Diagnosed, waiting for meds...help!

[PattiMac]

So this all started with my dog spilling protein in her urine, what my vet thought was a simple UTI, no.
We have had 2 urinalysis, 1 urine culture, 1 abdominal u/s, he fully expected there to be stones, no stones....contacted a urinary tract specialist, said nothing there. All he had left was ACTH Stem test and she was positive for Cushing's. I know my vet, he knows we've had a shitty last few months (we've lost a dog to a brain tumour and a dog to pancreatitis, he had so many other problems) so I trust him. So what happens now? We put her on trilostane, do we do ACTH stem tests again? I just don't know what happens after medication?

[PattiMac]

We are very newly diagnosed. Diagnosed Friday, waiting until our meds come in, some time next week.
So far we have had 2 urinalysis, 1 urine culture, 1 abdominal u/s, 1 ACTH Test. Why did we start this...protein spilling into the urine, we still have no idea why that is happening. I truly trust my vet.

[labblab]

Hello and welcome, although I'm surely sorry for your losses and now your added worry. What a stressful and difficult time for your family!

I am thinking that perhaps there are some additional puzzle pieces that we are missing here, because Cushing's is far from being the only cause of proteinuria among dogs. Does your dog exhibit any other symptoms, either observable or on lab work, that are consistent with Cushing's? Did the ultrasound reveal adrenal abnormalities or other organ changes that are typically caused by Cushing's?

The problem with both of the diagnostic blood tests for Cushing's (ACTH and LDDS) is that they can return "false positive" results in the presence of illnesses or disease processes other than Cushing's. That's why Cushing's treatment is reserved for dogs who additionally demonstrate a constellation of symptoms that are also characteristic of Cushing's. Now it may well be the case that your dog does have other abnormalities that point to Cushing's. If so, it will help us a lot if you can tell us more about his history and current symptoms/testing.

Thanks so much for any additional info you can share with us!
Marianne

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

What Was the ACTH resutls, pre and post ther eshould be two results on the lab test.

If there is something else going on then that could make the cortisol be higher as it is a natural response reaction.

Also, if you are starting on Vetroyl (trilostane) then don't start at over 1mg/1lb. What weight is your dog?

Does your dog eat tons (act like they are starving) and drink tons of water, have accidents in the house, exhibit rear leg weakness, thinning of fur?

Did they put your dog on any medication for the protein loss? My dog is on benazepril for losing protein through the urine. High blood pressure can also go along with protein loss, so hopefully they will check that also.