12 y/o Lab/golden just diagnosed - Treatment options?

[KristaRider]

Hello I am new to this forum. My 12 year old lab/golden retriever was just diagnosed with Cushings Disease. Was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on treatment? I am going to see my vet but wanted to be informed! Many thanks!

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Can you tell us a little bit more about your golden? What symptoms made the vet think cushings? What tests where done to diagnose cushings? Normally an LDDS or/and ACTH. Do you have the results of those tests? Also did you have a regular chemistry done and if so where any other values high or low? if so could you post them?
Was thyroid, diabetes, urinatry tract infection all ruled out? Cushings can be a dickens to diagnose because so many other disease can cause the same symptoms.

The two main treatements if the cortisol is high is either vetroyl/or generic brand trilostane or lysodren.
Most vets seem to use vetroyl more than lysodren these days from what we have seen, but it all depends on what the vet has used most often, is most familiar with and experience.
Both drugs have specific protocols for them and both can be dangerous if not used correctly. They also can be life saving for our cushing dogs and we've seen success with both.
If your vet does suggest vetroyl, make sure the dosage is no more than 1mg/1lb. That is the new protocol put out by the manufacturer and we have seen that starting low with vetroyl is best as no one knows how a dog will respond to any drug. Then give with food usually in the morning (as follow up test have to be done 4 hours after administering medication).

I know you will have a lot of questions, that is all normal. The more you can tell us about your dog, the better we will be able to give you feedback.

Welcome!