13+ year old diagnosed today and not sure I'm going to treat ?

[Dwolf]

All the tests have not been done yet, but the vet believes that's what she has... I have read a lot today and know that sometimes it can be a wrong diagnosis.. She certainly has many symptoms.
She does have some problems with her rear legs.. we have seen that coming for almost a year. Could be related ? could be old age. She's a husky/mutt. We did agree that we don't want to spend a lot of money on the old girl. From what I have learned so far.. just the test are going to really add up.. If this was our young 2 year old boy we would just have to do it.. She has been on proin for the peeing since we did not know what it was when it was prescribed and it has helped but not totally. I feel like I'm running in circles here and just should start over... but. No.
So we are just looking at our options and alternatives to keeping her happy and somewhat pain free.. So that is what I am looking for here.. feedback on that route.. Thanks.. I see lots of good thoughts have gone into this forum.. Joel

[jmac]

Hi Joel,

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry for the circumstances that brought you here, but so glad you found us. I am confident the wonderful people here will be able to advise and support you.

First, can you please tell us a little more about your dog? What Cushing's symptoms is your dog displaying? Excessive thirst, urination (sounds like yes on this one), hunger, pot belly, panting, hair loss, skin/coat issues...? Do you know what tests your vet did? That would really help us. And if you could post any abnormal results with reference ranges, that will also really help.

You're right that Cushing's is difficult to diagnose, and other diseases and issues can have similar symptoms. Please let us know as much as you can about your dog and the tests and results. We're here to help you however we can.

Julie & Hannah

[mytil]

Hi Joel,

Welcome to our site, glad you found us.

I do agree with Julie, when you get the chance let us know what tests were performed to diagnose as well as the results. The testing can eliminate any question about what is really going on with your girl. Did your vet perform a simple inexpensive test call UC:CR? It rules out Cushing's -


Urine Cortisol/Creatinine Ratio Test: Considered a screening test, this cannot diagnose Cushing's, but it can rule it out. A urine sample is examined for the relative amounts of cortisol versus a normally excreted protein metabolite, creatinine (the latter is used to control for the degree of dilution of the urine). The greater the ratio, the higher the cortisol level. High cortisol in urine is suggestive of high cortisol in the bloodstream. Many conditions other than Cushing's disease can cause false positives, so this test is not considered diagnostic. Nonetheless, if the cortisol/creatinine ratio is okay, the dog is not likely to be Cushingoid, so this is a good screening test.

Is your girl on any other meds (other than Proin)?

If you have not done so already, please take a bit to read through the material in our Resources section - here are some links - http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180 to start you off.

Looking forward to your reply.
Terry

[Roxee's Dad]

Hi Joel,
A big welcome from me too. This is kind of a tough situation for a 13 year old Sheltie. I can fully understand limiting your expenses but as mentioned previously, the UC/CR test is relatively inexpensive and although cannot diagnose cushings, it can rule it out.

I think at that point you can make an educated decision on your next course of action.

Does she have any other symptoms, Excessive appetite, like stealing food from the table when he doesn't have a history of stealing food. Hair loss or balding spots? Any panting? Does she seek out cool places to lay down?

Treatment doesn't cure cushings, it is to help alleviate the symptoms such as the excessive appetite, excessive thirst, excessive urination and often even promotes hair regrowth.

[molly muffin]

Hi Joel,

There is nothing easy about either diagnosing Cushings or deciding how to or not to treat it. Depending on what the blood test shows, it could be that the higher cortisol levels are covering up arthritis or hind leg weakness which could become more prominent when lowered.
I would do a full consult with your vet and discuss options based upon those test results and his/her knowledge of your dog.
If you have any of the tests results and can post them here, then they can be looked over and maybe some of our members who have been through this for a quite a while would have some ideas.

Wishing and hoping for all the best,
Sharlene and molly muffin