Cushing's Disease Booklet

will be hospitalised for the morning for this test. The ACTH stimulation test should be performed ten days, one month and three months after starting the tablets, and after every dosage change. Following this the ACTH stimulation test is checked every three months. As the test needs to be performed 4-6 hours after dosing, the medication must be given in the morning. A new development, pre-vetoryl cortisol testing , means your pet’s response to the medication can be monitored with a single blood test, taken 0-2 hours before the tablets are dosed. Monitoring with this test means that most people will need to dose their dog in the evening. Your dog will no longer need to stay with the vet for a morning, as the blood sample can be taken in a single appointment. This test is easier, more cost effective, and has been shown to be an equally accurate measure. When monitoring using this test, dogs need to be checked at ten days by a vet, however, blood tests only need to be taken at one month and three months after starting the medication, or after a dose change. Although uncommon, side effects to the medication can occur. If your dog develops any signs of illness, such as weakness, nausea, diarrhoea or weight loss, contact your vet practice immediately. If you are concerned your pet may have Cushing’s disease then speak to your vet and see if you could give them a new lease of life. 06 Uncover the signs of Cushing’s disease