Cushings, Pseudomyotiona & Hypothyroidism

[Lori B]

Hi, I am new and overwhelmed with the diagnosis on my Havanese Lexi who has just turned 12. She was diagnosed just over a year ago with Cushing's -(based on elevated liver values, positive ACTH Stimulation test & an abnormal ultrasound noted bilaterally enlarged adrenal glands). She never had the typical symptoms of drnking and urinating frequently, only the "pot bellied" appearance. So my vet didn't put her on medications until a few months ago the she started dragging her front paw and walking a little strange at times. She was put on Vetoryl 20 MG (10mg in am, 10mg pm), now its upped to 15 mg in the am & 10 pm) Our vet decided to have us go see an Internal Medicine specialist at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center after her legs kept getting worse. The doctor did and EMG test on her. They have diagnosed her with Pseudomyotonia (Steroid Induced Myopothy) secondary to Cushing's and Hypothyroidism. They added Levothyroxine 0.1 mg tablets (I give 1 & 1/2 in the am and pm)for the Hypothyroidism. But this Pseudomyotonia is a really rare and progressive. Has anyone found anything to be helpful for this?

Thank you for adding me, this has been a lot to take in.

Lori

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Lori,

Welcome to you and LexI! I'm sorry for the circumstances that brought you here but so glad you found us and we will help in any way we can. On the forum we have seen a few cases of dogs that have Cushing`s with myotonia being a side effect from that disease.

Here is a reply posted by one of our members that contains a couple of helpful explanatory links.


Hi Mitchell,
In my ongoing Cushing's research I stumbled on these two articles, one written by Dr. Mark Peterson, an endocrinologist.

http://www.vmsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/case-report-hyperadrenocorticism-and-psuedomyotonia.pdf

http://www.endocrinevet.info/2011/02/q-pseudomyotonia-in-dogs-with-cushings.html

Another thought is to email Dr. Bruyette in CA and ask if he could recommend anyone in your area, including your IMS, with whom he could consult to treat Datsun. I don't have his email but I am certain others here do.

Also, if you search this forum for myotonia, there are or were other folks whose pups were diagnosed. I'm really sorry as it seemed that Datsun was doing well before this condition emerged. This disease truly sucks and I'm thinking of you and Datsun..

I found this recent article titled: "CANINE HYPERADRENOCORTICISM AND PSEUDOMYOTONIA Case Report Michele Laurenson, DVM."

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.vmsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/case-report-hyperadrenocorticism-and-psuedomyotonia.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwjbwOj6yPDVAhWBzIMKHV6HAsEQFgg6MAA&usg=AFQjCNHQtJ90NA9sn5fVl9ILnCWWX55lhA

An excerpt from that article:
Treatment of the myotonia is initially directed at treating the underlying hyperadrenocorticism. In addition to physical therapy,cell membrane stabilizing medications including procainamide at 12.5 mg/kg PO BID have been reported to be beneficial atreducing muscular stiffness in dogs with myotonia.6 Supplementation with L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10 may also be helpfulin dogs with steroid myopathies.

I was wondering if you could share Lexi's recent ACTH stimulation test results with us. Also, how much does she weigh?

Hugs, Lori

[Lori B]

Thank you for the information.

Lexi weighs 16.5 pounds

Her last ACTH Was 7/25/17, if I am reading this right...
Her pre sample was 0.7 (low)
Her Post Sample was 12.4

Lori

[molly muffin]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I see her presample on the ACTH was low, I just want to you to know that vets don't seem as concerned about lower pre's if the post is higher and her post is still high enough that you can bring it down even further and hopefully that will help with the mytonia too.

I think the article that Lori quoted is the latest on possible treatments. I don't think there really is a cure, but if you can help it then, the progression wouldn't hopefully be as fast.

I would talk to the IMS about procainamide and the two supplements mentioned.

This can be a tough journey but hopefully you'll see some progress soon. We all know how very scary this is. You aren't alone.

[Lori B]

Thank you Sharlene,
I will talk to them about the Procainamide along with the supplements of L Carnitine & Coenzyme Q10. Do you know how I could find quality dog supplements and the proper dosing? We go back next week for another ACTH test.

Lexi does seem to have a little spunk back now. I have been stretching out all her muscles & massaging them 6 times a day. Also, we have been going to a chiropractor 2 times a month and they do a cold laser treatment on all her limbs. If it's something that would help, I would consider purchasing one that is for pet and human use if any one knows any that would be good quality. They also range so much in cost, how do you know if you need to spend thousands when there are some in the hundreds?

Thank you all for your support.
Lori & Lexi

[molly muffin]

I use to buy my dogs supplements from Amazon, as they usually had the best price. You can look up online what proper dosage would be for a supplement:

L Carnitine - https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/carnitine

The needed dosage for prevention is 100-200 mg twice per day. To help reverse heart problems, the recommended dosage is close 1000-2000 mg twice per day. Often used with heart issues.

CoQ10 - http://canigivemydog.com/coq10

Always discuss supplements and medicines with your vet prior to buying them to make sure that is appropriate for your dog before buying them. I know you are planning to do this anyhow, but just wanted to reiterate for all readers out there.

I wouldn't look into buying a cold laser machine until you see how she does onit long term. Then I'd discuss best options to buy with your specialist. This is what I discussed when it came to blood pressure with my dog and I decided not to buy one in the end.

Also you might want to look into acupuncture for her. That is another one that some have had success with.

[Lori B]

I really appreciate all that info. We are still trying to sort all this out. We had her thyroid tested and that is all in range. She is still doing pretty good considering.

Thanks again,
Lori

[molly muffin]

Oh good to hear that she is doing good. I know it can be frustrating trying to sort everything out.