Kelly_Louise Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 (edited) Chloe went in for her ACTH stim test yesterday. I got the results today - feeling a bit mixed but kind of excited at the same time although I dont want to be in case it turns out to be false hope. Her levels are still very low. This could be caused by 2 possibilities - firstly that her adrenal glands are not functioning correctly and no long producing enough or as much cortisol - OR, and wait for it, she may have been CURED!!! Can you believe that? I can't, I don't dare to hope for so much - although I REALLY want to. I can only pray that my poor old baby is cured. When I think about it, I can hardly breathe from excitement. So, she's off Trilostane until next Wednesday when she will go in for retesting to see what her body is doing naturally. If she is still overproducing cortisol, then her dosage will be lowered to 10ish mg instead of 30mg. If she is underproducing, her meds will be changed to supplement her cortisol levels. IF, and only IF, she is CURED and her levels are fairly normal - well... we do NOTHING. Sweet glorious NOTHING. Could I possibly be so lucky? Could there be even a CHANCE that Trilostane has cured her???? Is it even heard of? I have heard of some cases but never really believed them... could we be one of those lucky few??? Please everyone, pray for my baby. Pray that she is cured. :rolleyes: Edited June 13, 2009 by Kelly_Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted June 4, 2009 Author Share Posted June 4, 2009 Everything I've read says it can't be cured (unless it is Iatrogenic Cushings)... it was 'assumed' I guess that she had pituitary dependant Cushings as adrenals were all clear, but this was never confirmed as far as I know. Could a dog have Iatrogenic Cushings for a year before the meds worked? I thought it was cured quite quickly. Is there another circumstance that could have been causing her adrenal glands to go haywire and overproduce cortisol? It's just such a far reach to say she might be cured... and Trilostane meds are only for 'control' not cure, so I guess I want to hold onto my hope that she is cured - but trying to find reasons why that might be the case... or some kind of justification? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted June 4, 2009 Author Share Posted June 4, 2009 Does anyone know anything about so called Cushings 'remission'? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
all that glitters Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 Hm it seems no one does know! Does Google results present you with any answers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted June 4, 2009 Author Share Posted June 4, 2009 (edited) I have done alot of research - pretty much all of it says that Cushings can't be cured, only managed. However, there are a few references to 'remissions' and spontaneous remissions where for no real reason, dogs have been 'cured'. I was reading a story of one lady in Oz who had that happen, although the dog did have other issues so I'm not really convinced that the Cushings was an accurate diagnosis - although they had been referred to a specialist who diagnosed it. I guess, although I want to believe - my mind doesn't see the logic. But then, why would the specialist mention it if it wasn't a possibility? In all honesty, I'm just afraid to hope that it's a possibility she could be cured for no good logical reason. But miracles happen all the time right? And if anyone deserves a miracle, it's my beautiful Chloe. Edited June 4, 2009 by Kelly_Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted June 4, 2009 Author Share Posted June 4, 2009 I have been asking questions on a Cushings dogs forum I am a member of - and apparently - it is possible for a remission type state to occur in a small number of dogs. Some, stay off the drug for some time, even years and may have to go back on meds eventually in the future. Some only stay off for a few months before having to continue the meds again. Which would of course mean that the monitoring and testing would have to continue regularly. It is believed that it's possible some dogs can go into complete remission (I guess this would depend on the circumstances and type of Cushings). But hey, that means she has a chance of being 'cured'. Maybe only for half a year, maybe 3 years. But there is a chance. At the very least, her meds are working... just have to get them right if the miracle doesn't happen. Please keep everything you have crossed for my old girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzy06 Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 I have been asking questions on a Cushings dogs forum I am a member of - and apparently - it is possible for a remission type state to occur in a small number of dogs. Some, stay off the drug for some time, even years and may have to go back on meds eventually in the future. Some only stay off for a few months before having to continue the meds again. Which would of course mean that the monitoring and testing would have to continue regularly. It is believed that it's possible some dogs can go into complete remission (I guess this would depend on the circumstances and type of Cushings).But hey, that means she has a chance of being 'cured'. Maybe only for half a year, maybe 3 years. But there is a chance. At the very least, her meds are working... just have to get them right if the miracle doesn't happen. Please keep everything you have crossed for my old girl. I have everything crossed for you and i honestly hope your baby Chloe is cured!!!!! what a miracle if she is. Please let us know as soon as you know her results!!!!! Big Hugs being sent your way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted June 5, 2009 Author Share Posted June 5, 2009 Thank you very much Lizzy06, that's lovely of you. Yes I do hope our miracle happens, and if any dog deserves it, it's my loyal old girl I can't wait for the results - and yet, I don't want to be disappointed. So far, over 24 hours without Trilostane and she is having no adverse affects, eating well, happy and as energetic as an old arthritic dog can be . They are all really good signs that hopefully her adrenals must be working to some extent, and she hasn't crashed into Addisons disease. I still feel like hyperventilating from excitement whenever i think of the word 'cure' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loraine Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 Does anyone know anything about so called Cushings 'remission'? Hi Kelly Louise. Many dogs go into remissio, especially those on Trilostane. The remission can last a few weeks, months or even a couple or three years (that is the longest I know of. It would be just great if Chloe was cured, but I fear she is only in remission - but that is a good thing as it means she does not need drugs in her system for a while. If Chloe's Cushing's was caused by too many cortisone session prior to her diagnosis (Iatrogenic Cushing's) then she could be cured. Best you can do is just keep an eye on her (I am sure you will) and watch for the return of the rotten CD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted June 5, 2009 Author Share Posted June 5, 2009 Oh Loraine, I was waiting for you to pop in and have something hopeful from experience to say!! And you did... I guess all we can do is hope that she goes into remission for some time - and of course, we will always know the symptoms if ever they rear their ugly heads!! That's just what I needed to hear - that there IS hope and it CAN happen. It may not be our turn yet, but then, it may be as well who knows. All we can do now is wait... Wednesday seems so far away!!! But to me it is very promising that so far she appears to be normal even without her Trilostane. My wallet is getting very excited that it MIGHT get a reprieval for a while Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted June 6, 2009 Author Share Posted June 6, 2009 48 hours without Trilostane - and Chloe is going great guns!! She is acting like a puppy again, stole mums slipper and raced outside with it, then went and buried some toys which is her favourite thing to do to p!ss my mum off LOL. I'm absolutely stoked!! I did notice that her movement seems very free, so perhaps she is now producing a more than normal amount of cortisol - which will mean back on the meds - however, never know, maybe she is just feeling really, really good? Let's hope so. All good news so far Couldnt be more pleased!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loraine Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 (edited) 48 hours without Trilostane - and Chloe is going great guns!! She is acting like a puppy again, stole mums slipper and raced outside with it, then went and buried some toys which is her favourite thing to do to p!ss my mum off LOL. I'm absolutely stoked!!I did notice that her movement seems very free, so perhaps she is now producing a more than normal amount of cortisol - which will mean back on the meds - however, never know, maybe she is just feeling really, really good? Let's hope so. KL you must bear in mind that when the dog has pain (same with us humans) they produce more cortisol to help combat the pain, but it does not necessary mean that they are reverting back to Cushing's. Just keep a close eye for the other nasty signs before you panic All good news so far Couldnt be more pleased!! Edited June 7, 2009 by Loraine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted June 7, 2009 Author Share Posted June 7, 2009 Loraine, you are just an angel of good news - always giving hope and important info - thank you!!! I never knew that, and now that she is not being suppressed by the Trilostane perhaps she is just making a little more cortisol for her poor old legs Regardless of whether she needs to go back on meds or not (still not trying to get hopes up too high LOL), Im just happy that she is feeling so good right now. Yep we are monitoring her very closely (I can't tell you how happy my mum and dad are right now to see her so well - but I've warned them this may not be permanent and they understand this - back to measuring water levels etc LOL) and will continue to do so for as long as she is off any meds, and will certainly know those dreaded Cushing symptoms. Funny how it all seems not as draining when things are looking so positive - I never thought mum would look forward to measuring water etc. Mum did say, that she is so used to having her tablets now that she hides her nose when it's time to have them... she keeps doing this, then gives mum a big smile when she gets a treat but NO tablet now. Go Chloe GO!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 I'm holding my breath for you KL, and hoping with my heart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted June 7, 2009 Author Share Posted June 7, 2009 I'm holding my breath for you KL, and hoping with my heart. Oh Erny, that's lovely, thank you so much! I can't tell you guys how much your support means. Not many people understand these types of diseases and how complicated they can be - and of course, not all people understand why we do what we do to keep Chloe well. So thank you for everyone that comes on our long exhausting journey with us - it helps more than you know. To have Chloe react so well without her meds so far, is a massive weight off my shoulders for a little while. My parents dont really understand the disease, so they always assume that any change is a bad one (until they see for themselves what im talking about). It can be tough - but luckily after thorough explanation they are as committed to keeping Chloe well as I am (and of course not having her suffer in any way) - which is great. We wouldnt know our family without our Chloe. Thanks agian, and here's to another good day for Chloe!! Hooray!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loraine Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 KL any good news is usually received with great heaves of relief Folks who have dealt with serious illnesses in their dogs understand at least what we are going through, even if they know nothing of the disease itself. I have a girl friend who had Cushing's, now has Addison's. It gave me great insight into what the human body feels (dogs cannot explain what they are feeling, can they)? I really wish neither my GF or my Coco (RIP baby boy) or your Chloe (or any dog or person for that matter) got this horrible disease. I shall be keeping you and Chloe in my thoughts and prayers for a very long remission. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted June 8, 2009 Author Share Posted June 8, 2009 Thank you so much Loraine - let's hope Chloe is a little miracle waiting to happen!! And you're right, there are many diseases etc that I don't necessarily understand or have experienced with any of my dogs - but I feel the same feelings of worry, stress and sometimes helplessness that others go through. No matter the disease, we're all in it together! Tomorrow is the big day - I can't wait!!! Chloe is still doing exceptionally well, all signs are positive!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted June 10, 2009 Author Share Posted June 10, 2009 I am currently waiting for the specialist to call back with Chloe's test results... the suspense is killing me!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Along with the rest of us, KL ! We're waiting in the wings hopeful for good news . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted June 11, 2009 Author Share Posted June 11, 2009 The verdict is in... and it is GOOOOOOOOOD!! Chloe is officially in a remission - no meds!! No one can be sure for how long, she will be tested again in a month and monitored regularly... but for now, her adrenal glands are normal size and function - she is a NORMAL dog!!! We are all so happy!! It's the best news we could have hoped for!! Go miracle dog Chloe, GOOOOO!!! :D :D Thank you everyone for caring and thinking good, positive thoughts for my old girl - seems they have worked Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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