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Discussion on Alteration of Pergolide dose - negative response.

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Linda Cupples
Member
Username: Lindi

Post Number: 15
Registered: 2-2003
Posted on Monday, Jan 19, 2004 - 9:16 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post
Dear Dr. O.

I have a shetland/welch cross pony (gelding) who is about 25 years old. In the summer Eddie was diagnosed with Cushings. On about the 20th of October he was started on Pergolide, 1mg daily, given 1/2 dose in the morning and the other half in the evening. He was on this for about 40 days and we noticed significant improvement of his symptoms. About one week into December our vet suggested he go on a maintenance dose of 1/2mg per day. Shortly after he begun this new dose, we have noticed changes in a downward spiral, until this last week when we noticed a huge personality change, a change in his eyes it that they are glassy and he looks kind of vacuous, and he seems uncomfortable and lethargic. Our farrier checked to make sure his feet were ok, and they are. The vet didn't have much advice to offer. As of yesterday I increased his dose of Pergolide back to the original dose, and am also giving him 1 and a half grams of Bute per day. He seemed to be a bit better today after having only had a couple of doses. My questions are: 1. Is it normal to see the downward spiral after having cut the dose down? Does it mean he shouldn't have had his full dose cut down so soon? 2. Was it ok to increase his dose again? 3. Can I expect his condition to improve again? 4. If he improves, how do I know when to put him on a maintenance dose? 5. How much do I cut it back?

Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Linda Cupples

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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 9789
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Monday, Jan 19, 2004 - 10:29 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post
1. If the dose is too low, yes.
2. Absolutely as long as done with the consent of your vet.
3. Yes.
4. There is no established "maintenance dose" that works in all situations. The article explains this.
DrO
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