The Kat House

I had the veterinary consult for Cruella on Friday. Her doctor talked with me about alternatives to the Lysodren, and there really isn’t anything that addresses the real problem. The other drugs out there merely treat the symptoms. Dr. Devlin explained the progression of the disease and the fact that it’s a terrible way to die. Yes, the Lysodren can have serious side effects, but the odds are much better that it would completely stop the progression of the disease, Cruella’s health would improve, and she could live out the rest of her life as a healthy dog.

I got accepted to the Yahoo group that Dr. Marty recommended, and the people there are absolutely amazing! I posted an introductory message and discussed my hesitance to try Lysodren. The outpouring of support has been amazing. I’ve gotten several messages from people sharing their Lysodren success stories, and it has really given me hope. These dogs that would have died from Cushing’s are now living healthy, symptom free lives. In fact, I’d like to share an excerpt from one of the emails I received.

“I have had my dog, Ginger 13.5 yrs, on Lysodren for 8 weeks now. I am seeing much improvement in her as the days go by. Before the Lysodren, she was panting excessively all day and night, drinking until she vomited it up, and her back legs were wobbling and giving out on her too, just to name a few. Now she is drinking much less water, eating just right, sleeping great all night long, and actually jumping up and down off the bed again. All this in only 8 weeks of maintenance!”

This certainly isn’t an isolated case. Since joining the group, I’ve read a lot of similar stories on the discussion boards. It has given me hope and courage to consider this treatment option. I am going to do more research, talk to more people, and try to make my decision by the end of the holiday weekend. Several great friends have given me the same wonderful words of encouragement. “Know in your heart that whatever decision you make will be the right one, because it is being made with Cruella’s best interests at heart.” I am trying my hardest to remember that.