaining weight even though she doesn't eat as much as her brother. We had urine test and lab work on Monday 8/30 and her white count and neutrophils were normal as well as her cholesterol but her liver enzymes were off the chart. They (Boss and Laci) had their teeth cleaned in April and their blood was perfect Her specific gravity was below 1. The vet said he had never seen one that low, it was just bascially water. We did an ACTH test and her results showed Cortisol level one 5.3 and the second Cortisol level 27.7. I have been reading about Triolstane and is there a safer alternative to the med? Thank you. Missy

[missym66]

Thank you to everyone providing info, well wishes , and just kind words. It is a relief and very comforting to know Laci and I are not alone on this journey. I will be getting in touch with vet this morning about her mg dose. Thank everyone again.
Laci and Missy

[goldengirl88]

Missy:
Welcome to the forum. I just wanted to add some things to what the others said. Firstly the dose for your dog is too high. He was started on too high of a dose. That could be why you are seeing what you have been. Vets are starting these dogs too high. You need to start over and go down to 10mg once a day. If that is not enough go to a split dosage of 10mg morning and 10mg evening. You need to try the lower doses and split doses before increasing this. I know first hand I have a Jack Russell Tipper. I would not let the vet start her above 10mg. even though he wanted to do 30mg. I started her on 10mg. then went to 10mg two times a day. She has had not trouble with Vetoryl whatsoever because I slowly increased her dosage. Once you establish a dosage then you will have another ACTH test. It will tell you if the medicine needs tweaked. All these test etc. must be done a certain way, and during a certain time period. There is a protocol to this testing that must be followed or the tests are invalid. These are powerful drugs, and you do not want to be giving more than necessary. Starting at a higher dosage is asking for trouble in my opinion. Did the vet give you prednisone? If not you need to get some before beginning again. Is there an LDDS test that was done? Also it is common to have an ultra sound of the adrenals etc. You need to have a firm diagnosis using more than one test to confirm Cushings as it is really hard to diagnose. You just want to be sure your dog has it before treating. Yes, Vetoryl does have some side effects, but they are minor in comparison to what will happen with no treatment. I know you are afraid of the drug, but just know this, my Tipper would not be here without it. She had really bad symptoms that were out of control. There is no natural or alternative treatment other than Lysodren and Trilostane (Vetoryl). You can call Dechra the manufacturer and establish a file on your dog. They have vets there that will help you. You vet should be in contact with them also. This is a safety net if your vet is not familiar with this disease, they can tell him what to do and how to do it properly. Learn everything you can about this disease, as you will be the advocate for your dog. Do not solely trust anyone with the health and welfare of your dog even your vet. You must get educated on this in order to know if what you vet is doing is correct. A lot of vets do not understand and have not treated Cushings. The people on this panel have experience, and will help you thru this. You are not alone and it will be ok. You need to get prednisone and watch for signs your dog is having problems. Lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, can't get up. Be vigilant and your dog will be ok. Keep a daily doggie diary, you will need it to refer to. Anytime you have a problem come here and ask advise and someone will help you, that is what this forum is for. Blessings
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Missy and welcome to you and Laci! :)

Just wanted to let you know that trembling is listed as one of the side effects of Vetoryl (Trilostane) - even on the correct dose. ;) Many times this stops as the pup adjusts to the med but some continue have tremors on occasion. This drug works very fast and some pups also have a period of adjustment to the rapidly falling cortisol levels with Trilo but again this period typically passes after a bit.

Both the meds used to treat Cushing's, Trilostane (Vetoryl) and Lysodren, are very powerful drugs. BUT when handled correctly by the vet and a firm diagnosis of Cushing's, they are no more dangerous than aspirin, which can be fatal if mishandled. ;) There is another vital factor in successful treatment and that is a diligent observant parent and you are off to a great start in this department, Mom!

I'm glad you found us and look forward to learning more of Laci's story as time passes. Keep up the good work!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[spdd]

Just want to welcome you to the forum. The advice on here is much better then anything I have experienced with any of the vets I've used. They know their stuff here, and wouldn't steer you wrong.

I've been through the wringer with my dog, and it sounds to me as well that the dose is too high. Hope your vet and you work it out and reduce the dosage, and with some future tweaking it will all work out.

[missym66]

Good evening all. Called the vet this morning about Laci and he is wonderful. he brought me in and talked woth me for over an hour today. Changed her Trilostane to 10 mg a day and I also got a prescription for Prednisone ( he said he forgot to give to me Friday afternoon. I have been researching and getting great advise from everyone on this forum. I also will call Dechra and get a file started on Laci. I will post back in 2 weeks and let everyone know how she is and what her blood work looks like. Prayers, blessings and hugs to everyone here.
Laci and Missy

[doxiesrock912]

Awesome news Missy,
I'm so glad that you're vet changed the dosage. 30mg sounds much to high for a 21lb dog. How is Laci now?

[Trixie]

I think you made the right choice to change to a lower dose. It will let Laci adjust to the medication and avoid any adverse effects. You can gradually adjust up if needed. Good Luck with the new dose. :p

Barbara

[goldengirl88]

I am so happy your vet changed her to 10mg, and that you are getting as much knowledge as possible on Cushings. You dog will do better with the 10mg., you will see. You are doing a great job, and I am sure things will go smoothly for you dog. Glad you got the prednisone. Just be vigilant in watching for signs, you are off to a good start. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Checking to see how you are Laci are doing. Hope all is well.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin