Hi Newby with Daisy Cushings confirmed today

[Gusdaisydog]

Hi my name is Fiona and my poorly girl is Daisy a 9 year old Border Terrier. She started with excessive drinking and urinating a few months ago and went through urine and blood tests for diabetes; then kidney problems all of which came back clear. The urine Cushings test came back highly likely and she spent the day at the vets on Tuesday for her three blood tests. It was confirmed today that she has Cushings and she has been prescribed Vetoryl with blood tests again in ten days.

In herself she is sometimes her happy self and sometimes seems very fed up. She is quite bloated a lot of the time. So far no hair loss. Some stiffness in her back legs. She is enjoying back rubs though 😊 every night.

Any advice on anything else gratefully received.

I also have a boy dog Gus, who is also a Border Terrier. He is 11 years old. So that's me and my pups....

[labblab]

Hello and welcome to you, Daisy, and Gus as well!

I'm sorry that you have need of a Cushing's forum, but also very glad that you've found us. So far, everything you've told us sounds quite reasonable: symptoms consistent with the disease, a "positive" test result, starting Vetoryl treatment, and monitoring testing in ten days time. So that is good!

However, you'll discover that we are always anxious for specific details. If you live outside the U.S., we've discovered that it can sometimes be hard to get vets to release actual lab test results. But if you can get copies of the tests, those numbers will be of great interest and help to us. On general lab tests, we're only wanting to know any values that are higher and lower than normal. On the actual Cushing's test, we'd like to know all three test numbers.

In the meantime, can you tell us how much Daisy weighs, and what dose of Vetoryl she is taking? Current initial dosing recommendations are lower than they once were, and we've found that sometimes vets have not kept up with the newer recommendations. At this time, it is thought best to start with a total daily dose that is no greater than 1 mg./lb or 2.2 mg./kg.

Sorry for so many questions, but your answers will be of great help to us. And once again, welcome!

Marianne

[Gusdaisydog]

Hi Marianne

Thank you for your reply. I am in the U.K. and I haven't been offered any of the readings from her blood tests so far. But I haven't asked either.

On Tuesday she weighed in at 9.45kilo and they have put her on a dosage of 10mg twice a day with food (mornings and evenings). One 10mg tablet in the morning and one in the evening.

She has had her first tablet tonight and is sleepier than normal. Is this usual?


Thanks

Fiona x

[labblab]

Hi again, Fiona! The dose of 10 mg. twice daily sounds just right for Daisy's weight, so I'm very glad to hear that. And I'm also glad that they've told you to give the capsule with food. So far it sounds as though your vet is handling things just right. :)

As far as the sleepiness, it may just be a temporary reaction to the new lowering of her cortisol. Dogs may feel a bit "off" as they adjust to the medication. But it is very good to keep an eye on her and to report any really worrisome changes, like diarrhea or vomiting, to your vet. And please do keep us updated as well!

Marianne

[molly muffin]

I just want to say hello and welcome to the forum.

As Marianne mentioned dogs can feel a bit off as they adjustment to their cortisol lowering. Just as long as she doesn't end up lethargic, or wobbly or as Marianne mentioned diarrhea or vomiting, then that is likely all it is, just feeling off.

It does sound like your vet is following all the proper protocols, so that is good.