My baby Norman

[harleyldy]

Hi my name is Shari. I have an 11 year old Boston Terrier - Norman who was just diagnosed with Cushings. Norman has had a bad year. Earlier this year he swallowed a toy and almost died and then he had a ulcerated eye and now this. I am so so sad. Everything I read is depressing in regards to the medication. Right now I am starting with a bunch of vitamins - Glucosamine, Flax seed, melatonin, and milk thistle. I also changed his food to all natural. I am not sure I am doing the right thing, but I just want him to be comfortable. Please let me know what your thoughts are.

[mytil]

Hi and welcome to you both! I am sorry your Norman has had so much trouble.

I have just a sec but wanted to get additional information from you on the blood test --- what test and what were the results?

Also, let us know what symptoms were/are present that caused your vet to test for Cushing's.

I know these are powerful medications, but they do what they are supposed to do and that is control the excess circulating cortisol within your boy's system.

Tell us more
Terry

[harleyldy]

Thank you for your response. I have to get copies of Norms tests.
His main symptom was heavy panting - He has an enlarged heart as well. The vet first thought he had chronic bronchitis, but we could not put him on steroids because his liver enzymes were high. When the panting did not go away they did a double sono and found the tumor on his adrenal gland. His panting is not bad all day until the evening. We did the first all day blood test and it was confirmed. Next week we go back for the next test and then I will decide about the medicine.

Shari

[Meg_Elizabeth]

Hi Shari! Welcome to the site! I hope you find all the advice, information, and comfort you need here. These women are so helpful and knowledgable when it comes to Cushings. Sometimes I think they know more than my own vet. Its been a life saver. You are in good hands!

-Meg

[Trish]

Hi Shari

Welcome to you and Norman! As Terry mentioned it will be good to have a copy of the tests and also of the ultrasound, plus a list of symptoms that led you to think cushings was a concern.

You mention the presence of an adrenal tumour, if appropriate they can be treated with surgery and hopefully with successful removal the cushings goes away. Just wondering if your vet has mentioned that option to you.

Trish

[harleyldy]

Hi,

I have a Boston who is 11. He has Cushings as well as COPD. We just had a follow up test and the vet said his levels on one test were fine and on the other a little low but not to worrry. He is on Veteroyl 10 mg twice a day and once a day a nebulizer. We also started using a supplement called NAC 600 mg -
Lately it seems he has taken a turn for the worse. Does not have any energy and a hard time walking. I am scared and I feel my vet while she is nice does not really know what is going on - We are going tonight - Any suggestions please!!!
shari

[labblab]

Hi Shari! Welcome to both you and Norman, although I'm sorry he is feeling poorly right now. I apologize for having only a moment to post right now, but if either Norman's cortisol level was too low on the monitoring ACTH test or if his sodium/potassium levels are out of balance, that really could be a problem caused by the trilostane and could account for lethargy and difficulty walking. I think it is important that you pin the vet down as to exactly what the numerical test results turned out to be. In monitoring Vetoryl treatment, it is important to periodically perform both ACTH stimulation tests and also a blood panel of basic blood chemistries including potassium and sodium levels. Here is a Flowchart published by Dechra, the maker of Vetoryl, which helps explain how dosing decisions are to be made based on these test results:

http://www.dechra-us.com/files//dechraUSA/downloads/Client%20Literature/47902_VETORYL_10mg_Treatment_and_Monitoring_Brochu re_Update_3_2_ps.pdf

I encourage you to print this out and take it with you to your appointment today so that you can discuss Norman's test results and their significance.

How long has Norman been taking the trilostane? What symptoms led to him being tested for Cushing's, and do you know which diagnostic tests confirmed the disease?

Marianne

Edited to add: I just now see that you had already started a thread about Norman earlier last fall, so I have merged your new post into your original thread.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Shari,

Welcome to you and Norman! Gosh, I am sorry that your sweet boy is having some issues right now and hopefully once we all put heads together we will be able to figure out what is going on.

It would be a big help to us if you could share more information about Norman. Could you post all tests results, we only need to see those values that are abnormal with the reference ranges and units of measurement...e.g.ALT 150 U/L (5-50)...thanks. Also if you would post the results of the diagnostic tests for Cushing's and any/all subsequent monitoring ACTHs.

Is Norman showing any adverse effects such as vomiting, inappetence, and/or diarrhea? How long has Norman been on treatment for Ciushing's? Is his current dose of 10 mg of Vetoryl twice a day the dosage he was started out on? How much does Norman weigh?

If Norman is not acting like his usual self than if this were me I would with hold his Vetoryl until the vet can see him.

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

Hugs, Lori