Diagnosed with Acromegaly by the RVC today

[portana]

After enrolling Simba in their Exatenide trial he was tested for acromegaly and unfortunately has been diagnosed with it today.

I had so much information on the phone that my head is spinning. I also read some files here to educate myself in the matter and I read a few threads too.

On the phone I was told my options were:

1. Expensive Surgery;
2. Some sort of very expensive treatment (injections involved);
3. A less expensive treatment that has had some success but not like the previous two;
4. Radiotherapy.

Has anyone had any experience of these treatments recently? How did it work?

Thanks

 

[Kris & Teasel]

After enrolling Simba in their Exatenide trial he was tested for acromegaly and unfortunately has been diagnosed with it today.

I had so much information on the phone that my head is spinning. I also read some files here to educate myself in the matter and I read a few threads too.

On the phone I was told my options were:

1. Expensive Surgery;
2. Some sort of very expensive treatment (injections involved);
3. A less expensive treatment that has had some success but not like the previous two;
4. Radiotherapy.

Has anyone had any experience of these treatments recently? How did it work?

Thanks

There's a kitty on the L forum who is currently on a drug called cabergoline for acro and has been responding extremely well. Go have a look at @Marvin's Mom - Nat

 

[portana]

I will do, thanks.

 

[Marvin's Mom - Nat]

Hi Marvin is on the trail for the less expensive drug, He is doing beautifully on it, he is not part of the official trail as we are in Canada, however the researcher at RVC was kind enough to provide me with the information needed and I had a vet willing to try it out. The medication is administered daily orally, in liquid format. The reason I decided to try it out, was the other options were too expensive and if Marvin was going to end up being a high dos kitty, I figured I had nothing to lose by trying it out. I am amazed how well it has worked for him, I don't know if how well he is doing is typical or not, but so far it seems that it maybe a viable option. I believe the official results of the trail will be in September. Let me know if you have questions.

 

[Beenie (GA)]

Hi Marvin is on the trail for the less expensive drug, He is doing beautifully on it, he is not part of the official trail as we are in Canada, however the researcher at RVC was kind enough to provide me with the information needed and I had a vet willing to try it out. The medication is administered daily orally, in liquid format. The reason I decided to try it out, was the other options were too expensive and if Marvin was going to end up being a high dos kitty, I figured I had nothing to lose by trying it out. I am amazed how well it has worked for him, I don't know if how well he is doing is typical or not, but so far it seems that it maybe a viable option. I believe the official results of the trail will be in September. Let me know if you have questions.

Hi Nat. Wow look at Marvin's SS. That is incredible! I have a high dose kitty and we're getting close to possible testing and I've been trying to follow any other big gulpers. The results of the cabergoline are impressive. Best of luck to you and Marvin !!!

 

[Diana&Tom]

Hi Ana, I'm sorry to see this diagnosis.. my beloved Tom was also an acrocat but that was a good few years ago and I think treatment options are much better now. There is another member here whose kitty has been doing very well on the RVC trial... her name is @Rebecca Thomas hopefully she will see this, or you could PM her... she might be willing to share her experiences.

Best of luck to you and Simba.

Diana

 

[portana]

I am amazed how well it has worked for him, I don't know if how well he is doing is typical or not, but so far it seems that it maybe a viable option.

I'm so glad to hear that the drug is working well for your cat as this seems to be the route I will choose while I raise money for the surgery. Do you mind if I ask how much does it cost you per month? Are there any bad side effects you've noticed? Will he have to be on it for the rest of his life, do you know? Thanks

 

[portana]

Hi Ana, I'm sorry to see this diagnosis.. my beloved Tom was also an acrocat but that was a good few years ago and I think treatment options are much better now. There is another member here whose kitty has been doing very well on the RVC trial... her name is @Rebecca Thomas hopefully she will see this, or you could PM her... she might be willing to share her experiences.

Best of luck to you and Simba.

Thanks Diana

 

[Marvin's Mom - Nat]

I'm so glad to hear that the drug is working well for your cat as this seems to be the route I will choose while I raise money for the surgery. Do you mind if I ask how much does it cost you per month? Are there any bad side effects you've noticed? Will he have to be on it for the rest of his life, do you know? Thanks

I am in Canada so the cost would be different, it is about 120.00 Canadian dollars for a month worth. I assume would be about 60.00 Pounds or less in the UK per month. I am sure RVC can give you a better idea on the cost. I think he will have to be on it for the rest of his life as it is controlling the tumor. The only side affect to date is his appetite is less (except today eating well since yesterday). However I am not sure if it is the drug or the diabetes causing that. Since diagnosed with FD his appetite has been on and off.