Endings for Untreated Cushings in Dogs

[SpartacusGeorge]

My 14.5 yr old beagle was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease a few months ago. He is nearly blind and deaf already - we decided not to put him through the treatment. My question is how do most older dogs with untreated Cushing's begin to fail? I would really like to minimize any suffering in his final days. Right now, I am red-flagging every little twitch and thinking if I knew what to expect, I could calm down a little and hopefully not send any frightened messages to Spartacus. He is currently on Proin to control his urine accidents and that has worked for a few months now. Would just really prefer to look at him with joy rather than fear these days. Thanks, in advance, for your knowledge & stories.

[Marinemom61]

My 18 year old dachshund Rocco has had Cushing's for about 2 years now. He has been on Trilostane and it has helped alot, but within the last month he has gotten alot worse. He had his first seizure last night, really scary. We know we are near the end, not sure what to expect. I feel for everyone out there going through this, we all love our dogs and whatever we do, we are just doing the best we can for them.

[Over_here_Daisy]

Having read all of the comments up to yours I was delighted to see that at least one person uses common sense when dealing with vets and with dogs whose lives are not only at risk but who are suffering every minute.  To be a dog and have to give up all of one's "dogness" is, in my opinion, a fate WORSE than death to a dog.  And to be treated either with Big Pharma or with natural remedies (most of which do not work) and to put out hundreds or even thousands of dollars is insane.  These are dogs, and even though they become like children to us, they are still dogs.  We love them with all of our hearts and they love us, but to make them continue to suffer because of our own selfishness is not right.  They do not dread death like humans do, and putting them to sleep in the very humane manner in which it is now done (while you are right by their side) proves to me that we are human and the only animal that actually thinks about death and can actually do something to make it a welcome relief from suffering.
Go right out and adopt another dog; there are millions of them available, and though you never forget any that you have had, you can pour out your love and have it reciprocated by a dog who is actually NOT suffering.  Send your money to animal rescue organizations and not all of it to vets!

[Just_trying_to_be_real]

When I read all these comments my heart just breaks!   I can't help but think about all the big bucks the vets are raking in!  And for what?  They already KNOW what the dog has.  It's ludicrous.  Someone should put a stop to it.  My dog was scheduled for his 3rd round of tests - the last one cost me $359.00 - but they said they need to be even MORE sure.  My dog has a heart murmur on top of this "possible" Cushing's.  Fasting and being away from me for the entire day may just prove to be too much for him.  I've cancelled the appointment - much to the vet's chagrin. I do love my dog - I don't need to put him through all the hassle and the "side effects".  They don't live forever.  It's a good thing when they make it over 10.  We need to be realistic and stop the vets from walking all over our pocket books.  Try Milk Thistle for the Liver and Pro Biotics to build up his immunity.  Love him to the end.

[Daisyslove]

I'm at that point with my beagle.  They want all these $300 tests done.  Such a scam.  We already spent thousands on getting her legs done when she broke those.  I don't want to put her to sleep but I also don't want her to suffer.  I wish I could find a low-cost vet. I'm getting tired of putting pee mats everywhere.  

[Just_trying_to_be_real]

My dog is a 14 1/2 year old mix of Havanese Bichon and I love him so much that if he was a man I would marry him.  I lived in Central America for about 10 years and that's where he came into my life.  And changed my life completely. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and when in CA, he actually saved my life.
Since he was 11 years old, he has been on Thyroid medication and has been displaying symptoms of Cushing's Disease for a while now. We recently had some blood work done - showing all the signs of Cushings - elevated Cortisol levels, liver enzymes etc. YET now they want him to spend an entire day at the vet's for more blood work because they want to "be certain" that it is Cushing's.  This makes me sick!  They already KNOW it's Cushing''s. He has every physical sign of the disease.  He is nearly completely blind and deaf with the pot belly and losing control of his rear legs.  An entire day of fasting and not being near me will stress him to the max. We live on a song and a prayer.  
Our Creator blessed mankind with this wonderful gift - a best friend - a dog.
My Creator blessed me with the most wonderful gift - my best friend - Coffee Boy.  And because I love him so much I am going to comfort him and love him and make sure he's not in any pain.  I'll be with him to his end.

[Just_trying_to_be_real]

My dog is a 14 1/2 year old mix of Havanese Bichon and I love him so much that if he was a man I would marry him.  I lived in Central America for about 10 years and that's where he came into my life.  And changed my life completely. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and when in CA, he actually saved my life.
Since he was 11 years old, he has been on Thyroid medication and has been displaying symptoms of Cushing's Disease for a while now. We recently had some blood work done - showing all the signs of Cushings - elevated Cortisol levels, liver enzymes etc. YET now they want him to spend an entire day at the vet's for more blood work because they want to "be certain" that it is Cushing's.  This makes me sick!  They already KNOW it's Cushing''s. He has every physical sign of the disease.  He is nearly completely blind and deaf with the pot belly and losing control of his rear legs.  An entire day of fasting and not being near me will stress him to the max. We live on a song and a prayer.  
Our Creator blessed mankind with this wonderful gift - a best friend - a dog.
My Creator blessed me with the most wonderful gift - my best friend - Coffee Boy.  And because I love him so much I am going to comfort him and love him and make sure he's not in any pain.  I'll be with him to his end.

[Cathycaz]

What did you decide to do?  I am in the same place with my 9yo teacup poodle.