Cushing's in Dogs?

[bravedave]

Preliminary bloodwork indicates my retriever might have Cushing's.
We go back for more tests in two days.

Does anybody have any experience with this?
I would be grateful for any thoughts or advice.

[tikitatas]

How old is your dog and what therapy is your vet suggesting? Leaving it untreated is NOT an option. We lost a standard Schnauzer to pituitary Cushing's.

[bravedave]

tikitatas,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Schnauzers are wonderful, loving, and intelligent animals. To have one as a companion and then lose it to Cushing's is a heavy burden. My sincere condolences.

Sam is about ten years old (adopted, unknown DOB and parentage).
We don't have a diagnosis yet, so the vet has not recommended any treatment.

I understand that there are several possible causes, and obviously different treatments. I also understand that differential diagnosis can be complicated.

I will post more as soon as I know more.

Thanks for your response.

XXX
OOO

[Coconuts]

I have no idea what this means, but I'm sorry to hear about a sick pupster!

One thing we found out the hard way- the generic pet meds are not like human generics- make sure it really is the same quality, and is being absorbed like it should be.

[bravedave]

Thank you, C.
I will keep that in mind. (We are already into a $150 bottle of Gluco-chondroitin that most pet-owners agree does no good).

I am thinking that my vet is quick to push the meds (for a margin).

[Sam]

Preliminary bloodwork indicates my retriever might have Cushing's.
We go back for more tests in two days.

Does anybody have any experience with this?
I would be grateful for any thoughts or advice.

Brom
You have Mega PHIN POWER and prayers headed your way to you and your dog and family. I have not heard of this before but I did a search and I hope at least some of the info on the links is of at somewhat helpful and of use.
There were other links I found but these should give you plenty of info.
Maybe ask your veternarian about some of the various treatments.

I wish I could tell you something more informative and positive. At least here you can find some more info and perhaps some help and a little comfort.

All the best to you and yours and to your dog.

http://www.vetinfo.com/dcushing.html

http://www.kateconnick.com/library/cushingsdisease.html

http://www.cushings-help.com/case_study.htm

http://www.carefreepet.com/product_deta ... 9&cat1=dog

Phinz-Up and stay strong my friend!!!
Keep us informed as you can.

[irishcajunphan]

Having been a vet tech for many years, I have known lots of dogs who have lived a full life after being diagnosed with Cushings. Diagnosis can be hard, but once you know what you're dealing with it, treatment isn't too difficult in most cases. Mega Phin power to y'all.

[Mplsfins]

My Mini Schnauzer also had cushings. Anapril helps it out but makes your dog goofy as in not all there in the head. Finally have to put her down in March after 12 1/2 years of love from her. Just picked up my new Schnauzer yesterday. A 6 week old White Toy that we named Cheerio.

[tikitatas]

My Mini Schnauzer also had cushings. Anapril helps it out but makes your dog goofy as in not all there in the head. Finally have to put her down in March after 12 1/2 years of love from her. Just picked up my new Schnauzer yesterday. A 6 week old White Toy that we named Cheerio.

As one Schnauzer lover to another, I can relate and empathize. Welcome, Cheerio.

[bravedave]

Sorry it took so long to get back on this.

Sam went for a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test.
Pre-administration levels were 1.1
Eight hour post-administration levels were 3.0
Normal is 1.5; 2.0 is the high side of borderline.

So he has hyperadrenal cortisol condition, which is basically Cushing's.
(Strangely he is asymptomatic.)

Now we have to figure out where it's coming from: pituitary or adrenals.
Tuesday will be a high-dose dexamethasone suppression test.
Results will tell us whether he needs medication (pituitary) or surgery (adrenal).
Both generally have good outcomes, but surgery is a one-time thing.

More to come.

[tikitatas]

Sending phin power.