10yo Australian Shepherd - diagnosed with cushing disease

[TimN]

Hello All,

I took my 10 yo Aussie in for a blood test this week, her ACTH test results put her in range that is consistent with hyperradrenocorticism.
Cortisol -Pre 14.1 ug/dL
ACTH

Cortisol-Post 37.1 ug/dL
ACTH

My vet suggested that we start her on Vetoryl next week, starting at the low end of 60mg - she is about 47 lbs.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and your girl!

So glad you found us and we will help in any way we can. In order for us to provide you with more meaningful feedback could you share additional information about your girl? Some questions I have are: what symptoms does your girl display? Is she taking any other herb/supplements/medications? Does she have any other health issues? Was a wellness blood panel done recently, and if so, could you post any abnormal values that are listed along with the reference ranges and units of measurement..i.e...ALT 150 U/L (5-50) Was the ACTH stimulation test the only one used to diagnose your girl with Cushing's? Also was an urinalysis done, and if so, could you post those findings too....thanks!

With her weight of 47lbs, if this were me, I would feel more comfortable starting her at a lower dose, say around 30mg or 40 mg tops. We see less adverse effects when a dog is started at the low end of the dosage scale which is 1 mg per pound.

I am providing some links to our Resource Forum which has a wealth of information regarding Cushings and the treatments: Helpful Resources for Owners of Cushing's Dogs (http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10)

Trilostane/Vetoryl Information and Resources (http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185)

If you have any questions please do ask them. ;)

Hugs, Lori

[Dixie'sMom]

I wanted to say hello and welcome! I am a fairly new cush pup parent myself so I really can't offer any helpful advice, but I can echo what Lori said about the 1mg per lb dosing. I had 2 vets who wanted to start my 20 lb doxie on 30 mg Vetoryl and because of the recommendations of the experts on this forum, I didn't do it. I told my vet that I was uncomfortable with that dosage and wanted to begin with 20 instead. As it turns out, 20 mg was the correct dosage for my girl. She could have become very ill on the higher dose.

So what am I saying? I'm saying you are in very good hands here and although they ask a lot of questions, once the experts here get that information, they can help walk you thru the maze of doctors and tests and medications. Read up on the information that Lori provided for you and others will be along soon to chime in.

Again, welcome and I look forwad to getting to know you and your Aussie (beautiful and smart dogs!)

[mytil]

Hi and welcome to you both.

Lori started things off with our usual questions (and great links) - the more we know, the better we can help you. I do agree, starting off with a lower dose is preferred now and if need be the dose can be adjusted according to the results of the ACTH monitoring test.

I am sure your vet ruled out other conditions as well - diabetes, liver conditions?

My Aussie girl was diagnosed when she was 12 (that was a very long time ago though). I am a big fan of Aussies!!!

Keep us posted
Terry