cushing

[zook402]

i am new to the site my 10 year old lab was diagnosed with pituitary cushing about a month ago. money is very tight so was reading other sites about other forms of meds. trying lignans and melatonin and milkthistle for a little over 3 weeks cant really say that i have noticed any change. her thirst and panting are terrible also she has accidents that she never did before. any info or whats the best meds for her would be greatly appreciated the vet where i live doesnt have much info on cushings. thanks

[labblab]

Hello and welcome! Just wanted to let you know I've moved your post to our main Questions/Discussion forum so that people will be more likely to see it and respond. I have only a moment to add a note right now as I have an appointment to get to. But I will stop back by later, and I'm sure that others will also soon be by to welcome you as well. :)

Marianne

[zook402]

thanks labblab

[labblab]

Hello again! As you can see, I am a lab-lover, too. ;)

I am sorry for the circumstances that brought you to us, but very glad you've found us. I am sorry to start off with a set of questions for you, but can you tell us more about your girl's overall health history, and also the testing that diagnosed the pituitary Cushing's? That will give us a good place to start as far as talking about treatment options. As you have probably gathered from reading other threads here, there are two different prescription drugs that have the greatest impact on lowering elevated cortisol level. However, it is true that especially at the beginning, there can be significant expense associated with both the drugs and the necessary blood testing that goes along with monitoring the drugs. There is a third prescription drug that does not require the same monitoring, but unfortunately it is only successful for a relatively small number of dogs. But you never know, it might be a help for your girl.

Before getting into those specifics, though, it will help us to find out a bit more about your girl's history and testing. Also, has your vet made any specific treatment suggestions up to this point?

Marianne

[molly muffin]

Hello I want to welcome you and your girl to the forum.

If you can tell us a bit about your girl, then maybe we can come up with some suggestions that can help.

Welcome again

[zook402]

she is 10 years old and was in great health. she pants alot and drinks alot of water and has had accidents in the house that she never had before. that really seems to be alot of her symptons. as for testing she had blood work and her alp was 1361 and alt was 136. then had dexamethasone suppression test and radiographs. not sure how to read the idexx lab report but was told her readings were high and consistant with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. thats all the testing for now read some things where melatonin and lignans were good to try but have not really noticed a difference in the last 3 1/2 weeks. also giving her milkthistle because the ultrsound showed her liver was in larged and that would help with that. need to no what my best route is to go. my vet does not have alot of experience with cushings. any help would be great. thanks

[molly muffin]

on the dex suppression test (LDDS) there will be 3 numbers a pre, a 4 hr and an 8hr. I'm guessing the 8 hr was above a normal range.

So she was on vetroyl? what dose and how much does she weight? You are looking for a 1mg/1lb ratio to start out at. One option that is good, is to use trilostane compounded, which is the ingredient in vetroyl. So, you can get compounded at any dose that vetroyl does Not make, so if she weighs 60 lbs, instead of 60mg of vetroyl, you could use 58mg of trilistane. If she tends to have accidents more at night than during the day, then you could do a split dose of 29 mg in the morning and 29 mg in the evening. Compound trilostane is cheaper than vetroyl and you get it online normally or your vet might have an option. Price the different places and see which one has it at the best price. Diamondback is one pharmacy a lot of our members use.

milk thistle and sam-e are both good for the liver. Joint support is good too.

If her cortisol is high though, the only real thing that is going to help the symptoms is bringing down the cortisol level.

Marianne will probably be by at some point to talk about her idea, which I think was Anipryl. The thing is that it only works in a small amount of dogs, but I don't know very much about it, so Marianne probably knows more.

[zook402]

pre dexamethasone was 3.4 post 8 hr dex was 3.5 theres a bunch of numbers dont see the 4 hr number. she has not been on vetroyl yet you seem to think trilostane not sure what you mean on the compounded will have to read more about that. she weighs about 80 pounds. thanks again

[labblab]

What has your vet suggested as far as treatment? I know you are fearful that he isn't really familiar with Cushing's. But if you decide to use prescription medicine, you will need to have a vet oversee the treatment and monitoring. So I'm wondering what your vet has had to say about all this, and what he is recommending that you do.

Marianne

[zook402]

they suggested vetroyl i spoke with another vet that didnt see my dog and they said they generally use triostane. does any one have the number to diamondback pharmacy molly muffin said alot of members get there meds there. thanks

[jas77450]

Have nothing to add, just saying hi and welcome.

[molly muffin]

Diamondback pharmacy is located in Arizona

1-866-578-4420

You can check any of the online pharmacies and compare prices for the best one.

Your vet's office will fax them a copy of the prescription. I'm not sure, they might contact vet themselves.

Sharlene and molly muffin

[zook402]

thanks molly muffin. does any one else have an suggestions as to what direction med wise or any other good advise. has anyone had any luck with lignans and melatonin. also read where your dog should be on a special diet but my vet said she didnt really need to be. thanks

[molly muffin]

I should also add that I have tried the lignans and melatonin but it doesn't bring down the cortisol and that is what is the most dangerous.

Others will pop in I'm sure.