New here and so many concerns (CC, Lysodren, cardiomyopathy)

[Bellasmommy]

Hi I stumbled across this forum desperately trying to get information. My eight-year-old boxer girl has dilated cardiomyopathy, and has just been diagnosed with Cushing's after multiple UTIs that would not clear up with numerous medications,bladder scoping, and her literally passing out on me. She spent four days in the ER where they discovered the heart condition. Once she was stable enough for the testing, she came back positive for Cushing's at a high-level. Vet began Lysodrene therapy but she reacted very quickly within four days, stopped eating, vomited, etc. i've had to force her meds down her throat and could not give her antibiotics for the (6th continuing) UTI because she could not keep them down.

They have given prednisone at a very small dose and she is eating a little bit now. So in addition to both heart meds, she is on 750 mg three times per day of cephalexin along with 5 mg prednisone and now (started yesterday) a new med to try and increase her appetite. She did eat just a little bit this morning and I was finally able to give her the antibiotic's. She does seem to feel a little better but the skin crusting on her back is terrible. I clean it daily and that using is better,but it hurts me to look at it. This is just been horrible. I don't know what to do for her. I don't want to put my girl down but I don't want her to suffer either. Any advice would be much appreciated especially for helping save this horrible skin condition (calcification related to Cushing's)

Thank you!

[labblab]

Hello and welcome to you and little Bella, although I am so sorry for the problems she is facing right now. We will do our very best to support you both!

First of all, you'll see I've edited your thread title in order to catch the attention of members who have dealt with similar issues. "CC" is our shorthand around here for the skin condition, Calcinosis Cutis, which is indeed a major challenge for our members who experience it. If you plug in "calcinosis" on our search query, you will find threads and posts that deal with this issue. I will try to come back later and add some specific links for you, and I'm hoping other members will also reply to you directly with suggestions.

Probably my biggest concern right now, though, is Bella's response to the Lysodren. Subsequent to taking the Lysodren, did she have an ACTH stimulation test to find out her actual cortisol level? If it indeed fell too low, the prednisone ought to be helping her now. However, it's possible that another adrenal hormone, aldosterone, may have also dropped too low with the Lysodren. If so, this can cause an imbalance in the ratio of sodium and potassium in her body. I would think this could be especially dangerous for a dog with heart function issues. The problem can be corrected by giving an additional steroid supplement alongside the prednisone. So I'm hoping your vet has run a basic blood panel in addition to checking Bella's cortisol level.

I do also have some questions about the original diagnosis. For instance, were there any other Cushing's symptoms aside from the continuing UTIs? However, I definitely don't want to overwhelm you with too many questions right off the bat! So as I say, my main focus right now is on her recovery from the Lysodren. And then we can move on later.

Once again, I'm so glad you've found us!

Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

Welcome to you and Bella!

How is your sweet girl feeling today? Are you still giving the Lysodren?

[DoxieMama]

Welcome from me, too, though I'm so sorry to hear of Bella's struggles. I hope she is feeling better today. Please let us know how she is doing.

Hugs,
Shana

[molly muffin]

Hello, I want to say hello and welcome to you also.

If you can let us know what her values were prior to starting lysodren and her values were when they fell too low that would be helpful for us to give you feedback.

Keeping the cc areas, clean, dry is important. Basically though the calcium deposits all have to come through and that can look terrible. As long as her post cortisol levels stay under 5.0 (so you want to balance the steroid given to her for the low cortisol levels so it still doesn't go too high) and you want to make sure that the electrolytes stay balanced, especially with the heart condition.