Going downhill, fast: 12 y.o. female Akita, recently diagnosed

[maryroseziemba]

She's had symptoms 4 years, no diagnosis. No one helped until I researched symptoms. Started Vetirol 2 mos. ago. More affectionate, fussy with treats where before, ate everything, but muscle wasting, bony skull, severe weight loss, unsteady on hind legs. All within past few months. I think I'm losing her. Been on raw food, no vaccines, no baths, no pesticide flea meds. Recent Cushings test show her blood levels near normal, however. Don't know what else to do. Any help appreciated. On ashagwanda, also.

[labblab]

Hello and welcome, although I am very sorry your girl is having such a tough time right now. The first and most important question I need to ask is, what are the actual numbers for any monitoring blood tests that have been performed since starting the Vetoryl? I am hoping that you have had ACTH stimulation testing done. But if so, the treatment goal is to have cortisol levels that are significantly lower than the normal range that is given for dogs who do not have Cushing's. So it is possible that the medication is not yet having the desired therapeutic effect because the dose is not high enough.

Also, can you tell us how much your dog weighs and what dose of Vetoryl she is taking?

Thanks in advance for this additional information!
Marianne

[molly muffin]

I just want to welcome you to the forum. Marianne has asked the questions that will help us to give better feed back to you. Hopefully we can figure out what is going on with your baby.

Can you list any abnormal values on blood work such as Alkp 350ug (range 50 - 150ug) as an example along with the cushings monitoring test results. These are very important for us to see. If you don't have them, you can pick up a copy from your vet, as they are usually fine with providing a copy to you for your own records.


Sharlene and molly muffin

[jas77450]

Hi and welcome,
I'm new too so will leave advise to experts...This is a wonderful group who will walk beside you through this...your not alone.

[Dixie'sMom]

I also wanted to welcome you to the forum. I'm so sorry to hear that your baby is feeling so lousy. I think the important thing now is to get her back to eating and drinking normally and feeling better.

Did I read correctly in that the weight loss started after starting the Vetoryl?