The Kat House

Time sure does fly. Today marks 28 days since I took Cruella to the ER at the University of Tennessee. During her stay, she was diagnosed with treatment induced Addison’s Disease, compliments of the Lysodren she had been taking. After getting her through the Addisonian Crisis, UT prescribed daily Prednisone as well as monthly Percorten injections.

Cruella has been to the vet numerous times over the past month. The doctors have monitored her electrolytes closely, and she is responding very well to her treatment. She received her second Percorten injection yesterday, 26 days after the first injection. Over the next couple of months, the doctors will figure out the perfect injection frequency based on Cruella’s response to the drug. Most Addisonian dogs require the injection every 25-28 days.

During and immediately following her crisis, Cruella lost 5 pounds. She also lost most of the strength in her hind legs and could no longer jump into my car. She trembled, and her teeth chattered. I am happy to say that her health has drastically improved since starting the medications. She has gained back three of the pounds she lost. She has regained the strength in her hind legs, and the shakes and teeth chatters have disappeared. She seems to feel great!

Cruella’s six month oncology appointment is scheduled for Friday. If that goes well, and if the Addison’s stays under control, the vet visits should be reduced significantly. Then I can continue moving forward with my Total Money Makeover. If and when I’m finally able to take a much needed vacation, I’ll definitely be looking into cheap hotels. The Percorten injections are $130 each! But on a positive note, Addison’s Disease is much easier and cheaper to treat than Cushing’s Disease was – and Cruella’s prognosis is much better now than it was with the Cushing’s!

I’m so proud of my sweet baby girl for being the trooper she is!