Hello (14 y/o chihuahua) Vetoryl

[Heidi]

Hello- I recently found your wonderful site and decided to look for some guidance. Our 14 year old chihuahua presented with excessive thirst, constant urination, and weight gain with a pot-bellied appearance. Our vet ran blood work, tested urine, and did an abdominal ultra-sound. The tests pointed to cushing disease and the ultrasound only saw a very enlarged liver. Next was an eight hour blood test that confirmed cushing disease. Chichi ( 13 lbs ) was placed on 10 mg of vetoryl twice a day. After ten days, blood work showed liver levels were elevated from 400 -500 and cortisol levels had returned to normal. She had also gained another pound. All other symptoms had worsened. We kept her on 10 mg twice a day and will retest after a month. (We are two weeks in). She has gained more weight, the thirst and urination have increased. She now has difficulty walking. I won't increase the dose for fear of Addison's. Is it possible that vetoryl is just not going to work for her? Thanks for your thoughts :).

[goldengirl88]

Welcome to the forum. Some dogs take longer than others for the symptoms to get under control. You certainly had a good start with the diagnostics that were done. Was your dog also tested for thyroid and diabetes problems? They share some of the same symptoms as Cushing's. Many of the Cush dogs have enlarged livers. Also many use liver supplements such as milk thistle, denamarin, s adenosyl , hepato support. They do help, I use them for my Tipper.You are being very wise to not increase the dosage. Little dogs can be sensitive to trilostane and the lower dose you use the safer for the dog. You will want to have his cortisol checked to see where his level is. You can do it in two weeks after starting, but I caution you to not up the dose at that point as the cortisol will continue to fall for about 30 days, and changing up could over dose the dog. The new protocol used by Dechra is to test in 30 days, and then adjust the dose. Keep a daily journal of your dog that you can refer back to. Every time you change a dose it requires an ACTH test. You must feed the dog, do not fast thee dog or it could get over dosed. Feed and give Vetoryl, the test must be completed within 4-6 hours after giving Vetoryl, and try to take him at the same time of day every time you have this test. Some dogs act a little strange after having this stim agent, so just know ahead of time. With a vigilant owner your dog could live out it's natural life. We are here for you to help and support you on this journey. Blessings
Patti

[addy]

and cortisol levels had returned to normal

Please have them email the test results and post them here.:)

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Chichi,

Getting copies of the tests that were done on Chichi and posting the abnormal levels would be great, also could you post the results of that 8 hour test which I believe is the low-dose dexamethasone suppression (LDDS) test. If any monitoring or diagnostic ACTH stimulation tests were done we are interested in those results as well...thanks!

Has an urinalysis been done on Chichi? If so does she have diluted urine, most dogs with Cushing's have diluted urine and sometimes have an UTI that has not been detected by a regular urine test so an urine culture and sensitivity test is recommended so the exact bacteria is known and the correct antibiotic can be prescribed.

Does Chichi have any other health issues? Is she taking any other herbs/supplements/medications?

When Vetoryl is chosen for treatment it is vital that it be given with food so that it can be properly absorbed, is this being done? Also when a monitoring ACTH stimulation test is performed it needs to be done 4-6 hours after the dose of Vetoryl is given, is this being done?

I am sorry for the reasons that brought you here but glad you found us as we will help in any way we can.

Hugs, Lori

[Heidi]

Thank you for the quick replies! I will try to get get copies of the tests. Yes, the urine test did show diluted urine. I give the vetoryl with food and her vet tests her at the appropriate times. Hopefully, the rapid weight gain will cease and other symptoms will resolve. Have you ever heard of vetoryl having no effect? I'm so happy to have found this helpful sight:)

[Budsters Mom]

Your vet can not deny you copies of Chichi's tests. Be polite, but insistent. From now on, ask for copies of EVERYTHING! My vet's office automatically made me an extra copy of all tests because they knew that I wanted them and would ask. I NEVER left my vet's office without my copies. I waited for them when necessary. This is important because if you end up having to see an IMS specialist or go to the ER, those results will save you from paying for tests to be redone. Always take Chichi's file with you. A big manilla envelope works well. ;)

[goldengirl88]

Kathy is right, the vet has to give them to you. I always get copies when I am there, I never leave without them. If you want to go to another vet it makes it so much easier as you have the whole file. It is good for you to have to look things up too. Blessings
Patti