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.

[lindapalm]

Our dog was  put on the meds, and it seemed to help somewhat. You have to keep checking the levels of meds to make sure the dog isn't receiving too much, because then they have to go on prednisone.  My best advice to you is to make sure your vet knows a lot about Cushings, and is familiar with the medications available.  If he/she isn't, find one that is before you even start.

[eunzzy]

Hello My 9 year old maltese has several severe symptoms of the cushings disease. I am so sad I do not know what to do he sleeps all day, he cries when I pet him, his skin is so sensitive, he drinks so much water, always looking for food after he eats two meals a day, and his panting is excessive. In addition he has high blood pressure. I am so sad  and I do not know what is best for him, the vet said it is very difficult to treat, however she said there is medicine and it can lessen the symptoms, But I would like to know more about the treatment process, and how it works.

[Suzie0156]

This is such good news, how is she doing now after 7 months since you posted?

Suzie

[Suzie0156]

May I ask what holistic suppliments you used?  My 9 year old was recently diagnosed with Cushings and I am ready to break down with sadness.  Feel free to message me if you want.  Thank you!

Suzie

[Suzie0156]

Muffet 59, I would love to chat with you about your dog.  I sent you a message but not sure it worked.  My dog was recently diagnosed and he is very mild and vets say not to treat.  His two symptoms are elevated alkphos. and ocassional panting.  Drop me a not when you can, how is Dodi doing after all these months?

Suzie

[lindapalm]

I wish you and Reilly luck, it is so hard when their  sick.  He's a very lucky dog to have an owner that is trying so hard for him.  Enjoy each day, good luck.