Introducing Sam, 14 year old, golden/cocker mix

[Sams Mom]

Hello,
We are new to this list (today).
Sam has been diagnosed with Cushings (PDH).
I've been doing some studying about the disease for a number of months now.
Just a little about Sam:
- went blind about 3 years ago due to PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
- Successfully battled anal gland cancer 5 years ago
- Currently battling Melanoma of the mouth (has received 3 out of 4 melanoma vaccine injections)
- Possibly battling Cognitive Dystunction
- And now Cushings.

Something you don't know about Sam is he is a fighter, like the Energizer Bunny :)
That would be the reason why, at 14 years of age, I'm spending the money I am for cancer treatment and whatever else he needs. That and I selfishly want him with me as long as his quality of life is good.
Which brings me to my biggest question/concern at this time....

Sam has started experiencing what I would describe as severe anxiety over the past several days. At first we thought it was seperation anxiety or even thunderstorm anxiety (we've been through a rash of storms/tornados the past 2 weeks) but he was exhibiting behaviours even after the storms were over and someone was home with him. He's demonstrating excessive panting (which I know can be Cushings) at around 2am along with being completely unsettled, even panicked at times. I know this can also be signs of Cognitive Dysfunction but is it also typical with Cushings?
Has anyone experienced this and was it managable with meds?

We had 3 nights in a row of waking up a 2am and not being able to settle him down. Last night he slept through the night. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Nicole & SAM
St. Louis, MO

[littleone1]

Hi Nicole,

Corky and I want to welcome you and Sam.

You and Sam have really had your share of illnesses. Sam sounds like Corky. He's also been through alot, but he's always been a fighter when it comes to his health.

Corky was also recently diagnosed with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. I don't know if cushings or CCD cause increased anxiety, as Corky has always been terrified of thunderstorms and fireworks.

Others will be along that might be able to shed some light as to what might be going on with Sam. You are doing a terrific job of doing the best you can possibly do for him.

Terri

[labblab]

Hi Nicole,

I want to join Terri in welcoming you and Sam to our forum!

Can you please tell us more about the symptoms that prompted Sam to be tested for Cushing's? Also, what diagnostic tests were performed (the more specific the info regarding test results, the better!). How did you determine that he suffers from pituitary Cushing's? Are you considering treatment options?

I apologize for all these questions, but your answers will help us to provide you with our best feedback.

I am not aware of anxiety, per se, being associated with Cushing's. My own Cushpup (a Labrador retriever) did suffer from horrible panting episodes prior to treatment. And there were times when he was so uncomfortable, both during the day and night, that he appeared to be very restless. So I am not sure whether or not that is the same kind of issue that you are seeing in Sam. The good news for us was that both the panting and the restlessness were largely eliminated once we started treatment.

I look forward to learning more about Sam and his diagnostic journey. Once again, welcome to you both!

Marianne

[lulusmom]

Hi Nicole and welcome to the forum.

Marianne has already covered things nicely but I wanted to comment on Sam's restlessness at night. People and dogs don't have a lot in common when it comes to cushing's but they both experience an inverted sleep/wake cycle. As a result, some dogs with high cortisol will be awake and restless at night and will usually sleep all day long. This could be what you are seeing with Sam and treatment should calm him down. Is he pretty inert during the day?

Glynda

[addy]

Hi and Welcome,

Sammy sounds like one brave dog and you are just as brave. You both have been through much and are still fighting:)

I have to tell you you have come to a pretty special place filled with kind, compassionate people who understand the special love between a person and a dog.

And if I may, I want to brag a bit too and comment on how smart and knowledgeable and helpful our members are.:D

I am glad you found us.

Hugs,
Addy