Cushing's Disease

[ShirleyLouise]

My 11 year old sheltie has lost her appetite, is drinking more, and is lethargic.  Initial blood tests point to Cushing's Disease, although I don't think loss of appetite is consistent.  To be sure, we need to have more tests done.  We really can not afford to do these tests and subsequently put her on the medication necessary to treat this.  Her symptoms seem to point to Addison's Disease - loss of appetite, but the Vet's report indicates possibility of Cushing's Disease.  Is there anything else we can do naturally for her since we cannot afford more tests or the medication?  Other than the loss of appetite and having trouble getting her to eat, she does not seem to be troubled by this extensively.  She certainly does not have the energy she used to have, has trouble jumping into the car and has to be helped, and tires out easily.  She drinks more than usual and sleeps a lot.  Are we being inhumane in just letting her be and not treating her?  We love her dearly so it is a difficult choice.  But we cannot go into debt over this.  At what point would we need to euthanize her?

[ShirleyLouise]

Your comments are very helpful.  You are so thoughtful.  What a kind person you are, please know that just being able to put my feelings in print really helps and your words have encouraged me.  I miss her terribly.  But I am so thankful she is now at peace.  That was the least I could do for her if I couldn't give her health back.

[ShirleyLouise]

Thanks. Your support means a lot and your comments helpful.  

[lindapalm]

I was sorry to hear that Whitney didn't improve, and that she had to be put to sleep.  I know you feel guilty, I did too, but know that you did the right thing.  We had our dog on Trilostane, and  she continued to decline.  She too, would not eat, became lame on and off in her back legs, , and layed there all day.  We had to carry her out to pee, and we tried every food possible to get her to eat, and nothing worked.  Eating used to be her favorite hobby.  Our vet, who I believe didn't have much experience with Trilostane, retested her at my request, and discovered she had too much in her system.  He put her on prednisone, and she got worse, not only wouldn't she eat, but now she was throwing up foam.  You knew by looking at her it was time.  This was in February, and I still feel guilty, but deep down I know it was the ONLY thing to do.    You had asked me how old Mollie was, she was twelve , but I didn't want to answer you because if I said she WAS twelve, you would know she died. and I hoped maybe you would have more luck with your Sheltie, and I didn't want you to give up hope.  Take care, you did the right thing, your buddy would have only suffered more if you didn't.

[Misfits4Me]

Bless you for all that you did for your beloved Whitney.....I don't disagree with your decision as it was yours & yours alone to make.....You unselfishly did what you had to do to ease your dog's suffering....That's all we can do!

I know it's hard and you miss her dearly......Grieving is part of healing......Don't question yourself, but move forward with your choice.....She knows you dearly loved her & did what was best.......Your in my thoughts & I hope time will ease your pain......Karla

[ShirleyLouise]

We took Whitney to the Vet on Thursday to have him assess her teeth. He went over all her tests, examined her and gave us his assessment.  Yes, definitely her teeth needed to be cleaned and an antibiotic treatment to clear up an infection.  However, although she would need to have the final test to absolutely confirm Cushings Disease, He was positive that was what was wrong.  He said that if all the fluid were gone, she would be skin and bones as she was starving to death.  The fluid was restricting the stomach and other organs so she couldn't eat.  By Thursday, nothing was kept down; she vomited it up.  He confirmed that she was nearly deaf but added the fact that her cataracts would soon blind her.  He was surprised that she was not bumping into things.  We had to make a decision quickly as she was in distress with the fluid.  It was a very hard decision, but given her age, her deafness, and blindness coming on, we decided not to put her through the treatments which could cause symptoms similar to chemotherapy.  On Friday afternoon, we had her put to sleep and buried her in a treed plot on a friend's farm.  We have been in shock since. Many would disagree with our decision, but it was the only one we could make with any peace for her.  She was so precious to us.  We miss her at every turn, and I am in tears most of the time.  Thanks for your response.

[lindapalm]

I would definately have her teeth worked on, it could be the main reason why shes not eating.  Try different dog foods, preferably canned, and see if that helps.  Maybe even boiled chicken.  I always thought the main symptoms of Cushings was excessive peeing and drinking, maybe yours is in early stages of Cushings.  Did the vet say that maybe shes tired because of the mediction shes on?  Make sure she keeps drinking, and have the teeth done ASAP, please let me know how she does after that.

[ShirleyLouise]

She is drinking more than usual; don't think she is peeing abnormally.  She has "fat" pockets on her belly (more on the undersides) that were drained by the Vet.  We have to help her in and out of the car now - as she won't jump in anymore.  Seems extra tired all the time and has to be coaxed to eat.  Sometimes she won't eat at all.  Yesterday, she ate very little; this morning about 1/4 cup, tonight nothing.  She lies down to drink her water.  Yet even though she is lethargic, she doesn't seem unhappy.  Getting a bit deaf (or maybe too tired to respond?)  We have only had the first set of blood tests done which indicated it could be Cushing's but not the next set which would confirm it.  That would be another $200-$300.  She needs her teeth cleaned and one tooth extracted. Thinking of getting that done to see if the extraction would perk her up if there is an infection present.  Lack of appetite isn't a Cushing's symptom I don't believe.  HOw old is your Sheltie?

[lindapalm]

Is she drinking tons of water, and constantly peeing?  Is her belly bigger?  Does her back legs sometimes give out?  These were some of the symptoms our Sheltie had when she was diagnosed with Cushings, although I'm sure your dog could still have Cushings and not yet have these symptoms.  I know of nothing naturally you can do for her, the two drugs used that I know of are Trilostane and I think the other one is Lysodern.