Cushing's treatment - chemo or Anipryl
Re: Cushing's treatment - chemo or Anipryl
The question is, what is your vet suggesting? Cushings can present various symptoms that are not the same for every dog, and treatment is tailored to the individual. Most dogs respond well to chemo with mild side effects, whereas other treatments may not afford management or the treatment may not target the problem and may fail. It is an individually-based treatment protocol, so whatever your vet suggested is probably appropriate for your dog's particular needs. If you're hesitant, you have the option of a second opinion.
..........Traci
-
J.
Re: Cushing's treatment - chemo or Anipryl
Not sure if these sites are still up to date, but you might find out more info here:
http://www.ccweb.net/marvistavet/html/b ... sease.html
http://www.netinfo.com./dcushing.html
Also, I found this info--worth discussing with your vet:
Most dogs with Cushings are older animals and long term side effects of Lysodren also known as Mitotane are not an issue whereas in a 7 year old dog it was of greater concern. One drug worth reading about is Anipryl but after further investigation, there was a trial that showed it was of little use at all despite the claims--maybe it worked with some dogs but not with others.
There is a drug called Modrenal (Trilostane) which is used to treat Cushings in humans prior to surgery and has been used for 8 years after breast cancer operations to reduce chances of secondaries occuring.
Carol Hurley in the UK was running a trial in the UK on about 20 dogs with a high degree of success. (Tel 44 1664 415297). The treatment works by blocking the secretion of the steroid from the adrenal gland rather than destroying it so is much kinder, is reversible and has less side effects. If it doesn't work then Mitotane is still an option. Within 1 month the immune system is likely to kick back in and healing starts. Within 5 to 6 months dogs returned to normal --might be worth looking into.
There are no hard or fast rules governing endocrine problems. Cushings is tough to treat, no fooling, but with a dedicated owner, can be managed. Lysodren is the "accepted" number one treatment. Since Cushings usually occurs in older dogs, the long-term affects of using this drug are not of primary concern. More things to consider if the disease is in a younger dog or a pup. The other methods, like anapryl and the Trilostane (sorry there is another name for it here in the USA, but can't recall it offhand) are accepted forms of treatment. They are not always effective. Some dogs don't handle the Anapryl and the Trilostane has, I believe, a 20 - 25% failure rate.
It is a good option, but far more expensive than the Lysodren. Higher drug cost and more management by the owner in the form of dosing, regulation of dosages and frequent blood testing to be sure the dog's levels are being properly maintained.
It's a fine dance in treating cushings to make sure you don't push your dog over into Addisons. Talk with your Vet. See what experience he (or she) has in treating Cushings patients. And, reach out to the closest Veterinary teaching hospital for consultation and advice. They will have seen dozens of Cushings patients to your Vet's one. I believe there is a Cushings newsletter.
http://www.ccweb.net/marvistavet/html/b ... sease.html
http://www.netinfo.com./dcushing.html
Also, I found this info--worth discussing with your vet:
Most dogs with Cushings are older animals and long term side effects of Lysodren also known as Mitotane are not an issue whereas in a 7 year old dog it was of greater concern. One drug worth reading about is Anipryl but after further investigation, there was a trial that showed it was of little use at all despite the claims--maybe it worked with some dogs but not with others.
There is a drug called Modrenal (Trilostane) which is used to treat Cushings in humans prior to surgery and has been used for 8 years after breast cancer operations to reduce chances of secondaries occuring.
Carol Hurley in the UK was running a trial in the UK on about 20 dogs with a high degree of success. (Tel 44 1664 415297). The treatment works by blocking the secretion of the steroid from the adrenal gland rather than destroying it so is much kinder, is reversible and has less side effects. If it doesn't work then Mitotane is still an option. Within 1 month the immune system is likely to kick back in and healing starts. Within 5 to 6 months dogs returned to normal --might be worth looking into.
There are no hard or fast rules governing endocrine problems. Cushings is tough to treat, no fooling, but with a dedicated owner, can be managed. Lysodren is the "accepted" number one treatment. Since Cushings usually occurs in older dogs, the long-term affects of using this drug are not of primary concern. More things to consider if the disease is in a younger dog or a pup. The other methods, like anapryl and the Trilostane (sorry there is another name for it here in the USA, but can't recall it offhand) are accepted forms of treatment. They are not always effective. Some dogs don't handle the Anapryl and the Trilostane has, I believe, a 20 - 25% failure rate.
It is a good option, but far more expensive than the Lysodren. Higher drug cost and more management by the owner in the form of dosing, regulation of dosages and frequent blood testing to be sure the dog's levels are being properly maintained.
It's a fine dance in treating cushings to make sure you don't push your dog over into Addisons. Talk with your Vet. See what experience he (or she) has in treating Cushings patients. And, reach out to the closest Veterinary teaching hospital for consultation and advice. They will have seen dozens of Cushings patients to your Vet's one. I believe there is a Cushings newsletter.
-
Tia's Mommy
Re: Cushing's treatment - chemo or Anipryl
Tia was put on Anipryl a couple of weeks ago and there is some improvement. Her weight seems to have dropped, her pot belly has lessened, her walk has a bit more of a bounce to it. She does, however, continue to drink excessively and therefore needs to urinate frequently which is a problem. She also has diabetes for which she takes insulin. Will she always drink alot is there some solution to this problem? She will be going back to the vet in a week and a half. The vet indicated there is treatment for incontinence (which she has a bit of) but I still think the crux of the problem is all the drinking. Thanks for the previous replies.