Hello - we're new here

[Kiki'sMom]

Hi,

My name is Mary, and I'm here because of my sweet little Chi, Chiquita (whom I call Kiki for short). First of all, I would like to thank you all for this group. I stumbled upon you a few nights ago at about 2:00 a.m. when I couldn't sleep. Lots and lots of my questions were answered, and I sincerely thank you.

My girl was diagnosed roughly 7 weeks ago, and has been on Vetoryl 10 mg since. Her energy level has improved by leaps and bounds, comparatively speaking, but we are struggling with skin issues. Kiki developed pressure sores at her elbows and hips. Both of her elbows wore through, and she has stitches and is bandaged. Her right flank also gave way, and so she is bandaged on three of her four legs. The bandages appear to be causing a vicious cycle, because she can't bend her legs to stand up, she looks like she's swimming on the floor. I have put down pillows, blankets and sheets, but she prefers lying on the bare floor. I'm just wondering how long it will take for her skin issues to clear up. She also has these horrible crusty patches on her belly, and now one of the scales on the top of her head has split and that's raw and horrible looking. My vet has given us many lotions, but nothing seems to be helping. Additionally, her skull looks deformed as well. I'm just wondering if that has to do with the Cushings. Another person posted about the goop in the eyes, so now I know that's part of it. I don't have her numbers today, but do have another appointment with my vet on Monday, so I will get them to share.

Once again my heartfelt thanks! It has been encouraging reading about the babies who have gotten better. Most of my family and friends are gently suggesting you-know-what, but from what I've read, this is something that will get better with medication. I truly appreciate having this forum! xo

[DoxieMama]

Hi Mary, welcome to you and Kiki! I'm curious if you've had any ACTH tests done since starting on the Vetoryl. Please be sure to get copies of the diagnostic tests before starting, as well as any done after so you have the complete picture. I don't know about the pressure sores, but the other skin issues sound like they could be CC. If so, then it's even more important to know the results of the ACTH since starting Vetoryl, as the cortisol levels need to be in the lower end of the range to help resolve that. As for the skull deformity, it may be Cushing's related due to fat distribution. You mention goop in the eyes and I don't recall that being related... my boy has eye discharge but it is due to an infection. Not Cushing's.

I'm looking forward to learning more about your Chiquita, and so glad you found us!

Shana

[labblab]

Hi Mary, and welcome to you and little Kiki! I apologize because I have only a moment to post right now, but I wanted to tell you that I had very similar issues in terms of elbow pressure sores with my Cushpup Labrador retriever. Just like Kiki, Barkis insisted on searching out the hardwood or tile to flop down on, and he ground away the fur on his elbows and ended up with raw sores. What we did for him was to buy toddler's socks, cut off the foot part, placed the stretchy "cuff" over his elbows, and taped the top and bottom of the cuff with broad strips of flexible elastic tape. That way, he could still flex his joint but there was some protection from scraping against the floor. For somebody as tiny as Kiki, I don't know that you could find a sock small enough to doctor up in this way, but perhaps you get the idea.

Another thought is to actually create a "legging" that involves connecting a pair of socks with an elastic band such that the socks pull up on each front (or each back) leg, and they are then connected and held in place by an elastic band that goes across the back. There is a website that tells you all about making these yourself, or will sell you ready-made ones. I'll come back later and give you the link later on. The key thing, though, is to find a way to allow the joints to still flex at the same time they are buffered from the floor.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know you're not alone with this problem. :o

Marianne

[Kiki'sMom]

Marianne,
Thank you so very much!! I hadn't even thought of that. Since I knit, I might be able to design something myself. Thanks so very much!!

[Kiki'sMom]

Dear Shana,
Thanks much. We have not had any testing since the initial one about 7 weeks ago...

[labblab]

Back again! ;)

Unfortunately, the website I was talking about doesn't seem to still sell ready-made "socks-n-suspenders," but here's a YouTube video showing you how to make them yourself (which might be better, anyway).

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KUIQBpk2HoA

Marianne

[labblab]

Me again...gosh Mary, I got so caught up in the sock search last night that I completely overlooked your reply that Kiki has not had her cortisol level tested since beginning on the Vetoryl seven weeks ago. This is not a good nor safe thing! :o :(

Every dog metabolizes the medication differently, and for this reason the cortisol level must be carefully monitored so that the dose can be adjusted accordingly. Initial doses are based upon weight alone, but subsequent monitoring ACTH stimulation tests performed at periodic intervals provide assurance that the dose is neither too high (which can lead to unsafe drops in cortisol) or too low (not providing a therapeutic level of suppression). The recommended testing intervals are at 14 days, 30 days, and every 90 days thereafter after Vetoryl treatment has begun.

Kiki is long overdue for a monitoring test, so I hope you will discuss this with your vet this week. If her cortisol is not being controlled sufficiently, this could be a reason why her skin issues are persisting. Here's a link to a brochure that gives you a lot of great info about Vetoryl treatment. If you scroll most of the way down, you will find a "Treatment and Monitoring" flowchart that tells you what cortisol levels you are aiming at:

http://www.dechrace.com/pdfs/vetoryl/VETORYLTechnicalBrochure.pdf

Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi and welcome to you and Kiki!

I agree - it is very scary that her cortisol has not been checked since she started treatment. That is EXTREMELY risky and irresponsible on the part of the vet if this has been their choice. Please have an ACTH done asap.

The skin could well be a complication seen with Cushing's in some pups called Calcinosis cutis and if so, it will get worse before it gets better. Also if this is CC it is CRITICAL to keep up with the ACTH testing because you will have to get that post, or second, number down to the optimal range of 3-5 ug/dl and keep it there in order to handle the CC. Here is a link to a thread here about a pup named Tobey who is dealing with CC. She and her mom, Renee, have worked very hard to keep the cortisol under good control and thereby clearing the CC.

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5908

I'm glad you found us and look forward to seeing those test results Monday....and to getting to know you and Kiki better over time. If you have any questions be sure to ask - we will do all we can to help!

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang