Otis, 10 y/o Shih Tzu - Just starting Vetoryl

[Peggy Briody]

Hi I have a just about 10 year old shih Tzu named Otis who was just diagnosed with cushings as well. We were concerned because at first his tail was previously beautiful how it curled over his back and then he stated losing a lot of hair off the tail which became concerning it looked like a rat tail they call it. Then he started with the increased appetite and increased thirst and urination.When I really decided something was wrong when he started eating my other dog's food which he had never done. So we did take him in for testing and his liver enzymes were over 1000 and our vet was really concerned, he thought Otis had cushings but was concerned as well because his liver was enlarged from the cushings. So had a ultrasound which showed enlarged kidneys as well from the cushings. On Monday Otis had his ACTH test and yesterday we were told that Otis will have to take Vertoyl 30 MG what's more concerning is the side effects to watch for. I just pray my baby Otis has no issues with this drug. I am just waiting to see my old Otis back with his flowy tail, energy, less of an appetite more himself again. It breaks my heart to see this. So in ten day he has to repeat the ACTH test see how the meds are doing. I can't even imagine what others are going thru with their pets that are family. If anyone has anything to share please do I want to know more about this disease.

[mytil]

Hi and welcome to you and Otis. I am sorry you both are dealing with this.

When you get a chance post the actual numeric results of the ACTH test here. Also when the ultrasound was performed, what were the conditions of the adrenal glands (where they enlarged)?

Cushing's can be a very difficult condition to diagnose because the symptoms can mimic others (liver disease, diabetes and thyroid disorders).

Now the starting dose of 30mgs is very high and the manufacturer of Vetoryl does recommended 1mg per pound. Please read through these links (http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185) and make sure your vet is aware of the new dosing protocol from them.

Keep us posted
Terry

[molly muffin]

I want to say hello and welcome also.

How much does Otis weigh? The current starting dose as recommended by the manufacturer is to start at no more than 1mg/1lb. This considered to be safer, until you know how his body actually reacts to the drug, which some dogs have a very fast drop reaction and others are more resistant, so you don't know what dose works best.

I just wanted to let you know, because most of the side effects or negative things that happen, are due to the too high of a dose.

The symptoms you mention are the usual that we see with cushings. My dog too has the thin hair and doesn't have that beautiful plume of hair that she use to have. Maybe she will have it again one day but I don't know if that will happen or not. The cortisol plays real havoc on hair folicles and skin, and those take a longer time to go through the cycles.

[Peggy Briody]

Thank you for your response. My baby Otis has been on vertoryl now for 2 days so far so good. I will continue to post daily on how he is doing for others out there that has their loved ones on this drug as well, I really enjoy this forum for information out there to share.

[Peggy Briody]

Today is day 3 vetoryl so far so good. Hope others are having good results so far. Have to monitor everyday.

[molly muffin]

Glad to hear he is doing well. What dosage did you start him on?

[Peggy Briody]

Thanks for asking he is on 30mg once a day. So far so good just yesterday have noticed maybe a little restless is this expected? Has anyone seen this? Other than that seems ok. Calling the vet today. How long does it take to notice some symptoms subsiding like increased thirst, appetite and urination? Any feedback appreciated.

[Harley PoMMom]

Improvements in the increased drinking, urinating, and appetite are usually seen within 2 weeks of treatment, sometimes sooner. When you say Otis is more restless, is he pacing around, panting, or he just doesn't seem to be able to find a comfortable position?

[Peggy Briody]

He only appeared to be restless once it was about day 3 on vetoryl Otis has been on the meds now 14 days and yesterday had his first follow up ACTH stim test to see how the dosage is doing on him now at 30 mg per day. He has seemed to pick energy less urinating appetite has gone down a little seems to be a little more spunky playing with his gorilla that he loves which he had gotten to be it seemed anti social with the cushings. I would have to say so far so good for my Otis. I do hope others have good results as well as I am at this time, but still have to monitor him.

[Peggy Briody]

My baby Otis has now been on Vetoryl 30mg for now 3 weeks and so far so good. He is getting his energy back and is playing with his toys where before he just sat like lethargic. He did have his ACTH test around 12 days on Vetoryl and the numbers are coming down which is good. So he continues on the same dosage and doesn't have to be seen for 3 months good news for us so far. Otis even has that gleam in his eyes again not that tired look. Hope others are having good results too. I know it is a long road and anything can change but right now it is day by day.

[mytil]

Glad to hear he is doing well!
Many here keep a little diary to mark test results, dosage changes, behavior changes, good and bad days etc -

Keep us posted
Terry

[My sweet Ginger]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
Can you please tell us Otis's weight and the results of ACTH test on the day 12? Thank you. Song

[Harley PoMMom]

Could you get those ACTH stim results and post them? I'm concerned that the vet does not want to see Otis for 3 months, the protocol is to have an ACTH stim test performed within 10-14 days of starting treatment than at the 30 day mark too. Cortisol levels tend to continue to drift downward throughout the first month even when the dose remains unchanged so having an ACTH stim test at that 30 day mark is pretty important.

Keep us posted.

Hugs, Lori