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Management of Cushing’s syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome cannot be cured but it can be successfully managed using medication allowing your dog’s health to be restored.

Treatment with Vetoryl

Vetoryl has the power to restore life and vitality to your dog. This can have a positive effect on you and your family too. You can welcome back the animal you thought you’d lost to Cushing’s. To hear from owners of dogs with Cushing’s about their experiences with Vetoryl treatment please click here

Once your dog has started treatment with Vetoryl, you should soon notice some marked improvements. It is important that you follow the instructions given by your veterinary surgeon.Your dog will be required to return to your veterinary surgeon for a blood test  10 days after starting treatment. If necessary your veterinary surgeon may have to adjust the dosage of Vetoryl.

Every dosage change should again be followed by a check-up after 10 days.

Sign up to use your free personalised online logbook to help you track your dog’s progress during treatment with Vetoryl. You can also share the information directly with your vet by email.

Sign up here for your interactive treatment log book

Your veterinary surgeon will assess your dog’s response to Vetoryl treatment by:

Looking for improvement in clinical signs

In most cases you can expect to see a decrease in your dog’s appetite and the amount they drink within the first couple of weeks on treatment. Other clinical signs may take 3 to 6 months to improve.

Performing blood tests

The results of routine blood tests and an ACTH stimulation test are used to assess the effectiveness of Vetoryl treatment at 10 days, 4 weeks, 12 weeks and every 3 months after starting treatment.

Pre-treatment

Pre-treatment

3 months of treatment

3 months of treatment

9 months of treatment

9 months of treatment

Photos © Carlos Melian

Monitoring your dog

Your dog should be closely monitored in the early stages of therapy so that the dose of Vetoryl can be adjusted to meet its specific needs. This also helps to minimise the risk of side-effects or complications that could be harmful to your dog.

If your dog develops any signs of illness while on Vetoryl including lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea and anorexia, stop treatment immediately and contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.

When your veterinary surgeon is happy with your dog’s progress, it is strongly recommended that you visit your veterinary surgeon every 3 months for regular monitoring so that any dose adjustments can be made as required.

Do:

  • Give Vetoryl capsules in the morning with food, so they can be easily absorbed. This also allows your veterinary surgeon to carry out monitoring tests at the appropriate time of day.
  • Take your dog back to your veterinary surgeon for regular monitoring.
  • Note your dog’s weight, water consumption, appetite and frequency of urination so you can monitor its improvement once treatment starts. Contact your veterinary surgeon if you have any concerns.
  • Contact your veterinary surgeon immediately if your dog stops eating, drinking or urinating or becomes unwell while on Vetoryl.
  • Wash your hands after using Vetoryl.
  • Book follow up appointments with your veterinary surgeon every three months so that progress can be assessed.
  • You might like to consider taking a photo before you start treatment - improvements such as hair regrowth or the loss of a pot-belly occur gradually so are less noticeable on a daily basis.

Ensure you continue giving your dog the prescribed dose of Vetoryl even if you notice dramatic physical improvements. Vetoryl will curb the excesses associated with the overproduction of cortisol but it will not cure the disease.

Monitoring is important and regular checks performed by your veterinary surgeon will ensure your dog continues to get the best possible care.

Don't:

  • Split the capsules.
  • Give a double dose if you have forgotten a dose before. Consult your veterinary surgeon.
  • Handle Vetoryl capsules if you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant.
  • Change the daily dosage without consulting your veterinary surgeon.
  • Stop administering the prescribed dosage of Vetoryl because you notice an improvement in the condition of your dog.
Vetoryl

This site is provided as an information service for veterinary professionals and the owners of dogs who have been prescribed Vetoryl by their vet. Vetoryl is a prescription-only medicine, available only from your veterinary surgeon. Any questions about your dog should be directed to your veterinary practice. Vetoryl is a registered trademark of Dechra Limited.

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