Cushings Beagle Shaking

[Amanda Herrick]

Hi. Walter, 8 year old Beagle is cushings. He's been on Lysodren for a few months. His symptoms have disappeared. Recently, his hair began falling out in clumps, but there is a coat beneath it. He seems tiny! Today he is shaking. I know the small appearance (he used to be so fluffy) has had me frightened, but the shaking is quite concerning. Is there something I should be watching for? I want to know emergency circumstances if anyone has any insight.

Thank you.

[DoxieMama]

Hi Amanda, welcome to you and Walter. Do you have copies of the latest test results for Walter? If so, could you post that information here? Also, it is sometimes helpful to have the history... including what led to the diagnosis of Cushing's with symptoms and test results. The more of that you can share, the better feedback we may be able to provide.

I don't have experience with Lysodren as my dog is taking Trilostane, but I wonder if the side effects are the same... I would think so. Is Walter lethargic, or have diarrhea? Is he eating? Did your vet provide you with any prednisone to give him in case his cortisol has gone too low?

I must apologize, I don't have much time to post right now. I'll check back later.

Hugs!
Shana

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Walter!

Shaking could be a symptom of his cortisol going too low. When was his most recent monitoring ACTH stimulating test and could you post those results? What was his loading dose? And how much and how often is he getting the Lysodren now? Is he eating and drinking normally? Any sign of lethargy?

When a dog's cortisol drops too low a supplemental dose of prednisone is given, however if the electrolytes are unbalanced too than a mineralcorticoid is needed as well. Were his electrolytes checked recently, and if so, could you post anything that is out of range along with the normal reference ranges?

Once a dog's cortisol is controlled it is common for them to "blow" their coat and grow a new one which can be a different color/texture than previously.

I am sorry for the circumstances that brought you here but glad you found us and we will help in any way we can.

Hugs, Lori

[judymaggie]

Welcome, Amanda and Walter from a fellow beagle Mom! My Abbie is my second Cush pup. We started Abbie on Lysodren but, after much difficulty controlling her cortisol levels, we switched to Vetoryl.

Shana and Lori have asked lots of questions but it will really help us guide you if you can provide the info. If your vet has only given you verbal feedback on test results, you need to ask him/her for hard copies of all test results. Not only will this help you and us get a better picture of Walter's history, if you ever have to take Walter to a specialist, your file of test results will be of immense help.

Looking forward to learning more about Walter!

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Yes the main thing you want to watch with the shaking is that the cortisol might be lower than he is comfortable with.

Is he eating okay? any diarrhea? vomiting? lethargy, wobbliness? These are all signs of low cortisol and you could have the vet check electrolytes too.

Welcome to the forum