Does Hershey have Cushings? (almost 14 y/o mini poodle)

[Abysinia]

Hello Guys,

Thank you for such a resourceful site.

I have had my chocolate mini poodle for almost three years now. He is almost 14 years old. I got him from a local shelter and he was very sick when I got him- from kennel cough to, his moving knee caps, malnutrition issues, and a mild heart murmur, the vet told me that I shouldn't expect him to live more than a year or two, but I've really tried to take good care of him, and he is doing well, except for I recently noticed that he wets his bed. I started googling mini poodle health problems and read about Cushings.

Given that he is old, I always thought that the weakness in his hind legs was attributed to his age or I thought because when I got him he was heavy and I thought they couldn't compensate for his weight, but even after he lost weight they have still been sort of weak. He can still jump and climb stairs, but he always asks for help climbing onto furniture.

Hershey does sort of have a "pot-belly" I always thought that it was because he eats a lot, but now i'm not so sure. He has always drank a lot of water, and likes to eat a lot, even more than our bichon frise, who is double his size. After reading some of the symptoms I am wondering if all of this is part of Cushings. If it is, I am wondering for an older pooch will the medication options stress him more than add to his quality of life? And, are vets well aware of this condition? I am wondering how my vet missed something like this.

Lastly, my mini poodle also coughs, especially when he gets excited, has anyone else experienced that? We ran many tests at first trying to see what it is, but it's definetly not an infection of any kind. The vet said it just might be because of old age.

I would be grateful for some help. Thanks.

[lulusmom]

Hi and welcome to you and Hershey.

With Mini Poodles being on the short list of breeds that seem to be over represented with respect to cushing's and with Hershey's symptoms being those associated with the disease, it's very possible that he has cushing's. If you are inclined to treat the disease if Hershey is diagnosed, then the first order of business would be to find a vet who is experience with the disease and start testing. Not all vets, including our old gp vet, are educated about cushing's. As a matter of fact, I'll go so far as to say that not all are well versed in any endocrine disorder. The experience of a vet who sees cushing-like symptoms and attributes it to old age is questionable. I know from experience that it's not always easy to find a gp vet who has dealt extensively with cushdogs and is intimately familiar with the two effective treatments. Perhaps you might consider a consult with an internal medicine specialist? Internal medicine specialists are not cheap but in the long run, they can prove to be more cost effective than a gp vet who flies by the seat of their pants and does not follow proper protocol.

If you cannot find a vet with experience and an IMS is not possible, then we'll do whatever we can to help you advocate for Hershey and educate your vet in the process. The very first thing you will need to do is get a senior panel done on Hershey. This usually includes a urinalysis but if cushing's is suspected, you'll need to tell your vet that you want him to do a culture and sediment. If you have already had blood and urine tests done, can you please get your hands on them and post the results here?

If the bloodwork and urinalysis yields abnormalities consistent with cushing's, then the next step would be a urine cortisol:creatinine ratio. You would have to collect a urine specimen, preferrably the first pee of the day before meals and meds. If you can't get the specimen to the vet right away, make sure you keep it in the refrigerator until you can. If the ratio is normal, you can pretty much rule out cushing's and if it is high, you'll need to move on to diagnostic tests like the LDDS and ACTH stimulation tests.

Most dogs with cushing's are older when diagnosed and unless they are otherwise debilitated or compromised by an accompanying condition, IMO, there is no reason not to treat. There is no cure for cushing's but effective treatment can vastly improve a dog's quality of life.

Old dogs cough but it's the result of a medical condition, not the number of years they've been around. If Hershey has a heart murmur and coughs when excited, chances are it's his heart. Have you had imaging done to check the heart. If it is enlarged and any fluids can be seen, he needs to be put on heart medication and that should take priority over a cushing's diagnosis. I have two dogs with congestive heart failure, both on life time meds. One also has a collapsing trachea and if he gets the least bit excited he starts coughing and can't breath. This could be an issue for Hershey too but you won't know without imaging.

I hope I've answered some of your questions. We're here to help you and Hershey in any way we can so don't hesitate to ask questions. You and Hershey are no longer alone on this journey.

Glynda

[Bo's Mom]

Hershey....what a cute name for a chocolate poodle. :)
I don't have much experience other than the crazy ride we are on right now with my poodle but do know that others here are wonderful and will soon chime in with all their knowledge and experience.

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi and welcome to you and Hershey! :)

The things you describe seeing do sound like Cushing's but I understand your concern with treating it. My Squirt turned 14 in Feb; she was diagnosed when she was 10, an age that made the decision to treat easier than it would today at 14. But, knowing what I know now, I would still treat as long as her general health was ok - no kidney, liver, or serious heart problems. The initial testing can be expensive as can getting the dose just right, but once the dose is dialed in, the expenses drop.

Glynda has given you some excellent suggestions and I don't have anything to add.

I am really glad you found us and look forward to learning more about both of you as time passes. As Glynda said, you do not walk alone, you and Hershey are family now and we will be with you all the way.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang