We started Simon on the Vetoryl (which is trilostane, a medication that blocks the production of cortisol) on Tuesday in the hopes of getting the Cushing's disease under control. He is on the recommended dosage of 60 mg once a day. He goes into the vet for a check up and some testing to monitor his progress on January 21st. At that time, adjustments in dosage can be made if necessary.I have been on (bat shit, crazy lady) high alert all day, every day, since starting the meds because there can be some very nasty side effects. My biggest concern is that he will have an Addisonian crisis (if his cortisol level gets too low), which can be very dangerous.
So, I have been watching him like hawk - every breath, every pee, every poop, every movement is under scrutiny at this point. I swear I am not cut out for this - I have had a sick stomach for days and I haven't had a good night's sleep in weeks. My husband tries to tell me to relax, but that mainly just pisses me off. Doesn't he realize that this is my baby we're talking about here? (Man, it's a good thing I swore off having children - the poor little buggers would be suffocated with parental overload.)
But, I'm happy to report that despite mommy being at a persistent code red, Simon appears to be doing fine so far. In all honesty, I haven't seen any changes in him - his is still drinking and peeing like no body's business. I was hoping to see a decrease in both of those symptoms, as I'm growing weary of the "let-me-out" bellow four or fives times a night. So, that's where we're at as of today.
So, as you read this, I'm wishing for the best, yet always aware of the worst.
36 comments:
Shannon,
I've truly appreciated your updates on Simon. I feel your pain, I really do. We have a 1 year old pup that had a rash of unfortunate problems, if I list them all, I may cry... But all those emotions and monitoring is where I was and still do. This past summer, my parents were up multiple times during the night for care of my childhood dog. Pets give us so much joy that its hard to not allow them all the joy they can get when they are feeling ill, especially since they can't say a word to tell us how it actually is. I'm sure that Simon is reaping all the love you give, which is what a faithful dog deserves. Thanks for sharing. Colorado sends our love to Simon!
Yup, been there with the "monitoring" lifestyle. With our cat, it was checking for breathing :-) He had heart disease with a short life expectancy, but went on to live a long and happy life to an elderly 19. I'm guessing Simon will perservere, but *you* are going to need to take it easy. Don't you get sick. It will get better. He is one lucky dog. (Loved the Daily Beagle title!)
hopefully he can recover ...... all the best,
Paco
Hoping for the best here, too! Thanks for letting us know.
Thanks for giving us an update on Simon...I know how precious he is to you!
I can get that way with my kids; so I can relate.
Thank you for the Simon update. I wish he was getting better, but I suppose it's good news that he's not having a bad reaction to the meds so that's something. I have human kids and my pooches are *still* my babies. I'm more protective of them these days than my sons because the sons are grown and can speak up.
Continued get well wishes for Simon, and for you too. Take care of yourself as best you can while getting up 4-5 times a night. ;-)
Keeping a good thought for your Simon.
What a cutie... My cat threw up once (she was probably really greedy, the little pig) and I watched her like a hawk for days after, so I can totally relate. All the best!
Oh Shannon, these are troubling times for you. I really feel for you and Simon. You are taking so good care of him, it shows how much you love him. I really hope it pays off and you will soon see signs of improvement on his health. Don't forget to take care of yourself too!!
Glad to hear Simon is doing okay on the medication (no side effects) and here's hoping that it will soon show some positive effect on his disease.
Getting medication just right can take some time with pets, been there, several times.
Be patient, our thoughts are with you.
Thanks for the update Shannon. Still sending good vibes your way. Hope testing shows good results but it may take time. I've got one pet off one med every 12 hrs. but will be on another the rest of her life every 12. Sometimes I'm afraid I'll take her meds instead of mine when I'm half asleep. Mine are my grand babies I'll never have due to medical issues our daughter had.
Glad you posted an update on Simon. I was thinking about you both. Hopefully the medication will take effect soon.
Awww, look at those adorable puppy eyes ;-)
I'm sending a big hug his way- I hope he escapes all the icky side effects!
Shannon,
I have been following your blog for some time now and I have never left a comment. However, I want to reassure you that there are others who understand what you are going through with Simon and my heart goes out to you. Although I have not been through a similar situation as yours, my dog Jack had a very large cancerous tumor in his leg and had to have his leg amputed in June. After travelling from Edmonton to Calgary(a 3.5 hour drive) for surgery and checkups I was exhausted and very stressed out. I scan his body every day for bumps, I am on alert and very paranoid about the cancer returning and I am concerned I will not catch it in time. I have already scheduled more x-rays two months earlier than the vet had suggested. Hang in there and be assured you are doing the best you can for Simon, lots of love and great care.
Thank you so much for The Daily Beagle. He's such a sweet boy - look at that face. Love it - I would just pick him up and cuddle him I was closer.
I hope Simon continues to do well on his meds and that nothing else comes up. You and Simon deserve the best. g
Some years ago, we had two dogs, one of whom needed a daily pill. Since my husband has classified medical care for dogs as "woman's work" (huh?), I had to jam them down her throat regularly. Then the other dog noticed and got jealous, so I had to do a fake jam down his throat every day. This went on for a couple of years. I had a pretty slobbery hand by the time I was through.
We care for them because we love them. It is that simple. I think Simon is fortunate to have such a loving mom, and (pardon my language--it's who I am) I pray that he will be well.
Take care! Susan
Our eldery dog had exactly these symptoms and it turned out to be Central Diabetes Inspidus, all tests negative, the only way to know if this is the cause iis if they respond to the medication which is a human medication either Desmotabs or Desmomelts. He's Ok on his meds although doesn't always know when he need to go. I hope Simon is OK, and the symptoms are soon under control
I do hope he gets better. He's just the cutest thing. I know there's not really anything one can say when a friend has a loved one with an illness, especially a difficult one, but please know I do hope your Simon heals up. We lost our can (also named Simon!) last year very suddenly and we sort of still aren't over it.
Thinking good thoughts!
xx
Ah what a precious face....I'm hoping all goes well from here. Take Care of yourself.
Oh, I pray for Simon to feel better. I hope you get some sleep. Having a pup-a-roo w/ epilepsy, I can feel for you not being able to sleep very well. My little piggy has most of her seizures while she sleeps.
Hugs to you and the bean. Thanks for the update
Hope Simon is better soon. It must be so difficult. I miss your sewing projects - you are so accomplished.
http://fabricateandmira.wordpress.com/
I'm coming out of lurkdom to share my hope for a good recovery for Simon and peace of mind for you. We don't have children either so our dog Sam is special to us, even if he's a finicky, unsocial dog to other humans. You're Simon's pack leader and I'll bet he feels better just knowing you're in charge and taking care of him. It's so hard watching them when they're ill and we can't explain what's happening. I appreciate your sharing and your compassion.
Keep up the good work. Code red mommies have sick stomachs, but they also have well-watched kids, and if something isn't right, you'll be sure to catch it.
When my cat Lily came back from the hospital last year after her surgery to remove a ruptured gland near her tail, I spent much time supervising every activity I usually avoided, much to her loss of dignity.
Glad to hear Simon's responding well to his medication. Tell your husband that suggesting you relax is hazardous to his health. I know he means well, but . . .
And I bet you wake up in the night to check he's still breathing, too. Molly was bitten inside her mouth by a bee recently and I didn't get a wink of sleep for checking on her. Still sending good thoughts your way.
I'm so sorry to hear about Simon. I hope that he will have a good result from the medications and that you can rest a little easier. It's so difficult to see our beloved pets suffering. My heart goes out to you.
How we love our animals! They need and depend on us so much it breaks my heart. Rest assured though, my daughter is a vet tech and any animal that comes her way gets the best attention possible!!
Good luck with the Cushing's medication. Our elderly (14 y.o.) Jack Russell was diagnosed with Cushing's three years ago, and her illness is managed with 250mg of Mitotane (Australian name of drug) twice a week. Some dogs are very sensitive to the dosage, and some not. It took a few months to get the medication balance correct, and she now goes for blood tests every 6 months, and has been stable for a year. It was a rollercoaster ride initially, but things have settled down now, so don't loose heart. I feel confident that Simon will get through this. Best of luck with your darling dog.
Sigh. It'd be very good if you could feel less stress from this treatment too, and hopefully that'll be soon. And a checkup at the end of the week sounds like something reasonable to look forward to, no? Just slap the husband if you need an outlet :-). And don't forget to take deep breaths and take care of yourself too, Simon still needs you..
But meanwhile, the most important is that he feel better, or at least not worst. Much better a vet that gives you a low dose to start with, than one who kills your dog with an overdose, imho. Especially in an elderly dog who shouldn't be metabolically rattled too much, and who isn't a clear-cut case anyway. Conservative is very good in this case, even if it's driving you crazy..
Oh I am so glad to hear that he is doing well! (and with all the thirst and peeing, that it wasn't diabetes...)
You're working hard to figure out what it is, and it sounds like you've got a really good vet who is on your side- those are huge hurdles! You are taking really good care of him! I hope you can relax a little- you don't need to get sick, too. He knows that you love him and will do everything within your power to help him. He feels it. (You know he does)
It is so tough when our 'babies' get sick-
(I had my Jules for 21 years...)
Great blog, by the way- I just found you, via GETCHANAILSDID- I hope all goes really well for you and Simon!
Best of luck!
I went through the same thing when my Echo was diagnosed. My husband was a lot more relaxed than me (come to think of it, he's the same way with our children), I was really stressed. We had a really hard time finding the right dose for her and we had a few emergency room visits. I wish you lots of luck!
We've got fingers, toes and paws crossed here that the meds work their magic.
Hugs to you and to Simon.
Thanks for the update - still thinking good thoughts for you guys.
Thank you for updating!! I love the Simon posts, and I'm heartsick that he's still not getting a clean bill of health. But I hope this treatment works and he's still with you for a long, long time.
What is Simon's status?
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