12/7/18 Olive AMPS 299; +8.5=250; PMPS 344; +5=150

Olive & Paula

Member Since 2015
Yesterday Cabergoline Day 63

She popped a green last night !!!!! It's been awhile. Didn't have time to post before work. Hope everyone is having a good day so far. Going to check in on everyone now.
 
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Hi Paula. How is Olive doing on the Cabergoline? Do you think it is helping her?
 
Cindi, yes it helps her. Her breathing is more quiet. Her walk is with purpose, confident, sure stepping now. She will play some, not much not everyday but she does some. More periods of alertness, being awake, interested in the world out the windows. Bloat is gone. Insulin dose is less. Remission not likely with her. Dr thinks she has underlying chronic p'titis. She will remain on bupre indefinitely. She is definitely more comfortable more often.
 
Cindi, yes it helps her. Her breathing is more quiet. Her walk is with purpose, confident, sure stepping now. She will play some, not much not everyday but she does some. More periods of alertness, being awake, interested in the world out the windows. Bloat is gone. Insulin dose is less. Remission not likely with her. Dr thinks she has underlying chronic p'titis. She will remain on bupre indefinitely. She is definitely more comfortable more often.
So glad to hear she is getting some benefit!! My vet is looking into Cabergoline for Gryphon. I hope we can relieve some of his symptoms!
 
So glad to hear she is getting some benefit!! My vet is looking into Cabergoline for Gryphon. I hope we can relieve some of his symptoms!

Cindi, Don be surprised if the vet comes back and tells you specialists say it doesn't work. There are few studies and not enough is known about it.

All I can suggest is to bring in copies of the few documents there are on it. Highlight the positive statements in it. Something I also did was to mention all her symptoms and that the medicine could help those over anything else. Which for Olive it did. That was my main argument. And to hopefully level out her blood sugar. My other stance was there was nothing to lose in trying it and we had everything to gain. It's her only option of being more comfortable. Besides the vet that I used for years, I took her for 3 other consults/2nd opinions with other vets, spoke to 2 other vet practices on the phone. Emailed the neurologist who does the removal surgery. Spoke with endocrinologist he recommended but doesn't treat acros anymore. It wasn't easy and at times disheartening and sometimes I got downright angry that no one would help us. Olive was miserable and I don't know if any amount of insulin would have made her comfortable. Insulin alone (as I understand) doesn't help the pituitary tumor from secreting the hormone that causes all discomfort, pain and damage it does.

I did have to change vets to get it.

If you really want to try it, then all I can suggest is to keep trying. Have realistic goals (slow down tumor activity, make kitty more comfortable). Don't wait to long before asking vet if they looked into it. Keep on them but gently.
 
Cindi, Don be surprised if the vet comes back and tells you specialists say it doesn't work. There are few studies and not enough is known about it.

All I can suggest is to bring in copies of the few documents there are on it. Highlight the positive statements in it. Something I also did was to mention all her symptoms and that the medicine could help those over anything else. Which for Olive it did. That was my main argument. And to hopefully level out her blood sugar. My other stance was there was nothing to lose in trying it and we had everything to gain. It's her only option of being more comfortable. Besides the vet that I used for years, I took her for 3 other consults/2nd opinions with other vets, spoke to 2 other vet practices on the phone. Emailed the neurologist who does the removal surgery. Spoke with endocrinologist he recommended but doesn't treat acros anymore. It wasn't easy and at times disheartening and sometimes I got downright angry that no one would help us. Olive was miserable and I don't know if any amount of insulin would have made her comfortable. Insulin alone (as I understand) doesn't help the pituitary tumor from secreting the hormone that causes all discomfort, pain and damage it does.

I did have to change vets to get it.

If you really want to try it, then all I can suggest is to keep trying. Have realistic goals (slow down tumor activity, make kitty more comfortable). Don't wait to long before asking vet if they looked into it. Keep on them but gently.

Thanks very much for the information and support, Paula! I am also feeling we have nothing to lose in trying. My vet seemed to be very receptive to the idea, so hopefully we'll have the Cabergoline soon. It's really a shame you had to go to such lengths to get the treatment Olive needs! She is very lucky to have you!!
 
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