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Katbrown2057
10-03-2015, 04:30 PM
Hello Group Members:

I am new to this group. My 7 year old Miniature Pinscher, Ty was just diagnosed with Cushing’s disease this week (9/29/15). I took him to the vet because he was limping and favoring one of his hind legs. While he was there, the vet did a dental cleaning. It was from the blood work that the Cushing’s was diagnosed.

I took him to the vet at the beginning of August because he was drinking massive amounts of water and having accidents in the house. With all the water he was drinking, he was peeing rivers of urine. The vet did the blood work and ruled out diabetes and Cushing’s, although his liver values were a little high. In just one month, his liver values (ALP) went from 282 TO 993. The vet took x-rays of the leg and then had them evaluated by an orthopedic vet who said, "Let stifle appears to have effusion + cranial translation which is consistent with a torn ACL or cruciate ligament."

For the leg, we have him as resting in his crate with short potty breaks. He was given some pain meds. We are hoping for a recovery without surgery.

As for the Cushing’s, he was given Denamarin, 225mg, one tablet daily. The next day, when it was confirmed that he had Cushing’s, the vet started him on Vetoryl, 30 mg once a day.
So far, he is doing well. No severe reactions to the meds. My vet wants to see him in two weeks to do another ACTH stimulation test. It will cost $420 or more. From what the vet says, in the next few months, we will be doing several of these tests. The meds alone will be $200 a month. I will do anything for my dog, but I am looking for a second opinion or a vet who is competitive with their treatment rates. Any advise would be helpful. Are there alternative tests or methods for monitoring the cortisol levels? Special diets that can help with Cushing's? I am taking both my Min Pins off the dry food this and starting on homemade dog food. I purchased some vitamin supplements to make sure that my dogs get all the nutrients they needs. My other Pin is going on 13 years.

My daughter is getting married next weekend, I have in-laws and guests coming to down this week, I just started a new job, and now this with Ty. Ty new regiment is requiring a very disciplined morning and evening schedule on my part. My stress levels are sky high right now. I just want to crawl into Ty’s crate and hid away for a while.

Thank you in advance,
Kat Brown

Squirt's Mom
10-03-2015, 04:35 PM
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molly muffin
10-03-2015, 11:41 PM
What test did they do to determine cushings was a definite? ACTH or LDDS? LDDS is an 8 hour test, ACTH is a 2 hour test that gives you a baseline cortisol and then an after stimulation cortisol (post)? Liver enzymes being raised don't really determine if it is cushings or not.
The symptoms of excessive drinking though are consistent.

How much does he weigh? You want to not start at more than 1mg/1lb, so hoping he is about 30lbs since that is what he was started on.

You can get compounded trilostane which is cheaper than the name brand drug vetroyl. Diamondback is an online pharmacy that many of our members have used and have a good reputation. They simply need the prescription from your vet.

You could see what other vets in the area charge for ACTH tests as $420 is a bit on the high side for ACTH tests but it does often depend on the area you live in and of course what the vets charge. Maybe he would price match another place if you found others that are cheaper.

Welcome to the forum. This certainly is a stressful time for you with a lot going on. I certainly know how frustrating it is trying to keep them immobile when they don't want to be. We had to do 6 weeks with my dog for a back issue a couple winters ago. I ended up buying steps to the bay window so she wouldn't jump and got a big doggie playpen from amazon for when I couldn't be with her all the time.

Harley PoMMom
10-04-2015, 01:50 PM
Hi Kat,

Welcome to you and Ty from me as well! Getting copies of the tests that were done on Ty and posting those results here would help us to provide you with better feedback, we are especially interested in the results from the tests that were used to diagnose Ty's Cushing's. With respect to a blood chemistry and complete blood count (CBC), you need only post the highs and lows and please include the normal reference ranges. Increased drinking/urinating can be attributed to an UTI, was Ty checked for this?

The ACTH stimulating test is used to monitor a dog on treatment for Cushing's, and these tests are expensive because of the stimulating agent used, which is usually Cortrosyn. Depending on how much Ty weighs you can save money on the ACTH stimulation tests if your vet knows how to dilute and store Cortrosyn. There is no reason why s/he shouldn't so make sure you talk to him/her about splitting the vial of Cortrosyn. You and your vet can read about this on Dr. Mark Peterson's blog found here: http://endocrinevet.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-extend-your-supply-of-cortrosyn.html

Cushing's can be hard to wrap one's head around and it can be confusing at times but we are here to help you and Ty in any way we can. ;)

Hugs, Lori

Katbrown2057
10-07-2015, 10:41 AM
Thank you for your responses. An update on Ty, I have an appointment tomorrow for a second opinion. My current vet charges $420 for the ACTH test. The vet that I am going to tomorrow comes highly recommended and they charge $210 for the test. Ty needs another test next week to check on how the meds are working. I am going to ask about his dosage. My current vet said that if the meds are not monitored, Vetoryl could cause Attison's disease. My daughter is getting married this weekend and I have house guests, so I have not had time to look up this disease yet. In any case, thank you all for your kinds words and experienced advice. I am so glad I found this online support group.

Kat Brown

Squirt's Mom
10-07-2015, 11:15 AM
Hi and welcome to you and Ty! :)

Your vet is correct in saying the meds can cause Addison's - the opposite of Cushing's. It usually happens when the vet prescribes a dose that is too high but can also happen for other reasons. But that does not have to happen. If you see ANY of the following, stop giving the Vetoryl (Trilostane) and call the vet immediately - nausea/vomiting, loose stool/diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy.

I hope your plans go accordingly and your daughter has the perfect day!

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang