Newly diagnosed

[Aussiemom]

Hi. My name is Karen and my 13 year old male Aussie has just been diagnosed with Cushings. Our vet suspected Cushings, and ran the Cortisol Serial 3 (DEX) tests (three at 4 hour increments). The first came back 6.9, the second 5.5 and the third 6.5. She also performed an ultrasound and found a tumor in one of his adrenal glands. She said the margins were clean and believes, at this point, that the tumor has not metastasized. She said further evaluation for surgery would be in a few months. The vet put Spencer on 120 mg Vetoryl 1xday. He began the drug on June 27th. We give it to him first thing in the AM with food. His excessive panting has already diminished quite a bit, although he is stilll drinking alot of water. But, he does seem more comfortable. We have another vet appt this Friday to run the test again to check his levels. The vet said it could take a while to get the dosage correct. The vet did a great job explaining the disease, although my retention of the facts isn't that great. She did explain that when the Cortisol levels were brought under control, then Spencer could show signs of joint/muscle pain that was being masked. However, Spencer has shown dramatic muscle loss in his back legs since treatment began. He has lost his balance a few times in the last few days. Is this normal? Will his muscle/balance return?

[My sweet Ginger]

Hi, welcome to the forum.
To better answer your questions we'd like to know more about Spencer such as his weight and the dosage of Vetoryl he's on.
Thank you.

[Aussiemom]

Spencer is 72 lbs and is on 120 mg

[labblab]

Hello and welcome to you and Spencer! I am a bit worried that Spencer's new loss of balance/coordination may be the result of a Vetoryl dose that is too high for him. There have been recent changes in recommended initial dosing amounts; Dechra as well as many clinicians and researchers now endorse initial doses that do not exceed a formula of 1 mg. per pound. If you see other symptoms of overdose such as loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea, I would take Spencer in for a monitoring ACTH test immediately rather than waiting until Friday.

Here is a link to a post on our Resources forum that discusses these lower dosing guidelines in more detail.

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1251#post1251

Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

My concern is waiting to assess for surgery. These tumors need to come out as soon as possible to prevent them from adhering to vital blood veins making it impossible to remove them without extreme, extreme risk to the pup. If I were you, I would be asking for a referral to a board certified surgeon TODAY and follow their advice, not the GP or IMS. ;) The sooner these adrenal tumors can come out the better.

[molly muffin]

I would as Marianne suggested get an ACTH done, as the starting dose now should be around 70mg, rather than 120mg and stumbling can be a sign of over dose with these meds.

I would also, ask to have a surgeon give you an evaluation for if you are a candidate for surgery, and as much information as possible about risks factors so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Welcome to the forum.