My 9 year old Border Terrier has been diagnosed with Cushing

[frdough]

Just found you guys. My 9 year old Border Terrier has been diagnosed with Cushing after the test. The vet prescribed Vetoryl. Before I start this demanding endless process with dangerous side effects ,I want to try using phosphatidylserine, melatonin and HMR lignans before I proceed any further. Has anybody had any success going this way?
Help
For your info Vetoryl Dechra has now recommended a lower dosage of 2mg instead of the 10 mg. Check it out. Alot of high doses being prescribed.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and your furbaby! You will see that I have moved your reply from our "Checking in" thread so as to create a new thread that is your very own. This way, it will be easier for our members to reply to you directly.

Sorry this is so short I will try to stop by later to add some thoughts.

Hugs, Lori

Ok, I'm back!

Cushing's is probably the most difficult canine disease to diagnose and is often misdiagnosed. There isn't one test that can accurately identify it so multiple tests are needed to validate a diagnosis for Cushing's.

Now, we ask a lot of questions from our new members, in that way we learn as much about a member's dog which than can enable us to provide meaningful feedback....so here are some of those questions

Could you get copies of all tests that were done on your furbaby and post any abnormalities that are listed? With respect to the blood chemistry and complete blood count (CBC), you need only post the highs and lows and please include the normal reference ranges. What symptoms did your furbaby display that led you or your vet to test for Cushing's in the first place? Does your furbaby have any underlying illness that s/he is taking medication for? And if so, what is it and what is the medication? Were other non-adrenal illnesses ruled out such as diabetes, UTI, or a thyroid problem? How much does your furbaby weigh? What dose of Vetoryl has the vet prescribed?

And, yep, Vetoryl does have some pretty scary side effects, however, adverse effects are usually not seen unless the proper treatment protocols are not followed. We have many members that are treating their cushdog with Vetoryl and are experiencing success. The key to facilitating safe and effective treatment is an experienced vet and an educated pet owner, so the best advice I can give you is to do your research on Cushing's, the treatment protocols, and how it is diagnosed. With treatment dogs with Cushing's can have a good quality of life and there is every reason to believe that they can live out their normal life span.

I'm including some links to info regarding Cushing's: http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10


We understand that you are fearful but we will help you and your dear furbaby in any way we can, we will walk this journey with you, ok? I am sorry for the reasons that brought you here but so glad you found us.

Hugs, Lori

[labblab]

Hello and welcome from me, too! Lori has already given you a great introduction and asked the questions that will get us all started. I anxiously await more info about your dog.

In the meantime, here are a couple additional thoughts. You have asked about phosphatidylserine, melatonin and lignans. Melatonin and lignans are most often prescribed when a dog suffers from elevated adrenal hormones other than cortisol; the cortisol itself is within normal limits. Melatonin may have the ability to lower cortisol a bit, but not typically in an amount sufficient to control the amount or effects of cortisol in a dog with conventional Cushing's. It can also take several months for those supplements to impact the targeted adrenal hormones, if they are going to do so at all. Results seem to be variable.

I had never heard of phosphatidylserine prior to reading your post, and I am not aware of its use use in treating Cushing's. Has a vet recommended this supplement to you, or is this something you are experimenting with on your own? Can you point us towards any research re: its use with Cushing's? We are certainly eager to learn about any new treatment developments.

And you are definitely right that dosage recommendations re: Vetoryl (trilostane) have lowered over time. The current protocol recommended by Dechra, as well as many clinicians worldwide, is to not exceed a starting formula of 1 mg. per pound of a dog's weight (or 2.2 mg. per kg.).

Once again, welcome, and we look forward to reading more about your dog.

Marianne

[frdough]

Lori
Thanks for the reassurance that all is not lost. I will try using Cushaway for a few months to see if it works. If not ,I will then go to the only alternative, Vetoryl. The blood test showed high counts on ALT 148 ALK 908 GGTP 44 Platelet 610 Neutrophils 13330 Bun/Creatinine 30 Everything else was normal, Urine test was negative or normal. Phosphatidylserline is a phospholid derived from lecithin. It has natural cortisol suppressive results. Combined with melatonin & HMR lignans is a triple wammy to decrease cortisol. Worth a try.

[mommyslittlegirl]

Hello, yes, I have used phosphatidylserline also along with the trilostane for Cushings. It was recommended by a vet who also dealed in alternative meds. I used it for lowering cortisol and memory loss and dementia. Hope you have success with these.

[frdough]

Hi Marianne.
Thanks for your interest & concern. No, the vet didn't even know about the teat ment using phosphatidylserne,melatonin and HMR lignans.It makes me wonder if I have the right vet and should get a second opinion. Go to Lori where I posted the results of the blood test. Tennessee College of Vet medicine recommends trying it first and has had good results. Vet recommened Vetoryl over the cheaper Lysodren which does the same thing. Why? . Do you try and cut the water consumption down to slow down the urination? Will let you know my progress.

[frdough]

Hi
Have you seen any progress using phosphatidylserne or can't you tell using Vetoryl at the same time. I will try combining it with melatonin & HMR lignans & wait to see the results before going to Vetoryl

[labblab]

The blood test showed high counts on ALT 148 ALK 908 GGTP 44 Platelet 610 Neutrophils 13330 Bun/Creatinine 30 Everything else was normal, Urine test was negative or normal.
Has any blood testing been done that is specifically diagnostic for Cushing's, such as an ACTH stimulation test or a LDDS test? If not, I am confused as to how the diagnosis of abnormally elevated cortisol has been made. It's true that the lab abnormalities you've noted might be associated with Cushing's, but there may also or instead be a different primary problem that is involved. An oddity is that your dog's urine result was normal. Most Cushpups have dilute urine with low specific gravity.

What overt symptoms has your dog been exhibiting?

Marianne