Spencer, Chihuahua just starting treatment

[Melsteele]

Hello! I’m new to this site! My chihuahua, Spencer, has just been diagnosed with Cushings. Hopefully everything goes well with his new medication. He’s only been on it since Tuesday, and so far he’s still eating good and acts as if he feels fine. But something a little strange is going on. He seems a little clumsy. When he wakes up, and shakes off when he gets up, he’s falls down (maybe not every time) but usually this doesn’t happen. He seems a little weak in his back legs. He’s kind of starting to walk a little different. Is it just a coincidence that this is starting to happen or could it be his medication causing this? Thanks!

[labblab]

Hello, and welcome to you and little Spencer! You'll see I've moved your post in order to create a new thread that is your very own. This way, it'll be easier for our members to reply to you directly.

Can you tell us which Cushing's medication Spencer is taking? Also, it'll help a lot if you can tell us more about Spencer's overall health history, as well as the symptoms and testing that led to his Cushing's diagnosis. It is possible that Spencer is having a reaction to a quick drop in his cortisol level. Finding out which medication he is taking, as well as the dosage, will help guide us with suggestions.

We're really glad you've joined us, and look forward to learning more about Spencer!

Marianne

[molly muffin]

hello and welcome from me too. As Marianne inquired, can you tell us what medication he is on and what the dosage is?

If it is vetroyl a good starting dosage is 1mg per lb, to see how he reacts to the medication.

I just want to throw out that if he starts to vomit, can't stand up, gets diarrhea, then stop medication and contact your vet. We always want to error on the side of caution with our furbabies.

We'd love to hear more about Spencer and how he is doing.

I

[Melsteele]

Spencer has been prescribed Trilostane suspension 180ml. He’s taking .5ml every 12 hours with food. He was just diagnosed with Cushings this week and he’s been taking his medication since Tuesday. My little man will be 15 yrs old this coming July. He was diagnosed with heart disease several years ago and is taking benazapril daily for that. Last year he was having some bladder issues (leaking uncontrollably mainly while sleeping) and drinking excessively, and we found out he had a urinary tract infection. He recently started with the same symptoms but it ended up not being a urinary tract infection this time. He’s even started having accidents inside when he’s never done that before (unless he was mad with us ha!) This is when they decided to do the ACTH stem test to determine if he had Cushings. .... and here we are! The last several weeks he’s been a little clumsy— like stumbling when coming up the steps into the house (which I’m sure is his age), but the last couple of days he’s seemed more clumsy. Like falling down when he shakes off. His back legs seem a little weaker than normal. I called my vet to see if it could by any chance be some kind of side effect of his new medication. Mine wasn’t in so the one that was in the office suggested that I not give him his medication over the weekend to be sure it wasn’t some weird side effect that they aren’t aware of. Spencer is acting completely normal as usual, happy and eating fine. My husband seems to think I’m being paranoid about him seeming more clumsy than normal and thinks I should just continue giving him his medication, since he appears to be fine other than that. All of this is new and it’s just making me nervous I guess. And also, we are going on vacation next weekend and I just want to be sure things are ok while someone else is taking care of him while we are away. Thanks for your support and input!

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi and welcome to you and Spencer!

Would you look on the Trilostane bottle and tell us what it says? It will read something like 50mg/ml. That will let us know the actual amount of the dose he is taking. It is not uncommon for vets to start Trilo at a dose much too high because they are not aware that Dechra, the manufacturer, has changed the starting dose. So we always like to double check the dosage. Thanks!

Glad you found us!
Hugs,
Leslie

[labblab]

Thanks so much for this additional info — Spencer sounds like a little sweetheart!

One thing I’m still wondering about is the exact dose of trilostane that he’s receiving.


Spencer has been prescribed Trilostane suspension 180ml. He’s taking .5ml every 12 hours with food.

In order to figure out the dose, we need to know how many milligrams (mg.) of trilostane are in each milliliter (ml.). I’m hoping you’ll find that info somewhere on the bottle’s label. If you can find “mg.” noted anywhere, let us know what that says.

Also, I do want to point out that the combination of benazepryl and trilostane can create problems for some dogs. We do know of dogs that are able to take both successfully, but the blood chemistry levels must be watched very closely in dogs who are taking “ACE inhibitors” such as benazepryl. Here’s a warning from the U.S. Product Insert for Vetoryl (brandname trilostane):


Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors should be used with caution with VETORYL Capsules, as both drugs have aldosterone-lowering effects which may be additive, impairing the patient's ability to maintain normal electrolytes, blood volume and renal perfusion. Potassium sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone) should not be used with VETORYL Capsules as both drugs have the potential to inhibit aldosterone, increasing the likelihood of hyperkalemia.

https://www.dechra-us.com/Admin/Public/Download.aspx?file=Files%2fFiles%2fProductDownload s%2fus%2fvetoryl-5mg-pack-insert.pdf

If Spencer was mine, I believe I would indeed hold off on giving the trilostane over the weekend in order to see if you notice improvement. I would also want to check with your own vet next week in order to make sure he/she is aware of this warning about combining trilostane and benazepryl. Last but not least, I’d probably actually hold off on restarting the trilostane at all until you’ve returned from your vacation. Cushing’s is typically a very slowly worsening disease, and you won’t be losing much ground to wait a while longer before beginning treatment. At Spencer’s age, your main goal is to make him more comfortable, and I wouldn’t think you’d want to risk him developing any ill effects while you’re away. In fact, his comfort level may be the ultimate deciding factor in terms of any treatment, at all. For some elderly dogs, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions may actually worsen once cortisol levels are lowered. That may even be what’s going on with him now — underlying arthritis may be “unmasked” as you bring down his cortisol level.

So in summary, I’d follow the stand-in vet’s advice and hold the trilostane for now. See how Spencer does, and then check back with your regular vet next week. Oh, and let us know about that dosing info ;-).

Marianne

[DoxieMama]

Welcome to you and Spencer! I would just echo what the others have said, so I'll spare the repeat. I just wanted to say hi and I look forward to learning more about your sweet little guy!

Shana

[Melsteele]

Ok so the label says 180ml 10mg/m ... then there’s a typo.. so I’m assuming the next letter should be an l .... someone had donated a new bottle of medication to their office, so that’s what I have. They were gracious enough to give it to me to save some money for the time being. It’s not the original label. They reprinted a new label for Spencer and that’s probably when the typo happened. Thank y’all so much for your thoughts and advice. I’m definitely going to take y’all up on them and not go with my husband thinking I’m being paranoid ha! Keep em coming!

[Squirt's Mom]

Ok so with 10mg/ml that means at .5ml Spencer is getting 5mg of Trilostane which would be right for a 5lb dog. Can you tell us how much your sweet boy weighs? I may have overlooked this info but didn't see it when I scanned back thru your posts. :o

[Squirt's Mom]

Oh and ditto to everything Marianne had to say!

[labblab]

Thanks, Leslie ;-). And thanks, Spencer’s mom, for the dosing info. Double-checking, though, I think you said Spencer is being dosed .5 ml. twice daily? That would mean a daily total of 10 mg. Depending upon how much Spencer weighs, that may be a higher dose than is currently recommended. Leslie is absolutely correct that current thinking is that a starting dose should not exceed a daily total of 1 mg. per pound. So that may be another issue to discuss with your vet next week. Here’s a link that explains more about dosing recommendations:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?185-Trilostane-Vetoryl-Information-and-Resources&p=1251#post1251

Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

Oh you are right, Marianne! "every 12 hours"....my bad! :o That would be the dose for a 10 lb dog, not a 5 lb dog.

[Melsteele]

He weighs about 10 1/2 lbs

[Budsters Mom]

Thank you for Spencer's weight. Yes, his starting dose is correct. We are a bunch of worry warts here, but with good reason.

[Melsteele]

Thanks to everyone for everything! ... and for caring so much! Since being off of his medication this weekend, he doesn’t seem so clumsy. I’m going to contact my vet this week and let her know what’s going on. And we are gonna give it a rest and take a break from his medication until we return from our trip.

[labblab]

I’m very glad you’ll be contacting your vet. And yep, I believe I’d hold off on resuming the trilostane until after your vacation. I think you’ll have a more relaxing trip this way, not having to worry about any new or serious side effects. Spencer should be just fine while you’re gone, and then you can decide on the best path forward after you’re home again.

Please give your sweet little boy a big hug for us, OK?
Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

awww Spencer's pic reminds me of my own Chi, Fox! She's not a cush pup but has her own issues, most associated with a huge hernia left way to long before correcting and simple age - we guess she is around 17-18 yrs old. As a rescue we don't really know but that is her vet's best guess. She's still happy, loves her food and sun-bathing, and remains spring-loaded, bouncing around when she feels good and for that I am grateful.

[Melsteele]

Well I talked to our veterinarian this afternoon! She’s on board with us waiting till we get back from our trip to resume any medication. Thank goodness!! When we return, she is going to cut his dose back to .25ml once a day for two weeks and see how he does with that. If he does good, she’s going to increase, the same dose, to twice a day. If all goes as planned, then they will do the follow up ACTH stem test (2 weeks after that) to see how his numbers are looking. I am so grateful that Dr. Brenda gave me this site so I was able to find you ladies!! Y’all have made me feel so much better about everything!! I can’t thank y’all enough!! Oh...and by the way.... Spencer loved his hugs from you ladies!!

[molly muffin]

I totally agree with starting lower and then gradually increasing as needed.
Have a wonderful vacation

[Melsteele]

Thank you!!

[kwhit]

Hi. Spencer is a doll. :)

My Golden just started taking trilostane this week and has gotten clumsier, too. It’s his back legs. I stopped it yesterday and I can already see an improvement. He’s 13.5 so he has some trouble walking because of his age, but on that med it got much worse. I guess it’s a side effect for some dogs.

[Melsteele]

Thank you! :)
I’m glad your Golden is doing better! It affected Spencer’s back legs more too! It was really weird! I guess it is some kind of side effect. I know I didn’t like it! And I’m sure our babies were wondering what in the world was wrong with them. I know they need to be medicated for this and we can decrease the dose. But it’s still scary! I just hope we can both get them regulated so this doesn’t happen again. Keep us posted on how y’all are doing!!

[kwhit]

I know they need to be medicated for this...

I’m actually going to talk to his vet about not treating him. He was on a very small dose, (30 mg and he weighs 90 lbs.), and even that small dose had such drastic side effects for him. He takes CBD oil for arthritis and some behaviors of dementia. When he took the trilostane, the CBD didn’t work. I’m just very, very leery about any of the meds now.

[Melsteele]

Aww! I’m sorry!! I surely don’t blame you!! I would be leery too! When we return from vacation and get Spencer started back on a lower does, I just pray it doesn’t affect him like that again. If so, I’m not so sure I want him taking it either. At least it’s a slow disease and from what I’ve researched so far, it doesn’t make them suffer. That in itself it a relief! Spencer also has heart disease and he’s medicated for that. I just wonder if the two medications didn’t work together either, and maybe that was part of the problem. I hope everything works out for your fella! And by the way....he’s a handsome fella!!

[Squirt's Mom]

From our Helpful resource section on Vetoryl (Trilostane) per the product insert for Vetoryl from the manufacturer, Dechra -


Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors should be used with caution with VETORYL Capsules, as both drugs have aldosterone-lowering effects which may be additive, impairing the patient's ability to maintain normal electrolytes, blood volume and renal perfusion. Potassium sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone) should not be used with VETORYL Capsules as both drugs have the potential to inhibit aldosterone, increasing the likelihood of hyperkalemia.

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?185-Trilostane-Vetoryl-Information-and-Resources

So use of Trilo with certain heart meds can be problematic. If Spencer is using an ACE inhibitor and/or a diuretic I would have concerns with restarting this drug. Instead I would look at Lysodren as it does not interfere with this class of drug (ACE inhibitors and diuretics).

[Melsteele]

I’ll definitely check into that when we start his medication back. Thanks for the info!

[Melsteele]

So I’ve been looking into something natural to treat Spencer with. I found something by Pet Wellbeeing called Adrenal Harmony Gold. It’s a natural supplement for Dog Adrenal Gland Dysfunction. Nothing but 5 star reviews!! Any thoughts? Sounds like something worth trying.

[labblab]

Over the years, we’ve had a number of folks who have asked us about Adrenal Harmony. The bad news is that we have no evidence that this product has ever undergone scientific testing to prove any of its claims. They offer plenty of customer testimonials, but when one of our staffers contacted them directly, they admitted that they have no objective test results to back up the product. Having said that, we have had some members who’ve tried it and then told us that they did feel as though they saw some improvement in their dogs, at least for a time.

For a younger dog who didn’t have any other issues, I’d encourage an owner to pursue treatment with one of the prescription meds like trilostane that has been clinically proven to lower cortisol. However, given Spencer’s age and questionable response to the trilostane, I know your main goal is just to help him remain as comfortable as possible. So if you want to give Adrenal Harmony a try, I don’t suppose there’d be any harm to it. Although once again, I don’t know exactly how it might interact with his other medication. Just because a product is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it will not interact. If it genuinely contains an active ingredient, that ingredient always has the potential to interact with other medications. So if you order this supplement, just continue to watch him closely, which of course I know you will.

Please give your sweet little guy some gentle hugs from his family here!
Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

I want to second what Marianne has said. These "natural" products touted for Cushing's have changed formulas several times over over the years I have been involved with Cushing's and NONE have any scientific studies to back their claims. I put natural in quotes because these companies use that term to make us think it has to be good because it comes from Nature. So does Hemlock. So "natural" is simply a marketing ploy and doesn't mean the product is pure or healthy. ;) btw, I use herbs for myself and my dogs as well as family members so I am NOT opposed to sound, proven alternative methods. But even tho I am a student of herbal medicine I do not refuse nor refute traditional medicine but rather choose and promote an integrated approach that includes both.

Hugs,
Leslie

[Melsteele]

Thanks for your input ladies! I greatly appreciate it!! And yes, at his age I just want him to be comfortable and happy! And also for his accidents to slow down a little ha! I just found this Adrenal Harmony so I haven’t mentioned it to my vet yet, but I’ve told my vet what you ladies have been sharing with me, and she’s definitely on board with you guys. She’s researching and trying to figure out what to do next. Thanks again for everything thing! I’ll keep y’all posted!

[Squirt's Mom]

I took a look at the ingredients currently in Adrenal Harmony Gold and don't see anything really concerning other than Astragalus. If there is infection in the body this herb has the potential to drive it deeper and allow it to take stronger hold. In humans, this herb can be used at the VERY beginning of a cold but if it is used later in the cold process, the person is likely to get much worse instead of better because the herb has strengthened the infection(s). Another concern is that this produce used to be called Supraglan and actually contained the adrenals and other glands of deceased animals. Bear in mind, products like this as well as herbs are not regulated by the FDA or any other entity in the US so research carefully (and ignore the praises of Adrenal Harmony - many of them are paid to say the things they do. :) ).

[Melsteele]

Thanks so much! Your input really means a lot! Before I make any decisions I’m going to wait to see what my vet thinks is best. I should hear something from her by tomorrow. And thanks for explaining about the “natural” supplement. You definitely make me see that in a different light now. I’m thankful I have people like you to help me understand this better! I just want to do what is best for my little man! :)

[molly muffin]

How is Spencer doing now? Leslie is definitely a go to when it comes to herbs. She knows her stuff. :)

[Melsteele]

Update on my little Spencer... he is doing good!! We started his Trilostane back at a lower dose (.25 once a day for two weeks). Just this week we’ve increased it to twice a day. My vet suggested holding off on his benazpril for the time being. So far, so good!! He has actually started wagging his tail again!! Yay!! He hasn’t done that in quite some time. That sure makes me happy!! He acts like he’s starting to feel better! He’s still eating fine and his drinking hasn’t seemed as excessive as it had been. His bladder issues may have improved just a little, but he’s still having some accidents when we are gone all day for work. We did actually come home to no accidents one day this past week. Hopefully this issue will keep improving. I was nervous about increasing his dose this week but he hasn’t acted any different so far. So let’s just keep our fingers crossed!

[molly muffin]

That is excellent news! Long may his progress continue!!! Love to hear that he is wagging his tail :)

[labblab]

For sure, this is excellent news :-))))))))). I’m guessing your vet will be scheduling a monitoring blood test after a couple more weeks or so. In conjunction with Spencer’s outward symptom relief, that will really help you judge whether or not this dose will be the right one long term. So definitely keep us updated, OK?

Marianne

[Squirt's Mom]

Great update! So glad to hear your sweet boy is doing so much better! That tail-wag can sure make the heart sing, huh?
Hugs,
Leslie

[Melsteele]

Thanks everybody!! Yes my vet should be doing another test after a couple of weeks of increasing his dose. We came home to NO accidents today, thank goodness! Hopefully this part continues to get better! Ha! And yes it sure makes my heart happy to see his tail wag! ��

[Melsteele]

Has anyone had any issues with your baby gaining weight? I thought after being on his Trilostane for a while Spencer should actually loose a little weight, but he’s gaining it instead. And with that, it seems to slow him down a little more than normal.

[Squirt's Mom]

When was Spencer's last ACTH? What were the results? Has his appetite decreased since starting treatment? Has his food changed?

Sorry for the questions right off the bat but the cortisol level is the first thing to consider. If it is not within optimal range his signs may not improve so things won't change much if any....and can actually get worse in some pups. Next is his diet - if his food has changed the fat and/or carb content in the new food may be different and require a change in the amount he is given each day - ie instead of 1/2 cup a day he would get 1/4 c/day. If his cortisol is within range and there has been no diet change my next thought would be an abdominal ultrasound to see if there is anything going on internally, like fluid or a tumor causing the weight gain.

How is he doing other than the weight gain?

[Melsteele]

Well when we changed his dose and he seemed to be doing well with the amount and his bladder issues were improving, my vet said just keep doing what we were doing and she didn’t do the test again. Other than the weight gain and being a little more mopey than normal, he seems to be doing ok. Not really depressed acting but just a little out of it sometimes. His diet hasn’t changed. Still feeding him the same amount everyday (like 1/2 cup). He doesn’t drink excessively like he was doing at one point. The only thing different I’m doing is..the vet told me to give his medicine with food (it’s liquid)... the only thing I can get him to eat it in is baby food (chicken). I only give him about a teaspoon to a teaspoon and a half each time I give it, which is twice a day. It takes several days to use up one very small jar of baby food. Other than that, that is the only thing I’m doing different.

[Squirt's Mom]

Since the vet has not been following protocol, he needs an ACTH pretty soon to see where he is now. Signs can certainly help us know if the cortisol is getting off but the labs are critical. It is nice when the vets try to give us a $$ break but our babies depend on those labs so they do need to be performed any time we see a change. So I would be calling his vet this afternoon for an ACTH. ;)

[Harley PoMMom]

The only thing different I’m doing is..the vet told me to give his medicine with food (it’s liquid)... the only thing I can get him to eat it in is baby food (chicken). I only give him about a teaspoon to a teaspoon and a half each time I give it, which is twice a day. It takes several days to use up one very small jar of baby food. Other than that, that is the only thing I’m doing different.

So prior to this Spencer wasn't getting his Trilostane with a meal?

[Melsteele]

No. That’s what I’ve been doing ever since he’s been on his medication. That’s just the only change in his diet since the very beginning (of being on new medication).

I spoke with my vet. She wanted to increase his dose a little before we do any further testing. She seems to think his dose was too small to be seeing any difference. We’ve increased it to .3 ml twice a day for now. So far so good! I believe we’ll increase it again in a week or two if he keeps doing well. He may have perked up a little since we’ve increased it.

[Melsteele]

any thoughts on not treating for Cushings? Spencer’s bladder issues are somewhat better but ever since he’s been on the Trilostane he just hasn’t been himself. He’s always in a daze almost like he’s depressed. Sometimes he would perk up but but it doesn’t last long. Now he does wag his tail when I come home so he gets happy for a minute, but then it’s gone. My vet has not tested him anymore be we have slowly been increasing his doses trying to get to .5ml. We are at .45 now. I really don’t feel he has improved as much as I thought he would and it’s been since the end of March that we started his medication. He’s gaining weight. He’s up to 12.3 lbs now. Sometimes I think he’d just be happier and better off without it. Any thoughts?

[labblab]

I am really, really, really worried that your vet thinks it’s OK to keep increasing Spencer’s trilostane dose without doing any of the monitoring testing. It is not OK to do this. It is not safe to do this. It sounds like she’s arbitrarily trying to increase him to .5 ml without knowing whether his cortisol level supports any of theses increases. I am baffled as to why she’s doing this. Spencer may seem so “blah” to you simply because he’s overmedicated.

Of the two options, stopping the trilostane vs. overdosing him, stopping is actually the safer alternative. But I’m hoping you can tell us why your vet is not doing the proper testing. Spencer might be doing much better if he was actually taking the dose that’s appropriate for him.

Marianne

[Melsteele]

Well the only answer I have is that originally, in the very beginning, she said that .5ml twice a day was the appropriate dose for his size. He didn’t do well taking it with his heart medication so we stopped the heart pill and decreased his dose of Trilostane. She said we’d start low and work back up to the appropriate dose. (.5ml) so every few weeks we increased it slightly. A few weeks ago we weighed him. She said some of his weight gain was because he was on too low of a dose. She just said to slowly increase it, till we reached the original dose. I really feel like he would be much happier without it. Everything I’ve read states that Cushings will not make them suffer, and in most cases the cause of death ends up being something else. I want to do whatever it takes to prolong his life but I want him to feel better the rest of his life too. He’ll be 15 Wednesday. If I do stop it, is it ok to stop it cold turkey, or do I have to wean him off of it? In the beginning we stopped it while we were on vacation but he had not been on it very long at the time.

[Joan2517]

He doesn't need to be weaned off...just stop it.

[Melsteele]

Ok good! Thanks! How long should it take to get out of his system? Just wondering how long it should take to notice a difference in how he’s acting.

[labblab]

Well the only answer I have is that originally, in the very beginning, she said that .5ml twice a day was the appropriate dose for his size. He didn’t do well taking it with his heart medication so we stopped the heart pill and decreased his dose of Trilostane. She said we’d start low and work back up to the appropriate dose. (.5ml) so every few weeks we increased it slightly. A few weeks ago we weighed him. She said some of his weight gain was because he was on too low of a dose. She just said to slowly increase it, till we reached the original dose.

Joan is correct, you can just stop the trilostane without weaning. And that may be your best option right now. But I just want to explain why I’m worried about your vet’s approach to all this, especially for other readers who are new to treatment. The initial starting dose for trilostane is indeed based upon weight. However, the only way to know whether or not that is truly the “appropriate” dose is through subsequent monitoring blood testing. There is wide variability in how individual dogs metabolize the drug, so the notion of dosing by weight is only the starting point. Some dogs end up always needing a lower dose than they started out on; other dogs need a bigger dose. The way you find this out is by observing symptom improvement or symptom rebound, and by blood testing. Official recommendations are to conduct this blood testing first after two weeks of treatment, or at one month at the latest. If doses are changed, the blood testing should be repeated at the same intervals. As far as I can tell, your vet hasn’t conducted any of this monitoring testing, so we have no way to know whether Spencer’s current trilostane dose is still too low for him, or instead way too high.

So to go full circle, if your vet is not going to test Spencer’s cortisol level, it is safest to stop the medication. At his age, there may be more pluses than minuses to discontinuing treatment. But I’m afraid your vet is really missing the boat in terms of the way she’s handled his dosage increases, and that leaves me worried about other Cushing’s dogs in her care.

Marianne

[Melsteele]

Thank you! I really have no excuses for what’s going on. And not trying to make excuses but I do know she knew that money was a factor for us, so maybe that’s why she’s doing it. Either way, I stopped it for now. We’ll just play it by ear and see how he does for now. I just don’t want my little fella to be in a fog the rest of his life. I just want him to be comfy and happy!

[labblab]

I totally understand that! We’ll all keep our fingers crossed that your sweet little guy starts acting perkier very, very soon!

Marianne

[Melsteele]

Thank y’all so much!! I sure hope so!! And by the way... my vet told me in the very beginning to get on this forum. She said you guys knew way more about Cushings than she’ll ever know. She told me to trust y’all!! Thanks so much for making me feel better and helping me with my decision!! I’ll keep y’all posted!

Oh and one more thing ... any idea how long it’ll take for the medication to get out of his system?

[labblab]

Well, gosh, now I feel really crummy about criticizing her :-(((((. And who knows, maybe there’s more that went on behind the scenes that I’m totally missing. I sure ain’t perfect, myself ;-).

The bottom line is that we all want Spencer to feel his very best. So please do keep updating us or else we’ll be worrying about you guys!

[labblab]

P.S. As far as how long it will take, the actual active life of the chemical in the body is very short, like less than 24 hours. But effects of the medication on Spencer’s adrenal function and/or blood chemistries can take longer to rebound from, and just depend on each individual dog. So that’s one reason why I hope you’ll keep updating us, so that we can still offer our support as things continue to unfold for you guys.

[Melsteele]

Aww! Don’t feel crummy! It’s ok! I just thank you so much for everything!! And yes, I want him to feel his best!! :) I’ll definitely keep you posted! You guys are great and I’m very thankful for you!! And thanks for the input on how long it’ll take to get out of his system! At least that’ll give me an idea so I can see how quickly he improves.

[Harley PoMMom]

If he doesn't seem to perk up after tomorrow I recommend having a full ACTH stimulation test performed just to make sure his cortisol hasn't dropped too low and needs steroid supplementation.

[Melsteele]

Ok! Thank you!! Will definitely keep a close eye on things!!

[Budsters Mom]

Yes, I have been lurking aound her for more than five years. Rest assured that the members here do indeed know what they are talking about. Some are avid researchers. All are extremly experienced and knowledgable when it comes to everything Cushings. They have lived it with their own babies. Some have had more than one Cush dog. The support and information available here is invaluable. I personally will never know as much about Cushings as many of our members, but that is okay. Everyone contributes what they can. That way we all continue to learn and grow together as a family.


my vet told me in the very beginning to get on this forum. She said you guys knew way more about Cushings than she’ll ever know. She told me to trust y’all!!

[Melsteele]

Well I’m so thankful all of y’all have done your research! So glad I was told about you all! :)