Cushing's in dogs

[Niloufer]

My baby, a 6 yr old Lhasa Apso has been diagnosed with Cushing's disease.  I would be grateful if you could let me know what course of treatment was recommended by your vet and how your dog has responded to it.  Thanks.

[Niloufer]

No, didn't get it over the internet. I was living in the Philippines till a few months ago and bought it from the vet clinic there.  If i'm not mistaken, it's a US product. BTW, I tried searching for it on the net, but just can't find it.  It's a liquid mix of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin, along with MSM and some shark cartilege?? if  I remember correctly.  It's a slim, white plastic bottle with a yellowish label which reads Next Level - it just plain works!.  There seem to be the equine and dog stuff available on the net, but I suggest you get the one meant for dogs alone. It will take a month or 2 before you notice a difference.
Here's something that may be of interest to you.  http://www.glucosamine-arthritis.org/arthritis-pets/glucosamine-chondroitin-dog-arthritis.html

[cynmike]

Oh that is great that the test was normal.  Pennys ultrasound showed that one adrenal gland was alittle larger that the other and she had a small benign tumor on her pituitary gland which was consistant with cushings - but we are lucky she went this long without needing the meds - I will try the Next Level with the arthritis meds - maybe they will help and I can ease up the the arthritis meds  - just keep and eye out for the constant panting - excessive drinking and eating - but since the test was normal that is fantastic!!!!!    Did you get Next Level on line??  Thanks

[Niloufer]

Thanks for the details.  The good news is that my little one responded normally to the dexamethazone suppression test, so the vet has decided not to medicate her now.  He would like to wait and watch her for the next 2 - 3 months and see if the physical symptoms get worse and then take a call.
I do hope Penny feels better with the treatment. BTW, what did the ultarsound show?
Re the arthritis, have you given her a joint support containing glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin?  I used a brand called Next Level and it worked very well for Tootlz when she had joint pains.
All the best.

[cynmike]

Hi - sorry to hear about your dog BUT my dog penny was diagnosed with Cushings at 7 yrs old and did not go on meds till now and she is 11 yrs old.  Vets will not put the dog on meds till they have all the symptoms and had them for alittle while - such as my dog was drinking 10 bowls of water a day - panting - and then always wanting to eat!!!!! Finally all this got to a certain point and the vet just said before Christmas she needed to meds -(plus she did bloodwork urine test and an ultrasound)   Do you do need to find a vets who has worked with other dogs with Cushings and make sure they are updated!!  My dog is on the trilostane which is costly but she is my girl!!!  She is adjusting well to it - the first blood test showed the levels were where they should be and she will be tested again on the 18th - the only problem she has was her arthritis got worse which will happen - the meds take care of the Cushings but their other problems get worse but all the vet did was up her Rimydal for the arthritis and she is alot better!  I hate to give her so many meds but I rather see her comfortable each day than not to be able to move - she is 11 and hope she lives a long time - I say this cause people say Rimydal cause side effects but that is after many years and I want her to live out her old age as comfortable as she can!!  But as far as the trilostane no side effects so far!  And she is down to drinking only 1 bowl or so of water a day and her appetite is normal - so the meds are doing their job.  Good Luck to you with your dog - I know he/she will do fine - with the vet who knows about Cushings!!   Keep me posted!!!  Cindy

[jessesmom1001]

http://www.acvim.org/websites/acvim/index.php?p=209

[Niloufer]

Thank you so much.  Will check it out immediately.  I do hope your dog responds well to the Vetoryl and gets well soon.

[jessesmom1001]

My dog started Vetoryl 25 days ago. I stumbled upon a forum that has loads of current info available. And lots of knowledgable folks with experience caring for a cush pup.
The first time I tied to post a link it came back asterisks. Here is another attempt.
k9cushings  .com   /forum.

Good luck.

[Niloufer]

Thanks LucyBR.  Your reply has brought me tremendous relief knowing that she can have a normal life.  I think this is the same medicine the vet has in mind - I will need to import it as it is not available in India.  I know it's going to be rathere expensive, but I'll sell the shirt off my back, if necessary - this is my baby we are talking about.  
Waiting for some test results and the vet's final diagnosis.
Thanks so much for your help.

[Niloufer]

Thanks Lindapalm - have done extensive reading on the disease - some of the stuff posted on the internet is rather old, and not applicable with medical advancement. Just wanted to know if anyone has had to deal with it in recent times.
Her symptoms are spot on for Cushing's.  However, it is blood and urine tests that will confirm it.  Waiting for the results and the vet's interpretation of the same.

Thanks for your support.

[LucyBR]

My dog has cushings and one thing that really helped me was researching, like lindapalm mentioned, it helps understand what your vet is explaining, cause it can get a little complicated. As far as I know there are several options of treatments, and depending on the kind of cushings she has, there is even surgery. The treatment with trilostane is the latest, and with the least amount of side effects, once you get the dose right (what sometimes take a few tries), the dog can live a "normal" life, at least mine does, however it can get a little pricey, as you not only have to pay for the medicine but for several blood tests a year to make sure the dose is still correct.

[lindapalm]

Its too bad she got it at such a young age.  Check out everthing you can online about Cushings so that you'll know what your vet is trying to explain to you, and maybe even suggest things to him. What are her symptoms?

[Niloufer]

Thanks, Ginger and Linda.  Still waiting for the results of some blood tests before he starts medication.  He seems to know what he's talking about, but it's not a common disease and very difficult to monitor with the facilities available here in India.  Praying that she recovers - she is my baby - we haven't told her that she's a dog, and she has no idea that she's any different from my two daughters.

[lindapalm]

My only recommendation to you is to make sure your vet is up to date on Cushings, and definately knows what he's doing.  If not, I would switch until I found one that knows the treatments and meds involved, and can give you suggestions.  Good Luck, let us know how you make out.

[ginger899]

I'm sorry I have no experience with this, but I'll bump up your question to give others a chance to see it again. Maybe someone will have some answers for you.