lysodren - Iggy has passed

[michaelcottrell]

My Iggy was just diagnosed with Cushings and the Vet wants to start him on 700 mg lysodren for the initial phase. She said he must be on the 700 mg does but I can only find the 500 mg dose. Can anyone recomend an online Pharmacy or somewhere near Phila. that I can use to get the 700mg dose. Thank You

[Squirt's Mom]

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[Squirt's Mom]

Hi and welcome to you and Iggy! :)

Lysodren only comes in the 500mg tablets unless you have the drug compounded, which takes a specific type of pharmacy - a compounding pharmacy. :) These pharmacies can make just about any drug in any dose in any form (liquid, pill, capsule, etc.).

How much does Iggy weigh? The loading dose is 50mg per kg per day. We can help you make sure the dose is right as well as help direct you to a reliable compounding pharmacy like Diamondback Drugs (online pharmacy many here use) if you need to use one.

Can you tell us how the diagnosis came about? What signs did you see that caused you to bring him in or what did the vet see that prompted the testing?

Did the vet mention if it was the pituitary or adrenal form?

How old is Iggy?

What breed?

Is he neutered?

Does he have any other health issues that you know of?

Is he on any other meds, herbs, or supplements?

Could you get copies of the actual test results performed to diagnose the Cushing's and post those results here? We would also like to see any other recent lab work that shows things like ALP, BUN, CHOL, etc..

This info will help us a great deal in offering the most meaningful feedback...and it is a good habit to start getting all his test results to keep in a file at home from now on. Not only will they help you here, should Iggy ever have to see a different vet for any reason - say on vacation - you can walk in the door with all the info in hand. ;)

I want you to know that you and Iggy are no longer alone. You have a new family here at K9C who will be with you all the way. I know how scary this can be at first but we have many success stories here and will do all we can to help you make sure Iggy's is another one. :)

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi, and welcome to you and Iggy!

I have manually approved your membership so please just ignore the validation email that was sent by k9cushing's.

Like Leslie has mentioned, it would help us to provide you with more meaningful feedback if you could tell us more about Iggy. We love details!

Hugs, Lori

[michaelcottrell]

My Iggy is having problems with the treatment. I have stopped the Lysodren and we got him to take the predisone. We are going for the testing tomorrow but I believe he had too much. He cannot eat very much and it seems like he is having trouble swallowing and the food dont want to go down. The vet will see him but. I dont want to give hime anything else till tomorrow but we are going on the 3rdday and he is getting around but very sluggish. Any help!

[Squirt's Mom]

We need LOTS more info on your sweet baby but first, how is he now? Let us know what the vet says.

[michaelcottrell]

We have had him to the vet yesterday. All the blood work came back good and we didnt do another cushings test because his stomach is still upset and he has an enlarged heart so we are trying to keep him calm. He also has arthritis and is having a hard time walking. I managed to get asmall container of baby food in him last night and this morning but he seems to want food but will not eat. He seems to get mad when i try to give it to him and he tried to dump the food. Will it hurt to give him a predisone, i worry that it will upset his stomach. His weight is 64 lbs so my vet got the pharmacy to get 750. Mg.

[michaelcottrell]

Hi and welcome to you and Iggy! :)

Lysodren only comes in the 500mg tablets unless you have the drug compounded, which takes a specific type of pharmacy - a compounding pharmacy. :) These pharmacies can make just about any drug in any dose in any form (liquid, pill, capsule, etc.).

How much does Iggy weigh? The loading dose is 50mg per kg per day. We can help you make sure the dose is right as well as help direct you to a reliable compounding pharmacy like Diamondback Drugs (online pharmacy many here use) if you need to use one.

Can you tell us how the diagnosis came about? What signs did you see that caused you to bring him in or what did the vet see that prompted the testing?

Did the vet mention if it was the pituitary or adrenal form?

How old is Iggy? 7 or 8


What breed? boxer


Is he neutered? yes


Does he have any other health issues that you know of? Arthritis, heart condition


Is he on any other meds, herbs, or supplements? we cant get the tromidol for pain in him as well as Pepcid 10mg


Could you get copies of the actual test results performed to diagnose the Cushing's and post those results here? We would also like to see any other recent lab work that shows things like ALP, BUN, CHOL, etc.. he did have the 8hr test done to confirm cushings but I did not get the actual results.
His alp was 754 U/L,
HIS BUN WAS10MG/DL,
CHOL WAS 378/MG/DL
all before we started Lysodren

[Harley PoMMom]

The Lysodren is stopped, right? Since Iggy is still not feeling well I would definitely let the vet know, Iggy may need mineralcorteriods and glucococosteriod supplementation. Could you tell us what heart issue Iggy has and is Iggy taking any medication for this?

Hugs, Lori

[michaelcottrell]

Hi Lori, thanks for your help. Iggy is not on any meds for his heart they did the xrays and felt we needed to get his stomach working first. Just a little history, we rescued him 5 years ago and he was severely underweight had heartworm and was scared up they believe he was used as for dog fighting training. So now we have stopped all meds to try to get his stomach back in order and we are preparing for a second opinion. He wont eat at all so i have been able to get some baby food in him the past two days. He is still drinking alot so im guessing he did not go addisons but he still is vomiting a little, it is only white foam and they are saying he needs to wait until all the Lysedren is out and he will improve and his appitite will return. At this point we are willing to live with the cushings we just want him to be stable.

[Squirt's Mom]

He is still getting pred, right?

Did the vet do an ACTH and if not WHY?!

Would you please post the results of the ACTH?

And, to repeat my questions from earlier-

How much does Iggy weigh?

Can you tell us how the diagnosis came about?

What signs did you see that caused you to bring him in or what did the vet see that prompted the testing?

Did the vet mention if it was the pituitary or adrenal form?

Thanks!

[Harley PoMMom]

Oh Bless you for giving Iggy a forever home, he sure has a loving pet parent and is a lucky boy to have such a wonderful home.

Dogs with Addison's do have increased drinking and urinating, the only way to rule out Addison's is with an ACTH stimulation test. Since he is still not feeling well I would recommend having that ACTH stim test done, supplemental mineralcorteriods and glucococosteriod may be needed.

[michaelcottrell]

I apologize for not getting back however I am sad to say my Iggy has passed away. Apparently there was complications that may or may not have been brought on by the Lysodren. The hospital felt that he had a brain tumor that was being treated by the over self medication of cortisol that kept the tumor in check. If I could give something back in Iggy's name it would be to seek out an internal medicine vet doctor to help in administering the drugs. I trusted my vet to do all the right things only to find out she gave my Iggy to much Lysedren and although the hospital says that it was not the reason Iggy died I am going to always have that doubt because as time passes I keep thinking I helped to ending his life too early. Many thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

[Renee]

I know it's probably near impossible - but please do not beat yourself up with guilt. You loved your Iggy and tried doing the best for him. You gave him 5 wonderful years of being in a loving and safe home - more than some dogs will ever get.

Sail on Iggy.

[addy]

I am so, so sorry to read about Iggy. I just can't even find the right words.

My heart goes out to and please stay and talk to us, it can help you through these hard times, truly.

[Squirt's Mom]

I am so sorry to hear this. :( It is almost impossible not to blame ourselves no matter the circumstances so please be gentle with yourself. You did the best you knew how to help your sweet Iggy and he knows that.

Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Trinket, Brick, Sophie, Fox, Redd, and all our Angels



A Special Gift

They're a very special gift, to be cherished and loved;
You're chosen for each other by God Himself above.
It's a match made in heaven so it can't be wrong;
You're tied together by a bond that's oh so strong.

All they'll ever ask from you is to be loved and fed,
And at night make sure they have fresh water and a bed.
In return, for so little, the rewards are so great!
You'll get a companion for life with some very special traits.

When you are lost and the end seems so far away
They'll walk by your side, they'll help you find your way.
When life gets you down they can put a smile on your face
As they run you in circles with their fast pace.

You'll share the good with the bad, you'll be happy and sad;
And through it all you have a friend, the best you ever had.
You're time together will be special and unique;
It will be as priceless to you as a rare antique.

Then, before you know it, the day will arrive
When suddenly your life takes a steep dive.
The furry friend who's been with you for all of these years
Has now passed on and left you in tears.

As you sit and wonder what did I do?
Why is this all happening to you?
Into each of our lives a little rain must fall,
And you must be strong to answer the call.

Your little one's spirit has flown home on the wings of a dove,
To a special place that awaits them in heaven above.
St. Francis will meet them; when they get home
He will take them to a meadow where they're free to roam.

There in the meadows, down by the pond,
Your furry friend will remember his loving bond.
He'll look into the water, then you appear;
He can see you're frightened, he can feel your fear.

Through the bond that still ties you from heaven above
He looks down upon you, he sends you his love.
Because you loved him and because you care
Whenever you need him, he'll always be there.

There, in the meadows, they patiently wait for the day
When you will celebrate your life together, each and every day.
Waiting for that day; when you come walking back home
When together for an eternity through the meadows you'll roam.

Author Unknown

[judymaggie]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you as you struggle with the loss of Iggy -- you will get to the point of focusing on the good times you had with him but it does take time. Be gentle with yourself!

[Trish]

My condolences on the loss of Iggy, so sad for you all.. big hugs xx

[molly muffin]

Oh no, so very sorry to hear that Iggy has passed. :(

My sincere condolences. It is just a heart breaker

[Dixie'sMom]

I am so, so sorry to hear about Iggy. You gave him a wonderful home for 5 years which was a tremendous gift for a pup with his history. Try to remember its not the quantity, but the quality of those years that matter. You did your very best and Iggy knows that and loves you for it. He is free now and running joyfully at the bridge with all the others who have passed on. We will be with our beloved pets again one day. Sending prayers for comfort and peace your way today and in the coming days ahead. Hugs!

[My sweet Ginger]

I'm so sorry for your loss . My sincere condolences to you and your family. Hugs.

[ScottieBoo]

I apologize for not getting back however I am sad to say my Iggy has passed away. Apparently there was complications that may or may not have been brought on by the Lysodren. The hospital felt that he had a brain tumor that was being treated by the over self medication of cortisol that kept the tumor in check. If I could give something back in Iggy's name it would be to seek out an internal medicine vet doctor to help in administering the drugs. I trusted my vet to do all the right things only to find out she gave my Iggy to much Lysedren and although the hospital says that it was not the reason Iggy died I am going to always have that doubt because as time passes I keep thinking I helped to ending his life too early. Many thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

I also say that You were so Wonderful in doing so much for Iggy. I know how difficult this is for you. May you continue in the future to bless other Pets with the same Love and care you gave to Iggy. There are just so many other pets out there that, need people like you in their lives.

God Bless.

[michaelcottrell]

Thank you everyone for the kind words. Although I am really struggling and missing my Iggy I know it will pass and Iggy will always be in my heart. As I have been talking about Iggy to everyone I hope that through this difficult time I can help inform others that Vet medicine has had many advances in how it treats the animals including zpecialist who work on diseases such as Cushings and we need to work hard in supplying the best medical care we can. I was never aware that two hospital had opened up in my area in the past few years thatactually have specialist who may have helped my Iggy as well as others. Thank you all for everything you do I only wish i got to know you guys sooner. Mike

[Shelby01]

I am sorry for the loss of your Iggy.... Our furry friends are so special. When the love runs deep, so does the grief. Remember and honor your special bond with Iggy and smile at the wonderful memories made together.

[Dixie'sMom]

Mike: It's situations like yours that have everyone so terrified of this disease. Unfortunately the vets don't realize yet that they are huge part of the problem. You did your best buddy. You came here and began educating yourself which is what loving, caring pet owners do. We have all been trained all of our lives to trust the experts. Unfortunately, our pet doctors are really, really lacking in knowledge about Cushing's and the proper use of the medications. That's why we are here.

Our hearts broke with yours when you lost Iggy. We are still here for you and will be for as long as you want to stay with us. Your story will go a long way to continue to educate others. I'm just so, sorry that we didn't have a much longer time with Iggy. He knows you did your best and he'll be waiting for you at the Bridge when it is your time to join him. Sending you a big cyberhug!


(((((MIKE))))))