Dog with Cushings Disease

[April2]

Hello. I have a maltese mix who was diagnosed with Cushings Disease several months ago. The vet said there's medication but that it's very expensive and doesn't seem to prolong their life. I made the decision to just watch him and let him live out his life. He's 11 years old. This last year I've noticed a decline in him somewhat but not sure if it's because of the Cushings or just old age. He has trouble with his back legs a lot now just suddenly giving out especially on stairs. He struggles to get up if he's been laying down for awhile. I also don't think he sees or hears as well as he used to. He's overweight which seems to partly go with the Cushings. We have him on a low-fat diet and it doesn't seem to help much. I try to walk him but he tires out easily and I wind up having to carry him home because he'll sit down and refuse to walk anymore! And just last night he was breathing funny. At first he was panting really hard for a long time. I kept checking the AC and turning it on more. Finally he stopped panting but was snoring and making funny noises for hours before he finally quieted down. He has snored before but not sounded like that. Today he's acting ok. Is this all signs of aging? Could some of it be the Cushings? Also, I told the vet sometimes he will try to get up and his back legs act like they're frozen and he can't come to me. I'll call him and he struggles to come but can't for several seconds and then he can walk again. It's weird. I've tried to describe it to the vet. I wish I had a video of it. Could this just be arthritis? Or could he be having a mild seizure from time to time? He's kind of gone down hill more this last year. I wonder, sadly, sometimes if this will be his last year.

[Gabbywoulfe]

Hi Heidi
Your story has given me a spark of hope. My 12 turning 13 in August was diagnosed about a month ago the symptoms were all there but I was not opening my eyes and thinking we were feeding gabby to much. So she gained weight and that gave me the reason to believe all the symptoms she was displaying were because of the weight gain. She is a mix of what we think a Maltese, poodle and Pom was a rescue I got her at eight weeks and the rest you know being a dog lover. We have had her on vetoryl for close to 13 days (10mg) and had her blood test today and a repeat sonagram. Results will be given to me tomorrow. What has transpired in the last 2 days is the hind leg weakness and balance issue which is causing me great concern. Your story is so great and I can only hope we get the progress you have. Gabby is not eating well so to keep her weight up were syringing 6 oz
Of her food 4 times a day. She was as I said heavy weighing about 15lbs she is down to 11. Which probably as my vet said she should have been 12lb all
Along which would be a healthy weight. So at least she doesn't have that extra weight that is making her have a rough time with her hind legs.
So I found all these posts and it seems like their is a real toss up about going conventional or natural. Thinking I should look into giving her a supplement along with the vetoryl. Will no more tomorrow once we get the results. If you could picture a small little sheep dog that is Gabby. I have no children so she is the child with fur! Anyway if there is anything else you have been doing
That you think I should look into I would so appreciate. Enjoy your time with together. So happy to read a great outcome. Thanks Dana

[HeidiHopeisHappy]

Our 11 year old Akita was diagnosed with Cushings last summer.  Rear legs mostly gone, couldn't go for our walks any more, lifting her up the stairs, panting, & all the other symptoms.  We all use a lot of homeopathic successfully, but this was beyond that.  Put her on Vetoryl, and back to good strolls again within a couple of weeks.  Drinking, peeing, food, panting - all resolved.  No marathon hikes any more, still some weakness when she tires, but boy, she's happy & moving again - sometimes even jogging with bright eyes & a grin! We're all grateful for a 10 good months.  Would we do it again?  Yes!  RX price went way up few months ago - worth the online shopping.  When we went to close our original online account, they met the other price to keep us.  Good luck, all!

[luv2heal71]

I am very curious to know what homepathics you are using on your dog.  My dog is suffering from it as well.  

[lobione]

Can you please tell me what you gave your dog to help with her cushings? I have done a lot of research and do not feel traditional medicine is likely to help much.

[CHRISTABELL99]

With Cushings syndrome your dog looks for food all the time and drinks loads until the meds help all the side effects but when a dog doesn't eat at all, then it's another thing to look at as the with Cushings , thedog will eat and eat even when feeling ill or in pain.

[LaurenVonV]

It's been awhile since your post. My 19 yr old cat, Valentino has cushings. Because he is so old I've chosen not to give meds. or surgery. I would love to know more about the homeopathic route. What did you give your dog exactly? I realize it may be different for a cat? Thanks, Lauren