Lysodren is used for the treatment of Cushing’s disease. Side effects include lethargy, weakness, and vomiting. The first signs if toxicity is decreased water intake. If any if these signs are observed, stop the medication and call us immediately. The following may help and alert you during the treatment of your pet.

The basic approach to management of the disease has two phases. #1-The Loading Phase. #2) The Maintenance Phase.

Client/Doctor communication is vital.

Adrenal control is a continual process of both monitoring and making adjustments. The dose for lysodren is 25-50 mg/kg.

The Loading phase:

Veterinary offices generally start with the lower recommended dose of 25mg/kg. After 7-10 days there is no response to treatment, we increase the dose to 50mg /kg. Giving the lysodren with food will reduce the nausea associated with the drug. They recommend giving the prescribed dose of the medication twice daily with food. Loading phase takes 7-9 days. The following describes the monitoring of the drug. They also recommend administering a small dose of prednisone during the loading phase.

Water intake-Actually measure the water intake. Successful suppression is accompanied by a reduction in water intake to 1oz/lb./dy. For example, if your pet weighs 30 lb., when his water intake is decreased to 30 oz./dy, the loading phase is compete. Appetite- As stabilization of the disease progresses, a more normal appetite is a good indicator of suppression. Feed twice daily, and medicate after eating, giving the dose at each feeding.

Attitude and activity- Depression and decreased activity are a sign of over suppression. If this occurs call your vet immediately and give the prednisone prescribed.

Maintenance Phase:

Effective suppression can be maintained with the administration of the medication every 3 to 7 days. Blood tests to monitor the regulation of medication are done immediately after the loading phase, and every 6 months during the this maintenance phase. Also the drug will destroy the now overacting adrenal gland.

The blood test taken to monitor both phases of the treatment must be done on a fasting stomach. Therefore, please withhold food for 12 hours prior to the test. Also, do not give prednisone for 48 hours before the test.

If the animal becomes very depressed, or stops eating, discontinue the lysodren, but continue with the prednisone and call us.

AGAIN-COMMUNICATION IS ESSENTIAL-DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN.

A still newer medicine showing promise for the treatment of Cushing’s is now available.  This medication is called Trilostane (Vetoryl). This drug is available only in England at this time.  It works by blocking adrenal gland production and as with Lysodren will require monitoring of the adrenal glands by blood tests.