Page 3 - Health And Condition

Vetoryl is prescribed for dogs that are diagnosed with Cushings syndrome (pituitary-dependent and adrenal dependent hyperandrenocoticsim.

What is Cushing’s syndrome or Cushing Disease?

Both pets and humans can suffer Cushing Syndrome, or hypercortisolism.  It happens more often in middle-aged and older dogs, and there are some breeds of dogs that are more likely to develop Cushing disease, such as poodles, dachshunds and smaller terrier breeds.

Cushing’s syndrome means that the body has abnormally high levels of the hormone cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands.  A hormone called ACTH controls the production and release of cortisol from the adrenal glands. ACTH itself is produced by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. Cortisol is a natural steroid produced by the body, and a normal amount helps the body adapt, in times of stress.  It regulates proper body weight, skin condition and tissue structure.  However, too much cortisol leaves the immune system weakened, and can lead to other diseases and infections.

Sometimes this over-production of cortisol is pituitary-dependent (about 80 percent of Cushing’s disease is caused by a tumour on the pituitary gland that overstimulates the production of cortisol), or it may be adrenal-dependent (caused by a tumour in an adrenal gland).   Your vet will do tests to diagnose Cushings, and to determine what is causing it.

Left untreated, hypercortisolism not only lessens your dog’s quality of life, but increases your dog’s risk of developing serious diseases like diabetes, blood clots, kidney infection and pancreatitis.

There are treatments to help your dog with Cushing’s syndrome!

Most cases of Cushings are treated with medications, rather than surgery, and it is normally a lifelong condition, once your pet is diagnosed.  However, it can be managed and your dog can live a good life with well-managed Cushing’s syndrome.  You’ll be pleased to know that veterinary medicine has made big progress, and it is possible for your dog to enjoy many years with a good quality of life, after being diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. 

What is Vetoryl?

Vetoryl is the only licensed Cushing’s treatment for use in dogs, and contains the active ingredient trilostane.  This drug rapidly reduces the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Vetoryl treats both pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent Cushing’s in dogs.  

What can I expect when my dog starts on Vetoryl?

• Vetoryl starts working in the body in a matter of hours.
• Some symptoms of Cushings Disease can disappear quickly, once treatment commences, and other symptoms can take a few weeks before the full effect of Vetoryl is seen, but there should be gradual improvements after the first few doses. 
• Many dogs with Cushings disease have a ravenous

Previcox is prescribed for dogs that are diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (sometimes called Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD) is a progressively worsening inflammation of the joint and is caused by the cartilage in the joint deteriorating.  When a joint is healthy, the cartilage acts as a cushion, and the joint moves smoothly and painlessly.  With age, injury, repetitive stress, obesity or disease, the cartilage can start to deteriorate or break down. You may have noticed that your dog is “not himself”, not showing enthusiasm for your normal games or walks, or is slow in his movements.   

Pets with osteoarthritis may show pain, or a decreased range of motion, and may develop inflammation or bone spurs.  The joints most likely to be affected are the legs and lower back. 

Because dogs are braver than us humans, your dog may not show early symptoms - but you should watch for these signs in your dog, and discuss changes with your vet:

• Stiffness, lameness, limping, or difficulty getting up
• Lethargy, or reluctance to run, jump, or play
• Weight gain
• Irritability or changes in behavior
• Pain when petted or touched
• Difficulty posturing to urinate or defecate, or having accidents in the house
• Loss of muscle mass over the limbs and spine

It is estimated that 1 in 5 dogs suffer from osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis - treatment can help your dog!

The good news is that osteoarthritis can be managed.  With medicine, such as Previcox, your dog’s pain is managed, and the joint inflammation is decreased. This improves your pet’s movement and quality of life!

Your vet may also recommend other treatments such as physiotherapy or changes in diet to help your dog.  Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your dog, particularly if they have developed or are at risk of developing osteoarthritis.

What is Previcox?

Previcox is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that acts as pain relief and treats joint inflammation. The active ingredient (Firocoxib)  works to control pain and inflammation at the source – by inhibiting an enzyme called COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) that helps produce substances that are primarily responsible for inflammation and pain. 

Previcox doesn’t cure osteoarthritis - but it starts working against the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis within hours of giving them the first dose.

What can I expect when my dog starts on Previcox?

• Initially - Previcox works fast, from the very first dose.  By controlling the pain and inflammation in the joint, many dogs show improvement in mobility within days 

Parvovirus, or parvo as it more commonly known, is an extremely contagious virus that primarily affects unvaccinated puppies, puppies who are partway through their vaccination course, or unvaccinated adult dogs. Discovered in 1967, the virus had spread worldwide by 1978 and by the late 1970s, a vaccine became available.

There is no cure for parvovirus and the virus is extremely resistant to disinfectants, alcohol, heat and the cold. Parvo is one of the most serious viruses a dog can get and infection can often be fatal, especially if treatment is not started quickly enough. Any dog owner that has been unlucky enough to have a dog with parvo can tell you what a horrible