Harley - 15yo Red Heeler, possible cognitive issues?

[sugarbaby07]

Does anyone have any information on cds. My Harley a red heeler is 15 with cushings and all he does is wander when he is outside until he comes back in the house? Just started it 6 monyhe ago.


Harley is just fine in the house but, outside all he wants to do is wander and my vet is no help.

[AlisonandMia]

Just bumping this one up.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome from me and my boy Harley! I am so sorry your precious boy is having some difficulties and that you have a vet that is of no help. We will try to help you the best we can but first it would really help us if we knew more about your boy, ok. Now I am going to warn you, we tend to ask alot of questions from our new members about their pups and that's because we are trying to help you help Harley.

What tests were done to confirm Harley's cushings? What symptoms did Harley show that led you or his vet to test him for cushings in the first place? What medicine is Harley's cushings being treated with? When was Harley's last ACTH stim test, and could you post those results here, please. Is Harley on any other herbs or supplements? How much does Harley weigh? Was a CBC/Chemistry blood panel done on him lately, and if so, could you post anything on there that is marked abnormal with the reference ranges and the units of measurements. I am sorry there are so many questions but the more we know about Harley the better our feedback will be.

Some dogs with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome are being treated with Anipryl.


In studies, pet owners reported that 69% to 75% of dogs improved in at least one clinical sign after one month of Anipryl therapy.
http://www.cdsindogs.com/CDSInDogs.aspx?drug=CC&country=US&species=OO&sec=300

There is also an alternative treatment which is the B vitamin supplement CholodinR. Here is a link to a study done by Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM.

http://pawsforpeace.com/2009/07/alzheimers-in-dogs-and-cats/

Please remember you are not alone on this journey, we are here for you and Harley.

Love and hugs,
Lori

[Carol G]

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear of Harley's difficulties. My first thought when reading your post was wondering if Harley could be having eyesight problems. Just a thought.

Heelers/Cattle Dogs are such clever dogs and very good at compensating and hiding problems.

Carol

[AlisonandMia]

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear of Harley's difficulties. My first thought when reading your post was wondering if Harley could be having eyesight problems. Just a thought.

Heelers/Cattle Dogs are such clever dogs and very good at compensating and hiding problems.

Carol

That was my thought too. I am owned by a cattle dog as well (4yo and healthy) - they are so smart and resourceful!

It is possible for a dog to be functionally blind for the owner to not realize (especially if they have become blind gradually) as they are so good at using all their other senses. Often the first sign is not coping well in a strange environment.

Alison

[Rebelsmom]

Just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts as well. I don't know much about cds, but there are very knowledgeable people on here. I have a blue heeler who is 7 now and dealing with cushings. Hugs and love from us.

Melissa & Rebel