The Kat House

I’ve always followed the vets’ advice when it comes to Molly and Cruella. No matter how expensive the treatment, I have done what the doctors have felt was best for my dogs. And thankfully, things have always turned out well. The consultation with Cruella’s doctor is on Friday, but in the meantime, I’ve been doing lots of research on Cushing’s Disease and the treatments for it. The doctors have recommended Lysodren, which is the most effective treatment for the disease, but also the most dangerous. According to the statistics I’ve found, 30% of dogs treated with Lysodren suffer from severe reactions which can be fatal if not addressed promptly. This treatment would require close monitoring for the rest of the dog’s life. I’m not comfortable with the idea of giving this medication to Cruella. I just have a very bad gut feeling about it.

The doctors have explained that there are a couple of other drugs that can be used to treat Cushing’s; however, Lysodren is the drug of choice of nearly every vet who treats the disease. I did a lot of reading up on Anipryl, which has proven effective in 80% of patients. It has very minor side effects that occur in about 5% of dogs. I talked to one of Cruella’s doctors about it today. She said that given the options, she would choose Lysodren for her own dog. I still don’t feel comfortable with it. She also told me to trust my instincts, and if I have a bad feeling, maybe there’s a reason for it.

Both doctors are going to discuss Cruella’s case tomorrow, and they are going to consult with the University of Tennessee as well. UT also prefers to treat with Lysodren, but they have experience with Anipryl and Ketoconazole as well. The doctors will be prepared to discuss Anipryl in more detail with me on Friday at the consult.

My feeling at this time is that I’d like to try Anipryl, and if that doesn’t work, try the other treatment - Ketoconazole. I’d like to reserve the Lysodren as a last resort. I’ll ponder my meeting with the vet this weekend and then make the decision that I feel is right. I just hope it really is the right one. I almost lost Cruella last year, and I’m not prepared to go through that again.

I found a holistic vet in the phone book today, but they were already closed by the time I called. I got a recording made by the doctor, who sounded about 200 years old. I’m not sure I feel comfortable calling that place back, but it would be nice to find out more about natural treatments that may be available.

I’ll continue to keep you all posted on the situation. Please keep Miss Cruella in your thoughts.