Dogs Community
Dog with Cushings Disease
About This Community:

This forum is for questions and support regarding your pet dogs!

Font Size:
A
A
A
Background:
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank Blank
245 Comments Post a Comment
Viewing 201-246 comments:
Blank
1952745_tn?1324693489
Cushings can be hard to figure out, and it is not treated unless the dog is symptomatic. When I took my dog in to be checked for a skin sore, the picture became clearer. Earlier this year I had my 14 yo male Dalmatian tested for diabetes due to noticing all the extra drinking, peeing plus eating more while appearing to lose weight. At first I kind of kicked myself for not being more persistent in figuring this out, but if you think about it many Cushings symptoms look like just aging. I realize also I had not discussed all the symptoms (panting, loss of hair on belly, etc.) because I wasn't aware they could be connected to the excessive peeing.

I am planning to treat and am in the middle of figuring out the options with the vet.

Be cautious about judgements of whether to treat, euthanize or whatever. Even aspects of "quality of life" are somewhat subjective. A life you or I may not understand as being worth continuing can to the owner and the pet be worth it. I don't believe anyone wants their animal to suffer and I think the process of supporting an aging pet is a very individual one.
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
I just found out yesterday that my dog, 9 year old Shih Tzu has Cushings.  My husband and I are hesitant to treat her due to the side effects of the drugs.  He is really doing pretty well right now, except for his susceptibility to ear infections due to his compromised immune system.  He is already on Metocam for pain due to arthritis in his back.  I just want him to be happy but want to be a responsible pet owner.  Don't know if I want to put him through the agony of the testing, drug side effects or just leave him. Has anyone just left it for a while until symptoms got worse and then tried the medication route?  He is just so happy right now.  He has a hard time with his back legs sometimes but still goes eagerly for his daily walk, although now he jsut kind of strolls and sniffs.  We carry him up and down stairs and have built him a ramp in the backyard to get off the deck easier.  His tail is always wagging and he seems content and happy.  I guess I just want someone to help me with the decision - treat or not treat
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
Hi - I live in Canada - my 5 year old mixed breed Gryphon was diagnosed in July with Cushings .... I took him in for a runny nose but the vet noticed the hair loss (I thought it was because he had been groomed too close to his skin - he has a double coat and was told the grooming damaged his hair follicles) but the vet wanted to test. He was panting more than usual  - but other than that - no symptoms. He tested positive - however I've heard that they can test positive and not have Cushings. He hasn't progressed anymore - but I'd like to have the scan done to see if there is a tumor and if it can be operated on - rather than subject him to th meds and regular testing (he HATES going to the vet) ... anyone had the scan done or operation? How much was it? What was result?
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
has anyone dealt with cushings in an old dog and not gone the treatment route?  what could I expect?  should i get her on pain meds?  she has uncomfortable moments and i feel awful and am not sure what i should do when they happen (heavy panting, eating alot, drinking alot, peeing alot, getting in my face trying to tell me whats wrong).  this is hard...    
Blank
1832268_tn?1326819610
There is currently another post about Cushings...You should be able to find it.
It is simply called...Cushings  it is posted by a person called GB5683  Find it, and check it out.
It talks about a website called 2ndchance...I hope this helps...
Connie
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
So glad you posted this info.  Our poodle Chloe has the same problem.  Her quality of life has gone downhill rapidly.  She now has anorexia and will not eat or drink.  Our dilema is do we put her to sleep now or wait to see if there is any improvement.  A decision no one wants to make.
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
So glad you posted this info.  Our poodle Chloe has the same problem.  Her quality of life has gone downhill rapidly.  She now has anorexia and will not eat or drink.  Our dilema is do we put her to sleep now or wait to see if there is any improvement.  A decision no one wants to make.
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
Its very hard to watch your dog go through all the symptoms involved with Cushings.  I wish you luck.
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
I am sorry to hear your corgi has that horrible decease I just lost my springer to that and I wish I had put her to sleep she was in so much pain before she died she was sick all day drunk a lot more water she started crying about 9 30 took her down to the vet she got a pain killer this was meant to help the pain and help her sleep we brought her home she started crying louder and I never could put a dog through that again she was in pure agony before her last breath at 12.25 am the vet did ask us do you want me to put her to sleep but we could'nt bear that she caught Jaundies 4 months before that we thought she was on the mend like you I could not afoard to get her tested for that and the vet said keep a eye for her and bring her back at xmas time and Ill do the test she never made it till then I did not relise how bad this might be cushings decease ! cant spell it Ihope your dog gets over this but if their is any dout I feel for you it is a terrible blow when your pet companion is ill or dies I am broken heart'ed it will take me a long time to forget how she went I feel so so bad that maybe I was selfish as I did not want to let her go ..
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
My 13 year old red poodle  was diagnosed with Cushings last month, and rather than put him through all the test and meds with serious side effects, I chose to treat him with homeopathics. To date, he's still drinking a lot of water, but not as much, his coat is beginning to fill out, he is a little more peppy and flexible. It's been six weeks of natural meds to shrink the tumor, natural meds for the eyesight (don't know if that's working yet), homeopathic spray, and another dietary supplement that goes in his water. He's stabalizing, and showing improvement. We're a ways away from clearing all symptoms, but I'm gratified his meds are natural and seem to be working for him and with no side effects except improvements.
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
Highly recommend that you find a Vet that uses homeopathic remedies and dietary supplements to cure your little ones of Cushings. Takes about six months for them to recover. It's doable. The sooner the better. No side effects.
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
I use puppy pads for my dogs- works well
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
Our Bichon, Marley, had Cushings for the last 8 years of her 14 year life. She passed away early Dec. I have a months supply of Trilostane (30 MG) that I would like to give to someone who needs them. I hate to just throw them away when someone could use them. Please email me at deblevin@aolcom.
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
You did an amazing job of keeping your dog going for 8 years with Cushings, how long was she on the Trilostane?
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
Hello, Everyone!

My name is Jordan. When I was 12 my mom bought me a Pomeranian. Sweet as pie! When she was 7 she was diagnosed with Cushing's. That was a hard day for me. I knew nothing about it! I bought some medicine and now she is 11! She lasted 4 yrs! I have heard stories that dogs dont last long. Her medicine that I had been giving her all of a sudden quit working so we up the dosage. The new medicine has been working but not all of it. She has been on it for a month and a half. And now she is getting worst by the day! I never thought I had to go through this. I dont want her to be in pain but I dont want to put down my best friend! This *****!
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
Hi, Jordan.  I agree with you, when your dog has Cushings, it really *****.  Its so hard to watch them suffer, and you keep hoping tomorrow will be better.  You sound like you've done a very good job of keeping her going for four years, thats pretty long.   What are her new symptoms, and what does your vet say?
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
Try Cushex drops from Native Remedies. naturalpatic route.   This has done wonders for my 15 year Old **** zu.  No Steroids those will kill your baby.  Hope this works as well for you as for me

reddawg2801
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
I have a 12 year old Maltese, who I rescued, that ha,s soooo many problems.  After years of research and vet bills I found that you need to avoid foods and treats with corn, wheat, by-meal products, soy, in them.  Also add omega fish oil to her food; you can buy an inexpensive bottle in the pet section of wal-mart.  
My Maltese improved greatly with the limited ingredients in "Blue".  If you can afford it, Maltese eat so little, I would try changing the food -- gradually to avoid upset.  A homecooked diet is great, but time and money limit this option.  
Unfortunately, some vets do not really care about the longevity of the dog and really do not seek the best long term solution.  Because of this, the result to my Maltese from years of steriod use and being hit by a car before I saved him, has resulted in really bad arthritis.  So now we use the "Blue" for senior dogs.  
Just a note, I do not work or have any stake in Blue and I know there are similar other foods you can buy. The main thing is just to keep the "meal, by-meal products, corn, wheat, and soy," away from your dog and she will improve.  My dog takes 25 mg of Atarax 2 times a day also, which helps greatly with the itching.  I also have to keep the hair on his feet cut short and wash his paws daily -- as he is alergic (allergic) to fresh green grass -- if I don't he will bite his feet until they bleed.  
Many Maltese have yeast infections, so giving baths with "Malaseb
Shampoo" or "Vet Solutions" shampoo 2 or 3 times a week (quality of the shampoo really makes a different" helps, too.  

Maltese are such sweet loving dogs; I wish you the best.

Good luck
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
Happy to report my 13 year old poodle is recovering nicely from Cushings.
We went the natural health route for him. No drugs. Used only supplements, and homeopathic drops. It's been seven weeks, his thirst, sparce coat, hearing, eyesight, has all improved dramatically. The cost for his recovery is less than $100. and his overall health keeps improving. We contacted a natural Vet who recommended the natural formula for recovery. Told us it would take about four months until he is cured. We're grateful, and highly recommend the natural way to cure Cushings. Drug free, no side effects, no enormous costs, and looking forward to total recovery. PS: Food: Solid Gold brand kibble - "Barking at the Moon" formula. Works good for him.
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
My dog is sleeping alot and peeing on her self while she is laying down.
What do i do.
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
I have a dachshund, Frankie, that is 11 years old, and has had Cushing's for almost a year.  If it can be diagnosed early and your pet responds well to the meds, it is worth it if the pet is not in pain and you can afford the meds.  The blood test was only $150 and his meds each month are around $50...I know that is not affordable for everyone, but I just needed to try for his sake.  My dog had once been paralyzed, has lost an eye to a horrible infection, and now Cushing's, but his demeanor and spirit just wouldn't allow me to put him down.  He goes to the Vet twice a year to make sure his meds are sufficient, and to make sure he is not in pain...that will be the deciding factor.  I wish all pet owners of older dogs would at least try if affordable to medicate, but am told that so many just figure the dog is getting old and have them put down.  Again, if the animal is in pain, then by all means, do the right thing.
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
Can you share the names of the homeopathic meds you gave your dog? My 11 yo std poodle/setter mix most likely has an early cushings issue. We are not experiencing the uncontrolled peeing yet but I do see the potbelly, weak hindend, loss of some fur, and he did have some odd bloodwork a while ago. If I could give him to help prevent it from going any further...I would!
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
Happy to help. The natural Vet I can recommend is:
Dr. Gerald Wessner. Phone: 352-245-2025. He provides the homeopathic remedy, and the information on how to care for your pet.

I'm so relieved with the recovery of my boy - his hair was thinning, drank excessive water, became lethargic, slept a lot, wasn't interested in much anymore, had "accidents" , and couldn't jump like he used to. Before that, he was alert, energetic, and still acted like a puppy.

He's almost back to his old ways. Started treatment December 20. I am forever grateful to Dr. Wessner who also writes a column in one of the Dog magazines.

Dr. said it would take about four months - it's been just a little over two months, and I'm continuting until he says OK .

Wishing you the best for you and your pet.
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
Thanks so much, I guess I misunderstood and thought there were some products that I could buy but I now understand that I will need a homeopathic doctor to make up a  remedy especially for my dog. That makes sense, and i do believe there is a vet in my state. Glad to hear your dog is doing so well. My dog has some symptoms but is still active and exhibiting what appears to be some age related issues. Cushings and old age are so tough to separate. Is there a blood test that can determine it definitively?
Blank
2065275_tn?1331074298
I have a patterdale x lakeland who's 13 and just been diagnosed with cushings.  We haven't started treatment yet as he needs to have more blood test.  I must confess I am a tad worried and hope he's going to be ok.
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
It would help if you would spell check before you comment..cannot understand anything you wrote
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
It would help if you would spell check before you comment..cannot understand anything you wrote
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
Hello, I came across this site by accident while searching for info. on Canine Cushings Disease.  I am a foster mother with a local dog rescue group [Last Day Dog Rescue, MI], and my newest house guest is an older boxer girl, probably 9 years old or so.  She looks pretty rough, and extensive testing shows she has Cushings Disease.  We are in the midst of determining a treatment plan for her.  She is my first foster with confirmed Cushings.

One thing that she is experiencing, that I have not seen mentioned elsewhere, is dramatic weight loss.  Despite small meals and treats continuously through-out the day, this poor girl has gone from 50.4 pounds to 43.1 in 33 days.  She is on a trial of Ketoconazole, 400mg bid, plus Cephalexan 500mg to address skin infection due to extreme hair loss.  Does anyone have any thoughts to share on this?

Today I ordered a trial of Cushex Drops by PetAlive to promote adrenal gland balance.  It was a fairly expensive product, but online reviews from various website were mostly positive.  Has anyone on this forum used this product, and if so, please share your comments/thoughts.

She is a sweet girl, very gentle and well trained; obviously someone's companion at some point in her life.  She was found exhausted, weak, and extremely underweight in a rural area by a good samaritan who took her in.  Although she is available for adoption, she may become a permanent house guest since most folks don't want to adopt a knowingly ill dog.

For all of you dealing with this disease, and others that affect our canine companions, know I understand your pain, both in heartache and financially.  Since I foster only senior dogs, I have seen many with various ailments and terminal diseases.  Losing a devoted friend is heart breaking.

Best to all,
JJ  

Blank
675347_tn?1365464245
JJ, it's great, what you have done for this dog. You are right. A sick dog has less of a chance of finding a happy home, and that is so sad. Thank heavens for people like you!

As this is a very old thread you contributed to, you would have a MUCH better chance of getting some excellent attention to your question if you were to start a whole new post. Sometimes, the old posts get kind of "sidelined".
I am sure there are a lot of people here who can give you some ideas and great support.
Blank
675347_tn?1365464245
PLEASE NOTE: If you have a similar problem with your dog, please start a new post. It will get a LOT more attention.

To post a question: Go to the top of this page, and click on the orange button on the left where it says "Post a Question". Then simply add a title for your question, and underneath, describe the problem (in as much detail as you like). Add "tags" if you wish, using main keywords in what you have written (but you don't have to)  If you wish to add a photo, click on "Add Photo", just underneath the "Tags" section.Then scroll down a little, and click on the green button where it says "post a Question". And your question will be displayed immediately on the Dogs Community page.
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
Thank You for fostering the seniors, who often get left behind because everyone wants a cute puppy or kitten.  It is so great that this girl won't have to go through the Cushings on her own, and she'll get the love she deserves.  I'm not familiar with the meds you are using, we used Vetoryl, and had no luck, so I hope your meds do the trick and keep helping.  Its a shame there aren't more people like you, I wish you luck.
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
Rogue River, are you actually the VET?
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
My almost 11 year old yellow lab was just diagnosed with Cushings.  He drinks water excessively and started peeing in the house.  He also has dropped in weight and eats less than he used to.  We will be starting him on lysodren and will also try to cook food for him.  Has anyone had sucess or failure with this medication?  Thanks.    
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
We had our dog on Vetoryl, and had no luck with it.  I was always sorry I didn't try the Lysodren.  Please come back and let us know how it worked out for you.  Good Luck.
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
Our dog Ginger, 13 year old doxie... has been on Pet Alive Cushex drops.  This has extended our dogs life considerably however, we are coming to her end.  She is having a hard time with her hips allowing her to walk.  She has all the symptoms the previous posts have spoken about.  It is the decision that we either have her put to sleep or let her finish here at home.  So hard.  We hate to think she is suffering.  Our teenage son who loves her more than people said, "Mom, when I look into Gingers eyes and see more pain than the love it will be the time to put her to sleep."  Made me cry
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
Breaks my heart reading all of these stories. My little Maltese has been diagnosed with Cushings disease he is 9 years old and was displaying symptoms for about 12 mths before diagnosis. He is taking 1/4 tablet of Lysodren every 4 days and doing really well. Initially he was taking it every 3 days but when we took him back for more blood tests the vet said his results were really good but were in fact too good and the rate and time it had taken him to get from 180 to 90 meant he risked going too low, which would present more problems. His water consumption is a bit excessive but the lethargy seems to have gone and he is playing again with our other little dog and even jumping up onto the furniture again:) fingers crossed he is over the worst Good Luck Everyone!!
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
We had our Miniature Pinscher Chopper for 5 years 4 months.  Did not realize at the time we adopted him that his skin disease and weight were the result of Cushings until he developed a bladder infection in Sept. 2008 when our vet discovered he had bilateral enlarged adrenal glands.  We treated him successful with Trilostane for 17 months and then he had an episode of Addisons so he went on prednisone for two months until his cortisol level started to come up.  We rested his adrenal glads for approximately 6 month (no medication) until his cordisol level went up over 8.  Then back on the trilostane for about a year when his cortisol level dropped back into a normal range in the 1 to 5 range our vet and their lab used.  Chopper's Cushings was caused by a pituitary tumor which unfortunately started to grow and he started having seizure and we had to have he put to sleep last Saturday (Aug. 4, 2012). Our vet did not use Lysodrem because it kills the adrenal glands the result of which is an Addisonian dog which leads to a whole new set of problems.  The dog will have to be on prednisone and have a shot every 28 to 30 days the rest of its life .  So you end up going from one problem to another.  The high cortiso level in a dog with Cushing causes issues, but the low cortisol level and low electrolytes can put them into crisis and shock and if not treated will result in their death.  Did your vet tell you if your dog starts to throw up or have uncontrollable diarrhea you should get them to a vet immediately???   Good luck!!!!!
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
Hi

So sorry to hear about Chopper & thanks for sharing your journey.

Yes the vet gave us prednisone in tablet form if our little one started vomiting, and told us to bring him straight back. it hasn't happened as yet (hopefully it won't)

We are taking things day by day and monitoring the little guy closely

Blank
Avatar_m_tn
That was really uncalled for about the spelling. I was able to read the post without a problem. She wrote nd for and, nxt for next. welshchick 1972 was on this sight sharing imformation about her dog with Cushing, that is what this site is for. I also have a dog with Cushing, my dog went blind two weeks ago, has very much inceased water intake, and has frequent accidents in the house. Huge puddles of urine. Very low energy, Just trying to decide what to do. Have not put her on any medication, she does not appear to be in pain, but her quality of life is just very sad to watch. My dog is 8 years old. We just went through the death of our other dog a year and a half ago.Spent thousands of dollars with a specialist to find out what was wrong with him, and the specialist could not figure it out. The day after the Doctor had sent him home, he went blind, and we had to have him put to sleep. I am sure I have some mis-spellings, hope that is not the focus on my post.  
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
I wish you much luck on deciding what to do.  It is so hard to know which way to go with Cushings.
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
My chihuahua,1o 12lb was recently diagnosed with Cushings.She was prescribed trilostane 10mg daily,however the Vet gave me 30 mg pills. She took this dosage for 2 weeks. The Vet acknowledged thier mistake and put her on 10mg. Does anyone know if this high dosage can result in Addison's disease or harm her in other ways?
Blank
3868745_tn?1348408631
My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Harvey, was recently diagnosed with cushings. Luckily for us we changed vets and the new vet commented on his fur (that hadn't grown back). After further observation he informed me that he felt Harvey had Cushings.

Harvey displayed most of the symptoms:
Hair loss
Extreme hunger/greed
Thirst
Weakness in back legs
Depression
Lethargy
Constant urination

He is now 7 weeks into treatment (60mg of Vetoryl daily)and his 2nd blood test was a fantastic. However on his third ACTH test, his levels had risen again.

I have been informed from a great support group on Yahoo, that this test should be done in a 4-6 hour window of when your dog has his dose of Vetoryl. Harvey's 3rd test was done just over 2hrs of taking his tablet. I will make sure that I give him him tablet at 4:50am next time, ready for his 9:00am appointment.

We are only insured for up to £4000 and have spent around a £1000. Therefore it is crucial for us to try and get Harvey stabilized as soon as possible.

Sadly, as always with animals, the winners in all of this are the insurance companies and the vets! Fingers crossed for my lovely boy though and just hope that he pulls through.
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
I wish you and Harvey much luck in getting his levels stabilized so the two of you will have more time together, enjoy each day with him.
Blank
3868745_tn?1348408631
Thank you Linda ~ we have our fingers crossed for the next vets visit.
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
Just read your post my dog benji is going throw it too and it was the same time as you.He is on vetoryl 60 gm daily i have seen a massive improvement with him and i am taking your advice about giving him the tablet at 5am.
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
I have taken her to the vet several times costing 900.00 and still not sure whats going on .Now they want another test done where my dog stays for a couple of hours. Her tummy is swollen and hard and she acts like she never gets enough to eat!! Help
Cathy
Blank
1753249_tn?1312228631
My vet told me that the dosage can be doubled or tripled in dogs if need be, so I assume that there are no toxic effects.  My dog went from 30 mg to 60 mg a day because his levels of cortisol were still high, and he showed no negative side effects from it.  The vet told me he could increase to 90 mg a day if he needed to further reduce the cortisol levels.
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
I have an 11 yr. old dashund who was gaining weight, panting, refusing walks and eating like I never fed her.  I had her tested and she went on meds for Cushings.  Then her cortisol level went too low, so she was put on prednisone.  She has had her ups and downs, and now her prednisone has been decreased due to blood in the stool.  She has lost 5 lbs. over the last 3 months since going on meds and felt better until yesterday when she had the blood in her stool.  She is now on a liquid to coat her stomach, prednisone (only 1/2 tab. once a day now), Pepcid, and is resting most of the time.  She isn't eating much, and just seems not to feel very great.  I am wondering how your dashund did with the cushings and if he is still with you.  This is making me so sad that I can't help her.  She will have several good days and then relapse.  I'm not sure what to do at this point.  If you receive this message, I would appreciate a response.  Thanks.  Judy492
Blank
1753249_tn?1312228631
Cushex Drops are a homeopathic preparation and contain no active ingredients to treat Cushings Disease.  I saw that several folks have been using them to treat their dogs.  If you truly want to extend the life of your dog, you need to use a product with an active ingredient that lowers cortisol levels.  These products are, unfortunately, expensive.  However, they are clinically proven to be effective in treating Cushings.  Cushex is not approved by the FDA nor has it been tested in an FDA approved clinical trial.
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
Im sorry to hear your beloved friend is having trouble. I have had quite a year with my KC, vestibular disease then seisures, in the end i thought it was cushings. Same symptoms plus some others. My advice is to enjoy everyday with your pup, and do what you as his mommy think is the right thing to do. I was pressured by people to put my boy down and it really stressed me out. Just do what is right for dog, you know him better than any vet. Also since you have already made the decision to let him live it out without meds, do just that, but keep in mind, time goes so fast. Please enjoy every moment you have with your buddy, keep him as comfortable as possible and shower him with love. You are right that he just wants to be with you, following you everywhere, just be with him, its is comforting to him. And when the time comes, and you will know, just tell him you are so proud and its ok to let go. He will. Let me tell you, once they are gone, the void is vast, and you cant go back. Cherish every moment because you dont know how fast the end will come.
I hope for the best for you both.
Blank
Viewing 201-246 comments:
Post a Comment
To
Go
Blank
Weight Tracker
Reach your weight goal faster
Start Tracking Now
MedHelp Health Answers
Top Dogs Answerers
462827_tn?1333172552
Blank
Misfits4Me
OK
675347_tn?1365464245
Blank
ginger899
United Kingdom
974371_tn?1364538460
Blank
Margot49
Central Valley, CA
82861_tn?1333457511
Blank
Jaybay
Republic of, Other
441382_tn?1329196690
Blank
Ghilly
Bay City, TX
612551_tn?1247839157
Blank
Jerry_NJ
NJ
RSS Expert Activity
1741471_tn?1349564002
Blank
Parkinson Awareness Month: Parkinso... Blank
May 10 by Michael Gonzalez-WallaceBlank
233488_tn?1310696703
Blank
NEW STUDIES ON PREVENTING PROGRESSI...
May 08 by John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAOBlank
2126606_tn?1346348724
Blank
Heroin Use in the U.S.
May 08 by Clare Waismann Kavin, Blank