vetoryl vs. mitotane

[diana123]

11 yr old basset diagnosed cushings

which med is better. reading mitotane has severe side effect 4 out of 5 dogs.
and I was hoping an ultrasound would verify the tumor on the pituitary gland vs. blindly using either med because blood test suggests it.

wouldn't removing the tumor be better than using chemo drugs that threaten the red blood cell count aside from the sickening side effects?

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and your furbaby!

If it is the adrenal form of Cushing's than an adrenalectomy is a cure however this is a very serious surgery which only a well seasoned surgeon should perform. The dog's health needs to be taken in consideration too when contemplating an adrenalectomy.

The two medications that are usually prescribed for Cushing's are Vetoryl/Trilostane and Lysodren/Mitotane. These are strong drugs and both have some pretty scary side effects, however, adverse effects are minimized when the proper treatment protocols are followed. We have many members that are treating their cushdog with either Vetoryl/Trilostane or Lysodren/Mitotane and are experiencing success.

It would help us a great deal if you could share more information about your furbaby, in this way we can provide you with our best possible feedback and we get this information through a ton of questions so here goes some of mine. ;) Could you get copies of all tests that were done on dog and post those values that are abnormal. With respect to the blood chemistry and complete blood count (CBC), you need only post the highs and lows and please include the normal reference ranges. What diagnostic test/s for Cushing's were performed and could you post those results? Does your furbaby display any of these common Cushing's symptoms: increased drinking/urinating, a ravenous appetite, skin/hair issues, pot-bellied appearance, exercise intolerance, and difficulty or unable to go up steps or jump on furniture? Does your dog have any underlying illness that s/he is taking medication for? And if so, what is it and what is the medication? Is s/he taking any supplements, medications or herbs? How much does your furbaby weigh?

The best advice I can give you is to do your research on Cushing's, the treatment protocols, and how it is diagnosed. With treatment dogs with Cushing's can have a good quality of life and there is every reason to believe that they can live out their normal life span.

We realize that you may have some apprehensions in starting treatment but you are not alone and we will walk this journey with you. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask them.

I am providing a link to our Resource forum which has a wealth of information regarding Cushing's and also includes articles written by some of the most renown veterinarians that specialize in endocrinology http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10

Hugs, Lori

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

An ultrasound gives you a lot of bang for the buck and would determine if it was adrenal cushings or not.

The main thing with either medication is making sure the vet has a lot of Successful experience with the drug and knows and follows protocol. It is when protocols for dosage or monitoring tests are not followed that problems occur.

We have many members as Lori said that have had success with both, but if you get a vet who isn't really knowledgable or have a lot of experience with the drugs, well, then I'd find someone who does. (I went with an IMS)