help!i dont know what to do now

[buddy1331]

we have been on this site since our Budman was diagnosed in september but havent posted anything until now ,(basically using the information) but now we are concerned, our chihuahua mix ,who just turned thirteen was diagnosed in september due to an overuse of steroids/misdiagnosis,(they kept treating him for breathing problems with steroids) even after we told them the meds did not help,however,he has responded extremely well to his Vetoryl,all his energy is back ,his "attititude" is back ,he has lost weight ,etc ,his numbers are just about "normal" .we were very happy until this past week. we saw 3 episodes of unexplained howls,they almost sound unnatural, he only does this once during the beginning of an "episode" but then it seems that he becomes confused/ almost comatose, i am thinking small seizures as he has had a few over the years ,but never 3 in a week and the previous are a bit more pronounced,no change of motor skills in the latest,just wants to sleep. i am calling the vet in the morning but just wanted to know if anyone has had any of these symptoms. i understand his age (13) is a factor but have neve seen this before,any help or advice would be appreciated:confused:

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Budman,

Giving steroids to a dog overtime can cause a Cushing's known as Iatrogenic. Dogs with Iatrogenic Cushing's can display the same symptoms as the naturally-occurring Cushing's. The only treatment needed for Iatrogenic is to slowly taper the use of the steroid. So I'm confused why the Vetoryl was started, what tests were done to diagnose the Cushing's and were they performed while he was receiving the prednisone?

How much does Budman weigh? And what is the dose of Vetoryl he is on?

Hugs, Lori

[judymaggie]

Hi--so sorry that Budman is having some difficulties. From what you are describing, it does sound like he is experiencing seizures. My beagle, Maggie (who is now at the bridge), had seizures and, even after 5 years, I can distinctly remember the sound that would precede a seizure. I would almost describe it as a tortured howl. I am on a tablet so can't copy a link but do a search for Epi Guardian Angels and you will find a wealth of information about canine seizures. Let us know what your vet says and, in the meantime, try to make notes about Budman's episodes. Hang in there!