Hair loss after trilostane???

[clarkannae]

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to see if anyone saw hair loss in their pups AFTER taking trilostane???

My pup (7 years) was diagnosed with Cushings last December. She is a medium sized (52 lbs), pitbull x boxer x shepherd mix of some kind.

Her symptoms included pot belly, insatiable thirst, frequent urination, accidents, recurring UTI, and lack of energy, among others (no hair loss though). A month after we started her on trilostane (30mg 2/day) and Denosyl (425 mg/day) we finally saw her crazy thirst subside and her energy return.

However, we have since started noticing hair loss on her head and tail. Otherwise she seems ok. Definitely more sleepy these days and her appetite is a bit reduced. But otherwise fine. Note that she had no hair loss at all prior to starting trilostane.

One other question - several sites say the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 3 years. However some sites contradict this and say the short prognosis is because dogs tend to be diagnosed when they are already very old. Curious to know how other pups that were diagnosed fairly young are doing. (Of course am hoping for a lot more than 3 years!!!)

Any insight from others would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Anna

[mytil]

Hi Anna,
Welcome to our site. Good to hear her symptoms have subsided and she is doing well.

Hair loss after treatment begins is not uncommon as the cortisol levels return back to normal and the "old fur" is shed. Newer growth will occur, but the texture may be different and even finer.

What is the dosage of Trilostane she is taking? and is it once daily or twice?

Also when you get the chance, post the results of the most recent ACTH monitoring test.

Now regarding the life span, rest assured we have had many here who have lived well past the 2-3 year mark you have read.

Does your girl have any other condition for which she is taking any other medication?

Sorry for all the questions, but the more we know the better we can help.

Terry

[judymaggie]

Hi Anna--welcome to you and your pup! Terry has gotten you off to a great start. In addition to the ACTH test results, it will be easier for us to guide you if you would also provide the results of recent chem panels, CBCs and any other lab tests done. You only need to post those values that are marked high or low and the normal range, i.e., ALT 785 (range 69-310). Please also post the results of any tests that led to a Cushing's diagnosis (ACTH, LDDS, ultrasound).

The sleeping more that you have noted may be a result of your pup adjusting to a lower cortisol level.

Before I sign off, what is your pup's name?