Boxer with calcinosis cutis from Cushings

[Iloveboxers]

Hello everyone. I am new to the group and have a 10 year old boxer who was diagnosed a few months ago with Cushings. He is on verteroyl and has some bad side effects. He is very lethargic and his bones seem to be sore when he sits down. He also has horrible calcinosis cutis all over his back and it is by getting better it is getting worse. I know he is in pain. We have out organic honey treatments on his back at night to try to sooth the pain. Please tell me there is something out there to help him heal. If not how long does it take to get the cortisol levels better. The vet said he is at about 5400 and needs to be 2000. How long will this take? I just want Zeus to feel better

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and your sweet boy, Zeus! Gosh I am sorry for the reasons that brought you here but sure glad you found us.

I have no experience with calcinosis cutis but we have several members who do and I am sure they will be along to share their advice and knowledge. So, in the meantime I am providing a bit of reading material which are links to some of their threads: My girl pug (confirmed Cushings & confirmed calcinosis cutis) / Introduction (http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?)

new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis) (http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?)

Severe Calcinosis Cutis - desperate! Have you had any luck? (http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?)

I was wondering if you could tell us more about your boy? Such as, his weight and the dose of Vetoryl he is taking? Is the Vetoryl being given with food? Are the monitoring ACTH stimulation tests being done 4-6 hours after the Vetoryl is given? Is Zeus on any other herbs/supplements/medications? Could you get copies of all tests that were done on Zeus and post the abnormal values that are listed along with the references ranges and units of measurement...e.g....ALT 150 U/L (5-50)...Thanks!! Does Zeus have the adrenal or pituitary type of Cushing's?

Please know we will help in any way we can so donot hesitate to ask all the questions you want.

Hugs, Lori

[labblab]

If not how long does it take to get the cortisol levels better. The vet said he is at about 5400 and needs to be 2000. How long will this take? I just want Zeus to feel better
Hello from me, too! Lori has gotten us off with a great start, and I just have a couple of questions to add. Can you please double-check these values of 5400 and 2000, and tell us whether the 5400 is a test result for a monitoring ACTH test? If so, what units are these values being reported in? These numbers don't correspond with test results that we normally see, so that is why I am scratching my head. The answer is very important because it will help determine the optimal dose of Vetoryl for your boy. Once he is taking the right dose of medication, his cortisol level should soon lower into therapeutic range.

Marianne