Roxy, 10 Pom/Chi x, possible cushing's

[vampyress]

Hi,
A few months ago Roxy had an ear infection. Before she was anesthetized and because of her age they did a health check, which included a blood test.

The blood test was practically perfect except for one thing. Elevated levels of Alk Phos.

The vet mentioned Cushing's but because, the levels weren't excessively high she basically told me not to worry bout it.

Lately, Roxy has been panting a LOT, which I've noticed is a symptom of Cushing's. She also has a bit of a pot belly. But that could be because she's over weight.

She doesn't seem to have excessive thirst, and she doesn't eat a LOT. Like, I'll fill her bowl with some wet and dry food, she'll scoff the wet food but will then graze on the dry stuff for the rest of the day. She doesn't urinate any more than our 6yo Husky/Staghound X and she doesn't seem to be losing her hair. She also loves to play ball and run around for ages, so she's not tired and lethargic, which I read was another symptom.

I plan on getting more blood tests in the new year but I wanted to know, would the panting and pot belly be just a result of her being over weight, seen she doesn't really show any of the other common symptoms.

[mytil]

Hi and welcome to our site.

I just have a second, but wanted to offer that the symptoms you have mentioned (panting and pot belly) are signs of Cushing's, but without the ravenous appetite and excessive urination and drinking, I would not suspect Cushing's right off; even with the earlier elevated Alk Phos - post those numbers when you get the chance.

These symptoms could certainly be signs of being overweight as it puts a lot of stress on the body. I would also talk with my vet about any heart issues.

I am glad you will be doing further testing. And post those results when you can.

Terry

[addy]

Hi and Welcome,

Part of the diagnosis tools for Cushings is the dog's history and that is because no one test is perfect and can give false positives as well as false negatives. The easiest test and most economical is the UC:CR urine test. While it cannot diagnosis Cushings it can rule it out.

Being overweight, heart problems and many other issues can
contribute to a dog panting. My Zoe pants when she has tummy problems. I always know when she has to poo, she will start panting. She also used to pant a lot because she slept under a glass table that had a lamp on it. Once we kept the lamp of, she stopped panting:rolleyes:

I am glad you found us.

Hugs,
Addy