Signs & Symptoms
List the most common symptoms of Cushing's disease
Pu/Pd, alopecia, muscle weakness, potbelly appearance, excessive panting, increased appetite, lethargy
What is the name of the most commonly used test to diagnose Cushing's?
ACTH Stim test
(adreno-corticotropic-hormone stimulation test)
What is the brand name of the oral medication that is used to treat cushing's?
Vetoryl
What is Hyperadrenocorticism/Cushing's disease?
An over-production of cortisol
What is the medical term, or other name for Cushing's Disease
Hyperadrenocorticism
Why do Cushing's patients develop a pot-bellied appearance?
increase of fat within the abdominal organs and a stretching of the abdominal wall as the organs get heavier. Also, because the abdominal wall muscles weaken and atrophy
What injectable diagnostic agent do we give as part of the ACTH stim test?
Cosyntropin (also called Cortrosyn)
What is the generic name (active ingredient) of Vetoryl?
Trilostane
Who is the best current nurse lead?
Virginia
Where are the adrenal glands located?
Near the kidneys
What are the most common dog breeds to get Cushing's?
Terriers, Schnauzers, poodles, dachshunds, beagles, boxers
Explain the steps and our process of ACTH stim test when diagnosing a patient potentially with Cushing's?
1. Draw blood (serum separator) - write draw time
2. Give 1ml injection of cosyntropin/cortrosyn IM
3. Draw post sample (serum separator) 1 hour after giving the injection
Do the doctors prefer compounded trilostane?
No
What is the proper way to replace toilet paper on the holder?
flap going over, NOT UNDER!
The adrenal glands produce several vital substances. Which is the most known?
Cortisol
What diseases can mimic Cushing's disease?
Diabetes and Hypo-thyroidism
What is our protocol when starting a newly diagnosed patient on Vetoryl?
If the cause of the Cushing's disease is due to an Adrenal tumor, what treatment can be an option?
Major abdominal surgery to remove the tumor
REPLACE IT!
Cushing's is also called Hyper-adrenocorticism. What is Hypo-adrenocorticism also called?
Addison's Disease
Name one of our patients with Cushing's disease
Chewbacca Bobrow
Walter Weissman
Piper Tucker
Jingles Bryce
Lola Kostka
What is the LDDS test and what is the protocol to run it?
Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression test.
3 sample test over 8 hours - baseline blood is drawn at zero hour, then give dex-sp IV, next draw is 4 hours later, last draw at 8 hours after injection
Some patients will be diagnosed with Cushing's although they do not have any tumor. This is caused by steroid use. What is this form of Cushing's called?
Iatrogenic Cushing's Disease
Why did the veterinarian carry a red pen?
In case they needed to draw blood
A pituitary gland tumor