New Diagnosis

[kezdean24]

Well things just got more complicated! Test results showed Villain had seriously low output from his adrenal glands so vet checked his electrolytes and has diagnosed Addisons. The vet agrees I can continue to wean him off his pred and he's currently on 2.5mg x 1 a day. He has however prescribed Florinef to stop any potential crash.
Everything about this diagnosis would make sense given his previous symptoms but we never has a clean diagnosis before. 3 days in and he's doing great however, he's also been diagnosed with demoed ex so doesn't look great at the moment. He's booked in for a shampoo on Tuesday morning.

Would be great to hear back with any general tips or advice now we have a firm diagnosis in terms of living with Addisons. Thanks

[Jo CIMDA]

Hi

Clever vet to diagnose Addison's, however I wouldn't want to take Villian off prednisolone until his Addison's is stable and also if he is having a wash for his demodex then this could be stressful and he would probably need the pred. 

I don't know how much Florinef Villian is on but it is hoped that in time Florinef is the only daily drug he will need, only using pred at times of stress (0.2mg/kg daily).  There is information about managing a dog with Addison's in the files.

It is usual for the dose of Florinef to start relatively low and with regular blood tests the dose is increased until his clinical signs and electrolyte ratio is all normal.  During this time pred is usually given.  Don't forget the dose of pred is a replacement dose and not a therapeutic dose as one would used for treating a disease.

The prognosis for Addison's is excellent.

Good luck with the demodex wash.

Jo

[kezdean24]

Thanks Jo.

[patp]

Another owner of an Addisonian dog here

It is all very confusing at first. Because Addisons is, thankfully, quite rare (though possibly under diagnosed) vets don't get too much experience. They, therefore, are not good at supporting clients through the process, which is where forums like this are so helpful.

Willow had to stay on prednisolone to support her while the Florinef was juggled to suit her needs. She had regular blood tests that started off every few days then weekly, fortnightly etc until it became 3 monthly. During this time we had several hicoughs when we would have to rush Willow in for more bloods. Do not think that your vet is trying to make money by doing these regular tests, they are necessary.
Once or twice I had to stamp my feet to get Willow seen immediately rather then when an appointment was available. On one occasion I asked if the nurses could test Willow's lytes if there was no vet available. You do what you have to do
In the good times Willow is absolutely fine. If she went through a period of stress I was advised to give her some pred to support her for a day or so. If it lasted any longer I would take her in.
She does have some problems that are being investigated at the moment - see separate thread on Whippets and steroids.

Willow takes part in Whippet Racing and Rally Obedience and I plan to start agility again at some point