My Maltipoo has just been diagnosed with cushings

[MaltipooMom]

All the symptoms started fall 2016, I went to several vets and no one would give me a Cushings test. Finally found one and got that tests back yesterday- positive for Cushings. He's only 12 lbs and 10 years old, and given a prescription for Vetoryl 10mg. I have read so many scary things about the treatment and side effects of this drug. I am scared to start him on it! Would love to hear about experiences with this? What to expect? I'm just really scared.

[Harley PoMMom]

Welcome to you and your sweet boy! I am sorry for the circumstances that brought you here but so glad you found us.

We're a nosy bunch here and we would really appreciate it if you could tell us some more about your boy's medical history, in this way we can provide you with our best possible feedback, ok?

We would love to see all test results; so if you could please get copies of the testing that was done to diagnose your boy and post the results here that would be great. With respect to the blood chemistry and CBC, you need only post the highs and lows and please include the normal reference ranges. Was he diagnosed with the adrenal or pituitary type of Cushing's? What symptoms is your boy displaying that led you to have him tested for Cushing's? Was an urinalysis done, and if so, could you post those findings too? Does your boy have any underlying illness that he is taking medication for, and if so, what is it and what is the medication? Is he on any herbs or supplements?

Vetoryl is a strong drug and it does have some pretty scary side effects, however, adverse effects are usually not seen unless the proper treatment protocols are not followed. We have many members that are treating their cushdog with Vetoryl/Trilostane and are experiencing success.

Your boy's Vetoryl dose is right in line with what is recommended, which is 1 mg per pound of a dog's weight. Now, there are two rules that are very critical with Vetoryl; #1) is it has to be given with a meal to be properly absorbed, and #2) Those monitoring ACTH stimulation tests have to be performed 4-6 hours after giving the Vetoryl. The key to facilitating safe and effective treatment is an experienced vet and an educated pet owner, so 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.

Please know you are not alone on this journey as we are right there beside you and if you have any questions do not hesitate to ask them.

Oh, here's a handy link to our Resource thread where you will find a wealth of information about Cushing's:http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10

Hugs, Lori

[Grants mom]

Hi I also have a 10 year old maltipoo grant with cushings he will be 11 in August his symptoms have been there for a while also , I just thought it was all due to him getting older ! I can't offer any help on the medicine I have chosen not to do the vet medicine for him ! It is all scarey and overwhelming the unknown is scarey !

[PennysDad]

Welcome to the right place! There are many people here who are experts, and I am not one of them. Just another dog lover who is 18 months into the adventure that is Cushings disease. Just wanted to...

[MaltipooMom]

Thank you everyone for the response. I am going to start administering Veteroyl on Monday. I just don't know what to expect with his first dose? If anything... I am mainly worried about the side effects and how bad they can be.... my vet recommended the ACTH test two weeks after starting the Veteroyl, is that ok? Or should he be tested sooner?
Any insight is appreciated!

[Harley PoMMom]

The adverse effects of a dog's cortisol dropping too low are: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or the dog is just not acting right, if any one of these symptoms are noticed stopping the Vetoryl is warranted.

Since your boy's Vetoryl dose it right in line with what is recommended the possibility for adverse effects is low. The majority of time adverse reactions are seen during the first few days of treatment; however all dogs are different so just keep an eye out for those ill effects that are mentioned above.

When initiating treatment an ACTH stimulation test is recommended within 10-14 days following the start of treatment so your vets course of action is correct. The two rules to follow with Vetoryl: it has to be given with a meal to be properly absorbed, and those monitoring ACTH stim tests have to be performed 4-6 hours post pill.

I'm sure your boy will do fine and remember we are here for you. ;)

Keep us updated!

Hugs, Lori

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome from me too. Just keep an eye out for any adverse affects that Lori mentioned. Do you know what the cushing test result numbers are and if anything else was out of range, like ALKP, etc?

[MaltipooMom]

Thanks everyone. I do not know the results of my dog's Cushings test, I wasn't provided any of that information. I will call tomorrow and have them send me a copy. I did have ultrasound done and that indicated a mildly enlarged liver but no other concerns. It also gave us the knowledge that it's pituitary Cushings.
Thanks for the support on this, I'm super scared going through this, Tucker has been my world for the past 10 years, and it's crushing to find out that he has Cushings.

[molly muffin]

We were all terrified when we too got the diagnosis of cushings. I just cried when I heard the same thing.
It gets better once you know more about cushings, which is why it's a great idea to read through our resource section.
Knowing cushings attributes, the medication and testing protocols is really what you want to learn, so you can have informed discussions with your vet. 10 years old for a maltipoo isn't that bad at all. So main this is to get everything figured out and get the cortisol within range 1.5 - 5.0ug (post ACTH) and up to 9.0ug with symptoms controlled and if nothing else comes up have many more years together.

If you can get copies of all tests and post any out of range, high/low test values, that would help us to give you better feedback.
I started a binder for all my dogs test results and then used this forum as a journal almost of what what going on, how she reacted on any given dose, and test results. It sure came in handy over the years.